Category Archives: Feasts & Solemnities

Daily Mass: The Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – The Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle

The call of St. Andrew reminds us that the Lord continues to invite us to follow him and proclaim the Good News so that others can experience the saving love of Christ.

Note: these pictures were taken in Amalfi on my recent visit in Italy.  Andrew is the patron saint of the town and the Cathedral.

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The Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe

He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords…and yet he came into our world to teach us about his heavenly Father with compassion and tenderness.  May we draw near to his Divine Mercy, and say the words of the Good Thief, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!”

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Note: this image (above and below) is the great icon of Christ the King located in the main apse of the Cathedral in Superior.  The pictures don’t do it justice, so if you are ever near the shores of Lake Superior, come and pray with us and see it for yourself.

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Christ the King of the Universe…remember me!

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Study: Consider a crucial time when you asked and received help.  How did it feel?

Pray: Is there anything that is keeping you from receiving God’s grace?  Ask the Lord for the courage to ask!

Serve: Do you know someone who is struggling to receive mercy or forgiveness?  How can you help them grow in faith?

Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe

The Gospel image is both brutal and tender, revealing God’s saving grace and mercy in the midst of the Passion of the Cross.  The good thief (who tradition names Dismas) calls upon the Lord saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

How these words speak to my heart!  In a single phrase the King of Kings and Lord of Lords becomes approachable as Christ bridges Heaven and Earth, crushes Hell and invites us to enter into eternal life: “Today you will be with me in paradise!”

The good thief shows both humility and boldness.  He knows his sins, and yet he speaks to the Lord with a gentle conviction, asking for a grace that he cannot achieve on his own.  His trust inspires us as we acknowledge our own sins and draw near to the one whose death and resurrection saves and sets us free.

May these words strengthen our faith as we call upon the Lord.  May they help us to seek Christ before all else as we repent and call upon God’s grace.  May we truly say:

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!

 


Daily Mass: Holy Places, Holy People. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings (Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome)

We recall in the readings about the importance of having holy places to pray, so that we can become a holy people – dedicated to the Lord.

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Today I begin a pilgrimage with 53 others to Italy!  During our stay we will be in Florence, Assisi, Sorrento, Pompei, and Rome (where we will pass through all four Holy Doors for the Year of Mercy.)  Ciao!


The Commemoration of All Souls. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – The Commemoration of All Souls (a selection from the many readings offered)

We remember all the faithful departed today, following the command of Jesus to pray always for one another to God who is Lord of the living and the dead.  May they rest in peace.


The Solemnity of All Saints. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Feast of All Saints Homily Podcast – with the kids from Cathedral School

Mass Readings – The Solemnity of All Saints

Young and old, rich and poor, male and female…they faced their challenges in life as they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and now they pray for us with the choirs of angels in heaven.  May the examples of the saints inspire us to lives – in the midst of the messiness and imperfection of life – with hope they we will one day join them!

And here are some Cathedral School 3rd Grade saints in the making…!

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Daily Mass: With the strength of the Archangels. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – The feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

We celebrate the strength of the archangels today, calling upon them for assistance in our moments of need.

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Archangel Michael, Guido Reni, 1636, Santa Maria de Concezioni, Roma.


Daily Mass: Our Lady of Sorrows. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Our Lady of Sorrows

Mary’s example of faith in the midst of sorrow inspires us to face our grief and loss in this life with God’s grace.


Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Cross of Jesus Christ is God’s sign of love, showing just how much the Lord cherishes our lives.  May we face our crosses with the conviction that the Lord will help us every step of the way.


Daily Mass: St. Peter and St. Paul. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Sts. Peter & Paul

These two great figures in the Church had their share of spectacular successes and failures.  They sinned, yet with God’s grace they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus – and they are wonderful examples for us today.  May we embrace our faith, return to Christ when we have sinned, and seek the Lord above all else!

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