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In particular, the Chaplet of Saint Raphael is known to help those enduring an illness or seeking a marriage partner. Asking for the intercession of the Angels is very special. Angels are messengers of God. Tradition has given Saint Raphael the patronage of travelers, the blind, happy meetings, nurses, physicians, medical workers, matchmakers, Christian marriage, and Catholic studies. The faithful seek the intercession of the Archangel Saint Raphael for these specific life events. 

As Pope Francis stated, "True fathers refuse to live the lives of their children for them" and respect their freedom. A true father realizes that he is an educator at the point when he becomes 'useless,' once his child has become independent and can walk the paths of life unaccompanied. Being a father "has nothing to do with possession but is rather a 'sign' pointing to a greater fatherhood": that of the "heavenly Father." 

It was in that trust in God's providence and perfect fatherhood that Saint Joseph raised his son, Jesus.

After their audience with the king, they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2,9

The same joy that the Magi experienced two millennia ago we will be able to enjoy as well. On December 21, 2020 (4 days before Christmas Day), the world will witness a rare event in the night sky that has not been seen in almost eight centuries, that’s 800 years ago. 

St. Nicholas of Myra was born circa 280 in Patara, Lycia. An early Christian bishop based in Myra, Turkey. His joyful and generous life inspired the famous character, Santa Claus. He lost both of his parents as a young man and reportedly used his inheritance to help the poor and sick. Many stories affirm the generous heart of St. Nicholas; one, in particular, features the three daughters of a man that did not have enough money to pay their dowries and thought of selling them into servitude. Three times, Saint Nicholas secretly went to their house at night and put a bag of money inside. The man used the money so that one of his daughters could marry. On the third visit, the man saw Saint Nicholas and thanked him for his kindness. Countless stories earned him popularity all over the world after his death.

By Karen Riobo Happy Feast of Christ the King! On the last Sunday of the liturgical year, Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. Established in the 20th century, this feast gives special recognition to the dominion Christ our...

The devotion of the Rosary is a Catholic tradition of over 800 years. The rosary is one of the most cherished prayers of our Catholic Church. It was revealed by Our Lady herself one desperate night of flagellation and harsh penances by St. Dominic when he fell into a coma for the conversion of sinners in Toulouse. The conversation held by Our Lady and St.Dominic, told by Blessed Alan de La Roche, goes like this : 

“Dear Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?" "Oh, my Lady," answered Saint Dominic, "you know far better than I do, because next to your Son Jesus Christ you have always been the chief instrument of our salvation." 

Then our Lady replied, "I want you to know that, in this kind of warfare, the principal weapon has always been the Angelic Psalter, which is the foundation-stone of the New Testament. Therefore, if you want to reach these hardened souls and win them over to God, preach my Psalter." ( written by Saint Louis Marie Grignion De Montfort)

From here on St. Dominic preached with the Marian Psalter and achieved the conversion of many souls in Toulouse. The final form of the Rosary was fashioned by several popes up until what we have today.

If you are Catholic, you have seen the St. Benedict Medal before. Some wear it on their necklace, wear it as a bracelet or carry it in their pocket. There are many ways to wear the St. Benedict medal and claim its protection. Though common among Catholics, some are unaware of the great symbolism and meaning contained within this sacramental. 

Symbolism and miracles. 

Although It has not been possible to trace when exactly the first medal was created, the design we enjoy today was released on the 1400th anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth. The medal and the prayers engraved upon it offer special protection from evil and represent moments in Benedict’s life where he was saved from death.

On one side, there is the image of St. Benedict in the center, in his right hand he is holding the cross, and in his left hand rests the Rule of St. Benedict. Right beneath the cross, there is a broken chalice with a serpent falling out of it. This represents angered monks that attempted to murder Benedict by serving him poisoned wine. After blessing the wine with a sign of the cross, the chalice broke in half, sparing Benedict from an early death.

Across from the broken chalice is a raven with a piece of bread in its claw. This was a murder attempt when he was served poisoned bread at one meal, and a bird flew in through a window and took away the bread before Benedict could put it to his lips. 

On the back of the medal, there is a cross with the following acronyms in Latin that reveal prayers. 

By Karen C. Riobo Our peace has been disturbed; we have felt anxiety, despair, hopelessness, even anger. These emotions have been naturally triggered directly or have intensified by the current events that surround us. Our world and country are in...