Mary was born a saint Our Lady’s immaculate conception, St. Alphonsus reasons, means that she was born already a saint. It’s indeed right to celebrate with festivity and universal joy the birth of our infant Mary. For she first saw the light of this world a baby, it is true, with regard to age, but she was already great in merit and virtue. Mary was born a saint, and a great saint. But to form an idea of the greatness... Read more
We have embarked upon this great Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis. There are a number of sources being released by publishers to aid the faithful on this journey. In the coming weeks and months ahead. This week we are going to take a look at one written by Kathleen Beckman. God’s Healing Mercy: Finding Your Path to Forgiveness, Peace, and Joy is a self-guided retreat that in the end will reveal to readers the healing power of divine... Read more
Rejoice! Mary was born for us We should celebrate Mary’s nativity, St. Alphonsus declares, because she came into the world full of grace, not only for her own glory, but also for our benefit. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that “God gives each person grace in pro- portion to the dignity for which he destines him.” St. Paul teaches us the same thing when he says that God “has made us fit ministers of the New Testament” (see 2 Cor 3:6)—that... Read more
Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anne St. John of Damascus summarizes an ancient tradition about Mary’s par- ents, Joachim and Anne. Joachim and Anne were the parents of Mary. Joachim kept as strict a watch over his thoughts as a shepherd over his flock, having them entirely under his control. For the Lord God led him as a sheep, and he lacked none of the best things. When I say “the best things,” I mean the good things that are desired... Read more
Lent is just around the corner and it can be a remarkable season for us all if we only take the opportunity to allow it. There is the typical practice of “giving things up” but I suggest something more. Why not add something this Lent? Here are a few suggestions for faith building reading and study. Some I have reviewed and some I plan on featuring these next few weeks. Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle has recently released the fourth addition to... Read more
Let no one lament over paradise lost Blessed Henry Suso exults in the marvelous work of redemption, and Mary’s role in it. We’ve lost one paradise, yes; but we’ve gained two more, infinitely more wonderful! Mary, how often have you put to flight the hostile powers of wicked spirits! How often have you allayed the angry justice of the severe Judge! How often have you obtained from him grace and consolation! How shall we ever acknowledge such great goodness? If all... Read more
In the past 30 years, María has been published broadly in the U.S., including the New York Times, St. Anthony Messenger, Our Sunday Visitor and other national and regional publications. She is a Director on the Catholic Press Association Board, and a fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar, an international community of intellectuals. Maria has traveled broadly on international assignments in Central America and the Caribbean, Israel, Turkey, and throughout Europe. Perhaps her favorite assignment was covering Pope John Paul... Read more
Jesus the sun, Mary the moon St. Alphonsus concludes that if Jesus is the Sun of justice, as the prophet Malachi called him, then Mary is the moon reflecting his light. In the first chapter of the Book of Genesis, we read that “God made the two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night” (Gn 1:16). The Dominican biblical commentator Cardinal Hugh of Saint-Cher says that “Christ is the greater... Read more
My Lady, my refuge St. Germanus cries out in confidence to the pure and powerful mother who can answer his prayers and keep him in safety. My Lady! My refuge, life, and help, my armor and my boast, my hope and my strength: Grant that I may enjoy the gifts of your Son, unspeakable, beyond understanding, your God and our God, in the heavenly kingdom. For I know with certainty that you have power to do as you will, since... Read more
My soul, step joyfully forth! Blessed Henry Suso urges his dejected soul, burdened with sins, to take heart and go to Mary for help. When our poor souls are in the narrow prison house of unfathomable sorrow of heart, and we can stir neither here nor there, nothing remains for us except to lift up our miserable eyes to you, O chosen Queen of Heaven! For this reason, this day I and all penitent hearts salute you, you mirror reflecting... Read more
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