In this Lenten series, Father Ian VanHeusen presents his weekly spiritual exercise based on the Sunday Readings to help us grow in our relationship with the Lord. What is a Spiritual Exercise, you ask? St. Ignatius of Loyola writes, “By the term “Spiritual Exercises” is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, of […]

A Beautiful Sonnet Attributed To The Saints A beautiful sonnet has been attributed to many saints such as St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila: “I am not moved to love you, Lord, By promises of paradise; Nor does the hell that terrifies Move me to want to sin no more. You […]

We all know Lent is a penitential time of the year. However, what often happens during Lent is that many of the penances we adopt revolve around fasting, abstinence and prayer. Some of us give up coffee, desserts or snacks, others take on spiritual practices like trying to attend daily Mass. But sadly, almsgiving, the […]

Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, kindles the true light of chastity. – St. Thomas Aquinas Related content: 7 Benefits Of Fasting According To St. Augustine Struggling With Fasting? These Resources Will […]

This year we’ve had a bit more time to think about Lent, but it still feels like Ash Wednesday is coming too soon! How will you spend these forty days dedicated to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving? We have the Lent resources you need to make this sacrificial season one that bears great fruit in your […]

Back in 1990, Bergoglio (now Pope Francis) spoke to a group about the Christian life and the good Samaritan. The title of the text was based on Isaiah 58:7 “Do not disregard those of your own flesh”. The message is clear: you can’t pretend to live your faith if you aren’t willing to make it […]

Have you been fasting this Lent? Sure, it’s a struggle, but this ancient, scriptural, necessary Christian discipline is something Jesus expected and which Catholics for hundreds of years took as a given. (Check out our Illustrated Guide to Fasting) You’re not supposed to like it or be good at it… but, take heart! We do […]

Jesus died for you Related content: Love Held Jesus To The Cross | Catholic-Link.org The Wounds Of Jesus | Catholic-Link.org 4 Movies About The Life Of Jesus To Watch This Lent Christ Defeated Death So I Could Live 25 Names Of Jesus To Use In Prayer This Christmas The 7 Last Words Of Jesus Jesus […]

Fr. Ian VanHeusen presents a gospel reflection and spiritual exercise on the Gospel reading of John 12:20-33, Jesus’ startling statement about hating life in this world in order to gain eternal life in heaven. Throughout the Lenten season, Father encourages us to invest in prayer of self-examination, and he provides practical assistance in the method […]

The Best-Laid Plans The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. We layout the best plans for our Lenten journey. We seek to approach Easter having undergone a well thought out and executed routine of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. If you are like me, this does not always go as planned. In fact, […]