To attempt to read the psalms and other texts of the Marian Office in this way is to step into a beam that will require us to see not only the Virgin but indeed the whole of Christianity in a light most modern Christians, not to mention … [Read more...]
Archives for April 2019
“Woman of the Eucharist”
Our Lady and the Mass
April 30, 2019 by Fr. Donncha O hAodha
Our Lady of Knock During his visit to Ireland in August 2018, the Holy Father visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland. The apparition at the origin of this place of pilgrimage speaks of Mary as “Woman of the E … [Read more...]
Benedict XVI and the Absence of God
April 30, 2019 by Joel R. Gallagher
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s extraordinary letter on the sexual-abuse crisis in the Church generated expected, imprudent mixed reactions in the media and on social media. Almost immediately, some media organizations ran headlines that c … [Read more...]
Virgin Undefiled
Mary’s Perpetual Virginity and Her Miraculous Delivery of Christ
April 30, 2019 by Marcus Benedict Peter
As light passes through glass without harming it, so too did Jesus pass through the womb of Mary without the opening of Mary’s womb and without any harm to the physical virginal seal of the Virgin, who was pure and the perfect tabernacle of … [Read more...]
Confirmation in the Church Fathers
April 30, 2019 by Brandon P. Otto
It has been said — though I know not by whom — that Confirmation is “a sacrament in search of a theology.” Confirmation preparation programs often emphasize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and state that Confirmation, in some way, complet … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – April 2019
April 30, 2019 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
Do Baptized Converts Need Confession First? Question: During the Easter Vigil, non-Christians are baptized, receive First Communion and are confirmed, while converts are received into full communion with the Church, meaning also and above … [Read more...]
The Tender Heart
April 22, 2019 by David Vincent Meconi
Where in any classical literature do men rejoice over wounds? In the ancients, injuries and lacerations bring about sorrow, if not revenge. But in the Gospel reading for Divine Mercy Sunday (Jn 20:19–31), we see a new understanding of v … [Read more...]
Christ’s Resurrection and Ours
April 20, 2019 by Audrey Yu
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory? (Lk 24:26) After the death of Jesus, it seems that even those who had been closest to Him were blinded by the pain of disappointment and despair. … [Read more...]
Is It Virtuous to Criticize the Pope?
April 20, 2019 by Joanne M.M. Baker
Lately there has been much public criticism of our Holy Father the Pope even amongst faithful Catholics. Some have been dismayed by this criticism, considering it irreverent and judgmental. Yet others justify criticism of the Pope, saying … [Read more...]
The New Acceptance of Sodomy
Why? And What Now?
April 20, 2019 by John F. Kippley
How could a Catholic priest ever come to think that it was morally acceptable for him to engage in sodomy? In the light of more than a dozen events or factors affecting one’s thinking since 1960, a priest with a same-sex orientation might a … [Read more...]
Probing the Creed
Pilate and Herod – Images of the Fall
April 20, 2019 by Scott Pauline
He was crucified under Pontius Pilate. . . – Apostles Creed. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our t … [Read more...]
Walking through Mud
How to Find Joy in Your Suffering with the Sorrowful Mysteries
April 20, 2019 by Karen Eriksson-Lee
Thirteen years ago, life changed dramatically for me and my children, then 10, 8, and 6. It’s the year I started walking through mud up to my neck. You know that feeling, right? It’s hard to get out of bed, to do once easy routine chores . . … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – April 2019
April 20, 2019 by Book Reviews
Reflections on the Sacred Liturgy, Vol. I: Lent & Holy Week By Fr. Thomas Hoisington. Reviewed by Stephanie A. Mann. (skip to review) Off the Hook: God, Love, Dating, and Marriage in a Hookup World By Timothy P. O’Malley. Reviewed b … [Read more...]
The Burning of a Cathedral
The Indestructible and Inconsumable Mysteries that Burn Within
April 17, 2019 by Deacon Thomas Baca
Flames ravage the iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France. A priest, along with firefighters, rushes to rescue the Blessed Sacrament as well as the famous relic of the Crown of Thorns. All of this on what might be called Holy or … [Read more...]
Homilies for April 2019
April 1, 2019 by Fr. Matthew P. Schneider, LC
For Apr. 7, Apr. 14 (Palm, or Passion), Easter (day), and Apr. 28 (Divine Mercy). Fifth Sunday of Lent – April 7, 2019 Readings: Is 43:16–21 • Ps 126:1–6 • 2 Phil 3:8–14 • Jn 8:1–11 uscc … [Read more...]
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