as in the narrative of Our Lord's passion. "This child is here to be a sign of contradiction," the holy old man said of Jesus; "and you," he now speaks to Mary, "a sword will pierce your soul." Blessed [...] was the only way it could penetrate into the flesh of your Son. Of course, after Jesus gave up his spirit, the cruel spear which opened his side could not reach his soul; but it did pierce through yours [...] could not be separated from his. Do not be surprised, brethren, if you hear that Mary is a martyr in spirit. Whoever marvels at that forgets (and he has heard it before) that Paul ranges lack of affection

harvest of holiness. It blends easily into the spiritual journey of the Christian life, which, after two thousand years, has lost none of the freshness of its beginnings and feels drawn by the Spirit of God [...] of the Virgin Mary, which gradually took form in the second millennium under the guidance of the Spirit of God, is a prayer loved by countless saints and encouraged by the Magisterium. Simple yet profound

Virgin Mary – Immaculate Heart of Mary Overcoming the Antichrist with Mary "Together with the Holy Spirit Mary produced the greatest thing that ever was or ever will be: a God-man. She will consequently [...] are reserved to her, for only this singular and wondrous virgin can produce in union with the Holy Spirit singular and wondrous things," wrote Saint Louis de Montfort (True Devotion § 35). The end times

priestly heart that continues today to radiate God's unconditional love for all. May the Holy Curé of Ars, in this novena of preparation for the anniversary of his death (August 4th), illumine our paths and [...] were not inexhaustible... " He was burning to communicate his trust in Mary to others. His way of holiness can therefore provide inspiration for all those who are seriously discerning their human (as men [...] women) and Christian vocation (as followers of Christ). His life, his mission, and his style of holiness speak to many. For some, it is his style of priesthood, his complete dedication to God and to others

and as its type and excellent exemplar in faith and charity. The Catholic Church, taught by the Holy Spirit, honors her with filial affection and piety as a most beloved mother.

since I have no husband?" - "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God... For with God nothing [...] This revelation allowed Mary to attain an unparalleled union with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, it manifested the dignity of the woman and the authenticity of her freedom:

said. Then the Trinity, in all of its Divine Power, goodwill for mankind and the nobility of the Holy Spirit entered her virgin body. [...] her of God’s will; his words warmed the Virgin’s heart, crowding in on her senses and setting her spirit afire. Yet her modesty as a virgin and her love for God urged her to seek an explanation. When she

said. Then the Trinity, in all of its Divine Power, goodwill for mankind and the nobility of the Holy Spirit entered her virgin body. [...] her of God's will; his words warmed the Virgin's heart, crowding in on her senses and setting her spirit afire. Yet her modesty as a virgin and her love for God urged her to seek an explanation. When she

happen since she was a virgin. The Angel told her that it would happen through the power of the Holy Spirit, and Mary believed him, knowing full well the consequences of a virgin giving birth could end in [...] left for doubt. God’s people have blessed nations and people around them because empowered by the Holy Spirit, the water of life flowed through them. The Priest and young Mary had extremely different reactions [...] from people in the Word and learning from those who faithfully followed God. Is the Word and the Spirit prompting you to take steps of faith and bless others? Just do it! Rev. Dr. Richard Howell December

deserved… O very loveable Dispenser of the divine graces, eternal and Immaculate Spouse of the Holy Spirit, O holy Mary, you who received from Him a heart that takes pity on the misfortunes of mankind and cannot [...] Canonization of Padre Pio (2002) To Our Mother of Perpetual Help O Mary, Immaculate Virgin and my Holy Mother, although I am the most miserable of all sinners, I have recourse this day to you who are the