The greatness of Mary’s mercy St. Bernard of Clairvaux preached extensively about Our Lady throughout his life. In this prayer, he praises the depths of the mercy she shows to those who turn to her for help. Blessed Virgin, did anyone ever call upon you in need yet fail to receive your assistance? Only that kind of person could remain silent about your mercy. But as for us, your poor servants, we rejoice because of all your virtues, but we especially... Read more
This week Giclee Creative Publishing, LLC is sponsoring the giveaway. One lucky winner will receive one copy of Jesus Christ and The Virgin Mary in Art: A Visual Prayer Book and Art Anthology edited by Patrick Flanagan (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 11/06 with a winner being announced later that day. a Rafflecopter... Read more
Go to Mary to find Jesus St. Alphonsus reminds us that where the mother is, so too will be the Child. The sacrifice of Abraham, by which he offered his son Isaac to God, was so pleasing to the divine Majesty that as a reward God promised to multiply his descendants to become like the stars of heaven: “Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only-begotten son, for my sake, I will indeed bless you,... Read more
Art can touch a person deep in their soul stirring up many emotions as they admire the work of the artist before them. Art can conjure up contemplative thought that can change a person’s life. Patrick Flanagan has assembled some of the most beautiful religious pieces in his new book Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary in Art: A Visual Prayer Book and Art Anthology. The art contained within this impressive volume will certainly spark and aid in your daily... Read more
A mother can never forget her children St. Alphonsus insists that once we realize that Mary is our mother, with a mother’s fierce love for us, we won’t doubt her undying concern for us. Since Mary is our mother, we should consider how great is the love she bears us. Love toward our children is a necessary impulse of nature. St. Thomas says that this is the reason why the divine law imposes on children the obligation of loving their parents,... Read more
This week Saint Joseph Communications is back to sponsor another media giveaway. One lucky winner will receive one copy of the 3 CD set, Reading the Bible from the Heart of the Church by Scott Hahn (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 11/04 with a winner being announced later that day. a Rafflecopter giveaway Read more
Presumptuous devotion to Mary In contrast to the characteristics of true devotion to Mary, St. Louis de Mont- fort identifies the signs of a presumptuous devotion. Presumptuous devotees to Mary are sinners abandoned to their pas- sions, or lovers of the world. Under the fair name of Christians and devotees of our Blessed Lady, they conceal pride, avarice, impurity, drunkenness, anger, swearing, detraction, injustice, or some other sin. They sleep in peace in the midst of their bad habits, without... Read more
Reading the Bible can be a daunting task. Even though we know the stories and have heard them time after time we read the Bible sometimes and understand the word but at other times we encounter areas that are confusing. When you sit and ponder about what the Bible is, a recorded history spanning hundreds of thousands of years, you cannot help but go ….wow. To properly read, interpret the Bible and apply it to our daily lives we need... Read more
Exterior devotees and fickle devotees to Mary In contrast to the characteristics of true devotion to Mary, St. Louis de Mont- fort identifies the signs of a merely exterior and presumptuous devotion. Exterior devotees to Mary are persons who make all devotion to our Blessed Lady consist in outward practices. They have no taste except for the exterior of this devotion, because they have no interior spirit of their own. They will say quantities of Rosaries with the greatest hastiness;... Read more
PETE: Can you tell us a little about the work you do through our website www.castingnetsonline.com? CHRIS STEWART: We started Casting Nets Ministries about 9 years ago. Our mission is to inspire and equip individuals, parishes and dioceses to share the Joy of the Gospel and to do so effectively. We do this with speaking engagements at conferences and retreats. We also work with parishes providing missions, leadership training and consulting. The website contains information on that work but also... Read more
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