commeNTARY Baltimore BoomerBlog Absence of Bob Flynn lingers longer than Ravens’ loss to Colts Paul McMullenJanuary 13, 20122 min read The last time I saw Bob Flynn was in the summer of 2006, during Baltimore Ravens’ training camp at McDaniel College. Flynn was the men’s basketball coach there, literally had the keys to the gym, but he was like any other fan, excited to see professional athletes honing their craft.Jan. 13 marks the fifth anniversary […] Commentary Whatever happened to Thanksgiving? Catholic ReviewDecember 22, 20113 min read Last month’s celebration of Thanksgiving invited me to once again go back to the history books to refresh my memory with regard to the historical roots of the holiday. With psychologists giving advice on how to avoid family feuds between quarreling relatives, others who can’t wait for the football games, and still others plotting strategies on how to best maneuver their way through the “Black Friday” sales, perhaps we have lost some of the real meaning of the celebration. In fact, I would go further to say that perhaps we have lost much more than we realize. Let us take a historical glimpse to the roots of this day. Baltimore BoomerBlogCommentary Serendipitous visit to Bon Secours in West Baltimore Paul McMullenDecember 15, 20113 min read On this job, every day is a religious experience. I’ve got an article in the Dec. 15 issue of The Catholic Review on Bon Secours Baltimore Health System. In late September, the health care provider in West Baltimore launched a new branding and mission with an ecumenical prayer service at 31 W. Fulton St., at the Cathedral […] BlogThe Narthex Community life inspires ‘miracle man’ George P. Matysek Jr.November 22, 20113 min read Redemptorist Father John Murray is convinced he’s a walking miracle. After suffering a fall that left him paralyzed from the chest down, the former pastor of St. Mary in Annapolis and St. Wenceslaus in Baltimore began praying for Blessed Francis X. Seelos – a former St. Mary’s pastor – to intercede on his behalf. As noted in this […] Arts & CultureBlogThe Narthex A rare birthday present for St. Joan of Arc George P. Matysek Jr.November 16, 20114 min read Pope Benedict XVI minces no words when he describes the medieval judges who interrogated and sentenced St. Joan of Arc to death 580 years ago. The French clergymen were aligned with St. Joan’s political opponents, the pope said in a Jan. 26 general audience, and they “lacked charity and the humility to see God’s action in […] BlogThe Narthex Baltimore sculptor honors Brooksie George P. Matysek Jr.October 26, 20112 min read Before the new statue of Baltimore’s beloved Brooks Robinson was unveiled last weekend beneath a blast of black, orange and white confetti outside Oriole Park, the bronze behemoth rested in a foundry in Pietrasanta, Italy. Standing right next to the likeness of the Hall of Fame third baseman was a replica of Michelangelo’s David. Joseph Sheppard, the Baltimore sculptor who crafted the Robinson statue, […] BlogThe Narthex A glimpse into Archbishop O’Brien’s playful side George P. Matysek Jr.August 29, 20115 min read The archbishop has a well-earned reputation as a serious-minded and devoted leader who gives everything he has in service of a Church he loves. Yet, there’s another side to him – a playful side that endears him those who know him. BlogThe Narthex All together now: ‘I love my cross, I love my beads’ George P. Matysek Jr.August 16, 20113 min read Published in 1925, the yellowed and crumbling “Manual of Select Catholic Hymns and Devotions” had been tucked away on a dusty choir-loft shelf alongside stacks of old, unused sheet music. The hymnal’s binding had been broken long ago – a sign of frequent use in a parish that was once among the largest and most […] BlogThe Narthex Our Lady of the Butterflies George P. Matysek Jr.July 14, 20112 min read 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 […] BlogThe Narthex Letters that made a difference George P. Matysek Jr.April 26, 20113 min read 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 Previous 1 … 231 232 233 … 234 Next