St. Gertrude the Great

Sexagesima

Bishop’s Corner
I can’t help but see some spiritual symbolism in these dark February days. The shortest month has been all struggle, hasn’t it? Spring, promised at the Purification, has been waiting in the wings week after week, with its new life and warmth all wrapped up. But storm after storm distracts us, and delays Spring’s [...]

Septuagesima

Bishop’s Corner
The last days of Epiphanytide saw an early spring arrive to usher in Septuagesima, preparation in turn for the soul’s springtime, Lent. I knew it! Already on the last Sunday of January there was a bit of spring in the air, confirmed by Candlemas’ cloudy dawn later that week. Furthermore, the blackbirds were courting, [...]

Epiphany VI

Bishop’s Corner
Fr. Cekada was teaching at the seminary last week, while I was in Mexico. I myself visited the seminary in January, to give the retreat. I must say I was very impressed, not only with the beautiful chapel which is nearing completion, but also with the caliber of our future priests, intelligent and dedicated [...]

Epiphany V

Also this week: Listen to Bp. Dolan’s Candlemas sermon: Christmas is Departing, But Keep Your Candle Burning

Bishop’s Corner
February, whose name means “to purify by sacrifice,” one author says, slid in on Tuesday, making an icy entrance for the shortest of months. Fr. Cekada, St. Francis de Sales-like, had to crawl on his knees to make [...]

Candlemas