Manos

A cardinal in red vestments and rosary looks through a large rifle scope, assisted by another man. They are in an indoor setting with aviation posters on the wall.

Last Chance for a Tax Deduction in 2016

You’ll be happy when tax time rolls around that you acted today. Don’t let today pass along and forget to make your donation for 2016! Donations have been coming in today because it’s the last day to it and get your deduction for 2016. Join the others who weren’t too late by donating below. Don’t let this…

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A nativity scene featuring Mary in brown and blue, an angel with wings, Joseph in purple holding a staff, and baby Jesus in a manger. Surrounding figures include animals like an ox and donkey.

Ladies and Gentleman: Start your Christmas Novena Today!

Your challenge, should you accept it:  Try completing this simple novena.  It will change your outlook on Christmas and inspire good meditation on the Nativity of Our Lord.  His birth in humble means.  The trials Mary and Joseph faced to make it happen.  The circumstances of not even being welcome.  All of the Old Testament…

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Black and white illustration of Jesus in a robe facing a Roman soldier, with text "PONTIVS PILATUS" above. Crowd and buildings in the background. Catholic Passion theme."

Elections: Screaming for Barabbas?

I was aghast at some of the irrational mental gymnastics I’ve seen tossed about in the name of Catholic thinking about this election. For instance, Simcha Fisher, who writes for Catholics, is propounding that she voted for Hillary Clinton. Coverage of this has occurred elsewhere in social media, and you can read a pretty good analysis at blog Mahound’s…

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Thanksgiving Day text with a religious theme. A list of five gratitude prompts, each ending with "let us give thanks to the Lord." The text is in black on a white background."

And They Can’t Figure Out Why People Don’t Go to Mass

Among all the other things Mass is meant to be, it certainly stands out that it is meant for us, as the people of God, His children, to worship Him together. A priest and friend from an unknown parish, in an unknown American location sent this photo of a booklet found in the sacristy. These are…

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Black and white illustration of Catholic themes: angels, children adoring the Eucharist with text "Factus Cibus Viatorum" and "Vere Panis Filiorum." Latin text at bottom reads: "IHS FIFTY YEARS ADORING OUR LORD 1893-1943."

Runaway Memes: Pumpkin Spiced Sacrilege on the Feast of St. Gennaro

I have a buddy named Gennaro, and every year I think it’s the coolest thing because on his feast day, one of the most famous blood miracles occurs or does not occur. It’s sort of like the groundhog day of the Catholic calendar, in the sense that the event might happen, or it might not. Some…

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A portrait of Saint Robert Bellarmine in cardinal's red robes, holding a crucifix. He has a beard and is depicted with a halo. Text reads: "S. ROBERTUS CARD. BELLARMINUS S. SOC. JESU. MARCELLI II P.M. NEPOS."

Bellarmine on Hell-Bound Popes. Our Patron’s Feast today.

Today is the feast of St. Robert Bellarmine, the patron of the Bellarmine Forum/Wanderer Forum Foundation. It is the perfect opportunity to illustrate one of the many, many, many examples from his life of why he is the perfect saint for our time in America.  The trouble is that there are so many reasons! We could discuss…

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Nuns in white and blue habits walking outdoors with a man, urban setting, Catholic theme.

7 Secrets Fr. Hardon Observed about Saint Mother Teresa’s Power

Although many people think Mother Teresa was already canonized, some thinking it happened several times already, today it was official.  Some news services are calling her Saint Teresa.  Even Pope Francis said it was going to be difficult to change how we refer to her, from “Mother Teresa” to “Saint Teresa.”  I think, mostly because…

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Illustration from St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 showing two girls, one holding a doll and the other hitting it with a stick. Text reads: "We are all born selfish." The illustration is in black and white with red accents."

Back to School Challenge: Find these 5 ideas in your child’s catechism!

Ahh, back to school time…  I remember having to make book covers out of old grocery bags, and then needing to promptly doodle, draw, and/or write on the covers to immediately identify them.  Then, I’d scan the book for pictures and see just what was in this new thing. It’s the time of year and…

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A religious icon depicting a severed head in a chalice, with text: "I must decrease that He may increase." Features warm colors and traditional art style. Catholic theme of martyrdom."

5 Things to Consider on the Beheading of John the Baptist Compared to Today

Today is the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. All great eras have to come to a head — a pinnacle where all the threads of plot swirl in wild tempest to resolution. Of all the stories in the old testament, I think the end of John the Baptist is a lot like Our…

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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.

Act Like You Know the Queen: Fr. Hardon Explains The Queenship of Mary

When I read about the variety of things Pope Pius V did in bringing Mary to a higher place of honor in the Roman Church, I’m often amazed that he wasn’t able, or perhaps, it was not yet time, for the apparent conclusions.  Just consider this short list of changes he made: He added the…

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