Born in Assisi, Italy, St. Francis of Assisi, a mystic, poet, and stigmatist, was canonized on 16 July 1228. He founded the Franciscan religious orders of the Ordo Fratrum Minorum (OFM) and, with St. Clare of Assisi, the Order of St. Clare (the Poor Clares), as well as a lay Third Order.

Padre Pio, as St. Pius is popularly known, was born, Francesco Forgione, on 25 May 1887 in Pietrelcina, a small town in the province of Benevento.

by Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo, O.M.I, Archbishop-Emeritus of Cotabato Amos 8:4-7 Psalm 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8 1 Timothy 2:1-8 Luke...

The Biblical Canon does not record Mary's birth. The earliest document that commemorates the feast comes from the 6th century.

Discipleship requires readiness to accept persecution, no matter the cost (vv. 27-32).

Today's Liturgy of the Word revolves around the theme of persevering Faith in Christ and Fidelity to Christ.

The over-all theme of today's Liturgy of the Word is Faith and Trust in God.

by Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo, O.M.I, Archbishop-Emeritus of Cotabato   Some Notes on Sts. Joachim and Anne -- 1. There is no...

Bonaventure was born in 1221, although some accounts say 1217, in Bagnoregio, Tuscany, the Papal States. His parents were Giovanni di Fidanza, a physician, and Maria di Ritella. He fell ill while a boy, and, as he said, was saved from death by the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi.

As early as the year 258 AD, there is evidence of an already lengthy tradition of celebrating the solemnities of both St. Peter and St. Paul on the same day.

One of the popular images of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus depicts a wounded heart, with a flame and a cross atop it. The heart is encircled by a crown of thorns and is radiating brilliant light.

Some Notes on the Feast of Jesus, the Eternal High Priest

The end of the last Sunday Mass today marks the end of the Easter season.

Some Notes on the Visitation, the 2nd Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.

Eugène de Mazenod, OMI (born Charles-Joseph-Eugène de Mazenod (1782 - 1861) was a French aristocrat and Bishop who founded the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He was born into a wealthy aristocratic family in Aix-en-Provence on 1 August 1782. He was baptized the following day.

Today's Liturgy of the Word is rich, complex, and evocative. Acts narrates the missionary experience of Paul and Barnabas with the Gentiles of Asia Minor especially from Antioch as center.

Some Notes on St. Joseph the Worker

Pope Francis has passed away. The whole world mourns his passing. Acclamations and expressions of grief continue to pour in from dignitaries of differennt religious faiths and persuasion, sovereigns and national leaders. He responds in silence. He now prays for us in heaven.

by Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo, O.M.I, Archbishop-Emeritus of Cotabato 1. Today's Thoughts are devoted to the Holy Trinity. We...

1. Some Notes on St. Barnabas -- Barnabas was a Jew, born in Cyprus. His original name was Joseph the Levite or Joses the Levite. He is...