Saint Stephen the Great (977-1038), also known as Stephen I, was the son of the Magyar chieftain Geza.

He ascended to the leadership in 997, following his father’s footsteps. A devout Christian since his youth, Stephen worked diligently to promote Christianity throughout his realm.

In 996, he married Gisela of Bavaria, the daughter of Duke Henry II, solidifying an alliance with the Christian states of Europe and further entrenching the faith within Hungary. As a ruler, Stephen fervently supported the Church, extending patronage to religious leaders and spearheading the construction of numerous churches across his lands.

But it was not just through peaceful means that Stephen spread Christianity. He decisively quashed pagan resistance, most notably suppressing a rebellion led by the so-called Black Hungarians. Their subsequent conversion cemented Christianity’s dominance in the region.

Pope Sylvester II recognized Stephen’s immense contributions to the Christian faith by anointing him King of Hungary in 1000, bestowing upon him the cross and crown that would become powerful symbols of the Hungarian nation.

Stephen’s reign was marked not only by his spiritual dedication but also by his efforts to consolidate the Christian presence in the region, fostering a strong, unified Hungary under the banner of the Christian faith.

After his death, Stephen’s legacy lived on through the veneration of his crown and regalia, which came to embody the spirit of the Hungarian nation.

His exemplary leadership and unwavering devotion to Christianity led to his canonization in 1083 by Pope St. Gregory VII. Saint Stephen the Great is now celebrated as the patron saint of Hungary, revered as the quintessential Christian monarch.

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For centuries, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 has been a cornerstone of Catholic tradition.

It marks the day Mary was believed to have been taken bodily into Heaven after her earthly demise. However, this widely accepted belief was only formally declared a dogma – an essential teaching of the Catholic Church – in 1950.

The Assumption is intertwined with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. Both are primary feasts dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and are Holy Days of Obligation, making them among the most significant feasts in the Catholic calendar.

While the concept of Mary’s assumption dates back to narratives from the fifth and sixth centuries, it’s worth noting that there is no direct reference to this event in the Bible. Saint Gregory of Tours, in 594, was the first Church writer to touch upon this topic, followed by Ps.-Modestus of Jerusalem around 700 AD.

In a historic moment, Pope Pius XII, in 1946, inquired with bishops worldwide about formalizing this belief. With an overwhelming positive response, he declared on November 1, 1950, the Feast of All Saints, that Mary’s assumption was a divinely revealed dogma.

Details surrounding the exact date, year, and circumstances of Mary’s departure remain shrouded in mystery. Various sources claim her passing occurred between three to fifteen years after Christ’s Ascension. Her final resting place is contested between Jerusalem and Ephesus, the latter believed to be her home post-Jesus’s death. One pious tradition asserts that while her tomb in Jerusalem was initially discovered, it was subsequently found empty. This lead the Apostles to conclude that her body was assumed into heaven.

Saint Gregory of Tours provides insight into this tradition, likening Mary’s sin-free body to the Ark of the Covenant, believed to be crafted from undecaying wood. Thus, he posited it was unthinkable for her body to perish in the grave. This belief is further supported by the text, ‘Rise thou and the ark of thy strength’ (Ps 132/1:8), suggesting that just as Christ ascended, Mary too was destined for heaven.

However, it’s crucial to distinguish between Christ’s ascension and Mary’s assumption. While the former indicates a rise through one’s own power, the latter signifies an external intervention. Jesus, being divine, ascended without aid, whereas Mary, a mortal, was assumed.

Tradition paints a poetic picture of Mary’s end. It’s believed that Saint Michael the Archangel, known to escort souls to heaven, foretold her passing. Miraculously, all the apostles were transported to her side, and upon her death, Jesus is said to have taken her soul. Three days post-burial, her body is believed to have been transported to Paradise by angels, where it reunited with her soul.

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Born Rajmund Kolbe on January 8, 1894, in Zduńska Wola within the Russian Empire, Saint Maximilian Kolbe is renowned as the “Apostle of Consecration to Mary.”

Young Kolbe grew up in a devout family. They moved to Pabianice, working as weavers and later running a bookstore. Kolbe’s father, in 1914, even joined the fight for Poland’s independence, only to be captured by the Russians.

In 1907, drawn towards religious life, Kolbe and his elder brother crossed into Austria-Hungary to join the Conventual Franciscan junior seminary in Lwów. By 1911, he’d taken his first vows and adopted the name Maximilian. He completed his final vows in Rome in 1914, adding “Maria” to honor the Virgin Mary.

