Stay prayerful, stay faithful, stay Catholic – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Each month, we journey deeper into the Catholic year, following the Church’s devotional themes, feasts, and fasts, drawing strength from Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the liturgical calendar.
These posts will include poetry, devotions, catechesis, a meditation, a challenging quiz, and a heartfelt invitation to live as a Catholic not just on Sundays - but every moment of every day.
To begin our journey, we turn to
July: the month devoted to the Precious Blood of Jesus.
New Series Launches 1 July: The Blood That Saves Us
(And yes – regular blog posts will carry on as normal!)
There’s something new on the horizon - something designed to strengthen our spiritual life and help us live our Catholic faith more fully throughout the year.
What was Jesus like as a child, as a young man, and as a tradesman? How did He appear to those who knew Him - His neighbours, friends, and colleagues?
In this imaginative reflection, a follow-up post to "The Human Side Of Jesus" we will consider what it might have been like to encounter Jesus in everyday life before He stepped onto the stage of history as the Messiah.
The name, Corpus Christi, is Latin for The Body of Christ, and it is a day on which the Church joyfully affirms the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist: body, blood, soul and divinity.
This feast is not merely a reminder - it is a proclamation. A proclamation that Jesus, who gave Himself to us on the Cross, continues to give Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist. And this year, as we reflect upon the mystery and majesty of this truth on 22nd June, we are invited to enter more deeply into the Eucharistic heart of our Catholic life.
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However, a deeper exploration of his earthly experiences reveals that Jesus intimately knew the human condition, including its most challenging aspects.
Recognising that Jesus was a refugee, experienced despair, knew hunger, and more, allows us to connect with him on a profoundly human level.
This understanding can deepen our faith and inspire us to respond to the needs of those who face similar trials today.
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Its message of compassion and neighbourly love transcends religious boundaries and speaks to the universal call for human kindness.
However, despite its widespread familiarity, there are several nuances and deeper meanings that are often overlooked. Let us delve into some of the easily missed points in this famous parable, shedding light on the richness of its lessons.
For Catholics, the Psalms are more than just sacred poetry; they are an essential part of the liturgy and personal devotion.
Among these 150 songs, one stands out as particularly beloved and widely known: the Psalm that begins, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
This Psalm has provided comfort, guidance, and hope to countless people over the centuries. However, there is often confusion regarding whether this is the 22nd or the 23rd Psalm.
Why does this discrepancy exist, and which is the correct number for Catholics?
Let’s explore the history, reasons, and implications of this difference in Psalm numbering.
Why does this happen? How did something so sacred, solemn, and rooted in divine encounter become, in places, so rushed and robotic? And more importantly, what can we do to rekindle reverence in our responses during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?
Let’s explore the roots of this issue - and what it tells us about our modern Catholic culture.
Living the life of a Catholic saint is a profound and inspiring journey that requires dedication, faith, and a commitment to living a life of holiness.
Throughout history, Catholic saints have been revered for their exemplary lives, unwavering faith, and selfless devotion to God and others.
Their stories serve as a source of
inspiration and guidance for those seeking to deepen their spiritual
life and grow closer to God.
The loft groans with forgotten trinkets, wardrobes bulge with clothes we haven’t worn in ages, and the garden shed harbours rusting tools and mystery boxes.
Eventually, something snaps. We resolve to have a proper clear-out.
We sort, we scrub, and we start to breathe again.
What doesn’t belong, we bag up and donate to the parish tabletop sale.
What was once hidden and dusty is now revealed and repurposed.
Something old is given a new chance - or binned to make room for something better.
There’s a reason this process feels so good.
It mirrors, in a small way, the spiritual clearing-out we’re called to as Christians. And no sacrament brings that truth into sharper focus than the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
“Come now, let us reason
together…” (Isaiah 1:18)
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on 14th September 1955 in Chicago, brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep sense of commitment to the Church. A member of the Augustinian Order, he has spent decades in service both in missionary work and in leadership roles within the Church. His journey from a young seminarian to the papacy is inspiring, and his papacy promises to reflect his unique experiences, passion for the Gospel, and strong sense of social justice.
