Ad Jesum per Mariam

From Darkness to Dawn: The Mystery of Grace Unfolding: Reflections on St. John of the Cross When this weary world approached the shadows of night, . . . . . . the ancient hymn reminds us, the Lord came—not in regal splendor or majestic power, but as a humble child born to Mary, the pure and gentle mother. The saint we honor today, John of the Cross, profoundly shaped the Churc

God’s Unfailing Love: Transforming Burdens into Blessings Casting Our Burdens Upon the Lord As the Gospel reminds us, Jesus invites us to come to Him, for He is humble and gentle in heart. This message resonates deeply, as all of us face difficult moments in life. We carry various burdens—some stemming from responsibilities, others from personal struggles. Leadership, whethe

Hearkening to God’s Music: A Christian’s Dance Dancing is an art that beautifully combines movement and music. At its core, dancing involves two essential elements: the steps we take and the music that inspires them. To dance well, one must first pay close attention to the rhythm, beat, and melody of the music. The steps should flow in harmony with the music, creating a sea

The Immaculate Conception: Rooted in Faith, Fulfilled in Grace Today, we celebrate the profound mystery of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Lady. Although formally proclaimed as doctrine less than 200 years ago, its roots run deep in the ancient traditions of Christian faith and practice. This belief flows naturally from what we profess about Jesus Christ, for everything

St. Nicholas: A Legacy of Faith and Generosity St. Nicholas, the revered Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, . . . . . . played a significant role in the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This pivotal council resolved the Christological question of the divine nature of Jesus Christ and His relationship to God the Father. It affirmed that Jesus is both fully God and fully human—disti

Called to Compassion: Sharing Christ’s Message Through Deeds In the last several days’ readings, we hear about the prophecies . . . . . . which foretell that the blind will see, the mute will speak, the crippled will walk, and the deaf will hear. These miracles have been the focus of this week’s readings, and in the Gospel, we see Jesus fulfilling these promises. He restore

St. Andrew the Apostle: First Called and the Lessons He Gives to the Church The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Advent Season, . . . . . . a sacred time of preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord. While it’s common to think that Advent begins by simply counting back four Sundays from December 25th, the Church follows a different tradition.

By Perseverance, We Secure Our Lives: A Christian Journey By your perseverance, you will secure your life. What is the ultimate goal of Christian life? Is it happiness? Perhaps happiness is a consequence, but it is not the goal! Is it eternal life? Again, while it may be a result, it is not the primary goal! Is it to love others? Yes, that may be a beautiful outcome, but it is s

Preparing for Jesus’ Arrival: Reflecting on the Advent Season We extend our heartfelt wishes . . . . . . for a blessed and joyful new liturgical year to everyone. This new beginning calls us to renew ourselves in how we live and grow closer to God. As we step into this liturgical year, we begin with the season of Advent—a time rich with meaning. Advent’s Meaning The word

Jesus’ Call to Vigilance: What Does “Stay Awake” Really Mean? Today’s Gospel recounts the parable of ten virgins . . . . . . waiting for the bridegroom’s return, each with lamps in hand. Five brought extra oil, preparing for the unknown length of the wait, while the other five did not. All ten eventually fell asleep. One striking irony in this story is how it ends: Jes