St Benedict lived at a crossroads in the history of Europe, at the beginning of the so-called dark ages, yet shines as a light for our faith and for European culture over a thousand years later. This saint has had a profound impact on the religious and monastic life in the west like no other, and consequently on the whole culture of our continent. Pope Paul VI declared St Benedict to be a principal patron of Europe in a beautiful … Read More
Holy Scripture presents water full of meaning. It is associated with birth and fertility, suffering and conversion. Throughout the Bible, water is presented as a means of purification and ablution ultimately preparing souls for the indwelling of Divine Life by baptism. Among the three other elements (fire, earth and air), water is the first to be described as created by God Himself, who grants it to whomever He pleases. Genesis distinguishes “the waters that were under the firmament, from those … Read More
This new series of articles focuses on themes in Holy Scripture. We often hear in the readings during Holy Mass words such as vocation, seed, silence, victory, temple, anger… These words create part of a biblical vocabulary and have profound spiritual meaning. Their unity is expressed throughout the 73 books of the Bible, which is composed of 46 books of the Old Testament where the coming of Christ is prepared and prefigured, and 27 books of the New Testament where … Read More
There are three “parts” of the sacrament of penance, three things that are required of those receiving the sacrament of penance: contrition, confession and satisfaction. These three conditions are known as the acts of the penitent. (Incidentally, the “penitent” is the person going to confession; the “confessor” is the priest administering the sacrament.) This sacrament exists to set us free from the sins we have committed. “Whoever commits sin is the slave of sin” (John 8:34). That explains the three … Read More
On 31st December, the Church gives to all the faithful the possibility of gaining a plenary indulgence. Just as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for four ends (adoration, thanksgiving, atonement and petition), one of the aspects of either public or private prayer is thanksgiving. On the last day of the year, the Church encourages her children to give thanks to Almighty God, according to the words of St Paul: “Give thanks upon all occasions; this is what … Read More
Pilgrims from around the world gathered in France for the annual pilgrimage from Paris to Chartres from 8th to 10th June to herald the Feast of Pentecost, the theme of which was: “The Peace of Christ through the Reign of Christ.” More than 14,000 people walked the 100km over the three days arriving in Notre Dame de Chartres Cathedral on the Feast of Pentecost. Chartres Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady – Notre Dame – the Virgin Mother of God. … Read More
In our modern culture, it is all too easy to forget that Christmas has not yet arrived. The celebrations seems to have already come by the end of November. Everywhere we go, shops are decorated with yuletide glee. We hear Christmas carols on the radio and see Christmas programming on television. By the time the feast itself comes around, some of us may have almost had enough of it. This premature (and often very secular) celebration of Christmas can obscure … Read More
Christ’s boundless Charity “The proof of His boundless charity that Christ the Lord left to his Bride the Church, namely, the inexpressible and supreme gift of the Eucharist, requires us to deepen our appreciation of this great mystery and to share ever more fully in Its saving power. Accordingly, the Church, in its pastoral zeal and care, has repeatedly made practical laws and timely statements of doctrine aimed at furthering devotion toward the Eucharist, the summit and centre of Christian worship”. (Immensae Caritatis 1973, Sacred … Read More
