Category: Mystical

I can’t remember exactly how old I was, but as a young boy, I asked myself an important question: who am I? It appeared, at least to me, like a natural question. After all, I thought, what was the point of living if you didn’t know who you are? In my childlike innocence, I assumed… Continue reading Mistaken Identity – SpiritualDirection.com

When Pope Francis declared this to be the Year of St. Joseph, he was continuing a long tradition of the Popes before him. At that time, I wondered how this would make a difference in my life. Now, ten months later, I reflect on what St. Joseph has meant to me throughout the years. Specifically,… Continue reading Joseph, Mary and Me – SpiritualDirection.com

Objections and Justification Oppressive events move through our time and lay a heavy hand on the lives of all of us. Questions regarding our own fate and the destiny of those close to us, and above all, the destiny of humanity, engage our minds and our souls. In religious life the effect is noted in… Continue reading The Rosary of Our Lady

Looking for a good book?  We’ve got some suggestions!  Members of the Avila team weigh in with their current reads. “I’m currently fascinated with Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – an interesting study of how man not only overcomes the worst suffering known to mankind but also redeems it. Pleasure reading would be… Continue reading What We’re Reading Now: The Avila Team’s Top Picks

*Editor’s note: this post was originally published here on 6/27/2011. Dear Father John, How can I know what the will of God is in my life? I have been suffering physically for almost a year. I have been praying for healing and others have been praying for me. How do I know if it is… Continue reading How can I Know the Will of God in my Life (Part II of II)

One of the great illusions under which we labor is that if we only get just one more thing from this world, then we will be happy. Perhaps we think that if we just had a little more money, or a better job, or the latest iPhone, or if we were married to so-and-so, or… Continue reading The Lies of the Devil and the Empty Promises of the World

It really is remarkable. Here we are, already heading into October and with just two months left in the Church’s Year of St. Joseph. I’ve been devoted to the Patron of the Catholic Church for years, ever since his intercession healed me of a dangerous blockage in my heart. I know he saved my life.… Continue reading How St. Joseph Helped Us This Year: Our Big Announcement

Memorial of Our Lady of the RosaryBlessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary Presence of God— O most holy Virgin, may the Rosary be my spiritual armor and my school of virtue. MEDITATION Today’s feast is a manifestation of gratitude for the great victories won by the Christian people through the power of Mary’s Rosary; it… Continue reading Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

A Shattering Event Jesus began his public ministry with this simple message: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1:15). That is Jesus’ entire preaching in a nutshell. Fr. Michael Scanlan said, The proclamation of the arrival of the kingdom was a shattering event in human history. Jesus… Continue reading ‘You Will Receive Power’ – SpiritualDirection.com

It was the end of September, during the feast of the Holy Arch­angels. St. Angela tells us: While I was in the church in Foligno and desired to com­municate, I prayed to the Holy Angels, and especially to St. Michael and the Angels of the Seraphim, and said: “O ministering Angels, who have the power… Continue reading Encounters with Angels – Odile Haumonte