Learning to be Quick to Listen

Saint Joseph , the earthly father of Jesus, provides a timeless example for all fathers. He was given the immense responsibility of raising the Son of God and did so with unparalleled humility, courage, and faithfulness. Joseph didn't just teach Jesus a trade; he instilled in him the values of a righteous man. He provided a safe and stable home, protected his family from danger, and guided Jesus through his formative years. Joseph's silent strength and unwavering dedication to his family show us that true fatherhood is not about power or fame, but about self-giving love and service. In a world where the role of the father is often misunderstood, Joseph stands as a beacon of what it means to be a loving, protective, and faithful head of a family. One of the most profound lessons Joseph imparted to Jesus was a deep reverence for women . This respect was rooted in his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary , the Mother of God, whose unique dignity he honored and protected. The way...

St. Joseph stands in sacred Scripture not as a man of grandeur or earthly accolades, but as a quiet, steady presence—humble and deeply human. His imperfections, though never sinful, point to his full humanity. Unlike Mary, Joseph was not conceived without original sin. He experienced doubt, confusion, and fear—especially when he learned that Mary was with child (Matthew 1:19). Yet it is precisely in these moments that Joseph becomes most relatable to fathers today: imperfect, yet open to grace. According to Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Donald Calloway, Joseph’s greatness lies not in being perfect, but in his immediate obedience to God despite his limitations. His strength was in his surrender. Joseph’s transformation from uncertainty to unwavering trust is a pattern of holiness forged through responsiveness to divine direction. The Bible tells us that after the angel appeared to him in a dream, Joseph "did as the angel of the Lord commanded him" (Matthew 1:24), taking ...

St. Joseph holds a unique place in the history of the Church. Unlike other  revered saints  like St.  Francis  of Assisi or St.  Theres e of Lisieux, he is the Patron of the Universal Church. This title, bestowed over 150 years ago, highlights his extraordinary significance, even though the Church itself dates back to the first century. So, why did it take so long to formally recognize St. Joseph's pivotal role? Perhaps it stems from what I call "The St. Joseph Way." The Man of Few Words The Bible offers remarkably few direct quotes from St. Joseph. We can confidently assume he  spoke , but his words are largely absent from Scripture. This silence, while seemingly insignificant, has likely contributed to a lesser emphasis on his person throughout history. How do you write about or preach about a man who, for the most part, remains silent? This "quietude" is further exemplified by the fact that no pope has ever chosen the name Joseph. While this cou...

A Divine Encounter Every year on December 12th, millions of Catholics worldwide commemorate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This sacred day holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly in Mexico and the Americas. It's a day filled with devotion, miracles, and the powerful message of faith and hope that Our Lady of Guadalupe brings to all of us. The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe Our Lady of Guadalupe, often referred to as "La Virgen de Guadalupe," is more than just a religious figure; she's a reminder of Christ’s love, compassion, and unity. Her story begins in the early 16th century when she appeared to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill, near present-day Mexico City. The most iconic moment was when her image was miraculously imprinted on Juan Diego's "tilma," which is still on display at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Mary's Message of Love, Unity, and Universal Patronage Our Lady of Guadalupe's message...

St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and husband of the Virgin Mary, is often called the "Silent Saint." Though he speaks few words in Scripture, his life is a testament to faith, obedience, and love. Foretold in the Old Testament, Joseph's story echoes that of his namesake, the son of Jacob. Both men endured trials and remained steadfast in their faith. The younger Joseph, however, faced a unique challenge: protecting the Holy Family. Guided by divine dreams, he fled to Egypt to safeguard the infant Jesus from Herod's murderous decree. As a carpenter, Joseph instilled in Jesus the skills and values of hard work. He also taught the young boy the Torah, laying the foundation for Jesus's profound knowledge of Scripture. This knowledge would later enable Jesus to engage in insightful theological debates with the learned elders. Joseph's role in the life of Christ is often overlooked, yet it is essential. He provided a stable and loving home for the Holy Family,...

Yesterday, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) declared that "nothing prevents" the Vatican from recognizing the positive spiritual fruits observed over decades of devotion and pilgrimage to Medjugorje . This nihil obstat (certification by the Church that nothing objectionable has been found) is likely to continue the debate around the six visionaries who claim that Our Mother is appearing to them in apparitions. While the DDF acknowledged the value of the "spiritual fruits" from the site, they stopped short of endorsing the apparitions themselves, cautioning against pilgrimages aimed at meeting the alleged visionaries. The dicastery also highlighted concerns that some messages from the visionaries seem to reflect personal desires rather than divine revelation. For many, this restrained support of Medjugorje feels incongruent with the skepticism expressed in the 10,000-word theological note, which urged Catholics to use prudence and common sense in dis...

The birth of Jesus causes joy because it gives us the certainty that God “works wonders in weakness,” Pope Benedict XVI said recently. “The Nativity of the Lord once again illuminates the darkness that often surrounds our world and our hearts with his light, bringing hope and joy,” he said during his weekly general audience. The pontiff opened and closed his remarks with Pilate's question to Christ at his trial: “Where do you come from?” Pope Benedict answered that the Gospels show Christ's “true origin” is from God the Father, and that he “comes entirely from him.” That Christ “by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,” is a mystery “central to our profession of faith,” he stated. “At this phrase we kneel because the veil which hid God is, so to speak, lifted and his unfathomable and inaccessible mystery touches us directly,” the Pope reflected. He said that sacred music composed by the “great masters … lingers especially on this phrase, as if to try to express in...