My Aunt died when she was just 41. Cancer. She was one of the youngest of our Italian side, the beloved of the family. I seem to remember, however, that she found it difficult at times to receive that love, because I recall seeing underneath her smile a sadness. What is this sadness we see in others and sometimes in ourselves?

You may remember that last week, for the Mass of The Assumption, I spoke in my homily about the practice of cremation. I'm sure you will agree that we see cremation more often these days, and so I figured that since the Assumption was a celebration of Our Lady's being taken up into heaven body and soul, then was as good a time as any to bring up the subject. So then, while we're at it, let's start with a word on death.

Hello again, everyone! I'm back from resting with my family for the month of July in the home where I was living when God called me to the priesthood. Everything in their home takes me back to the beginnings of this life I live now with Christ. And in that way, visiting with my parents is an opportunity for me to be renewed and strengthened in my vocation.