While the basic story of a young woman who accepts martyrdom because she defied her father seems likely enough, some of the miracles associated with her seem to stretch credulity a little too much. Although, who knows? With God all things are possible (Matthew, 19:26).
Latin, the Liturgy, and the Human Touch
We see the Incarnation reflected in so many things in our world. We need the Word to become Flesh, the Eternal Word who is Jesus Christ, because that's how we apprehend words and ideas. We need the same from lesser words as well. That's how God created us. It should come as no surprise that our … Continue reading Latin, the Liturgy, and the Human Touch
Subversive Beauty: Byrd’s Credo for Four Voices
I suppose I should mention that, in the midst of it all, he wrote some incredibly beautiful music. The excerpt below, for instance, from his Mass for Four Voices. This is one of a large number of Catholic liturgical pieces Byrd composed in the 1590's and 1600's for use in illegal (and quite hazardous) Masses at the home of his patron, Sir John Petre.
Falling Yet Striving to Rise: Alma Redemptoris Mater
Falling Yet Striving Falling yet striving to rise. That's the life of a Christian. It's better than the alternative, of course, which is simply falling. In any case, this idea is central to the Marian prayer Alma Redemptoris Mater ("Loving Mother of the Redeemer"). This will be the Marian Antiphon from the 1st Sunday of … Continue reading Falling Yet Striving to Rise: Alma Redemptoris Mater
The Lorica of St. Patrick: Christ Shield Me
The Lorica of St. Patrick "The Lorica of St. Patrick" is a well-known prayer. Most people would recognize it as follows: Christ with me,Christ before me,Christ behind me,Christ in me,Christ beneath me,Christ above me,Christ on my right,Christ on my left,Christ when I lie down,Christ when I sit down,Christ when I arise,Christ in the heart of … Continue reading The Lorica of St. Patrick: Christ Shield Me
Symbol of Repentance, Sign of Hope: Ash Wednesday
Symbol of Repentance A symbol of repentance is not necessarily something that we're proud of. Most of us prefer not to advertise our own sinfulness. And yet, I've noticed a curious thing about Ash Wednesday. We all know people whose connection to the practice of the Faith has become somewhat tenuous. You will rarely see them darken … Continue reading Symbol of Repentance, Sign of Hope: Ash Wednesday
There’s Hope, If We Know Where to Look
What that means for us is that our first and most important task is to be the best Catholic Christians we can be, before we ever cast a vote or sign a petition.
Pierced by a Sword: The Presentation
In the end, the glory of Christmas and the sword of Good Friday come together on Easter Sunday. Redemption comes only from the light shining through the darkness of suffering. We catch a glimpse of that Paradox of Pain in the Feast of Presentation.
The Manifestation of the Lord: Epiphany
It is so very difficult for all of us to grasp the reality of the Incarnation that even the human parents of The Lord seem to struggle with it. And who could hope to have faith equal to theirs?
Let the Children: St. Genevieve and the 10th Day of Christmas
What did not change was the absolute trust she had in Jesus Christ. This held firm from her first vow as a seven year old until her death more than eight decades later.