With Pope Francis’s passing, we are again reminded of the early Church at the beginning of Christianity. Anyone who knows or appreciates history understands the impact of the Catholic Church on world history. For better or worse, the Catholic Church has played a significant role in world events in the last 2,000+ years. It is this connection to history that first attracted me to the faith. Apostolic Succession traces the Pontiff back to Peter the Apostle.
Catholicism is the O.G. of Christianity.
The division between conservatives and liberals is not limited to governmental politics. Similar differences in opinion and viewpoints exist in the Catholic Church today. Many find Pope Francis to be more progressive than traditional Catholics prefer. The pundits have already begun debating who the next pope will be and how he will lead his flock.
I have loved Pope Francis since his election in 2013. His quiet humility was an example to Christians everywhere. I loved the stories I heard of his behavior after his election. He remained who he was, calling the newspaper himself to cancel his subscription, and insisting on personally paying the bill at his hotel before moving into the Vatican housing. I knew I’d like him when he announced he would be known as Pope Francis, named after my favorite saint, St. Francis of Assisi. My heart is full seeing the images of his last day spent among the people, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He was happiest when he was with those he loved, and who loved him.
I will be glued to the media coverage of the funeral and conclave for the next several weeks. I love this kind of stuff. The rites and rituals are full of pomp and circumstance, and it is an opportunity to witness history as the Catholic Church chooses the next Servant of the Servants of God.
We pray for the College of Cardinals as they gather for the funeral and conclave. We pray for the soul of Pope Francis as we grieve, and we pray for the new Pope who will be chosen as the next successor of Peter.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
While working with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at St. Stanislaus, I was responsible for presenting a commentary each week. In 2020, I compiled all those essays and published them in The Commentary Project.
The commentary for Palm Sunday was always a favorite. In honor of Holy Week, I am sharing it again here.
May you have a blessed Holy Week and a Happy Easter Season.
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
At the Procession with Palms – Gospel: Luke 19:28-40
This reading is unique among the gospel stories we hear at Mass. Unlike the rest of the gospel, the Passion narrative was told and was recorded in the complete form. The Church continues this tradition by reading the entire account and not breaking it up into smaller pieces.
Luke’s goal was to continue to portray the life and ministry of Jesus as he had with the earlier stories, a Cliffs Notes version.
Jesus was the one who healed. (Healing the ear of the High Priest’s servant… and He even healed the relationship between Pilate and Herod.)
Jesus showed more concern for others than for Himself. (Remember His concern for the disciples and the weeping women.)
Jesus offered divine love, reconciliation, and forgiveness … even from the cross.
Jesus is still eating with sinners. His disciples are weak, fighting and unfaithful. And yet, He eagerly desired to share this meal with them before the suffering began. Remember, at this time in the Mediterranean world, the highest compliment you could bestow on a friend was to share a meal with them. The worst thing would be to betray them. Both occurred in this setting.
The timing of this story is critical. The Feast of the Passover commemorated the Jews’ liberation from slavery. Jesus and the events of this particular Passover became the “New Covenant,” releasing all men from bondage to freedom.
We enter the week with our eyes on Jesus, A King. Palms were used as a symbol of victory and power since the 2nd century before Christ. This was the scene for a procession of a King to his coronation. In this case, it was a crown of thorns and a throne of a cross. The way to this kingdom is the way of the cross.
Jesus seems in complete control. He even knows how the owners of the ass will behave when the disciples untie the animal. The most important message to understand is that this is what Jesus came to do.
“Peace in Heaven and Glory in the Highest.” Phrases familiar to us at Christmas time are meaningless without the cross. The Incarnation finds complete fulfillment in the cross of Jesus.
I attended Catholic Masses for several years before choosing to convert. I always admired the lectors and thought, if I ever become active in this faith, I would want to do that, too.” (To be honest, I usually criticized them.) I was thrilled when Passion Sunday would come each year; here was my chance to participate. I was asked to speak out loud and proclaim the gospel myself. But at that time, the words I read had no meaning. I was more concerned with keeping up and not losing my place in the book than letting the words sink in.
“Crucify Him!”
We’ve all stood unconsciously and innocently with those accusers. Mere words. How naive. They were just words from many years ago spoken by others.
