Have you ever sat in church on Sunday and wondered, “How do they pick the Bible readings each week?” Yes, there is a pattern — or a … Read More
Foundations of Faith
Look up and see candle light?
Now that parts of the upper Michigan have had their first dusting of snow within the past weeks and most of us have had frost, it might … Read More
Painted by St. Luke?
What do St. Luke, the Archangel Michael, plague and COVID-19 have in common? A painting of the Blessed Virgin and her child, known as Salus Populi Romani. … Read More
What if it wasn’t an apple?
Which fruit did Adam and Eve eat? An apple, right? Not necessarily. Oh, we’re all familiar with artwork that shows a tree of the knowledge of good … Read More
Mary’s scarred face of war
This month, we mark the anniversary of a tragedy: the attack of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. The ash-covered images of twisted destruction haunt … Read More
Why a bishop always wears a cross
Anyone who has met a bishop dressed in his black suit (called “clericals”) will have noticed the cross he wears, sometimes tucked into his breast pocket. This … Read More
The difference between deadly and dangerous
We all know “mortal” means something very serious: mortal danger, mortal combat, mortal wound. “Mortal” is so serious that if we see a video game or movie … Read More
How a poor leper started quarantines
What does the poor man Lazarus in Jesus’ parable have to do with quarantines? St. Lazarus the beggar, covered with sores, became the patron saint for lepers … Read More
A ladder that says so much
We all love symbols. One image can say so many things. Hearts for love and folded hands for prayers. Another example is the ladder in the Old … Read More
Churches offer a nautical reminder
Now that we are returning to our church buildings for Mass, many may feel like they have entered a harbor in a storm. Most of us have … Read More
