“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) This past Sunday, we celebrated the feast of the Presentation, also called Candlemas, at which time the blessing of the candles to be used for the upcoming year took place. There is something about a blessed candle that evokes mystery, spirituality, other-worldliness. The light and warmth of the flame cuts through the darkness of this world... Read more
It’s Superbowl time again and that includes a myriad of highly-anticipated commercials. However, this year’s lineup of ads comes carrying some contention. The ads for this year’s Superbowl will include a controversial spot from Sabra Hummus featuring drag queens and LGBTQ activists, while the pro-life message is, once again, being drowned out. The organization Faces of Choice still has not received the go-ahead for their prolife ad, in which abortion survivors ask the impassioned question, “Can you look me in... Read more
Since having our first child, my husband and I have agreed that I would stay home to be as fully present as possible with our children in their formative years. Although I have, at times, taken on part-time side jobs that could be performed at home to supplement my husband’s income, my primary occupation and vocation has been as a homemaker, and I am not ashamed to say it. I have been a stay-at-home mother for almost sixteen years, and,... Read more
The Church’s teaching on artificial birth control is, for many, one of the most challenging and least understood teachings of the Catholic Church. Although it would seem that artificial birth control is easier, simpler, and more effective, many would be surprised to discover the great advantages to choosing Natural Family Planning. According to the Couple to Couple League’s website, NFP is safe, healthy, and green; it is effective; and it builds joyful marriages. It is an all-natural method of regulating... Read more
A recent tweet by a priest I follow included the following quotes from Pope Benedict XVI and St. Peter Julian Eymard, respectively: “Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness. Listen to God. Adore him in the Eucharist.” “Eucharistic adoration is the greatest act of holiness on earth.” Although it may seem in the natural realm that during silent adoration we are not accomplishing anything, the time spent before the Blessed Sacrament is a great investment in becoming the... Read more
Today, the Lord said to me, I demand of you a perfect and whole-burnt offering; an offering of the will. No other sacrifice can compare with this one. I Myself am directing your life and arranging things in such a way that you will be for Me a continual sacrifice and will always do My will (Jesus to St. Faustina, Diary, 923). In the Old Testament, there were different types of sacrifices offered to God. The most perfect of the bloody sacrifices was... Read more
(This article is a repost from March, 2019) I drove by a run-down, grey cemetery today while running an errand. Sadly, many graves were in disrepair and seemingly forgotten, like so many of those who have gone before us. The dreary scene was in stark contrast to the bright and sunny spring day and would have been easy to ignore or miss. The thought occurred, “How often do we pass by a cemetery without a second thought, when we should... Read more
If you’ve been away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation for awhile and are considering going back to Confession but are feeling wary or apprehensive, how would you feel if Confession came to you? This is a reality for people in the Acadiana area of South Louisiana. Fete Dieu du Teche – the Eucharistic Procession on Bayou Teche, Louisiana – has, in recent years, expanded its outreach to include the purchase of an old ambulance which has been converted into a... Read more
Marvel Comic’s The Avengers is one of the most successful and popular movie franchises ever, with the four Avengers films holding the top spots as the highest-grossing superhero films of all time. The franchise’s popularity demonstrates our fascination with the fantastic and unbelievable. We want to believe in superheroes; that there are beings greater than ourselves, powerful and benevolent, who protect us and save us from evil and darkness. What we forget is that we already have a God who... Read more
The spiritual life is not a glorious utopia or heaven on earth. Those who choose to follow Christ will experience highs and lows, peaks and valleys. We will inevitably encounter dry periods when God seems very far away. It may seem like God is not listening to our prayers or helping us. We will experience discouragement, fatigue, and spiritual burnout. We can be tempted to despair and desolation. I am reminded of the story of the prophet Elijah who, after... Read more
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