COLLECTION OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS ETC.
A common misunderstanding is that almsgiving and tithing are not distinct, that they are the same thing, or that one can substitute for the other. In reality, they are two different acts of justice which are both required by the Gospel. Almsgiving is an act of justice which falls under the principle of the Universal…
Read More “We Must Give to God and to the Poor: The Difference Between Alms & Tithes” »
The story of St. Augustine, one of the most influential saints and theologians in the history of Catholicism, has profoundly touched my life in ways I never imagined. His dramatic conversion, shaped by his inner struggles and ultimate surrender to God, resonates deeply with my own personal experience, offering me a source of strength and…
We were not made to get through life by ourselves. We need something outside of ourselves that steers us away from the rocks of despair on the one hand, and the vanity of egoism on the other. We are complex beings and need an array of safeguards because there is a multitude of ways in…
In the past few weeks, three young moms I know have named their new babies Zelie, after the mother of St. Therese. Granted, one was a middle name, but this dear niece, a mom of seven, texted me with unbounded joy, “I finally got my Zelie!” She’s also the one who told me, “You gave…
St. Joseph Calasanz, born on September 11, 1557, in Peralta de la Sal, Spain, was a prominent educator and religious reformer. From a young age, Joseph displayed a deep commitment to the Church and a desire to serve others. He pursued studies in law and theology, eventually being ordained a priest in 1583. In the…
St. Louis IX, born on April 25, 1214, was the King of France from 1226 until his death in 1270. His reign is remembered for its emphasis on justice, piety, and reform. As a young king, Louis IX faced significant challenges, including conflicts with the nobility and the need to establish his authority over a…
St. Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, is one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and is traditionally identified with Nathanael, who is introduced in the Gospel of John. Bartholomew was from Cana in Galilee. According to the Gospel of John, he was…
And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (Jn 1:51) Let’s picture this scene. Nathaniel has just been blown away by Jesus’ declaration that He “saw” him under the fig tree. Scripture does not…
Read More “Seeing Angels: Reflection for the Feast of Saint Bartholomew” »
For most Catholics, the name “St. Monica,” brings to mind the image of a holy and pious woman, most notable for her faithful, steadfast prayer that brought about the conversion of St. Augustine. Indeed, this image would be accurate, but there is so much more to learn from her life and put into practice in…
Read More “The Gift of Tears: A Reflection for the Feast of St. Monica” »
How can this man give us his flesh to eat? The Jews in the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel could not wrap their minds around the teaching of Jesus on the Eucharist. They heard His words loud and clear, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live…
Read More “Four Things that Keep Us from Faith in the Eucharist” »