Father Glenn Comandini | The Catholic Spirit
Many Catholics are still ambivalent about confession. In conversing with some Catholic adults, I was astonished to hear how people were reluctant to go to confession because they do not remember the words used in the confessional. These adults are … Continue reading →
In this column, I thought that I would address a dilemma, which many of us, who have loved ones with a terminal disease or irreversible condition, face: “When is it ethical to withhold or withdraw nutrition and hydration?” The problem … Continue reading →
In light of the laicization of Theodore Mc-Carrick, some Catholics whose children or grandchildren were baptized or confirmed are wondering if the sacraments administered by McCarrick are still valid. “Must these individuals be re-baptized or reconfirmed?” Many couples who asked … Continue reading →
In praying the Litany of Loreto, one of the titles ascribed to Mary is “Ark of the Covenant.” We find this title used in I Chronicles: 15:3-4,15-16 and 16:1-2. In this Scripture, the human author, in concert with the divine … Continue reading →
October is the month of the rosary. A meditative prayer that has long been a part of Catholic piety has been for many of us an effective means to diminishing anxiety. Despite the current craze surrounding coloring mandalas or practicing … Continue reading →
We pause each year to remember victims, families of 9/11
On September 11, 2001, we can all remember where we were when the Twin Towers crumbled. We can recall vividly how horrified we were as we watched on television the videotaped images of the towers as they collapsed, as people … Continue reading →
In a couple of weeks, volunteers from the pews of every parish will begin their first class of religious education as we do all things: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” … Continue reading →
St. Maximilian Kolbe, born near Lodz in Poland and ordained a Franciscan in 1918, had the conviction that the world was going through a time of intense spiritual crisis. As such, Christians, he believed, were called to fight for the … Continue reading →
Relatively nothing is known of St. James the Great’s early life, though it has been accepted by most scholars that he was the son of Zebedee and Salome and brother of Apostle John. The Church appended the title “Great” to … Continue reading →
Last month, Erin Friedlander, director, diocesan Office of Communications and Public relations, and I attended the annual Catholic Media Conference hosted by the Catholic Press Association in Green Bay, Wisc. In attendance were those in communications, which includes broadcast journalism … Continue reading →
Recently, I had brought my vehicle to a car wash. As I passed through the various stages of wash, rinse and dry, I encountered a young Asian-Indian man who approached me. He asked for my prayers because his family is … Continue reading →
In 17th Century France, the religious climate was clouded by the negative influence of the Jansenists. Jansen, a morbid cleric, taught the doctrine of double-predestination, which holds that certain people, arbitrarily, are destined to heaven, while others are destined to … Continue reading →
Since this weekend is “World Day of Prayer for Vocations,” I would like to address this column to our young men and women in the Diocese of Metuchen. “Men, have you ever considered the possibility that Jesus is calling you … Continue reading →
John’s account of the empty tomb differs greatly from the earlier traditions. It is clear that for the earliest Church, Resurrection faith was grounded, not on the discovery of the empty tomb but in the post-Resurrection appearances of the glorified … Continue reading →
Uniqueness of liturgy recalls earliest Christian worship
From the earliest times, the liturgy of Good Friday was quite simple. The altar is bare because, before Communion, it was just this way in the Church of the early Christians. Before the opening prayer, the priests do not genuflect … Continue reading →
Laetare on route to Calvary, paradox of faith-filled life
This weekend, the Church summons her children to “rejoice,” whence the Latin name given to the Fourth Sunday of Lent: Laetare Sunday. To communicate this reprieve from penance, the priest may wear Rose colored vestments. Typically the Sundays of Lent … Continue reading →
Why is it that so many adults, like me, enjoy cartoons? My favorites include the whole gamut of Loony Tunes, from Porky Pig to the Road Runner, from Daffy Duck to Bugs Bunny, from Foghorn Leghorn to Yosemite Sam. Cartoons, … Continue reading →
One way to surrender ourselves to Christ thereby acknowledging his supreme dominion is through adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This devotion to Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist is a tangible way to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ. When we kneel … Continue reading →
