Catholics the world over have statues of him holding birds in their gardens. No doubt, St. Francis paraphernalia has increased ten-fold with the election of our new pope. But who was this man?

Jeff was on one of his first patrols as a cop in Maine. He was only 19. That was before police needed college degrees to have a shot at the job. He was hired straight out of high school.

April 10, 2013 - Pope Francis’ choice of shoes is not just about his preference of accessories. It’s a statement about the direction he’ll be taking his papacy. There’s a powerful witness in that direction. That said, lest we get the wrong message (and I think many are), this new direction should not be perceived as a condemnation of his predecessors, nor of the rich symbolism that has always surrounded the papacy.

May 2, 2012 - It’s not easy to give your life the way our priests do. These men have sacrificed family to be part of everyone’s family. In the midst of a world that seems to define all priests by the fallen few, let’s remember the beauty of this vocation—and let’s remind our young people that life is worth giving.

April 4, 2012 - Forgive the title. I couldn't resist. I do respect Pat Robertson for the good things he's done, but as a lifelong youth minister, I don't think his support of the movement to legalize recreational pot use is one of them. I fear doing so would make pot use even more commonplace among teens.

March 14, 2012 - Thanks to my parents I always had a sense of God's presence, and as a little kid I wanted to be a saint. The roots they gave me never fully withered, though I came dangerously close to destroying them during the insanity known as 'junior high.'

February 1, 2012 - Tim Tebow has been labeled a religious fanatic for daring to publicly display his faith.  His devotion has even gotten him labeled among the most controversial figures in the NFL.  What sad commentary on our culture that someone who is openly devout is considered more controversial than the players who are sleeping with groupies, cheating on their wives, using steroids, or who spent time in jail for dog fighting.

Jan. 11, 2012 - Something can be learned from every scandal. I lived and worked in the San Gabriel region of the Los Angeles Archdiocese for almost five years. Gabino Zavala was the bishop assigned to our region.