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The enchanting image of the Christmas crèche, so dear to the Christian people, never ceases to arouse amazement and wonder. The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful procla­mation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God.

“The people of Poland offered hospitality of Biblical proportions …” — The words quoted above represent just some of the observations and insights that were shared by Msgr. Peter Vaccari when he led the annual Advent Day of Prayer for the priests of our diocese this past Monday, Dec. 4, at our St. Paul’s Inside the Walls Evangelization Center.

On the First Sunday of Advent, together with the whole Church, we begin a new “Liturgical Year.” This year, because Dec. 25 falls on a Monday, the Advent Season will last just three weeks, as the Fourth Sunday of Advent will fall on Dec. 24. So, on Sunday, Dec. 24, it will be Advent in the morning, but, just a few hours later (at approximately 4 p.m.), we will begin the celebration of our Lord’s Birth on “Christmas Eve.”

The words above are the opening paragraph of the Synthesis Report from the first session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, also known as the “Synod on Synodality.” In the following introductory paragraphs, the synod delegates describe the circumstances leading up to the gathering and speak of their awareness, during the gathering, of those suffering in various parts of the world, especially victims of war.

When I celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, I sometimes mention that “Piety” is one of the more “under-appreciated” of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, we held our second annual diocesan Respect Life Convocation. On the same day, the (first part) of the Synod on Synodality was having its final meetings and putting the “finishing touches” on the 41-page “Synthesis Report.” 

As far as I can recall, I had never heard of Father Aloysius Schwartz until a few weeks ago, on this past Oct. 6. On that day, I had the privilege of celebrating Mass with all of the teachers and administrators of our Diocesan Catholic Schools. Our Superintendent of Schools, Mary Baier, and the staff of our Diocesan Schools Office had planned and organized a professional day for our teachers and administrators. St. Elizabeth’s University, in Convent Station, graciously hosted the day on their campus.

The words I quote above were written by Mr. James J. King, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference (NJCC). Mr. King’s words were written in the September 2023 edition of the NJCC Newsletter, “Town Square.” I encourage you to read the full text of Mr. King’s letter, which can be found at the link cited above or by going to the NJCC website. 

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14 and 15, was a beautiful weekend for our diocese. On Saturday, Oct. 14, close to 1,000 parishioners from all over our diocese participated in our Diocesan Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. On Sunday, Oct. 15, the Vivere Christus awards were presented to parishioners representing each of the parishes in the diocese, recognizing their service, leadership, and generosity as volunteers and ministers.

On Oct. 4, as we do each year, we celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. In addition to the Blessing of Animals, we often remember St. Francis and his exemplary life and teaching by offering the “Prayer of St. Francis.” His well-known prayer begins, “Lord, make me an instrument of your Peace,” and continues by asking, “where there is hatred, let me sow Love … where there is injury, pardon.” Have you had experiences in your life when you found it difficult to be an “instrument of Peace” or when you found it difficult to “sow Love” and/or to forgive?

It was not my intention or plan to write on a similar topic or theme for two consecutive weeks, but as I was writing my column last week, I learned some news that caused me to change my plans. I decided that I should write about Joan (Andrews) Bell, her inspiring life and dedication to the pro-life cause, and her current “status” (in prison).

“.. There are millions of people of goodwill whose voices are yet unheard, whose course is yet unclear, and whose courageous actions are yet unseen. These millions are called upon to gird their courage, to speak out, and to offer leadership that is needed. History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the vitriolic words and violent acts of the bad people but the appalling silence and indifference of the good people. Our generation will have to repent not only for the words and actions of the children of darkness but also for the fears and apathy of the children of light.”

I think I was in late high school or early college (already thinking about priesthood) when I first remember hearing the story of how I came to be named Kevin. When my Mom came from Ireland, after living with an aunt and uncle for a while and getting a job (with Con Edison) and another job on the weekends, she moved into an apartment in Elmhurst, Queens, with two roommates.

On June 24, 2020, the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of New Evangelization, with the endorsement of Pope Francis, published a new Directory for Catechesis. The Directory provides “the how-to guidelines for catechesis and presents universal norms to guide pastors and catechists in the work of evangelization.” And is presented by the Pontifical Council “… to guide the proclamation of the Gospel by the Christian faithful to people of all ages and in all seasons of life.”

“Never Forget!” We have heard those words used many times in the course of history. We realize (at times) that, as human beings, we seem to have a tendency to forget. The words “Never Forget” are often spoken or written to emphasize the importance of making a conscience decision as individuals, families, communities, or nations that we will remember someone or something, whether it be a terrible tragedy or loss or, very often, a heroic act of bravery and sacrifice. As we approach the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, we might ask ourselves, “How well do we (as individuals, as communities) keep that promise or vow to “Never Forget”?

On this past Thursday, Aug. 24, I had the privilege of celebrating Mass with the presidents and principals of our diocesan Catholic schools. The school leaders gathered as they do each year at the invitation of Ms. Mary Baier, our Diocesan Superin­tendent of Schools and head of our Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools.

In a previous article, Fatima and World Youth Day: Let us journey together, united in prayer (July 26, 2023), I mentioned a book that I had read (The Miracle and the Message, by John C. Preiss) and a book that I was reading at that time (Fatima for Today: The Urgent Marian Message of Hope, by Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R.) in preparation for my trip to World Youth Day in Portugal and in preparation for my first visit to the Marian Shrine of Fatima.

I do not remember the first time that I saw or heard about Mother Teresa’s “Business Card.” I think it was sometime in my college years. I do recall that at some point, in my first parish assignment as a priest (1997–2003), I had a box of her business cards printed so that I could hand them out — especially to young people. Although I often think of St. Teresa of Calcutta and ask her intercession in prayer, at some point, her “business card” had slipped from my memory. At a Catechetical Session during World Youth Day (WYD), in the context of a talk on prayer, Bishop Robert Barron reminded me — and shared with thousands of young pilgrims and chaperones, the beautiful lesson that St. Mother Teresa wished to teach as she handed people her “Business Card.”

On Friday, July 28, I will be traveling with a group of young people and chaperones, seminarians, and priests, representing our diocese at World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal. Pope St. John Paul II established World Youth Day in 1985. Since then, young Catholics from all over the world gather with the Holy Father every two to three years, coming together in prayer, fellowship, catechetical sessions, and in a joyful celebration of faith.

I have been privileged to be able to meet two canonized saints: St. Pope John Paul II and St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta. I hope that many readers may have had a chance to meet or at least be close to one or both of these two saints “of our times.” Perhaps some have had the chance to meet some other canonized saints?