I learned respect for life from my family. My parents cared for our family, but their care and actions to protect and nurture life extended well beyond the immediate family. The practice of their faith, attendance at Mass, life within their parish, and outreach to the poor taught us the necessity of caring for the…
Forty-eight years ago, on November 4, 1978, I professed my final vows as a Vincentian: poverty, chastity, obedience, and stability (the commitment to remain a Vincentian for life). Over the years, people occasionally ask me which of the vows is the most difficult to live. Each time I am asked that question, I believe the…
As a member of the Congregation of the Mission, or simply the Vincentians, which is the religious community of priests and brothers Saint Vincent de Paul founded in 1625, I am happy to share a little about Saint Vincent with you. But first, let me share my first encounter with this great patron saint of…
(Photo credit for featured image, Tanya Somerville) Today we celebrate the dedication of our new church and the sacrament of Confirmation. Our Confirmandi have dedicated significant time and effort to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. Similarly, all of you have prepared diligently to dedicate this new church, which has risen from the ashes of…
When I was a young boy, I went through a phase of yelling and screaming. My Mother handled it in two ways: ignoring me, hoping that the behavior would pass, or, finally, having had enough when it didn’t pass, she would firmly shout, Andrew, stop it! Just stop it! No explanation was necessary; I recognized…
Friday, May 8th, marked the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV. It is important to pray for our Holy Father and his intentions, especially for his intention for peace and reconciliation in our world: a peace grounded in love and justice. The Gospel Reading on May 8th was from the 15th chapter…
Originally printed in the May 2025 issue Some scholars believe that the saying “the eyes are the windows to the soul” originated in ancient Greece or Rome. Regardless of its origins, this saying has endured over time because it contains elements of truth. I had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis on two occasions. I…
Originally printed in the January 2025 issue The Jubilee Year 2025 is a time of special significance in our faith. It is a Holy Year marked by the hope that does not fade: our hope in God. This year, in particular, is a Jubilee of Hope, a hope for deepening our relationship with God and…
Below is Archbishop Andrew Bellisario’s homily from the synod mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Oct. 17th: Today is a very special day. Together, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we begin the synod preparation process in our Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. Pope Francis inaugurated a two-year preparation process for the 2023…
Pope Francis announced that the next Ordinary Synod of Bishops would take place in October 2023. In preparation for this synod, the Vatican has approved a new three-stage process for the next gathering of the Synod of Bishops. It aims to involve the whole Church at diocesan, national and continental levels. The theme chosen by…