John B. Manos

A black and white illustration featuring St. Benedict with followers, set in a monastery scene. Text reads: "St. Benedict’s One Trick to Holiness." The background includes a monastery and landscape, emphasizing Catholic themes."

Kolbe: St. Benedict’s one trick to become Holy

On the feast the St. Benedict, we typically see people speaking of his medal and protection from evil, but there’s so much more to this saint! One time his sister, St. Scholastica wrote to him for advice on how to be holy, but before we report his answer to her, consider the life of this saint…

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Elaborate altar in a Catholic church with gold accents, statues of saints, and religious iconography. The floor features black and white checkered tiles. A statue of the Virgin Mary is prominently displayed above the altar, surrounded by ornate decorations and flowers.

How Cigarettes and the Blessed Mother can Defeat a Bolshevik Army

Quite some time ago, I read a quote that had been sent to me by a number of people, but I wasn’t really sure what to say about it other than express disgust and disappointment. Sometimes you read these things said by Cardinals and it makes you wonder if they are Catholic, or unaware of what…

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Black and white photo of a train wreck inside a large, ornate building with arched windows. The text "TRAIN WRECK" is prominently displayed at the top right of the image."

The One Group Pope Francis Seemingly Won’t Apologize to

Just a few days after I mentioned that Pope Francis said things that got people in an uproar over matrimony, here we are again. I see that he is going from Armenia to Azerbaijan, and talking to reporters. He mentioned strange things about Luther, and said that the Church should apologize to homosexuals for marginalizing them. I know…

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A man dressed in white religious attire descends airplane stairs, flanked by individuals in formal suits and uniforms. The scene includes red carpeting on the steps and flags visible at the top of the stairs, suggesting a significant Catholic event.

Despite all the Angst, Maybe Pope Francis is Right… And the reactions were wrong for the wrong reasons

In the past week, Pope Francis said something that got everyone in an uproar (imagine that).  Catholic blogs were immediately lambasting the statement.  Many claimed that he was wrong to say what he said.  A giant news network even got into the act and claimed it was time for him to resign.  I wonder if maybe…

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Black and white illustration of a muscular man with a cross around his neck, surrounded by people in traditional attire. Text reads: "One Simple Catholic Way to Boss Your Least Favorite Chore." The scene appears to be set in a historical or religious context."

One trick of Catholic practice to conquer your least favorite chore

Because the weather is more like a convection oven these days, and not wanting to feel roasted like St. Lawrence when doing the yard work today, I got all that done early this morning. I had surprised myself though when I noticed I was excited not because I was done with that chore, but rather because…

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Cover of "The Bellarmine Forum" magazine, June/July 2018 issue. Features a religious icon of Jesus Christ in white robes, holding his heart, with the text "The Mercy of God." The cover is predominantly cream and gold."

Magazine: The Mercy of God, Summer 2016, Issue 1

Take the word mercy back from the liberals! Last year, when Pope Francis announced the Jubilee Year of Mercy, we all saw the glee and reactions of liberals in the news. Surely, everyone remembers the “All are Welcome” and “On the Margins” being flamboyantly heralded by liberal Catholics to convey the idea that somehow, through the…

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A newspaper clipping titled "Beware the Useful Idiots" by Garret Geer. It discusses Saul Alinsky's rules for political control, including healthcare, poverty, debt, gun control, welfare, education, religion, and class warfare. Key points are highlighted in yellow. The text warns about strategies to manipulate society for political gain, referencing historical figures like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama."

Do You think they are kidding? Alinsky’s Demonic Ends Aspired

The Forum has been warning people about Alinsky for over twenty years. I saw this floating around on the Internets and it’s a good summary of the many things we discuss from time to time. Regular and long time readers will recognize it, but is there more? I am always amazed at the disconnect that seems…

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Stained glass depiction of a woman with a halo, holding a heart with flames and a crown of thorns. She wears blue robes and has a serene expression, symbolizing the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Catholic tradition.

Who Else Wants to Hear a Story about Mary’s Care For Us and People We Can’t Stand?

In Mary’s Immaculate Heart, all things about Our Lord are magnified. She truly does make it easier to understand the essences of God and the form of the mysteries of our faith. That’s not a cliche! Let me illustrate by talking about that one thing we all know:  that guy you can’t stand. Everybody has one. You know who…

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A page from an old book discussing Catholic church etiquette and spiritual guidance, with a red arrow pointing to specific text. The text emphasizes humility in church behavior and the importance of silent prayer, referencing St. Chrysostom. The text is printed in black ink on aged paper with a yellowish tint.

Would “Loud Praying” Exclude Charismatics?

When you see instructions like this in old Catholic texts, it makes you wonder how rowdy Mass was back then… this from a Catholic book published in 1894. I posted this little tidbit on Facebook and I had to share it here. Remember! Try to keep the spitting down when at Mass! And watch out for…

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A statue of a crowned woman in regal robes holding an infant, likely depicting the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. The scene is set within a decorative architectural frame with grapes, symbolizing Catholic themes of nurturing and divine protection.

Finish May, the Month of Mary, with an Indulgenced Bang

At the end of our Rosary, we pray the mystery of the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. May is a month dedicated to devotion to Mary. Traditionally, on the old calendar, today, the last day of May, is the feast of the Queenship of Mary. Fr. Hardon gives the history of the Litany…

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