CBB Interview with Mother Dolores Hart

June 28, 2016 By Pete Socks

Dolores Hart was a bright and beautiful college student when she made her film debut with Elvis Presley in Paramount’s 1957 Loving You. She acted in nine more movies with other big stars such as Montgomery Clift, Anthony Quinn, Warren Beatty, and Myrna Loy. She also gave a Tony-nominated performance in the Broadway play The Pleasure of His Company and appeared in television shows, including The Virginian and Playhouse 90. An important chapter in her life occurred while playing Saint Clare in the movie Francis of Assisi, which... Read more

Mary goes to Jesus’ tomb, Mary: Day 342

June 27, 2016 By Pete Socks

Mary goes to Jesus’ tomb St. Alphonsus recalls the speculations of several saints about what Mary did as her Son was buried, and as she returned home. The disciples raised the stone and closed up the holy sepulcher, and in it the body of Jesus, that great treasure—a treasure so great that neither earth nor heaven had a greater one. Mary’s heart was buried with Jesus, because Jesus was all her treasure: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart... Read more

CBB Interview with James A. Toups

June 27, 2016 By Pete Socks

James A. Toups is a husband, father of six, and a grandfather formed by the rich, Christian, cultural experience of the Deep South of the United States of America (US). As a Catholic, he has been active in evangelization with the parish of his church, and served on various parish and school boards. Toups works to answer God’s call for his life through his vocation as a husband and father, while weaving his faith into the deeds of his consulting... Read more

All sinners have crucified Mary’s son, Mary: Day 341

June 26, 2016 By Pete Socks

All sinners have crucified Mary’s son St. Alphonsus reflects on Mary’s grief as she holds her Son’s lifeless body. She laments the cruelty of sinners of all the ages who have crucified him. It was revealed to St. Bridget that three ladders were placed against the cross of Jesus to take down his sacred body. According to a compiler of stories about the saints, the holy disciples first drew out the nails from the hands and feet and gave them... Read more

Mary adores Jesus’ wounds, Mary: Day 340

June 25, 2016 By Pete Socks

Mary adores Jesus’ wounds St. Alphonsus imagines Mary’s grief as she holds her Son’s lifeless body. Devout souls, listen to what the sorrowful Mary says on the day of her Son’s death: “My beloved children, I don’t want you to try to console me. No, for my soul is no longer capable of consolation in this world after the death of my dear Jesus.” My sovereign Lady, since you won’t be consoled, and you have so great a thirst for... Read more

Grieving with Mary in her final two sorrows, Mary: Day 339

June 24, 2016 By Pete Socks

Grieving with Mary in her final two sorrows Pope Pius VII approved for the use of the faithful a series of “Seven Prayers in Honor of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” In this final portion of the devotion, we grieve with Mary in her final two sorrows. I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the wounding of your com- passionate heart when the side of Jesus was struck by the lance and his heart was... Read more

CBB Giveaway: The Storm OR The Ear of the Heart

June 24, 2016 By Pete Socks

This week we have two titles to give away! One lucky winner will receive a copy of The Storm: A Time of Mercy, Choices and Hope by James Toups and sponsored by publisher Hope and Life Press (you can read the review here). A second lucky winner will receive one copy of The Ear of the Heart: An Actress’ Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows by Mother Dolores Hart and sponsored by Carmel Communications, marketing firm for Ignatius Press (you can read the review here). I use Rafflecopter to run... Read more

Grieving with Mary in her first five sorrows, Mary: Day 338

June 23, 2016 By Pete Socks

Grieving with Mary in her first five sorrows Pope Pius VII approved for the use of the faithful a series of “Seven Prayers in Honor of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” In this first portion of the devotion, we grieve with Mary in her first five sorrows. I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the affliction of your tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon. Dear Mother, by your heart so... Read more

CBB Review: The Storm: A Time of Mercy, Choices and Hope

June 23, 2016 By Pete Socks

In his book The Storm: A Time of Mercy, Choices and Hope, author James A. Toups recalls the various challenges and storms (figurative and sometimes literal) in his life that have made him the man he is today. The book is more than simply a journey through his own life however. James’ storms (challenges) in life are relative to us all. I’m certain as you read this book you will find some familiar situations. “Within the covers of this book... Read more

Mary suffered martyrdom without relief, Mary: Day 337

June 22, 2016 By Pete Socks

Mary suffered martyrdom without relief St. Alphonsus observes that Marys’ martyrdom was more severe than that of the other martyrs, not just because it was longer and more intense, but because she suffered it without relief. Here we must reflect on another circumstance that rendered the mar- tyrdom of Mary beyond all comparison greater than the torments of all the mar- tyrs: In the passion of Jesus she not only suffered much; she suffered without the least relief. The martyrs... Read more