Liturgical Year

Commandments Not Unreachable Ideals

svfonline2019-09-06T06:04:00-04:00

A very dangerous idea that has crept into moral theology is that the Commandments of God are only ideals; hence, modern man can adapt them to his concrete circumstances. It is now claimed that a faithful indissoluble marriage directed towards procreation is just for those with heroic virtue, instead of a universal norm. This is gravely contrary to Christ's immutable teaching and a pastoral disaster. It turns all the Commandments into mere counsels or suggestions which may or may not be followed by a "good conscience." We need to hear from our shepherds the thundering voice of John the Baptist which demands [...]

Commandments Not Unreachable Idealssvfonline2019-09-06T06:04:00-04:00

Suppression of the Jesuits

svfonline2019-09-01T06:06:23-04:00

By his decree, Dominus ac Redemptor, Clement XIV suppressed the Jesuits in 1773. The sons of St. Ignatius's had done much to stem the protestant revolt, evangelize new lands, and defend the Church. This was one of the Church's lowest moments. It opened the door to great evils ushered by the French Revolution and Communism. Why does God allow such things? So that greater good may come of it. This is an important lesson for us to learn today when we face a very dark time in the Church's life. Good orders and authentic Catholic life is being suppressed, but this [...]

Suppression of the Jesuitssvfonline2019-09-01T06:06:23-04:00

Music Can Establish or Destroy Morality

svfonline2019-08-31T08:54:24-04:00

Music has a profound effect on man as it is a 'language' which speaks directly to the soul. It can be used to bring order to man, refresh the human soul, and glorify God. Yet the devils can also pervert it to bring disorder, arouse the passions, and lead man into much sin and immorality. Studies have shown that music even affects plants and animals! Ancient traditions recount how bad music led the sons of Seth into sin, and we know it played a role in the quintessential idolatry of the golden calf. St. Peter Claver, not unlike Our Lord cleansing [...]

Music Can Establish or Destroy Moralitysvfonline2019-08-31T08:54:24-04:00

Our Prayers as Marys Cargo

svfonline2019-08-23T17:15:02-04:00

The Vigil of the Assumption is meant to be a little 'one day Lent' to prepare for the great feast of Our Lady's Assumption, body and soul. Our Lady is able to take all our prayers, each and everyone of them, with her to Heaven. Nothing hinders her. An excellent example of this is seen in the Fatima Event. She does indeed care for us and has an open ear. Let us, then, add our petitions to her freight and have confidence in her great intercessory power.

Our Prayers as Marys Cargosvfonline2019-08-23T17:15:02-04:00

Chastity and Reverence

svfonline2019-08-23T06:23:33-04:00

Blessed Mary’s perfect and immaculate purity, of both body and soul, are contributing causes to today’s mystery of the Assumption. Nothing impure can enter into heaven says the Apocalypse! After all, no human being can be good or truly happy, in this life or the next, without chastity. Rob man of chastity and you take from him self-respect and his desire to pray. No wonder the devil likes to start with impure temptations! To remain truly chaste, it greatly helps to understand the connection between chastity and reverence. Yet we need the aid of the Blessed Virgin to deal properly with [...]

Chastity and Reverencesvfonline2019-08-23T06:23:33-04:00

Use Memory to Grow in Sanctity

svfonline2019-08-23T05:23:39-04:00

In the parable of the publican and the pharisee, note how the publican remembered his sins, whereas the pharisee did not (instead he remembered the sins of others). This shows us that overcoming sin and growing in grace, truth and virtue has a lot to do with memory. When you have been rescued from a pit, it is good to remember that God rescued you because He loves you. It is also good to remember that, on your own, you are capable of falling back into a deeper pit. Our Lord gave St. Margaret of Cortona nine remembrances for graces - [...]

Use Memory to Grow in Sanctitysvfonline2019-08-23T05:23:39-04:00

Turn to Marys Heart

svfonline2019-08-11T09:04:54-04:00

In the wake of the mass murders in El Paso (and Dayton), many of us ask "Why does God allow such terrible evil to occur?" In response, I encourage you to always keep before you the perspective of eternity and the salvation of souls. Many bewail this great tragedy (rightfully so), but far more should we bewail the loss of so many souls falling into hell. What man should really dread is eternal damnation. Yet God has given us a tremendous grace to help us in any and every danger: the Immaculate Heart of His Mother! He wills that we turn [...]

Turn to Marys Heartsvfonline2019-08-11T09:04:54-04:00

FaceBook OpenBook OpenDoor

svfonline2019-08-11T08:37:16-04:00

We are meant to 'redeem the time' and 'work out our salvation.' St. Alphonsus made a vow never to waste time. Yet wasting time with worldly endeavors and vain entertainment may be the great weakness [sin] of our age. Social Media, epitomized by Facebook, is one of the most popular ways to 'kill the time.' Does it not open doors that lead to much trouble, to the world, the flesh, and the devil? Does it not steal time that ought to be spent on one's duties and lead to the loss of grace and virtue? It easily becomes an openbook that [...]

FaceBook OpenBook OpenDoorsvfonline2019-08-11T08:37:16-04:00

Heaven Intervenes Only As Last Resort

svfonline2019-08-05T08:39:03-04:00

Angels and saints are standing by as a vast army ready to help the Catholic Church assure the victory; why do they delay? Everyone seems to be looking only to this extraordinary Divine intervention. Yet, miraculous aid will only follow after the ordinary has been accomplished and proven insufficient. Using other words, historically, God only works miracles when the normal means have failed. Heaven intervenes when man has done his part! Have we really done our part in making the normal means work? How well do we fulfill the duties of our state in life (consider reviewing them here for Christians, [...]

Heaven Intervenes Only As Last Resortsvfonline2019-08-05T08:39:03-04:00

One True Religion from Adam to Christ

svfonline2019-08-05T06:44:29-04:00

There has only been and always will be only one True Religion that has been proclaimed and practiced by believers throughout history. True Religion, revealed by God, began with Adam and continued through Abraham, Moses, David, and various prophets. This True Religion received its perfection and completion in Jesus Christ. The Roman Canon, which in essence originated with St. Peter and comes from the oldest of the Church's liturgical rites, sublimely proclaims this reality. All other religions, including Judaism as it is practiced today, are false religions. Yet we pray that God will lift the veil from disbelieving Jews, as he [...]

One True Religion from Adam to Christsvfonline2019-08-05T06:44:29-04:00