Ask Father/Bishop

Was there really a star that led the wise men to Bethlehem?

The second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel relates the journey of the Magi, also known as wise men or kings. We celebrate this event on the solemnity of the Epiphany (January 3 this year).

How can I fruitfully observe the season of Advent?

Advent is a blessed opportunity to become more responsive to the presence of God in our lives. For Advent to be fruitful, it is best for us to observe it as the church intends.

Obscure saints, fine — but feasts for buildings, really?

Yes, this month we celebrate the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (November 9). In a real sense, the cathedral church of Rome is a mother who has been teaching us what it means to be church for more than 1,700 years. It is worth…

Who decided what books should be in the Bible?

What a great question — yet not an easy one to answer. The simplest response would be to say that the Holy Spirit decided. But that doesn’t explain the wonderful way in which the Spirit acted.

Why does the church celebrate obscure saints who aren’t relevant for our contemporary world?

The church celebrates the saints not just because of what they did long ago, but because their example continues to be relevant for our lives today. Even if they lived 2,000 years ago, the gift of faith is timeless, and so is friendship with Jesus.

Am I really called to be a saint? I’m just an ordinary person!

Holiness is God’s invitation for every human being. The Lord created us to know, love and serve him in this life and to be with him forever in eternal life. Accepting the invitation to holiness means letting go of anything that holds us back from giving ourselves to him in…