Catholic. Pastoral. Trusted.
The eleventh day of March marks two full years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic. I am stunned by this reality. Still. And what’s more shocking, in my opinion, is that we, as a nation, don’t have a better handle on the situation. Near the end...
His little-known true story of courage—in his own words I spent a St. Patrick’s Day in County Limerick, Ireland, a few years back as a house guest of my aunt, Kay. She awakened me on the holiday with a cheery “top of the mornin’,” a safety pin, and a shamrock....
As we commence our forty days of prayers, fasting, and almsgiving in March, we will also commemorate the feast of St. Joseph (March 19) and the Annunciation of the Lord (March 25). With these solemnities, we see what it means to exercise our faith in body, mind, heart, and soul,...
I’ve always found the word fast a bit strange. I’m referring to the Lenten obligation that many know well, and to that dreaded prescription given by doctors in anticipation of blood work or surgery. Our English word fast has German roots and holds varied meanings. The word can mean sure,...
We can’t tell God “not yet” forever Q. How did you discover your vocation? A. Growing up in a strong Catholic family, I was blessed to have my childhood filled with sharing in the lives of many priests, brothers, and nuns. They were frequent guests in our home, so experiencing...
Oversized photos of six Black Catholic men and women were carried in procession into Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in East Baltimore as the All Saints’ Day Mass began in 2021. Their names, along with a few biographical details, were called out, each one receiving enthusiastic applause: Augustus Tolton, Mary Elizabeth...
Following years-long studies, doctors link going to church to good health for body and soul. A belief commonly held today goes something like this: doctrine or orthodoxy is synonymous with religion, which is based on faith, and in turn rejects science. There is a natural proclivity to see science and...
February is a strange month. It’s not quite winter and not quite spring. The Christmas season concluded early last month and Lent begins in early March. We find ourselves in an in-between phase. When we gaze upon the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, we are also caught up...
As a bonus mom to a just-teen (thirteen) and soon-to-be-teen (eleven), my linguistic knowledge expands constantly. Thank goodness for four more children in their early to mid-twenties who are much more in tune with trendy jargon than I am. They often save me from being completely discombobulated. I think the...
Exemplifying God’s goodness Q. How did you discover your vocation? A. My father was diagnosed with cancer in January 1983. Toward the end of his life, in 1984 when he could no longer attend Mass, his pastor was called and my father asked for holy Communion to be brought...
FREE downloadable PDF. Available on the web only. No subscription is required. Enjoy! Download the November-December 2022 Liguorian Word Jumble Download the October 2022 Liguorian Word Jumble Download the September 2022 Liguorian Word Jumble Download the July-August 2022 Liguorian Word Jumble Download the May-June 2022 Liguorian Word Jumble Download the...
A troubling national trend is the gradual loss of “international” priests and religious. “International” is the designation given in the United States to pastoral ministers who come from places like India, Nigeria, Colombia, and Brazil to bolster the pastoral workforce in this country. Priests and religious are permitted by the...
Each new year begins with plenty of words of wisdom (or warning). We encounter change daily, yet for some reason when we shift into January, we feel the need to admonish ourselves…and others. Example: an online search for “New Year’s advice” produced 154 million results! We’re familiar with eat better,...
Journey through the liturgical seasons of the Catholic Church with inspiring poems and photos. Pause, immersing yourself in prayerful reflection. Then, during each liturgical season in real time, meditate anew with this piece to enrich your experience with God. Advent through Christmastide Rejoice, my Soul, in promises of spring, in...
Q. How did you discover your vocation? A. My parents were loving, caring, hard-working, and honest people who made sure my twin sisters and I were baptized and confirmed in the Church. But they were Catholic in name only, as they did not attend Mass or pray at home. So,...
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” The words of Jesus in the Gospel of John 15:13 When we attend Mass, Christ lays down his life for us by way of the holy Eucharist. Christ mystically renews his death and sheds his...
Another year is here! I should be happy, but it sometimes feels like Jesus went away when I packed up the Nativity set. All the reminders of his birth are gone, and now the day is dull and gray. I pray but feel nothing. Where is the Lord? Do you...
In all…things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. Romans 8:37 Q. How did you discover your vocation? A. Upon reflection, I realize that discovery is an ongoing process. Even at seventy-nine years of age and sixty-two years as a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ), I am still...
By now you’ve heard about the Synod of Bishops that Pope Francis convoked on October 10 with a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. If you haven’t done so already, it’s also likely that this Advent you will participate in a focus group, listening session, or online survey, wrestling...
Thank You for Supporting Our Ministry! Earlier this year, Liguori Publications appealed to you, our readers, to support the Redemptorist ministry of St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Apostolate of the Pen. Many of you responded with financial gifts. We are sincerely grateful for your help and generosity! A list of some of...