Samuel would become one of the great prophets of Judaism; yet, in the early stages of his faith journey, he confused the voice of the Lord with the voice of his teacher, Eli. Samuel had the ability to hear the … Continue reading →
I was watching the news one day, and a reporter did a segment on people who approach strangers in stores, those who look like they could use some help in buying gifts and paying the bills – and they offer … Continue reading →
In December, children in France learn about “La Pastorale,” the French account of Christmas. While the story and the characters of La Pastorale originated in Provence, homes, convents, rectories and churches in every province are decorated with a clay Nativity … Continue reading →
Here we are again at the beginning of another Advent. Now we begin a new Church year and a new cycle of readings from the Lectionary. It seems that the key word in any new year is “cycle” because we … Continue reading →
Year after year, the Gospel is proclaimed with authority and believed in faith – some of us even know the words by heart. But why must we repeat the proclamation, since, in the words of the monk cited earlier, “we’ve … Continue reading →
By Father Glenn J. Comandini Veterans’ Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was established in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to commemorate the day when the Treaty of Versailles officially ended the First World War at the 11th hour of … Continue reading →
On October 22, the Church celebrates World Mission Sunday when we remember those men and women who have consecrated their lives to sowing the seeds of the Gospel around the world — by word and by deed. Not only are … Continue reading →
Boys and girls, on Sept. 13, the Church celebrated the feast of a Pastor and a Doctor of the Church by the name of St. John Chrysostom. He lived in the fourth century. John was born in Antioch. After his … Continue reading →
I have had the blessing of having served the diocese as pastor for 22 years. Stationed in three different pastorates, I know first hand the efforts that parish catechetical leaders invest in procuring catechists, the men, women and young adults … Continue reading →
You know, going to school is like taking up residence in a town unto itself. Think about it. For six and one half hours per day, you not only learn here, you live here. As in any town, the inhabitants … Continue reading →
By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD In the encyclical letter of Blessed Paul VI entitled Mysterium Fidei , we are told that the Eucharist is “the font of life that cleanses us, strengthens us to live not for ourselves but … Continue reading →
Theology of the body: Part eight of a nine part series. “For Christians, all the creatures of the material universe find their true meaning in the incarnate Word, for the Son of God has incorporated in his person part of … Continue reading →
By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD In one of his post-Resurrection appearances to the disciples, Jesus comes upon the weary fishermen after a night of having caught nothing. They were not far from the shore, an indication that they were … Continue reading →
Theology of the body: Part seven of a nine part series “Admittedly, Christians have not always appropriated and developed the spiritual treasures bestowed by God upon the Church, where the life of the spirit is not dissociated from the body … Continue reading →
By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke speaks about an angel liberating St. Peter from prison in Jerusalem. Peter’s release is something good. It convinced this disciple that the Lord was indeed at work … Continue reading →
Theology of the body: Part six of a nine part series. “We are always capable of going out of ourselves towards the other. Unless we do this, other creatures will not be recognized for their true worth; we are unconcerned … Continue reading →
By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD The year was 1970. The lyrics of Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water filled the air as we, classmates, were singing from the bleachers of our middle school’s gym, following the reception of … Continue reading →
Theology of the body: Part five of a nine part series …valuing one’s own body in its femininity or masculinity is necessary if I am going to be able to recognize myself in an encounter with someone who is different. … Continue reading →
Rev. Glenn J. Comandini, S.T.D. Back in my day, in preparation for Confirmation, we were given a booklet containing 150 questions and answers, which we had to memorize. Well, when Bishop George W. Ahr arrived in his stretch limousine, accompanied … Continue reading →
