The symbolic meaning of the sacrament of baptism according to Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop of Jerusalem in the middle of the fourth century and one of the most important sources we have for how the church celebrated the sacraments during that era. In his...
This excerpt from an anonymous homily written in the 2nd Century AD extols the precious gift of salvation that comes to us as a grace, a free, undeserved gift from Christ Jesus. [dropcaps type='normal' font_size='100' color='' background_color='' border_color='']B[/dropcaps] rethren, we ought to regard Jesus Christ both...
The selection from Origen’s Exhortation to Martyrdom is read on the feast of martyrs Saints Marcellinus and Peter on June 2. Marcellinus, a Roman priest, and Peter, an exorcist, were martyred together in Rome during the persecution of Diocletian around 303 AD. They evidently faced...
What exactly does the Catholic Church teach about sex, marriage, divorce, and annulments? This article is a introduction to understanding Catholic teaching about these emotional and complicated topics....
[dropcaps type='normal' font_size='65' color='' background_color='' border_color='']W[/dropcaps]hat is man, that you are mindful of him? What is this new mystery surrounding me? I am both small and great, both lowly and exalted, mortal and immortal, earthly and heavenly. I am to be buried with Christ and to...
In Advent 2011, the English Translation of the Mass was changed. One of the most noticeable changes was in the Penitential prayer in the beginning of the service known as the Confiteor. Why all of a sudden did we begin beating our breast and saying...
This statement in support of Humanae Vitae, the Catholic Church's traditional teaching on love, sexuality, and contraception is entitled "Affirmation of the Church's Teaching on the Gift of Sexuality." It was released at a press conference at the Catholic University of America on September...
Pope Francis has often made comments about capitalism and money that have caused some people to label him as a socialist who believes government redistribution of wealth is the answer to economic injustice. Does a careful examination of his words justify the interpretation that he...
On February 3, 1994, Mother Teresa was invited to speak at the National Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. President Clinton and his wife Hillary along with Vice President Al Gore and his wife Tipper were also in attendance....
Sacramentals -- what are they and what role do they play in Catholic liturgical life? Are they devotional articles or objects of popular devotion like scapulars, or are they blessings? Can they be found in the Bible, either the Old or New Testament? Were...