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Have you prayed the rosary lately? Perhaps you need a refresher and here are a few links from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops https://www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary & Rosary Center https://rosarycenter.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary to get you started. Such a strong devotion within the Catholic faith has her roots from the biblical accounts from scripture in which we meditate uponContinue reading “Our Lady of The Rosary”

The cross and our daily sacrifices on this earthly journey are a profound gift that Christ has given us. When we carry our crosses, we participate in the redemptive path Jesus walked, learning to become less selfish and more selfless. Today, let us take a moment to reflect on this sacred truth. Many may wearContinue reading “The Exaltation of the Holy Cross”

Growing up as a child, I recall having a special fondness for Mary. Mary is known by many titles such as: the Queen of Saints, the Blessed Mother, the Theotokos (God-bearer), Queen of Heaven, Virgin most renowned, Mystical Rose, the New Eve, etc. Such titles can be found in the Litany to Mary (https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/litany-of-loreto-246). IContinue reading “Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”

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”

From a sermon by Saint Augustine By faith she believed; by faith, conceived Stretching out his hand over his disciples, the Lord Christ declared: Here are my mother and my brothers; anyone who does the will of my Father who sent me is my brother and sister and my mother. I would urge you toContinue reading “The Presentation of The Theotokos, the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Temple”

An excerpt from the Office of Readings Liturgy of the Hours in which St. Ignatius of Antioch on his way to Rome to be martyred for the faith writes about: I am God’s wheat and shall be ground by the teeth of wild animals I am writing to all the churches to let it beContinue reading “St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop & Martyr”

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”

Franciscan friar and priest Maximilian Kolbe died at the hands of the Nazis at the death camp at Auschwitz fulfilling the Christian command in that “there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend” (Jn. 15:13). St Kolbe volunteered to take the place of a fellow prisoner chosen for deathContinue reading “St. Maximilian Kolbe, priest & martyr”

Jeremiah 23:1–6, Psalm 23:1–3, 3–4, 5, 6, Ephesians 2:13–18, Mark 6:30–34 Today’s gospel from Mark reminds us that we can become like sheep without our shepherd when we become entrenched in ministering to our brothers and sisters of Christ in which we can lose focus. We might attribute such talents of our ministry to ourContinue reading “16th Sunday Ordinary Time: They Were Like Sheep Without A Shepherd”

Today the church celebrates the memorial of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Saint Thomas may be known as doubting Thomas but it was that faithful encounter where he touched the wounds of Jesus that led to his belief in Jesus’s resurrection. Oftentimes we can be like Thomas where we may be witnesses to God’s graces workingContinue reading “St. Thomas the Apostle: My Lord & My God”

The gospel from Mark (4:35-41) reminds us of the storm at sea and how the disciples were terrified while Jesus slept in the boat. When the disciples woke Jesus up, he commanded the wind and the sea to be quiet and still. Jesus asked why they didn’t have faith. Oftentimes in life we are filledContinue reading “12th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Calming Your Own Storms”

Born in Lisbon Portugal in 1195 and died in Padua Italy in 1231 Patron Saint of Lost Items Came from a wealthy family and was a great orator. Saint Anthony joined the Canons Regular of St Augustine and then found his place with the Franciscan Friars. Saint Francis in seeing the humility of Anthony assignedContinue reading “Saint Anthony of Padua, Pray for Us”

When we give God our tithe, both in treasure, talent or time according to the needs of the Church, we are allowing ourselves to not be attached to the things of this world. Recently our family was asked to bring up the offertory gifts of bread and wine at mass. My 9 year old daughterContinue reading “Offertory Gifts: The Art of Giving at Mass”

The solemnity of Corpus Christi or the Body of Christ reminds us that Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine that become His body and His blood through transubstantiation at the mass. John’s gospel in the bread of life discourse reminds us of the following: Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I sayContinue reading “Solemnity of Corpus Christi”

