Alaska Bound

For my summer vacation, I will be making a trip to Alaska.  While it’s the exact opposite of fun in the sun, I’ve always had a great interest in largest state in the Union.  Eskimos have also been a source of fascination for me.  What kid wouldn’t want to live in an igloo?

(Seminarian-made igloo during a big snowstorm in 2010.)

I realize these stereotypes might be a bit ridiculous.  I know that there’s more to Alaska than that.  But I’ve always wondered how an Eskimo would cook without melting down their house. Well, obviously, I’ll learn all about it soon!

(The inside of the igloo and the carving knife that made it.)

If there is a stereotype that I’m particularly looking forward to experiencing, it’s the fresh Alaskan salmon.  One of my favorite types of fish, I’ll be very interested in tasting it authentically prepared.

(Salmon fillet with capers – my mom’s recipe that combines oil, herbs, and capers over a baked salmon.)

But, for now, I’d like to get some viewers’ feedback.  As I normally share my travel suggestions, I now turn to you to share your experiences with me.  Have you ever been to Alaska?  Tell me where I should eat while in Anchorage and surrounding cities?  Do you have any other recommendations (restaurants, off-the-beaten-path tourist spots, fun things to do, and, of course, religious spots to visit) for this faithful foodie’s incredible adventure?

(We all love a little adventure, and God made this world for us to master it and enjoy it.)

I’ll be sure to blog about my experiences or at least update my Twitter and facebook page.  So stay tuned.

(Spelunking in the Philippines.  Yes, more adventure!)

Father in Heaven, as families begin to prepare for summer vacations and travels, bless us with a great sense of adventure and a humility so that we travel as humble pilgrims – willing to learn and grow in our knowledge of different places, while expanding our faith by experiencing You in these new experiences.  Above all, keep us safe!  May our summer travel plans help us to be recreated, to renew our appreciation and love for each other, and to be filled with awe of the wonderful world you created.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(It’s Montana, not Alaska, but I’ll see the Alaskan mountains soon!)

Where will you and your family go on vacation?  What has been your favorite vacation spot?  Have there been any unique foods you’ve encountered in your travels?  Have you experienced a renewal of faith in your journeys?  And do you have any Alaska recommendations?  Your comments and suggestions are not only helpful but encouraging.  Thanks for posting your responses below.

(Even more adventure!)

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“Menu Inspiration” gives subscribers exclusive access to original and inspired recipes from Fr. Leo Patalinghug, host of the movement – Grace Before Meals.  If you try this recipe, let us know what you think.  If you have a special recipe that inspires the family to come together more regularly, please share it with us and our faithful foodie community.  Pictures of your food surrounded by your family and friends are always welcome!  Post your comments below.

Mother’s Day Menu

Mother’s Day is not a religious holiday – a “holy day of obligation.”  But, in America, there is a sense of an obligation: to make sure that we thank God for our mothers.  I certainly notice an increased number of people who accompany their moms to church on that day.

(Me with my mother always making sure I’m cooking it the right way, i.e., her way – with love, that is.)

Moms are a special part of our Grace Before Meals movement.  I tell people at retreats and conferences that from the moment we were conceived in our mother’s womb, we have had a great food advocate in our moms.  Our belly buttons, designed by God, symbolically connect a child to a loving mom who, by her very nature, concerns herself with feeding her child.

(Moms with children at the table – a labor of love – which is why I was cooking for these moms that morning at St. John Catholic Church in 2007.)

What a great gift we have in mothers!  That’s probably why Jesus established His Church that truly honors His own mother, Mary!

(Our Lady of Perpetual Help – National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Emmitsburg, Maryland. )

In preparing for Mother’s Day, consider a special meal that returns the favor.  Be sure to give her a delicious meal.  But also assure her that you are also being well fed, especially spiritually, by going to church. Don’t go just for her, but also for yourself.  She’ll never be prouder of you!

(Group of teens at Steubenville on the Bayou Retreat going to Confession on their own without mom reminding them of their spiritual obligations.  Mom would be proud of them.  I was, and I didn’t even know them!)

Moms know that feeding our hungry souls is ultimately God’s job.  But thank God everyday and not just one day a year, for our own mothers who were willing to feed us the moment that God decided to give us a belly button.

(Young couple from Steubenville on the Bayou Retreat.  They were pregnant with their first child, hence, my pointing to the life within!)

