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  • From Crisis to Conversion from Warefare to Victory

    Posted September 5, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    September 5, 2018 From Crisis to Conversion: From Warfare to Victory Kathleen Beckman We are experiencing anew the revelation of terrible clergy crimes, the violation of a sacred trust from some whom we considered shepherds and fathers. The weight of sorrow for the abuse victims is unspeakabl...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted September 5, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910–1997), known simply as Mother Teresa, was born to a family of Albanian descent in what is now Macedonia. As a young girl Mother Teresa was fascinated by stories sh...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted September 5, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Wednesday 22nd in Ordinary Time View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Lc 4,38-44): Leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to the house of Simon. His mother-in-law was suffering from high fever and they asked him to do something for her. Bending over her, He rebuked the fever, and ...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted September 5, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   September 5, 2018   « September 4  |  September 6 »   Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 433 Reading 1 1 Cor 3:1...

  • Devotion of the Month

    Posted September 4, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

     Devotion of the Month Month of Our Lady of Sorrows The Church dedicates the month of September to Our Lady of Sorrows. This devotion recalls the Blessed Virgin Mary’s spiritual martyrdom in virtue of her perfect union with the Passion of Christ. T...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted September 4, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Rosalia St. Rosalia (1130–1166 A.D.) was born to a wealthy and noble Norman family, descendants of Charlemagne who had migrated to Sicily. From a young age Rosalia was strongly drawn to Christ, which caused her to leave her l...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted September 4, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Tuesday 22nd in Ordinary Time View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Lc 4,31-37): Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee, and began teaching the people at the sabbath meetings. They were astonished at the way He taught them, for his word was spoken with authority. In ...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted September 4, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   September 4, 2018   « September 3  |  September 5 »   Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 432 Reading 1 1 Cor 2:10b...

  • How a Priest Tried to Shut up a Parishioner at Mass

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Lord, have mercy on us all. She’s right. People are rightfully upset and looking for guidance. “People don’t want finessed press releases,” she writes at the end. Whatever details investigations find at this point, I think it’s safe to say that this crisis in the Chur...

  • The Church ia caalling

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 30, 2018 The Church is Calling: Be a Mystic! Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction The Church is Calling: Be A Mystic! Often, we hear the word mystic, and think of such words as rapture, ecstasy, visionary, and so on. On one hand, rightfully so, the likes of Saint Padre...

  • What Mary's Fiat Shows us about Christ an ourselves

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    September 3, 2018 What Mary’s Fiat Shows Us about Christ — And Ourselves Stephen Beale There is one word that defines for us, more than any other, how Mary responds to God’s plan for the redemption of the world and her indispensable role in it. Fiat. This is the Latin word...

  • No Way to Die (Part 2)

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Tony Villari

    If people experience a loss of our presence, then this would evidence we have shared much of ourselves and, hopefully, changed many of these lives for the better.  We will be missed only until we are found, once again, in another lifetime.  It is always a choice, a choice only we...

  • Forever Love

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Tony Villari

    Many of us have met, at some point, a certain someone, a stranger we just know we've met before. You instantly love them or hate them, and there seems to be no obvious reason for your feelings, either way.  If your experience is one of "love at first sight," you will discover that hole you used...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 A Time to ThinkAll labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and ...

  • Sapphries

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Sgt. Pepper and Biblical Prophecy Monday, September 3, 2018In 1967, the Vietnam War was in full swing. In June of that year, the Beatles released their album Sgt. Pepper. It was into that world of flower power, anti-war protests, the summer of love, glow-in-the-dark posters, and riots that a prophe...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day Pope St. Gregory the Great Pope St. Gregory the Great (540-604 A.D.) was the son of a wealthy Roman senator. His mother and two of his aunts are also saints, which provided him with a strong and devout religious upbringing. His skill i...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

     Verse of the Day "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom h...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Monday 22nd in Ordinary Time Saints September 3rd: St. Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Lc 4,16-30): When Jesus came to Nazareth where He had been brought up, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath as He usually did. He ...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   September 3, 2018   « September 2  |  September 4 »   Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the ChurchLectionary: 431 Readi...

