Imagine a dictator of a country who has absolute power and is also a very angry, malicious and vengeful man.  This is not someone you would want to upset.  Now imagine the opposite.  Imagine one who has absolute power and is also blessed with a heart of pure Mercy.  This is our God.  And in addition to our God having these qualities, He passes them on to His Mother.  She… Read More »Reflection 81: Power and Mercy

HONG KONG (CNS) — A Catholic diocese in China’s Shaanxi province has donated thousands of face masks to communities in the Vatican and Italy to help them fight the coronavirus. Ucanews.com reported Xi’an Diocese has donated 24,000 disposable medical masks to the Vatican and religious communities and dioceses in Italy such as Milan and Bologna. “When mainland China experienced the epidemic, the Holy See and the Italian church group helped… Read More »Chinese diocese donates masks to Vatican, Italy, to help fight COVID-19

A few years ago, I attempted a translation on the Breastplate of St. Patrick. In this latest attempt, I want to stir a sense of both the spiritual battle as well the power of the Creed that is part of the very structure of this great prayer.  Indeed, there are even hints of the Eastern liturgies of Egypt that live in this prayer if a soul is attentive enough to… Read More »The Deer’s Song: Lorica Of St. Patrick

“Christ in the Desert (detail)” by Ivan Kramskoy In this season of preparation for the arrival of Easter, there is one particular practice that seems to get a lot of attention, most of it negative. This should not be surprising since the practice is all about denying ourselves something we have all become quite accustomed to – food. The practice of course is fasting. “But he said to them, ‘I… Read More »Feasting on a Fast — Integrated Catholic Life™

It is most certain that our Divine Lord knows all things.  He is aware of every thought we have and every need we carry far more than we will ever realize.  At times, as we come to realize His perfect knowledge, we may expect Him to answer all our needs even if we do not acknowledge them.  But our Lord often wants us to ask.  He sees great value in… Read More »Reflection 77: The Lord Knows All Things

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican office that distributes free tickets to papal events has posted a notice on its website that “the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week will take place without the physical presence of the faithful.” While public gatherings, including Masses, have been banned in Italy through April 3, Holy Week begins with the Palm Sunday liturgy April 5, so the notification from the Prefecture of the Papal… Read More »Update: Vatican says public will not be admitted to papal Holy Week liturgies

March 14, 2020 Matilda, also sometimes known as Maude, was born around 895. Her father was Count Dietrich of Westphalia and her mother’s name was Reinhild. Her grandmother, who was the Abbess of the Eufurt convent, raised Matilda. In 909, Matilda married Henry (The Fowler) after his first marriage to a woman named Hathburg had been declared invalid. Matilda and Henry had several children: Otto I, who became Emperor of… Read More »St. Matilda

“Instead of anxiety, let us embrace faith and trust in God.” As the entire world responds to COVID-19, I must admit some shock and confusion over the level of fear that seems to be gripping countries, governments, and institutions. Without getting into the science of it all, since I am no doctor or virologist, the radical responses to the virus do not seem to fit the cause. I do not… Read More »Fear and Trust in a Time of COVID-19 — Integrated Catholic Life™

The more we come to know Jesus, the more we desire Him.  And the more we desire Him, the more we come to know Him.  This is a beautiful cyclical experience of knowing and desiring, desiring and knowing (See Diary #273). Do you desire to know your precious Lord?  Do you long for Him in a burning way?  Reflect upon this desire in your soul and if it is lacking,… Read More »Reflection 73: Growing in Our Desire for Jesus

WHEELING, W.Va. (CNS) — Expanding the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s Safe Environment Program, Bishop Mark E. Brennan is requiring additional protocols to increase safety and reduce risk of sexual abuse in Catholic schools and parishes. In a Feb. 20 letter to all pastors, administrators and principals of Catholic schools, the bishop announced he is expanding the requirement for fingerprinting to be part of background checks and that the diocese has engaged… Read More »West Virginia bishop requires new protocols for safe environment program