We are not talking about your stereotypical greeting card angels. You know the type: round-cheeked, smiling among the rhododendrons – or the lace-winged Victorian angels embroidered on gift-shop pillows; doubtless lovely, yet un-intimidating.

On the Feast of the Archangels, we are are reminded of the arresting power, strength, and intimidating beauty of angels as described in scripture &emdash; not your garden-variety cherubim! Continue reading “St. Michael the Archangel, Gabriel, Raphael: Alarming Beauty” →

“Pray, hope, and don’t worry,” said Padre Pio. If we pray and truly have hope, we can indeed learn to keep worry at bay.  So to honor Padre Pio, today’s music, art and poetry is all aimed at doing just that. Bob Marley’s “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” assures in its lyrics, “Three little birds pitch by my doorstep/ Singin’ sweet songs/ Of melodies pure and true/ Saying’, (this is my message to you): don’t worry.” This Trinity of birds heralds hope and reminds of the great passage from scripture that teaches us to let go of worries Continue reading “Don’t Worry: Three Birds for Saint Padre Pio” →

Today’s art by Caravaggio says it all. When we view it, we might remember moments in our own lives that have signified God’s call.  What we know of Matthew is that he was working as a tax collector in Capernaum when Jesus approached him, summoning, “Follow me.”  Two simple words make for a powerful call to which each of should ideally respond every day. Continue reading “Follow Me: The Feast of St. Matthew” →

Today is the feast of the stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi, a powerful
reminder of beauty wrought through suffering. Here is some art, music and
poetry inspired by this beloved saint, who lovingly carried the painful wounds of
Christ in his own body. Continue reading “Feast of The Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi” →