In a world like our own, where factionalism and deep religious and political divisions poison our relationships, a saint like Peter Thomas is like a breath of fresh air. His life as a devout Carmelite and a diplomatic healer and trouble-shooter reminds us that reconciliation and common ground are always possible with God’s help. Peter Thomas was born in the southern Périgord region of France, to a very poor peasant family. His piety and skill as ...

Adoration of the Shepherds by Dutch painter Matthias Stomer, 1632. Palazzo Madama, Turin. In giving us His Son, His only Word, He (the Father) spoke everything to us at once in this sole Word—and He has no more to say… because what He has spoken before to the prophets in part, He has now spoken all at once by giving us ALL who is His Son. St. John of the Cross When I was preparing couples for their marriage, I always ...

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, desired of the nations and their salvation, come and save us, Lord our God. Isaiah 7:14 We invite you to take a few moments for quiet prayer during this final week of Advent to pray and reflect on the seven O Antiphons. Read and meditate on the biblical passages that accompany each antiphon. Listen to each antiphon sung to an ancient Gregorian chant. Pray Mary’s Magnificat each day. O Emmanuel, Rex et ...

If you see the Virgin coming down the road, ask her into your house; she bears the Word of God. St. John of the Cross The great American poet, Robert Frost, once wrote, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”  There is something troubling about his words. There’s a sense of “have to” to someone who is looking for a place to belong. “Home” becomes a place of grudging acceptance since ...