A cafeteria Catholic is typically defined as one who picks and chooses what Catholic teaching he wants to believe. Catholics are not free to choose which teachings (on faith and morals) to obey. Even when the Church has not spoken on a matter of faith or morals definitively (infallibly), the faithful must give “a religious submission of the intellect and will” to its teachings (CIC 752).
Are you suffering from cancer? Or do you know someone who is? These prayers to St. Peregrine can give you hope! This first one is for those afflicted with this deadly disease: St. Peregrine, whom Holy Mother Church has declared Patron of those suffering from Cancer, I confidently turn to you for help in my present sickness. I beg your kind intercession. Ask God to relieve me of this sickness, if it be his Holy Will. Plead with the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Sorrows, whom you loved so tenderly and in union with whom you have suffered the pains of Cancer, that she may help me with her powerful prayers and loving consolation. But if it should be God’s Holy Will that I bear this sickness, obtain for me courage and strength to accept these trials from the loving hand of God with patience and resignation, because he knows what is best for the salvation of my soul. St. Peregrine, be my friend and patron. Help me to imitate you in accepting suffering, and to unite myself with Jesus Crucified and the Mother of Sorrows, as you did. I offer my pains to God with all the love of my heart, for his glory and the salvation of souls, especially my own. Amen. The second of these prayers to St. Peregrine is for others’ intentions. O great St. Peregrine, you have been called “The Mighty,” “The Wonder-Worker,” because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you. (Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying) Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen. St. Peregrine is known as the patron saint of cancer patients, AIDS victims and others suffering from serious illnesses. These two prayers give us an intriguing glimpse into his life’s story. Peregrine Laziosi was born in 1260 in Forli, Italy to a wealthy family. Although he was a member of an anti-papal party as a young man, he experienced a profound change of heart, much like St. Paul’s conversion in its intensity. He and some companions showed up one day to heckle and otherwise abuse St. Philip Benizi, the Prior General of the Servants of Mary, who was preaching in Forli. Peregrine went so far as to strike him in the face! St. Philip, seemingly following our Lord’s advice in scripture (Matt 5:39, Luke 6:29), offered his other cheek in response. Read more…
St. Hyacinth of Poland, a revered Dominican friar and missionary, is celebrated not only for his dedication to spreading Christianity but also for a series of miraculous events that underscore his deep faith and the protective grace of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Among these remarkable stories, one stands out: the miraculous rescue of the Eucharist and a statue of Mary during a time of great peril. The Context of Crisis In the early 13th century, St. Hyacinth was traveling through the city of Kiev, which was under siege by invading forces. The city was engulfed in flames, and the situation was dire. St. Hyacinth, committed to his mission and carrying the Blessed Sacrament with him, faced a daunting challenge. The city’s destruction and the advancing enemy forces made it nearly impossible for him to escape, and he knew the sacred relics he carried were at risk. The Miraculous Intervention As the flames surrounded him and the enemy closed in, St. Hyacinth found himself cornered. His situation seemed hopeless, but his faith never wavered. With profound trust in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he prayed fervently for her protection and guidance. In that critical moment, a miraculous event occurred. According to tradition, a powerful gust of wind—believed to be a sign of Mary’s intervention—suddenly swept through the area. This divine wind cleared the path, blowing away debris and obstacles that were blocking St. Hyacinth’s escape route. The way was miraculously opened, allowing him to flee the encroaching enemy and the destructive flames. The Rescue of the Eucharist and Statue of Mary During his escape, St. Hyacinth was carrying not only the Eucharist but also a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, both of which were of immense spiritual significance. The miraculous intervention ensured that both the Eucharist and the statue were preserved. St. Hyacinth’s safe retreat was seen as a direct result of Mary’s protection and his unwavering faith. The story of St. Hyacinth’s escape and the miraculous preservation of these sacred items became a symbol of divine intervention and protection. It reinforced the belief in the power of prayer and the protective grace of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The event was celebrated by his followers as a testament to his holiness and the miraculous support he received from heaven. Legacy of Faith St. Hyacinth’s miraculous rescue of the Eucharist and the statue of Mary remains a powerful reminder of his deep devotion and the divine assistance that often accompanies steadfast faith. His life and the miracles attributed to him continue to inspire believers, highlighting the profound impact of prayer, trust, and divine intervention in the face of adversity. The story of St. Hyacinth’s divine rescue underscores the belief that faith, combined with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, can lead to miraculous outcomes. It is a testament to the enduring power of divine protection and the sacred nature of the Eucharist and Marian devotion in the Christian faith.
