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Caught up in the day to day business of life? Convinced yourself that “the active life” means that there’s no need for daily, dedicated prayer time? Think a deep, profound interior life isn’t for you? Think again. You need an old-fashioned Irish Cistercian to give you a “come to Jesus” moment. Dom Eugene Boylan’s short […]
22 Provocative Spiritual Maxims to Jumpstart Your Prayer Life Read More »
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It’s no secret that we do things a bit differently in the East. Our churches look (and smell) different, our hymns sound different, and our liturgical calendar has feast days that don’t even occur in the West. It only follows that our Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany traditions should differ too. Here’s how the Byzantines deck
The Christmas Experience Every Byzantine Understands Read More »
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This is one of those awesome ideas that always makes me think two things to myself: Why didn’t I think of that? and Why are we not funding this?! Well, people did fund it. I found out about the Wallet Rosary on the Joe Sales blog and I was astonished at how amazing this simple little idea
A Rosary That Fits Right In Your Wallet — Best Idea Ever?! Read More »
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It’s that time of year again! Time for the annual trek through epic and not-so-epic, hilarious and not-so-hilarious, bad and not-so-bad nativity sets! Advent and Christmas at EpicPew would not be the same without a listicle of these unique nativity sets. In case you’ve missed the past few years, here’s the links to the previous
You Won’t Believe These Nativity Sets – Part III Read More »
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Although the season of Christmas often brings with it lights, jolly singing, and bright Christmas trees, it is not always a joyful season for all of us. Whether this is the first holiday after a loss, or the fifteenth holiday, each offers new difficulties and challenges. But, despite the grief, the Incarnation and Nativity is
5 Quotes from John of the Cross to Help You When the Holiday Season is Hard Read More »
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Christmas trees are a tradition unlike any other for the holidays. Stemming (pun intended) from an Old Germanic tradition, the tree symbolizes life in the winter darkness, just as Jesus came and still comes in the winter darkness as the Light and Life of the World. The Christmas tree is really a reminder of who
These Christmas Trees Are Just Ridiculous Read More »
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Christmas is days away and if you’re like me you’re thinking, “I’m not ready for Christmas to be here yet! I need to prepare! There is still so much to do!” Of course many of us are also thinking about the last minute shopping, cleaning, and to-do items left on those mile-long lists. How many
6 Last-Minute Ways To Prepare Yourself for Christmas Read More »
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It’s not Mystery Alaska, though they have a serious appreciation and devotion to the mysteries of the Rosary. It’s the Dominican Friars of the Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage Alaska. I’ve seen this Cathedral – as I used to live in Alaska – and shhhh! don’t tell anyone, but in the winter it looks like
Check Out These Dominican Friars Playing Hockey on a Pond Read More »
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It is true that on December 7, 1914, Pope Benedict XV suggested a temporary hiatus of the war for the celebration of Christmas. The warring countries refused to create any official cease-fire, but on Christmas the soldiers in the trenches declared their own unofficial truce. During World War I, on and around Christmas Day 1914,
The Unexpected Story of the Christmas Truce of 1914 Read More »
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John Glenn passed away December 8, 2016 at the age of 95, surrounded by his wife of 73 years, children and grandchildren. In 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth, and entered into our history books to be forever remembered. He served in the military as a fighter pilot in WWII
“Godspeed, John Glenn” Read More »
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Faith, family, and feasting are at the heart of the holidays. The holidays bring out the best in people and give folks a chance to reflect on the past year of their lives. Some of the best traditions come out at this time of year. I think the best part of these traditions is the
Unique Family Christmas Traditions Read More »
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“I happen to know there is more to Mexico than great food and Spanish class!” –Wishbone The wise words of the title character of the children’s TV show Wishbone point to a great truth: Mexico has a rich history, a history that was greatly influenced by the Blessed Virgin Mary. When a children’s television program
Why We Should All Try to Be Like Saint Juan Diego Read More »
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Visiting the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C. is a terrible idea. Let me explain… 1. It’s too small (If by “small” you mean the largest church in not only the United States, but also North America, and one of the largest in the world.) 2. There aren’t
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All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1030) 1. It’s not just a giant waiting room. Or a
5 Common Misconceptions about Purgatory Read More »
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Have you seen this video that is making its rounds on social media this Advent season? Get your tissues ready and take a look at how some gifts come in small, unexpected packages. A simple “Hello” blossomed into something so beautiful and meaningful for these two people and their friends and family. I’m always
What This Little Girl Does For This Widower Might Make You Cry Read More »
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In a sleep deprived state, my mind made one of the strangest realizations I have ever had: There must be something in Catholicism that is comparable to tacos. After consulting with my fellow writers, I have decided that Saint quotes are the tacos of Catholicism. Layers With tacos, you have the shell (either hard or
Saint Quotes Are the Tacos of Catholicism Read More »
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1. Finals week is here. You’ve increased your Adoration hours in hopes that it will affect your grade. + There’s such thing as divine intervention, right? 2. But you keep falling asleep during Mass because of studying-induced sleep deprivation. Guys, I’m just sleeping in the spirit. 3. You spend time frantically searching for a patron saint
14 Things Catholic Students Think During Finals Week Read More »
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You might have noticed that there is a controversy regarding Amoris Laetitia which has created a war of words in the press. When bishops are using the press to criticize each other and Church documents, the faithful take notice, and it makes us uneasy. If you are like me, you are a little (or a
Amoris Laetitia and Synodal Chaos! The Controversy Explained! Read More »
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The now-classic Christmas (Advent?) song “Mary, Did You Know?” was originally performed by Michael English in 1991, making it twenty-five years old this year. The lyrics were written by Mark Lowry, and the music by Buddy Greene. The song is now a perennial favorite as far as contemporary Christian music goes. However, twenty-five years later, the question
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If you love Word on Fire then you definitely want to share it with your family and all of your friends, too. Their store is huge and there’s so many awesome gifts to buy to make that perfect gift for the one you have in mind. And if you haven’t seen the new CATHOLICISM: The
Love Word on Fire? Here’s your perfect Christmas shopping list Read More »
