For Peace While Suffering (A Few Words for Wednesday)

Last updated on: June 7, 2015 at 10:39 pm By Frank Weathers

From this mornings Office of Readings in the LOTH, there is the following Psalm of David. I have several family members who are elderly and ill, as you probably do too. Webster wrote recently of a friend who is suffering from an illness that is likely the door to her immortality. But whether we depart suddenly or slowly, we will depart. Ponder then, these few words of David, where with hope and faith, the door leads us home, refreshed, and unto... Read more

From the Treasure Chest: “Difficulties of Private Interpretation”

Last updated on: June 9, 2015 at 2:22 pm By Frank Weathers

A few weeks ago, I happened upon a lengthy essay by Reverend George Bampfield entitled “Cannot.” Yesterday, I posted a little note on the Bible, and today Reverend Bampfield will help me explain something else that helped me decide to become a Catholic. I don’t know what Father George looks like so I have borrowed Sir Alec Guinness in the role of Chesterton’s Father Brown as a proxy. The reason, or answer if you will, is right there in the... Read more

Because I Love the Bible

Last updated on: June 7, 2015 at 11:36 pm By Frank Weathers

Here is a reason that answers the question posed by this blog daily that I’ve never written about yet. So here goes: I love the Bible. Well, duh, Frank you may be thinking, of course you do. Well, let me be more specific. I love the entire Bible and every single book therein, including all the books that Martin Luther tossed out during the Protestant Reformation.I have some mechanical ability, which I have written about in this space once or... Read more

Elvis Presley Sings “The Miracle of the Rosary” et al.

Last updated on: January 19, 2015 at 11:53 am By Frank Weathers

I missed commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the passing of the King of Rock and Roll. I was led to a startling discovery about someone known as the “Chinese Chesterton” on the same weekend that marked the passing of Elvis Presley (August 16, 1977). My humble apologies, because I love you Elvis Presley, and especially your gospel music. Elvis, see, could sing any song well. Like, for example, Do the Clam. And despite his fame, and fortune, he never... Read more

For All the Missions: Oblates of the Virgin Mary in the Philippines

Last updated on: January 24, 2017 at 6:58 pm By Allison Salerno

When U.S. Catholics talk about a shortage of priests, we’re talking about how we have one priest for every 2,000 Catholics. But the priest shortage in the Philipines is five times more dire; one priest from every 10,000 Catholics in the most Catholic of Asian nations. Yesterday at Mass in my home parish, Father John Wykes, O.M.V., spoke about his order and its mission, which includes fostering vocations in the Philippines.The Oblates of the Virgin Mary was founded in the... Read more

Because Going to Mass Can Be Like Yoga Class

Last updated on: January 24, 2017 at 6:58 pm By Webster Bull

Guest post by Marian R. BullI woke up from one of those blissful, healing naps that I most love about summer Sundays, opened my e-mail, and got the joyful surprise of my life—a guest post from my daughter. Here it is. This morning, I was lucky enough to find myself in the beautiful Cathedral of the Holy Name in downtown Chicago. A newly converted Catholic, I still sometimes find myself peering around in my peripheral vision at certain parts of... Read more

For Thoughts Like These from Frederick Charles Kolbe

Last updated on: January 24, 2017 at 6:58 pm By Frank Weathers

Neil Young wrote and performs a tune entitled Just Singing A Song Won’t Change the World. He makes a great point, doesn’t he? However, Neil himself also says, “Even so, I will keep on singing.” I feel the same way about reading good books on Catholic faith.Although just reading a book may not change the world in one shot, it may help change it one person at a time. That has been my experience, at least. Some believe that reading... Read more

With God’s Grace And A Little Help From My Friends

Last updated on: January 7, 2015 at 3:49 pm By Frank Weathers

When I was a newly minted Marine, fresh out of boot camp and on my way into life, I was certain that I could lick it. Everything was possible, and all would be right in the world. Well, maybe not the whole world, but my world would be just fine. I realized that I was no all-powerful genie, but I had complete confidence in the unholy trinity of me, myself, and I. The winner, which I knew I was, would... Read more

For the Love of St. Joan of Arc: A Novena (Day 9)

Last updated on: January 24, 2017 at 6:58 pm By Allison Salerno

As we finish this novena, I’d like to thank readers who prayed along with me. What changes did you experience in yourself as you followed this spiritual discipline? Please share in the comment section below. This novena has given structure to my days and given me St. Joan of Arc’s presence as a spiritual companion. My special intention during this novena was to ask God to find me a job so I may help support my family. I’ve been searching... Read more

For All the Saints: Monica

Last updated on: January 24, 2017 at 6:58 pm By Webster Bull

Prayer works, especially the prayer of a parent for a child. That is the vital message of St. Monica. Monica is a later Mary. I revere her because, through her prayer, her son Augustine converted and became a Doctor of the Church. I revere Mary because, through her “yes”, she gave us Jesus and brings us to Him. I could learn something about parenting from Monica and Mary, but then I already have Joan of Beverly.It is no secret among... Read more