Catholic Digest

2 weeks ago | catholicdigest.com | Dwight Longenecker

At the very heart of the Catholic Mass, the priest turns to the people and lifts up the chalice and consecrated bread that has become the body and blood of Christ. He repeats the words of St. John the Baptist when he saw Jesus coming to him at the Jordan River: “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). These few words contain within them a vast and fascinating history that looks both back with thanks and forward with hope.

2 months ago | catholicdigest.com | Michael P. Foley

Valentine was a priest in Rome who was martyred on this day in AD 270. There are several theories regarding his patronage of young lovers. According to one, he administered Holy Communion and last rites to Christian prisoners before being imprisoned himself. As a prisoner, he wrote a letter to the jailer’s daughter, signing it “your Valentine.” Another version has it that the saintly priest played matchmaker for the jailer’s daughter. But the most likely reason is historical happenstance.

Oct 27, 2024 | catholicdigest.com | Dwight Longenecker

Why is it that, when we take the youth group to camp on retreat, we always make sure there is a campfire on the schedule? Why do we put up with the dirt, soot, and smoke of a fireplace in our home when we no longer need it for heat? Why do we light candles, build a fire on the beach, at the campsite, or in the fire pit in the backyard? It’s because there is something strange and beautiful about fire. It not only provides heat and light, but it brings us together.

Oct 27, 2024 | catholicdigest.com | Susie Lloyd

Most feast days of the saints celebrate the day the saint died, went to heaven, and stayed put. Lazarus Saturday celebrates the opposite. It is the day Our Lord summoned his friend back to this life, despite four days and several spools of moldering mummy wrap. In the Eastern Rite, this mind blowing event is always commemorated on the day before Palm Sunday, which this year was April 13. Though Lazarus has his own regular brand feast day in October on the Eastern calendar, this is the big one.

Oct 26, 2024 | catholicdigest.com | Gary Zimak

When faced with a hopeless situation, people will respond in a variety of ways. Some will be overcome with panic, some will turn to food or alcohol, and some will just “get busy.” For the most part, responding in any of these ways will not really fix anything. As a general rule, any response that doesn’t include prayer is going to be inadequate. When faced with a crisis, turning to God in prayer should be one of the first things we do.