In a recent lengthy article, we wrote of the saintly Father Paul of Graymoor, Founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. Mother Lurana (pronounced Lu ray na) White is such an important part of the story of Graymoor that … Continue reading
Category: Biography
Mother Henriette Delille, New Orleans Native, Declared Venerable
On Saturday, March 27, the Holy Father signed a decree advancing the cause of sainthood of Henriette Delille, declaring that this exemplary New Orleans Creole had lived a life of “heroic virtue.” As a native of that lately beleaguered city, … Continue reading
A Latter-Day Athanasius: Father Leonard Feeney
“Tell me, is Monsignor Hickey still alive?” “Yes, he’s alive,” the visiting priest answered his host as they sat out on the lawn, one summer day in 1970, overlooking the valley vista beyond them. “But he’s very, very sick.”
Tobias and the Priest’s Mother
Father Michael Jarecki is our chaplain. At ninety-two years of age, he is not yet quite as long-lived as Brother Francis (who died at ninety six), but he’s close. I fear that his recent hospitalization is a sign that he … Continue reading
Father Paul of Graymoor: Founder of the Society of the Atonement and Father of the Church Unity Octave
Every Catholic of a certain age remembers the week in January when the Church Unity Octave or the Chair of Unity Octave was celebrated liturgically. The Octave began on January 18, Feast of St. Peter’s Chair in Rome, and ended … Continue reading
Speech for a Surprise Party in Honor of Brother Francis: December 3, 1981
It is certainly my pleasure to be a part of this tribute to our wonderful teacher. I’m sure I speak for all in saying that we know the one, true Faith better because of him. And for that we are … Continue reading
Brother Francis’ Obituary
Brother Francis Maluf, M.I.C.M., (July 19, 1913 – September 05, 2009) Founding member of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Superior of Saint Benedict Center in Richmond, New Hampshire, Philosopher, College Professor, and published author died on Saturday, … Continue reading
A Tribute to Brother Hugh MacIsaac (+July 11, 1979)
(Note: This was written on the occasion of the death of Brother Hugh, M.I.C.M., one of the founding members of our Order, who went to his reward on July 11, 1979. The piece introduced From the Housetops No. 18, which … Continue reading
Father Augustus Tolton, First Black Priest in the U.S.
“They’re watching me,” he wrote to Saint Katharine Drexel, his confidant and benefactor. One of the Catholic websites I frequent offers a video about a Black American priest by the name of Augustus Tolton. I could see by the black … Continue reading
Eustace Ahatsistari, Huron Warrior
This past February 9, I posted an article about the Huron Indian, Joseph Chihwatenha, entitled Red Man Without a Cause. He was a noble man, naturally virtuous, who after his conversion and brief life as a Catholic exhibited the kind … Continue reading
Mar Matthew Gregory Nakkar, A Syrian Saul
(1795-1868) (Reprinted with Permission) Editor’s Introduction: In the Arab Catholic world there is a rich treasury of liturgical rites. The Ancient Syrian Rite — that of Antioch — is the “parent rite” of five “children”: The Maronite Rite, discussed at … Continue reading
Paul Comtois of Québec
Andrew Cusak recently posted a brief, uplifting tribute to a great Catholic statesman: Paul Comtois of Québec. Lieutenant-gouverneur Comtois was a scandalously un-celebrated martyr for his love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. No doubt, his lack of celebrity is … Continue reading
Another Patron for Boy Scouts
One year ago, I posted a column on our website about Servant of God, Francis J. Parater, an Eagle Scout, who died in 1919 while studying in Rome for the priesthood. I proposed him as a worthy candidate to one … Continue reading
Capitol’s Statuary Hall and Father Eusebio “the Chinaman”
This author wrote an article back in February, 2006, about four Catholic missionaries whose statues stand in Washington D.C.’s Statuary Hall. Two are beatified, two should be: Hawaii’s Blessed Damien the Leper (to be canonized this fall), Blessed Junipero Serra … Continue reading
Joseph Chihwatenha: Red Man Without a Cause
From 1542-1834, there were 117 martyrs who shed their blood for the Faith in the land that became the United States. During those years all of them had been referred to Rome as candidates for canonization. Only the three of … Continue reading