Let Us Pray: Lord, bless our mothers.  Keep them close to Your heart.  Give to us, her children, a profound gratitude and respect for her gift of womanhood and motherhood.  May we, as children of the Church, experience the maternal presence of our Blessed Mother, so that we can truly be brothers and sisters of Jesus, our Lord, forever and ever.  Amen.

(A Statue of Our Lady of the Nations. )

Here’s a menu idea that I’m sure your mom would love:
Breakfast in Bed.

Make all of the traditional breakfast foods that your mom loves.  Present a plate of eggs, bacon, and buttered toast, but also add a cup of fresh berries in a delicious, sweet lemon cream sauce. This makes for a nice standalone dish or a fantastic and unique topping over French toast or pancakes!

(Mixed berries with sweet cream. Click picture to access recipe! )

Happy Mother’s Day to all!  Tell us what you love most about your mother.  Tell us what’s the best thing she has fed you – physically and spiritually.  Your comments are great witness for us.  They encourage us to keep doing what we’re doing.  Please post your comments below.

(Love you mom! )

This week’s episode:

Fr. Leo’s Favorite Comfort Foods

Hospitality to those in need is an important tenet of the Catholic faith. Fr. Leo shares his family upbringing in which his parents opened their home to those in need. He shows how a magnificent meal can be extended to include unanticipated guests without breaking the family budget.

Be sure to watch this week’s episode of “Savoring the Faith” on EWTN this Sunday at 8:30pm EST.

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Posted in Menu Inspiration, Recipe, Recipe-Sauce | 4 Comments »

Tastefully Truthful

This week, I want to talk about a challenge for people who love food and God.  I call them faithful foodies.  How do you make truth taste good?

(Recent taping on the set at FOX 45 Baltimore, promoting the Baltimore Health Expo 2012.  Healthy food doesn’t always taste as good as the not-so-good-for-you foods. This TV spot gave us a chance to build up flavor and our movement. )

In the culinary world, food should be pure, clean, and fresh tasting.  Salad ought to taste like lettuce and vegetables and not be overwhelmed by heavy salad dressing.  If we are eating fish, it shouldn’t taste like chicken nuggets, like most breaded seafood.  Masking the authentic flavors is a big no-no in the modern food world.  Manipulating ingredients – salt, pepper, oil, vinegar – to highlight natural flavors separates novices from top chefs.

(House salad at ABC Kitchen in NYC.  Rising star executive chef Dan Kluger is known for bringing out great flavor from simple ingredients.  For example, the carrots took on a whole new meaning when perfectly caramelized.  Dressing for the salad was so light, you could taste freshness. )

Wouldn’t that be wonderful if we had that same attitude and skill towards proclaiming the truth?  But in a world when political correctness is like another form of religion with its own set of dogmas (we have to be inclusive; we can’t say this; we always have to say that, etc.), we tend to manipulate the truth in such a way that we distort and, in some cases, destroy it.. This is especially the case with language about protecting the dignity of human life!  But in these challenging times, we also have to recognize that our objective is not to cover up the beauty of truth but to understand and manipulate the other factors, like ingredients, to highlight the beauty of it and make the bitter truth more palatable.

(With the Sungenis Family after Easter Sunday Mass at St. Louis Church in Clarksville, Maryland.  Listen to part of my homily.  The grand finish unfortunately got cut off on YouTube. )

Don’t feel guilty about doing that.  When proclaiming the truth, we have to be as smart as parents who top broccoli with little buttered breadcrumbs or incorporate cream and cheese with some spinach to help kids to eat it.

(With my new goddaughter, Lillian Hickey, to be baptized on Mother’s Day. I have to make sure she is spiritually fed.  That’s what godparents do. )

You get the point.  Jesus certainly understood the art of making eternal truths bite-sized and appetizing.  People came in droves just to savor some of the crumbs that would fall from the Master’s table.

(The Last Supper)

Each May 2, the Universal Church celebrates St. Athanasius who struggled to learn how to present the truth.  It wasn’t easy for him.  He was a fiery speaker with a temper. Other religious leaders even sought his death. To his credit, he volunteered his own exile, but continued to teach through writings and debates and taught creative and engaging classes to a growing number of students.  Eventually he won over hearts and minds of his enemies, similar to the way parents eventually get children to eat their vegetables.

(With a crew of really “tough guys” at the Youth Spectacular held at the Fairgrounds for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas. )

Today, St. Athanasius provides a unique example for faithful foodies – people interested in proclaiming truth unmasked but creatively prepared and beautifully presented.  There will always be detractors and hostility towards the Faith.  However, our good example will at least get them to appreciate what we hold dearly as uncompromising truths, even if they don’t agree with or fully understand us.  Using a cooking example, I still don’t enjoy eating liver, but I realize that different forms of preparation make it a bit more palatable.

