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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...

Happy Feast Day, St. Ignatius of Antioch 💙

St. Ignatius of Antioch was born in Syria, Ignatius Theophorus, around the year 50. He was one of the Church Fathers, whom we celebrate today, October 17th. Martyr, Bishop, and Apostle. He was a disciple of the Apostle John and the Apostle Peter, consecrated to serve the Church as Bishop around the year 69.

His zeal for the Lord was unmatched, and he suffered all of his life because of it, to the point of death. He led the Church of Antioch through many persecutions by determined kings to exterminate Christians. St. Ignatius never backed down and, with peaceful sacrifice, protected Christians with his admirable leadership and faith in God. 

His most significant contribution to Christians besides his courageous witness of faith and steadfast love for Christ in martyrdom were seven letters or Epistles that he wrote on his journey to Rome after being arrested to be killed by Roman Emperor Trajan in the year 107. 

St. Ignatius' love for the Lord and his desire for eternal life were tested. His passion was as real as dying for the sake of Christ devoured by lions in the year 117.

Prayer to St. Ignatius of Antioch:

I am the wheat of God,

and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts,

that I may be found the pure bread of God.

I long after the Lord,

the Son of the true God and Father, Jesus Christ.

Him I seek, who died for us and rose again.

I am eager to die for the sake of Christ.

My love has been crucified,

and there is no fire in me that loves anything.

But there is living water springing up in me,

and it says to me inwardly:

"Come to the Father." 

St. Ignatius of Antioch, Pray for Us 🙏

Today, on September 29th, The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of The Archangels. Archangels are heavenly beings that possess intellect and will and were sent to us as messengers and protectors on behalf of God. The (3) Archangels are St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. We learn about them from the bible, each of them had a special assignment from God for His people. According to the meaning of their name, they have a special mission and patronage. 

Believers are encouraged to grow in friendship with them and seek their loving intercession. These Archangels, and all the holy angels, are servants of God, forever gazing upon the face of the Father in heaven (Matthew 18:10).