Thursday, December 4, 2025
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
The prophetic vision of peace and unity remains a vision, but one that we can hope for and work toward. —Carol J. Dempsey
The prophetic vision of peace and unity remains a vision, but one that we can hope for and work toward. —Carol J. Dempsey https://www.ncronline.org/spirituality/first-sunday-advent-what-are-we-waiting
First Sunday of Advent: What are we waiting for? This last day of November ends another calendar month and moves us closer to December 21, the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year, when we will be plunged into deeper darkness. Meanwhile, the liturgical season of Advent begins. These next few weeks will find us waiting for the dawn of a new day, embodied in the arrival of the Christ Child whose birth is supposed to usher in a time of peace, one that is forever on the horizon but yet to be realized. Advent is a time of waiting. But what are we waiting for? Surely the Second Coming will not arrive on December 25, 2025 — or will it? First Sunday of Advent November 30, 2025 Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:37-44 Reflecting on our present time, we cannot help but be shaken to our core at how immigrants are being treated by other human beings, outfitted in military gear and face coverings. Under the guise of keeping the peace these agents instead instill fear in those on the margins who have little or no power to resist. Elsewhere, artificial intelligence data centers are being built with rapid speed, changing the course of how and what we think, how we live our lives and how we will relate— or not relate — to one another in the future. Already, communities in high tech regions are experiencing AI’s drain on water supplies, especially in areas receiving less rainfall because of climate change. And political, social, economic, cultural and religious wars rage on. Yet even in times such as these, hope dawns; we move from Ordinary Time to the season of Advent with a prophetic vision lighting our path. People in biblical times experienced similar traumas, upheavals, tragedies and devastations. And yet, they were never without a word of hope. Today’s first reading from the book of Isaiah captures the spirit of anticipation and hope. "The prophetic vision of peace and unity remains a vision, but one that we can hope for and work toward." —Carol J. Dempsey Tweet this The poem opens on a futuristic note, "in days to come." The prophetic vision of peace and unity remains a vision, but one that we can hope for and work toward. The vision anticipates a time when nations will come together, focused on a common journey, ready to receive instruction from the One who sets the tone for relationships among the nations. The Holy One does not act like a judge and does not condemn any of the nations; rather, the Holy One arbitrates among them. When the negotiation takes place, the people can beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, never again to take up the weapons of war against each other or to learn war. The way to peace is not through violence and bloodshed; rather, it is through instruction and arbitration, initiated, in this poem, by God. We who are baptized into the Catholic faith are baptized into the prophetic; it is our vocation and our calling. We are the recipients of this marvelous vision in these tumultuous times of global crises. The vision calls us to remain faithful to a non-violent way of life, no matter how polarized our world is and will continue to become. The vision provides us with the impetus for hope: hope that one day all communities of life will live in peace, the fruit of justice. But this vision also reminds us that we are not just the recipients of this vision, but the ones who work to make this vision a lived experience. Each of us is imbued with the prophetic spirit of the divine. Each of us has the potential and capacity to exercise our prophetic vocation and calling, and in doing so, to enflesh the presence of the divine in the here and now. The more we embody the Holy One — the one who negotiates and arbitrates among all peoples and across all cultures and nations — the more we offer hope to our world that is anticipating the advent of a new time. Business cannot continue as usual. The letter to the Romans is a clarion call to people everywhere, not just to the early Christian communities. Now is the time for all of us to get our acts together, to look outward instead of focusing on what is continuously self-satisfying. The reading calls for a higher ethic, one based on the Gospel capable of transforming all the sordidness of life. Would that people in leadership heed this clarion call and work to bring about the vision of peace that has justice as its foundation. What are we all waiting for?
Immaculate Heart Vocations
Immaculate Heart Vocation Prayer Society https://youtu.be/yW8tkpGo8xk?si=aP0Aj-klLjWZ7gce
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Jesuit martyrs of the Spanish Civil War
Jesuit martyrs of the Spanish Civil War are numerous Jesuit priests and brothers who were killed for their faith between 1936 and 1939. They are considered martyrs because they were often killed due to anti-religious sentiments, and many were executed in brutal circumstances by Republican forces, often simply for their religious vocation.