Depending on how it’s prepared, I can accept liver in bite-sized portions.  With a maturing palate, I can also appreciate those who have a penchant for it.

(One of the dishes that will be featured in the upcoming book, “Spicing Up Married Life.” )

By our good example, our evident joy in celebrating the sanctity of life, and by developing the skill to present the truth of our faith more joyfully, we can win over hearts and minds of people.  Maybe they won’t eat up everything we’re serving, but, at the very least, they can learn to nibble on bite-sized truth.

Let Us Pray: Father in Heaven, make us instruments of Your peace and grace. When we get frustrated about how people reject the beauty of truth, may our patient example inspire us to present it more creatively to win them over.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Jack Belby, from St. Mary’s Church in Hudson, Ohio, a master at milkshakes.)

Do you have a technique that helps your children eat something they don’t like?  What is the food that you just can’t stand eating?  Was there a food that you eventually began to appreciate when you matured or at least learned better ways to prepare it?  Your comments encourage our movement and tell us that you are being fed by these Blasts.  Please post your comments and questions below. 

This week’s episode:Soup-er Foods

With all its warmth and flavor, soup can be a one-pot wonder. Fr. Leo shows how just as water can transform some simple ingredients into a tasty dish, it also transforms our lives in washing away sin at our baptism.

Be sure to watch this week’s episode of “Savoring the Faith” on EWTN this Sunday at 8:30pm EST.

May 7-8, 2012

The National Conference For Catechetical Leadership

Town & Country Resort

500 Hotel Circle North

San Diego, California 92108

Contact: Lee Nagel

Website: www.nccl.us

Wednesday, May 9-10

Fr. Leo to speak to the Military Catholic Council of Women and Youth at Fort Belvoir, VA

Contact: CH. Kristi Pappas

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Posted in Audio, Dinner Discussion, Events, Grace Before Meals, Prayers, Savoring Our Faith, Spicing Up Married Life | 1 Comment »

From the Feedbag normally means that I would answer some questions that people send to me. Thank you for sending me your question and comments. I promise, I’ll try and answer them either personally or in these upcoming e-mails. Thanks also for your patience. I’ll admit, I don’t have the greatest amount of patience, which is why I’m not much of a baker – it takes great patience. Click here to submit questions or comments.

BBQ & Rising from the Dead

(Me with my baking instructor at Baking Arts in San Francisco.)

In this e-mail blast, I had to share this story that was sent to me from a subscriber.  It’s about how a priest, Fr. Higgins, witnessed someone coming back to life!

(Lourdes, France.  Stations of the Cross – the stone that covered Jesus’ tomb is rolled back.  His tomb is empty!  Alleluia.)

The following is the exact text Fr. Higgins posted on his website.

(From the Food Network show –  grilling up some fajita flank steaks.)

“Who doesn’t enjoy a good BBQ with friends?  When I was asked to a young couple’s home for a Young Adult Ministry Home Mass and BBQ, I packed my Mass kit and off I went.  I arrived about 6:00 pm with a hearty appetite and was greeted by about 15 young people. Then the phone rang, and everything changed.  I had to drive about 10 miles to a hospital where there was an emergency call.

(Jesus is laid in the tomb, Stations of the Cross, Lourdes, France. )

I drove quickly, thinking that the nurse in charge of the ER, Anne, would be waiting for me.  I knew her and her husband and children from the parish.  When I walked in I could see paramedics at the foot of the only occupied gurney there, so I hurried and walked in.  “Sorry, Fr. John, you’re too late. He’s gone,”  Anne said, smiling.  She had a lot of compassion, but also understood that I’d come as fast as I could.  They were removing wires from an older man.  I noticed that he was wearing a Brown Scapular, one of the old cloth ones.  I reached and said “He’s wearing an old fashioned Scapular”.

When I touched it there was a beep from a monitor, then another.  The nurse, Anne, said, “What did you do?” I said, “Nothing!”  She and another nurse jumped to work, reconnecting wires and calling for help.  The Paramedics stood with their jaws dropped.  The patient opened his eyes and said (in an Irish accent)  “Oh, good, Father.  I’ve been waiting for you. I want to go to Confession.”  I nearly fell over.  I’d done nothing but seen and touched his Scapular.

