One of the most inspiring reasons to practice a deep and personal devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is that it unites you to the “Heart of the Church.” The month of June, dedicated to the Sacred Heart, is…
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Why Do Catholic Weddings Only Happen in Churches?
I spent four years working as an editor at a bridal magazine. During that time, my colleagues and I reviewed hundreds of wedding submissions each week, carefully considering each one for potential publication. I’ve seen photos of wedding ceremonies in…
Weekly Wallpaper // 230
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” // John 20:21 Download these beautiful free wallpapers from Zelie and Lou from today’s readings. Let His word dwell in us richly,…
Places You Can (Virtually) Visit this Summer
Summertime family vacations always were some of the best memories growing up. The best vacation my siblings and I ever went on was to Disney World. Our family of five drove all the way from Michigan, complete with trailer in…
Life is Sacred // Blessed is She Podcast: The Gathering Place Episode 85
Life. Human dignity. Love. It’s all in this episode! Beth and Jenna chat with Sister Giovanna Mariae, who is part of the Sisters of Life. They talk about how protecting the sanctity of life is so much more than just…
The Power of a Personal Litany
Many months ago, during a period of moderate doubt and discouragement in my life, I was given a penance after Confession which has since rocked my world. Unlike the typical five Hail Mary’s and five Our Father’s, this one was…
BIS Reads // It Is Good To Be Here: A Disabled Woman’s Reflections on the Sacred Wonder of Being Human
Right off the bat, in a pointed preface titled “Crippled”, Christina Chase offers the kind of memoir I want to read. The illustration of her experience as a woman living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy will teach me through that human…
A Tour of Chiesa Nuova in Rome
Saint Philip Neri, a prominent figure of the Counter Reformation, is best known for reaching out to the laity in Rome, both young and old. At the time, outreach to the laity was not considered as important as it is…
On Saint Mary Magdalene
The Easter Gospel stories from both Matthew and John lead with Mary Magdalene. This is as important as it is surprising. Certainly her account of encounter of the empty tomb and the Risen Lord are compelling. Given the time and…
Weekly Wallpaper // 229
Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. // John 17:3 Download these free wallpapers from Mariana Pimiento of Big Apple Catholic. Remember, Members, you get…
Blessed is She Podcast: The Gathering Place Episode 84
In this episode, Beth and Jenna answer one of the most frequently asked questions for the Blessed is She team: how do you start reading the Bible? If you’ve ever desired to read the Word more often, or if you’re struggling…
Back to the Future
The 1985 movie Back to the Future is a cultural phenomenon. One of the best quotes is uttered by Marty: “Wait A Minute, Doc. Are you telling me you built a time machine?” Picture his enthusiasm, his unbelief! I was…
How (And Why) to Rejoice in Your Weakness
“Be perfect,” Jesus tells us, “as your Heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). For years, I thought this meant I had to eliminate all my flaws as fast as I possibly could. Whenever I made a resolution to do something…
Resources for (Re)Discovering Catholicism
I was in a crowd of thousands of young people, listening to a talk on being transformed as a disciple of Christ by the author and theologian, Dr. Edward Sri. His words hit me. A good father warmly welcomes the…
Weekly Wallpaper // 228
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. // John 14:20 Download these beautiful free wallpapers from Jazmin De Guzman from today’s readings. Let His word dwell in us…
