Cardinal Rigali's weekly message: The Word Became Flesh
Men’s Spirituality Conference
By Cardinal Justin Rigali Following last year’s highly successful Men’s Spirituality Conference, it will be conducted again this weekend and it provides us with our topic this week. Come awayIn the Gospel of St. Mark, we read of our Lord’s invitation to His apostles: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a […]
The dignity of each person
By Cardinal Justin Rigali In this column, I have often referenced the concept of the dignity of the person. This week, it is our primary topic. The source of our dignityThroughout the Scriptures, we find many expressions of the dignity of the human person. To give just a few of the many references, we can […]
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 […]