Good morning everybody! It’s our last morning here in Lourdes. Thank you for being with us! You’ve been good company and we’ve held you up high in prayer, especially at the Grotto where our Blessed Mother appeared to Saint Bernadette.

We’ve gotten so many great messages from you, asking for prayers and remembrance. Thanks for sticking with us!

A blessed Sunday from Lourdes! Thanks for accepting my invitation to join us spiritually on this pilgrimage.

I’m glad you’re accompanying us on our pilgrimage! Here we are at the famous Grotto of Massabielle.

Good morning everybody! It’s a beautiful day here in Lourdes, where we’re on a pilgrimage sponsored by the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Saturday I celebrate Mass at the Grotto in Lourdes. I’d be honored to remember your intentions at Mass, if you wish to share them here with me.

I’m at Lourdes on pilgrimage with the Knights of Malta! Pilgrimage is all about helping one another, just like we do in life. Stick with me and I’ll fill you in about our pilgrimage and the shrine at Lourdes!

I came across this insightful article regarding the plight of persecuted Christians and religious minorities in the Middle East.  It is difficult to believe that it has been a year since the persecution was declared a genocide and little to no “meaningful action” has been taken to put an end to this tragedy.  Carl Anderson, CEO of the Knights of Columbus and New York Times bestselling author, walks us through the current state of affairs and possible next steps in his article that was recently published in the Washington Post.

“On March 17, 2016,…

Have you noticed that there’s a battle going on in nature?

Simply put, it’s a war between winter and spring.  One day we need a heavy coat, hat, and gloves; the next day we can get by with a sweater.

One day I have my sunglasses on, the next day we’re getting the snow-shovel out again.

Which is precisely why wise Mother Church places Lent at this time.  That struggle between Winter and Spring roaring outside is also always going on deep down inside!

If we are honest, we have to acknowledge that, in our souls, in our hearts, is a struggle between…

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, indeed a “great day for the Irish,” but a feast as well for all of us in the archdiocese of New York, for he is our patron saint, so obvious in the grand cathedral that bears his name. (more…)