I gave the homily at Holy Mass yesterday morning. I always prepare a homily, though I rarely deliver one. As our Prime Bishop has told us – always be prepared.

After Mass one of our most faithful and devout parishioners came up to me and told me how much he appreciated the homily. He told me: “You sounded just like Fulton Sheen.” I naturally thanked him – and I think I had a kind of shocked look on my face – because he followed up by saying he meant it.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard an episode of Life is Worth Living all the way through. Typically I’ve caught re-runs on EWTN late at night. I start watching and then I fall asleep in front of the television. Who knows – maybe something seeped in.

My mom always appreciated Bishop Sheen’s words. Like many Catholics of her generation, she took pride in Catholics that did well in the public arena (John F. Kennedy) or defended and taught the faith (Bishop Sheen).

I thank our parishioner for his kind words and for helping me feel close to my mom.