Some of the oldest images of the Apostles Andrew, John, Peter, and Paul were recently uncovered in the catacombs of Rome. Art restorers in Italy made the discovery using laser technology. They appear to be from the second half of the 4th Century or the early 5th Century. The tomb belonged to a Roman noblewoman in the Santa Tecla catacomb and had come to light over two years ago but the restoration process has just now allowed the images to be accessed so that proper identification could be made of the pictures. Some of the folks working on the project note that the images certainly had an influence on later pictures of the Apostles. The project leader, Barbara Mazzei, said that the find was very emotional. The project is being funded by the Vatican. It is times like these when I am glad that science continues to be used in matters like this. We walk by faith and now that the Apostles were real people but it is nice to have validation of this sort. Having these images also allows us to realize a clearer image of Jesus Christ. There are so many conflicting images of Him in the world and they continue to change over time. Not of paramount importance in the grand scheme of things, but it helps to validate to those that do not profess a faith in Jesus that He did indeed walk among us. The Apostles were humans who embarked on an incredible journey; one that is open to us as well but we must take the first step.
Born during the turbulent era of the French Revolution, Saint Jeanne Jugan rose above hardship and a lack of formal schooling to become a profound vessel of Christ’s mercy. After losing her father at a young age and working through her youth as a kitchen maid and nurse, her life radically changed one freezing night when she encountered a blind, paralyzed elderly woman with nowhere to go. Jeanne carried the woman back to her own home, placed her in her own bed, and began a lifelong mission of radical hospitality. This act of profound love blossomed into the Little Sisters of the Poor , a thriving community dedicated to sheltering and honoring the destitute elderly. Despite later facing heavy trials—including being unjustly sidelined and stripped of her leadership by a controlling chaplain—Jeanne accepted her obscurity and exile with a joyful spirit, resting her complete trust in God's hidden providence until her death in 1879. In our daily lives, Saint Jeanne Jugan invites us to lo...
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