Expecting a baby in 2025? Consider one of these baby names inspired by the Jubilee Year of Hope.

In his debut book, Weird Catholic Handbook, Michael Lichens brings his two personal passions to the masses: his love for the Catholic Faith and his love for all things strange about our faith.

No matter the season, we are called to love our neighbor. Explore creative ways to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy this winter.

Want to connect more with your guardian angel? Here are seventeen ideas to foster a deeper relationship him.

Christmas Day is just the beginning. Here is a list of simple ways to celebrate the birth of Christ throughout the entire Christmas Octave.

The appearances of the angels during the Christmas season are great evidence that no matter what we are going through, God sees us and is sending us heavenly aid.

Archbishop Sheen outlines three tests to search for the Spirit of Christ within an individual. And these tests could offer insights when discerning a spouse.

While the chosen title of this new book by Archbishop Fulton Sheen is On the Demonic, it is truly a book about the power of the Divine—power which God shares with His disciples.

August is a special month to honor Mary as it is traditionally dedicated to her Immaculate Heart. One could even say that she is our “August Queen.” Many of the August Saints of the liturgical calendar not only had devotions to Mary, but they also had ministries in which they encouraged others to love her as well.

Our faith tells us that names are the icon of the person. This means that our names reveal a core truth about our identity. Saint Mark the Evangelist’s name is derived from one that honors the Roman god of war, Mars. It indicates that the one bearing the name is “warlike,” with the spirit of a fighter. While most of us know him as the author of the second Gospel, there is much more about him that is worthy of note. We can see from the tradition and Scripture that he lived up to his name with his fighting and resilient spirit. The Things You May Not Know Like many individuals at the time, Mark was not his only name. He was also known as John. In Scripture, he is referred to as both, and also as John Mark (see Acts 13:5, Acts 15:37, Acts 15:39). Mark probably knew Jesus. It’s possible he was one of the seventy-two disciples. Another possibility, some theologians say, is that Mark was the man carrying the jar of water in Luke 22:10. When instructing Peter and John to find a place to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem, Jesus told them to look for a man carrying water. This was unusual as it was typically the work of a woman. Upon seeing the man, the two Apostles followed him to a house. This is where the Last Supper took place, and some in the tradition of the Church speculate that this was the family home of Mark. If this was Mark’s family’s home, it’s possible that Mark helped to serve the meal, and witnessed the Institution of the Eucharist and then followed Jesus and the Apostles to the Garden of Gethsemane. His Gospel contains a detail the rest don’t. After Jesus’ arrest, a man in a linen garment followed the guards. When they spotted him, they seized him, but he struggled and pulled away. Leaving his linen garment in the hands of the guard, the individual ran off naked (see Mark 14:51). Some Scripture scholars in the tradition hold that this was Mark himself, and he added that detail to show he was an eye-witness. Likely, it was this same house to which the Apostles ran and hid during Jesus’ Passion. We know it is where they were hiding on Easter Sunday as Scripture tells us they were in the Upper Room. This is also where the 120 followers of Jesus stayed and prayed for the nine days between the Ascension and Pentecost—and where the Holy Spirit descended. And, whether it was his home or not, it is probable that Mark was present in the house for all these things. In Acts 12, Saint Peter is imprisoned and condemned to death by King Herod. When an angel helps him escape, our first pontiff’s safe haven and hiding place is referred to as the “house of Mary, the mother of John who is called Mark” (Acts 12:12), also known as Saint Mary of Jerusalem. This is where the tradition draws the connection to her home possibly being that containing the Upper Room. Mark’s cousin Saint Barnabas (see Colossians 4:10) was the first Christian in Jerusalem to believe the Pharisee Saul when he said he had converted (see Acts 9:27). It was Barnabas who took the risk and the time to get to know if Saul’s conversion was genuine. Upon realizing it was, Barnabas brought Saul, who became Saint Paul, to Peter and the Apostles. When Paul and Barnabas set off on their first missionary journey, they bring Mark along as a disciple (see Acts 13:5). Shortly into the trip, however, Mark leaves and returns home. Scripture does not provide an explanation as to why, but Paul is unhappy about it (see Acts 13:13). Years later, when Paul is ready to leave for his second journey, Mark desires to accompany him and Barnabas. Paul refuses to bring him along, and the two part ways and go on separate missions. Barnabas allows Mark to accompany him. (See Acts 15:36-41.) Mark eventually becomes a disciple of Peter, which is why most of his Gospel seems to be written from Peter’s perspective. It is also why his intended audience are the Roman Christians. He was serving the people in Rome alongside Peter. Mark has grown and matured and done so much good for the Church that Peter refers to him as a beloved son in his first epistle (see 1 Peter 5:13). Saint Mark’s story is good news for us. Even though Mark failed in his mission a couple of times—running away naked, abandoning his mission with Paul, being rejected by one of the most prominent figures in the early Church—God was able to use him for so much good. Mark used his resilience and fighting spirit to unite himself to God’s will and overcome his own weaknesses. He continued to come back to God and try again—as many times as he had to.  His story is one of immense hope and mercy. We can all be assured that even if we mess up, God’s great plans for our lives are not yet over. To experience the fruit of his work, try reading his Gospel along with our newly released Catholic Bible study. Saint Mark the Evangelist, pray for us!

