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A friend took me to a Christmas dinner at a local pub noted for its good food. It was also noted for something else too that nearly forced me  into a fight. I am referring to its seasonal cider punch, served hot with a sprinkling of spices. It was so moreish that you couldn't help having more and more of it. Two locals had already had too much of it before I had my first glass. By the time I had my second glass they were already fighting - but fortunately not with their fists. One said that Charles Dickens was more responsible for the way we celebrate Christmas today than anyone else. The other insisted that it was Prince Albert who introduced the Christmas tree with all its decorations. I don't drink much, in fact hardly at all, so two glasses of punch were enough to get me going, so I insisted that they were both wrong.  Then I  started to hold forth on St Francis of Assisi and what he had done to bring Christ back, not just into Christmas, but into Christianity.   rea

By Laura Durant There are many reasons why Christmas is special to me, many reasons why it is the second most special time of the year for me (second only to Easter). However, last year, Christmas became infinitely more special.  The Gift of Peace in God’s Will My husband and I began trying to have a child after a couple of years into our marriage. That was eight years ago, and we have not been able to conceive. We have been to the Vitae Clinic in Austin, Texas, which I highly recommend to anyone trying to conceive. While we were not able to become pregnant ourselves, I know many people who have through the help of this wonderful clinic. They were always very kind, always mindful of the struggle we were going through. I could go on and on about the kind and thoughtful ways in which they treated us and others struggling with infertility, but that is the subject for a different blog. After some time, and with a sense of peace from God to do so, we decided to discontinue try

It was my husband’s turn to have “one of those weeks”. I don’t like it when he is stressed or upset. It makes me sad for him! So, I made sure he had coffee in one hand and a loaded lunch bag in the other as he left, and he’ll have one of his dinner favorites waiting for him when he get’s home. I’m a big fan of the idea that the way to a man’s heart is through his tummy. But there’s only so much food can do. As he walked out the door this morning, I was left wishing that I could have done more. I feel this way a lot. I’m a “fixer”, if something is wrong, I want to fix it. I’m probably a very bad listener because of it. I have a hard time just sitting and being compassionate. My brain immediately jumps to all the things that should be done to resolve the situation. And of course (insert sarcastic tone here), my advice is simply excellent all the time, because I am just at that right age where I’m young enough to think I know everything and old enough to think that I’m old enoug

My neighbors’ generators hum in the background as I rummage through a pile of work assignments in search of one I can perform without benefit of internet. The power’s out, after an overnight storm. As a freelance writer and researcher, I find the lack of internet access nettlesome. Even cell service is affected today. It’s quiet as I select the files I can work on. Only a few billable hours in there, but that’s better than nothing. I can work without distractions. The only device at hand is a pen. As I realize that, it occurs to me that I’ve spent much of my life wishing for days like this. I was sure that if I only had more peace and quiet, less need for structured time, I could…fill in the blank: pray more, study more Scripture, read more devotions, study Church history. I’d go on retreats. I’d have time for more than a morning offering before diving into the day. I am blessed with children, and grateful for them.  I was blessed to be their “stay-at-home” mom. My husband made

Stirring Slumbering Souls is a compilation of 250 quotes, selectively chosen by Michael Seagriff, to promote Eucharistic Adoration of Jesus Christ, in the Most Blessed Sacrament. In this stirring book, Seagriff holds nothing back! The stellar quotes selected, come from the giants of the Saints. We read the thoughts of such greats as Catherine of Siena, John Chrysostom, Maria Faustina Kowalska, Francis de Sales, Alphonsus di Liguori, Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. Let’s not leave out Saints Maximilian Kolbe, Catherine Laboure, Margaret Mary Alacoque, Padre Pio, Bishop Fulton Sheen, Teresa of Avila and John Vianney. But, Seagriff doesn’t stop there! He quotes some gems from holy people living today. Lending their voices are Pope Benedict XVI, Peter Kreeft, and Bishop James Conley, to name a few. The list is exhaustive, and the quality of quotes is truly inspirational. Seagriff compiled a list, that when read together in one book, tell us one thing. Whether it... Read more... 

