Fr. Bob's Corner

The Vatican is presently researching and reviewing women religious in the U.S.. Many are threatened and even angry for many reasons – why only women religious being a common concern. Be it as it may, many religious orders are in crisis situation (men and women)  with few or no new vocations. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps all involved to understand this present crisis, and that it will inspire a hopeful, loving response-answer-solution. One good article on this issue can be found in the Nov. 23, 2009 of America Magazine:  America Magazine – A Visitor’s Guide: How the Vatican Investigation could prove beneficial by Doris Gottemoeller

It is sometimes difficult in our day and age for many to understand or appreciate how a young man could be called to the priesthood. It is a very special call to serve, and it also can be very difficult to resist. God always lets a person decide how to respond, but the call can be extraordinarily persistent. Take a look at this video from Paris, France. I think it might help. God calls and hopes we will respond with love, faith, and generosity of heart.

It is hard to appreciate or visualize the vibrancy of the Catholic Church in Africa. This little youtube video speaks a thousand words about what is happening in terms of conversions, vocations, liturgy, age of congregations, etc.. I believe it was taken in the Sudan, and it illustrates the dynamism of the faith, and causes one to wonder how this will impact the universal church. The faith is definitely young and alive in this part of Africa as portrayed in the video – it is indeed a thousand words.

The American Bishops have created a video on the priesthood. Those of you with ‘High Speed’ should check it out. View Video