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2 weeks ago | 
fatima.org | Matthew Plese |byMatthew Plese
Read Part One here. The reforms introduced in 1955 by Pope Pius XII brought significant changes to the Holy Week liturgies. These alterations have been a topic of extensive discussion among traditional Catholics, and those interested in thorough resources should consult Pre1955HolyWeek.com. In Part One we looked at Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday. This article centers on Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
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2 weeks ago | 
fatima.org | Matthew Plese |byMatthew Plese
It is most fitting that the crowning word “Amen” completes the Lord’s Prayer. St. Jerome in his commentary on St. Matthew calls this word “the seal of the Lord’s Prayer.” The “Amen” is also the subject of the final chapter of The Catechism of the Council of Trent, indicating its importance since it warrants an entire chapter to itself. It must also be stated that Our Lord Himself repeatedly taught us by His holy example to pray this word.
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1 month ago | 
fatima.org | Matthew Plese |byMatthew Plese
The fourth petition of the “Our Father” asks of the Almighty: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). The Roman Catechism begins its explanation of this petition by reinforcing its connection with the ones that preceded it: “The fourth and following Petitions, in which we particularly and expressly pray for the needs of soul and body, are subordinate to those which preceded.
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2 months ago | 
fatima.org | Matthew Plese |byMatthew Plese
The Catholic Church upholds the dignity of every human person. Just as certainly, the Church acknowledges the inviolability of just laws. It also upholds the moral right and necessity of nations to secure their borders and enforce immigration policies. These teachings are not opposed, but rather they mutually support one another. If there are those who perceive or present them as contradictory, then they fail to understand – or worse, intentionally misrepresent – the Church’s teaching.
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Jan 10, 2025 | 
fatima.org | Matthew Plese |byMatthew Plese |byAlfonso Pedroza
In just 56 words, the Our Father summarizes how we are to approach God. It combines praise and petition. It calls for surrender and understanding. This prayer puts us into a relationship with God, Who reaches down to us as a loving Father.
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Nov 30, 2024 | 
fatima.org | Matthew Plese |byMatthew Plese
The Church teaches that the Sacraments work ex opere operato (Latin meaning “from the work performed”), which was defined by the Council of Trent.[1] Provided there is no obstacle placed in the way (e.g., improper matter was used, the wrong words were said, the minister did not have the proper intention), every Sacrament properly administered confers the grace intended by the Sacrament.
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Oct 22, 2024 | 
fatima.org | byMatthew Plese
The New Testament[1] begins with the four Gospels written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These Gospel writers are known as the Four Evangelists. Each of the four Evangelists wrote for a different audience and these audiences varied dramatically in terms of culture. Everything they wrote is in conformity with each other, contrary to the false claims of some atheists, and understanding this to counter their errors is necessary for a Catholic.
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Oct 11, 2024 | 
fatima.org | byMatthew Plese
October 9th is the anniversary of the coronation of Charlemagne as King of the Franks. The life of Charlemagne illustrates the importance of having virtuous leaders who work with the Church for the glory of God and for the good of society. We should keep this in mind and understand that the separation of Church and State is not a Catholic view, despite it being ingrained into American thought. Charlemagne (c.
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Sep 10, 2024 | 
fatima.org | byMatthew Plese
A valid sacrament is one where the sanctifying grace unique to that sacrament is conferred upon the recipient.[1] A valid sacrament must have the proper matter and form.[2] For example, in Baptism valid matter constitutes water poured over the forehead and the valid form are the words “N., Ego te baptizo in nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.”[3] It behooves Catholics to be familiar with the proper matter and form of each sacrament.
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Aug 28, 2024 | 
fatima.org | byMatthew Plese
Watch a 5-minute video on Our Lord’s Warning at Rianjo with Father Gruner and John Vennari. In the months following the Church’s official recognition and approval given to the Fatima Apparitions by Bishop José da Silva on October 13, 1930, Sister Lucia was overwhelmed with inquiries and attention, to the extent that her health was threatened.
