Power of the Beads

Today we celebrate Our Lady of the Rosary, a feast that originally came from from both prayer and battle. It was established after the Christian victory over the invading Muslim Turks at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The victory in that battle was attributed to Our Lady’s intercession after Pope Pius V asked all…

A Prayer for Peace

As we celebrate the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary today, Pope Leo XIV has asked Catholics around the world to make this a Day of Prayer and Fasting for peace in the world, especially for peace in Ukraine and the Holy Land. With trust in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin…

Echoing Mary’s “Yes”

Homily for Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which also happens to be the patronal feast day of the United States. So, happy feast day. This particular feast of the Blessed Mother has deep roots in the…

Presentation of Mary

Homily for the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Today we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of Mary, when Mary was presented in the Temple by her parents, Joachim and Anne. It is one of those extra-biblical events that the Church remembers each year to honor the life of the Blessed…

Our Lady of Fatima

Homily for the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima As I mentioned at the beginning of Mass, today the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, remembering how our Blessed Mother appeared to three young children in Portugal from May 13 until October 13, 1917. This morning, I want to focus on the…

The Shepherds and Mary

Homily for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Eight days have passed since we came together here at Church to celebrate Christmas. Most of the world has already moved on from the message of Christmas. Some have already taken down their Christmas trees, packed away their decorations. Things have gotten back to normal for…

Mary, Mother of the Church

Homily for the Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church As I mentioned at the beginning of Mass this morning, today we celebrate the Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church. It is a feast that is very much intimately connected to the Feast of Pentecost. From our Catholic tradition, we know that the Blessed…

Mary, Mother of God

Homily for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It reminds us of the importance and the honor that we give to Mary as Catholics. I’m sure most of us here today have been asked at least once why Catholics give the Blessed Mother…

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Homily for the Memorial of Our Lady of Guadalupe Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a day when we remember how the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531 in Mexico. The story of her appearance resulted in the conversion of over 9 million people to Catholicism. So,…