As we celebrate the feast of St. Francis this week, many will recall the vision he had from Jesus on the cross in the Church of San Damiano telling him to “Rebuild My Church.” St. Francis took this literally, and began to rebuild the small church where he was praying, but then later realized it … Read More
Receiving Roses and Rest
Bri CampbellLast Updated: October 7th, 2021Saints, Spiritual Reflections
Tomorrow is the first of October, the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. As one of Catholicism’s most popular saints, it should come as no surprise that her novena is also one that is frequently prayed and whose answers are most eagerly awaited for. Most commonly, those that pray this novena expect St. Therese to … Read More
A Saint’s Saintly Friend
In recent years, San Giovanni Rotondo, home of St. Padre Pio, receives millions of visitors annually. During his lifetime, he personally received hundreds of thousands of penitent sinners and heard their confessions, with the goal of converting them further to Christ. However, with some visitors from Naples, he had an odd response to them coming to see him. “Why do you … Read More
One Month, Seven Sorrows
Andrea JLast Updated: May 12th, 2023Monthly Devotions, Saints, Spiritual Reflections
The month of September brings us numerous feasts and commemorations, including the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15. In addition, traditionally, the entirety of the month is dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. These seven sorrows from various points in the life of the Blessed Mother are as follows: Prophecy of … Read More
The Lingering Spirit of St. Louis
The name “St. Louis” is a midwestern staple. Known by most in the region as Missouri’s most popular city, it also lays claim to several other namesakes. Whether it’s the St. Louis Cardinals, the Spirit of St. Louis, or perhaps a rousing rendition of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” this name has a solid grasp … Read More
Mary Magdalene and her Red Egg
Bri CampbellLast Updated: July 21st, 2021Greece and Turkey, Holy Land, Saints
We all know the awe-inspiring story of Mary Magdalene, the first person Christ appeared to after his Resurrection. She was a true saint of hope running to tell the Apostles she had seen the Lord. They didn’t believe her until they ran to the tomb themselves. The unbelief of the Apostles steeled her for a … Read More
The One Who Places Things in Order
Andrea JLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Saints, Spiritual Reflections
It was the late spring of 2007. My car had just over 5,000 miles on it and I was in the midst of my first long solo road trip. In moving from Indiana to Maine for a summer job, I’d taken advantage of the time before my first day of work to visit my parents … Read More
The Saints in Our Lives
Bri CampbellLast Updated: August 27th, 2021Saints, Uncategorized
As time goes on, I’m constantly amazed at the connections, relationships, and opportunities that the Lord has made possible in my life. Reflecting on the past, it’s so easy to see where the Lord has answered my prayers and moved me along His path by simply putting people in my life. As you look throughout … Read More
Things St. Augustine Never Said
Andrea JLast Updated: August 27th, 2021Saints, Spiritual Reflections
St. Augustine was a man of many words. Five million, to be precise. At least, that is how many of his written words remain to this day. This includes books, letters, and sermons, and is not even the entirety of what Augustine created during his life. With all of these writings, there come some famous … Read More
Two Hearts to Love
Bri CampbellLast Updated: September 9th, 2021Saints, Spiritual Reflections
Humankind has an obsession with the heart. “But don’t tell my heart, my achy breaky heart…” “And my heart will go on and on…” “You’ll be in my heart…” “Shot through the heart, and you’re to blame…” “Don’t go breaking my heart…” “Listen to your heart…” Songs for ages have revolved around the heart – … Read More
Mother of the Church
Andrea JLast Updated: August 27th, 2021Saints
On Monday of this week, we celebrated a world-wide feast for only the fourth time ever – the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church. Though the idea and basic theology of Mary as Mother of the Church have been around since at least the 4th century, it wasn’t until 2018 that Pope Francis elevated … Read More
The Greatest Belgian Lived in Hawaii
Andrea JLast Updated: May 13th, 2021Saints
The city of Santiago de Compostela has been looking forward to 2021 since the end of 2010 for a very important reason – it is the next Holy Year (Jubilee) of Santiago! These Jubilee years occur whenever the Feast of St. James (July 25th) falls on a Sunday. The next time this will happen will be 2027.
The Dignity of Work
Bri CampbellLast Updated: May 13th, 2021Saints, Spiritual Reflections
This past year has brought a lot of attention to a most beloved and humble saint. In the midst of a confusing pandemic, declining affiliation with the faith, and overall detriment of the family unit, what better saint could we have called upon than the Protector of the Holy Church, Pillar of Families, and Terror … Read More
The “Yes” that Saved the World
And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14 This is the verse before the Gospel we hear at Mass today. It is also one we hear during Christmastide – both at the Christmas Mass during the day and the Second Sunday after Christmas (when the Epiphany isn’t celebrated that day). … Read More
Protector of Holy Church, Pray for Us
Bri CampbellLast Updated: March 29th, 2021Saints
I don’t think it’s any sort of exaggeration to say that we are living in some very confusing times. Between the “new normal” of the pandemic, political tensions, riots, and media-touted gender and reproductive ideologies, it’s rare to live a day without some sort of stressor or anger-inducing blurb eating away the God-given peace of … Read More