From a letter to the Church of Smyrna by Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr
From Ignatius, known as Theophorus, to the Church of God the Father and of Jesus Christ, his beloved, at Smyrna in Asia, wishing you all joy in an immaculate…
From a sermon by Saint Sophronius, bishop
In honor of the divine mystery that we celebrate today, let us all hasten to meet Christ. Everyone should be eager to join the procession and to carry a…
From a commentary on the psalms by Saint John Fisher, bishop and martyr
First God freed Israel from the bondage of Egypt by performing many signs and wonders. He permitted them to cross the Red Sea dry-shod. He fed them in the desert…
From a letter by Saint John Bosco, priest
First of all, if we wish to appear concerned about the true happiness of our foster children and if we would move them to fulfill their duties, you must never…
From a sermon on the Song of Songs by Saint Bernard, abbot
Where can the weak find a place of firm security and peace, except in the wounds of the Savior? Indeed, the more secure is my place there the more he…
From the Detailed Rules for Monks by Saint Basil the Great, bishop
What words can adequately describe God’s gifts? They are so numerous that they defy enumeration. They are so great that any one of them demands our total gratitude in…
From a conference by Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest
Why did the Son of God have to suffer for us? There was a great need, and it can be considered in a twofold way: in the first place,…
From the constitution on the sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council
Christ is always present to his Church, especially in the actions of the liturgy. He is present in the sacrifice of the Mass, in the person of the minister (it…
From a homily by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop
Though housed in a narrow prison, Paul dwelt in heaven. He accepted beatings and wounds more readily than others reach out for rewards. Sufferings he loved as much as prizes;…