D.D. Emmons writes from Pennsylvania.
Every Catholic is familiar with the sights, the sounds and even the smells that adorn the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Glowing candles, ringing bells and the aroma of incense are etched forever in our senses. These ancient sacramentals both inspire and
Every Sunday through the Nicene Creed, we Catholics profess our faith in Jesus Christ and express our complete conviction to the Divine Persons of the Most Holy Trinity. We stand up in community, in the presence of our Creator and with the
The Catholic Church has long honored early Christian leaders, theologians and teachers from the East (Greek) and West (Latin) as Fathers of the Church. Unlike Doctors of the Church, there is no official list of Church Fathers. Over the centuries, lists with
In the 17th century, science and religion collided. Known to students of history as simply Galileo, Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) lived toward the end of the European Renaissance period. Widely renowned, he was a brilliant astronomer, mathematician and physicist of his time, and
Except for Easter and Pentecost, the Solemnity of the Epiphany is the oldest of all Christian festivals, one that originated in the Eastern Churches beginning between the second and fourth centuries. Epiphany means to reveal, show or manifest; Christ is revealed. “The
Among the most popular, beautiful and reflective stories in all Scripture are those known as the infancy narratives found in the first two chapters of the Gospel according to St. Luke. The narratives are not only ageless, familiar stories, but they also
Arguably no doctrine of the Catholic Church is more misunderstood than the doctrine of indulgences. Most every book or article on the subject begins by claiming that Catholics are generally confused or at least hazy about exactly what the Church teaches. Examining
In 1571, Christianity was saved at the Battle of Lepanto. Throughout history, Catholic Christians have sought the intercession of the Blessed Mother in every kind of situation. We acknowledge her in times of joy and happiness, and ask her help in times
At age 12, on Nov. 29, 1226, Louis IX was anointed king of France. He became the most esteemed and effectual of all the French monarchs; arguably, of all monarchs in history. For the first eight years of Louis’ reign, Blanche of
Throughout Church history, devoted Catholics have offered guidance to men and women seeking the peace and love of Christianity. Similarly, Catholic Christians have provided assistance to others who, uncertain in their faith walk, have sought out the certitude of Catholicism. These people