Once upon a time there lived a rich man who wanted to spend his money giving good things to the poor. One day he found a group of raggedy children playing in the street and said to them, “Come, boys … Continue reading
Category: Spiritual Life
The All-Powerful Heart of Mary
Quotes Worth Contemplating for August 22 St. Anselm says, “Everything, even the Blessed Virgin, is subject to the power of God; and everything, even God, is subject to the power of the Blessed Virgin.” We know from many other saints … Continue reading
The Transfiguration and Our Lives
August 6, the feast of the Transfiguration, is one that comes and goes very quickly in the excitement of the Summer — so much so, that it is often overlooked. But it has a number of important lessons that we … Continue reading
Saint Therese, Novelty, and the Development of Doctrine
When St. Louis Marie de Montfort set out to fire the world with enthusiasm for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, he was careful to establish that this devotion was in keeping with Tradition. Holy Slavery, argues this great Marian … Continue reading
Smile Anyway
“A smile is one of nature’s best means of making people happy. One of the most delightful factors in a personality is a real heartwarming smile that comes from within. Actions speak louder than words, and a smile says, ‘I … Continue reading
What Do You Want of Me?
“What do you want of me?” It was the perfect question. And not only did little Lucia dos Santos begin her first conversation with the Queen of the Universe with this question, but with it she began every single one … Continue reading
Going My Way on the Camino de Santiago
Thanks to the amazing generosity of one of our benefactors, I recently went on an intense, two-week pilgrimage to Spain, lasting from June 17 to 29. Flying into and out of Madrid, our little band of twenty-two pilgrims went to … Continue reading
Feeding the Fire: A June Meditation
When was the last time you tried to build a fire? There is a lot that goes into the success of such a project. Whatever is used for kindling must be flammable, dry, and the right size. You need a … Continue reading
Distinguishing Channels of Grace: Ex Opere Operato, Operantis, Operantis Ecclesiae
On February 3 of this year, the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) came out with Gestis Verbisque (“[With] Actions and Words”), a “Note” concerning the requisites for sacramental validity. To put it colloquially, its subject … Continue reading
The Amazing Preface of the Roman Mass
As a neophyte to Catholic tradition in the early 1990’s, I was struck by the beauty of that part of the Traditional Latin Mass called the “Preface.” The chant that accompanies it, sung by the celebrant alone, is not only … Continue reading
Having the Holy Ghost as Our Teacher and Guide
The extraordinary spiritual writer, Father Jacques Philippe, provides insights and advice for the spiritual life that are both beautiful and practical. His writings have inspired me and changed my perspective on what a flourishing interior life looks like. While Interior … Continue reading
When Fall the Valiant
And David made this kind of lamentation over Saul, and over Jonathan his son. … And he said: Consider, O Israel, for them that are dead, wounded on thy high places. The illustrious of Israel are slain upon thy mountains: … Continue reading
The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail, Part II
We know with certitude that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church. We know that Our Lord Jesus Christ always has and always will defeat evil. What we do not know with such assurance is whether or … Continue reading
The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail, Part I
“I say unto to thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” I used to think that Our Blessed Lord was encouraging us in … Continue reading
Theme for 2024: ‘The Charity of Christ Presseth Us’
Until the beautiful feast of February 2, the Purification, we remain in Christmastide. The stunning good news the angels announced to the shepherds should be still ringing in our ears all this time: “Glory to God in the highest; and … Continue reading
