Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying:"The kingdom of heaven may be likenedto a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy cameand sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore...
Recently I was asked by our regional Catholic Board of Education to present a talk to Religious Education teachers on the life of Abbot Franz Pfanner, the founder of the Monastery of Mariannhill near Durban on the eastern coast of South Africa. Although I knew a fair...
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...
When I was 15, I experienced my first “chastity” talk one night at youth group. A local organization called the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team came to our parish and gave a series of talks about the subject. It was the first time in my life I had ever heard...
My grandmother is 94 years old and still the most elegant woman I know. In the 45 years we have known each other, we have had innumerable, memorable conversations, some of which I have documented and hope to share with my own grandchildren someday. A few years ago, I...
The people of Rakunai, Papua New Guinea, in 1942 would not have believed that their local catechist would be one of the great Catholic figures of the 20th century and eventually a saint. Yet that is exactly what happened. Peter To Rot was a layman, a husband, a...
July Liturgical Living For Catholics Links to purchase: The Imitation of Christ (Catholic Classics) by Thomas à Kempis, Believe Premium Athletic Tee, St. Pier Giorgio Frassati | Chews Life Silicone Rosary Links to purchase: Quiet Mass Set by...
Medicine was once considered a vocation. It remains a vocation, no matter what the world tries to convince us otherwise. As doctors, we are called to imitate the First Physician - to heal not only the body but also the soul. This is never possible unless He is the One...
New York is known as “the city that doesn’t sleep.” There is this constant exhausting energy. Everyone speed-walks like they’re late to a meeting, even though they aren’t. They’re just heading to Blank Street for a matcha latte. One of the biggest struggles of...
Music has always been a part of my life. Since I was three years old, my mom arranged for a music teacher to teach me how to play the organ. Ever since then, music has been something I need on road trips, at the office, and even in my spiritual life. I’ve realized...
Many, young and old, feel the call to participate in the Mass by becoming an altar server. Amazing! The following 8 tips will help altar servers grow in their fervor for the Lord and devotion. To help you understand this better, we will use the triple-A battery. I...
It had been long enough, so I finally decided to visit my doctor. Random muscle spasms, pain, and fatigue had plagued me for nearly a year, and I had to figure out why…and hopefully fix it. Various AI and internet sources provided some insights, but they couldn’t...
June Liturgical Living For Catholics Links to purchase: Prayer: Oxygen for the Soup, Eucharist Ring by Darling & Divine, Mary and Jesus by Leanne Bowen Links to purchase: Saintly Heart ABC Pray & Play Puzzle, Sacred Heart of Jesus: Devotion to Jesus' Heart for...
As a young adult growing up in the 21st century, bombarded by constant conflict in the news and media, life can seem hopeless and uncertain. It seems that headlines only highlight the bad things happening in the world, and social media is full of people complaining...
Many faithful Catholics quietly struggle with the question…“Is this healthy, or is this too much?” On the surface, healthy Catholic spirituality and scrupulosity can look very similar. Both include prayer, regular examination of conscience, and a sincere desire...
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: ...
Emotionally exhausted, I let go and made a decision I was hoping would lessen the trauma I was dealing with. I didn't want to think. I didn't want to feel hurt. I shut out all the hurt and decided to focus on happy endings, be witty, and pretend to be dumb just to...
Often, there are fires of destruction raging in our lives. These fires can be literal disasters, accidents, illnesses, deaths, relationship troubles, financial stress, and so much more. These raging fires can be frightening, especially when they seem to close in...
Several hours before the first pitch is thrown, players slowly trickle into a quiet stadium. As they enter the clubhouse, a few different activities have already begun. The equipment manager, or “clubbie,” is hanging jerseys. The trainer is loading ice into an...
The eleven disciples went to Galilee,to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.Then Jesus approached and said to them,“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Go, therefore, and make disciples of...
God understands human history not only contextually, as we hope to do, but also in the fullness of time, which reflects His infinite intelligence. His capacity is beyond our understanding, and He intervenes in our lives and in history itself in such a way as to...
How many of you are still keeping to your New Year's resolutions? Unfortunately, these are, for many, already a distant and slightly embarrassing memory. Some of you may have even already fallen off the wagon for your Lenten practices. If you have, or you didn’t even...
Editor’s note: This is part 2 of a series. Read part 1 here. This article was originally published HERE. My mom went to a local Catholic parish one day, where the priest was offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In the back of the church, a woman was engaged in...
May Liturgical Living For Catholics Links to purchase: 33 Days to Morning Glory, Marian Monogram Socks, Lamb’s Ear Wreath by Laus Deo Designs Links to purchase: Mary Dress Up Magnet Playset, Call Me Mama Book, Children’s Miraculous Medal...