10 Animals (and Saints) God Used to Show His Glory  There’s a line in the Gospels after Jesus calms a storm that always sends me into contemplating this question: “Who then is this whom even the wind and sea obey?” (Mark 4:41) What must it have been like to watch the strength of the waves and the wind settle at the mere sound of a Man’s voice? While it calmed the outside forces, it likely brought a peaceful stirring in the hearts of those who observed the miracle. Psalm 19:2 assures us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the works of his hands.” We see these glories throughout all of Scripture. God uses all parts of His created realm to reveal His Truth and Love to every generation, from Genesis through Revelation, and all throughout Church history—including today! It is impossible to get through a single book of the Bible without reading a miraculous story involving nature—and it’s not just the weather! This includes the animals. From a ram showing up at the opportune moment (see Genesis 22:13), to a whale swallowing Jonah (see Jonah 1:17), to a donkey speaking to Balaam (see Numbers 22:28), God uses all His creation to reveal His presence. When we look at the lives of the Saints, the same reality is present. In congruence with National Wildlife Week, let’s take a look at ten times God has used animals to display His glory! Saint Mammes and Lions Saint Mammes of Caesarea was born in the third century in the prison where his Christian father died. Both he and Mammes’ mother were awaiting execution for refusing to abandon their faith. Raised and loved by a wealthy widow, he grew up Christian and was given a good education. The faith of his parents seemed to run in Mammes’ veins, and as a teen he converted many of his friends to Christianity. His evangelistic skill made him a target of the government’s persecution. With the help of an angel, he escaped and dwelt in a cave in the wilderness. There he preached to the animals and survived off of the produce in the region. When soldiers eventually came hunting for him, Mammes agreed to be taken without a fuss. While many attempts had been made to kill him before, he finally died due to an abdominal wound from a trident. Mammes’ identifier in sacred art is the presence of a lion comrade, as he seemed to have influence over them. For example, the lions would not touch him when he was thrown to the beasts as a form of intended execution. Another time, soldiers who had arrested him came across a lion chasing a group of sheep. Mammes called out to the lion who abandoned his hunt and did Mammes’ bidding, even allowing the man to ride him to the town where he was going to be imprisoned. What a sight that must have been for those who saw him as a Christian slated for martyrdom! Saint Anthony of Padua and a Donkey  In the thirteenth century, Saint Anthony of Padua, the patron Saint of lost things, assisted an adversary in finding his belief in the True Presence of the Eucharist. This man, Bononillo, not only refused to believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Sacrament, he publicly ridiculed those who did. Anthony tried to instill faith in him through explanations of Scripture and doctrine, but Bononillo remained hard-headed. What happened next depends on the source. Some claim it was Bononillo who suggested the plan, others that it was Anthony. Regardless, the two agreed that if Anthony could convince a donkey to bow before the Eucharist, Bononillo would be forced to accept the truth. Bononillo gave his animal no food or drink for three days. Anthony fasted willingly. At the planned time, the adversaries met in the town square as agreed. The hungry donkey was presented with the option of a consecrated host held by Anthony, or a pile of fresh hay directly under his own nose. To everyone’s surprise—most especially Bononillo’s—the donkey ignored the hay, walked to Anthony and bent his front knee in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament!   Saint Fabian and the Dove Within our faith, we give precedence to the writings of the early Church Fathers, those men who were the earliest successors of the Apostles. Their proximity to the Apostolic teaching grants them more direct knowledge of teachings and events in the early Church that we cannot possess ourselves. One of these Fathers, Eusebius, shared the following story in his writings.  When the nineteenth successor of Saint Peter had died and a new pope needed to be chosen, bishops and laymen flocked to Rome for the funeral, camaraderie, and prayer. Fabian—an unordained layman—was one such person. In the midst of discussions, a dove descended from the ceiling and rested on Fabian’s head. Eusebius remarked that all those present sensed it was a clear imitation of the dove which descended upon Jesus at His Baptism. The Church took it as a sign of God the Father’s will and Fabian was elected the twentieth pope. It is also interesting to note that doves are symbols of peace, and Fabian’s papal reign was a time of fewer persecutions and greater acceptance of Christians.  Saint Daria and the Lion Saint Daria had been a priestess of a pagan religion in the third century in Rome when she married her husband, Chrysanthus, a Christian convert. His passion and love for the faith changed Daria’s heart, and she, too, was baptized. The duo were looked to by the local men and women as faithful religious leaders. Their eloquence converted many and caught the attention of Rome, which led to their arrests.  Daria was sent to a brothel, a common tactic used by Rome for Christian women who had devoted themselves to celibacy. When the first man was sent into her room to abuse her, a lion appeared and attacked the man, pinning him to the ground. The lion then looked to Daria as if she were supposed to direct him further. She instructed the man to be released and he fled from the room. Unwilling to accept defeat, two more men experienced this process before Daria’s captives angrily set the room on fire with Daria and the lion inside. The Saint made the sign of the cross over the lion and instructed him to jump through the flames and escape. The room burned completely to the ground while Daria remained inside, and she was saved from any injuries.  Chrysanthus had endured his own tortures while they were apart, but the two were reunited and died together in martyrdom. Saint Ambrose and Bees The words of Saint. Ambrose was known to be sweet and soothing, assisting many in “swallowing” some of the difficult teachings of Catholicism. It is said that his honey-tongued capabilities were hinted at as a baby when his nanny took him outside to nap in the fresh air. Asleep with his mouth open, bees came, landed on his face in great numbers, and were crawling in and out of his mouth without harming him. Though this initially alarmed the nearby adults, they ended up marveling at the situation and took it as an omen of the great things God intended to do with Ambrose’s life. Saint Gall and the Bear This sixth-century missionary found himself in Switzerland during the colder months and was warming himself near a fire. A hungry bear hid in the trees, charging at the moment he saw to be most opportune. Gall was barely startled by the bear and simply rebuked him. The bear heeded Gall’s words and went back into the woods. After a bit of time passed, the bear returned, carrying wood to add to the fire. From that point on, the bear was the constant companion of the Saint, and they are often depicted together in sacred art. Centuries later, a city stands bearing the name of the Saint, with a black bear honoring this story on its coat of arms.  Saint Hubert and the Stag Saint Hubert suffered the great tragedy of losing his spouse in the midst of childbirth. He sought solace in another passion: hunting. In fact, the woods became the place of refuge and Hubert spent the majority of his time and effort tracking down deer and dissociating from reality. One Good Friday, Hubert ignored the masses of people headed to church and once again rode into the forest to hunt. In the quiet, he came across a beautiful stag and was about to shoot it when the deer turned and looked in his direction. Between the antlers was a magnificent cross, the sight of which caught Hubert off guard. Even more so did the voice which assured him, “Hubert, unless thou turnest to the Lord, and leadest a holy life, thou shalt quickly go down into hell.” When asked for further direction, Hubert immediately responded to the instructions to go seek out his local bishop, and then learned to find solace in God instead.  Saint Joseph of Cupertino and the Sheep Saint Joseph is well known for many things, but his miraculous events surrounding sheep are not typically at the top of the list. There are two stories in which Joseph’s direction over sheep is astounding. In the first, Joseph went out into the fields when his own parishioners failed to show up for catechesis due to the harvest. He decided to preach to the sheep instead. He called to the sheep, encouraging them to come learn about Mary, the Mother of God. The sheep left their fields, jumping over fences, ditches, and streams, and came to the chapel door in an orderly fashion. They listened to his teaching, and even prayed a litany with him, ‘baaing” in unison at the proper time to respond. At the end of the lesson, the sheep returned to their homes without any help. Another time, a hail storm occurred so suddenly that people at a farm had been unable to shelter their sheep and save them. The hail stones were so severe they had killed the entire flock. Joseph went out into the field, picked them up one by one and commanded, “Rise in the name of God.” Each sheep was brought back to life. Saint Marcarius and the Hyena A fourth-century Egyptian hermit, Saint Marcarius, was in the midst of prayer one day when he heard a knocking at the door. Upon opening it, he found a mother hyena who had been using her head as a knocker. In her mouth was a cub which she placed in Marcarius’ hands. The hermit could see that the cub was blind and deduced that the hyena was asking for a miracle. He spit and made the Sign of the Cross over the defective eyes, and sight was granted to the little creature.  The next day, the grateful mother returned with a gift for Marcarius, a sheep’s skin. Marcarius made her promise not to harm any animals that belonged to the poor, and promised that if she was hungry and she left them alone, he would feed her. These were his conditions for accepting her gift. She made a gesture of agreement, and Marcarius made the sheepskin his bed.   Saint Patrick and the Horses When thinking of Ireland’s patron, it is likely the first creature one would associate with him is one of a reptilian nature. However, there are other miraculous stories surrounding Saint Patrick and animals—one of them includes a domesticated herd of horses. The story goes that Patrick had requested a bit of land from a local chieftain to build a small church and cell. The chieftain Daire only partially granted the request, giving Patrick access to  land in a valley and not the hilltop so as to not have his view obstructed. Further upon the finishing of the construction, Daire still saw the land as his, not as something sacred and set apart. He permitted his horses to graze there; Patrick’s response was to cause the death of the horses (similar to others being struck dead upon entering sacred spaces incorrectly in Scripture).  Furious, Daire was gathering men to drive Patrick and his followers from what he saw as his land when he was struck with a severe illness. Humble and wise, Daire’s wife asked Patrick for assistance. He sent her holy water with the instruction for it to be sprinkled upon Daire and the horses. Daire was healed and the horses were resurrected. Patrick showed no ill-will towards the clan, even when Daire’s temper continued. All Creatures Great and Small Both faith and reason assure us that God can be seen within His creation. May we join our Saintly brothers and sisters in appreciating and marveling in God’s handiwork!

