St. Gregory Cookie Sale NOURISHES Body and Soul by Father Valerian Michlik, St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa. Patrons were anxiously waiting for the doors to open for this year’s “Taste of Heaven” cookie sale at St. Gregory Church  in … Continue reading →

Usually when I drive home from work at the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Chancery in Pittsburgh, there’s a man standing to the side of traffic on the ramp leading up to the West End Bridge.

He holds a tattered cardboard sign indicating he is homeless, walks back and forth, and holds out his hand for any cash or coins motorists can do without.

Unfortunately, I’m certain he’s not the only such person standing on Pittsburgh’s many bridges during rush hour.

A few days before Christmas, I watched a driver two cars in front of me stop his car to talk to the man and hold out his arm to offer him a few dollars and some change. As the cars in front of him proceeded to make their way to the bridge, leaving a gap Usually when I drive home from work at the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Chancery in Pittsburgh, there’s a man standing to the side of traffic on the ramp leading up to the West End Bridge. He holds a tattered cardboard sign indicating he is homeless, walks back and forth, and holds out his hand for any cash or coins motorists can do without. Unfortunately, I’m certain he’s not the only such person standing on Pittsburgh’s many bridges during rush hour.

A few days before Christmas, I watched a driver two cars in front of me stop his car to talk to the man and hold out his arm to offer him a few dollars and some change. As the cars in front of him proceeded to make their way to the bridge, leaving a gap between his vehicle and the others, I’m embarrassed to say my first response was to get perturbed and hope the driver would press his right foot on the gas pedal again to make up the difference.

After all, myself and the other automobiles lined up in a row behind me had to get to dinner inside our warm homes. I have to admit it wasn’t my proudest moment. I won’t presume to speak for anyone but myself but I am well-aware it can be very easy to get wrapped up in one’s own problems and not think about the needs of other people.

That’s certainly not the Christian way. I did some reflection upon this moment before I sat down to write Continue reading →

VATICAN CITY —  In the depths of despair, when no words or gestures will help, then cry with those who suffer, because tears are the seeds of hope, Pope Francis said. When people are hurting, “it is necessary to share … Continue reading →

Francis Speaks On World Peace Day VATICAN CITY — Whether the new year will be good or not depends on us choosing to do good each day, Pope Francis said. “That is how one builds peace, saying ‘no’  to hatred … Continue reading →