Rome was an educational haven for Kolbe. He pursued diverse subjects like philosophy, theology, mathematics, and even astrophysics. By 1919, he had two doctorates from prestigious institutions. The vehement anti-papal demonstrations by the Freemasons in Rome propelled Kolbe to form the Militia Immaculata (Army of Mary). This group aimed at converting sinners and the Church’s adversaries through Mary’s intercession.

Back in Poland, Kolbe was a whirlwind of activity. He passionately promoted the veneration of the Virgin Mary, establishing the Niepokalanów monastery near Warsaw, a radio station, seminary, and more. The 1930s saw him in Japan, where he founded a Nagasaki monastery, a newspaper, and a seminary. Interestingly, his decision to build the monastery on a particular mountain side protected it from the devastating atomic bomb blast in Nagasaki during WWII.

The war brought chaos to Poland. Kolbe’s friary became a haven, sheltering many, including 2,000 Jews from Nazi persecution. As a radio amateur (SP3RN), he openly condemned Nazi actions.

However, in February 1941, the Nazis arrested Kolbe. He was transferred to Auschwitz in May. A few months later, when a prisoner’s escape led to ten men being chosen for starvation as punishment, Kolbe’s unyielding spirit of service shone brightly. He voluntarily replaced a distraught man, Franciszek Gajowniczek, who feared for his family.

For three weeks, Kolbe uplifted fellow prisoners in Block 11 with songs and prayers. He was the last survivor, eventually executed via a lethal injection.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s is celebrated as one of the ten 20th-century martyrs above Westminster Abbey’s Great West Door. His ultimate sacrifice was recognized by the Vatican, and he was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982, with Gajowniczek in attendance.

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Pope Saint Pontian served as the head of the Catholic Church from 230 to 235 AD.

Interestingly, he was the first pope in history to step down from his role.

Born likely in Rome, he took over the leadership from St. Urban I. During his time as the pope, he faced challenges from heretical views known as Origenism. He also had to deal with a schism fueled by supporters of St. Hippolytus, who considered him an ‘antipope’.

In 235, Emperor Maximinus I Thrax intensified his persecution of the Christian Church. As a result, Pontian was arrested by Roman authorities. He and his rival, St. Hippolytus, were both banished to the brutal mines of Sardinia.

Realizing the importance of a stable leadership for the Church, Pontian made a historic decision to resign. This ensured that the Church could elect a new leader in his absence.

On the island of Sardinia, the two former adversaries found common ground. Pontian and Hippolytus reconciled before both meeting their end as martyrs.

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In Catania, Sicily during the year 304 under the rule of Dioclesian and Maximian, Saint Euplius, a devoted deacon, was ushered into the governor’s chamber. Even before his formal introduction, he boldly declared, “I am a Christian and will gladly die for Jesus Christ.” The governor, Calvisianus, took note of his fervor.

A notable man in Calvisianus’s circle, Maximus, criticized Euplius for carrying forbidden Christian writings. These writings, contradicting the edicts of the emperors, were held close by Euplius. When questioned, Euplius revealed he was arrested with the sacred texts and had no intention of parting with them.

Intrigued, Calvisianus asked him to share a verse from the book. Euplius recited verses emphasizing the blessings on those persecuted for their beliefs and the calling to take up one’s cross in the name of Jesus. When asked to explain, Euplius firmly stated, “It is the law of my Lord, given to me by Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.”

This response led Calvisianus to order severe punishment. Euplius was subjected to excruciating torment. Throughout, he clung to his faith, repeatedly declaring his unwavering dedication to Christ. Calvisianus offered him freedom in exchange for worshiping the gods Mars, Apollo, and Æsculapius. Euplius refused, asserting his worship for the Holy Trinity and his identity as a Christian.

The torments escalated, but Euplius’s spirit remained unbroken. His prayers during the ordeal were heartfelt thanks and pleas for strength from Jesus Christ. He persisted even when his voice failed him, moving his lips in silent prayer.

Eventually, Calvisianus made the grave decision to execute Euplius. As a final mark of scorn, the Christian scriptures were hung around Euplius’s neck. The crier announced his crimes against the gods and the emperors as they led him to his fate. Yet, even in his final moments, Euplius continued to give thanks and pray, ultimately offering his neck to the executioner.

The faithful later retrieved his remains, providing a proper burial.

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The disciples are often asking questions that Jesus refuses to answer on their own terms. Instead, Jesus fashions an answer that leads them to new perspectives. So when the disciples are asking who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven (perhaps wanting to achieve such greatness on their own terms), Jesus calls a child before them and tells them that they must be like this child, or they won’t even enter the Kingdom. They must have been astonished and even bewildered. 

Children can’t run a kingdom. So what does it mean to be childlike in regard to God?

