Catholic Exchange

The Blood of Jesus

• Archives
• Monday, July 14th, 2008
• Cardinal Justin Rigali

We know that the City of Philadelphia has many historical reminders of our country’s history. Many tourists come to view our historical sites and artifacts, especially during these summer months. One of these historical exhibits that is less well known… Read More

The Mission of Saints Peter and Paul

• Archives
• Thursday, June 26th, 2008
• Cardinal Justin Rigali

The liturgical celebration of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, is of great significance to Catholics throughout the world as well as to those of us here in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, where our Cathedral bears their names. These… Read More

The Role of Fathers

• Archives
• Thursday, June 19th, 2008
• Cardinal Justin Rigali

In the course of the long history of the human race, there has only been a comparatively brief period in which fatherhood has been celebrated with a holiday. In the United States, the first modern Father’s Day celebration was held… Read More

Almsgiving: Integral to Lent

• Archives
• Sunday, March 2nd, 2008
• Cardinal Justin Rigali

This week, we continue our brief Lenten series addressing the three principal themes of this liturgical season: prayer, almsgiving and fasting. Last week, we reflected on prayer and this week we continue with the theme of almsgiving.

All three of these concepts are expressions of the basic purpose of Lent, which is a turning to God, a conversion of heart. In this context, we are not necessarily speaking about a major conversion from a life of sin or the process of entering the Church or coming into full communion with her. For us conversion is the response to the constant challenge of the Christian life to turn away from sin and turn towards our loving God. We meditate on this call to conversion in a special way during Lent and remind ourselves that conversion takes place in relation to God, to others and to ourself. Prayer calls us to conversion to God by an increased communication with Him, which always leads to greater fidelity. Next week, we will discuss fasting, which aids our interior personal conversion. Almsgiving, which we address this week, highlights conversion towards our neighbor. It is an opportunity to practice charity which, as the Scriptures tell us, "covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

What is almsgiving?

Midnight Mass Homily: Who is this Child?

• Archives
• Thursday, January 3rd, 2008
• Cardinal Justin Rigali

After centuries of waiting and preparation on the part of the Chosen People, God sent the Savior into the world to bring us peace, to take away our sins, to teach us how to live in justice, harmony and love:… Read More

Poverty and Wealth: Obligations of Both the Poor and the Rich

• Archives
• Wednesday, November 21st, 2007
• Cardinal Justin Rigali

One of the characteristics of Christianity from its earliest days has been the fact that it is embraced by both rich and poor. This is, of course, according to the preaching of our Lord Jesus Christ, who offers His salvation… Read More

Using Technology for the Glory of God

• Archives
• Thursday, October 18th, 2007
• Cardinal Justin Rigali

Mission Mandate
At the end of the Gospel of Saint Matthew, we read a passage of especially great importance. Having seen Christ, risen from the dead, the disciples at last become fully aware of who Jesus is: the Messiah, in… Read More

Respect Life Month

• Faith
• Monday, October 8th, 2007
• Cardinal Justin Rigali

A Wound at the Source
In its relationship with the civil governments throughout the world, the Holy See sometimes enters into agreements which are called concordats. The concordat clearly defines the roles of both Church and State in their relationship… Read More

Response of the Holy See to Questions Concerning Artificial Nutrition and Hydration

• Archives
• Wednesday, September 26th, 2007
• Cardinal Justin Rigali

The Teaching Mission of the Church
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) wrote very beautifully about God's Revelation. In explaining that God's word is forever, even though it may have been written or spoken once in time, he writes: "once indeed,… Read More

Families, Faith and the Power of Prayer: Saint Monica and Saint Augustine

• Archives
• Friday, August 24th, 2007
• Cardinal Justin Rigali

Saint Augustine (354-430) referred to the beauty of God's divine nature as that which is "ever ancient and ever new" (Confessions, 10, 27). The mystery of the inner life of the most Blessed Trinity is eternal but not static. God… Read More