Many states already held their primary elections. Five are voting today: New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware.

The consensus was that voter turnout would be low this Tuesday (which seems to have proven true). But just because no positions are officially decided through primary elections, we still have the opportunity to see that strong candidates are viable options come November. And while it’s important to vote for the prominent offices, the smaller ones should be considered as well. The political climb to the prominent office has to start somewhere.

Unfortunately, there seems to be such a variety of cynical views regarding elections. Conservatives get discouraged, saying that their candidates don’t usually win. Or that there isn’t even anyone worth voting for. That all politicians are the same.

But it’s better for us to study up on the candidates’ positions than to excuse ourselves from voting altogether, believing that it’s not going to make a difference anyways.

Sometimes there are even complaints that the candidates will just change their positions later on. That’s something out of our control. All we can do is our part by voting, praying and fasting.

If your state’s primary election is coming up and you’re able to vote in it, make sure you do. If your primary has past, it’s time to get ready for the November elections. Study up on the candidates, who is running and what they stand for. Especially find out how the candidates view the Catholic Church’s five non-negotiables.

Related Links:

• Election 2012 Republican Delegate Count

• Five Non-Negotiable Catholic Vote Issues

• Low Voter Turnout

On this day in 997, the first Bohemian-born bishop of Prague, St. Adalbert, was martyred in Prussia. He is remembered for his zeal for souls and bravery in proclaiming the Gospel in pagan lands.

St. Adalbert helped convert Hungary to Christianity. He then traveled to Prussia, where pagans worshipped supposed tree spirits. St. Adalbert and the other Christian missionaries chopped down the trees to prove that no powerful and dangerous spirits resided therein.

When they did not the heed the pagans’ warnings to stop, the Christian missionaries, including St. Adalbert, were martyred on the Baltic Sea coast.

St. Adalbert is the patron saint of Bohemia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Prague.

Related Links:

• St. Adalbert of Prague from Saints.SQPN.com

• St. Adalbert of Prague from Catholic.org

• St. Adalbert at Catholic-Prayers.org

Iraqi-native Mother Olga Yaqob survived four wars, converted to Catholicism from the Assyrian Church of the East, and founded the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth religious order in the Archdiocese of Boston.

But the nickname, “Mother Teresa of Baghdad” (in reference to Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta), came from the time in her life when she moved to Baghdad from Kirkuk to live and work among the poor of the city. Her ministering included frequent visits to the Abu Ghraib prison. Most of those she served were Muslim, but she treated them with all the love and care she would any Christian.

Mother Olga’s incredible story is inspirational, heart-wrenching and uplifting. Her disposition is ever-cheerful and enthusiastic. And Mother Olga’s sincere love for God shines forth through her talks, interviews and simple encounters with those she meets.

Related Links:

• Daughters of Mary of Nazareth

• Mother Olga Yaqob Timeline

• Mother Olga Yaqob on Calling All Catholics (March 16, 2012)

• Mother Olga’s presentation “Becoming A Willing Vessel For God’s Noble Purposes” (March 17, 2012)

• Archdiocese of Boston

• Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

With the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs beginning tomorrow, it is fitting to reflect on the transient nature of sports. One game ends and it’s on to the next.

Sports in general and favorite teams in particular are addicting for countless fans around the globe. But when a game, season or playoff series is over, how much do you really remember?

Sure, there are plays that will stay with you for years, but the number of memories are scarce compared to the number of hours piled up in front of the TV — complete with heart attacks, voices lost, and tears shed.

What happens when there’s a family or church event scheduled at game time? “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Luke 12:34). How much will you lay at the altar of sports? How do you feel after giving in? Was it worth sacrificing quality time with the family?

So as we approach another playoff season (NBA playoffs start two weeks from this Saturday), let’s try to keep perspective and proper balance in our lives — I’m preaching to myself as much as to anyone else.

It’s gonna be one tense postseason. Let’s Go Pens.

Related Links:

• Stanley Cup Playoffs

• Sports Addiction

• Sports Obsession vs. Your Relationships

• Where Your Treasure Is

• NBA Key Dates of 2012

• Official Web Site of the Pittsburgh Penguins

Good Friday is the most somber day in the Church year. It’s the day set aside for Christians to most deeply contemplate the Passion of Our Lord. In addition to the fasting and abstinence obligations, consider adding on a few more sacrifices to really make Christ the focus of the day.

It’s been a practice for years in my family not to use the computer, television, radio or listen to music Good Friday, unless it was faith-related. And attending various church services throughout the day is also a beautiful practice to better appreciate what Our Lord endured for us.

Try to read the Scriptures and other spiritual readings. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at three, if possible.

Recently I’ve heard of churches even organizing groups to pray outside abortion clinics on Good Friday — another way to draw nearer to Our Lord while praying for the sanctity of life.

May God bless you this Easter Triduum!

Related Link:

• Let Easter Triduum Transform You, Pope Tells Faithful