Andrea JLast Updated: May 12th, 2023Marian Shrines of Europe, Monthly Devotions, Spiritual Reflections
May is the month traditionally devoted to the Blessed Mother. It is also the last in our series exploring the monthly devotions in the Catholic church. Devotion to the Blessed Mother dates back to the early Church, with Church Fathers such as St. Ignatius, St. Justin, and St. Irenaeus extolling her virtues in their writing. … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: April 14th, 2023Monthly Devotions, Spiritual Reflections
In April, the Church encourages a new or renewed devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. As the Eucharist is truly Jesus present here on earth, praying in front of or near the Blessed Sacrament is an effective way to be literally close to God. In the early Church, consecrated bread was brought to the sick and … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: March 28th, 2023Monthly Devotions, Saints, Spiritual Reflections
March 17 is celebrated throughout the world as the Feast of St. Patrick. Catholics and non-Catholics alike eat, drink, and wear green. Many cities dye their rivers green, and street festivals are not uncommon. However, according to the liturgical calendar, this is not the biggest or most important feast in March. In fact (on years … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: February 3rd, 2023Monthly Devotions, Spiritual Reflections
During the Year of the Family in 1994, Pope John Paul II wrote a Letter to Families (Gratissimam Sane), encouraging everyone on their path to holiness. Since we are all born into a family, we all have the opportunity to grow in holiness as a family. Though each earthly family has its own unique quirks, … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: May 12th, 2023Monthly Devotions, Spiritual Reflections
The typical Catholic devotion for the month of January is to the Holy Name of Jesus. This name was bestowed upon Him even before His birth (Luke 1:31), when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. St. Paul spoke of the greatness of his name in his letter to the Philippians, when he wrote “God greatly … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: May 12th, 2023Monthly Devotions, Spiritual Reflections
In the Catholic Church, the month of November is dedicated to the poor souls in purgatory. These are those who have died, but not yet obtained the full glory of Heaven. This devotion is most notable through the celebration of All Souls Day on November 2. Though often the theology of purgatory is thought to … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: May 12th, 2023Marian Shrines of Europe, Monthly Devotions, Spiritual Reflections
The traditional Catholic dedication for the month of October is to the Holy Rosary. This tradition dates back to the late 16th century after the Battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571. Pope Pius V attributed the victory of the Holy League over the invading navy to the power of the Rosary. He had called … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: May 12th, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Marian Shrines of Europe, Monthly Devotions, Spiritual Reflections
August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart. This may seem odd nowadays, considering the Feast of the Immaculate Heart is in late spring or early summer. However, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart was once celebrated on August 22nd – the Octave of the Assumption – for a period of about 25 years. Towards the … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: May 12th, 2023Monthly Devotions, Spiritual Reflections
Throughout the month of July, the Church is especially devoted to the Precious Blood. This comes about from the old Feast of the Precious Blood that was celebrated on July 1 from 1849-1969 (and to this day in churches which follow the old calendar). Though relatively recent and short-lived when the Church’s entire 2000-year history … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: May 12th, 2023Monthly Devotions, Saints, Spiritual Reflections
As we transition into the season of summer, we’re greeted by the month-long celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. With the added benefit of beautiful, warm weather, we are also called to draw closer to the merciful and all-encompassing love of our Savior. First revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque through apparitions in the … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: May 12th, 2023Monthly Devotions, Saints, Spiritual Reflections
The month of September brings us numerous feasts and commemorations, including the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15. In addition, traditionally, the entirety of the month is dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. These seven sorrows from various points in the life of the Blessed Mother are as follows: Prophecy of … Read More