Pious Musings from the Saints There’s a quote from the English philosopher and writer Aldous Huxley in which he claims, "After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music" (source).  Within my own life experiences, I have found this to be completely true. Music can cut to the heart and match the depths and heights of my emotions in a way that almost nothing else can. In a similar vein, I have found the combination of witty and wise words within the melodic cadence of a poem has a similar effect on my inner being. Poetry—it seems—is a sort of music of its own. Seven Poems Penned by Canonized Friends There are countless Saints known for their written works—many of them being Doctors of the Church. It should really come as no surprise that in addition to their powerful theological treatises, their personal prayer and relationships with God resulted in rhythmic literary work as well. It seemed fitting on World Poetry Day to share a handful of these pieces. Vulnerable By Saint Catherine of Siena Vulnerable we are, like an infant. We need each other’s care or we will Suffer. More Poems by Saint Catherine of Siena My Peace and My Joy By Saint Thérèse of Lisieux   There are souls on the Earth  who are searching for happiness in vain. For me, it’s the opposite,  joy lives in my heart. It’s a flower that I possess forever. Like a spring rose, it smiles at me every day. More Poems by Saint Thérèse  Girl Disappointed in Love By Karol Wojtyla  With mercury we measure pain as we measure the heat of bodies and air; but this is not how to discover our limits– you think you are the center of things. If you could only grasp that you are not: the center is He, and He, too, finds no love— why don’t you see? The human heart–what is it for? Cosmic temperature. Heart. Mercury. More Poems by Pope Saint John Paul II Laughter Came From Every Brick By Saint Teresa of Avila  Just these two words God spoke changed my life, “Enjoy Me.” What a burden I thought I was to carry– a crucifix, as did He. Love once said to me “I know a song, would you like to hear it?” And laughter came from every brick in the street  and from every pore in the sky. After a night of prayer, God changed my life when God sang, “Enjoy Me.” More Poems from Saint Teresa of Avila Poem of the Virgin at the Foot of the Cross  By Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) At the foot of the Cross, I stood with you today and felt clearly, as never before, that you became our Mother here at the foot of the Cross. A mother’s fidelity here already takes so much heart to fulfill her son’s last will! You were also the handmaid of the Lord. The being and the life of God made man were engraved entirely in your being and in your life and that is how you took his in your heart. By the blood of your heart, by your bitter sufferings, you have acquired a new life for each of these souls. You know us all with our wounds, our weaknesses, you also know the heavenly splendor whose love of your Son desires to flood us with eternal clarity. So you take it to heart to steer our steps. No price seems too high to bring us to the point. But to those whom you have chosen to follow you and surround you one day near the eternal throne, it is up to you to stand with you here near the Cross. Through the blood of their hearts, through bitter sufferings, they have a mission to acquire the heavenly splendor for all those souls of great value that the Son of God has entrusted to them and given to them as an inheritance. More Poems from Saint Edith Stein The Pillar of the Cloud By Saint John Henry Newman Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home — Lead Thou me on! Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene, — one step enough for me.   I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that Thou Should'st lead me on. I loved to choose and see my path; but now Lead Thou me on! I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.   So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still Will lead me on, O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone; And with the morn those angel faces smile Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile. More Poems by Saint John Henry Newman Love Never Disappears By Saint Augustine of Hippo Love never disappears for death is a non-event.I have merely retired to the room next door.You and I are the same; what we were for each other, we still are.Speak to me as you always have, do not use a different tone, do not be sad.Continue to laugh at what made us laugh.Smile and think of me.Life means what it has always meant.The link is not severed.Why should I be out of your soul if I am out of your sight?I will wait for you; I am not here, but just on the other side of this path.You see, all is well. More Poems by Saint Augustine Expressing the Inexpressible There is much at which the Saints excelled for which we are all still striving. It is apparent from these few poems that they themselves were no strangers to immense heartbreak or to awe-inspiring love. May their words serve as reminders and encouragement to us as we continue our journey towards our heavenly home, no matter what events we face in life.

