Pray the O Antiphons [Free Resource]

Posted by Carolyn Pirtle on Dec 14, 2020 7:03:00 AM

This Thursday, December 17, the Church will begin praying what are known as the “O Antiphons” each evening during Vespers, or Evening Prayer. Outside of Vespers, the O Antiphons are more familiar in their adapted form as the verses for the quintessential Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” 

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Topics: Liturgy of the Hours, Vespers, downloadable resources, liturgical year, Advent, O Antiphons

Mother of Hope, Mother of Love

Posted by Rafael Lopez on Dec 9, 2020 12:32:36 PM

“Am I not here who am your Mother?” These very words were spoken by Our Lady of Guadalupe to a Mexican indigenous man nearly five centuries ago, and they changed the course of evangelization in the new world. The Spanish had already spent several years trying to convert the new world, but nothing was working. Hostility between the indigenous people and the conquistadores was the only thing coming out of their many attempts. Into this environment of hostility, our Blessed Mother came to the aid of those in need. She came to St. Juan Diego and gave him all of her motherly love and compassion. Now, she is known as the Queen of Mexico and Empress of America.

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Topics: Hispanic Catholicism, evangelization, liturgical year, Advent, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Marian devotion

A Feast of Freedom: The Immaculate Conception of Mary

Posted by Christine Kelly Baglow on Dec 8, 2020 7:04:00 AM

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Occasionally this dogma is confused for the doctrine of the Virgin Birth of Jesus. According to the Catechism, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception pertains to the “splendor of an entirely unique holiness” that, among humans, belongs only to our Blessed Lady, because she is “enriched from the first instant of her conception”—a singular grace coming wholly from Christ. Mary is “redeemed, in a more exalted fashion, by reason of the merits of her Son” (CCC, §492).

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Topics: Mary, liturgical year, Advent, Immaculate Conception, Marian devotion

Advent Anticipation: Of Mystics, Martyrs, and Unknown Bards

Posted by Eric T. Styles on Dec 7, 2020 12:12:24 PM

Children don’t get weary,
Children don’t get weary,
Children don’t get weary,
Till your work is done.

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
The time is drawing nigh.

~~~~

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Topics: prayer, Advent

John the Baptist: A Patron for Lay Ministers

Posted by Timothy Pisacich on Dec 3, 2020 7:04:00 AM

I recently asked a mentor in ministry to recommend a retreat emcee. Rather than replying with the qualifications of her most accomplished colleagues or students, she named two people who could lead the retreat “without getting in the way.” As I recall who broadened and deepened my understanding of the Catholic faith, they are either people without social and educational distinctions, or people committed to the hard, ongoing work of putting their qualifications and education at the service of their baptismal call to live the Gospel. They are people like John the Baptist, free to actively point others not toward themselves but toward Christ. John the Baptist’s preparation for ministry in the desert is particular to his circumstances. Still, his presence to others without getting in the way and service that intentionally invites Christ into his efforts is a model for ministry. 

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Topics: lay ecclesial ministry, Advent, ministry, John the Baptist

Living and Handing on the Faith

The McGrath Institute Blog helps Catholics live and hand on their faith in Jesus Christ, especially in the family, home and parish, and cultivates and inspires everyday leaders to live out the fullness and richness of their faith in the simple, little ways that make up Church life.

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