  • Meditations

    Posted September 3, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Meditation of the Day "For want of contrition, innumerable Confessions are either sacrilegious or invalid; the penitent so often breaks his promises to God, and falls again so easily into the same faults, and many souls are eternally lost. Contrition is that true and l...

  • Omnipotent God

    Posted September 2, 2018 by Gail Dobson

    In reading, re-reading, and pondering the Bible over the years, I have many questions on many aspects of it. We were raised in a Lutheran household and made to attend Sunday school each week. I didn't mind; I thought of it like school; I enjoyed learning new things (and still do). Somehow what I was...

  • How ro think of the Holy Spirit

    Posted September 2, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    How to Think of the Holy Spirit As a Divine Person Stephen Beale In the creed, the liturgy, and every time we cross ourselves we affirm that the Holy Spirit is one of three divine persons. However, many of us probably struggle to think of the Holy Spirit as a person. As one Catholic educati...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted September 2, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 A Time to Think Prayer is not pulling God to my wil...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted September 2, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Brocard St. Brocard (d. 1231 A.D.) was a Frenchman who traveled to the Holy Land to enter into religious life there. He was among the first group of hermits to establish a community of monks on Mount Carmel. Details of his life are s...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted September 2, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Sunday 22nd (B) in Ordinary Time View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mc 7,1-8.14-15.21-23): One day the Pharisees gathered around Jesus and with them were some teachers of the Law who had just come from Jerusalem. They noticed that some of his disciples were eating their me...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted September 2, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   September 2, 2018   « September 1  |  September 3 »   Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 125 Reading 1 Dt 4:1-2, 6-8 Moses sai...

  • Why does the Virgin Mary have so many Names

    Posted September 1, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Church & Faith     Why does the Virgin Mary Have So Many Names, Titles, and Feasts? August 14, 2015 By Veronica Mena 26 Comments   The name Mary mentioned in the Bible as the Virgin Mother of Jesus is one of the most endearingly popular names in the Christian wo...

  • It's Not Time to Abandon the Church

    Posted September 1, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    “It’s Not Time to Abandon the Church; It’s Time to Fight,” Says Bp. Robert Barron Church Life Videos by ChurchPOP Editor - August 31, 2018   Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain This is really something to think about! In a recent video entitled...

  • Devotion of the Month

    Posted September 1, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Devotion of the Month Month of Our Lady of Sorrows The Church dedicates the month of September to Our Lady of Sorrows. This devotion recalls the Blessed Virgin Mary’s spiritual martyrdom in virtue of her perfect union with the Passion of Chr...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted September 1, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Giles St. Giles (7th c.) was born to a wealthy and noble Greek family. He devoted his life to the things of God and grew in sanctity, but found that his material and spiritual riches drew unwanted praise and attention. To escape pr...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted September 1, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Saturday 21st in Ordinary Time View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 25,14-30): Jesus told this parable to his disciples, «Imagine someone who, before going abroad, summoned his servants to entrust his property to them. He gave five talents of silver to one, then two...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted September 1, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   September 1, 2018   « August 31  |  September 2 »   Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 430 Reading 1 1 Cor 1:26-31...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted September 1, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   September 1, 2018   « August 31  |  September 2 »   Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 430 Reading 1 1 Cor 1:26-31...

  • Meditations

    Posted September 1, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Meditation of the Day "He who is humble, even though he fall through frailty, soon repents with sorrow and implores the divine assistance to help him to amend; nor is he astonished at having fallen, because he knows that of himself he is only capable of evil and would do far worse...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted August 31, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Raymond Nonnatus St. Raymond Nonnatus (1200-1240) was born in Catalonia, Spain, to a noble family. His life was saved by caesarean section after his mother died in childbirth, earning him the name 'Nonnatus' meaning 'one not b...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted August 31, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Saturday 21st in Ordinary Time View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 25,14-30): Jesus told this parable to his disciples, «Imagine someone who, before going abroad, summoned his servants to entrust his property to them. He gave five talents of silver to one, then two...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted August 31, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   August 31 , 2018   « August 30  |  September 1 »   Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 429 Reading 1 1 Cor 1:17-25 B...