In preparation for 2025 as a Jubilee Year, Pope Francis declared 2024 to be the Year of Prayer in the hopes that the faithful will rediscover the centrality of prayer for our faith life. Much like we cannot exist without the constancy of rhythmic breathing, our spiritual life cannot survive without a consistent prayer life.  Surely graces abound during this time for those looking to learn or rejuvenate such practices! How special would it be for babies born this year to be named in commemoration of a time in their parents’ lives when they were becoming more intimate with Christ? Names with Masculine and Feminine Forms Angelus // Angel, Angela, and Angela are all acceptable names within society. Angelus has a similar sound and brings to mind the traditional rhythmic prayer of the Church. Benedict and Benedicta // “Blessed” is the meaning of this name, and blessed be the name of the Lord! Gregorio and Gregoria // For those parents who find solace and calm in Gregorian chant. The name means “vigilant, a watchman.” Those who pray regularly could also be described as such. Honor // A name which echoes the eternal words of Revelation 7:12: “Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Jude // A name which means “praise” directed towards the Divine (see “Judah” below). Laudes // A name which means “praises highly, or canonical hour.” It is also the Latin title for Morning Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. Psalm // In honor of some of the greatest and most relatable prayers of all time! Feminine Names Arabella // Derived from Latin, this name means “yielding to prayer,” as we all should do! Araminta // From the Latin-derived name Arabella and the Greek-derived name Aminta, which means “strength.” One who bears this name would be sure to be a prayerful individual and could be called “Mint” for short. Caeli // Latin for “of heaven,” it is a part of the title of the “Regina Caeli” prayer, translated into English as “Queen of Heaven,” which sings the praises of our Lady. Pronunciation is “CHAY-lee.” Dillian // The pronunciation rhymes with Lillian; this name means “image of worship.” Worship is the ultimate prayer for which we were made. Gloria // The prayer of the angels! “Glo” would be a precious nickname. Itta // Pronounced “EE-tah,” this sweet name is a Yiddish variation of Judith, a feminine form of “Judah” (see below). Magnificat // Mary’s famous prayer praising God for His faithfulness and generosity. It could be shortened to Maggie for daily use. Memorare // A powerful prayer to our Lady with a soft and strong feminine quality about it. Raree (which could be pronounced “rawr-ee”) has a similar sound to the popular Irish name, Rory. It could serve as an abbreviation. Odelia// Pronounced “oh-DEE-lee-ah,” it is Hebrew for “I will praise the Lord.” Ora // A name derived from the verb from the Latin phrase “Ora pro nobis” in the Litany of Saint, asking the saints to “Pray for Us.”  It is the imperative form of the verb, meaning “You, pray!” Osanna // A real name which has obvious ties to the Hebrew prayer, “Hosanna!” It is Latin for “praise the Lord” or “God save.” Regina // Latin for Queen, it corresponds to the hymn “Regina Caeli” about the Queen of Heaven. “Reggie” could serve as an updated nickname—or parents could roll with the traditional, “Gina.” Rosary // There exist many variations of the traditional name Rose; this seems like a natural/prayerful alternative for Catholics. Selah // A Hebrew word found throughout Scripture, especially in the Psalms, which indicates a prayerful pause of praise for God. Masculine Names Bede // A short, cheerful name which also means “prayer.”  Declan // Irish names are quite popular in the States; this one means “man of prayer.” Judah // This name was a prayer of praise by Leah (the Old Testament figure) at the birth of her fourth son. It was the first time she acknowledged what God was doing for her in the names of her children. Oratio // A classic Latin form of prayer which follows a specific formula, and also the Latin word for “prayer.” Orison // A strong and unique French name which derives from the Latin word for prayer. “Ori” would make a good nickname. Saul // This biblical name means “prayed for” in Hebrew—the name of King Saul, the first king of Israel, as well as Saint Paul before Jesus called him on the road to Damascus. Silas // From the Hebrew verb meaning “asked for” in a prayerful sense. Know a Baby on the Way? We have more resources for you! Whether it is more ideas for baby names or gifts you may need to purchase, we have got you covered! Check out these options below. Marian Baby Names Names in Honor of St. Joseph Unique and Usable Biblical Baby Names Not-So-Typical Unique Catholic Baby Names How to Name Your Baby (Catholic Style) Catholic Baby Registry (Catholic Gift Ideas for a Baby Shower) Chosen Baptism Book Catholic 1, 2, 3 Poster for Kids THE PERFECT BOOK FOR KIDS Rise Up will open up beautiful conversations with your children about the virtues. . This will bring beautiful fruit to your prayer life and to your children's prayer lives. GET RISE UP

