Partnering with the Faithful In Part One, I raised the possibility that the Synod on Synodality is both a microcosm of the millennia-long process of Tradition, and an active participant in that process. I then paused to explore the Scriptural meaning of the word “Tradition,” specifically, the way the first Christians handed on and widely ...read more

  Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Someone who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up their soul to what is false. Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 24 Romans 1.1-7 Matthew 1:18-24 We often say that the road to hell is paved ...read more

As we draw near to the coming of Our Lord over the next few days, we’ll be unveiling a series of images and blog posts with Latin titles. The series reflects on the set of “O Antiphons,” ancient prayers for the final phase of the Advent season. December 17: O Sapientia, “Wisdom” December 18: O Adonai, “Lord ...read more

In today’s catechesis on discernment, Pope Francis reflects on the importance of vigilance and “keeping watch to safeguard our heart.” Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! We are now entering the final phase of this journey of catechesis on discernment. We started out from the example of Saint Ignatius of Loyola; ...read more

Handing on the Faith As I was writing my reflection on the Working Document for the Continental Stage last month, I mulled over multiple ways to describe this synod process. In that post, I called it a “conversation.” TheWorking Document represented the participants of the Diocesan Phase, in conversation with the regional assemblies of the ...read more

On Monday, December 12, Pope Francis celebrated Mass and gave a homily on the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. Pope Francis spoke about celebrating Guadalupe at a difficult time for humanity. Read the full text of his homily below:   Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis Holy Mass Blessed Virgin Mary of ...read more

  Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:1-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? What did you ...read more

You’re a little late to the party, but by the time you arrive, you see the perfect gift wrapped and gingerly placed in front of you. The place is a bit of a mess, but no one cares, and the joy in the air is palpable. People are smiling, crying, and laughing, all because of ...read more

In mid-November, my husband Richard and I and our four girls went to visit Madonna House in Combermere, Ontario. Any chance we get to visit Madonna House as a family, we take it! Madonna House is special to us.  This was not our usual pilgrimage, however. We had camera equipment in the trunk and I ...read more

On December 8, we celebrate Mary and how she was free from original sin from the moment of her conception. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is an important feast day around the world. Many countries like the Philippines, Italy, Malta, Portugal, and Colombia made this day a public holiday. In the United States, it ...read more