Did you know that Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day is Dec. 12, is the Patroness of America? Not just one part - not just North or South America, but the whole continent of the New World. She is also the Star of the New Evangelization, Patroness of the Unborn, and the Queen of All Hearts.
THIS WEEK: A new docudrama, "I Am The Immaculate Conception," featuring the Marian Fathers, is premiering in cinemas across the United States on Dec. 12, 14, and 17. Buy your tickets now!
December 11 is the anniversary of the founding of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. On this day in 1670, St. Stanislaus Papczyński left the Piarist order and made his oblatio, his self-offering, to defend the Immaculate Conception.
Many people think that the Blessed Virgin Mary has only appeared to children. However, in one of her most widely-recognized apparitions in Guadalupe, Mexico, the Mother of God appeared to 57-year-old St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (feast day: Dec. 9), the designated Patron of Indigenous Peoples.
The Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception always celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, usually on Dec. 8 but this year on Dec. 9, with special joy. But what is the Immaculate Conception? It’s not the Virgin Birth, as many people think.
On Dec. 7, we celebrate the feast of St. Ambrose, one of the “original four” Doctors of the Church, along with Sts. Augustine, Gregory the Great, and Jerome.
Stories about his selfless generosity of heart are the chief reasons St. Nicholas, feast day Dec. 6, is so affectionately revered.
Saint Theophanes called his friend, St. John Damascene (feast day: Dec. 4), “Chrysorrhoas” (golden stream) due to his oratorical gifts.
"Ever since I was a little boy, Christmas has been my most favorite time of year," says Fr. Angelo Casimiro, MIC. "I have many fond memories of Christmas as I was growing up."
Jesus gave us His mother as our mother and wants us to be close to her. By wearing Mary's Miraculous Medal (feast day: Nov. 27), we place ourselves under her protection as her spiritual children.
By happy coincidence, the eve of Christ the King, Nov. 23, is the feast of Bl. Miguel Agustin Pro, a humble Mexican priest who was martyred for the faith, shouting "Viva Cristo Rey!" [Long live Christ the King!]
Saint Cecilia's feast on Nov. 22 is a good day to reflect on what music is and does - particularly sacred music.
