Why the confirmation is a distinct sacrament, how confirmation relates to sharing in the Lord Jesus Christ's mission as priest, prophet and king, the meaning of the sacred oil called chrism, why the bishop normally confers the sacrament of confirmation, the seven (7) gifts of...
The spiritual circumcision of the heart through repentance and the sacrament of baptism -- Lenten meditation by Aphraates, a Syriac Father of the early Church.. All the biblical covenants are covered: the pact with Adam, Noah, and Moses. Just as Joshua led the people of...
[dropcaps type='normal' font_size='100' color='' background_color='' border_color='']T[/dropcaps]hat Jesus should come and be baptized by John is surely cause for amazement. To think of the infinite river that gladdens the city of God being bathed in a poor little stream of the eternal, the unfathomable fountainhead that...
Here Gregory Nazianzen points out that Christ was baptized not for his sake but for ours. Sanctifying the waters of baptism for all generations to come, he manifested the the Trinity through the Spirit who comes to rest on him in the form of...
This excerpt from Gaudium et Spes, Vatican II's Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, affirms the sanctity of marriage and the family....
Getting More out of the Mass - practical tips on entering more deeply into the Eucharist and unlocking its spiritual power in our lives. [dropcaps type='normal' font_size='100' color='' background_color='' border_color='']E[/dropcaps]veryone knows that the Catholic Church believes in “real presence” of Christ in the Eucharist. The bread and...
7 minute Podcast describing the town of Cana in Galilee, site of the wedding feast of Cana. A famous place of pilgrimage that celebrates marriage provides a memorable opportunity for the renewal of wedding vows. The most famous wedding feast of all time occurred in a...
Here St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, tells of the experience of her First Holy Communion which took place on 8th May 1884....
An excerpt from St. Augustine's sermon 46 on the rigorous accountability required of pastors. However, it is a moving reflection on the nature of Christian leadership that is also relevant for anyone entrusted with the care and development of others including Christian parents, teachers, and...
Augustine, commenting on Ezekiel and St. Paul to call out pastors and shepherds who feed themselves instead of the flock....