People often called Carlo Acutis the “God Geek” or “Cyber Apostle.” Born in 1991, he died from leukemia at just 15 years old in 2006. Carlo chose to be buried in Assisi, close to Saint Francis, and was beatified there in 2020 during the global pandemic. Now, many...
Saint Francis of Assisi is cherished by Christians across many traditions. As we approach his feast day on October 4, we celebrate 800 years since his death, which he lovingly called Sister Death. Although I am a Benedictine at heart, Francis holds a special place in...
As we approach the feast day of Saint Benedict on July 11, I am reminded of another chapter in my life where I spent one night in Nursia. I had the immense blessing of praying in the Abbey at the center of the city, built over the birthplace of Saint Benedict and...
A central doctrine of Catholicism is the belief that the bread and wine consumed at Mass become truly Christ: his body, blood, soul, and divinity. While this truth is celebrated every Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ offers a heightened...
All Marian feasts are filled with grace and joy. The newest feast was established by Pope Francis in 2018. It is celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost and honors Mary, Mother of the Church. Pope Paul VI gave Mary this title during the Second Vatican Council on...
On Pentecost weekend, we will hear beautiful music prior to the proclamation of the Gospel. It is known as the Pentecost Sequence. It is a chant that sings of the Holy Spirit. Thinking of this poetic chant, I turn to Sister Joan Chittister’s words when she said: ...
The Triduum is at the heart of our whole Christian life. It celebrates the Lord’s Pasch. We can understand Pasch as passage and passion. Our Lord passes from death to life through the suffering of His cross. The central image of all three days is the cross. The Church...