As we celebrate the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, we recall his stellar qualities, such as prudence, trustworthiness, and integrity. In commemorating this particular feast, such traits typically would be applied to decades of labor in the carpentry workshop at Nazareth, at the home he shared with Jesus and Mary.
Category Archives: Living on Grace
A Three-fold Celebration: The Presentation of the Lord
“Now I am sending my messenger – he will prepare the way before me; And the Lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple; The messenger of the covenant whom you desire – see he is coming! Says the Lord of hosts” (Mal 3:1).
A Grieving Heart Can Be Grateful!
Saint Francis of Assisi: Champion of the Eucharist
by Theresa Cavicchio, OFS
The feast of Saint Francis of Assisi (1182 – 1226 A.D.) is celebrated each year on October 4th, often with commemorations of his renowned devotion to all of God’s creation. Some of the faithful take beloved pets to receive a special blessing in his name. Others recall his care for the environment, a particularly timely topic dear to the heart of Pope Francis. Still others renew their attraction to his life of simplicity and poverty.
Our Lady of Las Lajas: Miracles in the Rocks
Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, has merited numerous titles down through the centuries, many very familiar. Sometimes, though, a new title comes our way – a hidden gem revealing to the faithful another jewel in the crown of devotion to Our Lady.
Is it necessary to discuss miscarriage or infertility? Or can women just ignore what happened and go on?
Ave Maris Stella: A Hymn to Our Lady, Star of the Sea
As the summer weeks wind down, many of us delight in contemplating times spent by the sea – in reality, or only in our imaginations.
Clare of Assisi: A Saintly Life Imbued with the Eucharist
On August 11, 1253 A.D., Clare of Assisi, abbess of the Community of Poor Ladies of San Damiano, breathed her last on earth. Born to the noble Offreduccio family (1193/4 A.D.), she was moved by the persuasive preaching of Francis of Assisi, renouncing her birthright and worldly riches to follow him in poverty and adherence to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus began the Second Order of Franciscans, this one for women, later known as the Poor Clares.
Joseph of Nazareth: Model of Holy Fatherhood
“With a Father’s Heart: that is how Joseph loved Jesus, whom all four Gospels refer to as ‘the son of Joseph’” (Apostolic Letter Patris Corde).
Saint Anthony of Padua: The Heavenly Art of Seeking
Saint Anthony of Padua (1195 – 1231 A.D.) is one of the most beloved of saints. Widely renowned as the heavenly locator of lost articles – and even lost hope, lost faith, and lost souls – the circumstances of his holy life confirm the appropriateness of that designation.