Archbishop Chaput
Pastoral care of the sick
By Cardinal Justin RigaliArchbishop of Philadelphia This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry by the Servant of God, John Paul II, on February 11, 1985. The celebration of this anniversary gives us the topic for our reflection this week. Care of the sick is a […]
The Power of the Crucifix
By Cardinal Justin Rigali We are beginning the liturgical season of Lent, when we meditate in a particular way on the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is a good time to reflect on the power of the image of Jesus crucified. Recognizing the power of the CrossIn the years leading up to the Russian […]
New media at the service of the Word
By Cardinal Justin RigaliArchbishop of Philadelphia Pope Benedict XVI’s message for the 44th World Communications Day, to be celebrated on May 16, was released at the end of January. The theme of that day will be: “The Priest and Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World: New Media at the Service of the Word.” From this […]
The mission of Catholic Relief Services
By Cardinal Justin Rigali As so many respond to the recent tragic events in Haiti, we have an opportunity to reflect on the mission of Catholic Relief Services, which is responding to this disaster, as it has responded to so many others, in the course of its long existence. Coordinating the works of charityIn a […]
Fourteenth World Day for Consecrated Life
By Cardinal Justin Rigali As the Church in the United States joins the Universal Church in marking the “Fourteenth World Day for Consecrated Life” during the weekend on February 6-7, we reflect this week on this great gift to the Church of the Consecrated Life. The Soul of the ApostolateAmericans have always been known for […]
Let us not grow weary
By Cardinal Justin Rigali As the tragic anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court occurs again, we must not weaken in our efforts to end its terrible effects in our country. The encouraging words of St. PaulI am fond of quoting the words of St. Paul: “Let us not grow tired […]
Adoption: Bringing families together
By Cardinal Justin Rigali Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese is highlighting the gift of adoption on our Archdiocesan web site. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on the wonderful blessings adoption can bring to all those involved in it. Truths proclaimed by adoptionThis is a very appropriate time for us to reflect on […]
Vocation Awareness Week
By Cardinal Justin Rigali About six months ago, on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, I wrote about the various religious vocations of the consecrated life of men and women. This week, as we prepare for Vocation Awareness Week in the Archdiocese, I will focus upon priestly vocations in the Christian […]
Showing forth the love of Jesus
By Cardinal Justin Rigali As we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we reflect on the works of charity which continue to manifest His love. Cardinal’s Christmas partyLast week, I had the pleasure of continuing a long-standing practice of the Archbishops of Philadelphia: the annual Christmas Party for Children who are served in various […]
Waiting with Our Lady
By Cardinal Justin Rigali As we live out these last days of preparation for the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we take Mary as our model as we await His coming. InseparableIn the many works of religious art that we see at this time of year, even in the midst of our secular society, we […]