St. Nicholas’s Night
The original Santa Claus Was a man who lived in Turkey A very long time ago, ‘tis true A jolly, dear old Bishop Who took his duties seriously And a smile when times were blue…
Tag: Saints
A Basket of Bread and Roses
Elizabeth filled her basket with whatever bread she could find. She just hoped she wouldn’t be seen by members of the court. While her husband shared her desire and passion for helping the poor, she…
Francis: Medieval Man of Timeless Transcendence
“Above all, the grace and gifts God gives to His beloved is overcoming one’s self.” – St. Francis of Assisi He was known as God’s Troubadour, Spiritually illumined by the magnificence of the Almighty. He…
A Holy and Devout Virgin Queen: St. Aethelthryth (Etheldreda) of Ely
In the medieval period and up to around 1540, St. Etheldreda was still held in great esteem throughout England. Pilgrimages were made to her shrine in Ely Cathedral and badges were worn by those who…
“A Savior of the Savior”: A Josephite Reflection
“To give life to someone is the greatest of all gifts. To save a life is the next. Who gave life to Jesus? It was Mary. Who saved his life? It was Joseph. Ask St.…
The Hands of Joseph Trembled
The hands of Joseph trembled As he went about his task. Mary’s tale was strange and left A question he dared not ask. “The Child is of God Himself.” He knew Mary spoke the…
St. Gabriel Possenti and the Sanctity of Fighting
Familiarity breeds contempt, according to the old saying. Outside that, familiarity breeds something worse—complacency. Part of my own personal theory as to why Christianity has suffered a reversal of fortunes in the 20th and 21st…
Edmund the Martyr
“And then the heathens became madly incensed because of this faith, for he always asked Christ to his help. Then they shot at him with missiles, as if for their sport, until he was entirely…
St. Catherine of Genoa and Baron Von Hugel: An Encounter in Eternity
There of pure Virgins none Is fairer seen, Save One, Than Mary Magdalene. Gaze without doubt or fear Ye to whom generous Love, by any name, is dear. Love makes the life to be A…
Lydwine of Schiedam: A Saint for our Times
Living in the modern world, it’s easy to base our self-worth on our achievements. Whether because of celebrity culture insinuating that our lives are more worthwhile the more people know about us, consumerism suggesting that…