… Quite frankly I am sick of hearing, reading and discussing the economy. Our nation has been exposed for the greedy materialistic and hedonistic giant that it is… “single issue” voting a socialist dictator into the white house because the economy is all those voters seemed to care about. Don’t let them fool you with that tripe mantra ‘yes we can’ and their claims to have voted for the furher based on his empty promises… they voted for their own... Read more

Bernardino Luini …”The world will saturate you with the perverse and unholy. Find comfort and joy in the beauty of the Lord and His Most Holy Mother, the Theotokos. Fill not your mind with news of the secular, but always have before you the Word of God. The things of this world will pass, spend your brief time on earth contemplating the eternal and only things that reflect Divine beauty. All other things are unworthy of your attention or consideration.” Read more

“If you wish to profit by the reading of Scripture, then do so with humility, simplicity and faith and never try to acquire a reputation for being a scholar. Inquire, and then listen meekly to what Scripture tells you. Do not be critical of the sayings of the ancient fathers, for they were not written without reason.”-Thomas A Kempis, Imitation of Christ (Bk.1, Chpt. 5, p. 2) Art by Rubens. Read more

Looking upon the crucufied Christ and images from His agony and passion makes me feel profoundly worthless and fills me with shame. How can He love us so much to endure such torments? I can tolerate so few and am disgusted by the most minor irratations from others. The effort to love those that drive my insane is so great at times that I am awed at God’s love for even the most wretched sinners, of whom I am the... Read more

… where can one find Eastern Catholic resources and ideas for children’s formation and preparation for the sacraments? I need to organize some format for my parish. The ages are from 6-9 years of age. Thanks! Ideally, I am looking for something geared toward children with activities for them and material that can be found online… read, free. Read more

Marianne Stokes, St. Elizabeth of Hungary c.1885 St. Elizabeth of Hungary Elizabeth was the daughter of the Hungarian King Andrew II. At the age of four (b. 1207), she was brought to the court of her future husband, Ludwig, landgrave of Thuringia. After her marriage in 1221, she very conscientiously fulfilled her duties both toward her husband and as a servant of God. During the night she would rise from bed and spend long periods in prayer. Zealously she performed... Read more

St. Elizabeth on the left. Collect: Father, you helped Elizabeth of Hungary to recognize and honor Christ in the poor of this world. Let her prayers help us to serve our brothers and sisters in time of trouble and need. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Read more

…Holy martyr Erasmus, who didst willingly and bravely bear the trials and sufferings of life, and by thy charity didst console many fellow-sufferers; I implore thee to remember me in my needs and to intercede for me with God. Staunch confessor of the Faith, victorious vanquisher of all tortures, pray to Jesus for me and ask Him to grant me the grace to live and die in the Faith through which thou didst obtain the crown of glory. Amen. Matthias... Read more

…O God, grant us through the intercession of Thy dauntless bishop and martyr Erasmus, who so valiantly confessed the Faith, that we may learn the doctrine of this faith, practice its precepts, and thereby be made worthy to attain its promises. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Deric Bouts the Elder, St.Erasmus Disemboweled c.1458 Read more

“What a weakness it is to love Jesus Christ only when He Caresses us, and to be cold immediately once He afflicts us. This is not true love. Thouse who love thus, love themselves too much to love God with all their heart.”Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque My patron saint for 2009… a very interesting choice… interesting & fitting considering. Read more