Today the Church commemorates the solemnity of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Yesterday we recognized Saint Augustine’s mother who wept and prayed fervently for her son’s conversion experience. As a Bishop and Doctor of the Church, Saint Augustine is influential in setting the foundational theological principles of the early church in which topics of predestination, grace,Continue reading “Saint Augustine, Pray For Us”
Author Archives: StreetEvangelist
Saint Monica, Pray For Us
Today the Church commemorates the life of Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo who was instrumental in converting her son to the faith. Monica was born circa 322 AD in in North Africa & died in 387 AD in Italy. Monica was given in marriage to an ill tempered pagan named Patricius andContinue reading “Saint Monica, Pray For Us”
Saint Bartholomew: Strong in Spirit
As my daughter was getting ready for the third week of her new Catholic school, we learned about the martyr & apostle Bartholomew. Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles, is traditionally identified with Nathanael. Bartholomew was brought to Jesus by Philip, who told him, “Come and see.” When Nathanael encountered Jesus, he quickly came toContinue reading “Saint Bartholomew: Strong in Spirit”
St. Bernard, Pray For Us
St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) was a French abbot, theologian, and mystic, and one of the most influential churchmen of the 12th century. He is recognized as a Doctor of the Church for his profound spiritual writings and teachings. Key points of his life: From an excerpt from the Divine Office, Liturgy of the Hours, Office of Readings:Continue reading “St. Bernard, Pray For Us”
The Assumption of Mary
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”
Saint Dominic, Pray for Us
Saint Dominic de Guzmán (1170–1221) was a Spanish priest and the founder of the Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominicans. He devoted his life to preaching the Gospel, teaching the faith, a man of prayer, and bringing people closer to Jesus Christ. In 1216, Pope Honorius III formally approved the Dominican Order, andContinue reading “Saint Dominic, Pray for Us”
The Transfiguration of Jesus, Our Lord
Matthew 17:1–9 Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus inContinue reading “The Transfiguration of Jesus, Our Lord”
Saint John Mary Vianney, Curé of Ars
St. John Vianney (the Curé of Ars) was born on May 8, 1786, in Dardilly, France, and died on August 4, 1859, in Ars, France. He is one of my favorite saints in learning of his humility as a parish priest & being a patron of parish priests. The beloved Curé of Ars lived a simple lifestyle &Continue reading “Saint John Mary Vianney, Curé of Ars”
Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Pray for Us
Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787) was a renowned Italian bishop, theologian, and spiritual writer who founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists. Originally trained as a lawyer, he left his legal career to dedicate himself to preaching the Gospel and serving the poor. He authored many influential books on moralContinue reading “Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Pray for Us”
Saint Ignatius Loyola, Pray For Us
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”
Saint Peter Chrysologus, Bishop & Doctor, Pray For Us
Saint Peter, Bishop of Ravenna, Italy, until 433 in the year of Our Lord was nicknamed Chrysologus or golden words for his rich homilies and is known as patron of homilies. As Bishop he was responsible for converting many of the last pagans in his diocese and winning souls to Christ Jesus! St. Peter onceContinue reading “Saint Peter Chrysologus, Bishop & Doctor, Pray For Us”
St. Joachim & Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today the Church recalls the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saints Joachim and Anne. Not much is known about Joachim and Anne other than from folklore and apocryphal writings. What we do know is that God’s plan of salvation history and the ability for all of us to become saints one day is shapedContinue reading “St. Joachim & Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
Memorial of St. James the Greater, Apostle
From a homily on Matthew by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop (Hom. 65, 2-4: PG 58, 619-622), Roman Breviary The sons of Zebedee press Christ: Promise that one may sit at your right side and the other at your left. What does he do? He wants to show them that it is not a spiritual giftContinue reading “Memorial of St. James the Greater, Apostle”
St. Mary Magdalen: 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”
Saint Bonaventure, Bishop & Doctor
Saint Bonaventure (c. 1217–1274), born Giovanni di Fidanza in Bagnoregio, Italy. He was healed from a serious childhood illness through the prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi. In gratitude, he entered the Order of Friars Minor at about 22 years of age. He studied philosophy and theology at the University of Paris, where he laterContinue reading “Saint Bonaventure, Bishop & Doctor”
Tempus Fugit. Memento Mori: A Reminder Of Our Limited Time & Need to Prepare
Time is fleeting. Remember thy mortality.
15th Sunday Ordinary Time – What Kind of Soil Are You?
The theme from this Sunday’s readings, especially the Gospel from the Parable of the Sower remind us to examine the condition of our soil, or the inner disposition of our soul. One season, a section of my yard developed a grass fungus. After consulting with experts, I learned that the dead grass had to beContinue reading “15th Sunday Ordinary Time – What Kind of Soil Are You?”
