— Born in Antioch, St. John (c. 349-407) was among the most prolific authors in the early Church. He was given the moniker Chrysostom (“golden-mouthed”) because of his eloquent and powerful preaching, and in 397 was consecrated Archbishop of Constantinople. Chrysostom’s resolve in the midst of controversy and his insightful commentary on moral teaching distinguished […]
“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, […]
“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, […]
— Today the Church commemorates the Passion of St. John the Baptist. According to Matthew’s Gospel, St. John’s fearless condemnation of King Herod’s unlawful marriage incurred the hatred of Herod’s bride, resulting in his imprisonment and execution.
— 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.
— 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 […]
— “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 […]
— 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.
— “Mary taken up to Heaven, ‘By her maternal charity, she cares for the brethren of her Son, who still journey on earth surrounded by dangers and difficulties, until they are led into the happiness of their blessed home’ (Lumen Gentium, n. 62). Let us invoke the Holy Virgin, that she may be the star […]
— Known as the Apostle of Consecration to Mary, St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941) saved the life of fellow prisoner Sgt. Gajowniczek, by offering to take his place in a starvation bunker at Auschwitz. A witness noted, “Despite the inhumane and savage atrocities, Fr. Kolbe maintained deep faith and dignity… he prayed and tried to encourage […]