Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was elected pope by the second papal conclave of 1978, which was called after John Paul I, who had been elected in August to succeed Pope Paul VI, died after 33 days. He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. For words of wit and wisdom from John Paul II "on truth" please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Saint Quodvultdeus († c. 450 A.D.) was a bishop and Church Father who suffered exile after the Vandals captured Carthage in 439. His name means “what God wills.” For words of wit and wisdom on the birth of the Church, "That the Whole Nation May Not Perish," please click on the image. Peace be with you!

As archbishop of San Salvador, Óscar Romero advocated for the poor and worked for peace amid an escalating civil war. For this reason, he was assassinated as he concluded his homily on March 24, 1980. The Mass was being offered for the first anniversary of the death of Sara Meardi de Pinto, mother of Jorge Pinto, publisher and editor of El Independiente, a small weekly newspaper. The Gospel reading was Jn. 12:23-26. For words of wit and wisdom from Archbishop Óscar Romero, voice of the voiceless, guardian of the poor, martyr, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet was a French bishop, theologian, and renowned orator. His writings are rich in love of Jesus, and tender in their understanding and explanation of scripture and theology. He brings wisdom for his readers to enjoy, and from which we are invited to continue to plumb the depths and riches of God's creation. For words of wit and wisdom from Bishop Bossuet (d. 1704) on St. Joseph's preeminent role as God's trustee, provider and guardian of the Holy Family, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Lent is a time of reflection, a time to ask what we are in need of to grow in the spiritual life. It is the season where we are invited to examine ourselves and ask God how we can turn our heart to him and grow closer so that we may die to oneself to live in God. St. Cyril of Jerusalem is an early Church Father. His influence on Christianity is still felt today as he is one of the most important sources for how the early Church celebrated the liturgy and sacraments. He is held in high esteem by both the Catholics and the Orthodox. His 4th century writings are a reminder to us for what it means to live a Christian life. As he says, "the indwelling [of the Holy Spirit] makes your mind into a divine house." In the hustle and bustle of the day with our preoccupations and responsibilities - at work and at home - in our interactions with family, friends, and strangers, we can often fall short of Jesus' exhortation that we be perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect (cf. Matt 5:48). Yet it's in the daily events of our lives, those seemingly insignificant interactions we may have with others, or alone, in our own thoughts and choices, that we are called to be holy. We are called to transform ourselves into an image of God’s own holiness. By doing so we may transform the entire world into the kingdom of God. For words of wit and wisdom from Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (d. 386 A.D.), please click on the image. Peace be with you!