Growing up, I recall my mother teaching us to give others the benefit of the doubt in regard to what others say about someone, “Believe none of what you read and half of what you see!” She wanted us to build our own impressions of people. Relatedly, she also taught us “if you don’t have anything nice to say, then say nothing!”

Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the United States was truly a once in a lifetime experience for many including me. It gave us American Catholics the opportunity to witness firsthand our new pope -- the man who previously led the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, representing Christ in a very compassionate, loving way. It gave us a chance to know Benedict, our chief shepherd and pastor, whose pastoral sensitivity won him the hearts of the American people.

METUCHEN — Reflecting the devotion of Catholics of Filipino descent in the diocese, a symbol of faith in the form of a regal child took its place at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Dec. 23 at the conclusion of Simbang Gabi celebrations.

This year, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord fell on Monday, January 9. As a result, most Catholics, except for daily communicants, were not able to celebrate this nodal event in the life of Christ. Why is this closing feast of the Christmas Season so important to us? Moreover, did you ever wonder: “Why did Jesus ask to be baptized?” After all, the Church teaches that Christ shared in our humanity in all ways but sin. So, if Jesus was without sin, why would he ask for something that he really did not need?

As we enter into a new year, it’s a good time to look back and reflect on one of the highlights of 2022 — the historic Supreme Court decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and turned the abortion issue back to the states.