Fr. Michael Rodriguez

Two brief sermons from the Fatima Conference. - Before time began, God willed - in His goodness and mercy - to consecrate His most holy Mother to Himself, and His plan of salvation, in such a perfect way so as to open the way to Himself through her Immaculate Heart. - At Fatima, a brilliant supernatural light surrounds, permeates and radiates forth from Our Lady. She brings an immense and intense light for she brings God. God is light (1 Jn 1:5). It is in this Light (grace!) that we must know God and know ourselves in order to grow in [...]

Consider the vision which Sr. Lucia received at Tuy on 13 June 1929. Accompanying the divine command to consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are (1) a magnificent revelation of the one Triune God which human words can never even begin to describe, and (2) a striking reference to Holy Mass as a Sacrifice. As the consecration has not been obeyed, Catholics have largely forgotten these two truths. The Mass exists to give perfect adoration, praise and thanksgiving to the Infinite Majesty of the Triune God (maiestas Domini). Catherine of Siena was left speechless and cried with Jeremias when [...]

Let us consider the mighty presence and maternal intercession of Our Lady in the two grand mysteries of the Ascension and Pentecost, which is brought to a climax at Fatima. Pious belief holds that at the Ascension Our Lady was also brought to Heaven, but she chose to leave the ineffable glory so that ‘Faith in God be spread, His Holy Name be exalted, and His holy Church enlarged.’ Sadly, the exact opposite is now taking place in our time, which is why Our Lady came at Fatima. Never forget that Mary and the Holy Ghost are mystically espoused and share [...]

A succinct yet fundamental catechism on the Holy Ghost in two brief sermons. The salvation and sanctification of souls is one of the great works of the Holy Ghost. Without His help we can do nothing good nor avoid evil. Thus we must always pray Him to come and aid us. The Catholic Church is another great work of the Holy Ghost. He, the Spirit of Truth and Charity, brought her into existence and He is the very life and soul of the Church. It is primarily through the Church that He saves and sanctifies souls. It is on account of [...]

Five brief daily sermons on Our Lady from the month of May; first made available on the website this past week. - As we begin the month of May, let us consider three reasons why we ought to practice devotion to Mary. [1] She is the Mother of God. [2] She is our mother. [3] She is the holiest of all creatures. - Mary ‘s greatest title is “Mother of God.” This makes her an inseparable element of the Church of Christ. Our Lady is adorned with all the gifts of nature and grace. - We should also be devoted to [...]

Four brief daily sermons on Our Lady and the Saints from the month of May; first made available on the website this past week. - It is not possible for one devoted to Our Lady to be lost. The life and teaching of St. Antoninus are a powerful proof of this truth. - We can never describe the blessing which Our Lady confirms upon the Church and upon every one of her members; this is especially true of her maternal solicitude for the apostolic college. - Christ gave us His Immaculate Mother to help us grow in purity and holiness. These [...]

The two questions of being and action regarding the Holy Ghost occupy our thoughts at the time of Pentecost. [1] Who Is He? He is the Lord and giver of life. [2] What does He do? He completes and perfects the saving mission of Jesus Christ. He saves and sanctifies souls by giving grace, both sanctifying and actual. He gives life - primarily through Truth and through Charity. To love God and neighbor, in a selfless and disinterested manner (that is, in deed and truth, not just with words and feelings), is the great challenge of our Catholic Faith. No man [...]

A continuation of last week's sermon on the Person and work of the Holy Ghost. of The Holy Ghost is primarily [1] completing and perfecting the mission of Christ [2] and saving and sanctifying souls - through the Holy Catholic Church. As Christ is the Head of His Mystical Body, so the Holy Ghost is the Soul of the Catholic Church. He is the principle of the Church’s life. The essence of the Church is summarized by her four marks and three attributes; and these are a manifestation of the life, presence and action of the Holy Ghost. It is He [...]

Four brief daily sermons on Our Lady and the Saints - Consider a few aspects of the Marian devotion of St. Mechtilde and St. Charles Borromeo. - St. Bernadine of Siena was consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as an infant and became one of the greatest Marian saints. - Devotion to Our Lady is not only a source of holiness, but often becomes a fountain of extraordinary favors; for example, St. Philip Neri received the gifts of prophecy and discernment of hearts - It is certain that growth in holiness is your vocation. St. Louis de Montfort teaches that one [...]

Four brief daily sermons on Our Lady - St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, great Carmelite mystic, exemplified [1] perfect obedience, [2] a burning love for Jesus Crucified, [3] and a total consecration to the glorious Virgin Mary. - Through, with, and in Mary, we can most easily obtain from God the grace needed for holiness and union with God. - The Crowning of Mary as Queen is richly described by both mystics and popes. Her kingdom is as vast of that of her Son; nothing is excluded from her dominion.