For Those Who Pray

Tomorrow is the Feast of the Presentation of Mary. It was also designated a day to pray for cloistered religious – Pro Orantibus Day, meaning “for those who pray.” Here are some thoughts on this special opportunity we have to offer prayers, encouragement and material support to those who give their lives in contemplation as […]

For Love.

Last week, I was flat-out sick.  For me, this was no ordinary head cold.  I have new-found empathy for those that suffer with sinus issues.  I’ve never really had sinus troubles, but this cold caused some terrible sinus pain – enough to make my teeth and jaw hurt for a week.  I still have some […]

Happy Feast! Blessed Pope John Paul II

Happy Feast! Today we remember Blessed Pope John Paul II. It would be two years after his death before I would enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, but I remember watching scenes from his funeral and the activities surrounding his death on television. And, as I watched, I remember being struck with a […]

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

Our Holy Father has asked us to join together with him in fasting and prayer today for peace, particularly in Syria. But what is peace? True peace cannot be imposed with violence, force, or a demonstration of power. True peace cannot come through human effort alone. To quote Pope John XXIII, “true peace cannot come […]

Forest for the Trees

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, I spent a lot of time hiking.  I enjoy being outside, winding through forests and meadow, and usually being rewarded at the end of the hike with a panoramic view of God’s creation.  When you’re in the middle of the hike, at least in this part of […]

If We Are What We Should Be…

Alleluia!  He is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!  Beginning last Sunday, and for the next 50 days, we celebrate our Lord’s resurrection and the Easter season.  Lent is over, time for rejoicing!  But what should that mean for us?  When I was Protestant, I was taught and believed how much Jesus loves me, how […]

Faith in a Final Quarter

This week, my classmates and I entered into the final quarter of the Laboure Society fundraising term.  With only seven weeks to go, collectively we’ve raised over $131,000 for vocations!  Thanks to your prayers and support, I am approximately $32,745 closer to my goal, which means I have to raise a little over $12,000 before […]

St. Alphonsus of Liguori…Patron of Vocations

Today is the feast day of St. Alphonsus Liguori.  A prodigy child, St. Alphonsus obtained degrees in canon and civil law and began a highly successful lawy career in Naples.  But the more St. Alphonsus became successful in the world, the more disillusioned he became with it.  Eventually, he refused an arranged marriage and, after a lengthy discernment period, and […]

Notable Quotes

What do you seek, pilgrims? Each one of us here must ask himself this question. But you above all, since you have your life ahead of you. I invite you to decide definitively the direction of your way. With the very words of Christ, I ask you: “What do you seek”? (Jn 1:38). Do you […]