From Forbidden Knowledge to Wisdom Given

The journey we now walk began, paradoxically, with the very practices we are leaving behind.

We were Chaldeans, trained from youth to read the heavens with an intensity that bordered on obsession. 

Charts, calculations, invocations, interpretations – these were our daily bread. We told ourselves that what we did was science, tradition, inheritance. But in truth, much of it crossed into darkness. We sought not merely to observe creation, but to extract from it answers God had not given us permission to demand.

And yet, it was through one final calculation – an anomaly so profound that it shook even our hardened confidence – that everything changed.

It Isn’t Just Christmas Today — It’s Christmas Every Time We Attend Mass!

When we think of Christmas, our minds often turn to the familiar: the tree, the lights, the carols, the presents. 

We remember the smell of roasted chestnuts, the laughter of family, the quiet anticipation of midnight Mass. 

All of these are beautiful, and they mark the season of joy.

Yet in the heart of our faith, Christmas is far more than a single day or a festive calendar event. 

The mystery we celebrate on 25 December is alive every day, every time we attend Mass. It is the mystery of the Word made flesh, of God coming to dwell among us, Emmanuel — “God with us” (Matthew 1:23, RSV-CE).

The wonder of Bethlehem is not confined to history. It continues to unfold whenever we gather to worship, whenever the Eucharist is consecrated, whenever our hearts are open to receive the living Christ.

From The Crib To Cross - An Advent Reflection

Advent is a season of beginnings that already point toward endings. 

The gentle glow of the crib is never far from the looming shadow of the cross. 

From the very first candle we light, from the first antiphon we sing, something in our hearts knows that this Child's birth will not be an escape from suffering but the entrance of God into the very heart of it.

This early part of Advent invites us into a holy tension – the tenderness of Bethlehem intertwined with the sacrifice of Calvary. We look at the Child wrapped in swaddling clothes and somehow sense that those small, fragile hands will one day be stretched wide in surrender. We listen to the hush of angels and cannot forget that one day, darkness will cover the earth at the hour of His death.

And yet, this tension is not meant to sadden us. It is meant to awaken us. To remind us that love, real love, comes not only in the softness of a cradle but also in the strength of a cross. Advent holds them together for us – the beginning that already reveals the mission, the Child who was born to save, the Word made flesh who came to lay that flesh down.

"Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet" and the Advent Cry of Hope - A Voice in the Wilderness in Modern Times?

Every Advent, we hear again that haunting cry from the prophet Isaiah:

 "A voice cries out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord…" (Isaiah 40:3, RSV-CE). 

We recognise this voice in John the Baptist, calling Israel to repentance. 

And yet, every year, a strange question returns: Where is that voice now?

Could it still be crying out—quietly, humbly—through unexpected people and unexpected places?

This Advent, that ancient question took on new meaning for me as I listened again to Gavin Bryars' remarkable composition Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet. 

What began as a stray audio fragment from a homeless man on the streets of London has become, for many, a modern echo of John the Baptist: a fragile, truth-bearing voice rising from society's margins, pointing us back to Christ.

And so, in this season of longing, repentance, and hope, perhaps the wilderness is not geographical at all. Perhaps it lies wherever someone forgotten dares to sing a simple truth: Jesus' blood has never failed us yet—and never will.

The Story and Spirit of Our Lady of Lourdes, New Milton — Looking Towards Our Centenary

Last week, I reflected on why I believe Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in New Milton is "the best." 

It is not simply the building, nor simply the people, nor even its lovely setting between sea and forest — though all these things contribute to its beauty, rather, it is the faith of the parish, the way God has guided us, and the way Our Lady's mantle of intercession has been felt across a hundred years of prayer, worship, and mission.

This week, I want to look more closely at the parish's history — how it began, how it grew, and where it is going. I also want to look forward, for we are on the threshold of something very significant: our church's centenary in 2027. That will be a moment to celebrate, to give thanks, and to renew our mission.

A Meditation on Our Lord's Prayer – One Line at a Time

There are prayers we say, and then there are prayers that shape us. The Lord's Prayer belongs firmly in the second category. 

