SPECIAL REPORT: Baltimore has special connection to popularizing devotion to the Infant of Prague July 14, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Local News, News, World News Every year, more than 1 million pilgrims from around the globe travel to the Czech Republic, praying in front of the Infant of Prague. They carry on a practice that stretches back hundreds of years.
Our Lady of the Butterflies July 14, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Filed Under: Blog, The Narthex An image of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child is made out of African butterfly wings. (CR Staff/George P. Matysek Jr.) One of the great joys of my recent pilgrimage to the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland was meeting Father Anastasio Roggero. The Carmelite priest, who shepherds the Church of Our Lady Victorious […]
Father Hilgartner helps nation’s Catholics prepare for new translation of Roman Missal July 6, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Divine Worship, Local News, News Father Richard B. Hilgartner’s jaw dropped the first time he read bits of a draft of the new English translation of the Roman Missal – the book of liturgical prayers that is scheduled to be introduced in parishes Nov. 27.
‘And with your spirit’: Father Hilgartner previews liturgical change June 24, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Divine Worship, Local News, News The Latin is, “Dominus vobiscum et cum spiritu tuo.” It contains no verb. It’s as much a statement of fact as it is a greeting, Father Hilgartner said.
Cumberland town meeting addresses need for parish restructuring May 5, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News CUMBERLAND – In an April 28 town meeting marked by a combination of hopefulness, apprehension and anger, approximately 250 people gathered at St. Mary in Cumberland to ask questions about a proposal to create a new area parish out of five existing ones.
Letters that made a difference April 26, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Filed Under: Blog, The Narthex Father Milton Hipsley holds his rosary at his Mercy Ridge residence in Timonium last year. (CR/Owen Sweeney III) Father Milton Hipsley’s letters started arriving on my desk in the summer of 2009. Very neatly written in all capital letters, the notes always seemed focused on the importance of kindness and of taking time for
Pope John Paul II’s visit to Baltimore touched many lives April 19, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Filed Under: Local News, News Jim and Pat McDonnell spent less than a minute in the presence of Pope John Paul II, but it was enough to change their lives.
Clergy shortage, shifting demographics bring need for change April 14, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News “Since I have been working in multiple-parish ministry, I have been struck by the importance of working with a team of people – most of whom, of course, are lay Catholics,” Monsignor Hannon said. “We work together for the good of our parishes and for the good of the archdiocese.”
First blood of the Civil War spilled in Baltimore 150 years ago April 14, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News Days after Confederate forces in South Carolina captured Fort Sumter without any casualties, the first bloodshed in the Civil War happened in Baltimore on April 19, 1861.
‘The greatest temptation of my life’ March 31, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, The Narthex Dominican Father Carleton Parker Jones calls it the “greatest temptation” of his life.
Interfaith leaders pray for end to death penalty March 17, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News After her brother became Baltimore’s 21st murder victim of 2007, Erricka Bridgeford couldn’t wait for the police to find the person who did it. Bridgeford dreamed of spitting in the murderer’s face. Male relatives thought of even more violent ways of exacting vengeance, she said.
Paralysis won’t stop priest at Fells Point St. Patrick’s Day Mass March 10, 2011By George P. Matysek Jr. Filed Under: Local News, News Growing up in New York, Redemptorist Father John Murray loved marching with his father in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Now that he uses a wheelchair, Father Murray is about to promote the Saint of Ireland in a way that may prove more powerful than anything he could have done on foot in a parade.
