Joos Van Wassenhove...Augustine Aurelius was born on November 13, 354, in Tagaste, North Africa. His father was a pagan, his mother St. Monica. Still unbaptized and burning for knowledge, he came under the influence of the Manicheans, which caused his mother intense sorrow. He left Africa for Rome, deceiving his mother, who was ever anxious to be near him. She prayed and wept. A bishop consoled her by observing that a son of so many tears would never be lost. Yet the evil spirit drove him … [Read more...]

the wave of violence continues in India.Franciscan monks at San Colombano Belmonte monastery near Turin gagged and beaten. … [Read more...]

...When asked how to get rid of persistent evil thoughts, the saint replied, "This is like a man who has fire on his left side, and a vessel full of water on his right side. If he starts burning from the fire, he takes water from the vessel and extinguishes the fire. The fire represents the evil thoughts placed in the heart of man by the Enemy of our salvation, which can enkindle sinful desires within man like a spark in a hut. The water is the force of prayer which impels a man toward God." … [Read more...]

Petro di Giovanni d'Ambrogio, Departure of St. AugustineSt. Monica is an example of those holy matrons of the ancient Church who proved very influential in their own quiet way. Through prayer and tears she gave the great Augustine to the Church of God, and thereby earned for herself a place of honor in the history of God's kingdom on earth.The Confessions of St. Augustine provide certain biographical details. Born of Christian parents about the year 331 at Tagaste in Africa, Monica was reared … [Read more...]

Joel 2:13Thus says the Lord: Rend your hearts, not your clothing.And I reply: As You said, Lord, clean the inside of the pot and the outside will look after itself. … [Read more...]

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... Hindu extremists burn one nun alive, rape another. Lord, avenging God, avenging God, shine forth! Rise up, judge of the earth; give the proud what they deserve. How long, Lord, shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked glory? How long will they mouth haughty speeches, go on boasting, all these evildoers? They crush your people, LORD, torment your very own. They kill the widow and alien; the fatherless they murder. They say, "The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice." … [Read more...]

August 26.The Martyrs Adrian and Natalia were married in their youth for one year prior to their martyrdom, and lived in Nicomedia during the time of the emperor Maximian (305-311). The emperor promised a reward to whomever would inform on Christians to bring them to trial. Then the denunciations began, and twenty-three Christians were captured in a cave near Nicomedia. They were tortured, urged to worship idols, and then brought before the Praetor, in order to record their names and responses. … [Read more...]

St. Louis, El Greco....Reigning from 1226 to 1270, Louis IX showed how a saint would act on the throne of France. He was a lovable personality, a kind husband, a father of eleven children, and at the same time a strict ascetic. To an energetic and prudent rule Louis added love and zeal for the practice of piety and the reception of the holy sacraments. He was brave in battle, polished at feasts, and addicted to fasting and mortification. His politics were grounded upon strict justice, … [Read more...]

Joel 1:6Thus says the Lord: A nation has invaded my land.And I reply: The world wants to supercede the Church. They have put man and self in the place of God. Lord, we know the world cannot win but have mercy on the poor who are being misled. Give us wise, strong leaders who are prepared to work for your kingdom. … [Read more...]

... I can spend an entire weekend doing laundry, cleaning and tiding up the house and two young boys can completely dismantle two days of labor in 23 minutes flat. That has to be some kind of world record. … [Read more...]