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“Lent is a time of truth. Let us examine ourselves sincerely, honestly and simply. Our brothers and sisters are there among the poor, the sick, the outcast, the aged. What sort of love do we have? What sort of truth? …So open your minds to look around you, open your hearts to understand and sympathize, […]

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— Handbook of Prayers – the convenient resource for prayer, reflection, and celebration of the Holy Mass (includes Order of Mass in English and Latin). Makes a thoughtful gift! * 20% savings on select titles, through 2/24/23 * — Please visit: www.theologicalforum.org/Category/127/

* * *** “…In accepting the power of the Holy Spirit you too can transform your families, communities and nations. Set free the gifts! Let wisdom, courage, awe and reverence be the marks of greatness!” –Pope Benedict XVI, Youth Day Vigil, Sydney (19 July 2008)

— Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI (1927-2022) —

* * *** And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:59-60)

— St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr and one of the seven deacons who helped the Apostles. His name is included in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I).

* * *** St. John of Kanty, also known as John Cantius, was born in Cracow, Poland. He taught at the Jagiellonian University for most of his life and was noted for his piety and the humble, unassuming spirit of charity that pervaded his professional life.

— Patron of St. John Cantius Church in Chicago, where both the extraordinary and ordinary forms of the Latin Rite are celebrated.

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— St. John was persuaded by St. Teresa of Avila to join her in reforming the Carmelites, and as a result he suffered many tribulations, including imprisonment. During his incarceration he wrote “Dark Night of the Soul,” a profound work of mysticism and study on the development of the soul. St. John’s writings are considered […]

* * *** “… in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)

“Highlights of the Catholic Faith” – New! – by Rev. Peter V. Armenio Please visit: www.theologicalforum.org/Category/118/Product/637/Highlights_of_the_Catholic_Faith

* * *** “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Rev 12:1, Entrance Antiphon, Daily Roman Missal)

— The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the tilma of St. Juan Diego is kept, miraculously preserved, in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, in Mexico City. (Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal)

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— On the third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday), the faithful rejoice in hope as the Solemnity of Christmas draws near!

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— Pope Bl. Pius IX solemnly defined the traditional belief of the Church: the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived free from all stain of Original Sin. Her Immaculate Conception is the most beautiful fruit of the work of redemption accomplished by her Son, Jesus Christ. Chosen to be the Mother of the Savior, the Blessed […]

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