"Those who maintain 'There was a time when the Son was not' rob God of His Word, like plunderers." So said St. Athanasius of Alexandria (feast day: May 2), considered the “Father of Orthodoxy” in both the Eastern and Western Churches.
Thanks to the continued generosity of Marian Helpers, Ukrainians young and old caught in the war (now entering its third year) have the warm clothing and medical supplies still in great need.
May 1, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, provides a perfect opportunity to re-examine the degree to which we infuse our daily tasks with dignity, using St. Joseph as our model.
The apparitions in Fatima (feast day: May 13) directly or indirectly relate to the three essential points of our Marian charism: 1) proclaim and honor the mystery of the Immaculate Conception; 2) assist the dying and the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory; and 3) spread the kingdom of God on earth, serving Christ and the Church.
The month of May — often filled with devotions to Mary — is a time to remember her silent but tender presence in our lives as Christians. One title of Our Lady is Tota Pulchra, drawing from the Song of Songs: “You are beautiful in every way, my friend, there is no flaw in you!”
From the archives: Our report from Rome at the canonization of St. Faustina, 24 years ago today. Also, Pope St. John Paul II's big surprise for Divine Mercy apostles on that same day!
She was a widow with a 12-year-old son. Yet she was called to the religious life, sacrificing everything to bring the word of God to the people in the untamed land of Canada in the 1600s. She is St. Marie of the Incarnation (feast day: Apr. 30).
Saint Catherine of Siena, whose feast we celebrate on April 29, is a super saint. Not only was she a stigmatist, theologian, philosopher, mystic, and helper to the poor and suffering, but she was also a highly esteemed political ambassador utilized by popes!
A frequent theme in religious formation is identity, knowing oneself. "This was a theme during my novitiate and remains a theme in seminary," says Br. Josh, MIC.
On his feast day (April 25), let St. Mark the Evangelist introduce you to Jesus. Read the Gospel of Mark today, a brilliant piece of writing.
“Now hold on,” Chris Sparks imagines some folks saying, “loving the annoying is one thing, but loving the evil people, the truly wicked who do unspeakable things to myself, my family, or the innocents of the world — HOW???” Jesus shows us the way, of course.
Reduced to a “zero,” as she put it in her own words, Bl. Marie-Anne Blondin (feast day April 18) was the foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Anne in Vaudreuil, Québec, Canada.