If I thought my faith depended on feeling cheerful, I'd be worried.If I thought my faith depended on feeling cheerful, I'd be worried. Since I'm a Catholic, I think faith is willingly and consciously embracing "the whole truth that God has revealed." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 142 - 150 ) Faith is easier when my emotions are in sync with my reason. So is acting as if what I believe matters. Emotions can tell me that something needs attention, but "...conscience is a law of the mind...." (Catechism, 1777 - 1782 ) More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

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      En esta época navideña de reuniones festivas y planes familiares, muchas mujeres sufren soledad o abandono por vivir la compleja realidad de una familia dividida. Sin poder “pasar la Navidad juntos” como ellas quisieran, su corazón se parte en mil pedazos para poder estar, de alguna forma, con todos sus seres queridos. El dolor es especialmente fuerte para las mujeres católicas que quieren seguir viviendo su fe cerca de Jesús y buscar el refugio del Amor de Dios en este momento oscuro. Pero…¿Cómo lograrlo cuando todo está hecho pedazos y no se   vislumbra más que división y conflictos, además del desconcierto de los propios hijos? Su situación irregular por la separación o divorcio trae inquietud y dudas a su corazón y, a veces, no se atreven ni a acercarse a los sacramentos o a la Iglesia. Inclusive se alejan de ella al pensar que se han vuelto “católicas de segunda”.

The good news is that only a small fraction of California is on fire or incinerated. The bad news is that this year's California wildfires have been big, destructive, and aren't over yet. I'll be talking about a few of the fires, why I think troubles aren't over for folks living in California, a little about wildfires in general. Also how I see disasters, God, nature and beliefs: sensible and otherwise. More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

St John the Baptist, Donatello [ Web Gallery of Art ] Readings (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Readings (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa) Gospel John 1:6-8, 19-28 ( NRSV, Catholic Ed .) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord”’, as

Saint Lucy was born in 283 A.D. in Syracuse, Italy, what we refer to today as Sicily. Little is known about this Saint, except that she died young (age 21 in 304 A.D.) because of the Emperor Diocletian’s persecution. The one thing I can tell you about Saint Lucy is that she is the patron saint of the blind and those with eye disorders. My Affinity for Saint Lucy I have a special place in my heart for Saint Lucy, as she got me through a very difficult time in my life. In 2000, I was diagnosed with Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy. This eye disease is supposedly hereditary, yet I knew of no one in my family who suffered from what I suffered. Every eye has thousands of water pumps in them that regulate the amount of water retained within the eye. When those water pumps break down, water is retained within the eye, and you have Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy. The symptoms come on gradually. You begin to see through a “mist” during early mornings, with the eye somewhat drying out as the day wears o

In honor of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I'm reprising a post about her story. This should be of interest to all because under this title, the Blessed Mother is the patroness of the Americas, both North and South. In addition, she is relevant today when abortion is an acceptable practice, for Mary appeared to Juan Diego as a pregnant Aztec woman. Her Aztec dress was tied with a black belt, which signified that she was pregnant. First a summary of her appearance 500 years ago, then an explanation of the photos here:  Click to continue

AGONY AUNT COLUMN WITH A DIFFERENCE CLICK HERE

The very existence of a joyful mother of nine children seems to confound people. Embracing an outdated lifestyle on a traditional, small, family farm has been a struggle through confusion, guilt, and even public condemnation. I finally reached the point where I can now shout loudly, “This is my call, this is my vocation, this is my witness to the world!” Any modern woman whose heartfelt desire is to become a mother often feels dismissed and ridiculed for wanting to embrace this sacred, natural role. Even forty years ago, in the late seventies, becoming a mother was hardly seen as a worthwhile life ambition. I agreed with that sentiment as a young person and strove to be different than my stay at home mother. After converting to Catholicism, I wanted to make a difference in the world by studying for a meaningful career. I took a year of pre-med and then an English degree with an eye on teaching because I was struggling to figure out how to serve in some way, anyway I could. I d

Recently, I experienced a situation on the interstate in which I really had to reach for my big girl jeans. via GIPHY  I was stuck in traffic. It was standstill and a tractor trailer had flipped, blocking the entire interstate. On a curve, and on a hill. Cars were creeping slower than Christmas, and it. was. terrible. We waited for 30 minutes (at min), we had a full car as I was on the way home from school pick-up, and I believe everyone in the car had to use the restroom except those wearing diapers. I was about to sprout some real tears. Read it here

Most people think of Advent as the time for preparation for the celebration of the incarnation of Christ; when Jesus entered humanity. Advent is just that, but it is also a time for healing and forgiveness, as we see in today’s Gospel from Luke 5:17-26, In this Gospel reading, we learn of the power and authority of Jesus to forgive sins. We hear about the paralyzed man lowered from the roof into the place where Jesus was preaching. Jesus not only forgives the man of his sins, but because of the confidence in God, expressed by his friends, Jesus also heals the man of his paralysis. What sin may be paralyzing you; preventing you from embracing the joy and peace of the Christmas season? Now is the time to seek... Read more...  

