Anxiety. Fear. These words frequently come up in commentary about young Catholics and vocational discernment.[1. For example, S. E. Greydanus, “Rethinking Vocational Discernment,” HPR, June 23, 2023, www … [Read more...]
“Father, forgive me, for I have sinned—again, and again”
September 30, 2022 by Fr. Anthony J. Pinizzotto
How do priests respond to penitents who come into the confessional or seek counsel in the office saying, “I feel like a hypocrite. I come to confession every (day, week, month), and I confess the same sin” (gambling, drinking, pornography, m … [Read more...]
A Sweet Remedy for Our Troubled Times
The Practice of Confession According to St. Francis De Sales
July 26, 2019 by Br. John Paul Puschautz, CSJ
In these tumultuous times in the world and in the Church, we need more than ever to plunge into the mystery of God’s infinite mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to be inspired by the witness of the saints. What better place to s … [Read more...]
On Prayer
October 2, 2018 by Rev. William J. Nessel, OSFS
Let me share some reflections by Baroness Catherine de Hueck Doherty and St. Francis de Sales, including inspirations in prayer, liberty of spirit, prayer and solitude, dryness and prayer, prayer and mystical theology, methods of prayer, … [Read more...]
Salesian Reflections on Divine Mercy
April 14, 2016 by Rev. William J. Nessel, OSFS
St. Francis de Sales’ ideas on divine mercy contained in his Spiritual Conferences, the Treatise on the Love of God and the Introduction to a Devout Life, provide for a most worthy reflection this time of year. You may be content reflecting … [Read more...]
Why Me?
January 12, 2015 by Rev. William J. Nessel, OSFS
“I am the potter, you are the clay.” An American couple who like to shop for antiques entered a store in England. They spotted an exceptional tea cup. As the clerk handed them the cup, it suddenly spoke up, “I haven’t always been a tea cup. … [Read more...]
Let More Sunshine in Your Life
July 26, 2014 by Rev. William J. Nessel, OSFS
A gentle man understands it is wiser to live without anger than to try to make moderate use of it. He knows that as soon as he is surprised by anger, it is better to turn from it than to start a discussion with it. The woman caught in … [Read more...]
The Glory of the Mass
July 10, 2014 by Rev. Thomas G. Morrow
Obviously, the Mass is a glorious thing. It is the way God continues to feed his people; it is the way Jesus Christ—God made flesh—keeps his promise never to leave us orphans. Those who attend daily Mass have been given an unmatchable gra … [Read more...]
Searching for Clarity in Vocational Discernment
March 24, 2014 by Fr. Bryce Sibley
... The call of the Lord usually comes to us in a more subtle and indirect manner ... left up to us, with the assistance of divine grace, to discern whether we are being called to the priesthood or consecrated life. Christ calling Peter … [Read more...]
Knowing Enough History to Defend It: Catholic History and Apologetics
September 25, 2013 by Stephanie A. Mann
The Church is distinctive among institutions in the history of mankind: it is human and yet divine; perfect, yet in need of reform; holy, yet made up of sinners; infallible, yet led by fallen, fallible humans. While many seem to … [Read more...]
Lenten Reflections: Patience
March 11, 2013 by Rev. William J. Nessel, OSFS
We should rejoice that through our unique flaws, God is teaching us the lesson of patience. Jesus Preaching by Tissot Patience is one of the “little virtues.” We may never be called upon to practice heroic virtues, such as martyrdom. How … [Read more...]
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