Father David J. Bonnar
The Holy Spirit Provides Strength in Answering Life’s Questions
Father David J. Bonnar Comments Off on The Holy Spirit Provides Strength in Answering Life’s Questions
I have been thinking a lot lately about the Holy Spirit. Perhaps it is because this is the week our bishop was to have come to our newly-established parish to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation. Due to the pandemic, the bishop has delegated the conferring of this sacrament to the pastors in the diocese. Each Read More
‘Structure determines function’
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The other day I went to my chiropractor for a “tune up.” The stress of life and ministry can inevitably affect the body. There is this other factor called “age,” with its increasing wear and tear that can wreak havoc on the human body. Although I am only 58 years young, the body is not Read More
Behind Every Number, There Is a Name, a Face and a Life
Father David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Behind Every Number, There Is a Name, a Face and a Life
It happens every day at roughly the same time. There is an alert that comes over my iPhone informing me about the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19 for that day in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as the number of deaths. Shortly thereafter, there is yet another alert detailing how many positive cases, along Read More
We Need to Look to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, during the Pandemic
Father David J. Bonnar Comments Off on We Need to Look to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, during the Pandemic
In her wisdom, Holy Mother Church provides specific options for Gospel texts on various occasions. Over time, preachers come to know these texts through and through. One of my favorite suggested texts for funeral liturgies that I find poignant is John 19:17-18, 25-30. This text takes us to the foot of the cross in which Read More
Are we there yet?
Father David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Are we there yet?
When I was a child, my family had a summer cottage two hours north of Pittsburgh nestled in the heart of an area with a storied amusement park complete with rides, games and even a fairyland forest. In addition, the park featured signature food and drink items like thick French fries soaked in salt and Read More
Feeling Stuck
Father David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Feeling Stuck
Recently, I was called to the Family Birth Center at our local hospital to offer pastoral care to a couple. After praying with this couple, I made my way to the elevator. Because it is a secure location, the nurse had to use her key to press the elevator for me. She left and then Read More
The Value of the Sabbath
Father David J. Bonnar Comments Off on The Value of the Sabbath
I have been thinking a lot lately about my previous priesthood retreats. Perhaps it is because I have been asked to give two retreats to priests next year, and therefore I am starting to think about a theme. While I have been faithful to this annual expectation as a priest, I have never had the Read More
Prayer, Care and Generosity Mark the Priesthood of St. John Vianney
Father David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Prayer, Care and Generosity Mark the Priesthood of St. John Vianney
There is something attractive to following an underdog. The underdog is someone who typically has low odds to succeed, however, when they do succeed, it becomes a great story. Everyone loves a winner, especially when the winner is the underdog. St. John Vianney, whose feast the Church celebrates on Aug. 4, was, in many ways, Read More