From Bishop Thomas Tobin of Rhode Island:
Brothers and sisters, we’re living in an age of lists. Just surf the internet and you’ll find a list about almost any conceivable topic – some serious, some silly, and some downright bizarre. For example, in just a ten-minute search of a couple of websites, I found the following lists: 18 ways your phone has ruined your life; 17 memes for anyone who dislikes children; 13 bizarre things you can do with a can of Coke; 6 ways you’ve been grilling your chicken all wrong; and 5 reasons to stop drinking through a straw. So, as my personal contribution to popular culture, here follows my list of “10 Really Cool Things About Being Catholic.” Confession. One of the really cool things about being a Catholic is the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or Confession, as it’s popularly known. Confession is a spiritual powerhouse. It provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge our faults and failures, hear the words of forgiveness, and then set out on a new beginning. Saying we’re sorry and starting over – it’s something we all need to do once-in-awhile. The Rosary. Saint John Paul said that the Rosary “is a prayer of great significance, destined to bring forth a harvest of holiness,” and indeed it has. A prayer unique to Catholics, the Rosary combines meditation on the lives of Jesus and Mary with the recitation of familiar prayers. Through the centuries the Rosary has strengthened Christians going into battle, brought families together, and comforted devout Catholics in times of crisis. The Rosary – so simple, so powerful, and so Catholic! Popes. “Is the Pope Catholic?” Of course the Pope is Catholic, and the papacy is one of the most identifiable marks of the Catholic Church. When a new pope is being chosen, the whole world watches for the white smoke and awaits the announcement from the balcony. When the Pope travels massive crowds turn out to see him. And who isn’t familiar with the little popemobile winding its way through the frenzied crowd? While each pope has his own personality and priorities, Catholics love their “bishop in white.”
See what else is on his list here.
And today we celebrate...