I wanted to be a part of the drama. There is such vivid emotion from both the powerful and the lowly. It wasn’t until years later that I realized how much a part of the drama I was by the life I chose to live every day. I have played ALL of the roles in this scene:
I have been Judas… I have been two-faced… sitting with a friend and betraying them when their back is turned.
I have been Peter… I have denied my association with the Lord for fear of the repercussions.
I have been the Chief Priests, the Temple Guards, and the Elders when I have mocked Jesus and ridiculed him by my behavior to those whom I am called to love and serve… or sat in judgment of the actions of an innocent man.
I have been Pilate… doing things I knew were wrong… to keep the peace.
I have been Herod, passing off the responsibility to someone else.
I have been Barabbas, reaping the benefits of an unfortunate situation.
I have been in the crowd… yelling, “Crucify Him!” whether with actual intent to sin or to be part of the crowd.
I have been the Criminal, reviling Christ and denying his very existence with my conscious effort to turn away from all that I know to be right and true.
But it is also important to remember:
I have also been the High Priest’s servant… who has received physical healing.
I have also been Simon… who was unknowingly part of something monumental that would change my perspective and my life forever.
I have also been the Daughters of Jerusalem, who have wept over the horrible treatment of the poor and the oppressed and for the treatment of our Lord on that day and I, too, have been warned.
I have also been the Criminal… the one the Lord promises forgiveness and a place in eternal life.
I have been the Centurion who has witnessed acts of God and glorified Him in recognition.
I have also been Joseph; I have buried friends and loved ones.
I have also been the women, who even in their grief honored and respected the commandment they had been given.
I can even play Jesus when I choose to do the right thing. Which character from The Passion will you choose to portray in your life?
Why You Should Schedule, Plan and Execute Your Own Birthday Party
Extraordinary women surround me in my life. I’ve intentionally cultivated a friend group that challenges and inspires me. I’m always learning from them as we share our life experiences. One of the most inspirational is my friend Vickie.
Vickie has a brilliant tradition: She plans and executes her own birthday celebration each year. By taking care of the details herself, she ensures the annual observance is what she wants. Here are a few things you can do to make the day special.
Choose a date and clear the schedule. Nothing happens until it is scheduled, so pick a day and set aside the time to do whatever you want.
Order your cake. Do you have a favorite flavor or maybe a favorite bakery? Make sure you have a special treat that you love.
Make dinner reservations and pick up the check. Do you have a favorite restaurant? Do you want company? You get to choose who is invited. Pick a date, make a reservation and pick up the check. Remember, this is your party. You’re worth it.
Buy your own gift. This part is optional. We’re old enough not to need anything, but sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself to something you’ve wanted for a while. Now is the time.
Take some time to reflect on the day. Spending some time contemplating your life with gratitude may be the biggest reward of this practice.
I established an annual birthday tradition several years ago. Each year, I schedule a day to eat my favorite snacks while watching my favorite movies, Godfather Part 1 and Godfather Part 2. I will add the recommendations above in the future. The older we get, the more precious the celebrations.
This concept does not excuse us from celebrating others. Everyone (yes, every one of us) likes attention from those they love. We need to know we are loved and in the thoughts of our friends and family. So, do unto others as you would have done unto you. (Jesus said that.)
Celebrating yourself isn’t selfish—it’s a powerful act of self-love and appreciation. By taking charge of your own birthday plans, you ensure that the day is meaningful, joyful, and precisely what you want it to be. Whether it’s a simple dinner, a grand celebration, or a quiet day of reflection, you deserve to honor yourself in a way that feels right. So go ahead—schedule, plan, and execute your perfect birthday. You’re worth the celebration!
This book was our March Book Club selection. It is the sweet story of two people facing the same challenges at opposite ends of life. It reminds us that it is never too late to learn and love; sometimes, we must learn how to do it. This book will make you giggle and cry and re-evaluate your daily life.
This is the second book by my favorite, “Real Housewife” (of Salt Lake City). It continues her story after she separated from the Mormon Church. She tells stories of her childhood, which impacted and developed her worldview. Her honest and forthright way of expressing her experience is believable and relatable.
I am still unpacking the experience of watching this movie. Adrien Brody won the “Best Actor” award at this year’s Academy Awards and deserved all the accolades. It is a remarkably heart-breaking story that will suck you in and hold your attention for the entire three hours and thirty-five minutes. Every scene is intentional and gripping. There is not one wasted moment. I hung on to every word of dialogue.