We humans, even though we are composed of both a physical body and a spiritual soul, sometimes struggle to comprehend truth that cannot be detected by our five physical senses. This has resulted in many of us going through our lives without an acute awareness of the spiritual realm all around us. Furthermore, we are unaware of the constant interaction and intervention of these spiritual beings in our lives. In truth, there is a whole other level of existence, and most of us are unaware! 1. What is a guardian angel? Guardian angels are members of the ninth and lowest choir of angels. This is the group that is closest to the material realm and interacts directly with us. One translation of the word “angel” means “messenger.” As such, angels are regarded as those who carry God’s messages. While this is true, carrying God’s messages is only a small part of what they do. Another translation of angel as “ambassador” is helpful in painting a broader picture of the role of these spiritual beings.  To put it simply, an ambassador, in the political sense, serves as a representative of his or her home country and within that role helps to improve the relationship between the two countries. This is what each guardian angel attempts to do: improve our relationship with Heaven, most especially with God. Ultimately, your guardian angel works to help you improve your love for God and grow closer to Him so that you will obtain the eternal life for which you were created.  2. When were guardian angels made? Unlike mankind, angels have no gender and thus cannot reproduce. They are not co-creators with God in this sense. Instead of allowing them to be a part of the process of physical procreation, God created all nine choirs of angels at the same time. The number of angels created is insurmountable, and they came into existence before the creation of the material realm. Scripture tells us they were there when the earth was created and they shouted for joy. Thus, all the guardian angels in existence were made before God created the first man and woman. 3. When was my angel assigned to me? This answer may surprise you. Your guardian angel was not assigned to you at your birth. He was not even assigned to you at your conception. Your angel was assigned to you at the moment of his creation, which means he spent eternity preparing for his time with you. Likely he was interceding for you before you were even made. It is a breathtaking thought that God matched your angel specifically to you. There is something about him and something about you that God knew would make a fantastic team. You can think of your guardian angel as a kind of best friend or soulmate. 4. When does my angel start “guarding” me? Seeing as there were countless years between his creation and your birth, it is likely that your guardian angel was doing “prep” work and praying for you before you became a physical reality. As he is immaterial and exists outside of time he can spend his whole existence focused on you. As soon as you came to be—at the moment of your conception—your angel was by your side.  5. If I have a heavenly body guard, why do I still get hurt sometimes? The title “guardian” can be misleading. Your angel’s main concern is not to protect you from physical harm. His main concern is to help you make it to Heaven. Thus, when it comes to your physical well-being, your angel does not intervene unless the injury could be one that would eternally harm your relationship with God (though they make many exceptions for infants and toddlers without a developed sense of danger and spatial awareness). Or they might intervene to prompt an increase of your faith in God and His care for you. 6. Can we become guardian angels when we die? No human being becomes an angel when he or she dies. We are completely different creatures; we do not think, move, learn, or act alike. To think we become angels in Heaven is actually more impossible metaphysically than for a cat to become a dog. Angels are pure spirit. In contrast, humans are both spiritual and physical, possessing both a body and a soul. At the end of time, when Jesus returns and we experience that resurrection of the body, every person (whether good or evil) will receive their body back. The angels will be there too, but their roles and duties will shift at that time.  {formbuilder:OTk3ODc=} 7. Does my angel have a body? No, your angel does not have a physical body. Remember he is pure spirit and as such, he is more powerful than you. However, there are times where God permits angels to represent himself in human form in order to interact with us for important reasons. In my own life, I have heard countless stories from family, friends, and strangers in which a person appears seemingly out of nowhere to help them during a time of need. These individuals have all expressed the sense that the person was indeed their guardian angel.  8. Does my angel actually have wings? Building off the truth that angels are not physical, there are some who try to claim that angels do not have wings. They will argue that wings were originally placed on angels by artists who were attempting to distinguish them from the humans in their paintings. These individuals are mistaken. The first reference to angels possessing wings is found in Scripture when God is giving Moses instructions for constructing the Ark of the Covenant. It was God who first represented angels with wings, but then of course they are only spiritual wings and represent something unique about angels. 9. What does my angel do all day? The traditional prayer to our guardian angels puts it plainly: they enlighten, guard, rule, and guide. Your angel works non-stop to influence you towards the good. Angels communicate with us via our thoughts and intuition. They can conjure up memories or images and place them within your mind’s eye. Everything is an attempt to inspire you towards virtue and love. If you feel such a prompting, honor the hard work of your angel and act upon it! 10. Can I have more than one guardian angel? Yes! This is quite possible. My grandmother prayed that God would bless her grandchildren with an additional nine guardian angels after each of our births. While talking with Dr. Mark Miravalle—a theologian specializing in angels—he confirmed that this was indeed possible. He also indicated that God often assigns additional guardian angels to people when they step into important leadership positions, such as the priesthood or presidency.  11. What happens to my guardian angel when I die? He was with you before you were born, and he will be with you even after you die. Other than God, no one knows you as well as your guardian angel. He will be by your side at your death and accompany you to God’s throne. There, he will serve as witness for you during your particular judgment. 12. Will my guardian angel be assigned to anyone else? No, there is no “reusing” or “recycling” when it comes to guardian angels. You belong to each other. Even after you die, your angel continues to stay with you. This is true even after the Second Coming of Jesus. Your angel is your eternal companion. The Saints assure us their job will change at this time, as no one will need to be influenced for good. However, they still remain with you.  13. How can I know my angel better? Genuine awareness and calculated engagement do wonders for fostering relationships. Begin your day with a prayer asking for his assistance. Try to be attentive to his promptings. Ask for his wisdom and help when you are unsure of what to do—he can inspire you in how you should act! If you feel called to do so, you could complete a novena, or even consecrate yourself to your heavenly friend. Do you have any more questions about your guardian angel? Drop them in the comments!

