“I Make Myself a Leper”
Damien of Molokai made a total gift of self.
May 10 is the feast of St. Damien of Molokai, the Belgian missionary who volunteered to serve the people who had been banished to a government-sanctioned leper colony on the Hawaiian island of Mokokai. Continue »
Gianna’s Choice
The Story of Gianna Beretta Molla
Two months into her fourth pregnancy, Gianna Beretta Molla was diagnosed with a large uterine tumor. Doctors informed the thirty-eight-year-old woman that her best chance for recovery was to have surgery that would remove the tumor but also cause the death of her unborn child, either deliberately or as an unintended consequence. Continue »
Evangelization by Way of Disaster
How Christianity came to Ethiopia
The government official baptized by Philip in Acts 8: 38 returned home to Ethiopia. And then what? Did he spread the gospel? Continue »
A Hidden Pearl
Digging for treasure in Mark’s Gospel
The Gospel according to Mark is printed in every Christian Bible, but, even so, it has managed to remain (in many ways) like the pearl of great price buried in a field, waiting to be discovered and able to enrich spiritual treasure seekers with unexpected rewards. Those who would harvest this fortune must approach it with awareness, prayer, and determination. Continue »
The Priests Aboard Titanic
Four Stories of Faith, Courage, and Providence
April 15, 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Titanic. The luxury liner hit an iceberg and sank five days into its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York. Only 700 people survived, out of 2,200 passengers and crew. Continue »
Blessed Is She Who Believed
Treasuring the Mysteries of Christ with Mary
“Men may work from sun to sun,” says the old proverb, “but a woman’s work is never done.” Has there ever been a woman who lived out these words more than the Virgin Mary? Continue »