A prayer by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (from her autobiography) Jesus, my Divine Spouse, grant that I may ever keep my baptismal robe spotless. Take me from this world rather than let me tarnish my soul by one small voluntary fault. May I seek and find You alone! May no…
Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI have both argued against the title of “co-redemptrix” for our Blessed Mother. For them, this title is like a misguided (and exaggerated), though well-intentioned, expression of love. The two popes would rather not introduce any misunderstandings for Christians, nor take away from Jesus’ unique…
From the inauguration homily of Saint John Paul II, on October 22, 1978: Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept His power. Help the Pope and all those who wish to serve Christ and with Christ’s power to serve the human person and the whole…
From “The Love of God” by Saint Francis de Sales: To love the Will of God in His commandments, counsels, and inspirations is a second degree of love, and much more perfect, for it leads us to the renouncing and quitting of our own will, and makes us abstain from…
From a meditation by Father Mark Haydu: Our world hates to talk about sin, and sometimes even in the Church we shy away from teaching about our sinful nature. For instance, do you remember the last time you heard a homily about sin? Some will say, “That is too negative.…
From the writings of Thomas à Kempis: A good and safe journey they have who carry Jesus and Mary in their hearts; who have them always on their lips and bless them; who call on them aloud and feel jubilation in their hearts; who invoke them with their eyes, have…
(from “Lift Up Your Heart” by Venerable Fulton J. Sheen) But as soon as prayer is suggested, there are those who will immediately retort: “Praying does no good.” This statement has an element of truth in certain cases: not theological truth, but psychological truth. When it is said by those…
(an excerpt from “Humility of Heart” by Father Cajetan Mary da Bergamo) In reality, the malice of pride lies in the practical contempt which we show for God’s Will by disobeying it. Thus it is, says St. Augustine, there is pride in every sin committed, “by which we despise the…
From a homily by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: We will dwell a while on this name, which is, rightly interpreted, “Star of the Sea,” and is therefore admirably appropriate to the Virgin Mother. Fitly is she compared to a star, which, in giving forth its light, suffers no waning, since…
“Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, Who…