Years ago, as Lent approached, I asked a trusted spiritual counselor what he was going to give up. He gave me a sly grin and said, “I’m giving up giving things up for Lent.”

This Christmas, I hope you are feeling the deep joy of Jesus’ presence. I also pray that you allow that joy to stay with you for many days!

The prayers of the new translation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition have been in use for several weeks now. These Sundays of Advent have been a time of implementation, of “starts and stops,” as presider and assembly have struggled to integrate the new prayers into their prayer at Mass.

As the feast of Saint Anthony (June 13) draws near, my memories go back to Padua where I spent several days in 2014. I had the opportunity to stay for a few days in the large friary of the Conventual Franciscan Friars.

I’m a clean freak. There, I said it. I buy hand sanitizer in bulk, I’m usually within arm’s reach of disinfecting wipes, and I have a deep fondness for color-safe bleach.