Last week, the friars of my province met for our once-every-three-years chapter, only, because of the pandemic, we hadn’t been together for 5 years. It was a long time to be apart and just a joy to see them.
One of them, Fr. Joe, asked me if I was still making videos, that he hadn’t seen any for a while. It turns out, some people do actually depend on the newsletter, and because I had given up that effort for a few months, he hadn’t see anything for a while. Thanks for the reminder to get my act together and keep this going consistently. Great to see you brother.
Rather than post everything I’ve done since Holy Week here, let me share some of the highlights.
Who Doesn’t Love Useless Trivia?
After the success of my first useless trivia video back in January 2021, I decided to revisit the topic with even more useless information. I’m not sure how this changes anyone’s life, but man is it interesting.
Separating Fact From Hollywood
When you think of demonic possession, you think of a Catholic priest doing an exorcism. You can thank Hollywood for that. On the one hand, it has heightened people’s imagination to things that are absolutely not real, but on the other, it speaks to a very unsettling reality that there are, in fact, evil forces in our world. As Christians, we should not fear this forces for we know that God is on our side and has given us the power and authority to ward them off. Here’s how.
Dealing with Criticism
It’s a fact of life that not everyone is going to like us or be kind. We can’t control that. What we can control is how we respond.
Great to See Everyone
The aforementioned chapter of brothers was great and not without a few photogenic moments. Here’s what I captured in just a few minutes while we gathered for our official picture.
Jesus DID Exist. And Yes, That IS the Point.
Sometimes, people say foolish things on the internet. I see it as my job to make light of this and to teach what is important.
Controversial? Yes. But Not How You Think.
By the looks of the thumbnail, you might think that I’m going to defend the Confederate flag. I’m not. I think it’s a horrible symbol that makes me uncomfortable to look at.
But this is a controversial video because I’m going to insist that we try to get to understand even those who support repugnant things and to try to see things from their perspective.
Successful evangelization doesn’t come from denouncing people who do wrong and making them feel ashamed. It comes when we can build upon what people love, drawing out from it what is good, and adding to it the fullness of truth (which essentially means conversion.) Give the video a try.
Summer is here!
Summer is here, which means a much lighter load for me. The elementary school, high school, and college where I work as a chaplain are all out of session, meaning I have more time to work on videos, prepare for the coming year, and hopefully relax. There might be a break from production at times, but there might also be an increase! We’ll just have to see.
Peace and good,
Fr. Casey
Breaking In The Habit 
Heard about the merger of the American OFM provinces. A little sad. A looooong time ago I tested my call to join OFM HNP. Was at Holy Cross Church in the Bronx; then the novitiate. It was in Brookline MA, at the time. Holy Spirit led me elsewhere. Now I have been married 40 years; a permanent Deacon for Boston, and a Secular Franciscan! The good Lord leads one down some interesting paths. You and your brother friars are in my prayers! Pace e Bene!
Hello Father Casey, I’m so glad to hear you’ll have a lighter load this summer. You deserve a break, and I hope you get some time with friends and family. I love the videos and blog. I am not Catholic yet, but I think I’m starting RCIA this fall!
Just wondering if bro Tito and yourself will be reviewing Last of Us. And this old woman(58) looks forward to all your media, except the TikTock, I’m to old for that. Thank you young man for your welcoming spirit and take care.
Re: Trivia – A cool, refreshing, silly cleansing of my brain which has been getting clogged with cares of the world – Maybe that’s a purpose of it.
Re: Exorcisms – Thank you for unpacking the process and wiping away the Hollywood-ization of it.
Re: Dealing with Criticism – This video helped me grow upwards in maturity, humility, and wisdom. The prayers of: 1) “Who are You, Lord” and 2) “Who am I?” I find to be more important than any supplication I could make.
Re: We’ve been Talking about this All Wrong – This video has inspired me to tease-out the threads of what I assume and value, what others assume and value, and the perceived meanings of symbols used. All this boiling down to me wanting to seek how to love God and love my neighbors.
Good for you for giving yourself to the process of whatever our Lord has called you to. 🙂
How can I have a brief conversation with you father Casey?