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— Our Blessed Mother endured each of the Seven Sorrows with perfect faith and trust in God; the echo of her Fiat. “… the Blessed Virgin faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross, where she stood, in keeping with the divine plan, grieving exceedingly with her only begotten Son, uniting herself […]

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*** In Cruce Salus *** — The Church sings of the triumph of the Holy Cross, the instrument of our salvation: “We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered.” (Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal)

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“Mary . . . is interpreted to mean ‘Star of the Sea.’ This admirably befits the Virgin Mother… She, I say, is that shining and brilliant star, so much needed, set in place above life’s great and spacious sea, glittering with merits, all aglow with examples for our imitation… In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, […]

*** *** *** The birth of Mary begins a glimmer of light.

“This radiant and manifest coming of God to men most certainly needed a joyful prelude to introduce the great gift of salvation to us. The present festival, the birth of the Mother of God, is the prelude, while the final act is the fore-ordained union of the Word with flesh. Today the Virgin is born, […]

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— St. Gregory the Great (540–604) was more inclined to the monastic lifestyle than a role in government or Church office, yet his papacy is considered one of the greatest. He provided guidance and leadership during a time when Rome faced many internal and external challenges. St. Gregory sent missionaries from Rome – the Gregorian […]

*** *** *** “Late have I loved You!” – St. Augustine

— Augustine of Hippo (354-430) is considered one of the most influential theologians in the history of Western Christianity. He was a gifted intellectual; even during his dark days he was a fervent seeker of the Truth. His many works include Confessions, De Trinitate, and The City of God.

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— St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine, is a model of hope for anyone with a family member that has strayed from the faith. In the many tribulations throughout her life, she never gave up hope and faith in God’s mercy. When her son fell away from the faith and gave into immoral living, her […]

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— St. Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles as mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and also in Acts. According to tradition, he preached the Gospel as far as India and was martyred in Armenia for having converted the king. The saint may have been flayed alive which is widely depicted […]

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— “The Blessed Virgin Mary should be called Queen, not only because of her Divine Motherhood, but also because God has willed her to have an exceptional role in the work of our eternal salvation… with complete justice St. John Damascene could write: ‘When she became Mother of the Creator, she truly became Queen of […]

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— St. Pius X (1835-1914) defended traditional Catholic doctrine against modernist interpretations and was deeply devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He encouraged frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist, lowered the age for First Holy Communion, and initiated the codification of the Code of Canon Law.