Category: Lists

4 Interesting alternatives to palms used in Europe for Palm Sunday

Traditional date palm was not always easy to obtain.   Palm Sunday celebrates the joyous arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem. As Mark wrote in Chapter 11 of his Gospel, the gathered crowds placed branches that they’d cut in nearby fields on the ground in his honor,  It is suggested that the brushwood growing in the… Continue reading 4 Interesting alternatives to palms used in Europe for Palm Sunday

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A Marian alternative to the Stations of the Cross

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

3 Rarely used colors in the liturgy and their meaning

Rose, black and blue are colors that aren’t used very often, but have profound spiritual significance.   Most Catholics are familiar with the colors of green, violet and white whenever they attend Mass on Sundays. Occasionally the priest will wear red, but that only happens a few times during the year. Even rarer are the colors of rose, black… Continue reading 3 Rarely used colors in the liturgy and their meaning

9 Items you’ll find in a French Catholic home

These centuries-old traditions are held dear by many French faithful.   Catholics around the world are united, but different cultures have traditions that set them apart. In France, a country whose Catholic faith runs deep through the ages, there are many beautiful customs that traditional faith-filled families hold dear. Religious objects are given pride of place… Continue reading 9 Items you’ll find in a French Catholic home

5 things to know about the Christians of Iraq

While their numbers are diminished, Christians have been inhabiting Iraq since the first century AD. On his 33rd apostolic journey out of Italy, Pope Francis will visit the Christian population of Iraq, which has been suffering through successive wars. Learn about the characteristics of this community, which represents less than 2% of the population.  … Continue reading 5 things to know about the Christians of Iraq

4 Ways to honor the saints of March in your life and home

Celebrating these holy men and women will enhance our Lent and keep you spiritually focused right up to Holy Week.   Our Catholic calendar is vibrant with feast days. Some of these days have famous traditions; others are not as well-known. Each month of our calendar provides ideal opportunities to honor the saints, and March… Continue reading 4 Ways to honor the saints of March in your life and home

3 Useful sacramentals to have in your briefcase or purse

Bring God with you wherever you go, even into your next business meeting.   Sacramentals are meant to enrich our spiritual lives, reminding us of God wherever we are in the world. They have been instituted by the Church to draw us into a deeper relationship with Christ and are focused on sanctifying every part of… Continue reading 3 Useful sacramentals to have in your briefcase or purse

Get to the essentials of Lent: Here is the Pope’s message for this year

Faith in fasting, hope in almsgiving, charity in prayer …   Here is Pope Francis’ message for Lent 2021. ~ “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Mt 20:18). Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love.   Dear Brothers and Sisters,   Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he… Continue reading Get to the essentials of Lent: Here is the Pope’s message for this year

3 Feasts in February that honor the sick and suffering

There are 3 popular feasts in February that ask God’s providential care for those suffering physical ailments.   While traditionally February in the Catholic Church is dedicated to the Holy Family, in reality it is a month that could easily take on the theme of serving the sick and suffering. This is on account of three… Continue reading 3 Feasts in February that honor the sick and suffering