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These Times of Antichrist

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The world at the approach of a new millennium,
for which the whole Church is preparing,
is like a field ready for the harvest. 
—ST. POPE JOHN PAUL II, World Youth Day, homily, August 15th, 1993

 

 

THE Catholic world has been abuzz recently with the release of a letter written by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI essentially stating that the Antichrist is alive. The letter was sent in 2015 to Vladimir Palko, a retired Bratislava statesman who lived through the Cold War. The late pope wrote:Continue reading →

An Unapologetic Apocalyptic View

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…there is none more blind than he who does not want to see,
and despite the signs of the times foretold,
even those who have faith
refuse to look at what is happening. 
—Our Lady to Gisella Cardia, October 26th, 2021 

 

I AM supposed to be embarrassed by this article’s title — ashamed to utter the phrase “end times” or quote the Book of Revelation much less dare to mention Marian apparitions. Such antiquities supposedly belong in the dust bin of medieval superstitions alongside archaic beliefs in “private revelation”, “prophecy” and those ignominious expressions of “the mark of the beast” or “Antichrist.” Yes, better to leave them to that garish era when Catholic churches billowed with incense as they churned out saints, priests evangelized pagans, and commoners actually believed that faith could drive away plagues and demons. In those days, statues and icons not only adorned churches but public buildings and homes. Imagine that. The “dark ages” — enlightened atheists call them.Continue reading →

The Enemy is Within the Gates

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THERE is a scene in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings where Helms Deep is under attack. It was supposed to be an impenetrable stronghold, surrounded by the massive Deeping Wall. But a vulnerable spot is discovered, which the forces of darkness exploit by causing all kinds of distraction and then planting and igniting an explosive. Moments before a torch runner reaches the wall to light the bomb, he is spotted by one of the heroes, Aragorn. He yells to the archer Legolas to take him down… but it’s too late. The wall explodes and is breached. The enemy is now within the gates. Continue reading →

On the Threshold

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THIS week, a deep, inexplicable sadness came over me, as it has in the past. But I know now what this is: it is a drop of sadness from the Heart of God—that man has rejected Him to the point of bringing humanity to this painful purification. It is the sadness that God was not allowed to triumph over this world through love but must do so, now, through justice.Continue reading →

The Reign of Antichrist

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COULD the Antichrist already be on earth? Will he be revealed in our times? Join Mark Mallett and Prof. Daniel O’Connor as they explain how the edifice is in place for the long foretold “man of sin”…Continue reading →

St. Raphael's Little Healing

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THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for Friday, June 5th, 2015
Memorial of St. Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

Liturgical texts here

St. Raphael, “Medicine of God”

 

IT was late dusk, and a blood moon was rising. I was entranced by its deep color as I wandered through the horses. I had just layed out their hay and they were quietly munching. The full moon, the fresh snow, the peaceful murmur of satisfied animals … it was a tranquil moment.

Until what felt like a bolt of lightning shot through my knee.

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The Progression of Totalitarianism

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THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for Thursday of the Third Week of Lent, March 12th, 2015

Liturgical texts here

Damiano_Mascagni_Joseph_Sold_Into_Slavery_by_His_Brothers_FotorJoseph Sold Into Slavery by His Brothers by Damiano Mascagni (1579-1639)

 

WITH the death of logic, we are not far from when not only truth, but Christians themselves, will be banished from the public sphere (and it’s already begun). At least, this is the warning from the seat of Peter:

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Knowing Jesus

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HAVE you ever met someone who is passionate about their subject? A skydiver, horse-back rider, a sports fan, or an anthropologist, scientist, or antique restorer who lives and breathes their hobby or career? While they can inspire us, and even spark an interest in us toward their subject, Christianity is different. For it is not about the passion of yet another lifestyle, philosophy, or even religious ideal.

The essence of Christianity is not an idea but a Person. —POPE BENEDICT XVI, spontaneous speech to the clergy of Rome; Zenit, May 20th, 2005

 

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What it Means to Welcome Sinners

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THE call of the Holy Father for the Church to become more of a “field hospital” to “heal the wounded” is a very beautiful, timely, and perceptive pastoral vision. But what exactly needs healing? What are the wounds? What does it mean to “welcome” sinners aboard the Barque of Peter?

Essentially, what is “Church” for?

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