El Mensajero (English)

When friends or family ask what I think of the new pope, I reply that I view the choice with enthusiasm and optimism.

Traditionally, summer provides the opportunity to look for what is sacred in our lives, a time for a pilgrimage, either individually or in a group.

As I think about the upcoming celebration of Father's Day, I can't help but dwell on responsibilities that never end.

Being at a stage of life when it is prudent to live close to one of our children, my wife and I are moving to West Hartford, Conn.

On Thanksgiving Day in America, perhaps the only time of the year when this happens, everyone is concerned that all be able to sit down to a sumptuous meal. That is why special dinners are prepared for the poor, homeless and other disadvantaged people. A recent story in my local paper described efforts of a local state legislator to organize a Thanksgiving meal for veterans.

The monthlong celebration of Hispanic heritage opened Sept. 15. African-Americans have their month in February, and other groups have similar observances throughout the year.

At the athletic club where my wife and I workout, the janitor in the men's locker room is named Juan, and his counterpart in the women's locker room is named Maria. Ask them how they are, and their response is always the same: "working."

New Year's traditionally stirs hopes for better times. But with so much "partisan extremism and government by rage" in 2010, a phrase from a recent New York Times editorial, it may seem futile to be hopeful.