Theology of the body: Part four of a nine part series Learning to accept our body, to care for it and to respect its fullest meaning, is an essential element of any genuine human ecology. (Pope Francis, “Laudato Si’,” … Continue reading →
Theology of the Body: Part three of a nine part series The acceptance of our bodies as God’s gift is vital for welcoming and accepting the entire world as a gift from the Father and our common home, whereas … Continue reading →
Theology of the Body: Part two of a nine part series “It is enough to recognize that our body itself establishes us in a direct relationship with the environment and with other living beings.” (Pope Francis, “Laudato Si’,” pa. 155) … Continue reading →
“Theology of the body” was made a popular topic in Catholic circles by the writing of St. John Paul II. It is still a relevant subject as evidenced by Pope Francis, who alludes to the negative effect an inaccurate understanding … Continue reading →
There may be a little ‘Nicodemus’ in all of us
Father Glenn J. Comandini, S.T.D. Nicodemus appears only in the Gospel of John (Jn 3:1-16). He represents a group of people of good will, who look favorably toward Jesus. Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a teacher come from God. In fact, … Continue reading →
Part Three: Healing through supportive relationships Last year, I received a phone call from the hospital. A nurse asked me to come and console the parents whose baby just died in the emergency room. Given the information received on the … Continue reading →
Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD As the Jubilee Year of Mercy came to a close on the feast of Christ the King, the enthusiasm of this extraordinary homage to divine mercy seems to have diminished among us, Catholics. What … Continue reading →
As the Jubilee Year of Mercy came to a close on the feast of Christ the King, the enthusiasm of this homage to divine mercy seems to have diminished among us, Catholics. What did we receive from observing the extraordinary … Continue reading →
Martyrdom a question on God’s justice
Imagine what life was like for Paul Miki, a native Japanese vocation to the Jesuits who, in the 16th century, made inroads in preaching the Gospel to his Japanese brothers and sisters. Catholicism was a threat to the Shinto and … Continue reading →
As we remember the day on which the Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973, we certainly acknowledge that abortion is wrong, that it is a sin, that it is tantamount to homicide in the … Continue reading →
Father Glenn Comandini | The Catholic Spirit
Many Catholics are still ambivalent about confession. In conversing with some Catholic adults, I was astonished to hear how people were reluctant to go to confession because they do not remember the words used in the confessional. These adults are … Continue reading →
In this column, I thought that I would address a dilemma, which many of us, who have loved ones with a terminal disease or irreversible condition, face: “When is it ethical to withhold or withdraw nutrition and hydration?” The problem … Continue reading →
In light of the laicization of Theodore Mc-Carrick, some Catholics whose children or grandchildren were baptized or confirmed are wondering if the sacraments administered by McCarrick are still valid. “Must these individuals be re-baptized or reconfirmed?” Many couples who asked … Continue reading →
In praying the Litany of Loreto, one of the titles ascribed to Mary is “Ark of the Covenant.” We find this title used in I Chronicles: 15:3-4,15-16 and 16:1-2. In this Scripture, the human author, in concert with the divine … Continue reading →
October is the month of the rosary. A meditative prayer that has long been a part of Catholic piety has been for many of us an effective means to diminishing anxiety. Despite the current craze surrounding coloring mandalas or practicing … Continue reading →
We pause each year to remember victims, families of 9/11
On September 11, 2001, we can all remember where we were when the Twin Towers crumbled. We can recall vividly how horrified we were as we watched on television the videotaped images of the towers as they collapsed, as people … Continue reading →
In a couple of weeks, volunteers from the pews of every parish will begin their first class of religious education as we do all things: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” … Continue reading →
St. Maximilian Kolbe, born near Lodz in Poland and ordained a Franciscan in 1918, had the conviction that the world was going through a time of intense spiritual crisis. As such, Christians, he believed, were called to fight for the … Continue reading →
Relatively nothing is known of St. James the Great’s early life, though it has been accepted by most scholars that he was the son of Zebedee and Salome and brother of Apostle John. The Church appended the title “Great” to … Continue reading →
