According to an ancient tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary visited the sites of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection on a daily basis after his ascension into Heaven. According to an ancient tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary visited the sites of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection on a daily basis after his ascension into Heaven. Many other traditions also… Continue reading A Marian alternative to the Stations of the Cross
Category: Galleries and Compilations
The Jerusalem Cross: A pilgrim’s sacred souvenir
As they made their way around the Via Dolorosa, the faithful would put dust or soil into the holes on the crucifix. The latest in our series on the great diversity of crosses found around the world. Today’s crucifix is more than a souvenir; it was once a useful accessory for the active pilgrim… Continue reading The Jerusalem Cross: A pilgrim’s sacred souvenir
The 14 Stations of the Cross
Good Friday, the day traditionally set aside in the year to remember the death of Jesus on the cross. Good Friday is one of only two days in the year that Roman Catholics do not have Mass. Instead, on this day, most Catholic Churches say the stations of the Cross (these are normally found… Continue reading The 14 Stations of the Cross
Polish statue of Christ found peeking out of a growing tree
This unintentional work of art stands as a symbol of Christ’s unfailing presence in the world. This statue of Jesus was discovered in an abandoned cemetery in the Polish town of Łupków. According to a report from The First News, Łupków is a ruined town that was largely abandoned after World War II. All that remains of… Continue reading Polish statue of Christ found peeking out of a growing tree
THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH PRAYER
The official prayer of the Year of St. Joseph—To you, O blessed Joseph (Ad te, beate Ioseph)—was composed by Pope Leo XIII in his 1889 encyclical, Quamquam Pluries. The Holy Father asked that it be added to the end of the Rosary especially during October, the month of the Holy Rosary. This prayer is enriched with… Continue reading THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH PRAYER
The churches around the world named for St. Joseph
Parishes have often invoked the patronage of the Patron of the Universal Church. In this 150th anniversary year of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of St Joseph.” In St. Joseph’s hometown What would Nazareth be without a church… Continue reading The churches around the world named for St. Joseph
Traces of miracles remain at the birthplace of St. Rita of Cascia
Pilgrims visiting the Umbrian hill town can follow the spiritual journey of Saint of the Impossible. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John: 14:27 In Umbria’s Valnerina… Continue reading Traces of miracles remain at the birthplace of St. Rita of Cascia
5 Saints who loved the game of chess
These holy men and women were fans of the game centuries ago. Chess is enjoying a huge surge in popularity thanks to recent shows like Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, which has garnered millions of viewers. And while the game may require the patience of a saint, only a handful of the Church’s holy men… Continue reading 5 Saints who loved the game of chess
Why this popular picture sums up Christmas
The Our Lady of Perpetual Help icon is not often considered for this season, but it should be. After years of not paying much attention to it, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help icon has become my favorite Christmas image this Advent. The image is a 13th-century Byzantine icon currently housed in Rome’s Church of… Continue reading Why this popular picture sums up Christmas
An abandoned dog finds comfort with Baby Jesus… photos go viral
In the creche of a public Nativity scene, a puppy finds comfort and rest … and a new family. A touching episode that took place in Criciúma, Brazil, in 2008 has gone viral again! An unusual “living statue” joined a Nativity scene set up in one of the southern Brazilian city’s squares: in the… Continue reading An abandoned dog finds comfort with Baby Jesus… photos go viral
5 Practical ways to imitate Our Lady’s spiritual motherhood
These acts of fruitfulness offer all women a model to follow. Ever since Jesus entrusted his beloved disciple to Our Lady, telling him to see her as his own mother (Jn 19:27), Christ’s followers have recognized Mary as a mother to us all. Her loving care for all Christians is the model par excellence of the spiritual motherhood… Continue reading 5 Practical ways to imitate Our Lady’s spiritual motherhood
Try Mother Teresa’s 5-second prayer to Mary for when you need support
Have this prayer at hand throughout your day. Two of the Church’s most powerful female intercessors have to be St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and the Virgin Mary. Throughout Mother Teresa’s long life on earth, which was fully devoted to helping others, there were still times she needed a little divine help. The person that… Continue reading Try Mother Teresa’s 5-second prayer to Mary for when you need support
5-year-old walks 10 km with prostheses and raises $1 million
This extraordinary little boy’s courage and commitment is drawing international acclaim. As the year draws to a close, it’s good to look back on moments of triumph and hope that have taken place during this difficult time. The story I’m about to tell has its moments of suffering and sorrow, so I’m going to think… Continue reading 5-year-old walks 10 km with prostheses and raises $1 million
Why is Saint Joseph depicted as an old man in art?
The main sources of our familiar artistic depictions of St. Joseph are, interestingly, not canonical. The Patron of the Universal Church is barely mentioned in the Gospels. In fact, John and Mark do not mention him at all, and Luke only refers to St. Joseph twice –once in Jesus’ genealogy, to establish his belonging to… Continue reading Why is Saint Joseph depicted as an old man in art?
8 Powerful quotes on the importance of growing close to the Virgin Mary
With Mary as the perfect role model, here are some quotes that reflect the beauty of a relationship with her. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. It comes exactly nine months before Mary’s nativity on September 8. In many countries around the world it is recognized as a day of… Continue reading 8 Powerful quotes on the importance of growing close to the Virgin Mary
7 Inspirational quotes about the joy of Advent from recent popes
Here’s a reminder on how Advent can fill you with joy and hope in what is to come. 2020 has been a struggle for so many. Advent couldn’t come fast enough. The season that brings so much hope and expectation seems a perfect way to end this tumultuous year. To help the faithful appreciate the beauty… Continue reading 7 Inspirational quotes about the joy of Advent from recent popes