We might wonder today what is happening in the United States in these days following the most recent revelations regarding clergy sex abuse. It is necessary that each one of us — clergy and lay faithful — say sorry and do penance. It is not enough to keep the apologies and the repentance for the cardinals and bishops that are implicated in the abuse — it is easy to tell somebody what to do — but we need to begin by reflecting on our own life. READ MORE.
I would hope everyone has had a good experience or fond memories of their mothers. As we get older, it is always good to keep these fond memories from our childhood at the fore, and we find it important to go back home and visit with our mothers.
When my great-nephew was five-and-a-half years old, I praised him for being exceptionally well-behaved at his grandmother’s wake at the funeral home. I told him how good he was, and how proud we were of him. His response was, “You know, I get way too much appreciation.” In these days when it seems that negativity and competition are sometimes too evident, I wonder if there is such a positive as “too much appreciation.” I can’t imagine that we can ever be too grateful for the goodness in our lives, that which comes from God above and that which we extend to each other. READ MORE.
UNIONTOWN, Pa. — The 84th annual pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be Sept. 1-2 at Mount St. Macrina. The theme is “Mary, Hope of All Generations.” “For 84 years, the pilgrimage has brought together generations of young and old to pray, sing and share in the many blessings of this holy time,” said Basilian Sister Ruth Plante, provincial superior. “Come, bring your joys, sorrows, concerns and fears to her, and find peace and comfort in her loving care.” READ MORE.
The feast of St. John the Baptist is a big feast for our eparchy. As you know, St. John the Forerunner is our patron saint. The Gospel reading today tells us about the beginning of the Forerunner’s life. We could say that the events surrounding his conception and birth were a little bit strange. They also reflected the signs and traditions in the Old Testament, in which unbelievers were punished. READ MORE.
LATROBE, Pa. — Spirits were high among participants at the 2018 Byzanteen Youth Rally as they learned about reaching out to others and making an impact on the world. About 90 Byzantine Catholic teens from across the United States gathered for the July 5-8 event, held on the St. Vincent College campus grounds. Benedictine Father Boniface Hicks of St. Vincent Archabbey was the rally’s keynote speaker. He spoke to the teens on the theme of the rally, “Who is My Neighbor?” inspired by Fred Rogers of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” fame, who was from Latrobe. READ MORE.
BRECKSVILLE, Ohio — When Karen (nee Zemba) Griffith was diagnosed with cancer, she was determined to do everything in her power to defeat it. During a visit with her niece in Oregon, they stopped to pray at the St. Peregrine Shrine located in the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother in Portland. READ MORE.
PARMA, Ohio — One of the longest-standing parishes in the eparchy celebrated its 120th anniversary last month. St. John the Baptist Parish, whose church serves as the cathedral of the Eparchy of Parma, celebrated its 120th anniversary on the feast of its patron, June 24. Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, of Parma celebrated the Divine Liturgy, followed by the annual Tuscan Sunday Supper in the parish hall. The liturgy was moved to a later time to accommodate the luncheon and to add to the celebration. READ MORE.
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. —Parishioners of St. Basil the Great Parish and members of GCU Lodge 250 gathered for a Flag Day celebration June 10. After the morning Divine Liturgy, they gathered outside the church at the flagpole. Lodge President John P. Minarish opened the program by speaking about the symbolism of the U.S. flag. Father Mychail Rozmarynowycz, the pastor, spoke about the freedom enjoyed in the United States. Refreshments followed in the social hall. READ MORE.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — St. Nicholas Parish honored its 2018 graduate and presented him with an icon June 24. Peter Swanney graduated summa cum laude from Royal Oak High School, located in Royal Oak, Michigan. Swanney was a member of the National Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa; he also played violin in the school orchestra. At St. Nicholas, Swanney has been an altar server for many years and plays violin with the Beskidy Folk Ensemble at the Carpatho-Rusyn Society of Michigan’s annual potluck. In the fall, he will study engineering at the University of Detroit. READ MORE.