The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The document that declared the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a “doctrine revealed by God” is aptly titled Ineffabilis Deus, that is, “ineffable God.” When something is “ineffable” it is too great or extreme to be expressed in words. Certainly God...

Second Sunday of Advent

“Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” When St. Paul wrote this to the Romans, he was referring to what we know as the Old Testament. We, however, apply his...

First Sunday of Advent

It may surprise some of us that the Scripture readings on this First Sunday of Advent do not refer at all to the birth of Jesus at Christmas – which is what most well-meaning Catholics look forward to in this season. These readings, especially the Gospel, have nothing...

Seasonal Introduction to Advent

Each Advent we are given the opportunity to begin anew and to enter a deeper place of interior awareness. We not only continue to await the second coming of the Lord, but we look forward to celebrating again the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago!...

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe

The liturgical year draws to a close most fittingly with the celebration of Jesus Christ as King of the Universe. It is the Church’s way of acknowledging God’s “plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in Heaven and on earth” (Eph 1:10). Today’s...