While the rest of us are enjoying our second helping of turkey, watching football, cartoons with the kids, or (God forbid) Gaga, there are legions of Americans who will be headed for work tonight. For so many it is a matter of making ends meet--they have no choice. But the stores who decided to turn Black Friday into Black Thanksgiving this year should be ashamed of themselves. They have separated their workers from their families and enticed customers to leave their homes for a few bucks rebate on a handful of items. This is not the way Thanksgiving was supposed to be. The "solemn" day of thanks proclaimed by George Washington has morphed into a secular day of getting.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for my family, dear friends, my faith, the limitless opportunity of this country that we love, and for the many good people who have allowed me into their homes and lives. You are all so cherished. I ask you to remember those hard working people (in the military or at Target etc) separated from families in your prayers this day, and to be mindful of those who are suffering alone. My grandmother, Mary is in the midst of a terrible health crisis in New Orleans. Please remember her and dear Mother Angelica in your family prayers. Happy Thanksgiving.