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St. Anthony of Padua, whose feast is June 13, is often depicted holding an open Bible on which the Christ child sits with a hand raised in blessing. The tender image does not commemorate an event in …
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6/13/24
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In response to a number of disturbing surveys, the American bishops have become quite concerned about the belief of American Catholics in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. A disturbing …
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6/6/24
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Just about every nationality in Europe can proudly boast of a missionary or monk who first brought the Catholic faith to their border or their shores. Clearly, Italy has the most impressive bragging …
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5/30/24
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Preachers, and often Church teachings and perhaps even the Scriptures sometimes divide the activity of the Holy Trinity into three convenient categories: God the Father is the creator; God the Son is …
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5/23/24
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The Second Vatican Council, the first council in Church history even to mention the word “laity,” rightly has shed much light on the assorted vocations and ministries open to all Roman …
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5/16/24
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The Ascension of Jesus Christ into heavenly glory was not so much the conclusion of his earthly ministry as it was the beginning of his heavenly ministry. Jesus in heaven is still the mediator …
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5/9/24
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Occasionally, in anthologies of popular prayers, one might come across a series of petitions entitled “Mary Stewart’s Prayer,” or, correctly, “Mary Stewart’s …
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5/2/24
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It is difficult to believe that 10 years have passed since the Holy Year of Mercy in 2015 drew pilgrims to Rome and occasioned regional celebrations throughout the Catholic world. The prayerful …
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4/25/24
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Travelers through Eastern Europe have often observed primitive huts constructed from corn stalks or sunflower shoots large enough to shelter a farm laborer overnight. Harvesters know that the time …
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4/18/24
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Although St. Peter made himself scarce during the hours of Christ’s passion and death, he soon became keenly and sadly aware of the humiliation and suffering that Jesus experienced during his …
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4/11/24
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Many worthy words of Jesus Christ have become part of daily conversations without the speaker even being aware of their sacred origin. References to turning the “other cheek” and going …
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4/4/24
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In Easter Sunday’s first reading, St. Peter is resolved that Jesus Christ was a good man. “He went about doing good,” the head of the apostolic band insists, “healing all …
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3/28/24
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In St. Mark’s Gospel account, the measures for the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on what later generations have understandably described as Palm Sunday are quite similar to the arrangements …
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3/21/24
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Jesus Christ was applauded by throngs in life and jeered by crowds at death. And the crowds were extensive. “Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and …
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3/14/24
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It is certainly rare that a pagan king be praised at all in the Sacred Scriptures and definitely not in the Old Testament. So, the laudatory words written about the Persian King Cyrus in the Second …
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3/7/24
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The Book of Exodus reveals that at Mount Sinai, Moses was given instructions for a portable tent or tabernacle that was to be a sanctuary, a holy place, and the center of Israel’s worship. This …
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2/29/24
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Clearly Jesus was not the first Biblical personality to spend 40 days and 40 nights in the Judean desert. In fact, Biblical scholars cite at least 24 times when the number 40 can be cited in the …
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2/15/24
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When a Catholic presents him or herself to the priest for the sacrament of reconciliation, the penitent usually requests, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” Now, when the admitted …
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2/8/24
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St. Mark’s writing is possibly the oldest Gospel account but it is most certainly the briefest inspired version of the life and message of Jesus Christ. St. Mark fits into 16 chapters what St. …
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2/1/24
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The Christmas season offers many depictions of the infant Jesus nestled at his mother’s breast, dozing in his straw bedding, gazed upon by humble shepherds and splendid kings. The seasons of …
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1/25/24
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