Last month, Erin Friedlander, director, diocesan Office of Communications and Public relations, and I attended the annual Catholic Media Conference hosted by the Catholic Press Association in Green Bay, Wisc. In attendance were those in communications, which includes broadcast journalism … Continue reading →
Recently, I had brought my vehicle to a car wash. As I passed through the various stages of wash, rinse and dry, I encountered a young Asian-Indian man who approached me. He asked for my prayers because his family is … Continue reading →
In 17th Century France, the religious climate was clouded by the negative influence of the Jansenists. Jansen, a morbid cleric, taught the doctrine of double-predestination, which holds that certain people, arbitrarily, are destined to heaven, while others are destined to … Continue reading →
Since this weekend is “World Day of Prayer for Vocations,” I would like to address this column to our young men and women in the Diocese of Metuchen. “Men, have you ever considered the possibility that Jesus is calling you … Continue reading →
John’s account of the empty tomb differs greatly from the earlier traditions. It is clear that for the earliest Church, Resurrection faith was grounded, not on the discovery of the empty tomb but in the post-Resurrection appearances of the glorified … Continue reading →
Uniqueness of liturgy recalls earliest Christian worship
From the earliest times, the liturgy of Good Friday was quite simple. The altar is bare because, before Communion, it was just this way in the Church of the early Christians. Before the opening prayer, the priests do not genuflect … Continue reading →
Laetare on route to Calvary, paradox of faith-filled life
This weekend, the Church summons her children to “rejoice,” whence the Latin name given to the Fourth Sunday of Lent: Laetare Sunday. To communicate this reprieve from penance, the priest may wear Rose colored vestments. Typically the Sundays of Lent … Continue reading →
Why is it that so many adults, like me, enjoy cartoons? My favorites include the whole gamut of Loony Tunes, from Porky Pig to the Road Runner, from Daffy Duck to Bugs Bunny, from Foghorn Leghorn to Yosemite Sam. Cartoons, … Continue reading →
One way to surrender ourselves to Christ thereby acknowledging his supreme dominion is through adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This devotion to Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist is a tangible way to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ. When we kneel … Continue reading →
Samuel would become one of the great prophets of Judaism; yet, in the early stages of his faith journey, he confused the voice of the Lord with the voice of his teacher, Eli. Samuel had the ability to hear the … Continue reading →
I was watching the news one day, and a reporter did a segment on people who approach strangers in stores, those who look like they could use some help in buying gifts and paying the bills – and they offer … Continue reading →
In December, children in France learn about “La Pastorale,” the French account of Christmas. While the story and the characters of La Pastorale originated in Provence, homes, convents, rectories and churches in every province are decorated with a clay Nativity … Continue reading →
Here we are again at the beginning of another Advent. Now we begin a new Church year and a new cycle of readings from the Lectionary. It seems that the key word in any new year is “cycle” because we … Continue reading →
Year after year, the Gospel is proclaimed with authority and believed in faith – some of us even know the words by heart. But why must we repeat the proclamation, since, in the words of t
he monk cited earlier, “we’ve … Continue reading →
By Father Glenn J. Comandini Veterans’ Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was established in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to commemorate the day when the Treaty of Versailles officially ended the First World War at the 11th hour of … Continue reading →
On October 22, the Church celebrates World Mission Sunday when we remember those men and women who have consecrated their lives to sowing the seeds of the Gospel around the world — by word and by deed. Not only are … Continue reading →
Boys and girls, on Sept. 13, the Church celebrated the feast of a Pastor and a Doctor of the Church by the name of St. John Chrysostom. He lived in the fourth century. John was born in Antioch. After his … Continue reading →
I have had the blessing of having served the diocese as pastor for 22 years. Stationed in three different pastorates, I know first hand the efforts that parish catechetical leaders invest in procuring catechists, the men, women and young adults … Continue reading →
You know, going to school is like taking up residence in a town unto itself. Think about it. For six and one half hours per day, you not only learn here, you live here. As in any town, the inhabitants … Continue reading →
