When we think of the saints and martyrs, especially the first Christians, we struggle to conceptualize their experiences. We don’t live in the same era, they seem “more Catholic” than us, and their level of holiness can feel unrelatable and unattainable. The...
Martyrs
Why We Need Bl. Miguel Pro Now, More Than Ever
"¡Viva Cristo Rey!" These were the electric and immortal words shouted by Fr. Miguel Pro, S.J., as the virulently anti-Catholic government firing squad took aim at him, his eyes wide open and arms stretched forth in cruciform posture. Long live Christ the King! Miguel...
St. Charles Lwanga And Companions, Martyrs Of Uganda: Saints You Need To Meet
June 3rd is the feast of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions. These great saints have been officially designated as martyrs for the Catholic faith. Officially, St. Charles Lwanga is the patron of converts, torture victims, and the African Catholic Youth Action....
15 Martyr Saints Who Teach Us How To Carry The Cross With Jesus
The lives of the saints provide us rich, beautiful sources of instruction in virtue. But there's a particular heroism to be gleaned from stories of the martyrs. Today we present 15 saints - some well known, others, more obscure, but all are admirable for a common...
5 Blesseds Every Catholic (Especially Young People) Should Get To Know
How often have you met a young adult and thought “Wow, they are so holy”... or looked to them as an inspiration and example for your own faith? Teens and young adults, especially those in high school or college, are notoriously stereotyped as the opposite of saintly,...
The Eight Stages Of Genocide…And Why Catholics Should Care
During a special Mass held in 2015 to mark the centenary of the Armenian Genocide, the Holy Father referred to “three massive and unprecedented tragedies” of the past century. “The first, which is widely considered the first genocide of the twentieth century, struck...
An Astonishingly Beautiful Icon To Remember The 21 Coptic Christians Martyred By ISIS
Do you remember February 13, 2015? On this day, 21 Coptic Christians were martyred for their faith by ISIS. This event has been depicted in a sacred icon by the artist Nikola Sarić . Our experience of icons can often be synonymous with historic events that seem...
“Love Costs Everything” – A History of Christian Martyrs
Pope Francis recently said, "It is true that during the time of Nero many Christians were persecuted, and today there are just as many." This brief trailer helps us to get a glimpse at this reality. "Love Costs Everything" maps the history of Christian persecution...