Catholic Fire

1.  2016 is off to a healthy start! I have been working out at the gym daily, have been eating healthier, and have already lost five pounds! 2. Here is one example of the healthier meals I have been eating: baked cod fish, baked sweet potato fries, and a tossed salad sans dessert. I have increased the amount of veggies and seafood in my diet and reduced the amount of sugar I consume. 3. Lent is less than two weeks away! I am already beginning a list of Lenten books and devotionals for that time. I need to re-read the Life of St. Teresa of Avila and am currently reading the Autobiography of Blessed Dina Belanger. I will be using my Lenten Magnificat as a devotional. I am still deciding on the activity I will be performing this Lent. Image Source 4. I have been unbelievably busy as I work on self-publishing my new book, which I hope to release in March. This has been my main writing project. I will keep you informed on its progress. I think you may be a bit su...

On August 22, we celebrate a beautiful Marian Feast -- the Queenship of Mary. This special Liturgical Feast was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII on October 11, 1954 through his Encyclical Letter Ad Caeli Reginam. The Catholic Church made this proclamation based upon the fact that whether in time of peace or in time of war, the faithful have incessantly offered prayers of petition and hymns of praise and veneration to the Queen of Heaven. Following the tremendous destruction that occurred during World War II and considering the reality that the threat of a similar catastrophe filled the faithful with a great anguish, the Church turned its eyes towards Mary, the Heavenly Queen, in the hope of her protection. Mary has never failed those who have sought her intercession in prayer, placing their total trust in her. Mary’s queenship has its roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary’s Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. (Luke 1:32 -33) At the ...

The recently released videos featuring Planned Parenthood employees bartering body parts of aborted infants are startling and appalling. This brings forth dialogue about the human person and the dignity of life, the argument for which is not based upon sentimentality or compassion but rests firmly upon a belief in the existence of God.

Lesson 1 from Fr. Robert Barron's "The Mystery of God" film and study program. Learn more at http://MysteryOfGod.com . This sample lesson is on "Atheism and What We Mean By 'God'".

In the wake of the United States Supreme Court decision regarding same-sex marriage, a not inconsiderable number of Catholics feel beleaguered and more than a little afraid. So what do we do? 

Fr. Barron recently spent six days in the hospital. The hospital has its own unique rhythm, customs, and language, which provide an opportunity to purge our attachments and let God work out his purposes even through our suffering. There are many of us who can identify with this and benefit from this spiritual lesson.

Fr. Robert Barron provides a wonderful tribute to Cardinal Francis George, who died on April 17, 2015. At the age of 78, he was a man of enormous accomplishment and influence. Through his determination, pastoral devotion, deep intelligence, and kindness of heart, he mediated the Holy Spirit. The entire Church owes him a debt of gratitude for reminding us who we are and what our mission is. Related:   Remembering Cardinal George: Chicago’s Archbishop celebrates 50 years of priestly ordination Photo source

Fr. Barron tells us that Kenneth Branagh’s “Cinderella” is the most surprising Hollywood movie of the year, not because it subverts the traditional fairy story, but because it presents it as a deeply Christian tale.

Is religion really just about being a nice person? Is the goal of Christianity to simply become more kind, compassionate, and just?  Fr. Robert Barron explains what Christianity is really about.

In a recent article published in the online journal “Salon,” philosophy professor John Messerly claims that religion has a "smart-people problem." Is this the case? Fr. Robert Barron responds.

Today, we celebrate a beautiful Marian Feast -- the Queenship of Mary. This special Liturgical Feast was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII on October 11, 1954 through his Encyclical Letter Ad Caeli Reginam. The Catholic Church made this proclamation based upon the fact that whether in time of peace or in time of war, the faithful have incessantly offered prayers of petition and hymns of praise and veneration to the Queen of Heaven. Following the tremendous destruction that occurred during World War II and considering the reality that the threat of a similar catastrophe filled the faithful with a great anguish, the Church turned its eyes towards Mary, the Heavenly Queen, in the hope of her protection. Mary has never failed those who have sought her intercession in prayer, placing their total trust in her. Mary’s queenship has its roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary’s Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. (Luke 1:32 -33) At the Visita...

Father Barron and Jack Thornton have landed in the Eternal City, preparing to report for NBCNews and MSNBC on the upcoming conclave. In this video, Father Barron shares the Word From Rome regarding who is to be the successor of Peter and next shepherd of the Catholic Church. What are Catholics discussing around and about the Vatican City walls? Find out here.