Fr. Michael Rodriguez

The Church infallibly teaches the dogmas that [1] Purgatory exists and that [2] by our suffrages, we may assist the souls in Purgatory. As November is the month dedicated for us to pray for the poor souls, we should make the extra effort to assist them by our suffrages and indulgences. When man sins, he incurs a guilt of stain and a guilt of debt. Through his own confession and contrition, every man must be forgiven of the guilt of stain. However, as members of the Church, we can help pay the guilt of debt owed by others. A basic catechism [...]

St. Gertude the Great (1256-1302) was a German Benedictine mystic nun. She is the only female saint honored with the title “the Great.” She had her first vision of Christ when she was twenty and our Lord appeared to her many times. Once He revealed to her: “Whoever in his trials and adversities, units himself with My sufferings and strives to imitate my patience and resignation will truly repose on My Heart and participate in all the merits of My life.” She meditated much on the passion, had a tender love for Our Lady, and was very devoted to the Holy [...]

At the end of the liturgical year, just like at the end of each day, we turn our hearts and minds to Our Lady. The Salus Populi Romani is a sacred image of our Lady painted by St. Luke. Through it, miracles have been wrought and it has been greatly honored by the popes. Pope Clement VIII (1592-1605) was particularly devoted to the Mother of God and left us an admirable example of true devotion to her.

Adventus Domini means “the coming of the Lord.” His coming is an absolute certainty, though we can identify three separate comings: in the flesh 2000 years ago, in grace now, and in glory at the end of time. Our Blessed Mother prepares us best for His coming, and so the Church turns her liturgical attention upon Our Lady. God wants to give us special graces at this time to grow in our devotion and filial love for His holy Mother. Perhaps the most famous Marian shrine in the whole world is the Holy House at Loreto. Its origins are traced back to [...]

This ranks among Father Rodriguez's "can't miss sermons" especially on account of how frank and obviously heartfelt he exhorts all faithful Catholics. The Immaculate Conception is the foundation of Mary’s pre-eminent purity and sanctity. The IC is a singular example of the infinite power of God’s grace and of how God grants grace to overcome sin. Invoke and cooperate with God’s grace and the grace of the Immaculate Conception (1) By praying, “By Thine Immaculate Conception, make my body pure and my soul holy”; (2) By receiving Holy Communion worthily; and (3) By fighting for the true Catholic Faith. Currently the True Faith is [...]