We Are All Called to Lives of Holiness
Today is the feast of St. John Paul II. On this day, it is fitting to look at his writing on the Holy Eucharist since it was the center of his life and it is the center of the Church. His devotion to the Eucharist was evident to those who were at Mass with him …
Continue reading "Catholic Exchange: Ecclesia de Eucharistia, St. John Paul II on the Eucharist"
The Church celebrates the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila, also known as St. Teresa of Jesus, on October 15th. She was born in Avila, Spain in 1515. Her family consisted of her mother, father, and twelve siblings. She described her parents as devout in her autobiography. Teresa began her spiritual journey early on and …
Continue reading "Catholic Exchange: The Spiritual Depth and Friendship of St. Teresa of Avila"
I am going to be honest. The saint whose feast day the Church celebrates today both fascinates and intimidates me. St. Pio of Pietrelcina, also known as Padre Pio, was born the son of two peasant farmers on May 25, 1887. His given name was Francesco after St. Francis of Assisi and at the age …
Continue reading "Catholic Exchange: St. Padre Pio’s Unification with Christ"
Growing up in my family home, we were ready to celebrate Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, just like the rest of America. Advent was something we did at Mass on Sunday with the lighting of the Advent wreath. It was not something that we did at home. It was not something we lived. Then I …
Continue reading "Preparing for Advent: Waiting in Joyful Hope"
Swimming the Depths 