Heart of Jesus I adore thee; Heart of Mary, I implore thee; Heart of Joseph, pure and just; In these three hearts I put my trust. August 22 in the traditional calendar is the feast of the Immaculate Heart of … Continue reading
Category: Spiritual Life
St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Dispelling of Spiritual Vertigo
Quotes Worth Contemplating for the Feast of St. Alphonsus de Liguori St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696–1787) knew all about spiritual vertigo. He had lived with it. He had lived through it. For those of us who struggle with an ordered … Continue reading
The Rampart of Faith
It is one thing to have the supernatural virtue of faith as it is instilled in us at baptism: the virtue by which we firmly believe all those truths God has revealed. It is another thing to have the personal … Continue reading
Wielding the Holy Saber of Love
We are all pretty familiar with the idea of sacramentals as weapons. We know St. Maximilian called Miraculous Medals his “bullets”; we have often heard the Rosary spoken of as a “sword.” We probably have at least a vague sense … Continue reading
Yes, We’re Slaves, and We’re Free!
When this morning’s weekly bulk mailing went out advertizing someting in our bookstore, the email promoted a booklet our Congregation has in the works: Made For Heaven. Upon noticing that the book is “by the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart … Continue reading
The Problem of Superficiality
In Philosophy in Our School of Thought, I cite the six reasons that Brother Francis listed to explain why we must study philosophy. The fourth reason is this: “True philosophy is the handmaid of theology, ancilla theologiae. Without solid philosophic … Continue reading
Did You Ever Notice This Liturgical Connection to Sister Lucy’s Vision of the Trinity?
Today, at the parish where we assisted at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the priest celebrant offered the Votive Mass for the Sacred Heart, no doubt because today is both an open liturgical day in the traditional rite, and … Continue reading
How Not to Be Orcs
You may remember the scene in third Lord of the Rings movie where Frodo is unconscious up in the tower of Cirith Ungol, and orcs who captured him start fighting over his “shiny shirt.” One ugly orc fellow pushes the … Continue reading
On Roses, Thorns, and Graduates
The following is a cut down version of the introductory speech I gave at IHM School’s graduation last Saturday. Readers should know that our school in rural southern New Hampshire is very small. We had three graduates this year — … Continue reading
The Reconquest of Peace
Pope Leo XIV has, during the first hours and days of his pontificate, spoken much about peace. Whether or not his pontificate will see some time of peace in the Church and the world is a matter of history that … Continue reading
Spes Nostra: Profound Words of Encouragement and Consolation
They that hope in the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall take wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Is. 40:31) Called to Fight There are many beautiful symbols by … Continue reading
The Glorious Mysteries with St. Joseph
The Resurrection Blessed Be God! Our Sweet Savior is risen from the dead! Happily, I believe this, St. Joseph. Theological Faith makes it possible for me to know all those truths which are beyond the capacity of my senses. I … Continue reading
The Sorrowful Mysteries with St. Joseph
The Agony in the Garden St. Joseph, as dear Jesus saw all the sins, hatred, betrayal, and selfishness of men in the Garden of Gethsemane, He did not see you. When His Sacred Heart was weighed down by the thought … Continue reading
The Fear of Abandonment
Adapted from Sr. Marie Gabrielle’s talk, “A Thousand Times Happy” The desire to know God’s will — to know what our Heavenly Father and Mother want of us so that we may fulfill it, no matter what it is, no matter … Continue reading
The Joyful Mysteries with Saint Joseph
The Annunciation When Mary was asked to be the Mother of God, she must have thought of you, dear St. Joseph. I think she probably admired God’s great providence in giving her such a husband — one in whom she … Continue reading