Come Holy Spirit, Creator Blest (Veni, Creator Spiritus) Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,and in our souls take up Thy rest;come with Thy grace and heavenly aidto fill the hearts which Thou hast made.O comforter, to Thee we cry,O heavenly gift of God Most High,O fount of life and fire of love,and sweet anointing from above.Continue reading “Feast of Pentecost”

Pope Saint Leo the Great: At Easter, beloved brethren, it was the Lord’s resurrection which was the cause of our joy; our present rejoicing is on account of his ascension into heaven. With all due solemnity we are commemorating that day on which our poor human nature was carried up, in Christ, above all theContinue reading “Ascension of Jesus the Christ”

From The Dialogue on Divine Providence by Catherine of Siena from the office of readings in the Roman Breviary Eternal God, eternal Trinity, you have made the blood of Christ so precious through his sharing in your divine nature. You are a mystery as deep as the sea; the more I search, the more IContinue reading “St Catherine of Siena, Pray for Us”

Jn. 15:1-8 Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spokeContinue reading “The Vine: 5th Sunday of Easter Reflection”

Lk. 24: 35-48 The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thoughtContinue reading “The Breaking of The Bread & Christ Revealed”

Prayer Before a Crucifix Look down upon me good and gentle Jesus as before Thy sacred Cross I humbly kneel,  and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of Faith, Hope, and Charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment;  whilst I contemplate,Continue reading “Prayer Before A Crucifix”

Today, our church commemorates Laetare Sunday from the Latin “to rejoice” where we see a change in the vestments worn to a rose color. We recall that while we are wandering through our spiritual deserts in conducting our penances of increased prayer, almsgiving, fasting & drawing closer to the Lord, we are awaiting with joyfulContinue reading “Laetare Sunday – 4th Sunday of Lent Reflection”

Spring is on the horizon and the commercialization of Easter is on full display in the stores. The Easter bunny has little to do with the true reason for the season. As John the Baptist proclaimed at the sight of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (Jn.1:29).Continue reading “It’s Not About the Bunny, It’s About the Lamb”

Jn. 1:35-42 The passage from John’s gospel describing how John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God to two of his disciples (followers) is a reminder of our Christian mission. The disciples of John at hearing such a proclamation left John to go and follow Jesus. Just as in another passage of John’sContinue reading “The Call – How We Are To Lead Others to Christ Jesus. 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, year B”

Today the Church recalls Epiphany Sunday in which the three kings or 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 givenContinue reading “Ephiphany Sunday”

What is your experience of family? Perhaps your family isn’t perfect? That’s ok as the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph didn’t have an easy time from the accounts of scripture. Within this octave of Christmas, we contemplate the example of the Holy Family and how they were continually being led back to God’sContinue reading “The Holy Family”

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us! (Jn. 1:14). How can you live more fully the reality of the Incarnation in your life where God’s Son becomes one of us to lift us up to a more godly and ontological destiny? This is the theme of the Christmas season. Our 9 year oldContinue reading “Merry Christmas Season”

Today the Church recognizes Guadaute Sunday of the third week of Advent. “Guadaute”is derived from the Latin words “gaudium,” joy, and “gaudeo,” to rejoice or be glad. Our society teaches us that it is so easy not to be joyful in the world we live in. Oftentimes we have feelings that we think resemble joy,Continue reading “Guadaute Sunday – Rejoice in The Lord”

My wife, daughter and I recently celebrated 10 years of marriage with a recent Hawaiian cruise. As I reflect on 10 years of marriage and being blessed with a daughter, I am left with the idea that this life God gives us is like a photo album. Life will throw us a curve ball andContinue reading “Reflecting on 10 Years of Marriage & Making Life Count with God’s great gift”

From a Sermon from Leo the Great Although the universal Church of God is constituted of distinct orders of members, still, in spite of the many parts of its holy body, the Church subsists as an integral whole, just as the Apostle says: We are all one in Christ. No difference in office is soContinue reading “Saint Leo the Great”