Many of us have whispered its familiar words so often that they slip from our tongue almost without thought. Yet beneath each short phrase lies an ocean of meaning – truth that nourishes, challenges, stretches, and steadies us. When Jesus taught us this prayer, 

He was not giving us a formula to recite... but a way of becoming.

As we pray the words Our Lord gave us, we are not simply speaking to God – we are allowing Him to form our hearts.

Each line is an invitation, a doorway, a posture of discipleship. And perhaps the greatest risk is not that we pray it incorrectly, but that we pray it too quickly. 

If we slow down and let the Lord's Prayer speak, we discover that it does not merely guide our conversations with God – it rewrites our desires, purifies our motives, and realigns our lives with His Kingdom. This is not only a prayer to pray. It is a life to live.

In this blog post, we take time to let every line breathe. 

To sit with each phrase long enough for it to sink in and settle upon our souls.

We All Think That Our Church Is the Best. Here's Why I Think That Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Here in New Milton (And Our Parish Priest) Is the Best.

We all think that our church is the best. 

Here’s why I believe our lady of Lourdes catholic church in New Milton truly is.

It is only natural that we feel a deep affection for our own parish. 

It is, after all, our spiritual home – the place where many of us were baptised, where we received our first Confession and our First Holy Communion, where we return again and again to the altar to be nourished by the Eucharist, and where some of our most important life moments have been marked, from weddings to funerals.

Over time, every parish becomes something much more than a building. It becomes a family. That is why you will often hear people say, with genuine warmth and conviction, “Our church is the best!”

And yet, while every Catholic parish matters deeply and Christ is fully present in every tabernacle across the world, I would still like to share why, from my own perspective, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church here in New Milton truly is something very special.

It is not only about the building, or even the location, though both are beautiful. It is about the life of faith that pulses through this parish, the people who worship here, the sense of belonging, and the unique mission we live out together in this corner of Hampshire – on the edge of the New Forest and only a short walk from the sea.

Please Pray For Me

There are days when we try to stand tall, and days when we simply cannot. Days when we pretend we are composed, and days when we know that the veil has slipped and all we can say, with trembling honesty, is this: Please pray for me because I'm a sinner. Not as a dramatic confession, not as a poetic moment, but as the most truthful line of our soul.

Many of us walk around carrying invisible burdens – regrets we have never shared, wounds we hope no one sees, failures we wish we could erase. Yet something within us stirs when we finally whisper, "I need help. I need prayer." It is not a collapse but a surrender into mercy. It is the moment the prodigal son turns toward home, the moment the tax collector beats his breast, the moment the lost sheep bleats faintly in the dark hoping the Shepherd is listening.

And so this week's reflection is more than a meditation. It is a petition – a humble plea from one sinner to another, from one pilgrim to another. I ask for your prayers, and in doing so, I pray that each of us discovers the freedom and the healing that can only unfold when we admit our need for grace.

"The King of Love My Shepherd Is" - Why I Have A Line From This Hymn On This Blog

"This particular hymn was suggested to me by Father when I attended confession and has ever since has become for me a serene melody with a comforting message."

How Would You Like Our Father, Son, Holy Spirit, our Blessed Mother Mary and All the Angels and Saints to Rejoice for You? Wouldn't that be a great Christmas gift to you?

Some questions do not merely request an answer but invite a new direction, a gentle turning of the heart toward something deeper, holier, more life-giving.

This blog post's question is one of those.

It comes not to burden you, but to stir hope and possibility within you.

How would you like Our Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, our Blessed Mother Mary, and all the angels and saints to rejoice for you?

Pause for a moment and truly imagine the meaning of that question. Imagine heavenly joy rising because of you!

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - With A FREE Gift - 1st December 2025 – Advent: Watching, Waiting, Hoping

Welcome to the December edition of The 24/7 Catholic Monthly... with a free gift!

The shops may be in full Christmas mode, but the Church offers something deeper, quieter, holier: Advent, a sacred time of longing, preparation, and hope.

