I . [dropcaps type='normal' font_size='100' color='' background_color='' border_color='']I[/dropcaps]ntroduction 52. Wishing in His supreme goodness and wisdom to effect the redemption of the world, "when the fullness of time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, ..that we might receive the ...
The following are just a few verified quotes from Edith Stein, aka St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, martyr of Auschwitz and co-patron of Europe. “God is Truth. All who seek truth seek God, whether this is clear to them or not.” Edith Stein, Letter 259 “Prayer is...
Francis de Sales, one of the great masters of the spiritual life, here makes clear that devotion, his term for the pursuit of holiness, is not something tied to a specific state of life. All people, in a way appropriate to their own calling...
Pope Benedict here speaks of the Holy Land as "the Fifth Gospel" and speaks about the power and value of pilgrimage to Jerusalem as a way to increase our longing for the New Jerusalem. As we call to mind the Word of God who became flesh...
Short services of blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene that are actually part of the official liturgy of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. But they can be conducted by lay men or women in their own homes. Both full...
This short rite of blessing is one of the sacramentals, official liturgical prayer, though it may be led by lay people. It is perfect for the blessing of the Advent wreathe in a home. This brief service is a wonderful way to begin a family’s...
Prayer & table blessing for Thanksgiving Day. In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is a holiday with special religious significance. Originally it was celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Native Americans to give thanks to God after the harvest of 1621. In 1863 President...
On October 1, 1999, Pope John Paul II declared Edith Stein, whose religious name was Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, as one of the co-patrons of Europe. In the following excerpt from his decree, he explains the significance of his proclamation. Edith Stein—Saint Teresa Benedicta of...
Charles Borromeo, the bishop apostle of Northern Italy during the Catholic Reformation, on the primacy of prayer, read on his feast day, November 4. Though he is here addressing priests, his advice on meditation, distractions and recollection is valuable for all Christians....
St. Teresa of Avila on friendship with Jesus as the key to contemplation and the spiritual life and how all blessings, particularly contemplative prayer, come through the humanity of Christ. This selection is read on the Feast or liturgical memorial of Saint Teresa of Avila...