  • In the Midst of the Scandal

    Posted August 31, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 31, 2018 In the Midst of Scandal, We Need Truth Russell Shaw Statements by Pope Francis and American bishops reacting to the Church’s sex abuse scandal suggest they are serious about getting to the roots of what happened and doing something meaningful about it.  That include...

  • Be Faithful Work Hard

    Posted August 30, 2018 by Rev.WAYNE H. LOVE

    Be faithful, work hard! Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men. Proverbs 22:29 NIV __________________ He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted August 28, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.   Psalm 84:11 NASB   A Time to Think Grace means that God already loves us as much as an infinite God can possibly love....

  • Sapphries

    Posted August 28, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    The Person Of MizotTuesday, August 28, 2018 In Hebrew ‘mizot’ means ‘who is this?’ Song of Solomon, 6:10 says “Who is this who shines like the dawn?” The Bride’s maidens are inquiring into the identity of the Bride. So, why do they say ‘Who is this?&r...

  • At the Cusp of Forever: "The Simplicity of Everything"

    Posted August 27, 2018 by Tony Villari

    So, there I was, once again, meditating on the atomic structure of belly-button lint as I stood, toe to edge, at the Cusp of Forever.  I was also considering the latest group I'd addressed in the local hospital at which I’m the lead chaplain.  The topic for that particular morning wa...

  • Imagine in Bible

    Posted August 26, 2018 by Philip Shin

      Bible cannot change it. But sometimes we can be out and back again as the truth. We can imagine it so we can out of predestination as the love from Jesus. Also we have to live in love for predestination to try to be back. We can imagine that Bible is the truth but sometimes to be back to be i...

  • My Sunday Thought for 082618:  On Artificial Intelligence

    Posted August 26, 2018 by Tony Villari

    It is said that A.I. is the next step in human evolution.  Genesis 3:22 says, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil. And now, lest he reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever...” ...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted August 25, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & ReflectionWhoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 (NIV) A Time to ThinkWhen we put our problems in God’s hands, He puts peace in our hearts. —Anonymous A Time to ActUse the difficulties in your life to increas...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted August 24, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection I remember you in my prayers night and day. 2 Timothy 1:3   A Time to Think You may pray for an hour and still not pray. You may meet God for a moment and then be in touch with Him all day. –Fredrik Wisloff, Norwegian theologian and Christian preacher &nb...

  • Sapphries

    Posted August 24, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lot’s Ungodly LotFriday, August 24, 2018 Abraham’s nephew Lot chose to live in Sodom. When two angels visited him, the people of Sodom were so perverse that they followed them to Lot’s house to molest them. Lot reproved them, “Don’t act wickedly.” Lot was a right...

  • Sapphries

    Posted August 20, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    A First-Rate Original Or A Lousy ImitationMonday, August 20, 2018 In one Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown was asked if he’d like to have been Abraham Lincoln. He answers, “I’m having a hard enough time just being me.” When you die, you will not be asked why you weren&rsquo...

  • My Sunday Thought: No Way to Die

    Posted August 19, 2018 by Tony Villari

    I don't have a fear of many things.  Spiders creep me out and I give poisonous snakes a wide berth.  Heights don't bother me as long as I have a solid foundation around me, or a trustworthy plane, and jumping out of a perfectly good plane is not even a consideration.  I don't wish to ...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted August 18, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & ReflectionAs for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. 2 Samuel 22:31 A Time to ThinkThe more I study nature, the more I stand amazed at the work of the Creator. –Louis Pasteur, French chemist A Time to ActBe mindful of the simple everyday blessings God...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted August 14, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & ReflectionBut we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 A Time to ThinkGod’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies.—Hudson Taylor, Christian missionary A Tim...