(Healing of the sick and raising of the dead statue.  Lourdes, France.)

The next thing I knew, they were working on him.  He didn’t get to go to Confession, but I gave him an emergency absolution as they worked.  One of the Paramedics asked if I was OK and sat me in a chair.

A couple of weeks later, the man came to me for Confession and told me that the doctor couldn’t figure out what happened and had to tear up the Death Certificate he’d already started to fill out.  The Paramedics had come to see him in the hospital and shown him their notes.  At the bottom of the page, they’d written the time and place of his death and then in big bold letters had added “BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE BY GOD.”

Miracles still happen.  And no, I didn’t do it.  It just happened according to God’s will. Why does He intervene in some cases and not in others?  I really don’t know.  I haven’t figured that out yet.  But I do know that God has worked miracles in my life, the most important for me not being what He did for someone else, but what He has done over and over to bring me back from sin and death, through the Sacraments, into His Covenant Relationship.

( Copy of the pieta, Our Lady of the Universe Church, Orlando, Florida.)

That man still had to die a natural death to be raised from the dead into eternal life.  The Resurrection Jesus offers all of us is eternal too.  And that’s what we look forward to at Easter. Do you think this is a true story?  Is this even possible?

I am not here to give a solemn “yes” or “no,” but who am I to doubt the experience of a brother priest?  I can say that I’ve experienced similar unbelievable stories!  And our Easter Season is all about people dying and coming back to life.  Our Catholic Faith teaches us about how our entire lives are really directed to one important finale – making sure we end this life on a good note!

(Seminarians praying at the tomb of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, Maryland.)

One of the most impressive things about this blog post is that the priest starts off by talking about BBQ and ends up talking about Eternal Life in Christ.  Maybe Fr. Higgins will never eat BBQ the same!

(That’s a lot of fajita flank steaks!  Could I ever get sick of cooking these, or eating these?  Probably, but not anytime soon.)

Let us pray.  Father, we ask You to keep in our hearts and minds the mysteries of the Resurrection.  In times of struggle and temptation, keep our eyes fixed on the eternal life You promise to those who follow You.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(Jesus’ Resurrection.)

Have you heard of fantastic stories like this?  Do you know someone who has received a second chance at life?  If you experienced something like Fr. Higgins experienced, how would you change your life?  Your comments, questions, or concerns encourage us in our important apostolic mission.  Please post your comments below.

This week’s episode: Dessert Days

What child is not enamored with desserts? Fr. Leo and his guest Br. Leo show how to balance a savory meal with a sweet ending any child will love to help make. Fr Leo shows how we need stability in our lives, balancing desert days with dessert days.

Be sure to watch this week’s episode of “Savoring the Faith” on EWTN this Sunday at 8:30pm EST.

When Fr. Leo was in the Philippines, his guide and GBM “Assistant” along the way was David Panlilio, who in addition to promoting Grace Before Meals in the Philippines, does video ministry work for OneBillionStories.com. Be sure to check out his article on Fr. Leo and support this great ministry by checking it out at the http://onebillionstories.com/12271/grace-before-meals-from-philippines-fr-leo/.

If you have more time, you can find out more about David and the OneBillionStories.com teams across the world by going to http://onebillionstories.com.

Saturday, April 28

The Archdiocese of Newark, NJ Presents: Youth Ministers/YouthWork Conference,

Archdiocesan Youth Center

499 Belgrove Dr

Kearny NJ 07032

Contact: Richard Donovan – donovari@rcan.org

Website: http://www.newarkoym.com/index.cfm?load=page&page=232

Sunday, April 22

Diocese of Corpus Christi Youth Spectacular Event (High School)

1213 Terry Shamsie Robstown, TX 78380

Contact: Jaime Reyna -jreyna@diocesecc.org

Website: http://www.diocesecc.org/index.cfm?load=event&event=109

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Posted in Easter, From the Feedbag, Grace Before Meals, Savoring Our Faith, Video | 3 Comments »

A Spiritual Bouquet – of Herbs!

During this past Lent, I had the pleasure of preaching masses and giving a parish presentation at a cluster of churches in the Avalon, New Jersey, area.  (See Msgr. John Frey’s comments at the end of the bulletin announcement.)  Because of my busy schedule next year, I’m cutting back on missions.  As always, I meet fantastic people along the way.

(Me with the Pastor and his staff at St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, Jersey Shore.)

