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).
By Kimberly Bruce
Saint Marie of the Incarnation (feast day April 30) was a 17th century mystic, nun, and missionary to Canada.
Said Pope Francis at her canonization, “Missionaries [like St. Marie] have served the Church’s mission by breaking the bread of God’s word for the poor and those far off” and bringing them the love of Christ.
Such was the life of St. Marie who gave up everything to move to the untamed land of Canada in the 1600s.
Her life
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.
A weekly web series by Fr. Thaddaeus Lancton, MIC, introduces us to the meditations for this coming Sunday's Mass by the Marian Founder. The goal is to allow Jesus to gaze into your heart and teach you self-examination, leading you to a more fruitful reception of Holy Communion at Sunday Mass, where there is a true encounter of our hearts with His Sacred Heart – especially fitting during this period of National Eucharistic Revival.
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.
She is called the “Lily of the Mohawks” and the “Genevieve of New France”: St. Kateri Tekakwitha (feast day April 17), the first Native American to be canonized.
When you’re at Mass and you receive Jesus in Holy Communion, guess what? You may also hope to be in holy communion with your departed loved ones, a closer communion and a deeper love than you ever had on earth.
Do you have trust issues with God? On April 8, let Mary be your guide. The Solemnity of the Annunciation can teach you how to place your expectant trust in Him.
