Over the past year, we have seen a several signs of hope regarding the sanctity of every human life, and suffered a few setbacks as well. On the positive side, the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the infamous Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey decisions, rejecting the notion that there is a federal […]
November – Month of the Poor Souls
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to “pray for the living and the dead.” We usually remember that we should pray for the living, because they are around us, seen by us, and their needs are often apparent to our eyes. But do we remember to pray for the dead, for the souls […]
Lent: Why Fasting Matters
“Don’t give up chocolate for Lent. Do something else, like pray more, or do something positive.” How many of us have heard this — even from our pastors and trusted Catholic sources? The tradition of the Catholic Church is that there are three special “works” that we should engage in during Lent: prayer, fasting, and […]
Spiritual Works of Mercy: Forgive All Injuries
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!” These powerful words from our Savior should make every Christian think twice: Do I forgive injuries? Have I forgiven those who have hurt or offended me or one of my loved ones? Or do I hold on to old hatreds and grudges? The sixth Spiritual […]
Corporal Works of Mercy: Visit the Sick
One of the very important Corporal Works of Mercy is to Visit the Sick. How many people are suffering from various illnesses, from cancer, or from accidents today! Many people who are ill suffer from loneliness as well. There are many elderly persons whose families live far away from them. Others have family in the […]
Prayer, Fasting and Mercy
From a sermon by St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: There are three things, my brethren, by which faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting: these three are one, and they […]