Author Archives: Deacon Chris

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About Deacon Chris

I am a Catholic deacon of the Archdiocese of Omaha. I work as the Development Director of my parish, St. Gerald Church in Ralston, NE.

Padre Pio

Posted on September 23, 2005 by Deacon Chris


Today is the memorial of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (1887 – 1968). Padre Pio was a Capuchin Franciscan who was loved by thousands, perhaps even millions of people. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in June 2002.

A deeply spiritual friar, Padre Pio offered Masses regularly that went on for three hours or more. He spent incredible amounts of time in private prayer and adoration of the most Blessed Sacrament. Additionally, he spent hours upon end in the confessional counseling, forgiving and assisting people from all over the world.

Our Lord blessed Padre Pio with a collection of supernatural gifts:

  • For instance, he could read the souls of those who confessed to him, and on occasion would point out to them if they were hiding the confession of a sin.
  • He was known to be in two places at one time (bilocation).
  • He was a mystic and had visions and ecstasies.
  • Perhaps more than anything else, he was famous for having the stigmata for over 50 years.

St. Francis also received the stigmata, a gift of inexplicable grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. To bear the wounds that He bore, and to experience, even slightly, the suffering that He did is a mark of incredible holiness, and incredible closeness to our Lord. (remember that the word compassion means “to suffer with”)

You can read more about the stigmata here. It is interesting to note that the majority of saints who have received the stigmata have been women.

Pray for us, Padre Pio – that we may take up our cross each day and follow our Lord Jesus Christ more closely, more willingly and with greater humility.

Categories: Catechetics, Saints | Leave a comment

Fall Begins

Posted on September 22, 2005 by Deacon Chris

Today is the autumnal equinox, the first day of Fall. Fall is traditionally associated with such things as:

  • Going back to school
  • Leaves changing color and dropping from their trees
  • Football getting underway


I happen to be a fan of all three of those activities. When school resumes things liven up a bit around my office. The changing foliage reminds us of the handiwork of God all around us. And of course football hardly needs any explanation for its appeal. This year will probably be more enjoyable for Husker fans than last.

I’m thankful for all these events that mark the changing season.

Categories: Commentary | Leave a comment

Matthean Priority?

Posted on September 21, 2005 by Deacon Chris


Today is the feast of St. Matthew, Evangelist.

Numbered among the Twelve, and identified as a tax collector, he answered the call of Jesus. He is also known by the name, Levi.

(This statue of an angel is the symbol of the Evangelist Matthew – it is located on the Duomo (Cathedral) of Orvieto in Italy, which I visited this Spring)


One thing that seems vogue today in Catholic biblical circles is an ongoing discussion of the dating and priority of the Gospels, specifically whether Matthew or Mark was written first.

Logical arguments abound on both sides, but the vehemence with which they are pursued are often over the top for my tastes.

Today it seems harder than ever to agree to disagree on a given topic. Whatever happened to the adage that “men of good will can disagree on an issue?”

Today we have a new adage, you see, many people think that those who don’t believe exactly as they do are somehow suspect, are somehow deficient.

Not only is that factually incorrect, it is also the application of poor logic. We’ve seen much of this faulty thinking around the confirmation hearing of John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the United States. Instead of deciding to confirm him on his legal skill and background, some senators are trying to ascertain how he will decide cases linked to their favorite pet causes.

To disagree with Roberts personal view on abortion, is not a LOGICAL reason to vote against confirming him. A valid, logical reason would be something to do with his abilities as a lawyer or judge.

Perhaps the inspiration that guided St. Matthew in recording the Good News will also inspire the US Senate to judge Roberts on his merits and qualifications, rather than conjecture about a future ruling on a given topic.

Categories: Catechetics, Commentary, Gospel Accounts | Leave a comment

Our father among the Saints . . .

Posted on September 13, 2005 by Deacon Chris

John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople . . .

Today is the feast day of John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church. The name ‚Chrysostom translates from Greek as ‚“golden mouth‚” or ‚“golden throat,‚” a reference to his incredible preaching.

(this mosaic is from Hagia Sophia, tenth century)

Mistranslation has occasionally suggested that some of St. John‚’s writings were anti-Semitic; but this is not true. His Orations Against the Judaizers, is sometimes sloppily translated as Orations Against the Jews. Of course a reading of this work in context yields what in fact is a polemic against those in fourth-century Antioch who were trying to Judaize the Christian community.

Many consider John to be the finest Christian preacher. On many occasions his homilies would go on for hours, captivating the people and astonishing them with his oratorical skill.

He revised the Divine Liturgy that is used in Eastern Churches (both Orthodox & Catholic) even to this day.

All who preach ought to be inspired and moved by the abilities of this great saint. His teaching is clear, his exhortations thrilling, and his exegesis rock-solid.

Pray for us, O Golden-Mouthed One, that we might be inspired with your zeal for the Gospel!

Categories: Catechetics, Etymology, Saints | Leave a comment

Job Pray-er II

Posted on September 11, 2005 by Deacon Chris

This is an update to my previous entry, “Job Pray-er.”

I found out that my fourth friend was offered the job that he had interviewed for!

He had cleared two interviews when I wrote the previous post; and has since gone through two more last week.

He begins his new job tomorrow. I know he will do a great job, and I know it is a relief to him and his wife to find such a good fit for his qualifications and expertise.

Congratulations, Doug!

Categories: Prayer | Leave a comment

Garage Sale?

Posted on September 9, 2005 by Deacon Chris

I am not a fan of garage sales. I was visiting with a friend recently who was taking two days off work to organize and run a garage sale at her home.

I was astonished – Not only was she going to have a garage sale, she was going to use precious vacation time to get it together, too!

My disdain for garage sales can be explained by three simple reasons (not necessarily in order of importance):

  • The sorting, tagging, cleaning, pricing, advertising, displaying and selling of your old stuff is hardly worth the time spent on all these steps.
  • I am not a patient man – the thought of wasting a Saturday on the principle that someone might buy some of my unneeded items sends a shiver up my spine.
  • Stewardship – anything we no longer need we feel privileged to donate to someone that can use it.

And today it is easier than ever to donate items to charities. St. Vincent de Paul Society, Amvets and others come right to your door and pick up whatever you might have.

On the other hand, some people (such as my friend) actually enjoy the art of garage-saling. And it does provide a valuable service for those in need to purchase items at a fraction of what they would cost new.

So, in a spirit of cooperation I won’t be going to any garage sales – I don’t want to take up the good parking spots for those who enjoy it.

Categories: Ranting | Leave a comment

Hope for a Child

Posted on September 9, 2005 by Deacon Chris

A month or so ago, our parish family collected toys, school supplies, and shoes for Iraqi children.

One of our parishioners has a brother serving in Iraq and we sent the items to him. He distributed them to the local schools, hospitals, and quite often, during patrols.

You see, American soldiers come in contact with Iraqis all the time; many times children are simply walking aimlessly around the countryside. So our soldiers visit with them, and when they have items on hand, distribute a soccer ball or doll to brighten the day of such children.

What a shame these sorts of stories are no’t highlighted in the mass media. The gift of hope is the greatest thing that can be given to such little ones.

These children have known little other than war and the horrors of a ruthless dictatorship their entire young lives.

What a precious opportunity it is for American soldiers to brighten their day with a simple toy.

Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called children of God.

Categories: Commentary, Stewardship | Leave a comment

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