- The "Martyrs of GandÃa and Valencia": A group of 11 Jesuits, including Father Tomás Sitjar, were killed between August 19 and December 29, 1936, in GandÃa and Valencia. Sitjar was the first to die, and his companions included priests like Father Pablo Bori Puig and Father Juan Bautista Ferreres Boluda, as well as Brothers.
- Other Jesuit martyrs: Many other Jesuits were also killed, and their stories are chronicled on sites like Hagiography Circle and Jesuit Prayer Ministry.
- Context of the violence: The persecution of religious figures was part of a broader wave of anticlerical violence during the war, where revolutionaries targeted churches and clergy with anti-religious sentiment.
- Church recognition: The Catholic Church officially recognized many of these victims as martyrs, with the Vatican beatifying some of them, such as Father Tomás Sitjar and his companions.
Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War
Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War were thousands of Roman Catholics, including clergy, religious, and laity, who were executed between 1936 and 1939 for their faith during a period of widespread anti-Catholic violence known as the Red Terror. Notable groups include the 233 martyrs of Valencia and the 522 Spanish Martyrs, and individuals like Pedro Poveda. The Catholic Church has recognized over 2,000 martyrs through beatification and canonization processes.
- Approximately 6,832 members of the Catholic clergy were killed, along with many religious and lay people, including men, women, and children.
- They were executed for their faith, not for political or criminal reasons, in a persecution described as being driven by "anti-religious and anti-Christian sentiments".
- Martyrs of Turon: Eight La Salle Brothers and one Passionist Brother killed in 1934.
- 522 Spanish Martyrs: A large group of clergy, religious, and laypeople from various parts of Spain.
- 233 Spanish Martyrs (or Martyrs of Valencia): Beatified in 2001, this was the largest number of people to be beatified at one time.
- Passionist Martyrs of Daimiel: A group of Passionist brothers killed in 1936.
- Martyrs of Turon: Eight La Salle Brothers and one Passionist Brother killed in 1934.
- Pope John Paul II initiated the recognition of these martyrs, with subsequent popes continuing the process. To date, over 2,000 Spanish Civil War martyrs have been recognized and beatified.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
SAINTS NOVEMBER 26
SAINTS NOVEMBER 26
St. Dominic Doan Xuyen, Roman Catholic Martyr of Vietnam, beheaded with St. Thomas Du. He was a Vietnamese Dominican. Feastday Nov.26
Saint John Berchmans (Dutch: Jan Berchmans) (13 March 1599 – 13 August 1621) was a Jesuit scholastic and is a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of altar servers. Feastday: November 26
St. Leonard of Port Maurice, Roman Catholic Franciscan Monk. Proponent of the Blessed Sacrament, the devotion of the Sacred Heart, and the Stations of the Cross, as well as the Immaculate Conception. Nov 26
Bl. Gaetana Sterni, Roman Catholic Nun and foundress of "Daughters of the Divine Will"
ST. SYLVESTER, ABBOTT, FOUNDER OF SILVESTRINE-BENDECTINE
ST. SIRICIUS, POPE-
When Siricius became Pope in 384, he immediately established a good relationship with St Ambrose of Milan. He was moderate and balanced in his administration of the Church; and historically is one of the first Popes we see exercising the papal primacy. Nov 26
https://www.jesuit.org.sg/nov-john-berchmans-sj/
Rosary from Lourdes - 25/11/2025
Rosary from Lourdes - 25/11/2025 https://www.youtube.com/live/DGQurzTVvmE?si=0zuPj9vPkwea-XtK
Monday, November 24, 2025
Pope Leo issues Apostolic Letter 'In unitate fidei' on Nicaea Anniversary - Vatican News
Pope Leo issues Apostolic Letter 'In unitate fidei' on Nicaea Anniversary - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-11/pope-leo-issues-apostolic-letter-in-unitate-fidei-on-nicaea.html
One-third of Catholic clergy in the United Kingdom are Anglican converts: the surprising revelations of an investigation - ZENIT - English
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Listening to others out of love: Age is no barrier f
Listening to others out of love: Age is no barrier for religious sisters - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-11/sisters-project-153-italy-angela-matera-age-listening-community.html
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Friday, October 24, 2025
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