Little children know that they are dependent on others; in fact, they have an expectation that their needs will be met by those who love them. They delight in simple things, and do not overthink everything or try to calculate everything for themselves. Small children do not try to run the whole world or explain everything or meddle in others’ affairs. They trust completely. They play freely. They sing confidently. They laugh openly. They love wholly.

We must distinguish between childlikeness and childishness. The childish refuse to grow up and remain self-centered and demanding. The childlike mature and yet retain – or return to – the attitude of a child before a loving Father: humility, trust, wonder, joy, love.

Childlikeness is the trust that we reach beyond the limit of our self-reliance and self-assertion; it is the ability to wonder that is found beyond our demand for proof and explanation; it is the joy that is experienced when we let go of the questions and fears that hold us captive within the confines of our own skulls; it is the love we give freely beyond conditions and reasonings. And all of these things, grounded in truth, rise from true humility, knowing our place.

“Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven”: those whose hearts are transformed to be like the Son’s own Heart by drawing near to Him so that they are full of childlike joy and wonder and trust in the Father’s never-failing love and mercy. It is this loving trust and openness that frees us to accept the mysterious vastness of the Kingdom of God.

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A menudo, los discípulos plantean preguntas que Jesús se niega a responder en los propios términos de ellos. En su lugar, Jesús elabora una respuesta que los conduce hacia nuevas perspectivas. Así, cuando los discípulos preguntan quién es el más grande en el Reino de los Cielos —quizás deseando alcanzar tal grandeza según sus propios criterios—, Jesús llama a un niño ante ellos y les dice que deben ser como ese niño, o de lo contrario ni siquiera entrarán en el Reino. Debieron de quedar asombrados e incluso desconcertados.

Los niños no pueden gobernar un reino. Entonces, ¿qué significa tener un espíritu de niño en relación con Dios?

Los niños pequeños saben que dependen de los demás; de hecho, tienen la expectativa de que sus necesidades serán satisfechas por aquellos que los aman. Se deleitan con las cosas sencillas, no le dan demasiadas vueltas a todo ni intentan calcularlo todo por sí mismos. Los niños pequeños no intentan gobernar el mundo entero, ni explicarlo todo, ni inmiscuirse en los asuntos ajenos. Confían plenamente. Juegan con libertad. Cantan con seguridad. Se ríen con franqueza. Aman con total entrega.

Debemos distinguir entre el espíritu de niño y la actitud infantil. Quienes actúan con infantilismo se niegan a madurar y permanecen egocéntricos y exigentes. Quienes poseen un espíritu de niño maduran, y sin embargo conservan —o recuperan— la actitud de un niño ante un Padre amoroso: humildad, confianza, asombro, alegría y amor.

El espíritu de niño es la confianza que nos lleva más allá de los límites de nuestra autosuficiencia y autoafirmación; es la capacidad de asombro que se halla más allá de nuestra exigencia de pruebas y explicaciones; es la alegría que se experimenta cuando nos desprendemos de las preguntas y los miedos que nos mantienen cautivos dentro de los confines de nuestra propia mente; es el amor que entregamos libremente, más allá de condiciones y razonamientos. Y todas estas cosas, cimentadas en la verdad, brotan de una verdadera humildad: la de conocer nuestro lugar.

“Así pues, quien se haga pequeño como este niño, ése es el más grande en el Reino de los cielos”. Son aquellos cuyos corazones se transforman para asemejarse al propio Corazón del Hijo al acercarse a Él, de modo que se colman de la alegría, el asombro y la confianza propios de un niño en el amor y la misericordia inagotables del Padre. Es precisamente esta confianza amorosa y esta apertura lo que nos libera para acoger la misteriosa inmensidad del Reino de Dios.

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Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including Father Rob), and eleven grandchildren. She is President of the local community of Secular Discalced Carmelites and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 30 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church by writing and speaking, and by collaborating with various parishes and to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is www.KathrynTherese.com

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Saint Clare of Assisi, a stunning Italian noblewoman, was profoundly influenced by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. After hearing him preach, she was overwhelmed with a fervent desire to lead a life of poverty and humility, just as Francis did, to dedicate herself wholly to Jesus.

At a small chapel outside Assisi, she devoted herself to God’s service. To signify her commitment, St. Francis chopped off her hair and presented her with a simple brown robe, cinched at the waist with a plain cord. Despite her family’s persistent efforts to bring her back, Clare remained steadfast in her decision.

Soon, her sister, St. Agnes, followed her footsteps. Numerous young women, driven by the same passion to be Jesus’ brides and lead a life devoid of materialistic comforts, joined them. They adopted a life of asceticism: they went barefoot, abstained from meat, resided in modest abodes, and maintained silence for the majority of their days. Their lives might seem full of sacrifices, but they found joy in the Lord’s constant presence.