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Sunspots come and go in an 11-year cycle. Our sun has acted that way for centuries. With a few exceptions. The sunspot cycle changed about 23 years back. I think we'll learn a great deal by studying what's happening, but at this point scientists aren't quite sure what to make of the new 'normal.' More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

St John the Baptist, El Greco [ Web Gallery of Art ] Readings (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Readings , (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, India [optional], Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland,) Gospel Mark 1:1-8 ( NRSV, Anglicised CatholicEdition ) The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight”’. John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful

Do you like the popular book " Jesus Calling" in which Jesus speaks to you every day? My newest book, " Heart to Heart with Mary," contains Mary's words for each day of the year. She speaks as our mother who loves and cares for us. Each entry ends with a suggestion for continuing the conversation with Mary. My copies are due to arrive on December 13, just in time to give as Christmas gifts. By then, the book should appear on Amazon for $14.00. I will be selling them for $12.00 and free shipping. If you would like one or more copies, email me (kglavich@ndec.org) or just send a check (4237 Bluestone Rd, South Euclid, OH 44121).  In this week's blog, I give you a little taste of this book, which was a joy to write—all 386 pages!   Click to Continue

The Feast of Saint Nicholas is one of my favorite feast days for a few reasons. First, this day marks my husband, Nick’s, Feast Name Day. Happy Feast Name Day Nick! Second, I just love the story of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra! Let me tell you some interesting facts about this holy man. The Real Saint Nicholas Saint Nicholas was born into wealth, in 270 A.D., in a town along the southern coast of Turkey. He was raised as a devout Christian. However, his parents died, from an epidemic, when Nicholas was very young. They left their money to Nicholas. Literally following the biblical passage, “ sell what you own and give the money to the poor ,” (Matt 19:21), Nicholas used all his wealth to give aid and comfort to the sick and the poor. Therefore, known for his generosity, Saint Nicholas has become... Read more...

The question we had struggled with for years was,“How could we remain faithful to Church teaching when Natural Family Planning did not seem to work for us?” Intuitively, I already knew a call to trust in God could not just be an intellectual assent but included  entrusting my fertility to God . Catholic teaching stated couples should space their children with abstinence but we slowly discovered I was one of those rare people who could conceive long before ovulation and we were pro-life, abortion was not an option. My doctor, after considering another unplanned pregnancy told us “Ah, I remember reading about a woman in New Zealand two years ago who conceived five days before ovulation.” I raised my hand and chirped, “Well, you can add me to that list!”  continue

As a parent, I have a responsibility to imitate God’s loving guidance for my children. God, in His infinite perfection, is the Perfect Father, and parents have to model their child-rearing after Him. Consequently, the way we parent our children will have lasting effects on the way they perceive God. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become acutely aware of the similarities in how I talk to God and how I talk to my own dad. It’s amazing how my mind has categorized the two so closely. Now that puts a lot of pressure (as if we didn’t have enough already) on parents. I have wonderful parents who were exemplary models of God to my siblings and myself, but that is not a universal experience. I constantly remind myself of my need to be loving, just, kind, merciful, and forgiving to my children, lest I place a stumbling block in their path to God. One of the big perks of this responsibility is the ability to say, “Because I told you so.” .... Click to read the rest at "Messy Buns &a

A Shepherd’s Song , by Janice Lane Palko, is a wonderful Christmas romance, set in snowy Pittsburgh, PA, on the campus of Three Rivers University. The lead character, Tom Shepherd, a declared atheist, finds more than romance, with Gloria Davidson, in this Christmas tale. Gloria, a devout Catholic, shines the light of true Christmas spirit directly into Tom Shepherd’s heart. What awaits him, is all that he ever desired: to love and to be loved. In the end, isn’t that what we all look for in this life: to love and be loved? What we learn at the start of the book is that Tom and his college roommate are... Read more... 

Each of the suggestions below is a link to a blog post on the topic:     1.  Stay Awake   2.  Seek Him Who Seeks You   3.  Hold on to Hope 4.  Celebrate the Season   5.  Rejoice and Be Glad   6.  Give the Gift of Quality Time   7.  Wait Patiently       What is God calling you to this Advent that will bring you closer to Him?

