Perspective Archive

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Perspective

If You’re Looking for God, Look to the Poor

A medical doctor and a gifted poet – he would eventually become England’s poet laureate – Robert Bridges had given his college friend Gerard Manley Hopkins the impression that he […]

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Perspective

Keep the Story Alive

The winter of 1915 was so cold in northeastern Minnesota that a moose wandered into the small town of Biwabik and settled in a horse stable. The moose gradually won […]

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Perspective

Padre Pio Is Beloved but Most Misunderstand Why

When I think about the saints most beloved by modern Catholics, Padre Pio tops the list. His weathered face and brown Capuchin habit are iconic. His remarkable personal story, his […]

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Perspective

We All Must Be Strong if We Wish to Follow the Lord

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time The last and third section of the Book of Isaiah provides the first reading for this weekend in Ordinary Time. This passage is one of […]

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Perspective

Better than a Thousand Words

My parish is getting ready to publish an updated photo directory, and my wife and I recently got dolled up to have our portrait taken for the book. We’re no […]

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Missionary Disciples Pray: St. Joan of Arc

Whether our hopes for this summer have been fulfilled or not, the season is waning. Kids have returned to school, and the full force of the fall calendar is poised […]

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A Eucharistic Word: Go!

Looking back, among the many highlights for me from this summer’s 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis was the overwhelming sense of camaraderie, community, and communion that dominated the week. […]

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If We Ask, God Will Heal Us from the Wounds of Sin

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time The first reading for this weekend, from the Book of Isaiah, speaks of the blind, the deaf, and the lame. Today’s culture is very different […]

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Perspective

Joy in Transition

As the folks of our diocese know, a few months back there were a number of priests who were recently transferred to new assignments and parishes. It was my first […]

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Perspective

The Foundational, Formational Importance of Literature

Pope Francis’ recent apostolic letter, “The Role of Literature in Formation,” explains how literature is essential to the sound formation of both clergy and laypeople. As a Catholic English teacher, […]

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Perspective

Dealing with Pandemic PTSD

I’d like a show of hands for how many of you tested positive for COVID this summer. Or felt terrible but didn’t have any tests on-hand. Or self-diagnosed your distress […]

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Perspective

New Book Gives Saintly Women the Disney Treatment 

St. Thérèse of Lisieux is getting the Disney treatment, thanks to a talented Catholic artist. Fabiola Garza, 37, a character artist for Disney Creative Group in Orlando, brought six female saints to life in her stunning […]