The Bible is filled with stories depicting the power and strength of the angels. Of all these tales, only three of these angelic persons are revealed by name. Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael each appear in Scripture at pivotal moments, providing the protection, strength, and healing that accompanies God’s revealed will.  These incredible stories have long inspired devotion to the Archangels. Much like devotion to the Eucharist and to Mary, you would be hard pressed to find a Saint without a love for the angels–especially the only three we know by name! The Saints were well aware of the invisible reality through which God carries out His will on earth, and thus they were eager to seek help and cooperate with any direction the angels would give them. Three brief examples follow. Saint Michael and Saint Paul of the Cross Saint Paul of the Cross was the founder of the Congregation of the Passion. Commonly known as the Passionists, the order takes a fourth vow in addition to the traditional vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. They vow to spread memory and devotion to Jesus’ Passion, a devotion which was considered peculiar by many. Perhaps this contributed to the antagonism that Saint Paul faced in the midst of constructing a house for those within his order. Apparently the contempt grew so strong that after attempting “civilized” ways of delaying or forbidding construction, the ill-wishers planned to destroy the progress which had already been made. Armed with torches in the middle of the night, the opposition had every intention of burning the building to the ground. As they approached the construction site, a beam of light broke through the darkness and an angel with a sword descended from heaven through it. This was Saint Michael. His intense expression and stance made it abundantly clear he would protect the building from anyone who tried to harm it. The mob not only abandoned their plan that night—they no longer fought the Order’s right to construction.  Even when the housing was completed, Saint Michael continued to appear to the founder and his congregation. ✨ Featured Resource Saint Michael Prayer Poster Keep the prayer to St. Michael on your wall year-round with our 24×36 Saint Michael Prayer Poster. Shop the Poster → Saint Gabriel and the Mystic, Père Lamy A French mystic whose bishop insisted, “I have in my diocese, another Curé of Ars,” Père Lamy (Father John Edward Lamy) had visions of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the angels (just to name a few). Beloved by the Virgin Mary, Saint Gabriel was sent by our heavenly Queen to watch over Père Lamy as he was aging and losing his eyesight. The archangel obliged. On a fiercely sunny day, the priest was out walking and struggling to see due to the glare. He strolled into the path of a boy on a bike and should have been struck–hard! Instead, Saint Gabriel picked up the bike with its rider still astride, moving him off the road and into the grass. The rider was shocked as he was also able to see the archangel, and he struggled to speak in such a comical manner the priest had to stifle his laughter. When he found his voice, he told anyone who would listen. When Père Lamy was asked about the supposed happening, he would smile and pretend not to understand. {formbuilder:OTk3ODc=} Saint Raphael and Saint Anthony Marie Claret Finding himself stranded in a strange and unfamiliar city for a few days, Saint Anthony Marie Claret remembered how in the book of Tobit and the traveling companion of Tobias was the disguised archangel Saint Raphael. After this recollection, Saint Anthony Marie Claret addressed his stress and fears with a prayer to the angel asking for his assistance. Shortly after this short but heartfelt prayer, a young stranger appeared at the door of where the priest was staying and offered to be his guide. Throughout the next few days, the man remained by his side leaving only at meal times, showing Saint Anthony Marie Claret all around the city. When the Saint’s ship was finally ready to depart, his new companion guided him to the port, assured his safe boarding, and then immediately disappeared, convincing Saint Anthony that he had been in the presence of the archangel that entire time.  Our Helpers and Friends It is easy to forget the presence of our angelic friends who we cannot see. It is also easy to think that they are only special friends and aides to the holiest among us. The truth is the angels love and guide us all, protecting the innocent and doing all they can to influence sinners to change their ways. On this Feast of the Archangels, let us bring in prayer to our heavenly intercessors those areas of our lives where we need protection, strength, and healing. May we have the trust and assurance that they will be present and fighting alongside us, just as they have done for God’s faithful throughout the ages.

