Mary exceeds the angels in fullness of grace St. Thomas Aquinas explores the ways in which Mary is truly “full of grace,” as the angel declared. The Blessed Virgin exceeded the angels in fullness of grace. It was to indi- cate this that the angel showed her reverence, saying, “full of grace,” as if to say, “I will show you reverence because you excel me in the fullness of grace.” He says that the Blessed Virgin is full of grace... Read more
Saint Joseph Communications is back to sponsor another media giveaway. One lucky winner will receive one copy of the 6 CD set, Acts of the Apostles Vol. 1 by Steve Ray (you can read my 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 12 AM EST 02/10 with a winner being announced later that day. a a Rafflecopter giveaway Read more
Why the angel showed reverence to Mary St. Thomas Aquinas examines the reasons why the angel Gabriel showed such reverence to Mary, saying, “Hail!” In ancient times it was an especially great event when an angel appeared to men, so that men might show them reverence, for they deserve the greatest praise. It was written in praise of Abraham that he received angels hospitably and that he showed them reverence. But it was never heard that an angel showed reverence... Read more
Steve Ray presents a gem in the Acts of the Apostles CD set from Saint Joseph Communications. In total this is a three volume set. This review will focus on the six CD first volume. In volume one Steve takes a deep dive look at the first four chapters of the book of Acts. Leading off the talks is a discussion on the origins of the book itself. Steve provides some valuable background on historians believe wrote the book and... Read more
Imitate Mary’s response at the Annunciation Blessed John Henry Newman counsels us to learn this lesson from Mary: Grow in holiness through the everyday challenges of life, so that it won’t be necessary for God to purify us through great adversity. Observe the lesson which we gain for ourselves from the history of the Blessed Virgin: that the highest graces of the soul may be matured in private, and without those fierce trials to which the many are exposed for their... Read more
Kathleen Beckman, L.H.S., is the Co-founder and President of the Foundation of Prayer for Priests (www.foundationforpriests.org), an international apostolate at the service of the Congregation for the Clergy for the sanctification of priests and spiritual maternity. The author of several books on prayer and sacraments, she has served the Church for twenty-five years as an international Catholic evangelist, retreat director, radio host, Ignatian certified spiritual director, and a writer for Catholic Exchange. Often featured on EWTN TV and radio, Kathleen hosts... Read more
With Mary’s fiat, God became man When the angel spoke to Mary, declares St. Alphonsus, the world breathlessly awaited her yes to God. The salvation of the human race depended upon her fiat. Our Lord would not become Mary’s Son without her previous consent. So the angel speaks, and in humility she hesitates to respond. But why this delay, Mary? “The angel awaits your reply,” says St. Bernard; “and we also—on whom the sentence of condemnation weighs so heavily—we await... Read more
Consecration to the child Mary Alluding to the ancient tradition that Mary consecrated herself to God when she was quite young, St. Alphonsus laments the fact that his own childhood was not consecrated that way. Beloved Mother of God, most amiable child Mary! You presented yourself in the temple, and with readiness and without reserve you consecrated yourself to the glory and love of God. If only I could offer you, this day, the first years of my life, to devote... Read more
A prayer to the infant Mary St. Alphonsus imagines himself speaking to the Blessed Virgin when she was just a baby, as he looks forward to the day when she will conceive the holy Son of God. Holy and heavenly infant Mary, you who are the destined mother of my Redeemer and the great mediatrix of miserable sinners: Pity me. Behold at your feet another ungrateful sinner who turns to you and asks your compassion. It’s true that for my... Read more
This week Sophia Institute Press sponsors the CBB giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a copy of God’s Healing Mercy: Finding Your Path to Forgiveness, Peace, and Joy by Kathleen Beckman (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 02/06 with a winner being announced later that day. a Rafflecopter giveaway Read more
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