On this day, Irish men and women—and we who want to drink green milkshakes with them—around the world celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick. Some celebrate for religious reasons, some for cultural reasons, and some just because they enjoy the festivities. St. Patrick’s Day has become one of those Catholic holidays that has almost lost its Catholic character because it has become so engrained in the wider culture. But let’s take a moment to reflect on the life of St. Patrick and what he can teach us about making a gift of self.
Lent
Lent is Here Again
Our bodies tell us of our inherent value, regardless of our productivity. While sitting around doing nothing can make us feel useless, we have to realize that our worth comes from the fact that God made us in His own image and likeness, not from the work we produce.
True Freedom
The content discusses the distinction between freedom and license through the lens of Catholic faith, emphasizing that true freedom involves moral responsibility and serving others, rather than pursuing self-indulgent desires.
Why Should We Rejoice During Lent?
The Church celebrates Laetare Sunday, emphasizing the joy from Lent’s struggles, echoing Pope John Paul II’s teachings that self-mastery during hardships leads to greater love and readiness for Easter joy.
What God Asks of Us Tomorrow
The upcoming Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, emphasizing fasting as a spiritual practice. The Church encourages fasting for self-mastery, allowing individuals to deepen their relationship with God and resist temptation through discipline and love.
But What If You Couldn’t Fail?
"I want to stick to my resolution. I know it's for the better. I want to persevere, but it's so hard, and, if I'm being honest...I'm scared." It's a phrase all too familiar with people who are struggling to get out of a bad habit or better themselves with a long-term...
Memento Mori
“Remember, you will die.” Better known perhaps in Latin, “memento mori” is the catchy phrase that the Church has inherited from centuries of tradition. It’s never been a particular favorite of mine - it’s a bit of a downer, very pithy, and therefore to my mind rather...
Theology of the Body and Lenten Asceticism
Lent is back. As Catholics, we are accustomed during this season to hear various exhortations to further conversion in our lives, especially through practicing the three traditional Lenten practices of prayer, asceticism, and almsgiving. It seems to me that most of us...
Salvation and Sacrament
Increasingly, we as a society are not at ease in our own bodies. In the last twenty years, the availability of computers, smart phones, and other “screens” have made it easier than ever to “connect” with others—indeed, to live—in complete physical isolation. At the...