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November is the month dedicated to the Holy Souls on the Church calendar, and it is a golden opportunity to deepen our understanding of Purgatory while praying for those on their way to the Beatific Vision. You can’t spend too much time thinking about Purgatory and the afterlife without having your thoughts turned towards Dante. […]
3 Quick Takes from Dante’s Purgatory Read More »
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In the spirit (pun intended) of the season, is is appropriate to look at one of the patrons of the dead. Saint Gertrude was a powerhouse when it came to the faithfully departed. Read on to find out more about her and the powerful prayer she wrote to help those in purgatory! Gertrude of Helfta
Saint Gertrude the Great, Patron of the Dead Read More »
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We’ve all seen it: the red and green Christmas displays practically falling out the front doors of every Target, Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us, and department store in town. The Black Friday advertisements are already circulating with their abundant coupons and promise of deals. The commercials with popular Christmas carols are already playing on every channel, the promise
5 Ways to Celebrate Advent Read More »
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When we think of a Carmelite nun, hidden behind the doors of Carmel and living a life centered on silence and prayer, we do not, perhaps, immediately think of the personality type of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Elizabeth was born in France in 1880. She was known for her fiery temper as a child
A Snapshot of Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity’s Life and Spirituality Read More »
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I have attended a good number of youth retreats, and I have noticed a pattern of people you typically see at a retreat. There always seems to be one or two (or many) people who fall into these categories. Check out these fifteen people you may meet on your next youth retreat (and why you’ll
The 15 People You Meet at Youth Retreats Read More »
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During the whole month of November, the Catholic Church prays particularly for those who have died. Not only does this particular focus help remind the faithful to spend time in prayer for those who have gone before, but it also serves as a reminder of our own mortality. But in the first week of November,
Help Souls in Purgatory with This November Indulgence Read More »
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Most people view Halloween as a time of gory, villainous characters, maybe even of the demonic. But nobody has anything on Catholic saints. Here are twelve martyrs that received some of the most gruesome deaths imaginable. 1. Saint Stephen The first martyr, Stephen was stoned to death for his faith and died echoing the
Gruesome Deaths of the Saints to Put You in the Halloween Mood Read More »
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As newlyweds settle down and become seasoned couples, they might be tempted to let down their spiritual guards. But that’s exactly when one of the deadliest demons strikes. The noonday devil, sometimes reduced to a “midlife crisis” or the infamous “seven-year itch,” is acedia, a complex beast that exhausts us with spiritual sloth. This laziness
Seasoned Couples: Avoid These Deadly Temptations Read More »
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Halloween is nearly upon us. On All Hallows Eve, or the day before All Saints Day, we prepare for the celebration of those who have gone before us in the peace and imitation of Christ. The saints are our examples of true love, devotion, and piety for our Lord. It is a day to recognize
18 Cath-o-Lanterns Pumpkin Carving Ideas Read More »
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On the journey to Heaven, many of us will face situations that seem hopeless and impossible. In moments like these, it can be easy to give into despair and to give up hope. The cross that Christ offers may seem unbearably heavy. If you’re praying for what seems like an impossible petition, you’re not alone.
Praying for the Impossible? Try These Three Saints Read More »
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In many Eastern monastic communities, it is tradition for one monk to be tasked with going round to each of his fellow monks in their daily duties, stop them, look them in the eye, and say “Brother, we are going to die.” Far from being as morbid as it seems, this strange practice constantly refocuses
Memento Mori: Your New Halloween Playlist Read More »
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If there is any truth about the devil it is this, he loves to scare, tempt and draw away those who are closest to God. Here are some of the stories from saints who were tormented and tempted by the devil and his minions. 1. Saint Gemma Galgani The Lord does not will attacks
6 Saintly Warriors to Celebrate on All Hallows Eve Read More »
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Have you ever wondered if Halloween is evil? Should Catholics be celebrating Halloween? Is the holiday harmless or dangerous? This time of year evokes debate from all different perspectives about the origins, safety, and sanctity of the yearly celebration of Halloween. Some worry about the possibility of demonic influence surrounding the day and night. Others
The Epic Catholic’s Guide to Halloween and Spiritual Warfare Read More »
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Many men and women have been victim to lewd comments, catcalls, gestures, “Locker room talk”, unwelcome sexual advances, and rape. Statistics cite that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped in their lifetimes and that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before they
11 Saints Who Endured Sexual Abuse Read More »
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There is no denying the fact that a spiritual war is going on. Don’t believe us? Turn on the evening news. Evil is definitely present in our world today, and Satan desperately wants to steal souls away from God and Heaven. Catholicism teaches that angels have been present since creation and throughout salvation history. When Christ
You Won’t Believe What Happens When You Pray the Chaplet of Saint Michael Read More »
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If you’ve been in a Catholic bookstore lately, you may have seen a four way cross. The cross is also known as a cruciform. The images found on the four way cross teach Catholics about their faith and foundations. For those new to the Catholic faith, the four way cross can be a wonderful start
Do You Know About the Four Way Cross? Read More »
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What comes to mind when you think of requirements for someone who is to become the pope? A strong prayer life? Wisdom? Leadership skills coming out of their ears? How about a sense of humor? Many popes have had great senses of humor. Below are 13 of the funniest Pope quotes of all time. Pope
13 Most Hilarious and Inspiring Quotes from the Popes Read More »
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Trying hard to stay focused during mass while in the cry room? Are there too many distractions around you? Interesting odors wafting near your nose? Is the crunching of cereal all that you hear? Do I have a solution for you! Yes, our total and complete attention should be directed toward God in worship. But
Fun Cry Room Activities for Adults! Read More »
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October 5th is the feast day of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska. Born Helena Kowalksa in Poland on August 25, 1905, she was the third of 10 children raised by a poor and devout family. After feeling the call to religious life at the young age of seven while attending the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, she
10 Things You May Not Know About Saint Faustina and Divine Mercy Read More »
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Do you know what the first five words of the Bible are? In the beginning, God created. In his forthcoming book “Created: Bridging the Gap Between Your Art and Your Creator“, Cory enlisted 50 of the greatest Catholic creatives currently with us to share their five words of inspiration. Each page contains a creative’s words of wisdom drawn
This Book Puts Art Back in Touch with the Creator Read More »