This is not yet Christmas - it is the season to watch and wait. We recall the ancient people of Israel, yearning for the Messiah. We prepare our hearts to welcome Christ not only as a baby in Bethlehem, but also as King of glory at the end of time.

Am I the only one who struggles with 1 Corinthians 10:13?

Have we ever read Saint Paul's famous words about God never allowing us to be tempted beyond our strength...

... and quietly wondered if the verse was written for someone holier, braver, or far more put together than us? 

If so, we're in very good company.

We Crave To Meet Our Lord Face To Face

There is a longing within every Christian soul that words rarely manage to capture. It is the deep, aching desire to meet Our Lord face to face. 

We imagine that moment when the veil is lifted and we finally see the One who made us, the One who loved us into existence, the One who carried us through every hardship. 

That desire is written into us because God Himself placed it there. When we feel the tug of heaven, it is the tug of home. We know that heaven is where we belong because heaven is where He is.

Although this encounter in its fullness is reserved for eternity, there are moments even now when we draw astonishingly close to Him, closer than we allow ourselves to grasp. These moments are not only spiritual but profoundly physical, because the God who took flesh in Bethlehem still gives Himself in flesh and blood. 

An easy prayer to remember...

 
"Almighty God of grace and light,
please bless (name here or description of person) and hold them tight. 
Grant them peace along their ways
and keep them safe both nights and days.

A prayer that can help us to pray unceasingly? Well, maybe.

When we read the Scriptures, one of the commands that often makes us pause is St Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonians: "Pray constantly" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, RSV-CE). The words are simple — but the challenge is great. How can we possibly pray without ceasing when life is full of work, family, obligations, and interruptions?

The saints across the centuries have taught us that unceasing prayer is not necessarily about being on our knees every second of the day. It is more about cultivating a spirit of prayer — a readiness of heart that continually turns to God. St Augustine put it beautifully when he said, "Your desire is your prayer; if your desire continues, your prayer continues." Prayer, then, is more than words. It is the lifting up of the heart to God.

But sometimes we need words — and simple words at that. In our weakness, our minds wander and our hearts grow distracted. A small, memorable prayer can become like a companion that helps us stay attuned to God's presence in the midst of daily life.

Here's an easy prayer; simple and yet profound:

Green dinosaurs wearing Santa hats but not a crib in sight - A reflection on the true meaning of Christmas

It was supposed to be a simple, cheerful visit to a local well-known garden centre. You know the kind — enormous, bustling, and bursting with Christmas spirit even before the first frosts have properly set in. 

Rows upon rows of glittering baubles, dancing reindeer, and tinsel that sparkles under soft festive lighting. The familiar scent of pine mingles with mulled spice candles, and for a moment you can almost hear the faint echo of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” in the air. 

But as I wandered deeper into the displays, something began to dawn on me — a quiet, unsettling realisation.

Among the mountains of merchandise and mechanical snowmen, there was not a single crib. Not one.

Why can't we just... wait?

The Age of Now... Click and collect in 1 hour. Next day delivery. Pizza delivery within 30 minutes. Express delivery within 4 hours. Fast food. Fast fashion. Why can't we just... wait?

Our modern world has turned speed into a virtue. We can have almost anything instantly—whether it is a meal, a gadget, a garment, or entertainment streamed in seconds.

Convenience is now seen as a kind of right.

And yet, as Christians, we know that the most important things in life are not available "on demand." Love takes time. Virtue takes effort. Holiness takes a lifetime. Salvation is a journey of patience, perseverance, and trust in God's timing.

So why can't we just… wait?

Five Quiet Miracles We Might Miss Each Day

Have we ever stopped mid-rush, wondering if God is truly present in the little moments of our day?

When life feels hectic and noisy, we might be tempted to think that miracles only happen in grand, extraordinary ways. 

Yet what if the most beautiful miracles are actually happening quietly around us — in the unnoticed, the overlooked, the everyday?

This reflection invites us to slow down and open our eyes to five simple but profound miracles that may be passing us by.

These aren’t the flashy, headline-grabbing signs from heaven; they’re gentle reminders of God’s love quietly weaving itself through the fabric of our daily life.

