Category Archives: Liturgical Feast Days & Saints Reflections

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, 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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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?”

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”