Family Faith on the Go!
Every year on March 25, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Our greatest saint, Mary did one simple thing. She listened to God’s will—that she was to be the mother of Jesus—and she accepted God’s will. Mary did not immediately think of herself, but set out to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, to be with her at the birth of John the Baptist. We will celebrate this unselfish act on May 31, the Visitation. Read the complete reflection online.
It sticks out like a sore, green thumb in the middle of a sober liturgical period. As a lifelong Catholic — and a lifelong Irishman — I struggle with squaring my prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial with a holiday (one of my favorites) whose excesses include dying an entire river green. When I’m supposed to be fasting and giving things up and attending penance services, along comes this holiday — this feast day — that contradicts the whole Lenten vibe with its parades and corned beef. Find more about Saint Patrick online.
Today, most people celebrate St. Valentine’s day by exchanging tokens of love—cards, candy, flowers and the like. But the holiday began as a saint’s feast day, which means its original purpose was to celebrate Christian love and devotion to Christ—in the case of St. Valentine, love even in the face of death. Online you’ll find eight simple ways to remember, reflect and celebrate the feast of Saint Valentine.
Saint Thomas was born at Roccasecca, Italy in 1225 of the family of the Counts of Aquino. He entered the Order at Naples at age 17, was a disciple of St. Albert the Great, and at age 25 earned the title of “doctor” from the University of Paris. The Summa Theologiae is his best-known work, and is one of the most influencial works of philosophy and the Church. It was published in 1485. Watch a video about St. Thomas online.
John Bosco was born August 16, 1815, in Becchi, Italy. He was the youngest son of Francesco Bosco and Margherita Occhiena and had two older brothers, Antonio and Giuseppe. St. John Bosco was canonized on Easter Sunday, 1934 and he was given the title, “Father and Teacher of Youth.” Saint John Bosco is the patron saint of apprentices, editors and publishers, schoolchildren, magicians, and juvenile delinquents. His feast day is on January 31. Watch a video about him online.
