Matthew Plese

Chicago

President at CatechismClass.com, Catholic Writer and Speaker at Freelance

Blogger of A Catholic Life. Dominican Tertiary. Catechist & Public Speaker. CPA. Writer for @CathFamilyNews, @thefatimacenter, @onepeterfive & @CatechismClass

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Articles

The Spiritual Significance of the Pre-1955 Holy Week Rites | Part II

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.
The Spiritual Significance of the Pre-1955 Holy Week Rites | Part I

2 weeks ago | fatima.org | Matthew Plese

The reforms introduced in 1955 by Pope Pius XII brought significant changes to the Holy Week liturgies which are ultimately reflected in the 1962 Roman Missal. These alterations have been a topic of extensive discussion among traditional Catholics, and those interested in thorough resources should consult Pre1955HolyWeek.com.
What Does “Amen” Really Mean?

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.
A Catholic Life Podcast: Episode 109

3 weeks ago | acatholiclife.blogspot.com | Matthew Plese

In today’s episode, on Passion Sunday I address why and how we should pray the Stations of the Cross including the forgotten history on the Stations, how to gain an indulgence for praying them, and how praying them at home differs from praying them in a parish.
A Catholic Life Podcast: Episode 108

4 weeks ago | acatholiclife.blogspot.com | Matthew Plese

In today’s episode, on Laetare Sunday, I discuss why Catholics rightfully honor the saints who Heaven our prayers in Heaven and who can intercede for us on earth:A Catholic Life Podcast Episode 5 on Laetare SundayLaetare Sunday as Mothering SundayAre the Saints Alive? Can They Hear our Prayers?
The Certainty of Sainthood: How the Church Recognized Saints Through the Ages

1 month ago | acatholiclife.blogspot.com | Matthew Plese

Honoring the SaintsA saint is a person that lived a life of virtue, holiness, and union with God on earth. The Church recognizes a person’s sanctity by “canonizing” them. This means they are declared to be in Heaven and the Church presents the individual as one we are called to imitate. The Church does not canonize every soul in Heaven (even if known) but only those who the faithful are called to imitate and implore for aid.
What Does “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” Mean?

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.
A Catholic Life Podcast: Episode 106

1 month ago | acatholiclife.blogspot.com | Matthew Plese

In today’s episode, on the First Sunday of Lent, I address the Precepts of the Church, with an emphasis on the laws of fasting and abstinence, and explain that they bind under mortal sin:What Are the Precepts of the ChurchCatholic Fasting and Abstinence Precepts OutlinedThe Church’s Precept Bind Under Penalty of Mortal SinRediscover the Power of Traditional Catholic FastingI would like to thank CatechismClass.com for sponsoring this episode.
Eating Meat on a Friday is a Mortal Sin

1 month ago | acatholiclife.blogspot.com | Matthew Plese

Laws of Fast and Abstinence Bind MortallyTo ignore the law of fasting or abstinence from meat is a grave sin. Why? Because it is an act of disobedience to God's Church. We do not abstain from meat on Fridays for instance because the meat is unclean or evil. It is the act of disobedience that is evil.
Rediscover the Power of Traditional Catholic Fasting

2 months ago | acatholiclife.blogspot.com | Matthew Plese

For centuries, fasting and abstinence were essential pillars of Catholic life. Saints, clergy, and lay faithful alike observed rigorous fasting disciplines—not out of mere obligation, but as a means of penance, spiritual purification, and reparation for sin. Sadly, these practices have been largely forgotten or dramatically reduced in modern times. But what if we could reclaim them?