  • Sapphries

    Posted August 14, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Commemorating Your Midbar Tuesday, August 14, 2018   Midbar is the Hebrew word for wilderness. We usually think of the wilderness as a single place, but it’s really not. There are many Hebrew names for various wildernesses. For instance, there’s Midbar Yehuda; the Wilderness of J...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted August 12, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & ReflectionAs the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26 A Time to ThinkSome days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway. –Emory Austin, motivational speaker A Time to ActThink prosperity, abundance, the best of everything. God ...

  • 20/20 Blindsight

    Posted August 12, 2018 by Tony Villari

    I have always loved to watch people; the interaction, the emotions.  I think was a product of being excluded, socially, by my peers when I was growing up; I seemed to always find myself on the outside looking in.  As an only child I had a lot of "me time" when I was a teenager.  For a...

  • St. Clare of Assisi

    Posted August 11, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Clare of Assisi St. Clare (1194–1253) was born in Assisi, Italy to an aristocratic family, the daughter of a wealthy count. From childhood she was pious after the example of her mother, and as she grew her longing for God inc...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted August 11, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Saturday 18th in Ordinary Time Saints August 11th: St. Clare of Assisi. virgin View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 17,14-20): A man approached Jesus, knelt before him and said, «Sir, have pity on my son who is an epileptic and is in a wretched state. He has often ...

  • Liturgical Reading

    Posted August 11, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   August 11, 2018   « August 10  |  August 12 »   Memorial of Saint Clare, virginLectionary: 412 Reading 1 Hab 1:12—2:4 Are you not from...

  • Elijah's Bread and the Eucharist

    Posted August 10, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 10, 2018 Elijah’s Bread and the Eucharist Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D. It’s hard enough to do the right thing. But when you get blame for it instead of praise, it really takes the wind out of your sails, even if you happen to be a prophet. This is background we need in ord...

  • Losing My Religion: A Faithful Lay Response

    Posted August 10, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 10, 2018 Losing My Religion: A Faithful, Lay Response To “Uncle Ted” Dr. Gregory Popcak It’s hard to know what’s worse.  The recent revelations about Cardinal Theodore “Uncle Ted” McCarrick’s decades-long career as a homosexual predator or...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted August 10, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. THREE YEARS AGO EVER...

  • Sapphries

    Posted August 10, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    You Don’t Have To Feel It Friday, August 10, 2018   Many believers want to feel the Lord’s love all the time. But then what’s the point of faith? We shouldn’t wait to feel compassion when the Lord says to be compassionate. He doesn’t tell us to feel holy but to ...

  • St. Lawrence

    Posted August 10, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Lawrence of Rome St. Lawrence of Rome (d. 258 A.D.) was likely a Spaniard by birth who lived in Rome while Christianity was outlawed under pain of death. He was appointed by Pope St. Sixtus II as archdeacon over the seven deacons o...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted August 10, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: August 10th: St. Lawrence, martyr View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Jn 12,24-26): Jesus said, «Truly, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Those who love their life destroy it,...

  • Liturgical Reading

    Posted August 10, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   August 10, 2018   « August 9  |  August 11 »   Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and MartyrLectionary: 618 Reading 1 2 Cor 9:6-10 Brothers and...

  • Liturgical Vestments

    Posted August 9, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 9, 2018 Liturgical Vestments Fr. William Saunders The liturgical vestments worn at Mass have evolved over time. Nevertheless, since the earliest days of the Church, liturgical vestments have been worn by priests for the celebration of the Mass. Even though priests of the Old Testament ...

  • Living Holy Lives Will Help Heal Church

    Posted August 9, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 9, 2018 Living Holy Lives Will Help Heal the Church Constance T. Hull As the depths of the moral and spiritual corruption in the hierarchy continue to be brought into the light, many in the laity are wondering what should and can be done in response? Some want massive overhauls of the ...

  • St. Tersa Beneditca

    Posted August 9, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (1891–1942) was born as Edith Stein in Prussia, the youngest of eleven children from a devout Jewish family. She was a bright and gifted child, and as she m...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted August 9, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Thursday 18th in Ordinary Time Saints August 9th: St. Teresia Benedicta a Cruce (of the Cross), patron saint of Europe View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 16,13-23): Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi. He asked his disciples, «Who do people say the Son of Man is?&raq...

  • Liturgical Reading

    Posted August 9, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   August 9, 2018   « August 8  |  August 10 »   Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 410 Reading 1 Jer 31:31-34 The day...

  • The Success and Failures Of St. Dominic

    Posted August 8, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 8, 2018 The Success (and Failures) of Saint Dominic Richard Becker Although Dominic had hoped to journey to barbarous lands to preach and eventually to achieve martyrdom, this was denied him. ~ from The Lives of the Saints, ed. Father Joseph Vann (1954) Baptism is about death. We ...

  • Meekness is the Way to Soften our Saden Hearts

    Posted August 8, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 8, 2018 Meekness is the Way to Soften Our Hardness of Heart Jeannie Ewing “The Holy Spirit sometimes calls upon us to transcend the logic of fairness and simple justice and rise to a level of interior spiritual combat at which we fight ourselves instead of fighting others.&rdqu...

  • St. Dominic's Mission To Pray and Preach

    Posted August 8, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 8, 2018 Saint Dominic’s Mission: To Pray, To Preach, To Bless Dr. Kevin Vost “To Praise”: Saint Dominic and the Contemplative Style We will focus soon enough on Saint Dominic as the foundational and ultimate Dominican doer, but this great saint was a first-rate think...

  • St. Dominic

    Posted August 8, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Dominic de Guzman St. Dominic (1170–1221) was born in Spain to a family of noble lineage. His mother, Blessed Jane of Aza, prayed at the church of St. Dominic Silos to conceive a male child, her first two sons being given to ...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted August 8, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Wednesday 18th in Ordinary Time View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 15,21-28): Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Now a Canaanite woman came from those borders and began to cry out, «Lord, Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is tormented by a de...

  • Liturgical Reading

    Posted August 8, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   August 8, 2018   « August 7  |  August 9 »   Memorial of Saint Dominic, PriestLectionary: 409 Reading 1 Jer 31:1-7 At that time, says the LO...

  • We Love Because He First Loved Us

    Posted August 7, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 3, 2018 We Love Because He First Loved Us Sean Mitchell “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).  These words from the first letter of John beautifully and succinctly sum up the origin and end of the Christian life—which, in a word, is love.  &ldqu...

  • Embrace God's Will to Grow In Spiritual Perfection

    Posted August 7, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 7, 2018 Embrace God’s Will to Grow in Spiritual Perfection Fr. Philip Dion When we are thinking of the things we would like to do in the spiritual order — the faults we would like to overcome and the virtues we would like to acquire — it is beneficial for us to ask, &...

  • At the Cusp of Forever (An Old Guy at the Abyss)

    Posted August 7, 2018 by Tony Villari

    Old men approaching the age of ninety might take Albert Einstein's stance on aging by not wearing socks if they don't want to.  Actually, approaching ninety means they don't have to do much of anything they don't want, with the possible exception of watching their water retention levels.  ...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted August 7, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & ReflectionBe on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 A Time to ThinkIt is not the body’s posture, but the heart’s attitude that counts when we pray. –Reverend Billy Graham, author and evangelist A Time to ActFill...

  • Sapphries

    Posted August 7, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lines And CirclesTuesday, August 7, 2018 A curved line is moving in more than one direction at once. After a while, it will curve back on itself and make some kind of a circle. Making circles is fine when it comes to geometry, but it’s not fine when it comes to your life. When you waver back ...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted August 7, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Tuesday 18th in Ordinary Time View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 14,22-36): After the crowds have eaten their fill, Jesus obliged his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while He sent the crowd away. And having sent the people away, He ...

  • Liturgical Reading

    Posted August 7, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   August 7, 2018   « August 6  |  August 8 »   Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 408 Reading 1 Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-2...

  • Transfiguration of Our Lord

    Posted August 6, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 6, 2018 Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ took three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, up on a mountain, where Moses and Elijah appeared and Jesus was transfigured before them; His face and clothes becoming white and shining as light, and a voice came out of heaven sayi...

