Chapter 25 of Saint Matthew lists the works of mercy that Jesus asks everyone who would follow him to perform and, the last of them is this: “because I was imprisoned, and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:36) The reality is, when one feels called to do something for one’s neighbor, […]

We are almost at the end of the “Season of Creation” for 2023, but were you aware that such a thing existed? Between September 1st and October 4th (Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology), Catholic faith communities are encouraged to celebrate the Season of Creation. […]

The “domestic church,” a term that we hear a lot from our pastors today, is not something new in the world of the Catholic faith. Yet, thinking about what it is and what it means generates a thrill in our souls. It is like a special call from God given […]

With last month’s meeting in Lisbon, I have now completed nine World Youth Days. My firstwas over 30 years ago. Each one brings many surprises. When a million or so young people are added to a city’s streets almost overnight there are always trials, chaos, and a bit of confusion. […]

The year 2022 was one of the most challenging years of my life, if not the most difficult one. Luckily the year 2023 has been one of the best of my life, filled with family time, fun and good news. Even though these years couldn’t have been more different, God […]

Jesus asked his disciples, “And you, who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) There is a reason that after Peter’s response to Jesus that he is the Messiah, Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  It’s because Peter gets it.  He understands that Jesus is […]

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 16:19) When I was sent to Rome in 2010 to take a course, I was assigned an apostolate in St. Peter’s Basilica. Every day that I entered the basilica, I would notice a beautiful design of two keys […]

Psychologists define forgiveness as, “a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person who has harmed us, regardless of whether or not the person actually deserves forgiveness.”  If you’re like me, forgiveness isn’t easy, especially when the hurt is deep.  Yet, forgiveness is a necessity, […]

Due to life circumstances, today I found myself without access to a computer. I had a commitment to write a blog for Build the Faith and my first instinct was to postpone this task until the following week. I had the perfect excuse and contemplated using my hours on some […]

This year, on May 13th, I was ordained a transitional deacon at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, and I was assigned to the Immaculate Conception Parish in Marlborough, MA. My ordination came at the end of my three years of itinerant missionary work; the first year and a half […]