The Benedictus: Hope for Priests

Introduction: Intimidating Indicators When asked to preach to priests, I recall the advice of a bishop: “Preach hope. The guys need to hear a hopeful message.” Presbyterates needing hope is a theme I’ve heard for many years, perhaps becau … [Read more...]

The Biblical Mariology of Pope Benedict XVI, Part 1

Hail, Full of Grace

“The unique and unrepeatable position that Mary occupies in the Community of Believers . . . stems from her fundamental vocation to being Mother of the Redeemer. Precisely as such, Mary is also Mother of the Mystical Body of Christ, which i … [Read more...]

Book Reviews – April 2021

The Sacraments: Discovering the Treasures of Divine Life. By Rev. Matthew Kauth. Reviewed by Aaron Martin. (skip to review) Telling Stories That Matter: Memoirs and Essays. By Marvin R. O’Connell. Reviewed by Christopher Siuzdak. (skip t … [Read more...]

An Annunciation Homily

On this solemnity which celebrates the high-water point in the history of salvation, permit me to explore with you three Latin expressions. 1. Verbum caro factum est [The Word became flesh]. We find this line, of course, in the Prologue … [Read more...]

Hail Full of Grace, the Lord Is With You

Whom does the Archangel Gabriel address when he speaks the words: “Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you”? Is it not a humble Virgin named Mary, born to Saints Joachim and Anne in the city of Galilee named Nazareth? She who is known as … [Read more...]

A Luminous Point for the New Evangelization

She is the singular star that draws us into the will of the Father by reminding us to “do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:10). Star and Sure Guide At the close of his Apostolic Letter, Novo Millennio Ineunte (At the Beginning of the New Mi … [Read more...]

“Blessed is She Who Believed”—The Mother of God as a Model of Faith

“By faith, Mary accepted the Angel’s word and believed the message that she was to become the Mother of God in the obedience of her devotion…”—Porta Fidei, §13 "Annunciation"-by Leonardo DaVinci In promulgating Porta Fidei in the Year of … [Read more...]

Effects of the Annunciation

“Caro cardo salutis,” the flesh is the hinge of salvation. Tertullian, On the Resurrection of the Flesh VIII.2 The Annunciation by John William Waterhouse Mary's "yes" at the Annunciation achieves the central truths of the Incarnation, … [Read more...]