Jonah – The Opposite of Jesus?

There is a strange comfort in the Book of Jonah. 

Most prophets in Scripture shine with courage, obedience, and clarity of mission. 

Jonah does not. 

He runs from God, he resists God's will, he complains even after witnessing miracles, he sulks when mercy is shown, and he never truly softens in the narrative. 

Jonah stands out as the prophet who simply does not want to be one. 

His story feels familiar because it mirrors our own reluctance, our own fears, and our own instinct to run when God calls us into something costly.

An easy prayer to remember...

 

"Peace be with you", our Lord tells us,
 as He grants His peace to me and you,
Lord help me live this peace You give,
in all I think.. and say... and do. 

When a Talking Carrot Becomes a More Recognisable Symbol of Christmas than a Crib

There was a time when December meant Nativity plays, Advent calendars filled with scripture verses, and the simple joy of seeing a small crib placed in the window or on the mantelpiece.

Yet, as the years have gone by, something has quietly shifted. For many, Christmas has become less about Christ and more about commercials — less about the Word made flesh and more about a talking carrot in a supermarket advert.

Saint Wiborada of St Gall – The Hidden Flame of Solitude and Scripture - PLUS FREE GIFT!

There are saints whose names echo through the centuries — Francis, Thérèse, Dominic, and Clare — and then there are others, so hidden that even devout Catholics might never have heard of them. 

Yet, in the quiet corners of heaven, their intercession burns just as brightly. 

One of these hidden flames is Saint Wiborada of St Gall, a woman of prayer, silence, courage, and an almost fierce love for the Word of God.

She lived and died in the tenth century, in what is now Switzerland, during a time of uncertainty and fear. Yet her legacy reminds us that holiness does not always stand on a grand stage; sometimes it kneels in a small, stone cell — praying unseen, loved by God alone.

Lord, guard Your priests, Your chosen few...

 

Lord, guard Your priests, Your chosen few, With hearts aflame and faith made new. Protect their hearts, their words, their way, And keep them close to You each day.

As I love God so much, I find it hard to offer up my pains and troubles to him

There is a strange and quietly painful contradiction in the Christian life that we don’t often talk about. It’s this: sometimes the deeper our love for God becomes, the harder it feels to bring Him our sufferings.

It sounds illogical at first. 

Shouldn’t love mean we share everything? 

Shouldn’t a child run to their loving Father when they are hurting? 

Yes, of course - and we know this in our heads. But in the depths of our hearts, many of us who are striving to live closely with Christ, especially in the Catholic tradition, can feel an invisible wall when it comes to offering up our own pains.

We hold back, not because we don’t trust God, but because we love Him so much that we simply don’t want to cause Him any more sorrow.

An easy prayer to remember...

For the souls in purgatory suffering there,

the cleansing furnace which they bear,

Father quench those flames for their pain to cease,

and lead them home... to Heaven... and peace. 

Praying for the souls in Purgatory

For the souls in purgatory suffering there,

the cleansing furnace which they bear,

Father quench those flames for their pain to cease,

and lead them home... to Heaven... and peace.

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - 1st November 2025 - All Saints and All Souls

Welcome to the November edition of The 24/7 Catholic Monthly. 

This month, the Church turns her gaze toward heaven and eternity. It is a time of joyful honour and solemn prayer.

 The glory of All Saints Day meets the compassion of All Souls Day, reminding us that we are all on a journey—pilgrims bound for glory, with the communion of saints cheering us on.

November is the month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory, a time to remember those who have gone before us, and to lift them in prayer and love. It is also a month to renew our own longing for heaven. The saints show us what we are called to be. The souls remind us to live well, and die in grace.

What If?

Imagine that we are told — with absolute certainty — that tomorrow is our last day on this earth. Not a warning, not a guess, but a certainty. We know that when the sun sets tonight, it will be the last time we draw breath, the last time we hear the voice of a loved one, the last opportunity to embrace, to pray, or to repent.