The movie tells the story of Nazi concentration camp survivors after their release at the end of World War II. These refugees attempt to rebuild their lives in America and face much of the same bigotry they suffered while imprisoned. It is a reminder that art imitates life and the truly creative always have a story behind the things they create.
This is the Book Club selection for April. I didn’t know anything about it when I picked it, but the moment I realized it was about the plague in the 15th Century, I knew I would love it, but it may not be popular with the Book Club girls.
This book tells the story of a young mother and widow who helps a community navigate an entire year under quarantine to stop the spread of the plague to other villages. This girl faces tremendous loss and devastation and uses the lessons learned to forge ahead. A fantastic twist at the end kept me in my seat until the book was finished.
I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I had neither read this book nor heard of the author. Since finishing it, I’ve discovered several references to the story and the author.
The book was loaned to me by a friend, born in Holland near the end of World War II. It tells the story of a Christian woman who did what she could to save people during the Nazi occupation. It is not often that we hear the stories of World War II told from a Christian perspective. And knowing the story was true kept me rapt until the end.
COMMONPLACE
“Examination of conscience: a daily task. Bookkeeping is never neglected by anyone in business. And is there any business worth more than the business of eternal life?” – St. Josemaría Escrivá
“Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or we shall never find Him.” — St. Josemaría Escrivá
“The quality of your thoughts is determined by the quality of your reading. Spend more time thinking about the inputs.” — James Clear
“In killing silence, man assassinates God… The death of silence is apparent. God will always help us to rediscover it.” — Cardinal Sarah
“God is turning a mess into a message.” — Vickie Lemos
“Take all the energy you spend on…
worrying about the past
worrying about the future
worrying about what others think
worrying about if you might fail
… and channel that energy into one useful action within your control.” — James Clear
“Success is largely the failures you avoid.
Health is the injuries you don’t sustain.
Wealth is the purchases you don’t make.
Happiness is the objects you don’t desire.
Peace of mind is the arguments you don’t engage.
Avoid the bad to protect the good.” — James Clear
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” — John Lubbock, Banker and Archaeologist
English teacher Elizabeth Stone on how becoming a parent changes you:
“It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”
Matthew McConaughey – Lyrics of Livin’ – March 21, 2025 – Joy vs. Happiness
“To begin is for everyone, but to persevere is for saints.” — St. Jose Maria Escriva
My grandchildren have thrived at the elementary school they attend. They have been successful at learning, developing relationships and making friends. Chatom Elementary School has been good to them and for them, just like it was to me and their father. So when Sierra and Joey were notified that Jameson would receive an award at an upcoming school assembly, no one was surprised.
There were only two options for that particular month: Student of the Month or the monthly Character Trait of the Month Award. Since the “Character Trait of the Month” was Optimism, we all assumed Jameson would be the student of the month. We believed that optimism was not one of Jameson’s gifts.
We were wrong.
When Sierra explained her shock to Jameson’s teacher, Mrs. Redman, she was surprised. She told Sierra that Jameson was the most optimistic student in her class. She indicated that he expresses positive thinking consistently and couldn’t believe Sierra thought otherwise.
Although Mrs. Redman didn’t initially name the recipient in her presentation, the girl seated next to Jameson pointed to him before the winner was revealed. We listened with pride in our hearts and huge lumps in our throats as Mrs. Redman presented the award. When announced, Jameson walked over to his mother for a big hug before walking down the red carpet to claim his prize.
Mrs. Redman presents the Optimistic Character Award to Jameson Oliveira
Jameson’s teacher from last year was moved to tears. She knew, more than most, how far he’d come, and we knew she had a significant influence on his growth and development.
Jameson’s award was more than just a recognition—it was a powerful lesson for all of us. It reminded us that people, especially children, are constantly growing, evolving, and surprising us in the best ways. Sometimes, the qualities we assume are missing are actually the ones shining the brightest.
This experience reinforced the importance of looking beyond our expectations and allowing space for growth. Jameson’s optimism may have been unexpected, but it was always there—waiting for the right moment to be seen. We all witnessed something truly special, thanks to teachers who recognized his potential.
On a recent visit to Maui, Hawaii, I was reminded of this island’s healing and nurturing atmosphere. Some would call the experience as magical, but I prefer the word mystical. It is a direct encounter with God through the beauty of His creation and people.
