Some ways to pray the Hail Mary St. Alphonsus provides some practical advice for praying the simplest and most popular of Marian prayers. Here are some ways to pray the Hail Mary. First, every morning and evening, when we get up and when we go to bed, we can say three Hail Marys lying down, or at least kneeling. Then we can add to each one this short prayer: “Mary, by your pure and immaculate conception, make my body pure,... Read more
This week Sophia Institute Press sponsors the CBB giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a copy of Experience Grace in Abundance by Johnnette Benkovic (you can read the review here). I use Rafflecopter to run my giveaways which makes it simple for you and me! Enter below. The contest starts at midnight tonight EST and will end 12AM EST Friday 05/13 with a winner being announced later that day. a Rafflecopter giveaway Read more
A meditation on the Hail Mary St. Alphonsus reflects on the words of this famous prayer, pondering the mean- ing of each phrase. Immaculate and holy Virgin! Before you, who are so humble, though endowed with such precious gifts, I’m ashamed to appear—I who am so proud in the midst of so many sins. But miserable as I am, I too will salute you. “Hail, Mary, full of grace.” You are already full of grace; impart a portion of it... Read more
Julie returns this week with the review of a book she really enjoyed. Maybe some of you can relate to what I am about to say. When I read a good novel, the house can fall down around me and I would never notice; I am that absorbed. It is the reason why several years ago I swore off reading fiction more than once a year. I figured once a year my family should be able to fend for themselves for... Read more
The Hail Mary is pleasing to Our Lady Do you want to say a prayer that pleases our Blessed Mother? St. Alphonsus assures us that she finds no prayer more agreeable than a Hail Mary. The Hail Mary comes, of course, from the angelic greeting to the ever- blessed Virgin. It’s most pleasing to her, because whenever she hears it, she seems to experience anew the joy that she felt when St. Gabriel announced to her that she was the... Read more
A great sign appeared in heaven St. John Eudes explains the symbolism in the Book of Revelation’s vision of Mary in heaven. “A great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (see Rv 12:1). What is this great sign? Who is this miraculous woman? . . . The woman is Mary, the queen among women, the Sovereign of angels and men. .... Read more
My daughter Katie reviews the second in Daniel McInerny’s Patria series below. You can read review of the first book, Stout Hearts & Whizzing Biscuits: A Patria Story, here. Oliver Stoop’s adventures in Patria continue in the second book in the Patria series – Stoop of Mastodon Meadow by Daniel McInerny. The lovable characters Princess Rose and her brother Farnsworth return for another adventure in this book full of more humor, suspense, and quirks of the Kingdom of Patria. Oliver’s dad... Read more
The Blessed Trinity welcomes Mary to heaven Once Mary has been welcomed by the angels, her family, and all the saints, the Most Holy Trinity receives her and places her on her throne. St. Alphonsus imagines the scene. After having been greeted by the angels and the saints, the humble and holy virgin kneels and adores the divine Majesty. She is totally absorbed in the awareness of her own nothingness. So she thanks him for all the graces bestowed upon... Read more
Jeff Cavins is recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the most effective and engaging speakers In the Church today. Few can communicate their love for Jesus Christ with as much zeal, clarity, and enthusiasm as Jeff Cavins. In addition to his outstanding presentations related to Catholic Bible study, Jeff is available to speak on a variety of other faith-formation topics. After twelve years as a Protestant pastor, Jeff returned to the Catholic Church under the guidance of Bishop... Read more
Let the queen of glory come in! St. Alphonsus imagines the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven. Let’s now imagine how our Savior went forth from heaven to meet his mother on the day of her assumption into heaven. On first meeting her, and to console her, Jesus speaks the words of the Song of Songs: “ ‘Arise, my love, my dove, my fair one, and come away; for behold, winter is past’ (Sg 2:10–11). Come, my own dear... Read more
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