There is no denying that the Liturgical Year of Saint Joseph shed a spotlight on the humble Nazarean carpenter, bringing into greater focus the monumental role this young, virtuous man played in Jesus’ life. Joseph was no accident. He was not some bystander that just happened to be a part of the Holy Family. Joseph, too, was chosen by God to fulfill a need for Jesus’ humanity. It was the just Joseph who modeled virtue, service, suffering, and surrender to the Child Jesus. And perhaps one of the greatest things Joseph ever had to surrender was the end of his life. Before Jesus’ public ministry could begin, Joseph’s earthly life had to end. Otherwise every ear that heard Jesus speak about His Father would wonder “the carpenter?” and completely disregard whatever He had to say. So, in a final act of surrender to the Divine Will, Joseph passed away peacefully before the crux of his foster Son’s life, surrounded by Mary and Jesus. Two Possibilities Unsurprisingly, the beauty of this death was not without its pain. Surely, the perfect hearts of Jesus and Mary missed and mourned the head of their home, both immediately and all throughout the years to follow. During joyful moments of Jesus’ ministry, they would have longed to have him share their exuberance. During painful moments, they likely longed for his presence and support—perhaps it was even a great comfort to Mary when Joseph of Arimathea, who shared the same name as her husband, stepped forward to make burial arrangements with Pontius Pilate and donated his own tomb to be used by Jesus.  There is no way that this small, tight-knit, perfect family did not feel the sting of Joseph’s absence over and over and over again. However, we also know that Jesus defeated death, and at some point, Joseph would have been reunited with his foster Son, the Savior of the world. Where would this joyous reunion have taken place? Logic allows us to deduce two possibilities. {formbuilder:OTk3ODc=} 1. In Hell Between His death on Good Friday and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday, Jesus descended into hell to rescue all the righteous souls who had died before Him. This was a final blow to Satan, who was defeated definitively on his “home turf.” This is also the first possible location for Jesus’ reunion with His earthly father.  Can you imagine being Joseph at this moment? Having waited in the spiritual anguish of Sheol for years, knowing your Son will come, but also knowing He will pay a great price in order to make it there? Can you picture what he witnessed as Christ came down? Was it gradual light like the dawn, or something more instantaneous and drastic? The emotion and pride Saint Joseph must have felt! And Jesus too—what must it have felt like for Him to rescue the father who raised Him and taught Him all about sacrificial Love? 2. On Earth, On Easter A position long-held by many Saints is that the first thing Jesus did when He rose from the dead on Easter morning was go rejoice with His Mother. This not only explains why the tomb was empty (He could have just stayed sitting there and showed everyone immediately that He was alive), but it also explains why the Blessed Virgin never returned to the tomb herself. She had no need to go finish the burial process—she could see that Jesus was already alive! This is the second possible location for Jesus’ reunion with Saint Joseph as well. One of the lesser known events that occurred at the moment of Jesus’ death was a mass resurrection of the dead. Matthew 27:52-53 reads: “[T}he tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.” Many top theologians take the position that Joseph was among the Saints who were raised, that he was with Mary as she kept vigil on Holy Saturday awaiting Jesus’ return, and the entire Holy Family celebrated the salvation of mankind together first thing on Easter morning. The triumph they must have felt at this moment! The gratitude for God’s mercy! Regardless which of these events transpired, imagining both can lead one to weep.

There is something about the number seven. Throughout myths and folklore this number has been given precedent, considered lucky, or presented as possessing innate magical qualities. A quick scan of cultures and generations will confirm that phenomena surrounding this number are present in some way, shape, or form. It is unsurprising that this number is popular among athletes, whether amateur or professional, and is one of the first to be scooped up by members of a team.  Some mathematicians will make the case that this is due to the innate mathematical properties the number possesses, and perhaps there are innate qualities of the number that make it so appealing to the masses. But could it be that these properties were put there because it is meant to direct us to the One Who is Most Appealing? Seven in Scripture It is common knowledge that the first creation story in Genesis spans the length of seven days. The Creator begins with the habitats (light and darkness, sky and sea, land and plants); then He fills each one (sun and moon, birds and fish, animals and mankind). All this takes place in six days. On the seventh day, God rests and invites His creation to partake of this rest.  This occurrence makes it very clear what the purpose of creation is. Much like we know the purpose of muffins is to be eaten, as that is what occurs once their time in the oven is finished, the intent of God’s creation is to be in relationship with Him, as that is the first thing that happens once His project is complete. On this seventh day, we see what we are created for: union with God. In Hebrew, the word seven is שבע, or “shba.” It is easy to see the connection between the words “seven” and “sabbath,” the day of the week which is set aside specifically for relationship with God and one another. What is harder to see is the connection between this word and the covenant. I remember being awestruck upon learning from my favorite professor that when entering into a covenant, the wording used in Hebrew is the same. Thus when swearing, or vowing, to belong to one another, the wording could also be translated as, “I seven myself to thee.” All of this stems back to the beginning, mankind's purpose: to be one with God.  So when it comes down to it, there’s nothing lucky about the number seven. The world finds it so satisfying because it points to Who and why we are here! {formbuilder:OTk3ODc=} Seven and Sabbatical Upon learning a bit of linguistics, the connection between the number seven and a sabbatical rest becomes obvious. We can also then connect it relatively easily to the reason for which we were made. Our incredible Blessed is She team has spent seven years creating a beautiful ministry and community for Christian women to come together in fellowship and follow Christ. For them, we are incredibly grateful, as this ministry has been so impactful for so many hearts. As they prepare to take their sabbatical and rest during the season of Lent, we lift up their lives in gratitude, and ask that this time of rest would be Edenic for them. May we all be more fully united with the heart of our Creator!  Next time you see the number seven, say a little prayer for greater union with God.

Love is so demanding. This is not the truth that our hearts imagine when we picture a lover. As women, our bodies and souls are designed to receive. Thus, our imaginations picture love in this good and beautiful light in which we ourselves are constantly being “poured into.”

Much of the difficulty I face at this point in my life resides in teaching children obedience, but obedience that stems from trust . . . not obligation or fear. It’s far from easy, but I know that obedience and trust are crucial for accomplishing anything in this world, from healthy relationships to thriving businesses.

It was a cold February morning, and I had to drag myself to a mandatory “immersion day” for my newly declared major.

To the world, it may seem counterintuitive that Jesus revealed to the still-a-child Saint Catherine of Siena that she was naught. He prompted this revelation with a question...

Why does God call us to intimacy, away from everything and everyone to a secluded place alone with Him?

On the feast of the Annunciation in 1347, a seasoned mother gave birth to twin girls in Siena, Italy. The eldest was named Catherine.

In my home state of Ohio, winters can be described as wanting. I wish I could romanticize them into ivory winter wonderlands, but the truth is, the sun shines very little from October to April in the buckeye state.

