* * *** “they saw His glory… and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!'” (Lk 9:32,35)

— “The Transfiguration invites us to open the eyes of our hearts to the mystery of God’s light, present throughout salvation history… it is Christ who constitutes the full manifestation of God’s light. His Resurrection defeated the power of the darkness of evil forever.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Castel Gandolfo – Sunday, 6 August 2006)

* * ***

— A prolific spiritual writer, philosopher, and moral theologian, St. Alphonsus (1696 – 1787) was an accomplished lawyer before he was called to the priesthood. He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), and is one of the most widely read Catholic authors. Some of his best known works are The Glories of […]

* * *** “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (Jn 11:5)

— Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are mentioned in Scripture as being close friends of Jesus. After the death of Lazarus, Martha would profess: “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.” (Jn 11:27)

* * ***

— Today we honor the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Devotion to Sts. Joachim and Anne is an extension of the veneration due Mary, Mother of God.

* * *** “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?'” (Jn 20:15)

— St. Thomas Aquinas named her ‘apostle to the apostles’… all four gospels identify Mary as a prime witness to the Resurrection and she was asked by Jesus himself to announce the news to the Apostles.

* * *** “The best perfection of a religious man is to do common things in a perfect manner. A constant fidelity in small things is a great and heroic virtue.” (St. Bonaventure)

— Known as the Seraphic Doctor, St. Bonaventure (1221–1274) is considered one of the most influential theologians of the Middle Ages. He was elected Minister General of the Friars Minor and composed a number of important works, including his mystical treatise “The Journey of the Mind to God.” Through generations, St. Bonaventure continues to inspire […]

* * *** the young and steadfast “Lily of the Mohawks”…

— Born in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, St. Kateri (1656–1680) was the daughter of a Mohawk chief and an Algonquin woman who had been assimilated into the tribe after she was taken captive. When a smallpox epidemic hit her village, Kateri was orphaned and left with impaired eyesight and facial scars. She was often […]

* * *** 20% savings on select titles ~ through July 19, 2022

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/

* * *** “Idleness is the enemy of the soul; and therefore the brethren ought to be employed in manual labor at certain times, at others, in devout reading.” (from the Rule of St. Benedict)

— Known as the “Father of Western Monasticism,” St. Benedict of Nursia (480-547) was a visionary. His instruction on religious life, known as the “Rule of St. Benedict,” is still directing monastic life today and is also widely read by those outside the monastic community. Its wisdom emphasizes balance and moderation; through prayer, work, and […]

* * ***

We wish you and family a blessed and safe Independence Day! ~ from all of us at Midwest Theological Forum (WELCOMING CEREMONY ADDRESS – South Lawn of the White House, Washington, D.C. – 4/16/2008)

catholicprayer