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[We must] rebuild the first society. The family is the first city; strong marriages and prayerful homes form tomorrow’s citizens before any vote is cast. – Dr. Scott Hahn The Napa Institute recently held its 16th Annual Summer Conference in California. Once again, it was an extraordinary gathering f...

Last year, shortly after my father died, I opened up his copy of the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila that he had given to me years ago. I chuckled as I looked at the blue pen underlining various passages in the text. Unlike my father, I dislike writing in books in pen or using highlighters. I u...

In a conversation with Peter and the apostles, Jesus declares His intention to build His Church on a human being.  Whatever was He thinking? Gospel (Read Mt. 16:13-20) This Sunday’s Gospel is so familiar to Catholics that the potential for missing the punch it packs is inordinately high.  If ever we...

And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. (Acts 2:2) After the ascension of Our Lord, the Eleven Apostles, along with some others, gather for ten days, cozied up in a room together “for fear of the Jews” (Jn. 20:19). T...

I wonder what a person who was completely ignorant of Christianity would make of Christian words and worship when first exposed to it. Let’s face it, although Christian language is increasingly warm and fuzzy, there remains some genuinely strange and quite frankly bizarre and disturbing elements to...

Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the need for priests to remain faithful to the texts and instructions of the Mass and to receive the proper formation to celebrate the sacred liturgy with dignity.“I have called attention to the respect that all those called to prepare the celebration of the divine myster...

Pope Leo XIV has appealed to all people to recognize the suffering of child migrants, noting that they are often the most vulnerable during mass migration.In a message published by the Vatican on Aug. 14, the pope reflected on the theme for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, “Even Just On...

The solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Aug. 15 is an opportune time to deepen our love for the Mother of God by understanding the “place” God has assigned her for our spiritual benefit and eternal salvation.Mary’s assumption into heaven is a dogma of faith for Catholics. Churc...

Pope Leo XIV on Aug. 15 called on Catholics to look to Mary, the Mother of God as an example of “true beauty,” with the Holy Father pointing to her youthful appearance in sacred art as a sign of “love that never ends.” The Holy Father delivered the homily during Mass at the Pontifical Parish of Sain...

Image: Stained glass in Our Lady of Czestochowa Grotto (Sorrowful Mother Shrine) | photo by Nheyob Saint of the Day for August 14 (January 8, 1894 – August 14, 1941) Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe’s Story “I don’t know what’s going to become of you!” How many parents have said that? Maximilian Mary Kol...