One in five Catholics worldwide is African, as is one in three seminarians: the impressive statistics of African Catholicism - ZENIT - English
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Pope Saint John XXIII's Daily Decalogue: A Catholic List of Resolutions for a Holy Life
Pope Saint John XXIII's Daily Decalogue: A Catholic List of Resolutions for a Holy Life https://www.churchpop.com/pope-saint-john-xxiiis-daily-decalogue-a-catholic-list-of-resolutions-for-a-holy-life-2/
Saturday, October 4, 2025
A Dissident Damsel Who Defied the Red Dragon
A Dissident Damsel Who Defied the Red Dragon https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/a-dissident-damsel-who-defied-the-red-dragon?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=novashare
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Pope to Pauline Sisters: Don't let burdens deter your precious work - Vatican News
Pope to Pauline Sisters: Don't let burdens deter your precious work - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-10/pope-leo-xiv-commends-work-of-daughters-of-st-paul.html
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Benin: For Oblate Catechists of the Little Servants to the Poor, being a Catechist is a way of life - Vatican news
Benin: For Oblate Catechists of the Little Servants to the Poor, being a Catechist is a way of life - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2025-09/for-oblate-catechists-of-the-little-servants-to-the-poor-in-ben.html
Monday, September 29, 2025
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Make Satan Illegal Again
Make Satan Illegal Again https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/make-satan-illegal-again?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=novashare
Sunday, September 21, 2025
St. Mattew, Apostle and Evangelist -
St. Mattew, Apostle and Evangelist - Information on the Saint of the Day - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/09/21/st---mattew--apostle-and-evangelist.html
Lake Tiberias sparkled and, as usual, Matthew was there, sitting at the custom desk at Capernaum, to collect the taxes that the Jews had to pay to the Romans. He was a publican, despised by the people because he was considered in league with the oppressors. Probably, Matthew had become accustomed to it, but that day he heard a different voice. A man told him, “Follow me,” and Matthew got up and followed the man ever after. That man was Jesus, and Matthew’s life was no longer as before. A sinner who meets Jesus Levi organized a great banquet for Jesus, who went with his disciples, stirring up the scorn of scribes and Pharisees because there were in attendance publicans and sinners. Jesus’ answer greatly touched Matthew. “They that are well have no need of a physician, but they that are sick,” said the Nazarene, adding, “For I came not to call the just, but sinners.” Matthew, who was a sinner, left everything and followed Jesus, becoming one of the Twelve. He is also named a few times in the Acts of the Apostles. The proclamation of Christ would be his mission. According to some sources, he would die of natural causes. Other traditions, considered untrustworthy, have it that his earthly life ended in Ethiopia. In the description of the four beings of the Apocalypse (eagle, ox, lion, man) Saint Matthew is associated with that of man. His relics are located in the crypt of the Cathedral of Salerno, where his feast day is marked with a solemn procession. Author of the Gospel for Jews He is the author of the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, which was almost certainly written not in Greek but Aramaic. The Gospel of Matthew is written with an audience of Christians of Jewish origin in mind: the text emphasizes that Jesus is the Messiah who fulfills the promises of the Old Testament. From Matthew to Pope Francis, passing through Caravaggio His figure is dear to iconography. Particularly known is the “Calling of St. Matthew” painted by Caravaggio between 1599 and 1600, kept in the Church of St. Louis of the French in Rome. An evocative painting in which light plays a fundamental role, a symbol of grace, which does not come from the window but from Jesus. A scene that draws the viewer into the dramatic action: Jesus’ finger points to Matthew, who in turn indicates himself, to ask for confirmation of the call. The story of St. Matthew and the painting of Caravaggio marked the life of Pope Francis, who told of it in his interview with Fr. Antonio Spadaro, SJ, in La Civiltà Cattolica in 2013, in which, in relation to the figure of St. Matthew, the Holy Father defines himself as “a sinner to whom the Lord turned his eyes.”
