Columns 2024

“Historic,” I like the word, but I also believe that it can be a very challenging word. I was happy to see it used in the headline of an article on the front page of last week’s Beacon.

In late August, I received a note, quoted above, from a mother, asking me to help in any way I could to request prayers and let people know that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

I have mentioned before that I have become a “fan” (admirer) of Bishop Michael Burbidge, bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, Va. I am also a fan and faithful listener of his “Walk Humbly” podcast. As a priest and bishop, I am grateful for the example and experience that Bishop Burbidge shares, especially as I listen to his podcasts.

Ten months ago, on Oct. 6, 2023, I celebrated a Mass for our Catholic School Teachers and gave them each a small book on the life of Blessed (soon to be Saint) Carlo Acutis. After the Mass, a teacher from Pope John High School suggested that I read a book called, “Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwarz” by Kevin Wells.

Even though the 2024 Paris Olympics began on a “sour note,” with an offensive and disrespectful depiction of the Last Supper, for which the organizers gave a less than satisfying apology, there is still something impressive, inspiring, and encouraging in the opportunity to see the best athletes from throughout the world coming together to compete with one another.