'Tis the season for frantic shopping, eye-popping light shows in suburban front yards, and Christmas television specials. It's also the start of Advent. This is a season when we look back at ancient hopes for a Messiah, and our Lord's first arrival. And look ahead to when Jesus will be back.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO A FORTUNE TELLER? HAVE YOU EVER CHECKED WHAT YOUR FUTURE HOLDS FOR YOU? LOOKED IN THE CRYSTAL BALL, TEA LEAVES, TAROT CARDS OR LUIGI BOARD EVEN? THIS POST IS FUN AND WILL MAKE YOU THINK ... ... CLICK HERE

When Charles Dickens wrote, "God is love," on the workhouse wall, he was of course being sarcastic. He knew there was no love in that workhouse, as Oliver Twist was about to find when he begged for more gruel.  Yet, Dickens was right;  unlike any other religion, Christianity is founded on love, not on our love of God, but as St John insisted, on his love of us. The word Gospel means 'good news' because it is the best news that any human being can receive. It is the news that God's love has been embodied in the flesh and blood of the most perfect man who has ever walked on this earth, so that he could transmit it to us too. All those who came to love him, not only wanted to be close to him  and to be with him always, but to enter into him, to experience the love that had inspired them, and which animated him.  After his Resurrection this became possible like never before. The enduring love of the first Christians became for them like a mystical ladder, enabl

Por: Lourdes Domenzain

We've known about 55 Cancri e since 2004. It may have lakes and rivers of lava. But that's probably not what keeps its night side hot enough to melt copper. Ross 128 b, discovered this year, is a bit more massive than Earth, warm enough for liquid water, and too hot. It's not quite 'Earth 2.0,' but it may support life.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

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E l trabajo infantil sigue siendo una necesidad para muchos niños en países en desarrollo, donde la pobreza es la principal causa que los empuja a salir de sus hogares   y a veces dejar su educación básica para sobrevivir. En México, el 29% de los niños que trabajan son menores de 14 años (1) y el 40 % de estos pequeños que trabajan ya no asisten a la escuela.(2) Ante esta problemática que implica para ellos un sacrificio en su desarrollo normal, diversas soluciones económicas y legales han   creado condiciones que hacen más posible el acceso a sus derechos como niños y adolescentes, pero no del todo. Sus condiciones sí han mejorado al elevar, a través de los años, el nivel económico y el ingreso familiar, pero no han alcanzado a desterrar por completo el problema. Hay otros ingredientes sociales y familiares que perpetúan las condiciones adversas. Esta se ha debido a que   estas medidas no tocan la parte social que cultiva condiciones familiares y de entorno comunitario que

Young Jew as Christ, Rembrandt [ Web Gallery of Art ] Readings (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Readings (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, India [optional], Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa) Gospel Mark 13:33-37 ( NRSV,CatholicEd .) Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’ Liam Whelan (1 April 1935 - 5 February 1958) If this is the end, then I'm ready for it. These were the last words of Liam Whelan who died in a plane crash at Munich Airport on 6 February 1958 along with other members o

Hello Friend, Vlogging on simplicity. Simplicity in life is a precious commodity. Not to be ignored. Especially during the Advent Season. All the Christmas prep and such can have us coming going. In mind, body and spirit. I learned through my hardships/disabilities and such. To slow it down. Not easy, but I can tried. View it here on how you can slow down. Through Jesus yes!!! click here 

As we bravely embark on completing all the “tasks” needed to make Christmas merry, we sometimes fail to forget the real reason for the Christmas season. You purchase gifts for everyone on your list. Let me share with you a gift that you will want to purchase for yourself, today! Time to Get Ready, An Advent, Christmas Reader to Wake Your Soul , by Mark A. Villano is a treasure that you will cherish for years to come! Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, Villano gives us a daily retreat that takes only two to three minutes to read each day’s offering. It will spark the imagination and provide food for spiritual thought. Each day’s offering is filled with golden nuggets, helping us to make Advent more spiritual; less commercial. By interspersing Scripture with his own reflections on the biblical passages, Villano offers insight and encouragement. One of my favorite “golden nuggets” was: When we come to see how far God will go to save us, when we come to know how God sees us, how m

