For several years, I have made the New Year’s resolution to make my Sundays Internet-free. That means I cut off any connection with the Internet, be it email, websites or videos. It does not include phone calls or text messages. This Internet fast allows me to dedicate my Sunday to other things. … Read more
The following is a sermon given on Christmas by Saint John Vianney—the Cure of Ars—and is taken from Sermons for the Feast Days of the Year by the Cure of Ars. You can listen to this sermon narrated by Edwin Benson on Spotify. * * * “And his name shall be called Emmanuel” … Read more
In August 1851, Pope Pius IX elevated Bishop Francis Kenrick from the Diocese of Philadelphia to the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Upon arrival, the new archbishop began going to Father Neumann for confession. The two men were acquainted, but the archbishop grew increasingly impressed with the immigrant priest’s intelligence, ability and energy. When … Read more
My gift suggestion for an original Christmas gift for a loved one is a calendar. It can be any calendar according to the needs and inclinations of the one who will receive it. It does not matter if it is a wall calendar, a pocket version or a personal planner, as long … Read more
It is not the case to discuss all the aspects of Father Nicholas von Diessbach’s gigantic plan of the apostolate, especially since the French Revolution prevented its full development. Thus, it is better to look at the promotion of the Amicizia Cristiana (Christian Friendship) association, which was the center of all his … Read more
December 8, 2024, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, marked a moment of profound significance for France and Christianity. The world witnessed the triumphant reopening of Notre Dame de Paris five years after the fire almost destroyed this masterpiece of the Catholic faith. This event goes beyond the simple restoration of a … Read more
John Neumann arrived in America on June 2, 1836, and left on June 28 for his first priestly assignment near Buffalo, New York. During the whirlwind month between arrival and assignment, he walked much of the city without a guide or map, met Bishop John Dubois, was accepted as an aspirant to … Read more
The restoration of Notre Dame enthralled the world. Global leaders flocked to Paris to represent their nations. The media broadcast the opening ceremonies that celebrated this grand achievement, noble quest and supreme act of love. Such gatherings are rare, considering the state of the world. In these times of extreme polarization, few … Read more
The November election still invites much reflection in America, especially among leftists. There is still a lot of soul-searching and finger-pointing going on. The election delivered a reality check to the left. Leftists are devastated by how their messaging failed to impress the electorate. Their solutions did not resonate with the average … Read more
Father Nicolas Joseph Albert von Diessbach, S. J. was born in Bern, Switzerland, on February 15, 1732. His family was Huguenot, and he was raised in the rigid, dry, and sterile morals of that Calvinist sect. At the age of eleven, his parents placed him in the Swiss Army regiment commanded by … Read more