How often do you think of the marriage of Mary and Joseph? While it was never universally celebrated, for a long time parts of the church celebrated … Read More
Foundations of Faith
Images of holy silence
How much do you value silence? Our Lady of Silence Pope Francis keeps a copy of a modern icon-like painting of Mary near the elevators in the … Read More
Flowers for the Queen
removed hat does Joseph of Arimathea have to do with Christmas? Don’t we usually hear about Joseph of Arimathea only during Holy Week, when — in all … Read More
While the Blessed Virgin waits
Have you ever looked at something you really wanted — perhaps a special gift, or a puppy or a job description — and said to yourself, “Oooooh,” … Read More
Who visits your house Christmas Eve?
How did Santa Claus (Jolly Old St. Nick) become a Christmas angel? We can thank Martin Luther. St. Nicholas The Protestant reformer, who lived in Germany 1483-1546, … Read More
All the animals, two by two
In the First Sunday of Advent’s (Dec. 1) Gospel, Jesus speaks of the “days of Noah” when asked about the coming of the Son of Man at … Read More
From circuses to cathedral Masses
We all have heard a pipe organ played in a church. And, when played well, we can understand this quote attributed to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: “To my … Read More
The black and white of funerals
When the priest arrives to celebrate your funeral Mass, what color vestments do you want him to wear? If you automatically said “white,” you’ve attended many Catholic … Read More
Is your life all over at the grave?
Why should I pray for someone who has died? Isn’t it all over for them? They’re dead and buried. What would prayers matter to them now? Sometimes … Read More
Does the Catholic Church believe in ghosts?
Halloween and ghosts just seem to go together. Who hasn’t dressed as a ghost, or told ghost stories around a bonfire? But what does the church say … Read More
