May
31
The Visitation
May 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Today is the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The story is told in Luke 1 and gives us two great prayers.
The first great prayer is the second part of the Hail Mary. The first part of Ave Maria is taken from the Annunciation when St. Gabriel cries out -
Hail Mary, full of [...]
May
13
Seeing Our Lady
May 13, 2008 | Leave a Comment
With today being the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima, I’ve been reading in depth about the events of Fatima and the three children.
And, I’m thinking - what if my two kids came running in one day excitedly telling us that Mary appeared to them? And that they saw dark visions of the world’s future?
I believe that Mary [...]
May
8
“Take Courage”
May 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Sometimes, I find myself really focused on one group of saints - those who saw Mary, saints, angels and Christ himself. Is there a greater afffirmation of faith - to get to believe and to see?
I was thinking about these apparitions in reading today’s first reading (Acts 22). St. Paul is in prison, yet again, and we [...]
May
6
The “New Springtime” of the Rosary
May 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I’ve heard stories of how families used to gather around a statue of Mary every night during the month of May and pray the Rosary. While I don’t think my little ones are ready for us to kick off this family practice, I am amazed that the May family rosary seems to have been ditched [...]
Apr
27
A Tragedy So Wrong, On So Many Levels
April 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Last night in Cincinnati was a gorgeous Spring night. A young woman was out for walk with her four children - when she was shot and killed. Her 6-year old and 4-year old were seen draped over her body trying to get her to wake up. The four children were sent to stay with their grandmother. People [...]
Apr
22
Ritual v. Relationship
April 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Sunday night, I went to one of Cincinnati’s large non-denominationals to hear someone speak. While I was waiting, I overheard a conversation between three members of the congregation who were sitting next to me.
One of the members is married to a Catholic who “insists” on going to Mass on Sunday and doesn’t want to go [...]
Apr
3
Real Men Say the Rosary
April 3, 2008 | 2 Comments
Up until about a year-and-a-half ago, I never said the Rosary. In fact, I couldn’t have told you how to say the Rosary if Mary was in front of me trying to pray it with me. I just had no clue.
Then someone gave me a rosary and I decided to learn how to pray it. [...]
Mar
31
“I’m going to have a what?”
March 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Today, the Church commemorates the Solemnity of the Annunciation - when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she had conceived the Son of God - while still remaining a virgin.
This feast is usually on the 25th of March but is commemorated today because last week was the Octave of Easter. In any case, being [...]
Mar
22
Gathering Around the Cross
March 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The demise of the Catholic Church has been greatly exaggerated.
How do I know? I saw it firsthand last night.
At the evening liturgy, I watched as family after family went up to the Cross in various forms of veneration. Family after Family!
At one point, my mind really started wandering and I looked up at Mary and [...]
Mar
21
Intimate Union with Christ
March 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
This day is one to spend in intimate union with the Lord. Good Friday - the day to truly be there with Christ in body, mind and spirit as he sacrifices himself to save us and bring us to the fullness of redemption.
Let us all be in church at some point today. Let us gaze upon [...]
