What does God do in the Sacrament of Confession? What is His intention for us? St Josemaría Escrivá described God as being one Who "continually forgives" and "more loving than all the mothers and fathers of this world put together". In this blog, discover the mercy of God, Who forgives and forgets in the Sacrament of Confession.
"Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb..." During Advent, we are given the opportunity to reflect more deeply on the life of Mary. Particularly by meditating upon her faith, we can come to understand why the reverence paid to Mary by Catholics and Eastern Orthodox is deserved, and the particular importance of the words of the Angel Gabriel, who proclaims Mary to be blessed.
St John of the Cross befriended St Teresa of Avila and was persuaded to lead the reform of the Order, though he subsequently suffered many tribulations, including imprisonment at the hands of his brethren.
When you put up your Christmas tree this Advent, pray this blessing together as a family or household before turning on the lights, asking that it all who delight in it may come to knowledge and joy of salvation.
It’s one of the paradoxes of Christianity that we find life in death, freedom in captivity, patience in action. For St John of the Cross, his time in captivity was a period of intense growth. John didn’t just endure and suffer but spent his time meditating on the things of Heaven. His life and action serve as a guide for us.
On Christmas Eve, it is traditional to gather your household together and pray this blessing over the nativity scene.
