The Bellarmine Forum

Let Nothing Disturb You

By Terri Aluise | March 29, 2015 |

A marble sculpture depicting an angel and a robed figure, likely Saint Teresa of Avila in ecstasy. The figures are intricately detailed with flowing drapery, set against an ornate background.

by Guest Author, Terri Aluise This year, 2015, marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of St. Teresa of Avila. I have spent the last month or so trying to discern how I can, in my own feeble way, honor her on this occasion – for she is a close friend and a spiritual…

A Gift to Our Readers: Easter Strudel

By John M. DeJak | March 28, 2015 |

Three children in an apron are in a kitchen, smiling and holding eggs. One child is licking a whisk with batter on it. A bowl of cake mixture and apples are visible on the table in black and white.

We here at the Bellarmine Forum have often spoken of the revered traditional customs, especially those that take place at Easter and Christmas. Pope Benedict XVI has spoken eloquently of these and we have endeavored over the years to celebrate and bring to a wider audience these traditions. We have probably been disproportionate in our…

Go to Joseph!

By Terri Aluise | March 23, 2015 |

A long table draped in red and white cloths set up for a Catholic event, featuring various food items. The room has tiled floors and white walls with religious statues visible in the background.

By Guest Author, Terri Aluise “Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine, There’s always laughter and good red wine, At least I have always found it so. Benedicamus Domino!” One of the best ways to honor St. Joseph, the patron of the family and protector of the universal church, is to hold a St. Joseph’s Day…

Miracle: St. Gennaro’s Relics Re-Vivify for Pope Francis [VIDEOS]

By John B. Manos | March 21, 2015 |

A statue of a Catholic bishop in elaborate red and gold vestments, wearing a mitre and holding religious symbols. The statue is positioned in front of an ornate door, suggesting a church setting.

I used to watch the Bob and Penny Lord shows because they had a great way of traveling around and finding some great things worldwide about the Church that were really neat. I don’t recall them covering Naples and the miracle of St. Gennaro (Januarius). I can hear what they would be saying, though. I…

The Errors of Russia… Occultism, Theosophy, demon worship

By John B. Manos | March 20, 2015 |

A page from an old religious text titled "The Anathema Service," featuring black text on a beige background. The text discusses religious excommunications and condemnations, focusing on Catholic themes of heresy and apostasy. The page number is 19."

Last year, I had an ambitious multi-part Fatima post series that I never finished. Truth be told, I’ve had a project about twenty years collecting tidbits and collating information. I’ve never been satisfied that “Marxist atheism” adequately describes the errors of Russia in the context of Fatima’s warning that “Russia will spread her errors throughout…

St. Joseph had to believe

By John B. Manos | March 19, 2015 |

A black and white illustration of three women visiting a seated, elderly man in a serene setting. The scene depicts the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth from Catholic tradition, with text "The Visit of St. Elizabeth" at the bottom."

I have a number of icons and a few images in my office, one of which is pictured to the right. It is an old print titled “The Death of St. Joseph.” I’ve always liked this print, because it points out the trust in God St. Joseph had to have in many ways. Joseph must…

Cremation Gets Funky

By John B. Manos | March 18, 2015 |

I don’t think people like to talk about their own funeral preparations. The Pope and most religious have to make theirs on the first day of their office. The rest of us are free to do whatever whenever, and some never even consider it leaving it to family to figure out. I know one thing:…

No Pain, No Gain

By Cindy Paslawski | March 17, 2015 |

A historical illustration of a Catholic scene with figures in period clothing. A man is blessing fish, while others prepare food. Hanging meats and religious figures are visible in the background. The text reads "SANCTA MARIA ORA PRO NOBIS" and "PATER NOSTER"."

“What are you doing to me!” my son yelled at the crucifix in his room. “I don’t think complaining about not eating between meals on a fast day to One who is nailed to a cross is a good tactic,” I replied. Yes, this conversation was about Ash Wednesday and the fast. I’d just reminded…

March 17 is Perfect for St. Patrick, don’t move this Feast!

By John B. Manos | March 17, 2015 |

Stained glass depiction of Saint Patrick in red robes and mitre, holding a staff and book. Surrounded by intricate designs and the text "S.PATRK." with Catholic iconography, including a church."

Every year I wonder about the draw of so many to the green day. It used to be that you’d see shamrocks and the “Erin go braugh” or more recently, it seems that “luck of the Irish” is the bigger hit anymore, but I don’t see as many shamrocks, more leprechauns than anything else. I…

For your Phone: Annunciation Novena (March 17 to March 25)

By John B. Manos | March 16, 2015 |

Announcement for an Annunciation Novena from March 17 to March 25. Features a prayer to the Virgin Mary, with illustrations of an angel and Mary in blue robes. The text includes a prayer for special intentions, emphasizing themes of grace, mercy, and protection.

I like to have prayers on my iPhone for the convenience. I will take a picture of the prayer in the prayer book, missal, whatever, and then save the picture into an album. It makes it easy to find the prayer later, and it is convenient because the prayer is right on the phone. Tomorrow,…