Dedicated to Holy Baby Jesus, the Sinulog festival in late January is one of the main cultural and religious celebrations in the Philippines. Immigrants from that Asian country brought the Sinulog decades ago to Bertie County, North Carolina, where Glenmary serves. “What is neat about it is that it’s very inclusive,” says Brother Curt Kedley. "Most people participate and sing and dance.” Rogelio Baluyo, one of the festival organizers, is a Filipino immigrant who works for the county school. For him, the festival is a key part of his faith. He and the community will continue to celebrate Sinulog "to keep our faith in God strong and to foster unity among Catholics in Bertie County.” Read the full story at glenmary.org/in-the-name-of-the-son (fb)

In the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, I am basking in expectant hope and joy. Thanks be to God! The Holy Spirit is alive and active and has surprised us once again. The Church and the world have been given the leader needed in these troubled times. Hallelujah! The Holy Spirit is real. If today our lives communicate that single message, it will be enough. 🙏 Let us pray: Holy Spirit, may my life bear witness to your power, alive and active in the world. Amen. (fb)