* * ***

— Teresa of Ávila was a Carmelite nun, Spanish mystic, and Doctor of the Church. She authored many prominent works on Christian mysticism, including The Interior Castle, and The Way of Perfection. — The idea of living a simple, purposeful life and that material possessions are not essential for true happiness goes back to ancient […]

* * *** The Holy Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” (CCC 1324)

— “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in […]

* * *** Born in Nisibis, St. Ephrem (306– 373) was a deacon, poet, teacher, and defender of the faith. He is remembered for his hymns and biblical commentaries, many of which are still in existence. His works not only give praise and worship to God, but also teach the Christian faith. Confronting the heresy of his time, St. Ephrem helped to spread Christianity in Syria, and is considered one of the most significant Church Fathers in the Syriac tradition.

— from St. Ephrem’s ‘Hymn to the Light’: “The Light of the just and joy of the upright is Christ Jesus our Lord. Begotten of the Father, He manifested himself to us. He came to rescue us from darkness and to fill us with the radiance of His light.”

* * *** the bandits hoped to find gold and riches, instead… what they left on the ground, was the Ragyndrudis Codex.

— Known as the Apostle of Germany, St. Boniface (d. 754), was a Benedictine monk. Greatly esteemed by his brethren for his virtue and intellect, Boniface gave up the occasion to be abbot and instead went to preach the Gospel to the Germanic pagan tribes and organize the Church. He was appointed missionary bishop for […]

* * *** “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Mt 28:19-20)

— The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is celebrated today, the Sunday following Pentecost… “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you!” (Jn 14:18)

* * *** courageous young men gave witness to Christ…

— As master page in the royal court of King Mwanga, St. Charles (d. 1886) led a group of young men to uphold their Christian faith in opposition to King Mwanga’s immoral actions. St. Charles was martyred along with many of his fellow pages, including St. Kizito, who was only fourteen. Some of the men […]

* * ***

— A Christian convert, St. Justin (d. 165) was a philosopher in the Greek tradition and one of the earliest Christian apologists. He passionately sought after the truth, which he found in Christ, and his defense of the faith is evidenced in his “Apologies” and “Dialogue with Trypho,” the only of his writings to have […]

* * *** 20% savings on select titles ~ through June 8, 2023

Missale Romanum, Chapel Edition (Latin) — Editio iuxta typicam tertiam emendatam (2008) — Durable faux leather cover; Smyth-sewn binding — Full-color illustrations, ribbon markers and tabs Please visit: www.theologicalforum.org/Category/127/

* * ***

— Today we commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mary’s joyful visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth speaks the prophetic words… “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Lk 1:42)

* * ***

“Mary, present in the Church as the Mother of the Redeemer, takes part, as a mother, in that monumental struggle; against the powers of darkness which continues throughout human history. …as Christians raise their eyes with faith to Mary in the course of their earthly pilgrimage, they ‘strive to increase in holiness.’ Mary, the exalted […]

Christ in the World