Mar09

On Fasting: a Lenten Reflection

On Fasting: A Lenten Reflection I recently posted this reflection on Facebook and it generated some interest, so I’ve reproduced it here for my readers.   It’s the time of year when many of us are thinking about fasting: here’s my two-cents’ read more Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new...

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Apr13

4 Things I Learned from Monsignor Reilly

4 Things I Learned from Monsignor Reilly     Many years ago, Monsignor Reilly realised that the most powerful witness against abortion was prayer in front of the facilities themselves. He has travelled to over 60 countries to share the message of prayerful, peaceful witness, and his advice was even sought by the founders of 40 Days for Life when that ministry began. Many prayer vigils throughout the world are the direct...

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Apr05

If Not Us, Then Who?

If Not Us, Then Who?   I’ve recently been conversing with other Catholic parents about the level of involvement we should have in pro-life and other moral issues. There seems to be a perception that, while the world is morally disintegrating before our very eyes, it isn’t wise for parents to play an active role in trying to reverse the dangerous trends that threaten our families. It seems some think that we are wise...

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Mar11

Novenas in Scripture

Novenas in Scripture The 2nd Annual Evangelium Vitae novena is less than a week away, so I though it might be interesting to look at the origins of novenas. The word novena is derived from the latin word meaning ‘nine’, and a novena consists of some form of prayer involving nine parts. Novenas, as we know them, have been around since the 17th century. But are novenas just a Catholic thing, or do they have some basis in...

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Mar11

Evangelium Vitae Novena 2016

Evangelium Vitae Novena 2016 Last year, I co-hosted the inaugural Evangelium Vitae novena with Birgit Atherton-Jones, my blogging friend from Designs by Birgit. (You can like Birgit’s Facebook page here) We wanted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s landmark encyclical, ‘The Gospel of Life.’ This year we hope to have even more faithful pray-ers on board, from even more far-flung corners of...

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Mar01

Origen: On Prayer

Origen: On Prayer   The coming of the kingdom of God, says our Lord and Saviour, does not admit of observation and there will be no-one to say “Look here! Look there!” For the kingdom of God is within us and within our hearts.  And so it is beyond doubt that whoever prays for the coming of the kingdom of God within himself is praying rightly, praying for the kingdom to dawn in him, bear fruit and reach perfection. For...

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