The Story of the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Feast: January 3)

Although Saint Paul might claim credit for promoting devotion to the Holy Name because Paul wrote in Philippians that God the Father gave Christ Jesus “that name that is above every name” (see 2:9), this devotion became popular because of 12th-century Cistercian monks and nuns

Why Do Catholics -cross their forehead, lips, and heart at the Gospel?

We cross our forehead so that the Word of God may be in our thoughts & purify our minds.

5 Steps To End Your Day Before Going to Bed

At night, quiet your self and rest in God's presence for a few moments..

Thanks God for the gifts of the day.

Who Are the Saints?

November starts with the Feast of All Saints.   The feast of the Saints reminds us that God is holy and He constantly calls us to holiness.   But, who are the Saint?

-  They are special friends of God.
-  They are very close to

What exactly do we do when we pray?

"Speak Lord, I am listening."

Praying is both LISTENING and TALKING to God.    

Praying is not talking to ourselves.  It's a two-way communication.   

Why Are We Praying the Rosary?

October & May are the two months the Church dedicates to Mary by praying the Rosary, and here are some reasons:

1) It's biblical (based on the Bible)
-  The Rosary contemplates the great mysteries

What is a Saintly relic?

1) What is a saintly relic?

- A relic is an item associated with Jesus, Mary or the Saint.
- Relics a usually displayed in containers called reliquaries so that Catholic may venerate them.
- Church altars also sometimes have a relic embedded on the side of the altar or a designated place in the church.

photo: A Dominican Sister is showing the relics in the chapel at St. Catherine Convent.

2) There are three classes of relics

-  FIRST CLASS:  A part of a saint's body such as a bone fragment, piece of skin, or hair.
- SECOND CLASS: A piece of a saint's clothing or something used by a saint.
-  THIRD CLASS: An object which has been touched to a first or second class relic, including the tomb of a saint.

3) Why do we need relics?

- Relics are tangible reminders to us of the incarnational nature of our faith.   Remember, the Word of God became flesh, and through the centuries countless saints have embodied what is means to live our faith.
- Relics also remind us that the saints are close to God and can intercede for us when we pray to them.

Saint pope John Paul II with St. Maria Goretti's relic.  Photo: internet

The Day the Sun Danced (movie)

In October, the Church especially honors Mary and remembers the Apparition of Our Lady in Fatima, Portugal.   It's a wonderful cartoon movie to learn about the message that Mary wanted to give the world: pray the Rosary (to obtain peace for the world, to amend our lives (stay away from sin), and devote to Her Immaculate Heart of Mary.

the video can be found CLICK HERE