In my first year of teaching, a student asked sincerely, “Did Jesus ever smile?” It elicited a dual inner reaction. On the one hand, it made me want to chuckle as one would at a toddler’s adorable antics. On the other hand, it saddened my heart because it also communicated that no one had ever modeled the joy of the Gospel to this tenth grader. In all his years of Catholic education, something had gotten lost in translation. The obvious answer is yes! Of course Jesus smiled, laughed, and joked! Jesus displayed and experienced every aspect of humanity other than sin. Furthermore, humor is not a characteristic reserved for mankind. Scripture helps us to discern the goodness of anything by the fruit it bears—and what sort of fruit does comedy bear? When rooted in love, humor is an immense gift which brings joy and lightheartedness to all kinds of situations. Mirth has an incredible ability to raise and strengthen one’s spirits, even in the midst of difficult situations. It could be argued that there is, in fact, a Divine attribute to humor.  The Levity of the Saints Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Lawrence, a third century deacon who was martyred during the persecutions led by the Roman Emperor Valerian. Having beheaded six deacons and the bishop of Rome the day before, Valerian offered to spare Saint Lawrence’s life should he hand over the treasures of the Church. Saint Lawrence agreed, and proceeded to gather the poor and the outcasts throughout the city bringing them to the Imperial Palace. The Emperor was enraged that the deacon did not bring with him all the gold and silver the Church was rumored to possess. Infuriated, he had Saint Lawrence put to death. According to Saint Ambrose and others, rather than being beheaded like his comrades the day before, Saint Lawrence was roasted over a fire on a gridiron grill. Unfazed, Saint Lawrence continued to display peace throughout his execution. Tradition has passed on his famous sentiment. Apparently at some point in the process, the deacon quipped that he was “done” on that side and it was time to flip him over. This humor in the face of death led to the declaration of his saintly patronage over both comedians and cooks. {formbuilder:OTk3ODc=} Saint Lawrence is not the only saint to display wit and mirth with those he encountered. Many others exuded a jovial atmosphere both in spirit and speech. Take the following examples:  Pope Saint John Paul II // Shortly after being elevated to the rank of Cardinal, Karol Wojtyla was surrounded by journalists and reporters. An avid outdoorsman, his love of skiing was well known by many. A reporter, thinking the “loftiness” of Wojtyla’s new appointment to necessitate a serious reverence at all times asked, “Is it unbecoming of a cardinal to ski?” The future pontiff smiled and quickly retorted, “It is unbecoming for a cardinal to ski badly.”  Saint Teresa of Avila // A Doctor of the Church, she famously responded with wit during an episode in which she was upset with God. “If this is how you treat your friends,” the pious sister responded to difficulty, “no wonder you have so many enemies.” Similarly, a bit of humorous sarcasm is seen with her introduction to the Interior Castle. There, she joked, “So many books have been written by learned and holy men that there is nothing left for a woman to write about.”  Pope Saint John XXIII // Another pontiff whose hilarity was well documented, Saint John XXIII was once asked by a reporter, “How many people work at the Vatican?” The pope acknowledged, “About half of them.” Saint Philip Neri // A practical jokester who played tricks on seminarians who took things too seriously, Saint Philip Neri kept a notepad full of jokes he wrote in his desk drawer. His biography is full of stories regarding his immense humor which led others to the depths of peace and humility. A glimmer of his sense of humor can be understood in his impulsive desire to stroke the beard of any on-duty member of the Swiss Guard he passed while visiting the Vatican (which was often).  Saint John Vianney // In response to another priest requesting permission to say Mass in the parish of the Curé of Ars, Saint John Vianney replied, “Father, I only regret that it is not Christmas Day so that you might say three.” Saint Ignatius of Loyola // When imprisoned and on trial before the Inquisition for the content of his evangelization and catechetical tactics, the man replied, “My Lord, I would not have thought it had been any novelty to speak of Christ to Christians.” Saint Francis de Sales // When conversing with someone who poked fun at a hunchback, the Saint chided the acquaintance, insisting, “The works of God are perfect.” Confused, the other person asked, “What! Perfect, and yet deformed?”  “Yes,” Saint Francis de Sales insisted, “perhaps he is a perfect hunchback.” Saint Teresa of Calcutta // A member of the Swiss Guard, who was working in the kitchen due to being reprimanded, volunteered to wash dishes because it was easy. However, the task proved to be difficult and then went all the more amok when he threw a pot and created a tidal wave of soapy water, which soaked his clothes down to the skin. Not realizing anyone was in the room with him, he began cursing. Then he heard a voice assert, “Wow, you really sound like a sissy!” The comment came from Mother Teresa, who proceeded to leave a Miraculous Medal for the guard as a gift, instructing the other Sisters to give it to the man acting like a little girl in the kitchen. He was mad, but accepted the medal. Some time later, he lost it. The next time he ran into Mother Teresa, she had another medal waiting for him and said, “This time don’t lose it, sissy!” Saint Kassia the Hymnographer // A great beauty, with brains, talent, and riches, she caught the eye of the Emperor Theophilos who was seeking a wife. Either trying to charm her with an idiotic pick-up line, or possibly in an attempt to not be intimidated by her wealth of knowledge and virtue, the emperor remarked, “Through a woman came the baser things.” By this he was insinuating that sin came into the world through Eve. Saint Kassia immediately responded, “And through a woman the better . . . ,” reminding him that Salvation entered the world through Mary.  Venerable Fulton Sheen // In 1953, the televangelist won an Emmy for Outstanding TV Personality. Upon accepting the award, he walked to the microphone to give a brief speech and joked, "I wish to thank my four writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John." The Wisdom of Whimsy In the end, sanctity and humor are linked. “The cheerful are much easier to guide in the spiritual life than the melancholy,” insists Saint Philip Neri. “Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and helps us to persevere.” Saint Teresa of Avila agrees with his sentiment insisting, “A sad nun is a bad nun [ . . . ] I am more afraid of one unhappy sister than a crowd of evil spirits [ . . . ] What would happen if we hid what little sense of humor we had? Let each of us humbly use this to cheer others.”  May we all grow in holiness as the Saints, becoming all the more able to see the mirth of the Divine in the mundane of the day! What’s your favorite humorous Saint story? Share with us in the comments below!

