By Veronica Szczygiel I think that if we asked any mother what she wanted most for her child, she would likely answer, “to be happy.” Mary, as Jesus’ mother and, by extension, our own mother, wants the same for each of us, with one addition – to be happy and holy. For us as Christians, [...]

By Father John Whitlock   Father John Whitlock is the Vocation Director of the Diocese of Lansing. A convert to Catholicism, the work and witness of Joseph Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, has had a powerful impact for the good upon Father Whitlock’s life as he now explains in his own words: "Shortly after Easter [...]

Story by Sister Ann Shields May is traditionally the month in the calendar year set apart for special devotion to Mary. But as you can see from the list of feast days below, almost all of the months celebrate some aspect of Mary’s life. What a way to honor our heavenly mother! But, sadly, I [...]

Thanks to movies, books and popular legend, St. Joan of Arc seems more familiar than many saints because we have seen her depicted as a male soldier, wearing military armor. But did you know that this courageous peasant girl from the 15th century, who helped drive the English from French territory during their long-running war, [...]

Story by Sister Janet Schaeffler Years ago I asked a friend why he thought we didn’t celebrate the Ascension more enthusiastically. His reply was because it didn’t fall on a Sunday. (Now, years later, some dioceses celebrate the Ascension on Sunday.) It sounded funny at the time, but recently, reflecting on the meaning of the [...]

Story by Pete Burak   For spring break my senior year of high school, I went to Mexico. Some of you might immediately envision wild beach parties and scenarios unfit for the pages of FAITH magazine. No, I went to the garbage dumps outside Mexico City and a poor, inner-city Catholic parish – which would [...]

Story by By Michelle DiFranco   I love candles. They symbolize life, love and celebration. And I love burning them in my home, but I’ve had to resort to enjoying them only when the boys are out of the house. Between my husband being afraid of the house burning down, and my son playing with [...]

Story by Bishop Boyea Any parent would be willing to die for his or her child. But who would be willing to die for someone on death row, if we had a death row here in Michigan? Not many, I would guess. Christ has died. This is the incredible mystery of Holy Week. Jesus died for us [...]

By Veronica Szczygiel I love Holy Week. I always look forward to these days steeped in tradition, which quickly unfold the events leading up to the greatest sacrifice and miracle on earth – Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. His victory over death and gift of eternal life show us how truly beloved we are to him. [...]

Story by Bishop Ronald A. Hicks During this Easter season, we boldly proclaim that indeed, Christ is risen! We celebrate that Jesus is truly alive and accompanies us. It is His passion, death and resurrection that welcome us into a new and eternal life. What is your favorite Scripture traditionally proclaimed during the Easter Season?  [...]