Apostles of Joy: J.R.R. Tolkien and St. Philip Neri

(Here be some thoughts from Kaleb Hammond the connection between J.R.R. Tolkien and the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, specifically the 'London Oratory', in...

Epiphany: Three Approaches to Christ

In the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, three groups are called to our attention: the shepherds, the Magi and the court of King...

The Meaning of the Magi and the Star of Bethlehem

Every year, we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, commemorating the visit of the magi to the Holy Family, on Jan. 6 (hence the...

Pope Benedict and Saint Basil the Great

BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE Paul VI Audience Hall Wednesday, 4 July 2007 Saint Basil (1) Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us remember today one of the great Fathers of the...

No Ambition Except to Do Good: Mary, Mother of God and A New Year

January 1st begins the new calendar year and it also brings to an end the celebration of the Christmas Octave with the celebration of...

The Mighty Genius of Michelangelo, 1475-1564

The Italian sculptor and painter Michelangelo lived to be nearly ninety years old, fulfilling his own dictum: I am a poor man and of...

Pope Benedict and the Holy Family

  BENEDICT XVI   ANGELUS St Peter's Square Sunday, 31 December 2006   Dear Brothers and Sisters, On this last Sunday of the year we are celebrating the Feast of the Holy Family...

The Hope of the Holy Innocents

The feast of the Holy Innocents, which we celebrate appropriately enough within the octave of Christmas, might seem a troubling commemoration at first glance....

Saint John, Son of Zebedee

Pope Benedict XVI offered three audiences on the Apostle John, back in 2006, and, concise as they are - a trait of the erudite...

Pope Benedict and Saint Stephen

BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE Saint Peter's Square Wednesday, 2 May 2012 Dear Brothers and Sisters, In our recent Catecheses we have seen how through personal and community prayer the...