I propose that every Catholic set some time aside and draw up a list of commitments to be carried out during the Holy Year based of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
Read moreCategory: Devotions and Sacramentals
A meditation in inkpen and marker
On Holy Saturday, Juliana got up and, overwhelmed by the immanence of Easter, began to draw. The result (perhaps a new set of Mysteries for the Rosary, since there are five) has been pretty inspiring on my walls during this Octave; perhaps others will enjoy them too.
Read moreViewpoint: The Practice of Lenten Fasting Has Many Dimensions
We are reminded that we can never be satisfied by ordinary food, which satisfies only momentarily but then perishes.
Read moreNeither fish nor flesh nor good red herring!
Aside from Candlemas itself, a second significant ritual event unfolds from this incident in Luke. What Mary does becomes a ritual pattern for Christian women.
Read moreWho’s That Lady with the Egg?
In an unguarded moment of blunt ignorance, I blurted out, “Who’s that lady with the egg?” My teacher looked at me, and with a patient voice, informed me that “That ‘Lady with the Egg’ is Mary Magdalene.”
Read moreNon Solum: A Corpus Christi Procession
Our new pastor just put the Host in the monstrance and walked around the inside of the church once, all by himself.
Read moreNon Solum: Marian Anthem after Mass During the Month of May
A reader recently wrote in asking about the Marian anthems.
Read moreDeacon of Diocese of Des Moines to Resurrect Ember Days
Catholic New Service is reporting that a deacon in the Diocese of Des Moines has begun resurrecting the practice of Ember Days in the diocese.
Read moreBook Excerpt: What’s The Smoke For? Part Two
Before the concept of inculturation was even invented, Mary wisely started to inculturate Christianity. Had it not been for Mary in her apparition as Our Lady of Guadalupe, for example, Christianity would have had a much harder time taking root in the Americas. No wonder Our Lady of Guadalupe has since been declared the patron saint of the Americas and thus shrines dedicated to her have appeared in many churches.
Read moreBook Excerpt: What’s The Smoke For? Part One
In recent times we have become more aware of the importance of the senses. Remember, for example, how the slightest whiff of a certain perfume can whisk you off to a totally different place and time, as it reminds you of a certain person or event. Similarly, incense is used as a reminder of the sacred so that every time we smell it we are reminded that we are at prayer.
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