Life can leave us an emotional wreck at times. Sometimes we might cry at the smallest of things, or sometimes we might be in deep grief and it’s hard to keep those tears at bay. Thankfully Scripture is full of comforting words to lean on during these moments, and here are just a few examples of how even in the most difficult of times, there is comfort to be had from our Heavenly Father. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.” Psalm 34:18 This verse reminds us that God is always near, especially in moments of sadness and despair. Knowing that God is with us can bring comfort and solace during times of tears, reassuring us that we are not alone in our struggles. Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 God’s promise of strength and support can be a source of courage and resilience when we’re feeling overwhelmed by tears. Trusting in God’s presence and assistance can empower us to face our challenges with hope and confidence. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes assure us that our tears are not in vain and that God offers comfort to those who grieve. This verse reminds us that mourning is a natural part of life, but it also promises the comforting embrace of God’s love and compassion. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 This passage acknowledges God’s role as the source of comfort and encouragement in times of trouble. It reminds us that our tears can be transformed into opportunities to comfort and support others who are also experiencing sorrow, fostering a sense of solidarity and empathy. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 Jesus’ promise of peace reassures us that we can find tranquility and calmness in the midst of tears and turmoil. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s peace, which surpasses worldly understanding, and to find solace in the presence of the Prince of Peace. We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Read more…
When the Pope used the term ‘Angel of the Apocalypse’ in the Middle Ages, people knew he was talking about St. Vincent Ferrer St. Vincent Ferrer earned the title preaching the Gospel powerfully and persuasively, often on the Final Judgment and the coming of the Antichrist. Even Pius II’s Bull of Canonization called St. Vincent Ferrer “the Angel of the Apocalypse, flying through the heavens to announce the day of the Last Judgment, to evangelize the inhabitants of the earth.” This year marks the 600th anniversary of St. Vincent Ferrer’s death on April 5, 1419, yet his words remain as powerful and necessary as ever. Before looking at his preaching on the Last Judgment, the Antichrist and the End of the World, let’s understand how powerful a preacher he was all over Europe, beginning in his native Spain, by looking at a mere speck of who he reached and the miracles he performed. As a Dominican priest, Vincent Ferrer preached in his own native language or Latin, yet wherever he went, everyone miraculously understood his every word as if he were preaching in their language. Sinners by the thousands, even the most hardened, repented. When the curious Moorish king sent for him, after Vincent Ferrer gave just three sermons, 8,000 Moors converted and wanted to be baptized. Modest estimates put his conversion of Jews in city after city in Spain at 25,000. At one major church conference, Vincent’s preaching saw 14 of 16 rabbis converted on the spot. In Toledo as Jews became Christians they turned their synagogue into a church under the Blessed Mother. Like Jesus raising the widow of Naim’s son, thorough the power of Christ St. Vincent stopped a funeral procession and commanded the corpse to rise, restoring the dead man to life. In all, he restored 28 dead people back to life. Even after he died, two dead people placed on his tomb came back to life. He cured countless physical infirmities, working wonders through the name of Jesus and the Sign of the Cross. In one, he restored the use of the limbs of an incurably crippled boy who eventually became the Bishop of Barcelona. In confession, he could read souls. He shared heavenly previews of future events, such as telling a mother her little son would become pope and canonize him — which happened as the boy became Callixtus III. (At the canonization Vincent Ferrer’s body was found incorrupt.) Earlier, during a Barcelona famine, he announced two ships were coming loaded with corn. Nobody believed. That same day, as predicted, the ships arrived. Highly devoted to the Blessed Mother, he preached and demonstrated the power of the Rosary through immediate conversion obtained through praying it. Preaching the Last Judgement Jesus will come not like his first coming in humility and poverty, but “in such majesty and power that the whole world will tremble,” began Angel of the Apocalypse in a sermon. When he powerfully detailed the glory and the horror of separating the sheep and goats described in Matthew 25, record has it sinners were frightened and cried. He wanted them to do so because he himself was fearful of that day and fearful for all those he preached to. Vincent told the throngs: People will say ‘to the mountains and the rocks: Fall upon us, and hide us from the face of him who sits upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb’ (Revelation 6:16). Yet Jesus