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This article first appeared at: catholic.com. The doctrine of the Assumption of Mary began with a historical event to which Scripture alludes and that been believed in the Church for 2,000 years. It was passed down in the oral tradition of the Church and developed over the centuries, but it was always believed by the Catholic faithful. Let us examine the facts:1. Archaeology has revealed two tombs of Mary, one in Jerusalem and one in Ephesus. The fact that Mary lived in both places explains …

Originally published by www.EWTN.com The Transfiguration of Jesus is one of the key events in Jesus’ life. He took three apostles – Peter, James, and John – up to a high mountain to pray. As they were praying, His appearance changed, and His clothes became “dazzling white.” At that point, Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke to the Lord about His upcoming death. A cloud overshadowed the group, and God the Father’s voice came from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”The Ch …

Rod Pattenden, July 2024This lavish, large format publication on the work of iconographer Michael Galovic is a welcome addition to the coverage of the arts and spirituality in Australia. It is a beautiful book, an art work in itself. In around 260 pages it surveys the work of one of Australia’s most well known painters of icons, covering traditional themes, innovative new work, and important commissions around the country.Born in Belgrade, Michael Galovic arrived in Australia in 1990 and set abo …

This article was originally published at catholicweekly.com.au American speaker Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers has no plans for sightseeing during his ninth visit down under since 2012, touring eight Sydney parishes in six days for a series of motivational Catholic talks.“From my observations being here a number of times now is Australia’s experiencing some of the same troubles we’re having in the United States—attracting and keeping people in church, the passion and enthusiasm to really see th …

Free 3D Paper Rainbow Prayer Box ActivityThis simple paper craft activity enables children to colour, cut and paste together their own Rainbow prayer box!The activity is based on the book God’s Love in the Sky, available here: CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE NOTE: This is not a physical product. This is a pdf item download only. Activity instructions are included in the pdf. For the activity you will need: * A4 white paper/thin cardboard to print activity on * Colouring in pencils, textas or …

This article was originally published at ncregister.com Philosophy influences people and culture and shines light on the science of theologyA basic understanding of philosophy is needed in order to really understand theology.This may sound like a terrifying prospect, especially if you have ever had to take a class in philosophy that seemed like “navel gazing,” being all too abstract, but it is essential.Philosophy is the handmaid to theology. It provides theology with the concepts, the “skeleton …

This article was originally published at ncregister.com The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is celebrated throughout the world on the Friday following the Feast of Corpus Christi.Every year, 19 days after Pentecost, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. But where did that tradition originate?Devotion to the wounded heart of Jesus has its origins in the eleventh century, when pious Christians meditated on the Five Wounds of Christ. There grew up among the faithf …

This article was originally published at chastity.com Back in “5½ Soul-Crushing Traps To Avoid While Dating” I wrote about selfishness. I’d like to think that article cured the world of it’s selfishness, and we’re one hundred per cent selfless now. But I know that’s not true. I struggle with selfishness every day, and you probably do, too.So we have to keep working on it. And one sure-fire way of getting over selfishness is learning to think about the other before yourself. When we do this, we w …

This article was originally published at catholicweekly.com.au The feast day to Mary Help of Christians has been celebrated in Australia since 1844 but the history to this day dates back to the start of the 1800’s.Napoleon Bonaparte had jailed Pius VI who died in jail. When Pope Pius VII was elected he too was jailed by Bonaparte, who kept him prisoner at Fontainbleau.The Holy Father vowed to God that if he were restored to the Roman See, he would institute a special feast in honour of Mary.The …

By Fr John FladerThis article was originally published in the Catholic Weekly. I have some Lebanese friends who are very excited about the arrival in Sydney of a replica of the tomb and of the body of St Charbel. I am not Lebanese myself and know nothing about this saint. What can you tell me about him?St Charbel was born into a poor Catholic Maronite family on 8 May 1828, in the mountain village of Bekaa Kafra in North Lebanon. Given the name Youssef, he was the youngest of five …