Not so long ago, I received an out-of-the-blue text from an old college friend asking if I was available for a phone call. Our lives had overlapped heavily during our post-secondary years, sharing classes, social circles, and living spaces. However, in the ten years since, our relationship existed primarily on social media. Still, she is the kind of person I am always happy to hear from. Excited to connect, I shared my availability and inquired, “What’s the topic of discussion?” “Down syndrome,” she responded. Hastily, I typed back, “Ooo, I’m excited!” What It's Like to Have a Sibling with Down Syndrome As it turns out, a new family member with Down syndrome had just been born into my friend’s extended family. As is normal with the unexpected and unfamiliar, the diagnosis brought with it a full range of emotions and concerns. This gal pal reached out to me because of my own personal experience. My youngest brother has Down syndrome, and she knows from all the time we spent together that Max is one of my favorite people in the world. First Came Fear When we were able to connect on the phone later that day, my friend confided, “The fact that you were able to say you were excited in response to the subject of Down syndrome brought me so much comfort.” I was happy to hear that and completely sincere in my excitement. However, the truth is that the news of my brother having Down syndrome was not something I was initially enthusiastic about. In fact, it was quite the opposite when he was born. I was nine years old at the time, which was old enough to understand what “Down syndrome” meant, at least on a basic level. I knew his capabilities would be different from mine and my siblings, and I felt all the negative emotions when my dad shared the diagnosis with us. Fear. Confusion. Anger. Bitterness. Resentment. Fury. I remember vehemently asking God how He could let something like this happen to my family. I feared what it meant for the rest of my life, both personally and for the whole family unit. I was worried that Max was going to somehow hold us back and suck fun and flexibility out of our lives. For the first time in my life, I was experiencing what it was like to be truly angry with God. A Different Kind of Fear But then, a different fear struck. Like many babies with Down syndrome, Max was born premature with a myriad of health issues and spent a substantial amount of time in the NICU. The children’s hospital was about two hours from my hometown and my parents spent a good amount of time there with Max and away from us. One night, my dad called. I do not remember the specifics of the conversation, but I remember the news was bad—so bad we were afraid Max might not make it through the night. At that point, weeks after his birth and diagnosis, my siblings and I had not even met Max yet. The gravity of reality flipped a switch inside me. My fear of living with Max turned into a fear of living without him. I turned to God in prayer and begged him, “Please don’t let Max die.” Then Came Growth Max made it through that night, and the twenty-three years since. And all the things I was worried about as a nine-year-old ended up not being much of an issue. Things were certainly different, but that’s true regarding any new sibling that comes into the world. Max has not held any of us back at all. In reality, his life has been transformative and life-giving for the family. That’s not to say every year and season has gone unchallenged. Hardship is always present in everyone’s life. However, in the midst of every challenge we face with Max, there is also this magnetic joy that draws one into the present moment and detaches you from everything else. Truth be told, I have no negative memories of growing up with a brother with Down syndrome (except for the one in which I watched his middle school classmate ignore him at the mall). Max brought so much joy into the lives of my siblings and myself that he was often the topic of conversation brought up among our peers, and he almost always accompanied us on our social outings. We simply loved being around him– and our friends did, too. Underlying Happiness What I fear I am failing to express in this post is the immense level of happiness that Max brought into my life, and this happiness would not be present if he did not have this extra chromosome. I cannot pinpoint what exactly it is about Down syndrome that makes it so; however, thorough studies conducted by Harvard support this claim. According to their research, 88% of siblings surveyed believe they are better off because of their sibling with Down syndrome, and 94% experience feelings of pride. Similar findings occur for parents, other family members, and the individuals themselves. Check out: Having a brother or sister with Down syndrome: perspectives from siblings Having a son or daughter with Down syndrome: perspectives from mothers and fathers Family perspectives about Down syndrome Self-perceptions from people with Down syndrome What to Be Aware Of Having lived within a community with many individuals with Down syndrome for over twenty years now, I have heard many stories and seen many comments and assertions online. Far too often, Down syndrome is presented as something to be feared, something that causes suffering, and something that lowers a family’s quality of life. I can say, with confidence, experience, and research to back it up, that this is not the case. Certainly, change is a part of the experience. Often there are some health issues at the start, as well as life-long learning hurdles. However, all of these can be overcome, and more importantly, there are far more important things of which a person should be aware when it comes to welcoming a family member with Down syndrome. Ultimately: life is about to get better than you ever could have imagined. My experience with Max as a brother transformed me in such a way that if I was ever to be told that I was expecting a child with Down syndrome, my initial reaction would be pure delight. It would then be followed with some human anxieties about the child’s health, medical bills, and the initial emotional welfare of my other children (because I’m not that holy yet). However, this time my prayer would not be, “God, how could you let this happen?” Instead, it would simply be a heartfelt surge of trust and gratitude as the joy I feel even in this imaginary scenario leaves me speechless. That’s just one of the countless ways having a brother with Down syndrome has changed my life.   [bctt tweet="What It’s Like Having a Sibling with Down Syndrome #BISblog //" via="no"]

Our parish is a Metropolitan-ish cathedral that is often crowded with tourists. Combine that with our tendency to be right on time for Mass and we often do not get the best seating choices. My eldest daughter is a petite thing who has more problems than most with being able to see over pews and persons. However, one thing she can always see–and I delight in her pointing out to me–is the crucifix that is carried by the altar servers as they process in and out. “Look Mommy! Jesus is flying!” she exclaims with glee, and I share her thrill. “He’s like a superhero,” she concludes with her four-year-old logic. “The greatest superhero of all time,” I confirm. The Cross Has Always Been a Symbol of Power To me, there is something profound about the fact that my child is not only drawn to the cross, but also associates the cross with supernatural powers. Too often in my upbringing, my Catholic teachers put the emphasis for association on the cross and death. I reveranced and treasured it because of Christ, but my heart saw it as something sad and mournful. This is not how the earliest Christians viewed the cross. On the contrary, they saw it as my daughter does– as a source of power. For the Romans… To this day, crucifixion remains one of the most gruesome ways a person can die. In fact, it is actually from where the term “excruciating” comes (see the “cruc” in there?). Invented hundreds of years before Christ’s time, it was “perfected” by the Romans. Everything about the process was designed to inflict pain. The placement of the nails in the hands severed the medial nerve causing radial burning and paralysis of the hand while also limiting the bleeding. The placement of the nails in the feet were also precise, ensuring the legs hung in a specific position that allowed for further torture (including painful breathing, with weight born solely on the thighs until their strength gave way causing the body to fall forward and shoulders, elbows, and wrists to dislocate). From this position, breathing was nearly impossible. Obviously, this caused the entire inner workings of the body to falter and fail. Oxygen and carbon dioxide cannot be moved well and thus organs start to fail. In particular, the lungs collapse and fill with fluid, essentially causing the victim to drown. In other cases, before complete suffocation, the stress on the heart caused it to burst. Some people died of severe dehydration. This entire process could last up to nine days thanks to the “mercy” shown by the Romans. A small piece of wood was nailed under the behind of those being crucified, providing momentary relief by resting their weight on the seat. This feature did provide some reprieve, but also extended the agony. Lastly, crucifixions took place along public roads. This served two purposes. First, those being crucified were stripped naked and exposed for all passerbyers to see, thus adding insult to injury (though I believe the physical pain had them caring very little about the shaming). Secondly, the crucifixions sent a message to the public. It instilled fear in the hearts of those who passed. In short, it was a silent but bold way in which Rome delivered the message: “Stay in line, or this will be you.” For the Christians… Needless to say, the tactic was pretty successful. Crucifixion kept people petrified and did manipulate most people into “proper” behavior. No one wanted to experience that tumult. However, Christ’s death—and more specifically His Resurrection—changed everything. The followers of Jesus knew of His death, some of them even watched it take place before their eyes. Then they saw Him again, gloriously alive! The negative powers of the Cross were diminished. They witnessed its inability to conquer Christ. Thus, these Christians no longer feared the instrument, or death itself. In fact, they adopted the Cross as a symbol of their belief that God conquers all. With dramatic flair, Christians usurped the symbol. They elevated and exalted it, using it as a sort of “taunt” against Rome, assuring those with worldly power, “You have no power here.” What is Your “Crucifixion”? So every Sunday, when my daughter points out the crucifix as it passes by our pew, I picture the tortures of my own life, and throw them back at the voice of the enemy inside my head and remind him (and myself) that I am not afraid. The Cross conquers all. On this feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, I invite you to reflect on your own life and try to pinpoint your own, modern version of crucifixion. What is it that you fear most? What can be or is being used to manipulate, silence, or paralyze you into inaction? Whatever it is, take that distress and unite it to Christ’s Cross. Find freedom in the knowledge that He has already conquered this evil. The Cross is no longer something to fear. The Cross has been transformed into a source of glory and grace, we have only to sink into that reality.   [bctt tweet="A Practical Way You Can Exalt the Cross #BISblog //" via="no"]

