Benedict XVI has given his final papal blessing, the doors of Castelgandolfo have been sealed, and the Swiss Guard has hung their halberds because there is no pope for them to guard. Now, the Church waits in prayerful anticipation of the upcoming conclave and the installation of a new pope who will lead the Catholic Church forward in these trying times. Our hearts are heavy with sadness, and perhaps also some anxiety, (more…)
As I make my way through Lent, I like to periodically stop and assess how I’m doing, and re-orientate myself toward my Lenten goal. This year, I’m feeling a bit scattered, and although I’ve been doing a pretty good job at keeping my Lenten resolutions, I don’t feel as though I have a really good grip on where I’m headed between now and Easter.
Usually, I have a particular objective in mind that I would like to achieve, with God’s grace, through my Lenten journey. Originally, I had in mind to work toward conversion, in keeping with the encouragement of Pope Benedict XVI in his letter, Porta Fidei, (more…)
Hi, Friends. Join guest host Matt Swaim and I tomorrow, February 25 at 6:45am CST as we chat about Five Ways to Fast (that don’t involve food). Listen live or catch the podcast at the link below. http://www.sacredheartradio.com/
For medical reasons, some members of the Fenelon Clan are unable to precisely follow the Church’s precept to fast during Lent. Because of our conditions, we could receive dispensation from fasting altogether, but to us, that seems like the easy way out. We almost feel as if we’re cheating. So, we fast to the measure that we’re able. Fasting is an important factor in conversion, and Lent is all about conversion, so why would we want to miss out on that? Consider what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about it: (more…)
Tea Party and other conservative and libertarian groups are organizing a nationwide “Day of Resistance” on February 23 in opposition to President Obama’s radical agenda — in particular, his “executive order” attack on Second Amendment rights. Organizers say that more than 50,000 people in more than 30 states already have registered to participate in what they estimate will be 100 local rallies. The goal is to unify patriotic Americans from across the political spectrum behind the U.S. Constitution and gun rights. (more…)
Have you ever done something you swore you’d never, ever do? Yeah, well. Join the club. Here’s my latest column for the Milwaukee Catholic Herald. Enjoy! http://chnonline.org/special-sections/mature-lifestyles/11933-leopard-frames-offer-new-outlook-on-life.html
It’s St. Valentines’s Day, typically a day for lovers to express their passionate devotion to each other. However, all Christians are called to be lovers, aren’t we? Lovers, not in a carnal way, but rather, in a divine way. We are loved by God and are thus called to participate in his love – by accepting it for ourselves (not always so easy to do, is it?) and by sharing it with others. In that respect, St. Valentine’s Day means so much more than merely a day to give gifts to our sweethearts. (more…)