James the Greater, Matamoros and Humanae Vitae: Signs of Contradiction
Today we celebrate the great feast of Saint James ‘the Greater’, not because of any intrinsic superior quality to the other apostle James, ‘the... Read more.
Merton, Charbel and the Contemplative Life
In light of today’s Saint Charbel – a hermit and contemplative – and last Sunday’s Gospel on the roles of of ‘Martha’ and ‘Mary’,... Read more.
Saint Charbel’s Holy Hidden Life
God often works through hidden ways, and those who live a hidden life. Amare nesciri, Saint Philip Neri was wont to say, ‘love to be unknown‘. Behind... Read more.
All Roads Lead to Rome
On this feast of Saint Bridget of Sweden, one of the four co-patrons of Europe (along with Saint Benedict, Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Teresa Benedicta of... Read more.
Saint Bridget, Sweden’s Charitable Bibliophile
Long before Sweden was known for ABBA and IKEA – two exports not to everyone’s taste, even if billion-dollar brands – along with a soft version of socialism... Read more.
Mary Magdalene’s Metanoia
A blessed feast of Mary Magdalene, which – or who – was raised from memorial status in the liturgical revisions of 1969 to a full feast by a decree of... Read more.
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi: Bible and Cappucino
Guilio Cesare Russo was born to a family of Venetian merchants, but not in Venice, but rather far to the south, in the village of Brindisi, right down on the heel... Read more.
There and Back Again
I returned from Rome late last night, around about midnight – at least, all the way back home, which required an hour’s walk through the city, to catch the bus... Read more.
Saint Arsenius the Great, and the Silent
Saint Arsenius, called ‘the Great’, (350 – 445), whom we recall on this 19th of July, was one of the early monks of the desert, and founders of the eremitical... Read more.
The Profound Peace of Assisi
I wasn’t quite prepared for Assisi, even if it was just what I needed. I suppose God works like that. When I got off the train in a place that looked something... Read more.