The Catholic Church highly values education. In fact, it was the efforts of Christians and professed religious throughout history who made major advances in the fields of mathematics, science, and many others. Additionally, it was the actions of Catholics that brought about the education of the masses. Prior to their collective efforts spanning centuries, only the rich could afford to educate their children. It should come as no surprise then that many of the canonized Saints within the Church possess college degrees. Saints Who Went to College If you or someone you know and love is off to college, check out these Saints who could serve as heavenly intercessors throughout your post-secondary studies! The Saints below were heavily influenced by their educators and those they met during their studies. Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and Saint Peter Faber Francis Xavier was a rich young man in his twenties who was highly interested in athletics (specifically the high jump). He attended the Collège Sainte-Barbe of the University of Paris. His worldly goals were of great contrast to that of Ignatius of Loyola who enrolled at the school at the age of thirty-eight in order to gain the skills necessary to found the Order of Jesus. The pair became roommates, but Francis regarded Ignatius as a fool and ridiculed his attempts to help students spiritually. Peter Faber was a third roommate of the pair. Contrastingly, Peter was intrigued by Ignatius’ message and converted. Francis Xavier later followed suit after some soul-searching. All three men are credited with founding the Jesuit order. This trio would be great to turn to when seeking holy, supportive friendships. Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Also known as Saint Edith Stein, she became a leading philosopher of the 20th century. She studied to obtain her degree from the University of Breslau (now Wroclaw University) and the University of Göttingen. Though her dissertation on empathy awarded her a doctorate with summa cum laude (the highest honor a school could bestow), the university rejected her qualification for a teaching office at the institution based on the fact that she was a woman. She worked as an assistant to her mentor professor until the summer holiday during which she came across the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila. Those pieces eventually led to her conversion to Catholicism. Not long after, she entered the Carmelite order. This philosophic Saint would be a great intercessor for women pursuing degrees in male-dominated fields. She would also be great for all those seeking the fullness of Truth. Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago At age thirteen, faith-filled Carlos was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a crippling digestive issue. His ailment was so depleting that it took him until the age of twenty-one to earn his high school diploma. Seven year later, he enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico to continue his education. Once again, his health failed him and he was forced to withdraw near the beginning of his sophomore year. Carlos did not accept defeat. His grades had been excellent, so he continued to study and learn on his own. For the next fifteen years, Carlos sought knowledge as he could, but always with the goal of using it to serve the Church. His passion was evangelizing and catechizing, and he was one of the first people to translate the Latin prayers into Spanish so that his local community would understand them better. This determined Blessed is a great example to those who start school on a non-traditional timeline, or those who have health issues that foil original plans. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Gianna was the tenth of thirteen children within the Beretta family. Generous service and virtue were values that were instilled by the Beretta children from a young age. In fact, Gianna’s parents strongly encouraged their children to obtain professional degrees at a high level, not to gain a level of prestige, but so that they could be of service to their communities. Gianna chose to study medicine at the University of Pavia, but she was not a natural student. She greatly struggled through her classes, but she persevered to become a pediatrician serving the small town of Mesero. Gianna can be called upon as an intercessor for many reasons, including by those who truly struggle to obtain their degrees. Blessed Zepherin Namuncurá Zepherin was the son of a Mapuche Chief who was sent to a military school in order to better advocate for his native people. Unsurprisingly, he was not well received and transferred to a mission school run by the Salesians. While he did experience more acceptance in the faith-filled environment, some of the students were not without their prejudice. However, others loved him and compared him to Saint Dominic Savio. Through it all, Zepherin grew to love Catholicism, one of his favorite devotions being the Rosary. He enrolled in the minor seminary in Viedma, Argentina (the equivalent of going to college). He desired to bring the Faith back to his people and was such a good student that he ranked second out of his whole class. Sadly, he died of tuberculosis before finishing his degree. This courageous Saint can be called upon by all those attending schools where they feel like “outsiders.” Transforming the World Saint Catherine of Siena famously said, “If you are who you should be, you will set the world on fire.” In a similar fashion, political activist Nelson Mandela claimed, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As followers of Jesus, we would add certain elements to that sentiment: Christ and His grace. While God can use anyone to change the world (and often uses the weak to lead the strong), there is no doubt that educated Christians have contributed considerably to bringing the Gospel message to our cultures around the world. Do you have a favorite Saint who attended college? Add to our list in the comments below!   [bctt tweet="Saints Who Went to College #BISblog //" via="no"]

