During the Advent season, there are countless reflections on Mary’s fiat and her radical acceptance of God’s will. Mary’s grace-filled “yes” inspires many women, myself included, to wholeheartedly submit to…
There is an obvious increase in the presence of angelic ephemera at Christmastime, as we tell famous Bible stories featuring the angels, sing hymns and carols about them, and decorate…
During the darkest time of the year, when daylight seems to last but a breath and when mankind is holding its breath, eagerly awaiting the birth of a savior, we…
It is a truth universally acknowledged by Catholics that the season of Advent is never long enough to properly prepare for Christmas. No matter if it is the full four…
We are drawing near to the season of Advent — a season of anticipation, hope and arrival. However, Advent, at least in my household, has the sad tendency to get…
Where I live, it is dark by 4 in the afternoon come December. As a child, like many children, I was afraid of the dark. So my siblings and I…
“All is calm.” These words are found in one of the season’s most famous Christmas songs, “Silent Night.” But what went on in the background during the night of Jesus’…
Displayed in a small side chapel of Sant’Agostino in Rome is an arresting painting by the great Baroque artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The work, “Madonna of the Pilgrims,” shocks…
I’m not very good at keeping house. I have great plans of having a beautifully organized home with everything in its place, but it rarely comes to fruition. A few…
My favorite Advent greeting is “Happy New Year!” The greeting is technically accurate since Advent is the start of the liturgical year. And it reminds me that this time is…