One aspect of the Church I have always found comforting is her timing. The Church makes proclamations of light and truth amidst the darkness and confusion of certain time periods. For instance, the specifics regarding Jesus’ natures within the Incarnation were not spelled out until the Council of Nicaea in the fourth century. It was timed as such because that is when confusion began to arise throughout the world. People within the Church were making the claim that Jesus was not fully Divine, but a sort of super-human (the heresy of Arianism). To combat this falsehood and confusion, the bishops made many official declarations at the conclusion of this council, one declaration specifically ironing out any confusion about Jesus’ two natures as both God and Man . . . because in the midst of darkness and confusion, the Church spreads light and clarity. Similarly, in the thirteenth century, a priest found himself confused and doubting the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This was during a time in Church history when many theologians were promulgating these doubts. God gifted this priest a profound answer to his doubt: a Eucharistic miracle during the moment of consecration while he celebrated Mass. This miracle, combined with the ongoing efforts of the mystic Saint Juliana of Mont Cornillon, led Pope Urban IV to institute the Feast of Corpus Christi universally just one year later . . .  because in the midst of darkness and confusion, the Church spreads light and clarity. My Own Time of Darkness When I was nineteen years old, I found myself living in the darkest and most upsetting year of my life. An on-again, off-again manipulative relationship caused me to lose many friends and confuse my spiritual life. Without realizing it, I tied my perception of God to this abusive significant other who was constantly placing all fault on me. New to college and enrolled in a highly competitive nursing program, I was majorly stressed and struggling to keep up with its demands. Additionally, I knew no one in the city and was no longer surrounded by the close-knit family and small-town community which had supported me my entire life. I was a true mess, upset to the point where I thought maybe it would be better for everyone if I was just “gone.” Already feeling unable to carry the load of all my wounds and burdens, another blow came into my life when I returned home for Christmas break. Catching up with my best friend over lunch one day, she shared shocking news with me regarding my little sister. Mary had started dating someone months prior and had been living a secret life laden with sin since then. This friend brought no judgment along with the delivery of the news, only serious concern for Mary’s well-being.  As I drove home from the restaurant I remember crying out to God and thinking, “Not this too! I can barely handle all the issues I’ve got.” I was angry and overwhelmed, and I had no idea what I was going to do. “Do I tell my parents? Do I talk to Mary first?” These were all streams of thought running through my head as I walked up the stairs to my bedroom. The Holy Spirit made it clear, though, as Mary entered our shared bedroom only minutes after me. A question regarding all I had heard spilled out of my mouth. Mary, caught off guard, turned around to hang something in the closet before denying what I’d heard. As she turned around again I calmly asked her, “Why are you lying to me?” At that, Mary burst into tears and exclaimed, “Because I don’t want you to hate me!” That was a pivotal moment in my life. It revealed God’s profound love in a way I had never experienced before. I held Mary, crying in my arms, assuring her of my unconditional love, and I realized how God feels about me—and all of us. Our sin does not diminish His love for us. Just as there was nothing Mary could ever do that would make me stop loving her, there is no sin so great that God stops, either. Mary and I had a brief but direct conversation. She admitted faults, failings, and struggles to stop. I supported and empathized as best I knew how, while also encouraging her to keep struggling and fighting to break the cycle, reminding her that she was one of the strongest people I know. “You aren’t going to tell Mom and Dad, are you?” Her tone suddenly became quite hostile. “Not immediately,” I responded. “Only if things don’t get better.” She looked at me with hatred in her eyes. “I will never speak to you again if you do,” she threatened. The words cut like a knife, and my reply came out muffled:: “As much as that would kill me, I care a lot more about you being in Heaven than about you speaking to me in this life.”  Reconciliation and Prudence: Light Dawning  I don’t remember Mary’s response to that statement, but I do remember my mom calling up the stairs that she was headed to Confession and extending the invitation for people to join her. Once again, the Holy Spirit was leading, as I had no idea whether I had made the right decision and I needed spiritual guidance. Quickly, I ran down the stairs, out the door, down the street, and found myself in a confessional. After receiving my penance, I asked Father for advice and spelled out the situation for him. Peace of mind flowed from his response:  “Do you remember that time in the Gospel that Jesus spoke to a situation like this?” he asked. Obviously, I didn’t. He directed me to Matthew 18:15-17, which reads: If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. “You did what Jesus instructed,” my pastor assured me. “Take peace in that. Though teetering, she was somewhat receptive to what you had to say. And you did tell her that you would tell your parents if necessary. To me, it sounds like you are doing the right thing.” Full of gratitude for the grace of the Sacrament and guidance, I did find peace. However, it also made way for another problem to arise: how was I going to help Mary? In a few weeks I’d be returning to campus and she would remain at home finishing up her senior year of high school. This was in the days prior to ample WiFiand free text messaging. Besides that, Mary did not yet have a cell phone. How would I know what was happening? More importantly, how could I assist her without being there? Remembering a renowned Catholic speaker with a story similar to Mary’s, I reached out to him through his website asking him for help. His email response was incredibly fast: “The Eucharist is the most powerful prayer we have on this earth—and the most powerful times are at the moment of consecration and the moment you receive. I would encourage you to go to Mass as often as you can, and pray for Mary during those two moments,” he advised. {formbuilder:OTk3ODc=} The Eucharist: My Light and Clarity Desperate, I did exactly as he had suggested. Despite my intense schedule, I was able to attend daily Mass every day. And every day I poured my heart out and pleaded for Mary at the moment the priest lifted the host and chalice. I did it again at the moment Jesus’ Precious Body and Blood touched my lips. Day after day, week after week, month after month, I repeated my prayer, entrusting my dear sister to the God who loves her more than I. Gradually, things with Mary took a turn for the worse instead of improving. Issues popped up at school that led to a suspension, she repeatedly snuck out in the middle of the night, she even tried to run away at one point. After this, I knew it was time to tell my parents, and I phoned home revealing everything to my mom and dad. Their loving and firm action was immediate—and Mary erupted like a volcano.  In the following months, she was incredibly volatile. Our home was filled with torment and turmoil, and when Mary turned eighteen, she packed up her things and moved out.    Although Mary’s situation had essentially detonated, I realized something profound while sitting in Mass one day. Even with the chaos swirling around me, I was different. The Eucharist had changed me. I was healing from all my own deep personal issues. They weren’t completely resolved or gone—but I had found a source of peace. A remedy for much of my own anxiety, depression, and darkness. Most importantly, my twisted ideas about God and His love for me were being unraveled. I continued to go to Mass and pray for Mary, and I began to tack on as many “extra” prayers as I could: Rosaries, Divine Mercy chaplets, Adoration, daily sacrifices, etc. I lifted Mary up constantly, praying continuously in every moment throughout the day. I had immense hope in God’s mercy and faithfulness. Chains Broken: Return Home and Return to Rome After months of turmoil and heartbreak, small victories arose. Most importantly, Mary returned home to live with my parents. Weeks later, her boyfriend thoughtlessly betrayed her, causing a blow that shattered their relationship beyond repair. Devastated, Mary was most surprised by our response. There was no “I told you so” or “serves you right” or anything of the sort. In truth, we were all heartbroken for her and she was caught off guard by our compassion. A turning point for the entire family, there was still a long road towards healing, trust, and unison. We all continued the path of faith, seeking support from God’s grace to get us through it all. In time, we all healed, as individuals and as a family. I continued to go to daily Mass, receiving the Eucharist as often as possible. I felt like I had found life’s secret to happiness: a source of power that could carry me through anything. In His Body and Blood, Jesus had not only saved my sister and restored my family, He had shown me love and faithfulness like I had never experienced before. He did not condemn me in my faults as my woundedness would have had me believing perpetually. Instead, He paid for them with His Blood and gave Himself to me as Daily Bread to sustain me. By His wounds, I was healed, restored, and renewed.  How great is our God! Have you ever had a profound experience with the Eucharist? Share your story with us in the comments below! THE GREATEST GIFT In this study on the Eucharist, we explore the truth that Jesus is the answer to your every need. Join us as we explore John chapter 6 to learn how the reality of the Holy Eucharist applies to our lives. Discover what a gift He is. GET THE GIFT STUDY