After the creation of the world, God gave to Adam the notable task of naming the animals. Typically, the right of naming is reserved for the creator of said thing, but God’s inclusion of man in this role was further indication of His adoption of mankind as sons and daughters. To this day, the task of naming anything (children, businesses, inventions, etc.) is a process that brings about immense satisfaction and joy once completed. In His Omnipotence, God knew we would enjoy the process and in His generosity shared the privilege with us. Unsurprisingly, many faithful followers find inspiration in their Faith when it comes to naming the animal members of their households. Clever Catholic Names for Pets Catholic websites and Facebook groups are full of posts and threads dedicated to Catholic baby names. These are often places of heavy traffic and engagement. However, there are very few places discussing names of pets owned by Catholics and Christians. Below are names of present and past pets belonging to various members of the Body of Christ… with a few ideas thrown in the mix! Samson // A King poodle who was quite notable in size Pup Francis // The canine companion of a parish priest Gregory // Perfect for a Great Dane after Saint Gregory the Great (or any other Saint who shares the title) Puddleglum // A gray goldfish named for the character from C.S. Lewis' The Silver Chair Bethlehem, aka “Beth” // For a donkey whose species has obvious connections to the town Reverend Fulton Sheen, aka “Rev” // A black cat Turtullian & Aristotle // Two baby turtles hatched on the feast of Saint Teresa of Avila with a fun connection to the “ter/tur” connection. As a unit they were referred to as, “Ter” and “Tle.” Gabriel & Michael // Two German shepherds, a breed notable as guard dogs Tenebrae // A black dog named after the traditional Holy Wednesday custom that leaves the whole church in darkness Dominic // A Boston terrier with black and white markings (similar to the colors of a Dominican habit) Leviticus // One of many cats belonging to a little girl Pangur Ban // A cat named after the poem whose author is unknown but thought to originate from a Benedictine abbey Cateri // Another cat; named for Saint Kateri with a “punny” spelling Dog Bosco // A dog named after the beloved Don Bosco Simon & Peter // Twin calves born on feast of the Chair of Saint Peter 1 & 2 Timothy // Brother cats whose names were inspired both by Scripture and the Anne of Green Gables series Bishop // A dog who was rescued with the name Hole-in-One aka, “Holy” // The dog of a priest/avid golfer Padre // A black cat with a white patch on the front of his neck resembling a priest’s collar Deacon // The emotional support dog of a parish priest Pied Beauty aka “Beauty” // For any dappled or brindle-coated animal; inspired by the work of Gerard Manly Hopkins Polycarp // Appropriate for any pet fish Rocco // A dog with patterns like red granite, but also with ties to Saint Rocco Caspian // A guinea pig named after the character from the Narnia series Damascus // A bold name for a horse inspired by Carvaggio’s famous painting Conversion on the Way to Damascus Linus, Cletus, Clement, Agatha, Lucy, & Cecilia // Chicks who hatched around the same time and named after the martyrs in the Eucharistic prayer Saint // A dog who is anything but (though helping his owners to grow in virtue) Cupertino aka “Cooper” // Another beloved canine Aquinas // A bull whose name was inspired by the “dumb ox” nickname given to the Saint by his classmates Clairvaux // An idea for a Saint Bernard Moses // The wavy-haired emotional support dog of a Catholic high school Patrick // Appropriate for an Irish setter Hound of Heaven, aka “Hound” or “Howie”// An idea for a dog named for the poem; the real Hound of Heaven is, of course, God’s Love which never stops seeking us What other names have you heard for Catholic pets? Share with us in the comments!   [bctt tweet="Clever Catholic Names for Pets #BISblog //" via="no"]

