To listen to this post, click below. I woke up this morning and went downstairs to start a pot of coffee. Once I pushed the “brew” button on my coffee maker, I followed my usual routine and began opening the window blinds to let in the day. Still a little sleepy, when I opened theContinue reading “The empty grotto”
Category Archives: Shrines and statues
Validating the miracles of Our Lady of Lourdes
To listen to this post, click below. We often wonder if a so-called miracle is, in fact, a miracle. As hundreds of thousands of the faithful (and even those with little faith) have made the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France, there have been more than 7,000 claims ofContinue reading “Validating the miracles of Our Lady of Lourdes”
Relics and faith
I am a doubter. I need proof. I am “Thomas.” Someone once told me that doubt is the thing that keeps us on the road, looking around the corner for the truth. In other words, doubt leads to truth. Therefore faith does not require the absence of doubt. Still, I have found great value inContinue reading “Relics and faith”
Marian shrine cared for by Buddhist monks?
There is a Marian shrine overlooking the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean in Long Beach, CA, that provides a lovely outdoor spot for contemplation and prayer to the Blessed Mother. The large white shell in which Mary rests is located on Ocean Boulevard, near the intersection of Redondo Avenue. In a park-like setting, this tribute toContinue reading “Marian shrine cared for by Buddhist monks?”
My favorite Marian shrine
The shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City is reported to be the most-visited shrine to Our Lady in the world. Millions converted to Christianity after her appearance to St. Juan Diego in 1531. Last year (2022) some 12 million pilgrims visited the shrine at the Basilica of Guadalupe, breaking the record forContinue reading “My favorite Marian shrine”
The only approved Marian apparition in the U.S.
The above photo is of Our Lady of Good Help, in Champion, Wisconsin. / Photo: Video screen grab https://youtu.be/lMBoo–4×84 On this day, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, we remember the Blessed Mother’s appearance 105 years ago to three young children in Fatima, Portugal on May 13, 1917. According to Eternal Word Television Network,Continue reading “The only approved Marian apparition in the U.S.”
A ‘living’ rosary
I joined others in our parish community for the “living” rosary, held inside our church in early May. The unique event involved five faith communities within our parish, all joining together in one voice to pray the rosary. The parish’s Unity Committee organized the evening, inviting groups who speak different languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Filipino,Continue reading “A ‘living’ rosary”
Mary’s life after the Ascension
This Easter, the first without my mother who passed away last year, has me more grateful than ever for the blessing of Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven. I felt the same way several years ago on the Easter following my father’s passing. I am so thankful to God that this life is not theContinue reading “Mary’s life after the Ascension”
Good Friday purple
My husband and I have been making some changes in our backyard. We decided to freshen up our shrine to the Blessed Mother. The grotto in which the statue of Mary has been housed needs some paint touch up. The outdoor lighting needs to be updated and the spent plants and weeds cleared. We wereContinue reading “Good Friday purple”
The sixth “sorrow” of Mary
This image of Michelangelo’s Pieta, painted by my older brother, has hung on the dining room wall in our parents’ home for several decades. All of our extended family gatherings included a meal at the table in that room, often with three generations present. (At a later point, my brother painted Moses as a giftContinue reading “The sixth “sorrow” of Mary”
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