Articles

Oct
16
2019

The End? Not Likely

By Chris Sparks

By Chris Sparks

Recently, I’ve been engaged in a number of conversations on social media on where exactly we are in the grand scheme of things.

Some people have pointed to Marian apparitions as evidence that the times are dire, and that we are probably at the very end of history.

Now, it’s always possible. After all, Jesus was clear:

But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone (Mt 24:36).

Oct
10
2019

Go, You Are Sent

By Felix Carroll

By Chris Sparks

In my recent columns, I’ve been discussing the many panicked or hostile reactions to Pope Francis I’ve seen from far too many otherwise orthodox, faithful Catholics. I’ve discussed the historical context for the present pontificate, and indicated some paths forward for those who are truly alarmed by the present Holy Father.

I’d like to highlight one path in particular — answering the calls of the Holy Father, particularly when they are clearly in line with Scripture, Tradition, and tradition. Take the current Mission Month, for example.

Oct
07
2019

The Good News About Sin

By Marc Massery

Turn to any page of St. Faustina’s Diary and you find spiritual gems. Like this one:

 … such great trust in God's great mercy was awakened in my soul that, even if I had had the sins of the whole world, as well as the sins of all the condemned souls weighing on my conscience, I would not have doubted God's goodness but, without hesitation, would have thrown myself into the abyss of the divine mercy, which is always open to us ... (Diary, 1552).

Do you ever wonder if your sins are too big for God?

Oct
05
2019

The Feast of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Blessed Sacrament

By Marc Massery

On Oct. 5, 2019, eight buses containing hundreds of pilgrims descended upon the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, the Polish mystic who received visions of Christ the Divine Mercy in the 1930s. 

Oct
03
2019

A Saint in the Kitchen

By Felix Carroll

By Terry Peloquin

How can you glorify God at all times? What if you’re doing household chores? What if you’re gardening? What if you’re cooking?

Saint Faustina — whose feast day is Oct. 5 — was tasked at different times with each of these jobs, as recorded in her Diary.

Today, because we’re approaching Oct. 8, which is National Pierogi Day (Polish stuffed dumplings that St. Faustina likely prepared), let’s look at a miraculous instance that happened when St. Faustina was assigned to kitchen work (see her Diary, 65-66).

Oct
03
2019

Worried About Francis? Here's What to Do.

By Felix Carroll

By Chris Sparks

In my last column, we took a look at what sets Pope Francis apart from his predecessors, talked through the consequences of those differences, and got a sense of how we might be misunderstanding him or being confused by him as a result.

So if we’re confused, scandalized, or tempted to leave communion with the Holy Father, what should we do?

Oct
01
2019

Attacks Against Purity in St. Faustina's Diary

By Marc Massery

By Marc Massery

Turn to any page of St. Faustina’s Diary, and you find spiritual gems. Like this one:


I heard these words in my soul: You are My spouse forever; your chastity should be greater than that of the angels, for I call no angel to such intimacy as I do you. The smallest act of My spouse is of infinite value. A pure soul has inconceivable power before God (Diary, 534).

Sep
26
2019

Pope Francis is Unique

By Felix Carroll

By Chris Sparks

In my last column, we took a look at the great arc of Church history and touched on a number of the many great storms the Barque of Peter has sailed through and survived. Now, let’s take a look about what’s unique about the present pontificate.

Out of everything Pope Francis has done and said, if I had to pick out how he differs from all his predecessors, my list would be limited to a few crucial facts.

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