The discovery of a new pregnancy is one of the most exciting things that can happen to a woman. At the same time, it can also be incredibly fear-inducing. After all, having a baby is one of the most life-altering events a woman can experience, even when all the circumstances are perfect. But we live in a fallen world, and most pregnancies and their circumstances cannot be categorized as "perfect." A marriage might be on the rocks. Employment status might be unstable. Personal safety could be an issue. 4 Saints Who Were Encouraged to Have Abortions In these instances (and any of the many others), there are four Saints to whom we can turn when we experience difficulties surrounding pregnancies. Their own pregnancies were so fraught that the medical professionals who cared for them all recommended abortion. As you'll see, choosing life made all the difference. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla A physician herself, Gianna understood the complications of the fibroid (benign tumor) discovered growing in her uterus while she was pregnant with her fourth child. In many cases, fibroids of this kind are so small and harmless that they can be left alone during a woman’s pregnancy. However, in Gianna’s case, the size and position of the fibroid posed a threat to her life, as well as the life of her child. Gianna’s doctors presented her with three options of treatment available in the 1960s. A complete hysterectomy was the option which posed the least risk for Gianna. In this case, the removal of the uterus would include the removal of the fibroid, but also the unborn child who would (obviously) not survive the procedure. Ethically speaking, the Church recognizes this option as a moral choice as the intention is not to harm the fetus and no direct action is taken against it. Rather, treatment is given to the mother to save her life and the child dies as a result. This choice would not have been sinful. The second option presented to Gianna was not moral. In the proposed scenario, Gianna could have an abortion and have the fibroid surgically removed, but retain her uterus for potential future pregnancies. This option posed more risk to mother (and child) than the first, but allowed for the possibility of more children. Gianna rejected this option completely. The final option was a myomectomy, the surgical removal of just the fibroid, which would be difficult to perform on a pregnant uterus. This posed the greatest amount of risk for Gianna, but the lowest risk to her child and was its only chance of survival. Despite the good that could come as a result of the surgery, it could also result in various life-threatening scenarios for both Gianna and the child including miscarriage and excessive bleeding, during both pregnancy and delivery. Presented with two options for treatment that aligned with Catholic teaching, Gianna heroically chose the treatment which gave her child a chance at life, even though it posed the greatest risk to herself. In fact, she sensed that she was not going to survive the ordeal. To her brother she confided, “When the time comes, it will be either he or I,” and to her husband she insisted, “If you have to decide between me and the child, do not hesitate; I demand it, the child, save it.” Gianna underwent a successful myomectomy which allowed her fourth child, a little girl, to grow to a healthy ten pounds at the time of her delivery. Days later, Gianna passed away due to an infection in her abdomen, which may or may not have occurred because of her Cesarean section. It is possible, but not proven, that Gianna’s need for the C-section was tied to the stress the uterus underwent during the myomectomy. On May 16th, 2004, the daughter saved by Gianna’s generosity was able to attend the canonization of her own mother. The Saint’s namesake, Gianna Emmanuela is a physician like her mother and travels across the globe sharing stories of her “mommy Saint.” “I would not be here if I was not loved so much,” the joyful Dr. Molla has concluded. Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo A newlywed living in the 21st century, Chiara returned from her honeymoon to discover her first pregnancy. At fourteen weeks, it was detected that the baby had a genetic condition known as anencephaly (a neural tube defect which does not allow for proper brain or skull formation). Incompatible with life, most babies born with anencephaly die shortly after birth. As is the case with many medical professionals, Chiara’s doctors recommended abortion since the child was fated to die anyway. Lovingly, Chiara and her husband chose to carry the baby to term and love her in every way they could until her natural death. Maria Grazia Letizia lived for less than an hour outside her mother’s womb, but her life was cherished by her parents and they saw to it that she was baptized before her death. At Maria’s funeral, the memorial card prepared by Chiara and her husband read, “We are born never to die,” a profound reminder of the eternal life their daughter was already living. Months later, Chiara expected her second child. Once again, the ultrasound revealed a genetic defect incompatible with life, but one completely unrelated to the first. This baby was void of his legs and kidneys. Once more, the doctors recommended abortion to the young couple; they, in turn, refused. Davide Giovanni lived a total of thirty-eight minutes and, like his sister, was baptized before passing into eternal life. During Chiara’s third pregnancy, the baby was developing normally. However, Chiara noticed something strange about her tongue. Testing confirmed a rare cancer. Immediately she underwent surgery to have the mass removed. Chemotherapy and radiation would have been moral means of combating the cancer (although indirectly fatal for the baby). Desiring to protect the life of her son, Chiara delayed treatment until birth. During this time, she lost the ability to speak and swallow (and she didn’t even take pain medication in further attempts to protect her unborn son!). Thanks to the immense generosity of his mother’s love, Francesco was born healthy and strong. Tragically, during those final months of pregnancy, Chiara’s cancer spread rapidly throughout her body, affecting her lungs, liver, one breast, and an eye before doctors declared it to be terminal. Despite all her suffering, Chiara radiated joy. She died in June 2012 wearing her wedding dress, and her cause for canonization was opened five years later on the anniversary of her death. Servant of God Emilia Wojtyla Described by her saintly son—John Paul II—as the “soul of home,” Emilia Wojtyla was a deeply religious woman and a loving wife and mother. As is the case with many parents, Emilia loved her children more than herself, and it was evident especially during her third pregnancy. This particular pregnancy was taxing for Emilia and a threat to her life. Emilia’s doctor insisted she have an abortion as the labor could have resulted in Emilia’s death. This assertion left her depressed and down-hearted. Supported by her husband, they knew this baby was meant to be born. Emilia found another doctor, a man who acknowledged the immense risk but did not push for an abortion. She spent the last months of pregnancy on bedrest. When the time came for the baby to be delivered, Emilia’s husband and eldest son went to the parish across the street to pray. This brave woman survived the delivery and instructed the midwife to open the windows. Emilia wanted the first sounds heard by her healthy newborn to be the words of the Litany of Loreto sung every evening at the parish. Because of the suffering and grace experienced throughout the entire ordeal, Emilia predicted that her son, Karol Jr., would one day become a great man. She was right. The cause for the canonization of Emilia Wojtyla (and her husband Karol) was opened on October 10th, 2019. Blessed Maria Corsini Quattrocchi Maria was a renowned professor and mom of three young children when her fourth pregnancy brought with it an unexpected diagnosis. During her fourth month, Maria started hemorrhaging. She was experiencing placenta previa, a rare condition in which the placenta (a temporary organ providing nourishment to the baby) covers the cervix. Even for modern-day medicine, this diagnosis is considered life-threatening. So in the early 1900s when Maria was diagnosed, the condition was essentially considered a death sentence. The doctors advised Maria to abort the child and save her own life. They even tried to persuade her husband (who did not take his Faith as seriously as his wife) by assuring him of the difficulties of raising three young children on his own. Neither individual caved to the pressure. Instead, they took the matter to prayer and entrusted themselves to God through the process. They decided to allow the doctors to induce labor early and sure enough, both Maria and their daughter, Enrichetta survived. Maria lived a long, full, and happy life with her husband and four children. Her husband’s faith was strengthened by the experience, and he contributed unceasingly to the faith life within their home. As adults, their three oldest children became professed religious (a Benedictine priest, a Benedictine nun, and a Trappist monk). Their youngest, Enrichetta, held many positions in her life, including teacher and nurse. She served those around her boldly and unceasingly (including amazing things like helping Jews, refugees, and soldiers during World War II and adopting the son of a deceased cousin). In 2001, Maria and her husband became the first non-martyred married couple to be beatified together. An old woman, Enrichetta was alive and present at Saint Peter’s for the glorious event. She died eleven years later having followed whole-heartedly in the virtuous footsteps of her parents. Most recently, in August 2021, Pope Francis declared Enrichetta Quattrocchi a venerable. This baby who was given no chance of survival lived such a profound life of heroic virtue, her cause for canonization is well on its way! Portraits of Courage Saints are often misconstrued as people born with an innate ability to make moral choices without a second thought. The truth is, saints are people who struggled through life, brought everything before the Lord for His assistance, and thus formed their soul to eventually react in such an automatically virtuous way. Though these four women were faithful followers of Jesus at the time of their pregnancies, it does not mean they did not experience or struggle with negative emotions and thoughts regarding their pregnancies. Rather, in virtuous fashion, they “took up courage;” meaning they were not necessarily unafraid. Rather, courage is the virtue by which we move forward with the moral choice despite personal fear. May these women serve as models and heavenly friends to whom we can turn when we, or someone we know or love, is faced with a difficult decision regarding the life of the unborn.   [bctt tweet="4 Saints Who Were Encouraged to Have Abortions #BISblog //" via="no"]

I was caught off guard by the surge of my heart when the prospect of returning to the classroom emerged. The four years I had previously taught were some of the most strenuous (albeit rewarding) of my entire life. Truth be told, I was somewhat relieved when my husband’s job took us to a remote town with no Catholic school in which I could teach. Three years in a 9 to 5 office job had been a reprieve—especially because there was no work to be completed outside those hours. Thus, when our next move took us to a city with a Catholic high school, I was taken aback by my own excitement when offered a position to teach Theology once again. Surprise struck again in the first few months of school, but not in a positive way. Everything was different, the biggest difficulty pertaining to the students. A generational shift had occurred, and I was struggling to connect. Suddenly, I was remembering my previous place of employment with rose-colored glasses. Making matters worse, COVID-19 arrived in America that spring giving an entire new meaning to the term “grueling.” Fast forward twelve months and public opinion of teachers shifted from “heroes” to “villains.” Between the piling demands and diminishing respect, I found myself anxious for days past or a way out. [elementor-template id="707561"] One day, while reading through the Scriptures pertaining to Jesus’ agony, I was transfixed by the mob which came to arrest Him. They were armed, angry, and looking for the Scapegoat. Faced with the darkness of the moment, the disciples turned and ran. That instant, God used my imagination. Abandoned, Jesus turned to me with a face longing for my faithfulness and asked, “Do you also wish to go away” (John 6:67)? Cut to the heart, I remained. “What was good about your last school was Me and your reliance upon Me,” God corrected my weary soul. Focusing on His Word, another passage of Scripture came to mind: Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually! // 1 Chronicles 16:11 For two years, I wasted time and energy longing for the past and pining for a future free of suffering. I did not encounter grace there. However, armed with this verse to ground me in the present moment, my assurance in His mission for me has been restored. // Have you ever doubted a decision you made prayerfully once faced with its difficulties? // Have you allowed public opinion of you or your profession to sway your focus on what you know to be God’s plans for you?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // Do You Also Wish to Go Away? #BISblog //" via="no"]