Saint Benedict, Pray for Us
Saint Benedict of Nursia The Church commemorates Saint Benedict of Nursia, the Father of Western Monasticism, whose life continues to remind us that holiness is cultivated through faithful perseverance in the ordinary moments of daily life. Born around AD 480 in Italy, Benedict withdrew from the distractions of the world to seek God in silence,Continue reading “Saint Benedict, Pray for Us”
The Enduring Promise of the Declaration of Independence
The signing of the Declaration of Independence nearly 250 years ago marked the beginning of a bold political experiment. Its purpose was not merely to separate from Great Britain, but to establish a new nation founded on the principles of self-government and individual liberty. The newly independent states first united as a confederation before eventuallyContinue reading “The Enduring Promise of the Declaration of Independence”
Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval Announcement
Grateful that the committee at the Catholic Writers Guild has awarded this work, Cast Thy Nets: The Power of Love & Discipleship https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cast-thy-nets-eric-stengel/1149168098 the Seal of Approval
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
On December of 1674, Saint Margaret Mary received the first visitation from our Lord Jesus regarding His unconditional love through His sacred heart. St. Margaret Mary didn’t have the best life at home and had rheumatic fever off and on for four years until pledging a vow to the Blessed Virgin Mary to enter religiousContinue reading “Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus”
Solemnity of Corpus Christi
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ, reminds us that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. Through the mystery of transubstantiation at Mass, the bread and wine become His Body and Blood while retaining the appearance of bread and wine. In John’s Bread of Life discourse, Jesus teaches us theContinue reading “Solemnity of Corpus Christi”
O Most Holy Trinity, Undivided Unity
The unique renaissance fresco painting of Jerónimo Cósida’s The Holy Trinity capturing the face of Jesus with three faces symbolizes the mystery of this occasion. The Latin message for ‘non est’ or ‘it is not’ followed by the unique centering of ‘est’ for ‘it is’ in the above image portrays such a mystery of ourContinue reading “O Most Holy Trinity, Undivided Unity”
Ascension Sunday
From a Sermon by Saint Augustine of Hippo Today our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven; let our hearts ascend with him. Listen to the words of the Apostle: If you have risen with Christ, set your hearts on the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God; seek the thingsContinue reading “Ascension Sunday”
Saint Joseph the Worker, Pray for Us
In 1955 Pope Pius XII declared Saint Joseph the Worker to coincide with International Worker’s Day on May 1. Christians must not lose sight of the dignity of their labor mandated by God to Adam & Eve. Our labor resembles the creative aspect of God our Creator. Saint Joseph humbly cared for the holy familyContinue reading “Saint Joseph the Worker, Pray for Us”
Good Shepherd Sunday: Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
Jesus, Our Good Shepherd
St Mark the Evangelist
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”
Easter: A Day of Hope & Joy
O death, where is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:55) Our Lord Jesus Christ has conquered sin and shattered the power of death. Through His Resurrection from the grave, He has revealed to us the way, and the narrow path that leads to eternal life (Matthew 7:14). The empty tomb is not merely a sign of whatContinue reading “Easter: A Day of Hope & Joy”
Good Friday
Why is Good Friday “good” despite the somber and sad occasion where Jesus the Christ – our friend, brother, teacher, Master & God’s Beloved Son who took on our human condition was crucified? It is Good because Jesus shows us that the power of sin and death shall not prevail. Today, reflect on this solemnContinue reading “Good Friday”
Holy Week Reflection
The Church ushers in the holiest time of the year with Palm Sunday. From the joyful cries of Hosanna in the highest to the haunting shouts of Crucify Him, we are invited to enter deeply into the Paschal Mystery. Our King, Jesus, came to dwell among us, taking on human flesh so that He mightContinue reading “Holy Week Reflection”
Annunciation of Our Lord to Mary
Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatlyContinue reading “Annunciation of Our Lord to Mary”
St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary – March 19 Reflection
Ancient legend and folklore states that Joseph may have died on March 19th. Various traditions and devotions recalling the life of St. Joseph go back to as early as the 4th century. It wasn’t until 1480 in which Pope Sixtus IV elevated March 19 to an official liturgical feast in the church (https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/solemnity-of-saint-joseph–the-spouse-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary.html). As aContinue reading “St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary – March 19 Reflection”
Saint Patrick, Pray For Us
Patrick, born in the late 4th century in Britain was captured by Irish pirates at about the age of 16. While not religious or spiritual himself, it was in these moments of tending sheep and other work during his years of captivity that he received a deep spiritual awakening and sense of God’s holy presence.Continue reading “Saint Patrick, Pray For Us”
Third Sunday of Lent: Spiritual Thirst & A Healing Heart
In today’s first reading from Exodus, we see the Israelites journeying in the wilderness and complaining to Moses about being thirsty and hungry. They fear for their children and are tired of the long and arduous journey. Their Lent is very different from our Lent. As God’s chosen people, they are nearly ready to stoneContinue reading “Third Sunday of Lent: Spiritual Thirst & A Healing Heart”
