Matthew Chicoine, Author at EpicPew

Exploring the Epic Moral Mastery of St. Alphonsus Liguori

How do you define mastery? According to the dictionary, mastery is defined as “comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment.” It usually does not take long to recognize a master. Their works, knowledge, and performance clearly demonstrate them as subject matter experts. Michael Jordan demonstrated a clear mastery of basketball. Mozart displayed a

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Exploring the Comprehensive Catholicity of Cardinal Newman!

By Matthew Chicoine

The recent news of the canonization of Cardinal John Henry Newman on October 13 brought immense joy to my wife and I. No other convert to Catholicism has influenced the Church more, in my opinion, except for Saints Paul and Augustine. Living a mere two centuries ago, Newman’s influence on Catholic theology and education is

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6 Cool Facts About St. Joan of Arc

By Matthew Chicoine

Over the course of the past 500 years, St. Joan of Arc has experienced arguably more variance of opinion than any other figure in the Catholic Church. Born in 1412 the French saint grew up during the Hundred Years War—the most turbulent time in the history of England and France. She led a siege on

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3 Reasons Why St. Athanasius is My Favorite Saint!

By Matthew Chicoine

I never even heard of St. Athanasius during my formative years in Catholic education. Now, he’s one of my favorite Catholic saint. I first learned of Athanasius when I was taking a Master’s course on the Trinity. On the feast day of St. Athanasius I want to share three key things about his life that

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The Joy of Autism

By Matthew Chicoine

On April 2nd, the world celebrated Autism Awareness Day. A Catholic priest, Fr. Matthew P. Schneider, LC told the social media world that he has Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a father to two sons with autism, my heart as my sons and other Catholics with autism have a role model, advocate, and witness to be

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Dust and Diamonds—the Lenten Paradox

By Matthew Chicoine

“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” If you attended Mass on Ash Wednesday, you heard those words. If you’re anything like me, you walked back to the pew and wondered what those ashes on your forehead looked like. Did you have a cross or simply an ashy blob because your priest

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5 Marian Titles to Remember When Life Seems Hopeless

By Matthew Chicoine

I have learned that the more a person learns about a particular subject or person, there exists a direct correlation in an increased amount of titles or synonyms to describe them. For example, I had a lot of nicknames as an infant and toddler because of my parent’s love for me. I have inherited that

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3 Chesterton Catch-22’s that Actually Make Life Clearer

By Matthew Chicoine

Arguably, no other writer from the 20th century provided as much salience and portentous guidance on the meaning of life as G.K. Chesterton. Although not an academic in the same vein as C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien, the English journalist, novelist, and essayist became famous for his ability to write voluminously while maintaining wit throughout

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6 Epic Facts About the Saint Behind Santa Claus

By Matthew Chicoine

G.K. Chesterton once wrote, “It is the test of a good religion whether you can joke about it.” I certainly think that he would have (and hopefully you will) chuckle at the following joke:What do you call Santa when he has no money? Saint ‘Nickel-less’. Get it? Nicholas? If you enjoy wordplay, you’re welcome! However,

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A Holy Kaleidoscope—The Diversity of the Saints in Light of Christ

By Matthew Chicoine

Have you ever received gifts or trinkets growing up that you continue to keep for sentimental or nostalgic value? Something a family member or a friend gave you on a birthday or for a special event that remains on prominent display in your home? As a child, that memento for me was a prism that

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3 Reasons Philip Neri Should be Your Patron Saint

By Matthew Chicoine

According to the great Italian Saint Philip Neri, “There is no surer or clearer proof of the love of God than adversity.” His message certainly stands in stark opposition with what the modern world tells us will bring love. Creating viral videos on YouTube, increasing our followers on social media platforms, and possessing the latest

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An Unexpected Journey? The Case for the Canonization of J.R.R. Tolkien

By Matthew Chicoine

In high school, I checked out Tolkien’s The Hobbit from the municipal library for the first time. I was a chapter or two into the book before I abandoned the work. “This is incredibly long-winded and includes boring descriptions. How could anyone consider this a classic of literature?!” I thought. Five years and a master’s degree

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Exploring the Epic Moral Mastery of St. Alphonsus Liguori

Exploring the Comprehensive Catholicity of Cardinal Newman!

6 Cool Facts About St. Joan of Arc

3 Reasons Why St. Athanasius is My Favorite Saint!

The Joy of Autism

Dust and Diamonds—the Lenten Paradox

5 Marian Titles to Remember When Life Seems Hopeless

3 Chesterton Catch-22’s that Actually Make Life Clearer

6 Epic Facts About the Saint Behind Santa Claus

A Holy Kaleidoscope—The Diversity of the Saints in Light of Christ

3 Reasons Philip Neri Should be Your Patron Saint

An Unexpected Journey? The Case for the Canonization of J.R.R. Tolkien

This is the Hardest Holy Spirit Gifts Quiz, Ever

Mental Illness or Diabolical Possession? Can You Tell the Difference?

Discover Your Temperament’s Spiritual Gifts and Weaknesses With this New Quiz