Pre-Lenten Meditation: On the Passion of Jesus Christ

Authors Introduction: This is the second of a series of meditations based on the Lenten Votive Masses of the Passion of Jesus that have been prayed throughout the history of the Church in various usages. Some have their origin in early medieval times and were used in various places in Europe and in particular religious… Continue reading Pre-Lenten Meditation: On the Passion of Jesus Christ

Not Meant to Go Through it Alone: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR discusses Spiritual Direction

I had the immense privilege recently of speaking with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, director of communications for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, about his vocation story and the role that spiritual direction played on his journey to the priesthood.  He discusses spiritual direction within the order, what it is and is not, and what… Continue reading Not Meant to Go Through it Alone: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR discusses Spiritual Direction

The Art of Dying Well

Practice fasting According to the order given by the angel Raphael, we will now briefly speak on fasting. Omitting many of the theological questions, we will confine ourselves only to our subject. Our intention is to explain the art of living well, because this will prepare us for dying well. For this art, three things… Continue reading The Art of Dying Well

Pre-Lenten Meditation: The Prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemene

Authors Introduction: This is the first of a series of meditations  based on the Lenten Votive Masses of the Passion of Jesus that have been prayed throughout the history of the Church in various usages. Some have their origin in early medieval times and were used in various places in Europe and in particular religious… Continue reading Pre-Lenten Meditation: The Prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemene

Daily Mass and Technocracy – SpiritualDirection.com

One of my friends shared how going to daily mass has provided his life an anchor. The repetitive liturgical action, rather than tedious monotony, has become the orientation point for his whole day. Everything else might change, but Christ’s offering to the Father in the power of the Spirit is in the center of his… Continue reading Daily Mass and Technocracy – SpiritualDirection.com

How Do Idealism and Perfectionism Negatively Affect Marriage?

Those who seek to strengthen Holy Matrimony and stem the tide of failed marriages propose many remedies, among them better catechesis, improved marriage preparation, and greater emphasis on the sacrament in sermons. All of these are fine ideas and necessary steps, but let’s also ponder a deep but often unexplored root of the trouble with… Continue reading How Do Idealism and Perfectionism Negatively Affect Marriage?