Cardinal Rigali's weekly message: The Word Became Flesh
Saints Peter and Paul: Models of the Christian life
By Cardinal Justin Rigali I recently returned from celebrating the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome, along with Pope Benedict XVI and the Archbishops who received the pallium, the distinct sign of their union with the Pope. This week, we will look at the great Apostles Peter and Paul and the example they […]
The gift of marriage
By Cardinal Justin Rigali My brother priests throughout the Archdiocese who are engaged in parish work tell me that, in addition to the traditional months of May and June for the celebrations of marriage, weddings now often continue throughout the summer. In the midst of this time of the year when marriage is often celebrated, […]
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 […]