Tag: Mystical

My impression is that the Rosary is of the greatest value not only according to the words of Our Lady of Fatima, but according to the effects of the Rosary one sees throughout history. My impression is that Our Lady wanted to give ordinary people, who might not know how to pray, this simple method… Continue reading Our Lady of Fatima Guides Our Advent Prayers

There will be signs in the sun, the moon and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.  People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. As a young… Continue reading Run Forth to Meet Christ: A Reflection for the Upcoming First Sunday of Advent

I was suddenly shaken out of my daydream because of the sound of sirens ringing in the distance.  As I looked in my rear view mirror, a police car was quickly approaching behind me.  Any moment now, I thought, the police car would pass me and catch the culprit they were in pursuit of.  Needless… Continue reading Waking Up – SpiritualDirection.com

One of the errors of Pelagianism was the assertion that prayer is not necessary for salvation. Pelagius, the impious author of that heresy, said that man will only be damned for neglecting to know the truths necessary to be learned. How astonishing! St. Augustine said: “Pelagius discussed everything except how to pray,” though, as the… Continue reading The Necessity of Prayer – St. Alphonsus Liguori

As a married father of three, it can sometimes feel like a guilty luxury to get away to attend to your spiritual needs. If anyone asks me how I manage it, my answer is always the same: “I have an awesome wife.” Much like in a marriage, the months and years can go by and… Continue reading Recipe for a Fruitful Retreat

Today we conclude a three-part reflection on the vow taken by many monks and sisters who follow in the footsteps of Benedict of Nursia. They enter a covenant of obedience, stability, and conversion of life. Conversion is the most important of the three dimensions, balancing the other two and served by them. Obedience is for… Continue reading St. Benedict and Conversion – SpiritualDirection.com

Over 25 years ago, I took my first deep dive into studying Scripture with Dr. Scott Hahn as a freshman theology student at Franciscan University of Steubenville.  Although a cradle Catholic with 13 years of Catholic education behind me, I was astonished to find that I knew next to nothing about salvation history, and I… Continue reading Catholics Will Lead: Jeff Cavins on Bible in a Year and How God is Working in and through His Church

Some who deny the existence of purgatory cite Revelation 14:13: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth. ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!’” The Catechism makes it clear, however, that purgatory exists as a place of cleansing or purgation (1030–1032). St. Thomas… Continue reading What the Angelic Doctor Taught on the Nature & Purpose of Purgatory

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on 4/21/2012. Dear Dan, can you help me understand Lectio Divina and whether or not I should use it to help me improve my prayer life? I am struggling right now and feel like I need a change but I don’t know what will help. Any Christian seeking… Continue reading A Guide to Lectio Divina: What it is and whether it helps prayer life!

“Lucy” is possessed and being tortured nightly by the demons. They taunt her, mark her body with scratches and burns, claim that they own her, and often twist her bad leg, which is excruciating for her. Demons are merciless and relentless. After a number of intense exorcism sessions, the demons were weakening. It seemed to… Continue reading Exorcist Diary: Demon of Abortion Reveals its Name