The Hawaiians refer to this state of being as Pono. It is defined as living with “righteousness” or “balance” within yourself, others, and the environment. It is a way of life that encourages peace and harmony, and one cannot escape the beneficial aspects of this lifestyle. Pono is not so much something that happens to you. Appreciating and participating in the exchange between others and the world around you is more of a choice. If you let it, Pono will bring an indescribable peace, and I am convinced that is precisely what visitors experience when they visit the islands and what keeps them going back, year after year.
I was first introduced to Pono by a friend who moved from California to Maui after the COVID-19 pandemic. I was intrigued and thankful that what I could not explain had a name and that I was not the only one. What was different about this last trip (January 2025) was how easily I fell into Pono after arriving after our flight. Even after the hassle of air travel, I felt myself begin to decompress as soon as we landed. The transition comes easier and smoother every time we visit.
This experience made me pause and think about applying the Pono to my everyday life while at home on the mainland. Is it possible to practice Pono when you’re not in paradise? If we consider it a choice or a practice, yes. And, just like anything we practice we can get better and better as time passes.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that practicing Pono doesn’t require being in Hawaii—it’s a mindset we can cultivate anywhere. By embracing balance, gratitude, and connection in our daily lives, we can bring peace and harmony, no matter where we are.
Whether through mindfulness, prayer or simply appreciating the beauty around us, we can attune ourselves to the divine presence in every moment. As I embark on my journey with “Attune” as my guiding word for 2025, I invite you to consider how you can bring more Pono into your life.
Have you ever experienced this sense of deep connection and balance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Leroy and I enjoyed traveling to Mexico City with pilgrims from All Saints University Parish in Turlock. My primary goal was to see The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and witness the tilma Juan Diego wore when he saw The Virgin Mary.
Ever since I first heard the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I knew I wanted to see it in person. It wasn’t long after our pilgrimage to Poland, Prague and Germany when we read about this trip, traveling with our home parish. I was all in the moment I read about it. And, as usual, Leroy was indulgent and readily agreed. He knew what it meant to me.
We saw many beautiful churches and historical sites. We climbed a Teotihuacan pyramid built in the 1st Century AD. We visited The Zocalo, the central plaza in Mexico City, adjacent to the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace. But nothing compared to the experience of being in “La Villa,” which is the square that contains the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and several other churches built on the sites specific to Mary’s apparition to Juan Diego in 1531.
The most memorable part of the trip (besides seeing the tilma) will be the people we encountered along the way. I was struck by the faith of the thousands of pilgrims praying in and around the shrine. But mostly, I enjoyed getting to know some of our fellow parishioners. We have seen each other at Mass for several years. But now we know names and stories, and we have become friends. It was also a privilege to travel alongside Deacon Eric and Fr. Tom and get to know them better.
Unfortunately, a memorable part of the trip will be the things that went wrong. We didn’t have the best tour company or tour guide. We found ourselves at odds with the tour guide’s political views, making it difficult to interact with him. After a while, I found it difficult to tolerate his sense of humor. Whenever he took the microphone, he’d say, “Bueno. Bueno. Bueno,” which became a ritual. Even now, typing the words, I am tensing up.
After we came home, Leroy and I both struggled with our health. We both experienced a bit of gastrointestinal upset, but I also suffered from a respiratory illness that ultimately turned into pneumonia. Our five-day trip took almost two weeks to recover from.
All in all, I’d do it again. I might have done it differently, but I completed the goal and found friendship. Every pilgrimage requires a bit of sacrifice, and this one met the criteria.
I’m in my “Churchill Era.” After finishing The Splendid and the Vile, I craved more about Winston Churchill and discovered this documentary series on Netflix. It is part documentary and part historical reenactment. It features many of Churchill’s famous quotes and the context from which they came. I’m a big fan, and I loved every episode.
When a book combines two of my favorite subjects, World War II and The Mafia, there is no way I can resist, and why should I? I had briefly heard of the story of Charles “Lucky” Luciano and his help with the war effort and the landing of the Allied soldiers at Sicily, but I didn’t know the true story. This book reveals all of the facts, and I was not disappointed. I sure wish they’d make it into a movie.
I’m quite late to this party, but I came across this movie while looking through Netflix and decided it was about time I watched it. How can I call myself a World War II Media Junkie without adding this one to the list? I visited Pearl Harbor when I was about nine years old. My parents explained it to me, but I didn’t fully grasp the significance of the experience until many years later. I’ve also spent a lot of time in the last year learning about the war in the Pacific Theater, and I have a long way to go.
