Keep God in ‘T-Day’

Has any American leader more boldly expressed the religious underpinnings of Thanksgiving Day than Abraham Lincoln did upon establishing the November holiday in 1863?

“No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things” that our prosperous nation now enjoys, he said. “They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.” (He let his Calvinist formation show in the inclusion of “in anger.”)

While there’s no specifically Catholic corollary to this beloved day set aside for family, food and gratitude, there are many ways to Catholicize it. And doing so is only natural. The very word Thanksgiving is nearly synonymous with Eucharist. Many parishes offer a special Thanksgiving Day Mass — a great way to start the day — and lots of Catholic families have come up with their own customs. (See page B1.)

Happy -— and Blessed — Thanksgiving, America.

Friar Pluck

Father Benedict Groeschel is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination — in the Year for Priests. He reflects on his life in religious life.

‘Power and Grace’

“Power and Grace — the Holy Patrons of Europe,” a new exhibit in Rome, takes the visitor on a journey through the history of the ups and downs of the church-state relationship in Europe.

Gather by the River

Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River 400 years ago, in 1609. The Register takes readers on a virtual cruise of the river, stopping in various places where the Church has made an impact.