Summary of Instructions on Prayers for Healing by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (2000)

In 2000, under Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith published the Instruction on Prayers for Healing (IPH) to guide bishops in discerning and regulating healing prayer gatherings. The aim was to … [Read more...]

Summary of Supernatural Saints: A School of Ministry from the Saints by Patrick Reis

In Supernatural Saints, Patrick Reis dives into the lives of six canonized saints to show one radical truth: the Christian life is meant to be supernatural. Through stories of miracles, prophetic words, and daring faith, he shows us how the Holy … [Read more...]

Eucharistic Fire: A Retreat with St. Carlo Acutis by Fr. Rich Conlin with Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo

St. Carlo Acutis (1991–2006), the first millennial saint, is inspiring a new generation to set the world on fire with Eucharistic love. Nicknamed “God’s Influencer,” Carlo used modern technology to proclaim to millions around the world the truth … [Read more...]

Splagchnizomai: The Heart of Ministry

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). The Gospels say Jesus “had compassion” for the crowds. The Greek word here is splagchnizomai … [Read more...]

Ancilla Theologiae | A Lecture on Philosophy’s Service to Theology for St. Thomas Aquinas

Here are my notes for a lecture I gave at the Angelicum in Rome for my licentiate in dogmatic and fundamental theology, adapted for this blog post. I. Introduction Q. What is the relationship between philosophy and theology? In the 13th … [Read more...]

Satan and the Demons | A Crash Course Under Christ’s Feet with Fr. Serge-Thomas Bonino, OP

Introduction Let’s face it—mention the devil, and people either roll their eyes or start Googling exorcisms. But in a great course taught at the Angelicum, Fr. Serge-Thomas Bonino, OP, reminds us that Christian demonology—the study of Satan and … [Read more...]

Summary and Review of Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah by Brant Pitre

Chapter 1: Introduction Brant Pitre’s Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary offers a profound exploration of Catholic beliefs about Mary by examining them through the lens of ancient Judaism. Drawing on the method of biblical typology, Pitre … [Read more...]

Summary and Review of Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer) by Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II’s 1987 encyclical Redemptoris Mater (“Mother of the Redeemer”) is a deeply contemplative and theologically rich reflection on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the mystery of Christ and in the life of the Church. Written in … [Read more...]

The Resurrection of the Body | 7 Important Truths by St. Thomas Aquinas

During the Easter season, we rightly celebrate Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead. Moreover, every Sunday, we proclaim in the Creed, “I believe in the resurrection of the body.” But how often do we pause to reflect on what His … [Read more...]

Summary and Review of Rescued: The Unexpected and Extraordinary News of the Gospel by Fr. John Riccardo

Introduction Fr. John Riccardo’s Rescued begins with three bold convictions to shake us awake: (1) we are not here by accident—we were born for this moment in history; (2) the world is crying out in spiritual despair, desperately in need of … [Read more...]