John B. Manos

A book titled "Sacrament of Confirmation" with an illustration of a bishop and two individuals. Text discusses Pentecostalist confirmation, sacraments for the "New Age," and mentions replacing with another rite after expiration. Background is orange and yellow text on a light gray backdrop."

Pentecost, Pentecostalism, Nominalism, and the Holy Spirit

As water cleanses from impurity and extinguishes fire, the use of water signifies that our souls are cleansed and the fire of hell is quenched for us. As oil gives light and strengthens the body, its use in Confirmation indicates plainly that our souls are enlightened and fortified by the Holy Spirit. Thus the practical…

Read More...
Balaam riding a donkey with an angel and text in Latin, depicting a biblical scene. The illustration features vibrant colors: blue sky, green hills, and colorful clothing. Balaam is struck by an angel's staff while the donkey lies on the ground. Text reads: "Temptavit illo balaam Ariolus, pphetaunit ee occiditur. Balaam."

On the 96th anniversary of the Fatima Secret: a new take on the vision of the Angel

Today is the 96th anniversary of the vision to the three children at Fatima. Coincidently, it is also the 48th year for the Bellarmine Forum. Thus, Fatima is twice as old as the Bellarmine forum this year. On top of that, it is the 90th anniversary of St. Robert Bellarmine’s beatification on May 13, 1923! …

Read More...
The Ascension of the Lord. Jesus ascends to heaven surrounded by angels and apostles, including Mary in blue robes. Vibrant colors with a red border. Text at top reads "The Ascension of the Lord."

Confusing the Little Things Obscures the Big: Ascension Thursday

In Acts 1:3 we read that Our Lord ascended to Heaven forty days after His Glorious Resurrection. The importance of this Feast is punctuated by Fr. Hardon: It is very important to be convinced that Christ’s Ascension into heaven was an historical fact. As early as the beginning of the second century, St. Ignatius of…

Read More...
A modern church interior with white curved walls and wooden pews, featuring a cross on the wall. Natural light streams in through skylights.

What Really Killed the Catholic Church in America

Appearing on a heavily trafficked blog today is an article by Fr. Dwight Longenecker titled What’s Killing American Catholicism.  In it, Father Longenecker says two things worthy of note: Ethnic Parishes destroyed America (!).  Literally, he says “The first problem is cultural Catholicism”.  I am flabbergasted and nearly speechless at the ignorance of this statement….

Read More...
Statue of Saint Joseph holding baby Jesus in sepia tones, with a blurred background figure. ©1998, 2013 John B. Manos"

Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, Chicago Bombings, Labor Riots, and Terror of Demons

What does St. Joseph have to do with May Day? How is Chicago tied into this feast? Is this feast still needed today or has the need go away? Find out why May Day is really St. Joseph day!!

Read More...
Saint George riding a white horse, slaying a green dragon with red accents. He wears armor and a red cape. The text "SAINT GEORGE" is at the top. A Catholic icon depicting bravery and faith."

The X-Files of the Church: Slaying Dragons, Resurrection from the dead, and George

Today is the feast of Saint George, who has a pedigree that will make your head spin with fascination and wonder. He isn’t known as a “wonder worker” per se, but he is attributed in various historical accounts as: slaying a dragon; having resurrected from the dead after having been slain for his conversion; coming…

Read More...
Text discussing Catholic beliefs about purgatory and angels, specifically mentioning Our Lady of Sabbatine Privilege, St. Michael, and the role of angels in guiding souls. The text is black on a white background with a clear, serif font.

Was Today First Saturday? or… No First Saturday this month?

If Annunciation, an immovable feast, was moved all the way from March 25 to April 8th, this past Monday, then that must mean that any other immovable feast, and similar votive intent is moved as well, correct? Last Saturday was the first Saturday in April. But, because that was low Saturday, it was not proper…

Read More...
Sheet music for "Ite missa est," a traditional Catholic liturgical text, showing musical notes and lyrics in black on white background."

Deo Gratias…. ALLELUIA. Yes, we should still be chanting that.

40 days without alleluia, used to mean 40 days with it… Now, we’re lucky to get 8… Irritating, isn’t it? No fear, we got alleluias here.

Read More...
A section displaying "246,923 Comments Received" in a blue box with white text. The background is light gray with red headings labeled "Comments" and "Docket Information."

People Showed up in Droves to Comment on the Record Against HHS Mandate!

Unprecedented numbers of comments were filed in the administrative record of the HHS Mandate rule. Thank you, and the bishops think you for the support. Our work isn’t done, though, as Fr. Hardon had this battle pegged a long time ago.

Read More...