If we truly believed tomorrow was our final day, how many of us would hesitate to go to Confession today? How many of us would allow pride, embarrassment, or fear to keep us from this beautiful sacrament of mercy and healing?

He stays close to us, wanting us to obey him so that we can spend eternity with him.

He never leaves our side for long. His presence is constant — a whisper in the quiet, a shadow at the edge of thought, a suggestion just when we're weakest. 

He doesn't always reveal himself in obvious ways, but he's there, patient, persistent, persuasive. 

He seems to know us better than anyone else, and at times it feels as though his will for our lives might even align with our own desires. After all, he speaks in the language of comfort, ease, and self-justification — and who could resist something that feels so familiar, so reassuring, so much like what we already want?

He tells us that obedience to him will bring us peace. That if we follow his lead, we will find freedom from guilt, acceptance from others, and the joy of doing what feels right. His voice rarely shouts — it murmurs. It adapts. It bends itself to suit our mood and moment....

The Golden Glow Of Autumn In Our Blessed Mother’s Garden

There are the days in October when sunlight feels almost sacred — when it lingers longer than expected on every leaf, softening the edges of the world. It is as though Heaven itself leans a little closer to the earth. 

This is the golden glow of autumn — that brief and holy time when creation bows gracefully toward its rest, clothed in splendour before surrendering to stillness.

In such light, even the simplest corner of the parish can seem touched by eternity. Behind Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in New Milton lies a quiet space that seems made for this season — Our Blessed Mother’s garden, wild yet peaceful, small yet filled with meaning.

It is not the kind of garden you find in glossy books or perfect rows. It is the kind of place where beauty whispers, where holiness hides among fallen leaves, and where anyone weary in soul can sit for a while and simply be.

Were the ‘Good Ol’ Days’ Really That Good? - What the Bible Tells Us About Harkening Back to Days Gone By

It’s easy to become wistful about the past. Whether it’s black-and-white photographs of smiling families around the dinner table, memories of high street shops bustling with familiar faces, or the sense that “things were simpler back then”, many people—especially as they grow older— tend to reflect fondly on the so-called “good ol’ days”.

We find ourselves longing for a time when moral values seemed more widely shared, when church pews were full, and when children respected their elders. 

In many cases, there’s a sense of spiritual loss as well—especially in the face of today’s secular culture, where God is often sidelined in public life.

But here’s the question: were the “good ol’ days” really that good? More importantly, what does Sacred Scripture say about nostalgia, longing for the past, and the temptation to believe that we’ve lost something irreplaceable?

Let’s take a deeper look.

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - 1st October 2025 - Month of the Holy Rosary

Welcome to the October edition of The 24/7 Catholic Monthly. 

As autumn settles in, the Church offers us two spiritual treasures to warm the soul: the Rosary, a meditation on Christ through the eyes of Mary, and the Little Way of St Thérèse of Lisieux, a humble path of trust and love.

In this month, we are called to childlike confidence and contemplative simplicity. The Rosary and the Little Way are not relics of the past—they are lifelines for today.

When Phones Go Off During Mass – Can’t We Connect to Our Father Without Disconnecting from Our Phones?

It happens too often to be surprising anymore.

Just as the priest elevates the Host, just as the congregation slips into that sacred silence before the “Behold the Lamb of God,” it happens....

... jarring ringtone...

... tinny pop song... 

... notification chime... 

The sanctuary, meant to echo heaven, is momentarily hijacked by the unmistakable sound of someone’s phone.

Embarrassed shuffling follows. 

Sometimes a frantic hand reaching into a handbag. Sometimes a face that stares forward in stony denial. And sometimes, the person just answers it - yes, even in church.

We’ve grown so accustomed to this kind of intrusion that we may no longer notice the deeper question it raises:

Can we truly connect with our Heavenly Father… if we never disconnect from our phones?

Let’s Take a Closer Look at “Woman, My Hour Has Not Yet Come” (John 2:4)

“When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’

And Jesus said to her, ‘O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come.’  

His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’” — John 2:3–5 (RSV-CE)

The Wedding at Cana is a story of joy, crisis, and divine intervention. It is a story of family, celebration, and the glory of Christ revealed in a quiet Galilean town. But at its heart lies a profound exchange between Jesus and His mother that has stirred the thoughts and prayers of Christians for centuries.

