Although I have had a relationship with Mary since I was a child and had been praying the Rosary since my early twenties, I developed a closer relationship with Mary as a mother and came to understand her as the Mother of Mercy because of … [Read more...]
Mother of the Little Bright Lights of the World
Her History and Spirituality
May 7, 2021 by Fr. Stanley Smolenski, SPMA
At Medjugorje, Our Lady said that she was completing there what she began at Fatima. Surprisingly, my story follows that same way. This story begins simply at Fatima in 2001 and proceeds to Medjugorje in 2017. In July 2001, I went on a … [Read more...]
The Sweetness of Fatima
January 18, 2020 by Keith Berube
Catholics begin a new liturgical year by starting with a pregnant Virgin Mother in Advent, and we start a new chronological year by invoking her once again — the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. If God “started” with Mary, why shouldn’t we? … [Read more...]
Mary and Prayer
Part III of a Marian Triptych
June 18, 2019 by Francis Etheredge
Mary is not a conceptual counterpoint to Christ, imagined and projected into the Gospels as a kind of semidivine goddess who was made manifest, as it were, in preparation for the coming of the Savior of mankind: a kind of “power of woman” to … [Read more...]
Analogy of Analogies
The Joyful Mysteries as Image of All Human History
June 18, 2019 by Scott Pauline
A great tragedy occurred in salvation history in the so-called Enlightenment. An essential mammoth misfortune for this contrarily darkening age of the world, as well as, for that matter, the general period of thought and ideology between … [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...]
The Philosopher’s Reflections on the Rosary
May 18, 2018 by Raymond Dennehy
“I Don’t Know How You’ll Help Me, But I Know You Will” Why would a philosopher go to bat for the Rosary? I’d better ‘fess up right off. I’ve never been able to convince myself that I’m a philosopher, even though I own a Ph.D. in that disc … [Read more...]
Mary, Mother of Mercy, Mother of the Priest
October 13, 2016 by Sr. Mary John Kramer, OP
Marian titles are so numerous, and devotions so diverse, the litany could confuse and confound those less familiar with Catholic popular piety. The various titles show the relationship of a mother with her children. She can be all things to … [Read more...]
Ministerial Rosary Reflections for Priests
October 13, 2016 by Rev. Edward Lee Looney, STB, MDiv
The Church regards the month of October as the rosary month, a practice encouraged by many pontiffs, most especially Pope Leo XIII. Many of our parishioners will dedicate themselves to praying the rosary this month. Some will do so at their … [Read more...]
Breaking Down the Barriers to Prayer
July 26, 2014 by Deacon W. Patrick Cunningham
The heart hardens with a kind of moral crust that excludes compassion for others and prevents communication with others, especially God. Habits of sin, especially the seven deadly sins, keep us focused on our own pleasure, honor, and … [Read more...]
The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: Detecting a Pattern of Internal Consistency
May 24, 2014 by Jayson M. Brunelle, MEd, CAGS
Against the background of the words, Ave Maria, the principal events of the life of Jesus Christ pass before the eyes of the soul. They take shape in the complete series of the joyful, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries, and they put us in … [Read more...]
Where is Prayer for Christian Unity in Our Parishes?
January 19, 2014 by James Likoudis
Every post-conciliar Pope has emphasized, with Vatican II, that ecumenism is a necessary aspect of the Church's mission, and one involving the effort of all the faithful, clergy, and laity alike. It was once quite common for many C … [Read more...]
The Most Holy Rosary
October 10, 2012 by Paul Kokoski
Because the Immaculate Virgin was chosen to be the Mother of God, cooperating with him in the work of man's salvation, she has a favor and power with her Son greater than any human or angelic creature ... it is her greatest pleasure to … [Read more...]
Are Men to Be Heartless?
April 25, 2012 by Fr. Stanley Smolenski, SPMA
Blessed John Paul II said: “Mary is the most perfect teacher of that love, which enables us to be united in the deepest way with Christ in His Eucharistic presence.” A seminary professor, when analyzing the episode of Emmaus (Lk 24:1 … [Read more...]
Help for the Journey
THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES: Biblical Reflections on the Life of Christ. By Tim Gray (Emmaus Road publishing, 827 N. Fourth Street, Steubenville, Ohio 43952, 2005), 34pp. PB $11.95.
April 1, 2009 by Book Reviews
Pope John Paul II gave us the Luminous Mysteries for the Rosary and here Tim Gray takes us through meditative prayers for these mysteries based on Scripture and the teachings of Pope John Paul II. The beautiful introduction is by Archbishop … [Read more...]
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