Author Archives: StreetEvangelist

Today the church recalls that Mary, as the Theotokos or God bearer, was free from the stain of original sin. Many Christians may question such a dogma declared by the church in 1854 by Pope Pius IX in his Ineffabilis Deus. However, it seems only natural that God’s grace would keep Mary free from sinContinue reading “Immaculate Conception”

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

A Sermon by Pope St Gregory the Great You should be aware that the word “angel” denotes a function rather than a nature. Those holy spirits of heaven have indeed always been spirits. They can only be called angels when they deliver some message. You should be aware that the word “angel” denotes a functionContinue reading “Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels”

About Padre Pio: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/padre-pio-his-biography-13815 Letter from Padre Pio To Raffaelina Cerase, May 19, 1914 Stones of the eternal dwelling The divine craftsman gets ready to prepare stones to build an eternal temple; he cuts these stones by repeated blows of his hammer and carefully polishes them by removing any excess.  This is what the holyContinue reading “St. Pio of Pietrelcina O.F.M. Cap., Pray for Us”

Mt. 9:9-13 As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw thisContinue reading “St. Matthew, Apostle, & Gospel Writer”

From the office of daily readings for September 13, Memorial of St. John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor. An excerpt of a homily by St John Chrysostom: The waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear of drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock. Let the sea rage, itContinue reading “St John Chrysostom – Whom Shall I Fear?”

The two times a Pope has spoken ex cathedra or from the chair of Peter are when the Immaculate Conception was declared under Pope Pius IX in 1854. This tenet of papal infallibility was solidified with the first Vatican Council in 1870. The second time occurred in 1950 under Pope Pius XII with the dogmaContinue reading “The Assumption of Mary”

Today the Church recalls the memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. This soldier turned saint portrays a remarkable story for us as at any time, the Holy Spirit can turn our life around to do His will. Injured from a cannonball at the battle of Pampolona and bedridden for nearly a year, Saint Ignatius eventuallyContinue reading “Saint Ignatius Loyola, Pray For Us”

Today the Roman Church remembers the life of St. Mary Magdalene, formerly a person whose title was associated with the “penitent.” It is reported that St. Thomas Aquinas gave Mary the title of “Apostle of the Apostles.” On July 22 of 2016, Pope Francis elevated the day to a Feast to “stress the importance ofContinue reading “St. Mary Magdalen: Pray For Us”

Today in the Catholic church’s calendar, St. Mark the Evangelist is recalled in prayer. History indicates that his gospel may have been one of the earliest writings completed sometime around 70 ad (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gospel-According-to-Mark). When I was to be confirmed and had to choose a saint name, it was Mark that I chose. Some attribute hisContinue reading “St Mark the Evangelist”

What can Saint Joseph teach us as we commemorate this worthy and humble saint? Today, the Church honors Joseph, the husband of Mary. First and foremost, Saint Joseph serves as a role model for husbands everywhere. He took Mary as his wife without hesitation, trusting the message delivered to him in a dream. We alsoContinue reading “Saint Joseph, Pray for Us”