Christianity is a religion of paradoxes and we have a perfect indication of that in the liturgy of Ash Wednesday. On this day, we boldly proclaim the gospel instructing us on the nature of prayer, fasting, and giving. Straight from the mouth of the Lord these words are spoken: beware of practicing your piety before…
I have neighbors who came here five years ago from a repressive dictatorship. They have overcome many hurdles—learning English, finding their way in our society, and finding employment. I am impressed by their appreciation for our democracy. After they became citizens, they were eager to vote. They are politically involved. They attend meetings to learn…
St. Augustine (354-430) was born in Roman North Africa to a Catholic mother and a pagan father. Baptized in 386 by St. Ambrose of Milan, he became a monk, then a priest, and then bishop of Hippo. His many writings cover topics including theology, morality, philosophy, and spirituality. Here, Augustine examines St. John’s teaching on…
At age twenty, Polish born Helena Kowalska (1905- 1938) entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, became Sr. Maria Faustina, and devoted her life to the message of God’s mercy. She recorded her spiritual experiences with Christ in her diary, later published as Divine Mercy in My Soul. Canonized in 2000,…
