• My need to learn Italian – How I did it!

    My need to learn Italian – How I did it!

           Having a surname that is Italian put pressure on me – after my priesthood ordination in 1971 – to learn the Italian language – a beautiful language that should sound like music to the ear. As children, we never spoke Italian at home. My mother would speak it when visitors would come to the house who needed her consolation in their own mother tongue. She also used it when she spoke to my father – when she didn’t want us to know how much something cost. My dad only knew the numerals so she could communicate – simply and…

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  • We all became teachers – All 5 of us!

    We all became teachers – All 5 of us!

    Teaching is a wonderful profession – it is a special vocation given to those who are willing to devote their lives to learning, not only about their subject but also to learning from their students. It has often been said that learning is a lifelong process. Good teachers never tire of developing their talents, honing their skills, and instilling their knowledge into their students. We can all remember one or two teachers we have had – on various levels – who made an impression on us, whose names we can still remember – and whose classes we enjoyed. My family…

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  • Growing up with Sports – It was a way of life!

    Growing up with Sports – It was a way of life!

    Catholic Schools Night at Maimonides Park Like father, like son! My Dad loved sports – in particular, basketball and baseball. His life was defined by his love for his family and his love for playing, coaching, refereeing, umpiring, and teaching me and my brothers – a love for the game! It was instilled in us in various ways: Dad (Lou) and his brother (Pete) were excellent athletes, and they were blessed to be able to play as young people on various teams and made many friends – connected with sports – both on and off the field/court. When Dad refereed…

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  • Priests Who Influenced Me – Good Role Models!

    Priests Who Influenced Me – Good Role Models!

             Some kids have role models who are sports figures or athletes. Some have role models among their family members, and a few, like me, have had both plus role models in the clergy. Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, the clergy played an important part in my life. I always felt inspired by them, safe with them, and a desire to do what they did: to bring people closer to God. The priests of my parish were giving of themselves, available to people, and always there when they were expected to be there and beyond.          But then…

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