Saints Alive! | The Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Each June, the Church celebrates the birthday of John the Baptist because "John surpasses all the prophets, of whom he is the last" (CCC 523). John the Baptist "is the Lord's immediate precursor or forerunner, sent to prepare his way," who "inaugurates the Gospel... from his mother's womb" (CCC 523). It was John the Baptist whom God sent to prepare His people for the coming of the Messiah. For more about this great saint, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Saints Alive! | St. Joseph Cafasso

St. Joseph Cafasso lived in the city of Turin, Italy, in the 19th century, and was known as a model of priestly life. It was there that he was given the nickname “the Priest of the Gallows,” for his pastoral care of criminals, especially those condemned to death. He stood by their side as they were led to the execution, bringing them to repentance by showing them the mercy and compassion of God. It was particularly for his commitment to prisoners that he is numbered among the so-called “social Saints” of Turin – a group of religious and lay faithful dedicated to addressing the most pressing social issues of the day. He once famously said, "Heaven is filled with converted sinners of all kinds, and there is room for more." For more about this great saint, also known as the "Priest's Priest," please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Divine Office | The voice of one crying in the wilderness

In today's Office of Readings we encounter a reading from a sermon of St Augustine of Hippo (354-430 A.D.).

He wrote an enormous amount and left a permanent mark on both philosophy and theology. His Confessions, as dazzling in style as they are deep in content, are a landmark of world literature. The Second Readings in the Office of Readings contain extracts from many of his sermons and commentaries and also from the Confessions.

For a reflection, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness," please click on the image.

Peace be with you!