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by Br. Pio Benedict  This fragment of faith is in reference to the most famous story ever written by author Bram Stoker, Dracula. At this time of year, what could be more fitting? Stoker was a Protestant who was raised in the predominantly Catholic Ireland. His most famous story of all contains many truly Catholic symbols such as the Eucharist being used to ward of pure evil, the use of holy water, the symbol of the cross and even the persona of Dracula himself, a portrait of the antichrist. Religion is an important part of this book. During this season try it out if you’ve never read it. It might have an influence on you like it did for me.
 By: Brother Pio Benedict
"The deeds you do may be the only sermon some people will hear today." — St. Francis of Assisi In our hectic lives of turmoil and tribulations, rushing about trying to accomplish the multitude of deeds that seem never to be complete, we sometimes forget that it is the little things we do for others that have the greatest meaning and impact on us and especially on others. You never know how the smallest gesture or simple act of kindness and love may have impacted someone else's life, someone who may have needed that small act of kindness to change their lives or get them through that troubling time. Our mission in life is not to criticize, demean or slander our fellow man but to show love, kindness and consideration. Those who assume that they are better than others have missed the true message given to us by our Lord. Until they have traveled in the shoes of others, they should not assume that their knowledge is greater. By assuming their knowledge makes them better, more deserving individuals, they are missing out on the true meaning of the Word and showing how conceited they have become. Their faith is lacking and their understanding so limited. It isn't about the verses we can quote and the terminology we can use; it is about the love we show, the kindness we offer and the gifts we share. Faith, hope and charity are the keys to the Kingdom. It is the small gestures that open the gates. It is love that illuminates the way. We should do what we do in seclusion, and seek not a reward or praise. God knows what we do, and that is all that matters.  "Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" For the Feast of the Lady of Sorrows, we share a classic prayer in honor of the Blessed Mother.
 by Br. Raymond Penefort
Since they knew I had been a teacher in public and private schools for a number of years I was recently approached by some younger relatives who were trying to make a decision on school placement for their first kindergarten age child regarding morality and values. As I have responded to others, I directed their attention to an article on a study conducted under the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study for Educational Statistics Center, which was published in the Wall Street Journal on June 2nd, 2018, Opinion Section. In it they found that children, in general, exhibited more self-discipline in Catholic Schools and that minority students in particular showed higher academic performance than those at nearby public schools. Besides other points made, the study firmly cautioned not to underestimate the power of religion to positively influence a child's behavior. The authors further emphasize that religion isn't the only way to foster self-discipline but its effective compared to most of the alternatives in channeling youthful energy into productive self - control. So teaching the Ten Commandments and the love God and neighbor is, as was once said "Not bad after all." Final note: Even if not directly involved, take a raffle ticket, go to a bingo or just make a direct contribution to a Catholic School. It's good for the Country and the church.  by Sr. Mary Magdalene, OP
I remember reading a book on Blessed Charles de Foucauld which had excerpts translated from the French language throughout. Occasionally, however, the author deliberately left words in French because he felt that their meaning was a bit weightier than if he had tried to find an equivalent word in English. Upon initial reading, I found myself stumbling over the sudden appearance of a French word set off in italics. But upon reading the footnote descriptor of its approximate meaning I came to appreciate that it took nearly a sentence or two to even attempt to flesh out what that little word in italics embodied in itself. More recently, another author, in referring to the writings of St. Catherine of Sienna, left a phrase in its original Italian. Immediately I thought of my earlier experience and sensed that the phrase held more treasure than a simple translation to English might convey. So here I am turning the phrase Pazzo d’amore* over in my mind and my heart in an effort to reveal just a small portion of what St. Catherine might be trying to share. |
Disclaimer: We hope that you enjoy the content of this website. We are all journeyers on the road toward heaven and these are some of our thoughts and ideas. None of us is a religious expert; we hope not to make any egregious errors, and we will try to be as accurate as possible.
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