At this event, one of the organizers told me about a woman named Dorothea Angelou who really wanted to meet me.  She had seen me on TV, was very familiar with our Grace Before Meals movement, and for lack of a better word described herself as a “fan.”

(OK, maybe he’s not a fan, but a really good salesman!  Thanks to the priests, deacons, and parishioners of St. Mary’s Hudson, OH, for a great mission!)

As an aside, I have officially changed the name of “fan” to “fam” – which is a shorter version of the word “family.”  It also has part of the Italian word “fame,” which means hungry – a fitting word to describe supportive members and followers for our movement.

Thank you to all for being such great “fams” to our movement.  You can learn more at our Facebook page and Twitter.

(When St. Mary’s Hudson advertised the parish mission, they went BIG, which helped draw huge crowds of hungry participants.)

Now, back to the story.

When Dorothea learned that I was booked to speak at her parish, she was ecstatic!  According to her caregiver, she really wanted to meet me and have me sign her book and visit her herb garden.  However, Dorothea was called home to the Lord. She died on December 30, 2011 –about 2 months shy of my arrival.

Her friends tell me that she was adopted. She never married, but she spent her whole life lovingly close to the Lord.  She was also a spiritual mother, working with mentally-disabled children and adults at a state-sponsored school.  Dorothea was a talented artist, an avid gardener, and a gifted wood carver specializing in birds.  She was also a fantastic cook, spending much of her time in one of the three Greek restaurants that her adopted father owned in Northern New Jersey. As a big foodie, she loved watching cooking shows.  Then one day, I show up on her television, and she became an instant “fam!”

(Members of St. Mary’s seminary in Cleveland, OH (Left to right: Fr. Damian Ference, Fr. Mark Latocovich, Sr. Brendon, Zajac, Fr. Kevin Elbert, Associate Pastor of St. Mary’s Hudson).  The Academic Dean, Fr. Mark Latcovich, is also a faithful foodie.  He organizes major dinners and teaches seminarians how to prepare gourmet meals for the entire community!)

Dorothea’s caregiver told me this beautiful story of a wonderful and holy soul. It almost brought tears to my eyes.  It especially touched me when her friends went to her garden and supplied me with a tremendous amount of fresh herbs, which she wanted to give to me personally.

(A spiritual herb bouquet.)

These herbs – a true spiritual bouquet – give new meaning to the idea of connecting food to memories.  Now, whenever I use some of Dorothea’s rosemary, sage, or thyme, I’ll smile contently knowing that her good life, her strong faith, and her devotion to goodness and beauty, especially in service to the needs of God’s special children, will certainly be rewarded with a heavenly feast.

Normally, I write a faithful foodie adventure post about a restaurant recommendation or a food experience worth sharing.  The story of Dorothea Angelou, however, reminds me that the best faithful foodie adventures occur when you experience a meal with a message that touches your heart and soul.

I never tasted any of Dorothea’s cooking, but I can tell you that hearing about Dorothea’s life, her love for the culinary world, the depth of her faith, and her care for God’s special children left an impression that made me want to savor that moment.

(Oven toasted ciabatta bread seasoned with rosemary, salt, pepper, a light dusting of parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.)

I will certainly use her herbs in future meals.  As we are called to remember Jesus at the Sacred Meal, I will certainly remember Dorothea for the spiritual bouquet of herbs she provided me, which will make any meal special.

Let us pray: Father, thank You for bringing wonderful people along my path as we promote this apostolate to strengthen families around the dinner table.  In a special way, I pray for Dorothea’s family and friends, her church community, and those who mourn the loss of this simple, but beautiful, soul.  May her example of faith, friendship, and family inspire us to care for God’s special children.  May the example of her adoption by her parents show the world that every life is a precious gift.  And may she rest in Your love and peace and continue to bring growth in God’s garden here on Earth.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Image of The Last Supper by James Jacques Joseph Tissot, reproduced for the parish of Epiphany in Normal, Illinois, by artist Alberto Diaz Chamizo from Madrid, Spain.)

Do you have a particular meal that reminds you of a special person in your life? 

Do you have any secrets to help an herb garden grow, especially for someone like me who can’t seem to make any plant stay alive?  What is your favorite herb to plant and use for cooking?  Your ideas, questions, and comments help us spread our message to the world, so please post your comments below.