Recently I came across this suggestion in a devotional book:  "For the next thirty days, treat everyone you encounter as the most important person in the world." Now that is quite a challenge. This activity ties in with our Advent season in which we focus on the comings of Christ. As our Sunday readings remind us, he came in history announced by John the Baptist and he will come in majesty at the end of the world. But Jesus also comes to us in the form of other people. That, along with his coming in the Eucharist, is indeed his coming in mystery! God’s presence in people is the theme of Leo Tolstoy’s short story about Martin the cobbler who dreamed that God would visit him the next day. All day as the cobbler served the people he encountered, he waited for Jesus. At the end of the day, it was revealed to him that Jesus had indeed come—in those people.  Click to continue

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Yesterday’s celebration of Christ the King is such a perfect way to end out the liturgical year. It’s one of the better changes made in the new missal; I think it seems out of place in the Old Rite, stuck in October. So here we are, at the end of the year, and we get to meditate on the Kingship of Christ. The homily I heard mentioned that God isn’t a genie that we can call up when we need Him, He is a King that we owe our allegiance to. Father also mentioned that we Americans tend to take issue with the idea of being subject to anyone and specifically to a King, but that there is no better monarch to swear our fealty to. Pretty basic thoughts, but I want to go a little more in depth on them. A genie is a fairly simple creature. Rub the lamp, get your wish, genie goes back  in the bottle. Notwithstanding an evil sorcerer and a deranged parrot, you could carry the lamp around with you and call up phenomenal cosmic power every time you get in a pinch. That’s all there is to it.

Most of you have gotten to know me through my blog posts on this website. By sharing my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you grow in virtue and grow closer to God. I am blessed that my blog has been named in the top 100 websites worldwide by Feedspot.com. Yet, a blog can only reach so many people. There are so many more who need to hear the message of Jesus’ Way – via the virtues, prayer and spirituality. So, in addition to blogging on the virtues (and other points of interest), I also do public speaking engagements on matters related to the Catholic faith. In my engagements, I bring the virtues, prayer and spirituality to life, showing others how they can more easily incorporate them into their daily lives. It is truly a rewarding experience. It is my mission to bring to life Jesus’ Way to others. And now, my mission expands. In moving from my desktop computer, to the parish hall, I take Christ’s words of wisdom to His faithful. To date, my speaking engagements have been at

My name is Ann Marie, and I'm a writer living in North Carolina.  I write a blog called Faith and Reason .  Every week, I post an essay in which I explore a topic from a Catholic perspective.  I enjoy discovering new insights by weaving together information and ideas from theology, philosophy, literature, art, history, current events, and science. I hope that you'll visit my blog at https://faithandreason.blog/ and share your thoughts!

Today's Mass is something new, introduced by Pius XI in 1925. We've had it on the last Sunday in Ordinary Time since 1970. Focusing on who and what our Lord is seems like a good way to wrap up the Church calendar. That's how I see it. Today's Gospel reading is Matthew 25:31 - 46 . That's the one starting with "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him...." It's an important part of the Gospels, and not what I'll be talking about today. I'd better explain that. I'm okay with what the Church says about Mass, including how the annual schedule works. I'm not a religious scofflaw, disdaining the laws of God and man. But I don't try to coordinate these 'Sunday' posts with what happens in Mass. I figure it's not a problem, since I'm a Catholic layman — and you're probably not here looking for a homily.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

It has never been easy to discern a vocation, but it is especially difficult for people in the current milieu because modern society is complex and messy. Yet it’s precisely in the complexity and messiness where some of the most important answers in life are found. The good news is no matter how confused we feel, our own unique purpose in life lies deep within our own soul: Discovering vocation does not mean scrambling toward some prize just beyond my reach but accepting the treasure of true self I already possess. Vocation does not come from a voice ‘out there’ calling me to be something I am not. It comes from a voice ‘in here’ calling me to be the person I was born to be, to fulfill the original selfhood given me at birth by God.  ( Fr. Thomas Merton, O.C.S.O ) continue 

By Laura Durant Jesus desires we give ourselves to Him completely, without reserve. In every moment, every situation, in every interaction, in every decision, renouncing our every desire, so He can fill us completely with His desires. This prayer was written in a response to the great love He has for us and how He desires we have recourse to Him in everything, with a desire to devote ourselves more completely to Him in each moment we live and breathe, with anticipation of our final resting place with Him for eternity. In English: Prayer Surrendering All to Jesus and His Most Sacred Heart In Spanish:  Oración Para Entregar Todo a Jesús y Su Corazón Más Sagrado