Mary

When my wife and I moved to the Bay Area from southern California, we were stressed. I was starting a brand new job, our first child was less than 18 months old and not sleeping at all, and we were staying at my wife’s parents’ home while…

During my high school years, I believed the Immaculate Conception was the conception of Jesus. I was taking instruction in religion from a teacher who had a master’s degree in Catholic theology. On Dec. 8, he stood up in front of the class…

My mother had a love for things that were simply beautiful. Our family home had touches of Japanese artwork, and the backyard was laid out more like an Asian garden than a typical New England landscape. Reflecting back, I think my mom had a…

There’s nothing more consoling than to find refreshment in the arms of our heavenly mother, Mary. When we doubt or feel abandoned by God, turning to Mary under specific titles dispenses particular graces to our wounded and weary hearts. She…

The Nativity of Jesus has been inspiring Christian art since Christian art first began.  One of the most primitive Christian images, in fact, dating back to the third century and found in the Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome, is a picture of…

There are two types of Christmas movies: the classics such as Miracle on 34th Street or It’s a Wonderful Life and then there are the contemporary Hallmark Channel or Netflix Originals. I’ve heard people lament, especially about the latter,…

"Can I lead?” This is the question I hear from my children almost every time we pray the Angelus as a family. In the last few years it has become a very important devotion for us. It unites us and refocuses our attention on the true center…

One of the most striking themes present in the Gospels is how our Heavenly Mother would ponder or reflect on “things in her heart,” specifically when related to her son. Mary’s example demonstrates to modern parents how to go about our…

What can I wish for you but that you will always listen to these words of Mary, the Mother of Christ: “Do whatever he tells you”? And may you accept those words with your hearts, because they were uttered from the heart, from the heart of…

O, Mary, my Mother, be my refuge and my shelter. Give me peace in the storm. I am tired on the journey. Let me rest in you. Shelter and protect me. — St. Bernadette Soubirous