Mary Powers's Posts
The calling of St. Matthew
The French national parish of Rome (San Luigi dei Francesi) contains three priceless paintings by Michelangelo Caravaggio (1571–1610) known collectively as the Matthew Cycle. The three paintings depict, respectively, the… Read More
Rev. William O’Connell 1927 – 2024
Father William O’Connell passed away peacefully at his home in Moss Beach, at the age of 97.
“The Double Lifting Up that Is the Way to Heaven”
Homily for Ordination to the Diaconate for the Order of Preachers, September 14, 2024, St. Dominic’s Church, San Francisco
Statement by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone following in-Court Survivor Statement Hearings
This week, as part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, I attended two in-court listening sessions for survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated by priests and lay people exercising ministry in… Read More
Archbishop Cordileone: City’s first responders are an example of servant leadership
The annual Police-Fire-Sheriff Mass originated as a way to honor the firefighters who lost their lives during the 1946 Herbert Hotel Fire and continues to honor all first responders.
Red Mass seeks blessing and guidance for those in the legal profession
By Mary Powers In a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, members of the legal profession gather at the beginning of each court year for the annual Red Mass,… Read More
Let us fast on Ember Days for priestly vocations
By Rev. Vincent Woo, J.C.D. The content of this piece is drawn from Father Vincent Woo’s article titled “Historical Development of the Times of Ordinations: A Proposal to Revitalize Ember Saturday… Read More
St. Francis of Assisi: 800th anniversary of the stigmata
The stigmata are not so important for what they tell us about St. Francis but what they reveal about Jesus Christ and the place of His Gospel in our lives.
In times of sorrow, turn to Our Lady
The Church traditionally dedicates the month of September to Our Lady of Sorrows, a title given to Mary that recalls the deep sorrows she felt as she witnessed the passion… Read More
“First Responders and the Virtues of Servant Leadership”
Homily for the Annual Police-Fire-Sheriff Mass, September 8, 2024; St. Cecilia Church
Catholic Schools: Sowing seeds of hope
Column for the September 2024 issue of Catholic San Francisco magazine.
A conversation with Chris Fisher
Get to know our new superintendent of Catholic Schools