Who’s That Man in the Mirror? From Eden to the Desert – 1st Sunday Lent Reflection
When we sin and fall from God’s grace, shame and vulnerability often follow. Like our first parents in Adam & Eve, we can begin to see ourselves as independent & self-sufficient. We forget that everything we are and have originates from God. Pride distorts our vision, tempting us to believe we stand alongside God’s graceContinue reading “Who’s That Man in the Mirror? From Eden to the Desert – 1st Sunday Lent Reflection”
Shrove Tuesday – A Deeper Meaning Beyond Pancakes & Self-Indulgence
Today we stand on the threshold of Lent, a day known by many names such as Pancake Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, and Mardi Gras. Beneath the festivity lies a deeper spiritual meaning. Traditionally, the faithful would use up rich foods like milk, eggs, butter, and other indulgences in preparation for the simplicity and discipline of theContinue reading “Shrove Tuesday – A Deeper Meaning Beyond Pancakes & Self-Indulgence”
Saint Blaise, Pray For Us
Saint Blaise stands quietly in the tradition of healers, not as one who erased suffering, but as one who met it without fear. In the story of his blessing of throats, we glimpse a deeper truth that care given at the right moment can loosen what feels stuck. Whether in the body, the voice, orContinue reading “Saint Blaise, Pray For Us”
Saint Thomas Aquinas, Pray For Us
Saint Thomas Aquinas, the scholastic powerhouse and Dominican Saint was influential in laying the groundwork for the theological thought in the 13th century. Scholasticism was a movement aimed at bridging the gap between early classical philosophy like Aristotle to Christian thought. One of Saint Thomas’s great works is the Summa Theologica. Saint Thomas also composedContinue reading “Saint Thomas Aquinas, Pray For Us”
Cast Thy Nets: The Power of Love & Discipleship
A two-year project has now been completed. My Catholic Christian testimony, based on John’s Gospel, chapter 21. Check it out by visiting the following (note – proceeds minus initial investment cost being tithed back). https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cast-thy-nets-eric-stengel/1149168098?ean=9798993389509. Amazon: https://a.co/d/i50SMxA
The Baptism Of Our Lord Jesus
The opening verse for today’s Solemnity of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus, which marks the beginning of his public ministry and brings our Christmas season to a close, draws us back to the mystery of the Epiphany or Theophany. At Epiphany, Christ is revealed to the nations as the light of the world, whileContinue reading “The Baptism Of Our Lord Jesus”
Ephiphany Sunday
Today the Church recalls Epiphany Sunday in which the magi from the east saw the star and brought our Lord Jesus gifts. The word epiphany from the Greek means appearance or manifestation. In the eastern church they use the word theophany or revelation of God. Gold symbolizes the earthly treasure typically given to a king,Continue reading “Ephiphany Sunday”
Behold The Christ Child, The Word Made Flesh! Rejoice, For Today We Recall Our Savior Is Born!
Today, brothers and sisters in Christ, we have completed our Advent season of waiting in joyful anticipation—a season in which the world begins to make sense. Our confusion and search for truth find their answer in the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ (cf. Jn 1). No longer do sin and death hold victory over us,Continue reading “Behold The Christ Child, The Word Made Flesh! Rejoice, For Today We Recall Our Savior Is Born!”
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Ruega por Nosotros
Recently, Holy Mother Church recalled the Patroness of The Immaculate Conception on December 8. On December 12 we recognize Mary’s appearance to Aztec Native American, Cuauhtlatohuac, who was later christened Juan Diego. Such a day commemorate Mary’s apparition to Juan on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City. La Virgen del Tepeyac is Queen of Mexico andContinue reading “Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Ruega por Nosotros”
Immaculate Conception
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”
The O Antiphons of Advent
1st Week of Advent: The King Is Coming, Be Awake
The second reading from Paul’s Epistle to the Romans for the beginning of the new Church year in Advent reminds us to stay awake. We are urged not to give in to the desires of the flesh but to remain ready, awake, and alert. At baptism, we put on the white garment that symbolizes ourContinue reading “1st Week of Advent: The King Is Coming, Be Awake”
An Attitude of Gratitude In The Christian Life
It’s that time of year again where many in the United States will prepare to gather around table with family & loved ones commemorating different traditions of displaying a day of thanksgiving. Such a day recalls the thankfulness from those early pilgrim people settlers for being blessed with the hospitality of the Wampanoag tribe forContinue reading “An Attitude of Gratitude In The Christian Life”
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Who is the ruler and king of your life? Is it God, through the second person of the Trinity, King Jesus? Or is something in this earthly life separating you from your true identity as an adopted son or daughter of God (Romans 8:15, Galatians 3:26)? Remember, when Jesus was asked by the teachers ofContinue reading “Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe”
When the King Draws Near: Pondering the Closing of the Liturgical Year (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Four Horsemen of Apocalypse (1887) Glinka National Museum Consortium of Music Culture, Moscow by Viktor Vasnetsov from the public domain The Church stands again at the threshold of endings and beginnings. A quiet hush settles over the liturgical year, as if creation itself pauses, listening for the footfall of the coming King. The readings echoContinue reading “When the King Draws Near: Pondering the Closing of the Liturgical Year (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)”
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