Our Lady of the Rosary

In the 15th century, Dominican friars and local rosary confraternities initiated the observance of a special feast dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. This tradition found its roots in the historical events of October 7, 1571, when Christian and Turkish forces

Our Lady of Sorrows

The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15 and commemorates the seven great sorrows of Mary, Mother of Jesus. The biblically-based sorrows are: the prophecy of Simeon; the flight into Egypt; the Child Jesus being lost for three

How old was Joseph when he married Mary?

A reader writes: “St. Joseph could not be that old when Christ was crucified. He was 20-25 when he married Mary. Where was St. Joseph when Christ was crucified? How old was St. Joseph when he died?” Monsignor Charles Pope challenges the

What do we know about Mary’s assumption?

A reader writes: “The Blessed Mother was assumed into heaven. Did Mary die a natural death, or was she assumed into heaven with her whole body and soul? Does the New Testament or the Acts of the Apostles cover the Assumption like