Today's feast of St. Thomas Aquinas reminds me of the time many decades ago when I bought the 5-volume Summa Theologiae which he wrote. It was in Latin. It was a basic textbook and resource book in our philosophy and theology classes in the seminary. One can not but wonder at the extraordinary intellect of the author who produced it and earned for him the title "the Angelic Doctor." The work is well structured, which helps the student to study and understand the numerous to

Continued . . . Grandpa: So, Joey, when you receive Holy Communion you are eating the Body of Jesus Who is the Lamb of God. Right? Joey: Yes, Grandpa, that is what the priest says when he raises the Host at Mass. He also says "The Body of Christ" when he gives Communion. GP: But why does the priest say that Jesus is the Lamb of God. Was jesus a lamb? J: No, Grandpa. Jesus was not a lamb but He was like a Lamb. Gp: In what way? J: Because the Jews killed lambs and other

Today, Joey, my 8-year-old grandson, wanted to go to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, a 30-minute drive away. Following is part of our conversation in the car: Grandpa: Joey, do you know it's the feast day of your mom today? Joey: Yes, Grandpa, it's the feast of Saint Agnes. G: Good, Joey. Do you know the meaning of Agnes? J: I don't know. G: It means lamb, from the Latin word "agnus," for lamb. J: Okay. G: Your mom said she does not eat lamb. Do you kn

"What name do you give your child?" This is the first question the minister asks the parents of a child to be baptized. The name given by the parents is not one thought of at the spur of the moment but was decided upon after several options were considered beforehand. A name is chosen to honor, for example, a parent, grandparent or another loved one. The Church also suggests names of saints, who are models of a virtuous life. Some names are chosen for the precise meaning they