said, ‘But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads,’ ‘because your redemption is at hand’ (Luke 21:28).The Blessed Mother shall sit with him. Jesus will separate the peoples of the nations as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. St. Vincent cautioned, “On that day it will be better to be a sheep of Jesus Christ that to have been a pope, or king, or emperor.” Vincent powerfully detailed five virtues revealed in Scripture that distinguishes the sheep: “simple innocence, ample mercy, steadfast patience, true obedience, and worthy penance.” First, simple innocence is when a person “lives simply, nor hurts anyone in his heart, by hating, nor by defaming in speech, nor striking with hands, nor by stealing. Such a life “is called simple innocence, which makes a man a sheep of Christ.” In each case, St. Vincent next colorfully details reasons why. A sheep doesn’t attack with horns like a bull… …nor bite with its teeth like a wolf, nor strike with hooves like a horse… if you wish to be a sheep of Christ, you should strike no one with horns of knowledge or of power, for lawyers strike by the horns of knowledge, jurists, advocates, or men who have great knowledge. Merchants by deceiving others. Lords and bullies strike with the horns of power, plundering or injuring, and extorting, using calumnies and threats, and the like. Listen to what the Lord says by the mouth of David: ‘And I will break all the horns of sinners: but the horns of the just shall be exalted’ (Psalm 74:11). “Biting” is to defame your neighbor’s reputation, and devour by saying “nothing good praising someone, but only the bad,” so “defamers are not the sheep of Christ, but wolves of hell.” Kicking like horses means to despise. Therefore, he warns, “children, do not hate your parents; nor parents, children; nor young people, old folks; nor the healthy, the sick; nor rich, the poor; nor masters, their servants; nor prelates, their clergy; and vice versa. It is clear what is simple innocence.” Second, ample mercy means distributing your God-given temporal and spiritual gifts to the needy. “Because,” Vincent illustrates, “among all the animals a sheep is the most beneficial of animals. For the sheep by growing wool, shows us mercy and benefits of mercy, because how many poor people does a sheep clothe?” Sheep give milk and food to eat to. We imitate and give love this way: our wool is “external and temporal goods, bread and wine, money and clothes…
Introduction St. Michael’s Lent is a lesser-known but deeply spiritual tradition within the Catholic Church, observed from August 15th (the Feast of the Assumption) to September 29th (the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel). This 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and penance is modeled after the more widely known Lenten season leading up to Easter. It provides an opportunity for Catholics to deepen their spiritual lives, seek the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, and prepare themselves for the spiritual battles they may face. Origins of St. Michael’s Lent St. Michael’s Lent is believed to have originated with St. Francis of Assisi, who had a profound devotion to St. Michael the Archangel. St. Francis would retreat to Mount La Verna during this time, fasting and praying in solitude. He sought to imitate Christ and prepare himself for greater spiritual challenges. This tradition gradually spread and became a way for the faithful to honor St. Michael and seek his protection. How to Participate in St. Michael’s Lent Participating in St. Michael’s Lent is a powerful way to grow in faith, resist temptation, and draw closer to God. Here’s how you can observe this holy season: 1. Prayer Prayer is the cornerstone of St. Michael’s Lent. Begin each day with a prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, asking for his protection and guidance. You can use the traditional prayer or one of the following: Traditional Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. Morning Offering for St. Michael’s Lent Heavenly Father, as I begin this day of St. Michael’s Lent, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings. I ask for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, that he may protect me from all evil and guide me on the path of righteousness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer of Protection St. Michael, mighty warrior of God, protect me this day. Shield me from the temptations of the enemy, and strengthen my resolve to follow Christ faithfully. In your powerful name, I pray. Amen. 2. Fasting and Abstinence Like the Lenten season before Easter, St. Michael’s Lent encourages fasting and abstinence as a means of penance and spiritual discipline. You may choose to fast from certain foods, such as meat or sweets, or abstain from particular activities that distract you from your spiritual goals. The key is to make a sacrifice that is meaningful and challenging for you. Example of a Fasting Resolution “During St. Michael’s Lent, I will fast from [specific food or activity] on Wednesdays and Fridays, offering my sacrifice for the purification of my soul and the protection of the Church.” 