This is the second in a series of four columns by Fr. Frank Freitas about praying and prayer. (Here's part 1, part 3 and part 4)

This is the first in a series of four columns by Fr. Frank Freitas about prayer and praying. (Here's part 2, part 3 and part 4)

I have a long love affair with St. Thomas Aquinas, the 13th-century philosopher, theologian, teacher, writer and Dominican preacher who stands among the most important Catholic thinkers of the past 2,000 years.

In his very moving homily for the Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry as Bishop of Rome on April 24, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI spoke these words:

In the Scripture readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, two of the three outstanding Advent guides (Isaiah, John the Baptist and Mary) show us the proper attitude to assume as we prepare to welcome the Saviour of the world.

The Advent season in its liturgical observance is devoted to the coming of God at the end of history when Jesus shall reign as king.

The geese are flying. The leaves are changing. The nights are cooler. The days are growing shorter. Fall is here.

It is all but impossible to discuss the multi-dimensional aspects of assisted suicide and euthanasia without a discussion of suffering. Suffering is the underlying factor around which the discussion on euthanasia ultimately takes place.

COCHIN, India – One of the prominent female Catholic theologians in India said the Church has lost its identity as “Church of the poor.”