Don’t be a Peacock: Vainglory Desire goodness—do not be a spiritual toad. Desire more than just goodness—do not move forward at the pace of a hen. Desire holiness—dare to soar like an eagle. In three…
Response to Blasphemy on RTÉ Dear Beginner, Have you ever witnessed a teen go off to college and, “free from his parents’ rules,” makes a mess of his life? Just over two years ago, as part…
Holiness Checklist for This Advent As St. Athanasius wrote, God became man (INCARNATION) so that man might become God (SANCTIFICATION). In other words, Jesus was born to take you into Himself, redeem you, elevate you,…
The First Thanksgiving in the USA If you want to add something interesting to this year’s Thanksgiving conversation, tell your family about the first Thanksgiving in Florida, which took place after a Catholic Mass! Historians such…
Who Reigns in You? People today like to think of themselves as sovereign kings. If they cannot practice their power over others, at least they are kings over themselves. I can do whatever I…
Still discerning? Do something! Dear Beginner, A couple years ago at a catholic conference I met a not-so-young man who told me that he was discerning religious life. And if I remember well, he had…
What are you doing this Halloween? Dear Beginner, I’ve had it on my mind for a while to write about Halloween, but I just can’t bring myself to it. Here in Ireland they are trying to make…
Revendicating Halloween Many Catholics with good formation, including some priests and bishops, argue that there is nothing wrong with participating in Halloween. Even recognizing the clearly demonic twist the holiday has today,…
"Mary, give Jesus a tour of my soul." Dear Beginner, The other day after receiving Communion, I had a wonderful inspiration and thought I'd suggest you to do: ask Mary to give Jesus a tour of your soul. In…
“You Want to Count to Five Hundred with Me?” Dear Beginner, Two different scenarios: “You want to count to five hundred with me?” your friend asks you. Agreeing, you grab your string of beads and begin: “One... Two... Three...” And…
An Eagle’s Flight: Ardently Desiring Holiness Fr. Rafael, founder of the Home of the Mother, was amused to discover that most Americans consider the spirituality of the Home of the Mother to be “too intense.” How…
“Why can’t I see God? More often than not, we complain that we do not see God. We lament that we just can’t seem to perceive His Presence in the world. “Really, I’ve never really…