Andrea JLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Spiritual Reflections
Another season of recollection and penance is Lent. Beginning with Ash Wednesday – anytime between February 4 and March 10 – it is a six-week period characterized by increases in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. One common devotion during Lent is the praying of the Stations of the Cross. This devotion grew out of a desire … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: December 1st, 2023Spiritual Reflections
The first season of the liturgical year is Advent, which is followed quickly by Christmas. This year, in fact, Christmas Eve is the fourth Sunday of Advent, meaning the season is especially truncated. The readings during this time focus on the inevitable Second Coming of Christ as well as His first coming over 2,000 years … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: November 22nd, 2023Domestic Church, Spiritual Reflections
As we reflect today on everything we are grateful for, we turn to Scripture for some timeless words of gratitude. Consider the following printable our gift of thanks to you. Please feel free to print and cut out the following scripture cards and use them at place settings or just small reminders of the gift … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Saints
Today is the feast of St. Martin of Tours, an early saint from the fourth century. After experiencing a conversion to Christianity at the age of 10, Martin became a steadfast follower of Christ. Upon turning 15, he had to report for duty in the Roman army, where he was eventually stationed in France. As … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Featured Pilgrimages
In the first two days of November, the Church celebrates the faithful that have gone before us with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. On the latter, we join together to pray for the souls in purgatory, that they may be fully purified and welcomed into their heavenly home by our Lord and His … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Saints
I love my birthday. Not for any presents or cake, but more for the celebration. Getting together with friends, unexpected phone calls and texts, and all the freebies from restaurants. Free coffee from one place and free pastry from the place next door – birthday breakfast! Office party – birthday lunch! Last summer, we went … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Saints
“We can pray perfectly when we are out in the mountains or on a lake and we feel at one with nature. Nature speaks for us or rather speaks to us. We pray perfectly” One of the more commonly known things about St. John Paul II is that he flourished in the outdoors. From the early … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Saints, Spiritual Reflections
Throughout the early 80s, at the Saturday evening vigil Mass, an older couple always sat in the front pew on the right side of the aisle. Each week they watched as, across the way, a young mother brought her preschool son to Mass, teaching him the ways of the faith and showing him the love … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: December 14th, 2021Saints
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
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
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
Bri CampbellLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Holy Land
There’s a lot to-do about tattoos. Should you get them, should you not; will you like them later in life, will you not; does the Church approve of them, does she not; would Jesus get a tattoo? At the turn of the 20th century, tattoos as we know them today made their way into the … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: September 23rd, 2021Featured Pilgrimages, France, Holy Land, Ireland, Italy, Marian Shrines of Europe
This week, we celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and this Sunday, we look forward to commemorating the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. With only four days separating these two feasts, Our Lady is brought to the forefront of our days during this time. During pilgrimage, our hearts are also drawn … Read More
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 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