3. Penance and Almsgiving Use this period to perform acts of penance and charity. Confession is an important part of this, allowing you to cleanse your soul and receive God’s grace. Additionally, consider giving to the poor or supporting a charity that aligns with your faith. Prayer Before Confession Lord, grant me the grace to see my sins clearly and the courage to confess them sincerely. Through the intercession of St. Michael, may I be cleansed of all unrighteousness and made worthy to stand in Your presence. Amen. 4. Spiritual Reading and Reflection Enhance your spiritual life by reading the Scriptures, the lives of the saints, or other Catholic spiritual works. Reflect on the themes of spiritual warfare, the power of angels, and the role of St. Michael in defending the Church. Suggested Reading: “The Life of St. Michael the Archangel” by Anne Catherine Emmerich “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis (focuses on spiritual warfare) Daily Bible reading, especially passages related to angels and spiritual battle 5. Daily Examination of Conscience Each evening, take a few moments to reflect on your day. Consider your thoughts, words, and actions. Have you been faithful to your Lenten commitments? Where have you succeeded, and where have you fallen short? End with an Act of Contrition. Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You. I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen. 6. Attend Mass Regularly If possible, attend daily Mass during St. Michael’s Lent. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and receiving Christ’s Body and Blood strengthens us in our spiritual battles. Conclusion St. Michael’s Lent is a beautiful opportunity to renew your commitment to God, strengthen your spiritual life, and seek the powerful intercession of St. Michael the Archangel. By dedicating yourself to prayer, fasting, penance, and spiritual reflection, you can prepare your soul for the challenges ahead and grow in holiness. May St. Michael defend you in battle and lead you ever closer to Christ. Amen.
The “Hail Mary” is one of the most cherished prayers in the Catholic tradition, often recited during the Rosary and in times of personal devotion. But have you ever wondered about its origins? Is the “Hail Mary” actually found in the Bible? Let’s dive into Scripture to explore the biblical roots of this beautiful prayer. The First Part: “Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee” The opening line of the “Hail Mary” prayer is directly drawn from the Gospel of Luke. In Luke 1:28, the angel Gabriel greets Mary with these words: “And he came to her and said, ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!’”— Luke 1:28 (RSVCE) In this verse, the angel’s greeting “Hail” (or “Rejoice” in some translations) reflects a deep honor and reverence towards Mary. The phrase “full of grace” signifies that Mary is uniquely graced by God, chosen to be the mother of the Savior. This is not just a simple greeting but a divine affirmation of Mary’s special role in salvation history. The Second Part: “Blessed Art Thou Among Women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb, Jesus” The second part of the “Hail Mary” is also found in Luke’s Gospel, specifically during the Visitation, when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth. Upon seeing Mary, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaims: “And she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’”— Luke 1:42 (RSVCE) Elizabeth’s words acknowledge the blessedness of Mary as the mother of the Messiah. Her greeting, inspired by the Holy Spirit, further confirms Mary’s unique role in God’s plan. The “fruit of thy womb” explicitly refers to Jesus, highlighting the significance of His Incarnation. The Third Part: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for Us Sinners, Now and at the Hour of Our Death” This final part of the prayer, while not a direct biblical quote, is a natural extension of the Scriptural references to Mary. The title “Mother of God” is rooted in the understanding of Mary as the Theotokos, a Greek term meaning “God-bearer.” This title was formally affirmed at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, based on the truth that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. The request for Mary’s intercession, “Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death,” reflects the Catholic belief in the Communion of Saints. As Christians, we believe that those who are in heaven, particularly Mary, can intercede for us before God. This concept is supported by Scripture in passages such as: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”— James 5:16 (NIV) Since Mary is the most exalted of all saints, Catholics seek her intercession, especially at the critical moments of life and death. Conclusion: A Prayer Rooted in Scripture and Tradition While the “Hail Mary” prayer as we know it today is not found verbatim in the Bible, its components are deeply rooted in Scripture. The first two parts are direct quotations from the Gospel of Luke, while the third part reflects the early Church’s understanding of Mary’s unique role and the power of intercessory prayer. The “Hail Mary” serves as a reminder of God’s grace, the mystery of the Incarnation, and the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a prayer that has echoed through the centuries, drawing believers closer to Jesus through His Mother, who is indeed “full of grace.”