While hanging on the Cross and obtaining our salvation, our gracious Lord made the effort to turn our attention toward His Mother. In addition, He instructed her to behold His disciples as her own sons and daughters. While He is her first born, all of mankind is her second born. Christ commanded the fostering of this relationship from the Cross because there is a tie within it to the graces of salvation. As always, Mary was obedient to her Son. Viewing all of humanity as her beloved children, the Blessed Virgin is a perfect mother. She loves, supports, and encourages her children, respecting their free will, but also beckoning them towards all that is good, true, and beautiful: namely, her Son. Approved Marian Apparitions throughout the World Throughout Church history, numerous reports of Mary’s appearance under miraculous circumstances have been made. These claims are never taken lightly by the Church and are scrutinized under heavy investigation. Only twenty-six have been given approval by Church hierarchy, and a distinct pattern can be seen in each of the appearances. Mary always lovingly assures us of her love and care for us, and beckons us towards repentance and greater communion with Jesus. Often she requests the building of a church to be built upon that location, while also imploring an increase in prayer, fasting, and sacrifice. No matter the time or place of the apparition, Mary’s message is universal—a truth made abundantly more clear by the fact that she has appeared to people throughout the centuries and all around the globe! In Africa In all of Africa, only one apparition has been granted approval by the Holy See; the appearance of Our Lady of Kibeho who referred to herself as “Mother of the Word.” Our Lady of Kibeho On November 28th, 1981, Our Lady appeared to sixteen year old Alphonsine Mumureke outside the Catholic high school she attended in Kibeho, Rwanda. With great faith, Alphonsine immediately knew the heavenly identity of the beautiful woman and listened attentively. Mary’s message was a request for repentance and conversion in order to avoid a coming war, but no one believed Alphonsine’s claims. As a sub-par student from a murky region with ties to the practice of magic, many believed it an attempt to garnish personal attention. Humbly, Alphonsine requested that Our Lady would appear to other students in order to make her message more widely accepted. Mary responded affirmatively. On January 12th, 1982, thirteen year old Nathalie Mukamazimpaka witnessed an apparition of Mary in the same vicinity as Alphonsine. To her, Mary echoed the call for redemptive suffering and unceasing prayer. Then, on March 2nd, 1982, Marie Claire Mukangango–a fellow student who had been staunchly unbelieving–was also granted an apparition. Through her, Mary called for more repentance and emphasized devotion to the Rosary and the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Our Lady of Kibeho appeared to the three girls multiple times, with Alphonsine’s visions being the most numerous and lasting until November 28th, 1989. All three girls reported seeing visions of the impending destruction and violence that could be prevented by mass repentance. In 1994, Rwanda fell into civil war and nearly a million people lost their lives to the Rwandian Genocide. After a thorough investigation, Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro approved the apparitions on June 29th, 2001. In Asia Like Africa, Asia has only one approved Marian apparition. Of all the apparitions supported by the bishops, Our Lady of Akita is the only one in which Mary appears in a non-traditional way. Our Lady of Akita In 1973, over the course of four months, Our Lady appeared three times to a middle-aged Buddhist convert who was completing her novitiate with the Institute of the Handmaids of the Holy Eucharist. Though completely deaf, Sister Agnes Sasagawa heard the Virgin Mary speak and was healed. Mary instructed that the inclusion of the word, “truly” be added to a Eucharistic prayer that had been penned by the current bishop. She emphasized obedience and the practice of praying for the Pope, bishops and priests. She warned of a great chastisement and reminded of the Second Coming. A unique aspect to this apparition is that Mary spoke to Sister Agnes via a wooden statue of herself. This statue reportedly bled, wept (101 times over the course of eight years), and perspired in congruence with her messages. The sculptor also declared that the expression on Mary’s face post-apparition was not the same as the one he had originally fashioned. After eleven years of investigation, the apparition of Our Lady of Akita was approved by Most Revered John Shojiro Ito, Bishop of Niigata on April 22nd, 1984.     In Europe Of all the continents, Europe has the most approved apparitions by both local bishops and the Holy See. Eighteen in total, this is likely due to proximity. Since these apparitions take place over the course of many centuries, and the ease of modern travel and communication has not always been available, it is logical to see how these countries were able to more easily communicate with the Vatican than those scattered throughout the globe. Thus, some of the most popular Marian devotions have arisen from these countries (Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, etc.). Due to their widespread popularity, lesser known apparitions from the continent are highlighted below. Our Lady of the Golden Heart At the end of November 1932, Our Lady appeared various times to two sets of siblings in Beauraing, Belgium asking for the conversion of sinners. Over the course of thirty-five days, siblings Fernande, Gilberte, and Albert Voisin, along with their friends Andree and Gilberte Degeimbre reported that she, dressed all in white and claiming to be the Immaculate Conception, appeared to them a total of thirty-three times. In one of her last visits to the children, she revealed to them her heart, which was golden in color. Sixteen years later, Andre Marie Charue, Bishop of Namur, finished the evaluation process and officially approved the apparition on July 2nd, 1949. Our Lady of Siluva The first widely-known apparition in Europe took place in this small Lithuanian village. As a result of the Protestant Reformation, the people of Siluva slowly succumbed to Calvinist belief and abandoned their Catholic Faith. Weeping profusely and holding her infant Son, Mary appeared to four children who were playing and watching over their family flocks. Donned in white and blue, her brown hair loose and flowing, she said nothing to the children. She only turned to them in her great sorrow. The children were chastised by some for their tale, but their persistence and unwillingness to abandon their story eventually won over the people. The entire village returned to their Catholic Faith. This apparition was approved by Pope Pius VI on Aug 17th, 1775 (a couple of centuries later). Our Lady of Lezajsk In 1578, a Polish woodcutter, Thomas Michalek, received two visions of the Blessed Virgin while he was working in the forest. During her first visit, Our Lady requested a church be built at the site to honor her Son and promised to pour out graces to those who visited faithfully. Mary returned a second time because Thomas told no one of her first visit. At her persistence, Thomas obeyed. A little over a century later, the apparition was officially approved by both the local bishop (Henryk Firlej, Bishop of Przemysl on July 2nd, 1724) and the Vatican (Pope Benedict XIV on September 8th, 1752). In North America Our Lady of Guadalupe One of the most