Let’s see who Pope Leo XIV is, what he stands for, and what we can expect from him as the shepherd of our Holy Catholic Church.
One such moment occurs in John 21:9, where Jesus, after His resurrection, appears to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee and cooks breakfast for them:
"When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread" (John 21:9, RSV-CE).
This seemingly simple detail - the charcoal fire - holds deep theological significance. It is a moment of reconciliation, renewal, and restoration, especially in relation to St. Peter. By examining the role of the charcoal fire in Scripture and its symbolic meaning, we uncover a powerful lesson about sin, forgiveness, and the transforming power of Christ’s love.
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When
you think of the world’s very first job, you might imagine a
shepherd, a hunter, a builder - or perhaps even a prophet. But
Scripture tells us that the first role assigned to humanity was none
of these.
Instead, it was gardening.
Yes, gardening!
In the second chapter of Genesis, shortly after the creation of man, God assigns Adam his first responsibility. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15, RSV-CE).
There it is - the first job description in the history of the world: to care for creation.
It’s
a calling that echoes down through the ages, and one that still holds
spiritual significance for us today.
This unique practice takes prayer beyond the stillness of a room, blending it with the rhythm of your steps and the beauty of nature.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or curious newcomer, this guide will open the path to a refreshing and transformative experience.
This moment is powerfully etched into Christian tradition, appearing in all three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke 23:26).
But who was Simon of Cyrene beyond that singular, dramatic encounter? What became of him after that fateful day, and does he play a larger role in the Christian faith than is often recognised?
The answer is yes, and his story invites us to reflect deeply on discipleship, suffering, and the hidden ways in which God calls us to Himself.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21)
His death marks the end of a papacy that transformed the hearts of millions and left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church.
As we reflect on his life and death, we turn to the words of Sacred Scripture for comfort, remembering that he now enters into the eternal joy promised to all who faithfully follow Christ.
April 20, 2025 – Easter Sunday:
The Resurrection of the Lord
My Lord’s love has always been there for me.
My Lord’s love was already there for me before the beginning of time when He knew me and what my life would become (Jeremiah 1:5).
My Lord’s love was there for me at the moment of creation (Genesis 1:27).
My Lord’s love was there for me at the moment of my birth (Psalm 139:13–14).
My Lord’s love was there for me at my baptism—His grace and sacrifice washing away the stain of original sin with which I was born (Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21).
My Lord’s love was there for me throughout my childhood, protecting me and guiding me to the age I am now (Psalm91:11).
My Lord’s love was there for me when I was ill - encouraging me and healing me (James 5:14–15).
My Lord’s love was there for me in my moments of joy—reminding me that all love and joy come from Him (John 15:11).
My Lord’s love was there for me in the difficult times of my life - supporting me and carrying me through the dark tunnel into the light (Psalm 23:4).
My Lord’s love has always been there for me.
I confess now to you, my brothers and sisters,
that my love has not always been there, is not always there, and will
not always be there for Him (Romans 7:15).
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The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist.
He drives a heavy, square wrought-iron nail through the wrist deep into the wood.
Quickly he moves to the other side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flex and movement.
April 18, 2025 – Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
April 17, 2025 – Holy Thursday
(Mass of the Lord’s Supper)
April 16, 2025 – Wednesday of Holy Week
(Spy Wednesday)
April 12, 2025 – Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent
April 10, 2025 – Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
April 9, 2025 – Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
We fight not with swords and shields but with faith, perseverance, and the grace of God.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reminds us to put on the full armour of God to stand firm against the devil's schemes. Just like soldiers on the frontlines, we face daily skirmishes that test our resolve and challenge our faith.
In this article, I'll explore how we can equip ourselves with the armour of God, the importance of confession as a field hospital for the soul, and how, like the soldiers treated in the M*A*SH units during war, we can find healing, strength, and renewed courage to re-enter the battle.
April 5, 2025 – Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
These spiritual pioneers, known as the Desert Fathers, retreated from the distractions of the world to live lives of prayer, fasting, and contemplation.
Their wisdom and insights continue to influence Christian spirituality today.
