The cover of an early edition of the Pensèes ("Thoughts") of Blaise Pascal (1623-1662). He was only 39 when he died... A copy of Pascal's description of what happened to him during his "night of fire." It was November 23, 1654. He experienced... the presence of God... Letter #33, 2025, Sunday, May 4: Thoughts There [...]
There are just three days now — Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday —before the beginning of the papal conclave on Wednesday, May 7. *** In these days, I have glimpsed, and sometimes greeted, several cardinals in the streets of Rome — for example, English Cardinals Timothy Radcliffe and Arthur Roche, American Cardinals Robert McElroy and Donald [...]
Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, 69, from Verona, Italy, gave a profound and moving homily yesterday at a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica (here is a link to a video of the entire Mass; at precisely 27:30 the homily begins, and, there is a simultaneous English translation) https://youtu.be/LEMbZaMwj5M?si=RF3sAeSsvCppqbBL “Come, true light; come, eternal life; come, hidden mystery; [...]
“Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” —Pope Francis, on Easter Sunday, April 20, from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square, and to the world, his last public words... By Dr. Robert Moynihan Monday, April 28, 2025, Rome — In Rome on the Vigil of Easter, Holy Saturday, I [...]
Cardinal Angelo Becciu, 76, from Sardinia, Italy. Several days ago, he said he should have the right to vote in the upcoming Conclave, to begin May 7. This morning, he issued a declaration saying he would not insist on his right to vote, and accept that Pope Francis did not wish him to vote. He [...]
Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in Havana, Cuba in 2016. It was their first and only meeting... Letter #29, 2025, Sunday, April 27: Orthodox Leaders on Pope Francis Pope Francis's funeral Mass was celebrated yesterday in St. Peter's Square. I was present at the Mass, held under a blue sky and [...]
Letter #28, 2025, Monday, April 21: Pope Francis has died Pope Francis passed away this morning at 7:35 a.m. Here is the statement issued by Matteo Bruni, the head of the Vatican Press Office: Statement by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, 21.04.2025 (link) At 9:47 this morning, His Eminence Cardinal [...]
St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897). She said her childhood years left a "sweet imprint" on her soul St. John Chrysostom (347-407), one of the Fathers of the Church. He said "the downfall of society stems from a disregard for children" St. Alphonsus of Liguori (1696-1787), founder of the Redemptorists. He said, "By the bad education [...]
Pope Francis continues to undergo treatment for pneumonia at Gemelli Hospital in Rome (the photo above is outside of the hospital; the Pope's room is on the 10th floor). Francis is in "stable" condition after three weeks in the hospital, the Vatican said. Today Francis issued a recorded message of thanks to all who [...]
The eyes of the world turned toward Rome in February as Pope Francis was hospitalized, and diagnosed with pneumonia. Many began to assess his pontificate and think of his possible successor. We pray for his soul... By Dr. Robert Moynihan Friday, February 21, 2025 — The eyes of the world turned toward Rome in February [...]
