Current Issue

Pictured above: In Pontevedra, Jim Mulla stands at an altar beside a pole reportedly used to moor the boat carrying the remains of St. James the Greater to Spain. According to legend, if you toss a coin and it remains in the center of the pole, good things will happen.

Two pilgrims speak about their experiences on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela

Two local men of different ages and stages of life recently walked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, following in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims over the last thousand years or so.

Each chose a different path, for different reasons, and experienced a very personal journey.

4 Lessons Along the Way

By Jim Mulla

Remember the many things we all put on hold when the COVID-19 crisis sprung upon us? Well, recently, after a two-year delay, I was able to check something off of my “bucket list” when I became a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, known simply as the Way.

Actually, you could say that this pilgrimage of mine had been delayed for 44 years. That’s when, as a young Marine, I first read an article about the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. It remained in my mind ever since, and when I retired from my career in law enforcement in 2020, I began shopping for a really good pair of walking shoes. 

The Beauty of Creation Became Obvious

By John Heavisides

The sun's heat was approaching its most oppressive, when I paused to reapply sunscreen. Sheltering beneath the meager shade of one of the few trees in sight, I heaved off my backpack and reclined against the trunk, feeling my pulse begin to settle.

This stretch of the Camino – a millennia-old network of pilgrimage trails leading to the Cathedral of Saint James in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela – had more in common with a dry Kansan prairie than it did with the verdant Basque mountains
I had left behind the week prior.

Want to learn more about these men's pilgrimages? Please click here to learn how you and your parish can receive Parable.

Take a ‘ Road Trip Pilgrimage’

Father Josh Livingston and Raul Botha bring viewers on short pilgrimages throughout the Diocese.

Whether you fly, walk, ride or even drive, pilgrimages can be a transformative experience.
It’s not the distance, or even the method of travel that makes a trip spiritual — it’s the journey and intention behind it.

For those of you thinking about spiritual outings with a desire to stay close to home, you may wish to check out the “Road Trip Pilgrimage” series, available on the Diocese of Manchester’s YouTube channel.

Want to learn more the Road Trip Pilgrimages?  Please click here to learn how you and your parish can receive Parable

Why are Catholic Funeral Rites Different?

Dear Father Kerper, At 75, I find myself at lots of funerals — some Catholic, others not. No two funerals seem alike. I have two questions. First, is a celebration of life the same as a funeral Mass? Second, are eulogies and homilies the same?

Your two questions arise as the Catholic response to death undergoes immense change. Until about 60 years ago, most Catholics followed the same routine: open-casket wake, requiem Mass and full-body burial in a Catholic cemetery.

What used to be common is now less ordinary.

Let’s fuse your questions into one big one: What do Catholic funeral rites do that other services cannot do? Answer: Celebrating these rites, especially the eucharistic sacrifice, actually assists deceased people in their journey toward eternal life.

Want to read more of Father Kerper's response?  Please click here to learn how you and your parish can receive Parable.

The Gift of the Garden

By Simcha Fisher

With a bit of sun, water and soil, something a little miraculous happens.

One summer afternoon, my kids and I were picking string beans in our garden. A neighbor kid wandered into the yard and asked what we were doing. I explained that we had planted some vegetables and were now picking them.

“Lucky!” he said.

I was indignant. Luck had nothing to do with it! This was sheer hard work, and we were righteously harvesting the literal fruits (well, vegetables) of our labor.

Want to read more of Simcha Fisher's article on the gift of growing a garden? Please click here to learn how you and your parish can receive Parable.

Other Columns in the Current Issue

Bishop’s Message - Never Miss a Vital Word: Sitting, Standing, Kneeling — Interruptions Keep Us Focused During Mass

Catholic Quiz

Dear Father Kerper - Why Are Catholic Funeral Rites Different?

Marriage And Family Life - The Gift of the Garden: With a Bit of Sun, Water and Soil, Something a Little Miraculous Happens

Faith on Fire: Profiles of NH Youth - Kathryn Kieley Turned Small Gifts Into a Large Act of Kindness During the Covid-19 Lockdown

Always Faithful - Thank You to All Who Share Their Talents With Us

Cross Reference - Atticus Explores a Modern Parallel to the Parable of the Prodigal Son

Journeying With the Saints - St. Catherine of Siena Challenged a Pope in an Effort to Reform the Church

Catholic Charities Report - Focusing on Affectionate Remembering

Cover Story - Finding A Deeper Faith Along The Way: Two Pilgrims Speak About Their Experiences on the Camino De Santiago De Compostela

Feature - Father Josh Livingston and Raul Botha Bring Viewers on Short Pilgrimages Throughout the Diocese

Local News

Calendar of Events

7 Days A Pastor: Reflections From Father Andrew Nelson - My Friend Forgot Who I Was, But God Reminded Me

Mission Moment - A Deep-Rooted Mission and Supportive Culture Brought Erin Tully Back to St. Joseph Hospital