George P. Matysek Jr. commeNTARY AmenAmen Matysek CommentaryCommentary Pope Benedict XVI offers lesson in humility George P. Matysek Jr.February 21, 20133 min read The goodness and humility witnessed by the future Baltimore archbishop were on display for all the world Feb. 11 when Pope Benedict XVI quietly announced in Latin that he would step down due to his advanced age and lack of stamina. AmenAmen Matysek CommentaryCommentaryRespect Life Amen: Telling questions for pregnant women George P. Matysek Jr.January 10, 20133 min read My brother was in line at a local supermarket when he observed a young woman strike up a conversation with an apparent longtime friend. Showing off her slightly protruding belly, the younger woman announced that she was pregnant. AmenAmen Matysek CommentaryCommentary ‘I have connections in heaven’ George P. Matysek Jr.August 30, 20123 min read Mercy Sister Lois Mueller was a bundle of energy when I first met her at The Villa retirement home in Baltimore three years ago. I was visiting for a story I was writing about how retired nuns kept in shape by playing bowling and other Nintendo Wii video games donated by students of St. Joseph School in Cockeysville. AmenAmen Matysek CommentaryBlogCommentary Clarity in Rome confessional George P. Matysek Jr.February 23, 20123 min read The Scala Sancta, “Holy Stairs,” are believed to be the passageway Jesus walked on his way to face Pontius Pilate before the crucifixion. St. Helena, mother of Constantine, brought the staircase to the Eternal City from the Holy Land in the middle of the 4th century. 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 […] Previous 1 … 4 5 6 … 6 Next