By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD In the encyclical letter of Blessed Paul VI entitled Mysterium Fidei , we are told that the Eucharist is “the font of life that cleanses us, strengthens us to live not for ourselves but … Continue reading →
Theology of the body: Part eight of a nine part series. “For Christians, all the creatures of the material universe find their true meaning in the incarnate Word, for the Son of God has incorporated in his person part of … Continue reading →
By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD In one of his post-Resurrection appearances to the disciples, Jesus comes upon the weary fishermen after a night of having caught nothing. They were not far from the shore, an indication that they were … Continue reading →
Theology of the body: Part seven of a nine part series “Admittedly, Christians have not always appropriated and developed the spiritual treasures bestowed by God upon the Church, where the life of the spirit is not dissociated from the body … Continue reading →
By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke speaks about an angel liberating St. Peter from prison in Jerusalem. Peter’s release is something good. It convinced this disciple that the Lord was indeed at work … Continue reading →
Theology of the body: Part six of a nine part series. “We are always capable of going out of ourselves towards the other. Unless we do this, other creatures will not be recognized for their true worth; we are unconcerned … Continue reading →
By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD The year was 1970. The lyrics of Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water filled the air as we, classmates, were singing from the bleachers of our middle school’s gym, following the reception of … Continue reading →
Theology of the body: Part five of a nine part series …valuing one’s own body in its femininity or masculinity is necessary if I am going to be able to recognize myself in an encounter with someone who is different. … Continue reading →
Rev. Glenn J. Comandini, S.T.D. Back in my day, in preparation for Confirmation, we were given a booklet containing 150 questions and answers, which we had to memorize. Well, when Bishop George W. Ahr arrived in his stretch limousine, accompanied … Continue reading →
Theology of the body: Part four of a nine part series Learning to accept our body, to care for it and to respect its fullest meaning, is an essential element of any genuine human ecology. (Pope Francis, “Laudato Si’,” … Continue reading →
Theology of the Body: Part three of a nine part series The acceptance of our bodies as God’s gift is vital for welcoming and accepting the entire world as a gift from the Father and our common home, whereas … Continue reading →
Theology of the Body: Part two of a nine part series “It is enough to recognize that our body itself establishes us in a direct relationship with the environment and with other living beings.” (Pope Francis, “Laudato Si’,” pa. 155) … Continue reading →
“Theology of the body” was made a popular topic in Catholic circles by the writing of St. John Paul II. It is still a relevant subject as evidenced by Pope Francis, who alludes to the negative effect an inaccurate understanding … Continue reading →
There may be a little ‘Nicodemus’ in all of us
Father Glenn J. Comandini, S.T.D. Nicodemus appears only in the Gospel of John (Jn 3:1-16). He represents a group of people of good will, who look favorably toward Jesus. Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a teacher come from God. In fact, … Continue reading →
Part Three: Healing through supportive relationships Last year, I received a phone call from the hospital. A nurse asked me to come and console the parents whose baby just died in the emergency room. Given the information received on the … Continue reading →
Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD As the Jubilee Year of Mercy came to a close on the feast of Christ the King, the enthusiasm of this extraordinary homage to divine mercy seems to have diminished among us, Catholics. What … Continue reading →
As the Jubilee Year of Mercy came to a close on the feast of Christ the King, the enthusiasm of this homage to divine mercy seems to have diminished among us, Catholics. What did we receive from observing the extraordinary … Continue reading →
Martyrdom a question on God’s justice
Imagine what life was like for Paul Miki, a native Japanese vocation to the Jesuits who, in the 16th century, made inroads in preaching the Gospel to his Japanese brothers and sisters. Catholicism was a threat to the Shinto and … Continue reading →
As we remember the day on which the Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973, we certainly acknowledge that abortion is wrong, that it is a sin, that it is tantamount to homicide in the … Continue reading →