Archbishop Chaput
Responding to the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist
By Cardinal Justin Rigali We have just celebrated the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, commonly known as Corpus Christi. To help us to continue to express our spirit of faith and thanksgiving for that gift, I am making it my topic this week. A sacramental GodIt has been said that God is […]
The mystery and gift of the Most Holy Trinity
By Cardinal Justin Rigali We have just celebrated the Solemnity of the Most Blessed Trinity. Since this mystery is meant to be lived out in the lives of Christians each day, we contemplate it this week. God’s great compliment to usIt has been said, in a lighthearted spirit, that if the average Christian was told […]
The Year of the Priest
By Cardinal Justin Rigali Pope Benedict XVI has declared a “Year of the Priest,” which will begin on June 19. Since this will be a time of special prayer by and for our priests, this week we will dwell on this topic given to us by our Holy Father. Saint John VianneySaint Pius X (1903-1914) […]
The gift of memory
By Cardinal Justin Rigali We have just celebrated Memorial Day, which is also the traditional beginning of the vacation season in the United States. This week, let us reflect on the gift of memory and our obligations to its Author. A marvelous human characteristicOne of the greatest gifts that our Creator has given to us, […]
Pope Benedict’s visit to the Holy Land
By Cardinal Justin Rigali From May 8 to May 15, our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. His visit was rich in moments of prayer, teaching and exhortation. This week, it seems appropriate that we reflect on some highlights of his Pastoral Journey. A pilgrim of peaceMany of the […]
Priests for the Church of Philadelphia
By Cardinal Justin Rigali This is the traditional weekend for priestly ordinations and First Masses and also a time of year when many of our priests celebrate their anniversaries of ordination. This week, let us reflect on the gift of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Always a mysteryArchbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979) spent a great […]
Rejoicing with Mary, Mother of Jesus
By Cardinal Justin Rigali As we begin the month of May, it is appropriate to reflect once again on Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother. In this Easter season, let us reflect on her joy. Characteristics of a ChristianWe may say that every person, place or thing has certain characteristics. These are the aspects […]
46th World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Pope Benedict XVI has designated Sunday, May 3, as the 46th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. We join our Holy Father this week in reflecting on this theme. All the baptized are called to give witness to JesusJesus is the perfect witness of the Father. In the Word made Flesh, we see the love […]
The ongoing works of charity of our local Church
By Cardinal Justin Rigali As we begin this year’s Catholic Charities Appeal and as we continue our “Heritage of Faith – Vision of Hope” campaign, it would be helpful for us this week to reflect on both the regular and extraordinary needs connected with serving the faithful in our local Church of Philadelphia. Organization for […]
Continued efforts to protect our young people
By Cardinal Justin Rigali April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As all levels of our society are called to vigilance, it is appropriate that during this month one of my topics would address the ongoing efforts in our Archdiocese to protect our young people. A brief explanation of our programsMany of you are familiar […]