“Woman, my hour has not yet come.” What does Jesus mean? Why does He speak to His mother in this way? And why does Mary, after this seemingly hesitant reply, persist with the confident words: “Do whatever he tells you”?

This moment is not simply about wine at a wedding. It is about God’s plan of salvation, the unique role of Mary, and the faith to obey Christ. Let’s take a closer look.

Back to School with the Saints: Study Tips from Heaven

By now, students and pupils should all be back at school and colleges. The long summer holidays are over, and with sharpened pencils, fresh notebooks, and perhaps a little nervousness, young people across the country are returning to their studies. 

For some, this is an exciting time of opportunity; for others, it is heavy with pressure and anxiety. Parents and teachers, too, share the challenge of nurturing minds and guiding hearts in a world that often makes education feel like a competition rather than a calling.

But as Catholics, we know we are never left to face these challenges alone. Heaven is full of helpers who once walked the road of life before us. The saints, our elder brothers and sisters in Christ, stand ready to guide us, encourage us, and intercede for us. They remind us that study is not merely about facts and exams, but about preparing our minds and souls to serve God.

In this reflection, we will look at what the saints teach us about study, perseverance, and prayer. We will draw upon Scripture (RSV-CE), explore practical tips for students, and close with a devotional and poems.

Blessed Carlo Acutis – A Millennial Witness Of The Eucharist And Lessons For The Young And Old

When the Church raises a young person to the altars, it always gives us pause. Saints are not meant to be distant figures, frozen in stained glass or tucked away in dusty hagiographies. 

They are living reminders that holiness is possible here and now — in every age, culture, and circumstance. And in our own times, God has given us a powerful sign of hope in the life of Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager who grew up in Milan, and whose love for the Eucharist and for souls has captured the attention of the whole world.

Carlo is being recognised as the first saint of the digital generation, a child of the new millennium who knew computers, video games, and the internet, yet never lost sight of what really mattered. 

His canonisation, under Pope Leo XIV, is not only a moment of joy for the Church but also a profound reminder: holiness is not confined to monasteries or ancient times. It can flourish in the heart of a teenager, even amidst Wi-Fi signals and mobile screens.

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - 1st September - Month of the Seven Sorrows of Mary

Welcome to the September edition of The 24/7 Catholic Monthly. 

This month, we walk with Our Lady in her sorrows—not as a defeat, but as the pathway to the triumph of the Cross.

 September is traditionally dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, whose feast is celebrated on 15 September, the day after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Her pierced heart mirrors the heart of Christ: silent, faithful, enduring. Let us lean into that sorrow—not to wallow in pain, but to find meaning, love, and strength in suffering united with Jesus.

The Wild Garden Behind Our Lady of Lourdes Church in New Milton

It is a part of the parish grounds that most people pass without noticing — tucked behind the Catholic church, close to the church hall. 

From the main road, there is nothing to suggest what lies there. 

Parishioners and others walk by on their way to Mass or meetings, perhaps pausing to greet a friend or enter the hall itself for one of the many activities held there, many people not realising that just a few steps away is a place set apart, waiting in stillness... the wild garden of Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church, New Milton — a space unlike any other in the parish.

A 10-Day Journey Through the Psalms to Lift Your Heart plus FREE gift!

He heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds." — Psalm 147:3 (RSV-CE)
(Plus FREE GIFT)

Step into ten days of reflection, prayer, and poetry inspired by the Psalms — designed to refresh your soul, strengthen your spirit, and bring you closer to God. 
Plus a free gift in with final edition

Each day offers a short scripture, a heartfelt reflection, a guided prayer, and an original poem to help you:

• Find peace in the storms of life.

• Trust God’s timing and care.

• Heal from sorrow and brokenness.

• Delight in the Lord and lift your heart in praise.

Take ten days to pause, pray, and experience the Psalms in a fresh, life-giving way. Your heart and soul deserve this quiet, restorative journey with God.

