Corpus Christi is a profession of faith that Jesus Christi is really and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist under the appearance of bread and wine. One cannot truly believe in Christ and set this truth aside. Real Catholic Faith is not just saying and believing this, but living it. The most important way to live this is to receive Him frequently, and doing so with great faith, deep devotion, and integral purity.
The Holy Ghost is the spirit of truth, the giver of life and grace, and the power of divine love. Take a step in faith to acknowledge the importance, and to spiritually benefit from, the octave days of Pentecost. The fact that these days pass Catholics without notice shows the weakness of our faith. Most of us do not sufficiently seek the help of the Holy Ghost. Yet unless we take specific steps in faith, our faith will not grow stronger.
Pope Leo XIII presents the Church’s teaching on her divine purpose. The Church is to guard true doctrine and propagate it in its integrity and purity, to convert all nations, and to render unto God fitting and divine worship. By these means she alone offers the human race the means of salvation in accord with the ordinary counsels of providence. Hence the Church is mater et magistra, that is, mother [of the life of grace] and teacher [of the true doctrine]. Given the current grave crisis, the chief priority of every shepherd must be to restore –and be faithful to– the [...]
The Ascension focuses us on the mysteries of the Incarnate Word now in Heaven. He is forever our intercessor and mediator; here on earth He does so through the Mass. Jesus is crowned King of kings, has supreme authority over all creatures, and He will come again and judge the living and dead. Look to present Him with the beautiful fruits of your life and work (for example, your marriage). In all you do, raise your thoughts, eyes and desires to Heaven.
Pope Leo XIII teaches that the Church's raison d'être is to guard and propagate – in all its integrity and purity – both Christian doctrine and the fitting and devout worship of God. In faithfully doing this, the Church continues the mission of Our Savior and King, Jesus Christ. It is by true doctrine (lex orandi) and right worship (lex credendi) that the Church helps save men's souls. To further this end Christ established a hierarchy. A grave crisis exists today because so many in the hierarchy are not carrying out this mission. Every Catholic has the responsibility –within the scope [...]
God’s best and perfect gift is Jesus Christ, Whom God willed to give us through the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is God’s plan since before time began and it does not change. He manifested this truth at Bethlehem, then again at Fatima, and still at every Mass. Let us deepen this understanding by considering three of Our Lady’s titles and seven things she requested at Fatima.
In the Easter liturgies, Christ issues a call to faith and a call to carry our Cross. It is by these means that one enters eternal life. The cross represents all those trials in life which God permits; things which are unpleasant, difficult, sorrowful, even evil. Today, we Catholics find ourselves in a very grave situation because we have largely rejected the Cross. We see this in worship, doctrine, and morality. Yet the good shepherd carries his cross, for he will even lay down hill life for his sheep.
Consider three interrelated themes: resurrection, faith, and the Cross, which holds these themes together. We often lack faith, turning from the Cross and preferring the easier path. We fail to believe the Cross is the source of all blessings and what brings us sanctification. Eternal life comes through faith and the cross. The saints, who enjoy eternal beatitude, are models in faith and in carrying their cross. In fact, every saint carried a heavy cross. The cross purifies and strengthens your charity. And the more you love the cross, the more God works through you.
The Church calls us to mourn the sufferings and death of Our Savior, especially because our sins caused His passion and because we show Him such ingratitude. Do not flee from the Cross but welcome it. Make the effort to die to yourself. Everyone must experience suffering; how we face it determines our eternity, As St. Paul teaches, to be Christ’s disciple –to be Catholic– means to walk faithfully and constantly on the path of the Cross. Look to the example of Simon of Cyrene.
Fr. Michael Rodríguez issues a heart-felt open letter to the new pope, Leo XIV. It includes twelve pleas or requests. The world's Catholic faithful will come to learn much about the new pontiff given how he responds over the coming months (years?) to these pleas.
