There are six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to him; Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that plots wicked schemes, feet that are quick to run to evil, The false witness who utters lies, and the one who sows discord among kindred. – Proverbs 6:16-19There […]
A call for justice and to end impunity Read More »
When the days were completed for their purificationaccording to the law of Moses,They took him up to Jerusalemto present him to the Lord,just as it is written in the law of the Lord,Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,and to offer the sacrifice ofa pair of turtledoves or two young
Today, December 26, is the feast of Saint Stephen. Deacon and the First Martyr. The account of Stephen is found in the Acts of the Apostles: while preaching the Gospel in the streets, angry Jews who believed his message to be blasphemy dragged him outside the city, and stoned him to death. “However, Stephen looked
Feast of St. Stephen Read More »
Jesus said to his disciples:“Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courtsand scourge you in their synagogues,and you will be led before governors and kings for my sakeas a witness before them and the pagans.When they hand you over,do not worry about how you are to speakor what you are to say.You
In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God,and the Word was God.He was in the beginning with God.All things came to be through him,and without him nothing came to be.What came to be through him was life,and this life was the light of the human race;the light shines in the darkness,and the
This Christmas season reminds us that God became one of us, an Emmanuel, and shares our humanity. As the COVID-19 crisis demonstrates how everything and everyone is truly connected, we are reminded of our shared fragility. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! In Carmel, Fr. Rico P. Ponce, O.Carm., Prior Provincialand the Provincial Council
2020 Christmas Message Read More »
Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;for he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,born of the house of his servant David.Through his prophets he promised of oldthat he would save us from our
Today, December 23, is the memorial of Blessed Nicolas Factor. Franciscan preacher and Renaissance painter. Nicolas knew poverty when he was born in 1520 in Valencia, Spain. His father was a poor tailor and had five children. As a child, Nicolas fasted thrice a week and gave his food to the poor. He was also
Memorial of Blessed Nicolas Factor Read More »
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her childshe gave birth to a son.Her neighbors and relatives heardthat the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,and they rejoiced with her.When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,but his mother said in
Today, December 22, is the memorial of Saint Flavian of Acquapendente. Flavian was the father of Saint Bibiana and Saint Demetria, and the husband of Saint Dafrosa of Acquapendente. He was greatly admired by Romans for his virtues and talents. Even Constantine the Great held him in high esteem, so much so that the emperor
Memorial of St. Flavian of Acquapendente Read More »