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Q&A with Sr. Chioma Ahanihu, whose past led her toward research of 'global migrant sisters'
Q&A with Sr. Chioma Ahanihu, whose past led her toward research of 'global migrant sisters'
Q https://www.globalsistersreport.org/node/311176
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
‘Christ Is Worth Life!’: 24-Year-Old Carmelite Nun Urges Young People to Be Fearless in Their Vocation
‘Christ Is Worth Life!’: 24-Year-Old Carmelite Nun Urges Young People to Be Fearless in Their Vocation https://www.churchpop.com/christ-is-worth-life-24-year-old-carmelite-nun-urges-young-people-to-be-fearless-in-their-vocation/
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
St. Peter Claver, Jesuit, Apostle of Slaves - Information on the Saint of the Day - Vatican News
St. Peter Claver, Jesuit, Apostle of Slaves - Information on the Saint of the Day - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/09/09/st--peter-claver--jesuit--apostle-of--slaves-.html
St. Peter Claver, Jesuit, Apostle of Slaves St. Peter Claver, Jesuit, Apostle of Slaves - Information on the Saint of the Day - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/09/09/st--peter-claver--jesuit--apostle-of--slaves-.html An unlikely friendship At the University of Barcelona, Peter Claver studied and prayed. The young man, born in 1580 in the Catalan region of Spain, came to understand: “I must dedicate myself to the service of God until death.” He felt a call. Its clearer contours were still hidden from him, but he knew that he had to follow it. So at 20, Peter joined the Society of Jesus. His superiors sent him to study philosophy in Mallorca, where he made an unlikely friend: Alphonsus Rodriguez, the elderly, uneducated lay brother who was the porter at the Jesuit college. Alphonsus may not have had much book-learning, but a life of suffering had taught him to listen to God. Peter noticed his holiness. “How can I love the Lord?” he asked the old man. “He gives me a great desire to follow him, but I don’t know how.” Alphonsus prayed, and the answer came to him: this young man with a great heart was destined for a suffering people far away. At Alphonsus’ urging, Peter told his superiors of his desire to go to the missions. In 1610, he left for Cartagena in present-day Colombia, a center of the Spanish slave trade, where ships sailing from West Africa brought 10,000 new slaves yearly. “Slave of the slaves” Peter finished seminary in Cartagena, learning from the Jesuit missionary Alonso de Sandoval, who had ministered to the slaves. He was horrified by what he learned about their plight. When Peter, ordained in 1616, made his final profession as a Jesuit in 1622, he signed his vows, “Peter Claver, the slave of the Africans forever.” He had found his calling. Before the slave ships entered port, Fr. Peter begged for bread, medicine, anything he could bring with him into those ships packed tightly with captives chained for so long that a third of the “cargo” died. He assembled a team of interpreters. As soon as a ship docked, this “slave of the slaves” descended into the dark holds. He brought food, but more importantly, he brought kindness to men and women driven mad with terror and suffering. He looked at them as if they were human beings, tended their wounds and lent his cloak to the shivering. “We must speak with our hands,” he said, “before we speak to them with our lips.” His hands spoke, and so when he assured these people that God loved them despite the cruelty that men had inflicted on them, they listened. Using simple pictures, he taught them the Christian faith. In small groups, he baptized them – which not only made them members of Christ’s body, but enabled Peter to call upon the slave masters to treat their fellow Christians more humanely. The apostle of Cartagena For forty years, Peter descended into the slave ships. He preached, too: to slave traders, criminals and the well-to-do, inviting all to a conversion of heart. Though irritated at his work on behalf of the slaves, the wealthy grudgingly came to admit that this priest was a force to be reckoned with. While at first they came to listen to the holy priest but refused to enter the same churches as the slaves, decades of preaching began to effect a slow, difficult opening of the heart. But preaching alone could not complete it. In 1650, Fr. Peter caught the plague. He survived, but his body was broken. For four years, he lay in bed, half-starved by the servant charged with caring for him. No one paid him much mind. It seemed as if the “apostle of Cartagena” had been forgotten. He prayed, accepting his sufferings as a penance for his sins. Yet in 1654, when word got out that Fr. Peter had received last rites, the city suddenly remembered the man who had been its conscience. A flood of visitors came to pay their respects. When he died on September 8, Cartagena buried him at pubic expense. Only then did they realize what they had had in their midst: this man, whose hands spoke the language of God’s compassion, had baptized 300,000 slaves and heard over 5,000 slaves’ confessions a year. In 1888, Peter Claver was canonized together with Alphonsus Rodriguez, his friend who had helped him to follow his Lord.