Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton
As we continue learning about the Saintly Seven, we are enlightened and encouraged by their examples. Venerable Augustus Tolton’s extraordinary life gives hope to the faithful amid serious societal trials. Fr. Tolton’s life is a “rags-to-riches” story, albeit not in the classic way. While born into slavery and without financial wealth, he was rich in […]
Call No Man Father?
Why are priests called “father”? What is the history and isn’t it discourages in the Scriptures (“Call no man father…”)? The title “father” as applied to priests in the Catholic Church has both historical and theological significance. It reflects the role of priests as spiritual leaders and caretakers of their communities, analogous to a biological […]
Humility Hurts (And That’s the Point)
You’ll never regret acting in humility. A friend shared this advice years ago, and I’ve never forgotten it. It applies in every circumstance you’ll encounter, particularly to relationships. Your boss gives you feedback you don’t agree with. Act with humility. A friend says something that lands wrong and probably wasn’t meant that way. Act with […]
The Gift and Art of Fatherhood
I remember the first time I did something that made me realize I had become just like my father. Many of us have had similar experiences. We reach a certain age and the DNA that has been passed down from generation to generation becomes undeniable. A wife may say something to her husband and realize […]
The Virtue that Changes Us
In his book The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren shares this thought: “True humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.” In my late teens and early 20s, I was not the person God was calling me to be. If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would say […]