Even though you can already see horizontalism, communitarianism and ecumenism creeping into the vocabulary of a modern Pope in 1961, it's interesting that Pope John XXIII insisted that the Catholic Church was "vibrant with vitality" just before convoking his council in 1962: ​ Then, if we turn our attention to the Church, we see that it has not remained a lifeless spectator in the face of these events, but has followed step by step the evolution of peoples, scientific progress, and social revolution. It has opposed decisively the materialistic ideologies which deny faith. Lastly, it has witnessed the rise and growth of the immense energies of the apostolate of prayer, [...]

This summer, I was blessed to be the chaplain for a couple weeks on the set of an upcoming movie by Metanoia Films called Cabrini.  They filmed it in New York State (not NYC.) It is a big-screen-targeted movie on the life of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini and much of it takes place in lower Manhattan around the turn of the century.  The set above is part of the re-creation of Five Points where St. Cabrini served the Italian immigrants of New York City.   (Not that I think anyone should watch Godfather 2, but I believe the set above of Cabrini rivaled that of Coppola's 1974 movie.) The director Alejandro [...]

Why am I am hermit with so much sacramental need in the world?  For one, bishops do not want a priest who will exclusively do the old sacraments.  Just a couple years ago, I (quite accidentally) ended up having a quick espresso with the Archbishop of Military Services.  I knew I would never see him again, so I gave him an offer that had been mulling around in my heart for a long time:  I told him that I would go anywhere in the world he sends me—even to the front lines—as a priest and paramedic to serve US troops.  I said I was in good standing, but I only [...]

p/c to @MrsCasey6 on Twitter.  (It's not me at the altar.) A Little Thank You to My Donors... I was talking to a friend today complaining how I am having trouble getting my swimming legs for my 15 resolutions a day on prayer and apostolate and personal health.  As I was complaining, I was explaining that I no longer have any excuse of living homeless or not being sure where my money was coming from.   I complained how bad I was at emails and letters and that I no longer had any excuses.  This good friend told me to rest in the Lord, explaining that going from major amounts [...]