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Why Pray to Mary and the Saints?

Pat McCloskey, OFM April 24, 2017

Why do Catholics pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to various saints? Is there anything in the Bible to back this up? Can’t this be considered idol worship? Why not pray directly to God?

The mother of Jesus Christ and the other saints have no meaning or power independent of God. Catholics and many other Christians venerate the saints as ongoing examples of what a life generously open to God’s grace can look like in a great variety of circumstances.

Statue of Our Lady of Fatima surrounded by candles

The Third Secret of Fatima

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle April 24, 2017

On the 100th anniversary of these apparitions at Fatima, an excerpt from a new book looks into their most talked-about element.

Baseball’s Ed Lucas

Peter Finney Jr. April 24, 2017

You might not think a blind person could be a sports broadcaster, but this man won an Emmy doing it.

Life Lessons along the Appalachian Trail

Mark McCann April 24, 2017

The quiet of the woods was a voice he couldn’t resist.

A Catholic Mom Speaks

Susan Hines-Brigger April 24, 2017

The Blessings of Being Busy

The other day, someone looked at my planner and said, “Man, you’re busy. ” She was absolutely right. On Mondays and Wednesdays, my daughter Riley has dance practice. Every day after school, my son, Alex, has track practice. We’re responsible for picking up on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Oh, and let’s not forget Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, play practice, and indoor soccer. Yeah, busy is a good word for my life.

Who Wrote the Memorare?

Pat McCloskey, OFM April 24, 2017

I have read that St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1091–1153) wrote the Memorare, but I have also read that it came later. Which is it?

The text ( “Remember, O most gracious virgin Mary, . . . “) is the shortened form of a longer prayer (Ad sanctitatis tuae pedes, dulcissima Virgo Maria) that comes from the 15th century. St. Francis de Sales (1567−1622) writes that he prayed it as a student in Paris.

Stained glass window of St. Rita of Cascia

St. Rita of Cascia, Peacemaker

Rita E. Piro April 19, 2017

She shows what the Lord accomplishes when he finds humble hearts open to his love.

The Catholic Church and the Fall of the Roman Empire

Marcellino D'Ambrosio April 18, 2017

This writer and historian looks at the ascension and descension of this once great empire.

Mother Teresa: From Holy Life to Eternal Life

Kerry Walters April 17, 2017

One of the mainstays of Mother Teresa’s spirituality was a willingness to suffer in the service of others, to share their material poverty and, as she eventually came to believe, Christ’s passion. But in the final decade of her life, ill health was added to her burden of suffering. Years of backbreaking work finally caught up with her, and her body began to give way.