As it is typically used, the term Christian can mean either of two things. Many people would equate it with not Catholic. A Christian — that is, a Protestant — would be one who claims to revere Sacred Scripture and … Continue reading
Author Archives: Sister Marie Gabrielle, M.I.C.M.
Joseph of Genesis and the Mystery of Christian Forgiveness
Quotes Worth Contemplating for Eastertide Short of murder, it would be difficult for someone to show better how much he hated his little brother than by selling him into slavery. Which was exactly what Joseph’s brothers did to him. It would … Continue reading
At the Foot of the Cross: Mary’s Sorrows and the Helplessness of Her Love
Part Two of an Adapted Excerpt from The Crucifixion Mary became our Mother just when She lost Jesus. Since She had already had such a love of souls, and since that love had already been immensely increased by the events … Continue reading
At the Foot of the Cross: Mary’s Sorrows and the Test of Her Faith
An Adapted Excerpt from The Crucifixion Mary had stood through at the foot of the Cross, the entire Three Hours, though She had had a sleepless night, and the morning had been crowded full with terrible happenings. In the strength … Continue reading
Sister Marie Gabrielle’s Talk: Outside the Church There Is No Salvation, from Genesis to Pentecost. (Was Adam Catholic?)
What if the Catholic Church’s necessity for salvation didn’t begin only after Pentecost — what if it reaches back to Genesis, and even includes angels? In this talk, we explore a sweeping thesis: that wherever grace elevates an intellectual creature … Continue reading
Why Does God Desire Our Sacrifices?
Quotes Worth Contemplating for Lent There is no question that sacrifices, little acts of self-denial, voluntary mortifications, etc., are an integral part of Catholic spirituality. Our Lord told Bl. Anna Maria Tiagi, “Those who wish to follow My way must … Continue reading
Ecclesia Ab Initio: The Church’s Necessity Defended from Genesis
Genesis, while not the most important book of the Bible, is the most fundamental. Likewise, Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus, though not the most important dogma of our Faith, is the most fundamental. Is it any wonder that both the sacred … Continue reading
St. Francis de Sales: Great Soul, Little Soul, or ‘Middle Soul’?
In my article, “On Great Souls and Little Souls,” I tried to show the very tangible criteria by which we may safely see Little Souls like St. Therese, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, and Servant of God Marcel Van as … Continue reading
Theresian ‘Littleness’ — What Is It Really?
It is impossible to read The Story of a Soul and not be struck by St. Therese’s marked predilection for the word littleness. She likes to compare herself to a little toy or a little ball belonging to the Infant … Continue reading
Human Love: How Much Is Too Much?
“You are so deeply engraved on my heart that the more I realize how truly you love me from the depths of your soul, the more incapable I am of forgetting you, and the more constantly you are in my … Continue reading
On Great Souls and Little Souls
Is there really a difference between “great souls” and “little souls” or “great” saints and “little” saints? St. Therese thought so. Actually, she did not just think so in an abstract, theoretical sort of way — she was walking, talking … Continue reading
When the Going Gets Tough — The Tough Get Mary: Five Secrets of Catholic Battle Joy
Three soldiers rose up from their tents And went to join their regiments. And one said: “Captain, I report Because I think that war is sport!” And one said: “Captain, I am here Because my duty makes it clear.” And … Continue reading
St. John Eudes’ Meditation on the Innocence of the Child Mary
Quotes Worth Contemplating for September 8 (Taken from page 267 of The Wondrous Childhood of the Most Holy Mother of God by St. John Eudes) Consider that an innocent person is one who knows not what it is to injure another, … Continue reading
Queen, General, and Mother: A Marian Approach to the Question of Authority
No army can function, no battle can succeed without authority. Every soldier reports to an officer, every officer reports to a higher officer, and so on, up an established hierarchical ladder. Clear commands are necessary from the ones on top, … Continue reading
Heavenly Intel: A Must-Have for Spiritual Combat
“What would happen,” asks St. Maximilian, “if a soldier — who did not always know the plan of the general — began to act on his own: open fire when he must remain silent, or march forward when he must … Continue reading
