Our Lady of Olives is to be situated within the larger context of the biblical symbolism of the Olive tree. In the Bible, but also in patristic and medieval writings, the olive tree–together with the vine and wheat ears–was considered a symbol of heavenly blessings, prosperity and fecundity in times of peace. The olive tree is also a symbol of spiritual excellence and distinction such as reconciliation with God, rectitude and innocence as well as fruitfulness of good works. This symbolism applied to Mary is a sign of faithful and loving dedication to the Lord but also a symbol of[…]

The Devotion to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows such as Perpetual Novena to Honor Our Lady of Sorrows are very powerful and they precede rather formidable promises. Our Lady of Sorrows (Latin: Beata Maria Virgo Perdolens), Our Lady of Dolours, the Sorrowful Mother or Mother of Sorrows (Latin: Mater Dolorosa), and Our Lady of Piety, Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows or Our Lady of the Seven Dolours are names by which the Blessed Virgin Mary is referred to in relation to sorrows in her life. In common religious Orthodox-Catholic imagery, the Blessed Virgin Mary is portrayed in a sorrowful[…]

From the Saint Andrew Daily Missal: On September 14, in 335, took place the dedication of Constantine’s basilica, which enclosed both Calvary and the Holy Sepulchre. “At this date,” says Etheria, “the cross was discovered. And the anniversary is celebrated with as much solemnity as Easter or the Epiphany.” Such was the origin of the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. “When I shall be raised on high, I shall draw everything unto Me” (Gospel), Jesus has said. It is because of the Saviour humbled Himself, being obedient even to the death of the cross, that God exalted Him[…]

September 24 – The Feast of Our Lady of Ransom (Nuestra Señora de la Merced) is a Roman Catholic liturgical Marian feast. This feast was extended to the whole Church in thanksgiving to the Blessed Virgin, for having in the thirteenth century inspired St. Peter Nolasco and St. Raymond of Pennafort to found a religious order for the release of Christians captured by the Saracens. The Mercedarians vowed to give themselves up as hostages for the imprisoned Christians when ransom and military means failed. Their heroism saved countless souls from apostasy and despair. Today, in our world, there are Christians being[…]

Our Lady of Sorrows Rosary. Prayers in Honor of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary BeginningWhen starting the Rosary of Sorrows, after the sign of the cross, we do not recite the “Creed,” but immediately say the following prayer: Introductory prayerMy God, I offer you this Rosary in honour of the seven principal Sorrows of Mary, for your greatest glory, for my conversion and that of all people through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our salvation and our unique way to come to you, in union with the Holy Ghost for ever and ever. Amen! Act of contritionMy[…]

Let us pray the most powerful celestial protector, SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, for special protection against the diabolical forces of pure evil attacking our Holy Mother the Church in the weeks and months ahead.  Oratio ad Sanctum Michael. By Pope Leo XIII, from the Roman Ritual, Rite of Exorcism (Audio in Latin): PRINCEPS gloriosissime caelestis militiae, sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio et colluctatione, quae nobis adversus principes et potestates, adversus mundi rectores tenebrarum harum, contra spiritualia nequitiae, in caelestibus. Veni in auxilium hominum, quos Deus creavit inexterminabiles, et ad imaginem similitudinis suae fecit, et a tyrannide diaboli emit pretio[…]

According to ancient tradition assigning certain gemstones to certain months. Gemstones, especially their colors, have stood for certain virtues and values from ancient times. Never should we look upon the wearing of a necklace or rosary as a “charm,” but always as a sacred symbol of the supernatural protection offered directly by our Triune God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Gemstone rosaries and religious jewelry provide a constant physical reminder of the love and fidelity we share with Almighty God and the communion of saints. The following text incorporates the chapter on “Reflections on the Gems of[…]

The most spectacular aspect of the Act of God will be the three days of darkness over the whole earth. The Three Days have been announced by Catholic prophets St. Caspar del Bufulo, Blessed Anna Maria Taigi, Blessed Elizabeth Canori-Mora and Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified.  The Church does not oblige us to believe in any particular prophecy as a matter of faith [de fide], but we are indeed obliged to believe that prophecies may be made even in our own times, for this is in the Gospel [Evangelium]: the Holy Ghost will speak to many in the Latter Days.[…]

The name of Mary brings grace, hope, and sweetness to the hearts of men. First fostered in Spain, then invoked against the Turks at Vienna in 1683, this devotion to Mary inspired King John Sobieski of Poland to put the misbelievers to flight, and thus to save Christendom from devastation. Pope Innocent XI extended observance of the feast to the whole Church. By St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, (1696 – 1787), an Italian Catholic bishop, spiritual writer, composer, scholastic philosopher, and theologian. Richard of St. Laurence states “there is not such powerful help in any name, nor is there any other[…]