COLLECTION OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS ETC.
On the second day of Christmas, my family and I sat down for a restaurant breakfast before driving home from visiting relatives. The host and waiter ended up being the same young man. While he was seating us, I became distracted by the large medal he wore around his neck. It looked like a Miraculous…
For many parishes, the holiday season ushers in the “Creasters”—those who attend Mass only on Christmas and Easter. While these seasonal visitors acknowledge the spiritual significance of the major feasts, they also present a profound opportunity for evangelization, to guide these individuals back to the regular practice of the Faith. The Seasonal Opportunity Lifeway Research…
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St. Macarius of Alexandria was a 4th-century Desert Father known for his tireless devotion to prayer, ascetic living, and care for the poor. Originally a merchant of confections, he left behind worldly pursuits to seek holiness in the deserts of Egypt. He studied under renowned monks, including St. Anthony the Great, learning the value of…
Readings for the Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church Reading 1 1 John 2:22-28 Beloved: Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son does not have the…
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Marking the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and the start of the new year, Pope Francis renewed his appeal for a “firm commitment” to respect all human life worldwide. “May we learn to care for every child born of a woman, above all by protecting, like Mary, the precious gift…
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A week after inaugurating the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis gave thanks for all the work that went into its preparation and prayed that it would be a year of peace, justice and fraternity. “At this time, we want to raise our thanksgiving to God because he has allowed us to…
Read More “Pope gives thanks for Jubilee preparations at New Year’s Eve vespers” »
St. Basil the Great was born at Caesarea of Cappadocia in 330. He was one of ten children of St. Basil the Elder and St. Emmelia. Several of his brothers and sisters are honored among the saints. He attended school in Caesarea, as well as Constantinople and Athens, where he became acquainted with St. Gregory…
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The Ark of the Covenant was a wood box about four-feet long and two-and-a-half feet wide. The word “ark” comes from the Hebrew word “aron” which means chest or coffer. The Ark was no ordinary chest. It was plated inside and out with gold. And it had an ornate cover, called the mercy seat, featuring…
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set out to remedying them. Every day begin the task anew. – St. Francis de Sales If you’re anything like me, you have a love-hate relationship with New Year’s resolutions. Oh, you like…
Reading I Numbers 6:22-27 The LORD said to Moses: “Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to…
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