popular Marian apparitions took place in Guadalupe, Mexico when Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego on Mount Tepeyacac dressed as an Aztec princess. She requested the construction of a church at the site, which was granted after her provision of a miracle. One of the most important aspects of this apparition was the immense healing it brought to the region. The brutality of the Spanish Conquistadors had left deep wounds among the natives. Most rejected the Catholic religion which had been forced upon them. However, after this apparition in which she appeared dressed as one of them, millions of people converted with their whole hearts. Over the course of ten years, nine million people in total became Catholic which transformed the entire culture of Mexico. Twenty-four years after the appearance, Archbishop Alonso de Montúfar gave his official approval of this miraculous appearance of Mary. Our Lady of Good Help Just four years after the appearance of the Immaculate Conception in Lourdes, France, Our Lady appeared to a Belgium immigrant to the United States in October of 1859 a total of three times. Referring to herself as “Queen of Heaven,” she instructed Adele Brise to evangelize and catechize the children in the surrounding areas of (modern day) Champion, Wisconsin—still somewhat unsettled—that they would know what was necessary for their own salvation. Though the task seemed daunting, Mary assured Adele, “Go and fear nothing. I will help you.” Adele obeyed, traveling on foot a radius of fifty miles regularly to accomplish this task. Her father built a chapel over the site, which remains as the national shrine. This apparition was recently granted episcopal approval on December 8th, 2010 by Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin. In Central America The only approved Marian apparition took place in Nicaragua in 1980. Our Lady of Cuapa Forty years ago, Our Lady illuminated light from a statue as a sacristan, Bernardo Martinez, worked alone within his parish. This experience moved him to personal conversion as he examined his conscience. He made a public apology for divisions he had caused among the people in his small village of 5,000. Mary then appeared to Bernardo a handful of times after this. First, while fishing and praying the Rosary, Bernardo witnessed flashes of lightning before the Blessed Virgin appeared on a white cloud, affirming that she was the mother of Jesus. A second time, while dreaming, he saw different groups of people in stages of holiness, either in Heaven or moving towards it, all of whom were holding rosaries. Another time, Our Lady appeared as a seven-year-old child. At each appearance, her message was the same. She desired the prayerful, deliberate repetition of the Rosary in order to bring about personal conversion and stop destruction within the world. The fourth time she appeared, she wept because of the staunch, unmoved hearts of the people who would not believe Bernardo. She told him that she would appear no more, but to be assured that she is always with us and to never be troubled. Only two years later this apparition was approved by Bishop Pablo Antonio Vega Mantilla of Juigalpa, as well as Bishop Bosco M. Vivas Robelo, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Managua. In South America Our Lady of Good Success Venerable Mother Mariana de Jesus Torres witnessed multiple heavenly visitors and was a recipient of the stigmata in addition to her reception of Our Lady of Good Success. Over the course of forty years, Our Lady appeared to Mother Mariana a total of four times. On her first visit (February 2nd, 1594), she appeared with comfort and assurance for the abbess who was imploring heavenly assistance for the state of her convent, as well as the world. The Blessed Virgin spoke of being the Queen of Victories, her eloquence planting trust in heart, and insisted she would see the sisters through every difficulty they faced. Throughout the decades, she prophesied of many things to come, including the declaration of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, local events in Ecuador like the election and martyrdom of a truly Christian president, and a decline of faith among the people around the world including priests and religious. Often she appeared holding the infant Jesus whom she would place in Mother Mariana’s arms to adore. This apparition was approved on February 2nd, 1611 by Bishop Salvador de Riber before the final appearance occurred on December 8th, 1634. Reconciler of People and Nations On the feast of the Annunciation in 1976, Our Lady appeared to Maria Esperanza, a mother of seven, in Betania, Venezuela. The property had been prayerfully purchased by Maria and her family as she had been promised by God that great things would come to pass on the land. In this visit, Our Lady revealed her desire to be known as “Reconciler of People and Nations,” that people would be drawn to conversion and reconciliation to God through her. The site immediately became a place of devotion, and numerous people testified to miraculous things occurring (heavenly singing, throngs of flowers springing forth, and movements of the sun to name a few). However, Maria remained the only visionary. Then, on that same date in 1984, a group apparition occurred in which over 108 people clearly saw the Virgin Mary at the site. After three years of interviews and investigation, Bishop Pio Bello Ricardo approved the apparitions on November 21st, 1987. The final apparition occurred in 1990. Our Lady of the Rosary Of all the Marian Apparitions, there is only one-approved apparition that is ongoing and taking place to this day. Beginning on September 25th, 1983 in San Nicolas, Argentina, Our Lady appeared to Gladys Quiroga de Motta, a middle-aged woman with almost no formal education, thousands of times. Dressed in blue and holding the infant Jesus, Our Lady called for the conversion of sinners and the prayerful recitation of the Rosary. She often gave Gladys Scripture passages with which to pray, and warned of impending world dangers should conversion be rejected. She implored the faithful to remember that these are “Advent times,” and the Second Coming is fast approaching. Though ongoing, the bishops serving over the decades could not deny the fruits born of these supposed apparitions. After thorough investigation, Bishop Hector Cardelli of San Nicolas declared that the apparitions are “supernatural” and “worthy of belief” in 2016. From “Eva” to “Ave” // Mother of All the Living In the original Hebrew, Adam names Woman, “Eva” as she is the “mother of all the living.” In many ways our faith assures us that Mary is “New Eve,” the supernatural mother of all the living. These apparitions of Our Lady around the globe and throughout the centuries are no exception. Her message—no matter the time or place—is the same for all her children: personal conversion. Though sin came into the world through Eva, Mary’s love and faithfulness allows for great transformation and conversion. With the sin of “Eva” amended, we find eternal life and sing forever, “Ave” in gratitude to Our Redeemer and His Mother. What are some of your favorite approved Marian apparitions from around the world? Let us know in the comments below!   [bctt tweet="Marian Apparitions from Around the World #BISblog //" via="no"] MARY SHOWS US THE WAY Just as a mother might pass on a beloved family tradition to her daughters, Mary shares the recipe for growing in virtue with us. This study on Mary's Virtues will breathe new life into your everyday, beginning right in Mary's home. GET HOME STUDY