The Battle at Midway was pivotal in the war against Japan, and the story is fascinating. There are countless stories of soldiers, sailors and airmen and their heroic actions, but only a fraction of these stories have been told. This movie reminds us that the freedom we enjoy is not free, and it makes you want to jump on the couch and chant USA USA USA!
After finishing The Women by Kristin Hannah last month for Book Club, I can’t stop thinking about the Vietnam War. Sierra found this limited series on Apple+, an in-depth look at the war. The presence of photographers, film crews and the press in the combat zone during this time was unprecedented. The result is a visual documentary that profoundly tells the story. Survivors tell the stories of both sides of the conflict, and it is a dramatic, painful tale of world history.
“Granny’s Valentine” by Charlotte Oliveira 2025
COMMONPLACE
“If you understood him, it would not be God.” — St. Augustine
“Self is everywhere, shining forth from all beings,
vaster than the vast, subtler than the most subtle,
unreachable, yet nearer than breath, than heartbeat.
Eye cannot see it, ear cannot hear it nor tongue
utter it; only in deep absorption can the mind,
grown pure and silent, merge with the formless truth.
He who finds it is free; he has found himself;
he has solved the great riddle; his heart is forever at peace.
Whole, he enters the Whole. His personal self
returns to its radiant, intimate, deathless source.
As rivers lose name and form when they disappear
into the sea, the sage leaves behind all traces
when he disappears into the light. Perceiving the truth,
he becomes the truth; he passes beyond all suffering,
beyond death; all the knots of his heart are loosed.”
— Mundaka Upanishads, written more than 2,500 years ago
“On funerals, loss, grief, friendship, and support: It’s not about knowing what to say. It’s about being there when nobody knows what to say. The only thing people need to hear is, “You are not alone.” And that doesn’t require words. It just requires your presence.” — James Clear
“If you do not bend, you will break. The adaptable prevail. Determined, but flexible.” — James Clear
“If you make lists of lofty goals, it can be easy to leave them to accumulate, as happens sometimes, into a mountain of to-do’s and notes and half-forgotten plans. Dreaming alone is seductive, even a little sweet, since it lacks the pain of trying. So it feels proper to prize attempts more than dreams. You should have ideals, but you cannot only love an idealized future, you must cultivate a love of effort, too. If you really want something, then the soul must make demands of the body.” — Simon Sarris, Writer
“Spend today interpreting whatever people do in the most generous way. See if you feel better as a result.” — James Clear
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it. The same is true of any endeavor: if the solution you seek doesn’t exist, create it.” — Tony Morrison
“Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one’s self-esteem. That is why young children, before they are aware of their own self-importance, learn so easily; and why older persons, especially if vain or important, cannot learn at all.” — Psychiatrist Thomas Szasz
“There are two ways to live a longer life:
1) Biologically. Extend the timeline between your birth and your death.
2) Psychologically. Fit more lives into whatever time you are given.
Make each decade rich with experiences and perhaps you can live a handful of lives before you are done.” — James Clear
It’s hard to believe our little spitfire Charlotte turns five years old this week. She is a bright light in our family and always keeps us smiling. Charlotte lives every minute of her life with an unmatched intentionality. She is focused, determined and confident. All of the traits you hope to see in a granddaughter.
Charlotte loves school and is at the top of her class academically. During a recent project, Charlotte was asked what she would do with $100. She said she would give it away and keep one dollar for herself.
She loves making arts and crafts and has mastered the use of scissors. She makes little pictures and gifts for us all the time. The most recent ones were heart-shaped Valentines with jewels and stickers. She recently celebrated 100 days at school by dressing up as a 100-year-old woman. (I love the hunch!)
Charlotte still loves her baby Tootsie, Princess Tiana and Queen Elsa. She is equally satisfied dressing up in the house or digging for worms outside. She wants to try golfing and thinks watching Jameson’s flag football games is boring.
Charlotte recently memorized The Lord’s Prayer, but she added another line. Just before “Give us this day our daily bread,” she pauses and says, “This is my favorite part.” (It’s mine, too.)
We love this girl and are fascinated by how she learns to navigate the world. I have no doubt she will accomplish anything she sets her mind to. I hope she never loses this fire.
