Augustine for the baptism of infants. The traditional rite has several exorcisms while the Novus Ordo still retains one though it is not nearly as explicit as those in the Vetus Ordo form. If memory serves the ancient child St. Cyricus may have performed an exorcism when his mother St. ...
Let’s go with the Mark first. The Mark of the Beast is not merely an economic medium of exchange, like a debit or credit card, although it will incorporate that function. If that were all there was to it, my correspondent’s paradox would be valid. The Mark of the Beast is first ...
In the Western Christian Church, Pope Gregory III (731-741) is often credited with establishing November 1st as the date for All Saints' Day. This date was chosen to coincide with the dedication of a chapel in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome to "All the Saints." It was an attempt to ...
Prayer is a priceless gift. Sadly, many of us rarely enjoying the gift. Thus, we miss enjoying Jesus. In the fourth century, St. Augustine, the renowned North African pastor, wrote, “True, whole prayer is nothing but love.” Jesus longs to teach us how to pray so we can be lost i...
During the Advent season, Christians focus on preparing their hearts and minds for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is commemorated on Christmas Day. This preparation involves spiritual reflection, prayer, and the lighting of Advent candles on an Advent wreath, with each candle...
Also in that church are the remains of St. Boethius, who wrote The Consolation of Philosophy. Liutprand is also buried here. Speaking of relics, I recently acquired 8 beautiful reliquaries for the Tridentine Mass Society of Madison (of which I am still President – in exile). They ...
Ampeater Music is a website devoted to bridging the gap between unsigned (or just plain underexposed) artists and music lovers everywhere. Every day we feature a different artist on what we call The Ampeater Review. Each fea
My correspondent framed his question around the acceptance of the Mark of the Beast and a ‘paradox’ he sees facing those who might accept it under coercion. Specifically, he asked, “During the Tribulation, if a “believer” is threatened with the choice between either taking the Mark upon...
The Hajj, which is the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, is required for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the sacred journey at least once in their lifetime. El Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) is a Catholic pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de...
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge willlead a pilgrimageto the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Md. Oct. 7. During this pilgrimage, the faithful may gain an indulgence by attending and fulfilling the usual conditions. ...