Pope Francis has called for a Jubilee of Hope in 2025, a significant event for the Catholic Church that aims to inspire and renew faith among believers worldwide. This Jubilee, officially proclaimed through the papal bull “Spes Non Confudit” (“Hope Does Not Disappoint”), will begin with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve 2024 and conclude on January 6, 2026. We here in the Diocese of Brooklyn will begin our celebrations on December 29, 2024 with a special Jubilee Mass celebrated by Bishop Brennan at 11 AM, a procession to St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, and a special Jubilee Mass in Spanish at 1:30 PM.

The Jubilee of Hope is rooted in the tradition of Holy Years, which occur every 25 years, offering a time for spiritual renewal, pilgrimage, and the reception of special graces. Pope Francis has emphasized that this Jubilee is particularly focused on hope, a theme he believes is crucial in today’s world, which is often marked by despair and uncertainty. In his proclamation, Pope Francis highlighted the importance of hope as a transformative force. He urged Catholics to become “pilgrims of hope,” spreading this message through their actions and words. The Pope’s vision for the Jubilee includes not only spiritual renewal but also practical steps towards peace and reconciliation. He has called for a global ceasefire and encouraged governments to consider amnesty and reintegration programs for prisoners, reflecting the historical aspects of Jubilee years that included the forgiveness of debts and the freeing of prisoners.

Continue reading “Pastor’s Commentary – A Jubilee of Hope” →

I will send a farewell letter next week, but I write today with a request to support an upcoming Catholic Charities initiative.

This Sunday is my last Sunday Mass as Pastor. My very last Mass, however, will be this Wednesday, June 28^th at 12:10PM. It is fortuitous but not accidental. My first Mass as Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo was also June 28^th. This was a few days early, but I asked Msgr. LoPinto if I could celebrate it because it is the anniversary of the death of Msgr. Charles Diviney, a former Pastor of St. Charles who was a dear friend and mentor. Msgr. LoPinto graciously consented, and I felt that Charlie was guiding me in my time here. I am happy that I will close my Pastorate on the same day with the hope and prayer that I did not disappoint him.

Among the many things I learned at St. Charles was the critical importance that Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ) plays in the lives of so many people. Our partnership with CCBQ both to the food insecure beginning during the pandemic and welcoming asylum seekers when they were sent to us not only assisted and continues to help many people in need but strengthened our parish in countless ways. This participation developed during unprecedented situations, and we can be proud of our response. The situation has now changed, and we must assess how we can better help our neighbors. We have the unique advantage of being a block away from CCBQ’s administrative offices at 191 Joralemon St and the disadvantage of not having dedicated space for the social services we would like to provide.

Continue reading “Pastor’s Appeal for New Catholic Charities Initiative” →

Below is the letter that Fr. Bill referred to during his homily on the Tuesday morning online Mass on the Feast of St. John Neumann.

From a letter to Cardinal Barnabo by Saint John Neumann, bishop
(Archives of Propaganda Fide, America Centrale, 1858-1860, Vol. XVIII, fol. 386 v. Neumann to Barnabo, October 1858, as quoted in Michael J. Curley, Venerable John Neumann [Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 1950, pp. 325-326].)

I have labored with all my powers to fulfill the duties of my office

The Seven Works of Mercy, Caravaggio, 1607, Pio Monte della Misericordia, Naples
(About this image)

Fr. Smith’s Commentary on the First Reading
Solemnity of Christ the King
Ezekiel 34:11–12, 15–17
November 22, 2020

Our reading this week is from the Prophet Ezekiel who uses a most intimate image of the relationship between the LORD and his people: the shepherd. It is found often throughout the Ancient Near East, but Ezekiel gives it a particular spin. To understand why, we need to look at Ezekiel’s life and times.  

Ezekiel was born about 622 BC in Jerusalem and died about 570 BC in Babylon. The dates and places tell his story. Jerusalem was situated on the trade route between Egypt to the south and whatever power was dominating the north. Never a mighty empire, the Jews were able to play one power off against the other to maintain significant independence for over three centuries.