  • We Love Because He First Loved Us

    Posted August 6, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 3, 2018 We Love Because He First Loved Us Sean Mitchell “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).  These words from the first letter of John beautifully and succinctly sum up the origin and end of the Christian life—which, in a word, is love.  &ldqu...

  • Examination of Conscience

    Posted August 6, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 2, 2018 Examination of Conscience and Repentance – Part 9 Mini-Course on Prayer Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction Mini-Course on Prayer Part 9 “FATHER E “- Examination of Conscience Examination of Conscience and Repentance Editor’s Note: In Part 8 of this m...

  • Unrelated Contririon

    Posted August 6, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    August 6, 2018 Unrelenting Contrition Br. John Mark Solitario, O.P. Saint Teresa of Calcutta famously said to her Missionaries of Charity, “God does not call us to be successful but to be faithful.” Really, these words provide a panacea for anyone tempted toward perfectionism as w...

  • Sapphries

    Posted August 6, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    The Actual Distance To HeavenMonday, August 6, 2018 How far away is heaven? We often measure distance by time. We’ll say, “The supermarket is 10 minutes away,” “The next city is 30 minutes,” “Your vacation is a 10-hour flight,” “That galaxy is million...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted August 6, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted August 6, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

     Saint of the Day Bl. Maria Francesca Rubatto Bl. Maria Francesca of Jesus Rubatto (1844– 1904) was one of eight children from an Italian family. Her father died when she was four. In her teenage years she received an offer of marriage, which she declined...

  • Feast Day

    Posted August 6, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Today’s Feast Day Feast of the Transfiguration The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord takes place on August 6th, an event mentioned in all three synoptic Gospels. After revealing that he would be put to death in Jerusalem, Jesus took the thre...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted August 6, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: August 6th: Transfiguration of Our Lord (B) View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mc 9,2-10): Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain. There his appearance was changed before their eyes. Even his clothes shone, becoming as...

  • Liturgical Reading

    Posted August 6, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   August 6, 2018   « August 5  |  August 7 »   Feast of the Transfiguration of the LordLectionary: 614 Reading 1 Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 As I watched...

  • Meditations

    Posted August 6, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Meditation of the Day "A sculptor who wishes to carve a figure out of a block uses his chisel, first cutting away great chunks of marble, then smaller pieces, until he finally reaches a point where only a brush of hand is needed to reveal the figure. In the same way, t...

  • The Signicicance of these Bible Verses will Blow your Mind

    Posted August 5, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    The Significance of These Biblical Numbers Will Blow Your Mind Chloe Langr 2 weeks ago 1.2K views 19 0 0 0   There’s got to be a significant reason that Jacob had twelve sons, not thirteen. . . right? For some reason, we have ten commandments, not eight. As Catholics, we ...

  • Raging Against the Dying of the Light

    Posted August 5, 2018 by Tony Villari

    That I should sit still and accept what end awaits me, is to give up at the very time when one has accumulated so much which needs to be shared or, perhaps, it is simply evidence, an admission or perception, of time wasted; at the very least, misunderstood.  No, I cannot sit idle; I will not wa...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted August 5, 2018 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 A Time to ThinkEvery day is a fresh beginning. Every morn is the world made new. –Sarah Chauncey Woolsey, author A Time to ActDon't underestimate your power to change yourself. A Tim...

  • St. Oswald

    Posted August 5, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Oswald of Northumbria St. Oswald (605-642 A.D.) was the second of seven sons born to the pagan king of Northumbria in northern England. After his father was killed in battle, the kingdom was split. His uncle claimed the throne, while...

  • Feast Day

    Posted August 5, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

     Today’s Feast Day Our Lady of the Snows Our Lady of the Snows is one of the oldest devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It commemorates a miraculous event that happened during the reign of Pope Liberius. A wealthy, childless Roman couple prayed to know ...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted August 5, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Sunday 18th (B) in Ordinary Time View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Jn 6,24-35): When people saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked ...

  • Liturgical Reading

    Posted August 5, 2018 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   August 5, 2018   « August 4  |  August 6 »   Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 113 Reading 1 Ex 16:2-4, 12-15 The whole Israelit...