One of the many Churches I visited during my time living in Europe was the Capuchin Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccin in Rome. What is remarkable about this Church is that the crypt contains the skeletal remains of 3,700 bodies of Capuchin Friars. When I brought my parents on a visit there, my enthusiasm … Continue reading Why the obsession with bones? – All Hallows Eve
When Pietro Molla was first approached for his wife’s cause for canonization, he was very surprised. He replied, “Look, I know I married a fantastic woman. But she was so normal!” Their son, Pierluigi, later reflected that his father came from a generation where saints got their status from miracles and supernatural feats. Pietro’s wife, … Continue reading The Saints In Our Lives – St Gianna, the Saint of the “Ordinary Time”
I have always loved the fact that because of the sheer number of saints of the Church (those who are officially recognised and those who we will one day meet in Heaven) there is always a saint who has shared his or her experience of my own particular sufferings and joys. I am encouraged by … Continue reading The Saints In Our Lives – The Measure of Love, St Catherine of Siena
Sometimes, an encounter between two souls results in an instant friendship; a spark fueled by a recognition of like souls, kindred spirits if you will; a binding friendship that is immediately for life. ‘Twas not so with St Zelie and I. I seem to recall our first encounter occurring behind the great basilica in Lisieux … Continue reading Zelie and Me
