I grew up in a large, boisterous Catholic family, where suppertime was a chaotic event. My parents could only hope that their nine scrappy kids would one day turn into peaceful, loving brothers and sisters. Christmas Eve dinner became my mom’s noble attempt to teach us about grace. Wigilia was its name, and it struck […]

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given I would be silent now, Lord, and expectant… that I may receive The gift I need , so I may become the gifts others need. Amen Reverend Kirsty DePree

What do pernil (pork shoulder), arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas) and pasteles (patties) have in common? They bring my family to the table on Christmas Day! At the table, along with these and many other traditional foods, are prayer, laughter, joy, story-telling and reflection on those who have gone to be with our […]

“The true joys in life are not the grand gestures, but the simple moments.” As I attempt to get through the hectic days before Christmas, I am really trying to keep that wonderful phrase in mind. Whether it is having a cup of tea with my somewhat forgetful and elderly mother, or my teenage son […]

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.   Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with […]

Angels played an important role in the Christmas story.  May the quotes, stories, scripture, and songs of Angels welcome you, lighten your burdens, and guide you along your Advent journey today. An angel can illumine the thought and mind of man by strengthening the power of vision, and by bringing within his reach songs of  […]

This year, FM station 106.7 in New York City switched to all Christmas Music the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  It was too soon I thought, but soon, I was listening to the station every time I got into my car.  With all of the hustle and bustle on the road, grid lock alert days, and challenging […]

Exuberant, life-giving God: As Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, was moved to bless Mary’s child, so fill us with your Spirit that our neighbors’ hidden hopes may be brought to fruition to the glory of your name, through the fruit of Mary’s womb, Jesus Christ. Amen. Last week I heard the phrase “The present […]

Advent Waiting and wanting Is waiting all about wanting? Waiting for treasure. Waiting for love. Waiting for passage. Waiting for arrival. Waiting for release. Waiting for relief. Waiting for peace. Ahh… Christmas Day. All’s turmoil And then all is fulfillment–or not. Once the wanting is past, the waiting is finished, the treasure, the love, the […]

After all the gifts at Christmas are opened; parents, grandparents, and siblings oftentimes ask, what was the best gift you received…celebrities get asked on TV and commercials throughout Advent, show the excitement of receiving high-ticket items.   But we all have seen a young child playing more with the cardboard box than the toy inside. […]