What Is The Carmelite Monks Wyoming Scandal?

May 16, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

Mystic Monk Coffee (MMC) is a coffee brand founded in 2007 by the Carmelite Monks in Wyoming, USA. For years the monks relied on the profits they were receiving from the coffee sales to support their monastery and religious activities. The brand gained popularity and it received praises and endorsements from coffee influencers and connoisseurs. MMC had a strong consumer base for several reasons. Firstly, they provided high quality coffee made from Arabica beans to their consumers. Secondly, the monks... Read more

Celebrating Mother’s Day and the Month of Mary: A Sacred Connection

May 15, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

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In the month of May, two significant festivities occur that share a profound connection – Mother’s Day and the Catholic Church’s devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The link brings together the celebration of earthly mothers and the veneration of the ultimate spiritual mother. As people around the world honour the nurturing, selfless love of their mothers, Catholics also pay homage to Mary’s exceptional role in the Catholic faith. Understanding the historical and spiritual significance of both celebrations helps... Read more

From the Pulpit to the Earthquake: The Jesuits’ Surprising Impact on Seismology

April 27, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

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The Jesuits are known for their contributions in various fields, including education, astronomy, and cartography. However, their involvement in seismology is often overlooked. For centuries, Jesuit Catholic priests have been recording seismic activity and studying its effects on buildings and structures around the world. Their meticulous observations and data have helped the world to understand the science of earthquakes and the mitigation of their impact. The Jesuits and their involvement in science Ignatius of Loyola founded the Jesuits, also... Read more

Pope Francis Celebrates 10 Years of Walking in the Footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi

March 14, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

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Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio, SJ) was elected by 77 votes on 13 March 2013 as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. He became the first Jesuit to be elected as a Pope, the first Pope from South America (Argentina), and the first non-European Pope since the papacy of Pope Gregory III who was from Syria. When he was elected as Pope, Francis had been a priest for 44 years – ordained on 13 December 1969 (ordained a priest on the 13th day of... Read more

“Christ Is Your Lantern” – A Legacy Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Leaves To The Catholic Clergy

January 11, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

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“When you think of your death, seek not your rest in the hardened ground. But do so in the breast of men where heartbeats can be found.” – Jason Versey, A Walk with Prudence Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI became the head of the Catholic Church at a time when grievances of sexual abuse by the clergy were threatening the Church`s global moral standing. The abuse indignities hounded most of the late Pope`s papacy but he received credit for starting... Read more

Pope Francis Bids Farewell to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

January 8, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

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Pope Francis`s homily at the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on 5 January 2023 “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Lk 23:46). These were the final words spoken by the Lord on the cross; his last breath, as it were, which summed up what had been his entire life: a ceaseless self-entrustment into the hands of his Father. His were hands of forgiveness and compassion, healing and mercy, anointing and blessing, which led him also to entrust... Read more

Fare Thee Well Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

January 1, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

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On Saturday, December 31, 2022 the Vatican announced to the world the passing away of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at age 95. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was born on April 16, 1927, in Germany’s Bavaria. Through pastoral training, Pope Benedict was a theologian. He became the first Pope from Germany since the 11th century. In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI became the first Pontiff since the 15th century to resign. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was ordained a priest June 29,... Read more

Knowing Jesus Through Mother Teresa

December 1, 2022 By Laurika Nxumalo

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In response to Christ`s call, Mother Teresa completely denied herself. She was very conscious of the poor from a young age; Jesus Christ was the center of her life, hence, her Christ centric approach to life. Mother Teresa’s hermeneutical interpretation of scripture also transformed the way she approached each suffering individual. Mother Teresa`s Christocentric View Personal and intimate relationship Mother Teresa unequivocally understood Jesus through prayer and devotion. Her intimate relationship with Christ made her see His human dimension in... Read more

Catholicism – A Religion Or A Denomination? Which Is It?

October 28, 2022 By Laurika Nxumalo

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Catholicism (the people (Catholics) and the institution (Catholic Church)) is by far the biggest denomination in the world. It is divided into the Anglo-Catholic derivatives, Eastern Rite, and Latin Rite. The Canons The Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEC); Latin; Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium (CCEO)) clearly defines the difference between church and rite as follows: Canon 27 – A group of Christian faithful united by a hierarchy according to the norm of law which the supreme authority of the... Read more

Archangel Michael, Pray For Us And Our Families

October 1, 2022 By Laurika Nxumalo

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In the Book of Revelation, Archangel Michael led God`s armies in the fight against the forces of evil. In Hebrew, the name ‘Michael’ means, “Who is like unto God?” The Archangel is usually depicted holding a sword, scales, banner, and an overpowered dragon. Michael is a symbol of triumph over evil – reminding Christians about the fight with the forces of evil in the world. On July 5 2013, Pope Francis consecrated the Vatican to Archangel Michael`s protection. Like the... Read more