BIG C CATHOLICS

The incredible moment when Pope Francis left his Popemobile to bless a disabled man before his Inaugural Mass

Heavenly Father, You lifted your dear Son from the grave and made Him a beacon of hope for all mortals. By overcoming sin and death and hell, may He take us by the hand and lead us into the land of bliss and glory where we shall enjoy forever the company of the whole heavenly host. May we trust with all our hearts in His glorious wounds by which He ransomed us for everlasting life. Blessed be the name of Jesus, now and forever.   Amen.

Today's Collect: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that by Saint Joseph's intercession you Church may constantly watch over the unfolding of the mysteries of salvation, whose beginnings you entrusted to his faithful care. And in this day and age when the free exercise of our faith is under attack in our land, the intercessions of good St. Joseph, protector of Mary and Jesus, patron of the Church, is especially needed.

Fr. René J. Butler, M.S. Director, La Salette Shrine Enfield, NH ( Click here for today’s readings ) We are so used to the story of the Passion of Jesus that we forget that each of the four Gospel accounts contains material not found in the other three. Unique to Matthew is the scene where Judas brings the money back to the chief priests and then hangs himself, and the chief priests buy the potter’s field. Likewise, there is the moment when Pilate’s wife sends him a message to have nothing to do with Jesus. Most troubling is the verse which reads: “The whole people said: ‘His blood be upon us and upon our children.’” It is troubling for two reasons: First, because it was a terrible thing to say. Second, and most important, this verse has historically been used – abused – to justify hatred and persecution of Jews over the centuries. We forgot what Jesus said in Luke’s Gospel, as he was being crucified: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are d

Can you tell your aspergillum from your alb? Your cassock from your chasuble? Take this quiz on all things Roman Catholic to test your knowledge of one of the world's oldest, largest, and most powerful institutions. Go here for quiz.

Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, Always providing for our needs and leading us to eternal life. We thank you for Pope Francis I, Your Vicar on earth, The Servant of the Servants of God. Give him holiness and strength to carry out his mission, And may he be for the world A sign of your love And a clear voice for truth, justice, And the sanctity of human life. May all he says and does Lead us closer to you, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen!