Today, on the solemnity of the Annunciation, we commemorate the extraordinary event when the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce the incarnation of Christ. Though typically celebrated on March 25, this year, due to its overlap with Holy Week, the observance has been moved to Monday, April 8, as per the decision of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

St. Julie (Julia) Billiart was born in 1751 and died in 1816. As a child, playing "school" was Julie's favorite game. When she was sixteen, to help support her family, she began to teach "for real". She sat on a haystack during the noon recess and told the biblical parables to the workers. Julie carried on this mission of teaching throughout her life, and the Congregation she founded continues her work. Julie was the fifth of seven children. She attended a little one room ...

Today, on the solemnity of the Annunciation, we commemorate the extraordinary event when the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce the incarnation of Christ. Though typically celebrated on March 25, this year, due to its overlap with Holy Week, the observance has been moved to Monday, April 8, as per the decision of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published 'Dignitas Infinita', marking the culmination of five years of meticulous work. This groundbreaking declaration builds upon the rich tapestry of the papal magisterium over the past decade, delving into multifaceted issues ranging from war and poverty to gender theory and digital violence. The document lists the grave violations of human dignity. It should be noted that grave sins are mortal sins, and those who engage in these behaviors are ...

When France and Argentina met in the 2022 World Cup final, it was an incredible contest that many dubbed the “greatest World Cup match in history.” As the final seconds ticked off in extra time, the score was tied 3-3, sending the soccer teams to penalty kicks. After Argentina made the winning goal, the nation erupted in celebration. More than a million Argentineans overwhelmed downtown Buenos Aires. Drone footage spread across social media showing this raucous, happy scene. One BBC report described how the city quaked with “an explosion of joy.”

Joy is always a wonderful gift. Proverbs, though, describes how a city, a people, can experience joy that goes even deeper and lasts far longer. “When the righteous prosper,” Proverbs says, “the city rejoices” (11:10). When those who truly live by God’s designs for humanity begin to influence a community, then this signals good news because it means God’s justice is taking hold. Greed diminishes. The poor find support. The oppressed are protected. Whenever God’s right way of living flourishes, then there’s joy and “blessing” in the city (v. 11).

If we’re genuinely living out God’s ways, then the result will be good news for everyone. The way we live will make the community around us better and more whole. God invites us to be part of His work to heal the world. He invites us to bring joy to the city.

St. John Baptist de La Salle was born in 1651, in Reims, France. He was the eldest son of wealthy parents. At the age of eleven, La Salle was committed becoming a priest. At the age of sixteen, he was named Canon of Reims Cathedral. At the age of eighteen, he received a masterÂ?s degree in classical literature and arts, as well as philosophy. Sadly, La SalleÂ?s parents died within a year of each other in 1671 and 1672. La Salle had to manage his parentÂ?s estate which included educating his four ...

For all You have given, Thank You God. For all You have withheld, Thank You God. For all You have withdrawn, Thank You God. For all You have permitted, Thank You God. For all You have prevented, Thank You God. For all You have forgiven me, Thank You God. For all You have prepared for me, Thank You God. For the death You have chosen for me, Thank you God. For the place you are keeping for me in heaven, Thank You God. For having ...

According to research, people who are intentionally grateful for what they have report better sleep, fewer symptoms of illness, and more happiness. Those are impressive benefits. Psychologists even suggest keeping a “gratitude journal” to improve our well-being, writing down five things we’re grateful for each week.

Scripture has long promoted the practice of gratitude. From meals and marriage (1 Timothy 4:3-5), to the beauties of creation (Psalm 104), the Bible has called us to see such things as gifts and to thank the Giver for them. Psalm 107 lists five things Israel could be especially grateful for: their rescue from the desert (vv. 4-9), their release from captivity (vv. 10-16), healing from disease (vv. 18-22), safety at sea (vv. 23-32), and their flourishing in a barren land (vv. 33-42). “Give thanks to the LORD,” the psalm repeats, for these are all signs of God’s “unfailing love” (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31).

Do you have a notepad handy? Why not write down five good things you’re grateful for now? It might be the meal you just enjoyed, your marriage, or like Israel, God’s rescue points in your life to date. Give thanks for the bird’s singing outside, the smells from your kitchen, the comfort of your chair, the murmurs of loved ones. Each is a gift and a sign of God’s unfailing love.

Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity. Spirit of right judgment and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus' way of love. Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. May we respect life as we work to solve problems of family and nation, economy and ecology. Spirit of God, spark our faith, ...

Missionary. Born at Saint-Germain, France, circa 1125, he served as a canon at the church of St. Genevieve, Paris, under the great Abbot Suger until about 1170, when he was sent to Denmark with the mission of reforming the canons at Eskilsoe at the request of the bishop of Roskilde. He became abbot there and, during his three decades among the Danes, he also reformed many other communities. He also founded the abbey of St. Thomas, in Zeeland. He died in Denmark.