John B. Manos

Black and white portrait of an elderly man wearing glasses, papal attire including a skullcap (zucchetto) and collar. He appears to be smiling gently, conveying a serene expression.

“Yeah, and I am Napoleon” — Jesuit porter receives call from Pope Francis, SJ (video)

So Pope Francis, SJ, calls the Jesuit Curia himself, and asks for the Superior General, and upon identifying himself as Pope, the porter, having received many prank calls since the election of Pope Francis was put out, and reported that he nearly said, “Yeah, and I am Napolean” – HAH! But, Pope Francis calmly said,…

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Pope Francis in white papal attire stands at night, addressing a large crowd illuminated by candlelight. The scene is set against a dark background with the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica visible in the distance, emphasizing a Catholic gathering or ceremony.

Jesus wasn’t good enough for them either, Pope Francis, S.J.

Just because the Pope is on the balcony before the people does not mean that the people are supposed to scream “crucify him!”

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Pope Francis in white papal vestments speaking at a podium with microphones, delivering a sermon or address. The background features religious artwork and ornate decorations typical of a Catholic church setting.

First Homily of Pope Francis, SJ

Read the full english text of the first homily of Pope Francis, SJ (courtesy Vatican Radio)

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A religious tapestry featuring Jesus Christ seated in a blue robe and red garment, surrounded by saints and angels. The scene is framed with intricate patterns in gold, red, and white. Catholic theme of divine judgment or heavenly court.

Uplifting anecdotes, and a story for your lent.

Three short stories from yesteryear to give you some meat to chew on for lent.

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A fresco depicting mythological figures in vibrant colors: cherubs with bows, a central female figure, and various other characters. The scene is dynamic with flowing drapery and dramatic poses.

Kosher Observance is the new Catholic Dating Scene?

Prior to God becoming man, devout souls had only the law, given by God to Moses. It was from God, but the laws is a thing nonetheless, not a person.  Prophets got to be with God, know His person in person, but everyone else knew him from the law and what the prophets said.  To be…

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A bearded man in ornate golden and red robes kneels, holding a heart with flames. Surrounded by books and religious texts, he appears to be in deep prayer or contemplation. A halo of light shines down on him, suggesting a divine presence. The text "SANCTVS BONAVENTURA" is visible at the top of the image."

Augustine was not saved through Navel Gazing

The unfortunate oversight of Matt McGuiness — Augustine did not say that navel gazing and staring into the abyss brings you to Jesus. Good friends praying for a miracle, like St. Monica or Kevin O’Brien, does bring salvation, though — even if you call us “moralists” and think we aren’t “realists”.

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A religious icon featuring a robed figure holding an infant, with gold background and red accents. Two angels are depicted in circles above the main figures. Themes of motherhood and divinity, likely representing Mary and Jesus in Catholic tradition.

Before Lepanto, Mary became known as the Invincible Champion, Triumphant Leader

Today, in Eastern Churches, special services and hymns are sung just after compline to the Blessed Mother. It may seem like an odd practice to American lent goers — after all, Fridays are well known in the Roman Church for the Stations of the Cross. However, given that Mary carried God to us, and hence…

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Icon of Jesus Tempted in the Desert

Fasts and Lent. If you want to cast out demons…

Last year, I posted about the history of fasting during lent. I think the article stands up well this year, too. I’d only add that the topic was at least discussed at the most recent USCCB meeting. Rather difficult for me to comprehend how, when Our Lord told us that some demons may only be cast…

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A religious icon depicting a bearded saint in ornate red and gold vestments, holding a staff and an open book. The figure wears a mitre, symbolizing high ecclesiastical rank in the Catholic Church.

St. Valentine — Martyred for Marriage

Happy St. Valentine’s Day! By now, you will have already seen the day play out, there may have been candy hearts with messages on them, notes passed by children in school, and then the adult activities. What precisely was St. Valentine about, though? Let’s take a trip back to the third century. You and I are sitting in…

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Lunatics or Henchmen?: Group Claims to have forced Pope’s Resignation… ???

I have never heard of this group, nor of such a court action pending. I hesitate to post this for fear that I may be giving attention to a group of lunatics with a blog. At the same time, this group claims to have achieved a court action in the EU that forced the resignation of the…

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