This series is completely free, and your email is only used to send you these reflections — no marketing, no selling, no hidden agendas. Once the series ends, all email addresses are permanently deleted from the list used for this series

Click Here For More Information / Sign Up Now

Missing the Beauty of God's Creation With Heads Bowed Down… but not to God...

There is a strange kind of reverence that has crept into our daily lives. 

One sees it on buses, in cafés, in waiting rooms, on walks through the countryside - even in churches. 

It is the bowed head... but not in prayer... not in contemplation of the Divine... not even in shame or humility... 

... instead, we see heads bowed toward tiny glowing screens - fingers scrolling, tapping, swiping. 

A posture once reserved for worship has become routine for digital distraction...

Why The 24/7 Catholic?

I named this blog The 24/7 Catholic because it expresses a desire that I had  tugging at my heart. I want to live my Catholic faith every day, every hour, every minute. All the time. Not just on Sundays, not just at Mass, not just when I’m feeling inspired - but 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That’s what it means to follow Christ, right?

At least, that’s what I aspire to do...

... and yet, more often than not, I fall short...

This blog is for people like me - those of us who want to be saints, but who find ourselves slipping, stumbling, and sometimes just plain giving up. 

It’s for people who want to live the faith 24/7 but don’t always know how. 

People who go to Confession and mean it - but then snap at someone ten minutes later. 

People who say their Rosary while mentally ticking off their to-do list. 

People who love Jesus with all their hearts - but still struggle with doubt, distraction, despair, and daily demands.

This is The 24/7 Catholic - not because I’ve mastered it, but because I need to be reminded of it every single day...

10 Bible Verses That Show Jesus’ Sense of Humour. Yes, Our Lord Laughed Too!

When we think of Jesus, we rightly picture Him as the Good Shepherd, the Suffering Servant, and the Risen Lord.

 Often overlooked is His quick wit, sharp irony, and well-timed humour. 

Jesus wasn’t a gloomy figure. He enjoyed wedding feasts, told stories full of exaggeration and satire, and gently teased His disciples when they needed it.

After all, joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit - and Christ was filled with it. 

Laughter is part of love, and Jesus, who is love incarnate, used humour to reveal truth, disarm pride, and draw people closer.

Let’s explore 10 moments from the Gospels that shine with Jesus’ holy sense of humour.

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - 1st August 2025 – Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

Daily Offering to the Immaculate Heart

“O Immaculate Heart of Mary, I consecrate myself to you. Take my heart and make it more like yours: pure, trusting, faithful, and surrendered to God. Intercede for me, and lead me always to your Son. Amen.”

This month, place your daily joys and trials into the heart that pondered all things, trusted God in all things, and stood faithful beneath the Cross.

To The Hebrews: - CC Galatians, Romans, Philippians

If St Paul had email, how different would his letters have been? 

While his words are divinely inspired and timeless, one can only imagine how his correspondence might have looked in a world of inboxes, CCs, and dreaded spam filters. 

So, let’s have a little fun and picture an alternate reality where the Apostle to the Gentiles had access to a first-century email accounts.

What Joy Is There in Being Regularly Late for Mass?

“Could you not watch one hour with me?” – Matthew 26:40

Mass begins. The choir sings the entrance hymn. The priest processes reverently to the altar. 

The Sign of the Cross opens our sacred encounter with heaven... and… we're not there yet.

Maybe we’re rushing up the path, breathless and distracted. Maybe we’re just leaving home, thinking, “I’ll miss the beginning, but at least I’ll make it for Communion.” Maybe it’s become a habit. A harmless little habit - so we think.

But what joy is there in being regularly late for Mass?

No Ordinary Gathering

Let’s remind ourselves what we’re walking into when we attend Mass. 

It’s not a club meeting or a lecture. It is the Holy Sacrifice. Christ offers Himself, through the hands of the priest, for the forgiveness of sins and the life of the world. Heaven breaks through. Angels surround the altar. The veil between this life and eternity is lifted.

And we are invited - not merely to observe, but to participate.

To be late is to step in halfway through a miracle!