Category: Saints

saint nicholas

The Counter-Cultural Message of Saint Nicholas

The feast of Saint Nicholas is upon us and affords us with a perfect time to consider how we celebrate the days leading up to Christmas. A previous post, Santa and the Elf on the Shelf – What are They Teaching Our Children?  conveyed a message of putting focus on the spiritual rather than on the imaginative secular. The point...

martha and mary

I Am Both Martha and Mary

The Gospel of Luke tells us of the dilemma faced by Martha and Mary – the choice between daily responsibilities and spiritual nourishment. This ageless struggle remains to this day. In these hectic times there is even more emphasis on our worldly duties. Life today rushes along like a whirlwind. In a word, we are busy – all the time....

maria goretti

Saint Maria Goretti: Chastity, Mercy, and Love

During my sixth grade year of Catholic school, Sister James Alma taught us about Saint Maria Goretti – the young patroness of chastity, rape victims, and merciful forgiveness. Although my knowledge of sexuality was immature, I felt an instant affinity for this young saint of chastity. Her story touched a chord deep within my heart. To think that someone so...

The Saint Peregrine Novena, Cancer, and a Miracle

The Saint Peregrine Novena, Cancer, and a Miracle

As a victim of breast cancer, in blessed remission for thirteen years, the fresh diagnosis (or recurrence) of a friend strikes cold fear in my heart. Once you are a part of the cancer club, your life is never quite the same. Fortunately, the grace of faith was given to me. I also have a husband who is part knight...

saint francis

Saint Francis of Assisi
So Much More Than A Garden Statue

As arguably one of the favorite among all the saints – among Catholics, Protestants and even non-Christians – Saint Francis has quite the reputation. Yet, to quell rampant secular misrepresentations, wisdom dictates that we take a closer look at this multifaceted saint. At first glance, he holds quite the worldly image as a kind of garden decoration who holds bowls...