Throughout the centuries, many arguments disregarding the validity of the Resurrection have emerged. In fact, the various explanations began on the very day in history that Christ rose (see Matthew 28:13). Since then, Apostles, Evangelists, Saints, and the faithful have given beautiful rebuttals to every argument insisting the Resurrection was made up by Jesus’ followers who—in non-believers’ eyes—were mortified they had been so wrong about Him. The Witness of Women One of my favorite pieces of evidence in support of the Resurrection is the inclusion of the narrative about the women at the tomb. At that point in history, women were not considered credible witnesses. They could not even testify in a court of law! Yet the Evangelists share the detail that it was women who were the first to encounter the empty tomb. If the Apostles had made up the story about Jesus’ Resurrection, they never would have based their story on the experience of a group of females. No one would consider it credible! However, the Apostles and Evangelists include these details because it is the truth—and it is the truth to which the Apostles are testifying (see 1 John 1:13). Although the rest of the world may not have considered women worthy witnesses, God sure did! The Women at the Tomb + Their Backstories While the male disciples hid in fear, these women approached Jesus’ tomb with a love that casts out all fear. Because Jesus died so close to the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath (which begins at sundown on Friday), the burial process was rushed and only included the bare minimum. Thus, these women returned to Christ’s resting place, wishing to anoint the Body grandiosely, in the manner they felt He deserved. God rewarded this act of love with one of His own by allowing them to be the first to see the effects of the most glorious event in human history! Please note: The Evangelists do not share identical lists in regards to the women present. However, this is not a contradiction in facts. The Evangelists were writing for different audiences and thus had different persuasive goals in mind. The names of some women may be included in one Gospel, but not in another. This may be because the Evangelist’s audience knew that woman and thus could go and speak in person with her about what she saw. In addition, each Evangelist included details pertinent to their specific story. So while John only mentions Mary Magdalene by name in his Gospel, it does not mean other women were not there. Rather, that Mary Magdalene is a protagonist from whom he does not wish to detract. No matter the differing details, explanations exist for all of them. Mary Magdalene (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) The most prevalent of these women is Mary Magdalene. Across the Gospels, she is mentioned by name twelve times (more than most of the Apostles)! Two major contributing factors led to a misunderstanding that Mary Magdalene was either a prostitute, the woman caught in adultery, or the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. The first is her surname, which is indicative of her hometown. Magdala was a small city on the shores of the Galilean sea. Its land was fertile, its fishing exemplary, and its location a major crossroads for travelers no matter which direction they were headed. It is possible that the fertility of the city of Magdala itself played a role in her own financial wellness which she in turn used to financially support Jesus and the Twelve. However, Magdala was also a city of immorality and prostitution was prevalent in the area. This may have contributed to the notion that Mary Magdalene was quite immoral herself. The second major factor which contributed to this misinformation was a homily given by Saint Gregory the Great. While trying to inspire the faithful to repent with great hope during a trying time in human history, he muddled the lines between Mary Magdalene and the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet. The message of his homily was impactful. The faithful found immense hope in the story of a great sinner who became notably holy. Consequently, the message spread and reverberated. Mary Magdalene has been portrayed inaccurately in homilies and Hollywood for centuries since. Who She Truly Was In reality, Mary Magdalene was a wealthy woman with unnamed weaknesses. She was deeply afflicted by seven demons, and was restored to full physical and spiritual health by the touch of Jesus. Consequently her reciprocal love and devotion was incredibly strong. She became a disciple of prominence, always mentioned first (with one exception) in the lists of women followers (much like Peter is listed before all the men). A leader, Mary Magdalene was continuously a part of Jesus' traveling entourage, using her wealth to support the group. Her unwavering devotion conjured the necessary courage to be present at Christ’s crucifixion and burial, in addition to returning to the tomb twice. Although her distress led to her misidentification of the Resurrected Jesus as the gardener, her intensity in this moment is astounding: “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away” (see John 20:15). Such a bold and fearless assertion! Mary Magdalene is the only woman included in all four Resurrection accounts, another indication of her prominence in Jesus’ ministry. It was she who ran to tell the hiding male disciples that the tomb was empty, and then informed them again after encountering the Risen Lord, making her the Apostle to the Apostles. When you think about it, the whole belief of Christianity is dependent upon her initial testimony!     Mary, The Mother of James (Mark, Luke) This Mary was the aunt of Jesus. Married to Clopas (also known as Cleopas and Alpheus), she was the mother of the Apostle James the Lesser. A silent character in the Gospels, she is mentioned various times and in various ways. She was a disciple of her Nephew throughout His ministry and also present for His crucifixion and burial. Surely, she was a source of emotional support for her sister-in-law, the Blessed Virgin, who was a widow and had lost her only Child. Mary's husband, Clopas, was the brother of Saint Joseph. He was a main character in Luke’s Emmaus narrative and it is possible that Mary was the second unnamed disciple in the story. In these small details, it is apparent that Mary was devout in her relationship with the Divine, passing that on to her children. Mother to at least four sons, two of them served as the first and second bishops of Jerusalem within the early Church (the first being Saint James the Lesser). Salome (Mark) During this point in history, the prominence of the name “Salome” for Jewish girls was second only to the name “Mary.” Thus, it is debated which Salome from the early Church was the one present on Easter Sunday. The most accepted stance is that she was Salome, mother of the thunderous Apostles James and John. Her husband was Zebedee, a fisherman with such a successful business it allotted them the finances to afford servants. It is speculated that she had ties to the Jewish High Priest, either familial or social, which is why John was able to get inside his home for Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin (see John 18:15-17). Salome was captivated by Jesus from the start, allowing the sons she raised to leave home and follow Him. A disciple herself, she must have felt familiar with Christ as she asked for seats of honor for James and John in the coming Kingdom. Jesus kindly corrected her, assuring that they would share in His suffering, but not sit at His side. God built upon this spiritual moment, and Salome went on to witness Jesus’ suffering firsthand at the foot of the Cross. Her sons went on to serve as bookends for the Apostles’ martyrdoms, the first and the last of the group to die, suffering for the Kingdom as promised by Jesus. Joanna (Luke) Only included in the Gospel of Luke, Joanna was an upper class woman who had been on the receiving end of a healing miracle (see Luke 8:1-3). Her husband, Chuza, was a steward of King Herod. As such, they were significantly wealthy and able to live a lavish life. Despite the goodness of her wealth, Joanna found greater satisfaction in Jesus. Out of gratitude, she became a financial backer of His ministry. Joanna was a devoted disciple, at times even traveling with Jesus and the Twelve proclaiming the arrival of the Kingdom of God. No doubt she brought incredible stories of Jesus back to the palace. Perhaps she was even present for Jesus’s brief trial before Herod since she likely lived there full time (Scripture makes no mention that she was). The Other Mary (Matthew) "Mary" was the most common name for Jewish females at the time of Jesus. This is why there are so many “Marys” needing to be distinguished from one another in the Bible. Though it is possible Matthew was referring to Mary of Bethany, the absence of Martha being named specifically alongside her makes this unlikely. In all probability, this was simply Matthew’s way of alluding to Mary, the Mother of James, who is mentioned in the narrative by the other Synoptic Gospels. The Other Women (Luke) Luke, who was writing to give an ordered account, shares that other women were present besides those mentioned specifically. We cannot know with certainty who these women were, but we can allow our imaginations to insert the possibility of female disciples named earlier in the Gospel. Perhaps Mary, Martha, and Susanna (another known financial support and recipient of healing) were among them. What about the Blessed Virgin? There is no one who loved Jesus more than His Mother, Mary. Why did she not return to the tomb to finish burying her Son? The explanation is simple. Mary was perfect in love and perfect in discipleship. She had listened and adhered to her Son’s teachings all along. Thus, when He predicted His Death and Resurrection and everyone else was somewhat confused, Mary understood and believed. She did not return to the tomb on Sunday morning, because she knew the tomb was only temporary! Although Scripture does not share these details, tradition provides insight into Mary’s whereabouts on that day. Saint Vincent Ferrer writes that Mary, believing in the Resurrection, kept vigil all night on Holy Saturday, waiting for the return of her Son and King. Saint Vincent, Saint Bridget of Sweden, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Pope Saint John Paul II, and many other Saints all agree that the first thing Jesus did when His soul reunited with His body was to rejoice in God’s mercy with His Mother. This is, in fact, why the tomb was empty when the rest of the disciples approached it! Crucial to the Cause Luke gives one mention of these beautiful women in the book of Acts when he includes them collectively in the list of the 120 disciples gathered prayerfully in the Upper Room (see Acts 1:14). This means that these ladies were also witnesses to the ordination of Matthias, attendants at Pentecost, and contributors to the early Church community. Their presence and testimonies were surely imperative to the Apostles, Evangelists, and converts. Who knows... if not for the details these women were able to provide about the Passion, the climax of the Gospels could look different on paper! Which woman at the tomb are you most fascinated by or interested in?   [bctt tweet="Which woman at the tomb are you most fascinated by or interested in? #BISblog //" via="no"] MARY SHOWS US THE WAY Just as a mother might pass on a beloved family tradition to her daughters, Mary shares the recipe for growing in virtue with us. This study on Mary's Virtues will breathe new life into your everyday, beginning right in Mary's home. GET HOME STUDY