by Fr. Jim Chern
A few years back, a story out of Russia made international headlines. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you—not just because it’s bizarre, but because it’s heartbreaking. A woman named Fagilyu Mukhametzyanov, age…
One of the most memorable experiences of my time as chaplain to college students happened about seven years ago — in one of the most rugged, forgotten corners of Appalachia, Kentucky. Ten students from Montclair…
There’s a moment in life that sneaks up on you. I don’t know exactly when it happened to me, but I know it did. Somehwere around turning fifty -give or take it hit me: I…
A few years ago, a rescue diver from the United States Navy made a sobering observation after years of pulling people from the water. He said the most dangerous part, isn’t the instant someone first…
If you spend enough time around college students, you end up learning things you never saw coming. I’m 52 years old and after nearly 27 years as a priest, I somehow now know that if…
It’s been a difficult few months to be sure. Our newsfeeds are flooded with stories of war from the Holy Land, rising tensions with Iran, and violence in Lebanon. Religious bigotry and attacks on Catholics-…
A couple of weeks ago, a small but surprising story came out of the Vatican. The process of being declared a Saint for a priest by the name of Fr. Walter Ciszek was officially closed.…
Had you asked me in January to name the news anchors who host programs on regular broadcast television stations, I doubt I could have gotten any of them. The media world has changed so much…
There are certain names that, the moment you hear them, you immediately know what they’re known for: Thomas Edison—the lightbulb. Frank Sinatra—the voice. George Washington—the founding of our nation. These are people the world calls…
Not too long ago, some students from Montclair State University were discussing television shows they love to watch, which they labeled “Classic TV,” one of their favorites being the sit-com “Friends.” After some unprovoked and…