UPDATE: Our Grace Before Meals movement continues to grow, in part because of the different presentations that Fr. Leo gives around the country and the world.  That means more and more families are spending quality time together around their table and around the Lord’s table.  To book and event, parish mission, presentation, lecture, or cooking demonstration, please try and book one year in advance.  We are constantly receiving invitations that we have to turn down because Fr. Leo’s schedule is already booked.  In the future, parish missions during Lent and Advent will be reduced to only one mission per season.  So, if you want to book this incredible parish mission opportunity, please book in advance.  Other presentations, such as weekend retreats, presentations, and lectures, are more flexible, since these do not affect his primary work at Mount St. Mary’s University and Seminary. 

Be sure to watch this week’s episode of “Savoring the Faith” on EWTN this Sunday at 8:30pm EST.

Sunday, April 22

Diocese of Corpus Christi Youth Spectacular Event-1213 Terry Shamsie Robstown, TX 78380

Contact: Jaime Reyna -jreyna@diocesecc.org

Monday, April 23

Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women-
4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17105 US

Contact: Bonnie Onomastico -vonomastico@comcast.net

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Posted in Faithful Foodie, Grace Before Meals, Prayers, Savoring Our Faith | 8 Comments »

Happy Eat-ster!

Easter Sunday has given you permission to indulge (not over-indulge) in those delicacies that you gave up for Lent. It’s interesting that a Happy Easter has become somewhat synonymous with being a happy eater!

(As usual, I gave up chocolate for Lent.)

Here’s a link for one of the simplest chocolate mousse recipes ever!

I firmly believe that food and faith go hand-in-hand! And those who eat well can also celebrate Easter well. In fact, the Scriptures confirm this relationship between a happy Easter and a happy eater!

(A Candy Bar “at Gertrude’s Restaurant in Baltimore. Here’s a link for the Culinary Confession that I wrote for Gertrude’s.)

After the Resurrection, Jesus revealed Himself to His apostles around a meal. Consider the upper room, when Jesus walked through the locked doors, greeted His fearful disciples with the word, “Peace,” and then made the request, “Do you have anything to eat?” (John 20:19). Again, at the road to Emmaus, two friends experienced a supernatural revelation of Christ through the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:13). Finally, we see Jesus at the shore preparing breakfast for the disciples who were up all night trying to catch fish, as a reminder that Jesus wants them to be fishers of men (John 21).

( Me with some seminarians at the Archdiocese of Cleveland and the crazy/fun youth minister at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson, Ohio. This one parish has about 7-8 young men studying for the priesthood – from ONE parish!)

Yes, Christ is very concerned with food for our faith. That is why He gives us food for everlasting Life!

(The back view of the Main Altar of St. Patrick’s Church in NYC, on Palm Sunday 2012.)

In this Easter Season, continue the celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection around the table of the Lord, and extend that blessing around your family’s table. Click here for some delicious Easter Celebration Meals.

(My little cousin in search of more Easter Eggs!)

Let Us Pray: Father in Heaven, we thank You for the glorious Resurrection of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. May His rising from the dead give us the Grace to rise above our pettiness, sins, and lack of faith. Teach us what it means to live a new life in Christ, as we sing and rejoice in the victory of the Lamb. Amen! Alleluia!

(The Missionaries of Charity at their Easter celebration 2011.)

How did you celebrate Easter with your family? Do you have a special tradition that you’d like to share? What is your favorite Easter menu? Do you have any comments, questions, or concerns that will help us do a better job in serving you? Your responses and posts are very important to us, so please post your comments below.

(Signs of New Life!)

(Listen to my Easter Meditation Homily on Youtube)

Click the picture to listen to my Easter Meditation homily I gave this Easter. I address the power of New Life when people seek out and meet Jesus Christ, and reveal why I’m going Easter egg hunting….but seriously, it is very much worth a listen. Leave a comment beneath the video.

Be sure to watch this week’s episode of “Savoring the Faith” on EWTN this Sunday at 8:30pm EST.

Friday, April 13

Respect Life Benefit Dinner @Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford IL

Contact: Laura Christianson (815) 399-4300 x 381

Saturday, April 14

Respect Life Benefit Dinner @ Elgin Community College University and Business Center Elgin, IL

Contact: Laura Christianson (815) 399-4300 x 381

Sunday, April 15

Fr. Leo’s Grace Before Meals presentation and Mass @ The Spiritual Center of Maria Stein 2356 St. Johns Rd. Maria Stein, OH 45860

Contact : Robin Goettemoeller (419) 925-7625

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Posted in Audio, Culinary Confessions, Easter, Events, Grace Before Meals, Holiday, Menu Inspiration, Prayers, Recipes, Savoring Our Faith, Video | No Comments »