Ever feel like the wolf is out there prowling about and ready to devour and destroy you?

By happy circumstance or strategic planning while touring Italy you may find yourself in Assisi from Aug. 1-2. Then you may enter the vast basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. 

As the world is besieged by violence, storms, drought, disease and other chaos, the temptation is to think we are “on our own.” 

One of the smartest things students entering the new academic year can do is call upon patron saints for pointers and support to have a successful school year.

“Christ our light” the priest, deacon or cantor chants as the paschal candle is brought into a darkened church after being lit by the blessed bonfire. The awaiting faithful in the church respond, “Thanks be to God.”

You may have called them by a traditional title, such as “Grandmother” or “Grandfather” or by your own variation such as “Grammie,” “Mimi,” “Gigi,” or several others.

Bishop Michael G. Duca’s appeal of “no hurricanes” during the recent Hurricane Mass on June 1 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge was met with a resounding “Amen” from people as we warily tread deeper into the season.

Put the candles on the cake and let the Holy Spirit light the fire, it’s time to wish the church a Happy Birthday! 

St. Joan of Arc is considered by many a heroine in both France and the community of saints. But this humble servant, called “the handmaid of Orléans” is a true example of following God with a simple, bold obedience. One of her most well-known sayings is, “Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.” Her feast day is May 30.

As you sweat and toil out in the field or spring vegetable garden you glance heavenward and pray for God’s mercy that you will have an abundant crop to send to market or bask in pride while dishing up your homemade vegetables at dinnertime.

As scenes of utter chaos and destruction unfold in the Ukraine, the Ukrainian faithful know they can find shelter and comfort in the veil of Mary, particularly under the title of Our Lady of Theotokos, which means “Bearer” or “Mother of God.” 

The Year of St. Joseph has been a bonanza for litany and consecration enthusiasts.

Early Church "Gets on with the Business" of Spreading the Gospel with Help of St. Matthias

May Honors Mary as the Mother of Jesus

Celebrating the 50 days of Easter

Getting away for a 30-day prayer retreat and spending time on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius may seem blissful, yet impossible.  But even in today’s busy world, there’s still a way to make the commitment and find peace through the 19th Annotation.