The Life of Virtue

On August 28 of each year, the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Augustine of Hippo, a theologian and bishop from the 5th century.  In the midst of a personal celebration of the memorial (it's almost like a birthday celebration because he's my patron), it was quite easy to lose track of time.  However, I must take the opportunity to write about the saint who has interceded for and passed on much of God's grace to a recalcitrant sinner, even if it is a day late. Because of my deep devotion and connection to St. Augustine, it is most proper to read his ancient words on a regular basis, and to meditate on how they are applicable to my life.  As my eyes traversed the pages of Confessions yesterday, there appeared a passage on the relationship between humility and conversion.  The great saint clearly identified the importance of a virtue whose importance has diminished throughout history. "Therefore, by humble devotion return is made to you, and ...

In this current culture, there is little doubt that faithful Catholics are having much difficulty with locating and directing people toward the moral "north."  In recent history, many well-meaning people have been (and continue to be) led astray in their search for spiritual nourishment and salvation.  Yes, our human institutions (governments, associations, etc.) and, more importantly, our human souls are in grave danger.  Evil is present around every corner of our lives. Of particular concern is the social sin perpetuated by our present civilization, which has become predicated on the "absolute truths" of relativism and humanism.  Western society in all its grandeur is one that now accepts and affirms violations of human dignity on a daily basis.  While westerners were napping over several decades, the Enemy has entered the culture and disguised evil as "convenience" and "self-gratification."  Instead, their preciou...

(Courtesy: EWTN ) Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  It is a memorial during which all the faithful are reminded that Mary, the Mother of Our Lord, has been made queen of all the heavens and the earth (the Fifth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary).  Because we are creatures of this earth and disciples of Christ, we, too, must honor the Blessed Mother as queen. Let us remember that giving honor to Mary in no way takes focus off of Christ, Our King.  In fact, the glory, honor, and blessing given to the Queen will only be reflected by her toward the King, her Son.  Thus, we may faithfully conclude that an intimate relationship with the Queen of Heaven will lead us into a more intimate relationship with Christ the King. Personal experience proves, however, that such an intimate relationship with Mary is easier to write and speak about than it is to achieve.  I have committed and re-committed myself ...

One of the greatest privileges that this author had while on pilgrimage in the Land Down Under was visiting, and worshiping in, St. Mary's Cathedral.  To be in the vicinity of this building was fascinating and inspiring.  To be inside its walls was to lift one's mind and heart toward the Eternal.  Quite surely, this building, which is now 140 years old, will bring awe and inspiration to visitors for many more generations.   The building's exterior was enough to make any pilgrim fall in love with Gothic architecture and wish that more churches were still built with such delicate intricacies.  As the spires stretched toward Heaven, it was impossible to focus on anything near the ground.  Surely, that must have been one of the reason for the use of Gothic architecture during this project.  It draws our eyes and hearts away from earthly cares and toward the Almighty, in whom we have our existence. Such an idea was equally true while this...

In recent days, this author has encountered much difficulty in trying to find the "perfect" opportunity to write about Pope Benedict XVI's messages during the World Youth Day celebration.  Alas, the Holy Spirit has moved, and the hours of this day are passing more slowly than usual.  Thus, there is ample time and motivation to opine about the pontiff's clairvoyance. Within the second reading of today's Mass (the Feast of the Transfiguration), two sentences provided the important link that had been missing from this over-exerted mind.  "Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.  You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."   The connection became so clear: Pope Benedict, who is the successor of the man who first articulated this truth (St. Peter), proclaimed a prophetic message to the world's young people;...

Few words in the language of faith are more difficult to accept and apply to our daily lives as those that head this post.  Most of us would rather replace the "th" with an "m" so that we can have our way, create our own set of rules.  However, the Author of said prayer will not be able to reign His abundant blessings on us if we refuse His Divine Will. In order to put a more human face on such an ambiguous combination of sentences, take a moment to read The Albright Chronicle , written by my cousin.  She is the wife of a man who is in the final stages of a battle against lymphoma.  She is the mother of two boys, both of whom are under five years old.  At the same time, she seems to be a woman who understands that "thy" is more important than "my." It is impossible to imagine the emotional roller coaster on which she must be traveling.  Such a coaster must make stops at anxiety, fear, anger, confusion, and many oth...