John B. Manos

Religious icons of Jesus and John the Baptist in a church setting with incense burner, featuring text: "REPENT!!! I MUST DECREASE THE HE MAY INCREASE." The icons are colorful with gold halos, and the text is bold."

Some People think ‘Losing Their Head’ is the Way to Imitate John the Baptist

Was John the Baptist a mere political activist, speaking truth to power? Why did St. john the Baptist survive death threats when Peter wilted at mere questions from bystanders? How and what can we learn from St. John the Baptist on his feast? What does he tell us about religious liberty?

Read More...
A person walking in a desert landscape with text overlay: "Acrobats, Daredevils, and... 'Thank you, Jesus?'". The scene is live with a time stamp of 04:24. The person wears a blue shirt and green vest, with rocky terrain in the background."

Acrobats, Daredevils, and … “Thank You, Jesus”?

This evening, Discovery Channel aired a two hour special wherein Nik Wallenda walked across the Grand Canyon on a tightrope, with no fall protection. The Wallenda family is several generations deep of acrobats, and tight wire performances. They aren’t amateurs at this sort of performance, but I was taken aback by something different. Besides Joel Osteen being…

Read More...
A man dressed in papal attire with a speech bubble saying, "Etiam vel non. Hoc dixi??" in Latin. The background is a blurred yellow and orange gradient, emphasizing Catholic themes."

Did Cardinal Pacelli (Pius XII) really say this?

Sometimes bombshell quotes sound just a little too good. Pius XII supposedly said we’d be searching for Our Lord in our own Churches as Mary Magdalen did… or did he?

Read More...
A mosaic depicting Jesus labeled "Truth Incarnate" and a demon labeled "Father of Lies," with text reading "Pick Your Side: The Two Standards." Gold background, religious theme."

The Two Standards: Truth Incarnate or The Father of Lies.

Alternate Title: Liars are children of the devil by imitation. Recently, I saw a disgusting sight on Kevin O’Brien’s blog as people reacted to a post wherein Kevin exhorted people to tell the truth (he gives more examples in his post about this article). The comments are horrid and remind one that no matter how…

Read More...
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...