On this 30th Sunday in ordinary time the gospel from Matthew reminds us of the greatest command summarized in two didactics by Jesus the Christ. Jesus reminds us of the need for love of God and our neighbor. Such a reminder summarizes the 10 commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Jesus reminds us ofContinue reading “The Greatest Commandment”

Many will deny that praying for peace or for others is a fruitless endeavor per the call of Pope Francis for us to unite in prayer and fasting on this day for peace in our world. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/the-pope-s-appeals-for-peace-in-a-world-torn-by-war.html We are reminded in the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 26), Mark (chapter 14), Luke (chapter 22) that JesusContinue reading “Pray for Peace”

To our Jewish brothers & sisters observing Yom Kippur, many blessings. Tzom kal. Chag sameach. https://www.jewfaq.org/yom_kippur

For us Catholics, the Sacrament of Healing known as Reconciliation or Penance is a beautiful sacrament to behold. In the drawing by Pietro Antonio Novelli, there is a picture of a penitent confessing sins to a priest being held by the chains of the devil. The other drawing to the left is of a penitentContinue reading “The Importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for Catholics”

For this 22nd Sunday in ordinary time we have some challenging readings. It is easy to decorate our homes and places of worship with the cross. We proudly display the cross as a piece of jewelry and as a sign of our faith. However, the cross that we are all called to carry is notContinue reading “Take Up Thy Cross”

Mk. 6:17-29 Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted toContinue reading “Beheading of St. John the Baptist”

Mt. 16:16-19 Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and uponContinue reading “Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time: The Keys to the Kingdom”

Sálve Regina, Máter misericórdiae, vita, dulcédo, et spes nóstra, sálve. Ad te clamámus, éxsules filii Evae. Ad te suspirámus geméntes et fientes in hac lacrymárum valle. Eia ergo, advocáta nóstra, illos tuos misericórdes óculos ad nos convérte. Et Jésum, benedíctum frúctum véntris tui, nóbis, post hoc exilium osténde. O clémens, o pía, o dúlcis VirgoContinue reading “Our Lady, Mother and Queen”

Matthew 15:21–28 At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples cameContinue reading “O woman, great is your faith!”

Our family recently made a video of us praying the rosary. When a young child wants to be a “YouTube star” what better way than by sharing the faith. The rosary is a great family prayer reflecting upon the life & times of Jesus and Mary. An old saying, “the family that prays together, staysContinue reading “The Rosary”

The 1st reading from the Old Testament book from 1 Kings chapter 19 has the prophet Elijah seeking shelter at the Holy mountain of God on Mt. Horeb or Mt. Sinai. Throughout both the old and new testament writings, the subtle way in which God reveals Himself to His creation is done in ways thatContinue reading “19th Sunday In Ordinary Time: Listening For God’s Voice During The Storms of Life”

Early Christians and many faith traditions acknowledge the fact that we are mortal beings here on this earth for a short time. Time flies, Remember death (Tempus fugit, Memento mori) is a motto we should recall. While no one likes to discuss such an unpleasant topic, it is one that should be at the forefrontContinue reading “Tempus Fugit. Memento Mori: A Reminder Of Our Limited Time & Need to Prepare”

Fatherhood is a great gift bestowed upon all who are called to be not only biological fathers, adoptive fathers, but spiritual fathers as well. When I first learned the news that my wife was pregnant I was overjoyed with the prospect of being a dad. My wife and I chose the name, Abigail. Abigail translatesContinue reading “Fatherhood: A Sign of God’s Love on Earth”

Today the church recalls the account from Luke’s gospel reminding us of Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth. The second joyful mystery after the Annunciation from the angelic messenger is the Visitation where two holy women converse in great joy. Lk. Ch.1:39-45: During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste toContinue reading “My Soul Proclaims God’s Greatness – The Visitation of Blessed Virgin Mary”