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Advent 2023 ~ begins Sunday, December 3 (Pope Benedict XVI, Seek That Which Is Above, 1986)

* * *** “A word or smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul.” (St. Therese)

— St. Therese (1873-1897) received permission to enter the Carmelite convent at only 15; her insight and deep spirituality were way beyond her years. She is remembered for her “little way” of seeking sanctity by doing daily chores with little acts of charity and making sacrifices. Her many inspirational writings include “Story of a Soul,” […]

* * *** “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” (St. Jerome)

— St. Jerome (c. 342) believed that all Christians should view Bible study as a necessity. He is best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin, the Vulgate, which was adopted by the Church as the official edition of Scripture. St. Jerome’s extensive writings include historical essays, commentaries on Scripture, and writings on […]

* * *** “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”

Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (1887–1968), known as Padre Pio, was an Italian Franciscan Capuchin friar, priest, stigmatist, and mystic. His miraculous abilities as spiritual advisor, confessor, and intercessor attracted the attention of the world.

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— In 1215, St. Dominic was granted permission to form his own religious order for the purpose of promoting morality and addressing the spiritual needs of the growing cities. St. Dominic and six followers lived by monastic rules which included discipline, prayer, and penance. The group also established a system of education.

* * *** “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 […]

* * *** “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. ‘The Rule’ is also widely read by those outside the monastic community who seek “to do battle for Christ the Lord, […]

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We wish you and family a blessed and safe Independence Day! ~ from all of us at Midwest Theological Forum (Apostolic Journey – Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore – 10/08/1995)

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— 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 […]

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“SPE SALVI facti sumus”–in hope we were saved, says St. Paul to the Romans, and likewise to us (Rom 8:24). According to the Christian faith, “redemption”—salvation—is not simply a given. Redemption is offered to us in the sense that we have been given hope, trustworthy hope, by virtue of which we can face our present: […]

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