Catholicism.org » Patrology

True Mother of God

St. John Damascene — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 18:49:20 +0000

Editor’s Introduction: The “Golden Stream’s” eloquent defense of sacred images is one result of his total view of the Incarnational nature of the True Faith. Here, we present another: his Mariology. As a consequence of God’s dispensation to unite Himself to man, He became “imageable.” He did so through the Sacred Humanity which He ... ...Read More »

The Rule of St. Augustine

St. Augustine — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 01:19:22 +0000

Saint Augustine wrote this document to provide a guide for his community of priests. It is remarkably simple, reasonable and evangelical. Because of that, many orders, male and female, have used it as their rule. 1 This Holy Rule, together with our Constitutions, form the Fundamental Code of religious life for the Slaves of the ... ...Read More »

The Fathers on Abortion

Catholicism.org — Mon, 08 Aug 2005 18:31:15 +0000

For those who would say that the early Chruch was silent on the question of abortion, the following selections from the Fathers will give ample witness to the contrary:

The Didache circa AD 120 : “Thou shalt not murder a child by abortion.” - 2:2

“The Way of Death is filled with people who are . . ... ...Read More »

Sermon of Saint Augustine for the Feast of Pentecost

St. Augustine — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 18:33:37 +0000

I. The Coming of the Holy Ghost with the Gift of Tongues foretells the Unity of the Church throughout all peoples.

This is a solemn day for us, because of the Coming of the Holy Ghost; the fiftieth day from the Lord’s Resurrection, seven days multiplied by seven. But multiplying seven by seven we have ... ...Read More »

Sermon by St. Augustine for Easter

St. Augustine — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 18:33:07 +0000

Peace Be To You, The Mystical Body

Jesus stood in the midst of them, and saith to them: Peace be to you

I. The Heresy of the Manicheans. The Lord, as you have heard, appeared to His Disciples after His Resurrection, and greeted them, saying: Peace be to you . This is indeed peace, ... ...Read More »

Sermon of Saint Bernard for the Feast of the Holy Family

St. Bernard — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 18:32:30 +0000

In Mary we praise that which places her above all others, that is, fruitfulness of offspring together with virginity. For never has it been known in this world that anyone was at the same time mother and virgin. And see of Whom she is mother. Where does your astonishment at this so wondrous dignity lead ... ...Read More »

Saint Gregory the Great’s Sermon on the Mystery of the Resurrection

St. Gregory the Great — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 18:31:52 +0000

Given to the People in the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on the Holy Day of the Resurrection

1. It has been my custom, beloved brethren, to speak to you on many of the Gospel readings, by means of a sermon I had already dictated for you. But since I have been unable, because of ... ...Read More »

Christmas Sermon of St. Gregory

St. Gregory the Great — Mon, 27 Jun 2005 18:34:58 +0000

Given to the People in the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the day of the Nativity of Our Lord.

1. Because by the Divine Bounty we are on this day thrice to celebrate the sacred mysteries of the Mass, we cannot therefore speak at length on the Gospel lesson. But the Birth of Our ... ...Read More »

Christmas Sermon of St. Leo the Great

St. Leo the Great — Mon, 27 Jun 2005 18:34:15 +0000

Our Saviour, dearly Beloved, was born this day. Let us rejoice. Sadness is not becoming upon the Birth Day of Life Itself, which, now that the fear of death is ended, fills us with gladness, because of our own promised immortality. No one is excluded from sharing in this cheerfulness, for the reason of our ... ...Read More »

How the Fathers Speak of the Dignity of the Mother of God

Archbishop Ullathorne — Mon, 20 Jun 2005 18:47:30 +0000

Those who have only read the Fathers of the Church in the brief extracts from their works, which are so often cited, can have no idea of the amplitude and magnificence with which they extol the praises of the Mother of God. I propose, therefore, in this chapter, to give more satisfactory examples of the ... ...Read More »