Author
Derek Pettinelli
Derek Pettinelli is a 2017 graduate of Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a bachelor of arts degree in writing and mass communications and political science.
St. Padre Pio (Francesco Forgione) was a priest and friar in the Capuchin order. An Italian, he was beatified and canonized by St. John Paul II and is widely known for various supernatural phenomena such as exhibiting the stigmata, being a…
Five facts about St. Robert Bellarmine, SJ, doctor of the Church
St. Robert Bellarmine (1542–1621) was a scholar who focused primarily on studies of Church history and the Church Fathers. In response to the Protestant Reformation, much of his efforts went toward organizing Church doctrine for clarity…
Five ways to practice your faith while on vacation
1. Don’t skip Sunday Mass Make sure that your vacation away from home doesn’t also entail a vacation from your spiritual life. If your trip includes a Sunday, research local parishes and plan so you can fit Mass into your day. You can use…
Five Scripture verses about the Eucharist
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) is June 18 this year. Many parishes will host Corpus Christi processions. In Rome, Pope Francis will celebrate a 7 p.m. Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran;…
Inspiration from St. Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
St. Hilary of Poitiers was not only the bishop of Poitiers, but also a doctor of the Church. The title doctor of the Church is given to individuals who have provided important contributions to theology and doctrine. Sometimes called “the…
Five family activities to celebrate the Epiphany
The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated either on the 12th day after Christmas, Jan. 6, or on the first Sunday after Jan 1. Below are some ideas you can incorporate into your celebration this year, inspired by some…
Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, pray for us!
The feast of the archangels Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, is Sept. 29. In honor of the feast, here are five teachings about angels. Angels are messengers “Angel” is from the Greek word angelos which means “messenger.” In the Old…
Five prayers for the United States
Take a few minutes on Independence Day or any day of the year to pray for the United States. 1. Prayer for our Nation God our Father, giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. You are the rock on which…
Honoring and preserving St. Marianne Cope’s legacy
The Saint Marianne Cope Shrine & Museum located in Syracuse, New York, is dedicated to spreading the message and legacy of St. Marianne Cope. For St. Marianne Cope’s feast day on Jan. 23, we spoke with Museum Director Kristin…
Five facts about the Camino de Santiago
St. James the Greater, an apostle of Jesus, is entombed in northwestern Spain. The numerous routes leading to his tomb are collectively known as the Camino de Santiago. Hundreds of thousands of people take pilgrimages along these routes…