One time, an army, known for their brutal ways, approached Assisi with intentions to besiege it. They planned to target the convent first. Despite her ailing health, St. Clare displayed incredible courage. She had the Blessed Sacrament positioned against the wall, visible to the invaders. Falling on her knees, she earnestly prayed for the Lord to shield the Sisters. Miraculously, an audible voice responded, “I will keep them always in My care.” This divine intervention struck fear into the hearts of the soldiers, causing them to retreat hastily.

Years of illness caused St. Clare immense suffering. Yet, her unwavering faith and joy in serving the Lord overshadowed her pain. She once poignantly remarked, “They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?”

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Today we celebrate the feast of St. Lawrence, a deacon and martyr, executed in 258 during the rule of Emperor Valerian. The readings reflect who he was, how he lived, and why he was martyred. As a deacon, he exemplified the virtue of charity while caring for the poor and the material goods of the Church. 

St. Paul reminds us that we are to give generously and cheerfully, trusting in God, who “is able to make every grace abundant for you.” Do you believe you have an abundance? Abundance is more than enough. It is more than you need or can use. It is what allows us to be comfortable and maybe even feel safe. It certainly implies satisfaction. 

Are you satisfied? Do you believe you have enough? These questions can be asked about our possessions, time, money, food, leisure, space, which are all tangible things which can be measured. The same questions can also be asked of intangibles; love, peace, security, faith, hope. When you look at the balance of your life, these questions about both tangible and intangible parts and pieces, can boil down to this, “Do I trust God will supply all that I need?”

The Gospel says that death brings life – death to selfishness, to the created things of the material world that come before God. The things of this world are not what we are to strive to acquire, but rather, we are asked to follow Christ, leaving aside the things of the world in favor of serving Jesus.

Today, consider what you can do to serve as Deacon Lawrence did, giving to the poor, caring for those in need, and saying yes to Jesus. You may not be called to give up your life as he did but make it a point to give up something for someone else. It will help both of you.

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Hoy celebramos la fiesta de San Lorenzo, diácono y mártir, ejecutado en el año 258 durante el reinado del emperador Valeriano. Las lecturas reflejan quién fue, cómo vivió y por qué sufrió el martirio. Como diácono, ejemplificó la virtud de la caridad al cuidar de los pobres y de los bienes materiales de la Iglesia.

San Pablo nos recuerda que debemos dar con generosidad y alegría, confiando en Dios, porque “poderoso es Dios para colmarlos de toda clase de favores”. ¿Crees que posees en abundancia? La abundancia es más que suficiente; es más de lo que necesitas o puedes utilizar. Es lo que nos permite sentirnos cómodos y, tal vez, incluso seguros. Ciertamente, implica satisfacción.

¿Te sientes satisfecho? ¿Crees tener lo suficiente? Estas preguntas podemos plantearnos respecto a nuestras posesiones, tiempo, dinero, alimento, tiempo libre o espacio; todas son cosas tangibles que pueden medirse. Podemos preguntarnos lo mismo acerca de lo intangible: el amor, la paz, la seguridad, la fe y la esperanza. Cuando te fijas en el equilibrio de tu vida, estas preguntas, que se refieren tanto a los aspectos tangibles como a los intangibles, pueden resumirse en una sola: “¿Confío en que Dios proveerá todo lo que necesito?”

El Evangelio nos enseña que la muerte engendra vida: muerte al egoísmo, muerte a las cosas creadas del mundo material que anteponemos a Dios. No son las cosas de este mundo las que debemos afanarnos por adquirir; más bien, se nos pide seguir a Cristo, dejando de lado las cosas del mundo para ponernos al servicio de Jesús.

Hoy, te invito a reflexionar sobre lo que puedes hacer para servir como el diácono Lorenzo: dando a los pobres, cuidando de los necesitados y diciéndole “sí” a Jesús. Tal vez no hayas sido llamado a entregar tu vida como él, pero haz el propósito de renunciar a algo en favor de otra persona. Lo beneficiará a ambos.

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed., M.P.A. is a certified spiritual director, retreat leader, speaker, and writer with decades of experience serving the Church. She is the founder of LiveNotLukewarm.com, works on the retreat team at Our Lady of Florida Passionist Spiritual Center, and is an Unbound prayer minister.  She has served as a religious education director, youth minister, liturgical coordinator, and stewardship director. She writes for SpiritualDirection.com, CatholicMom.com, new.diocesan.com/, and Women in the New Evangelization (WINE). Deanna is the author of The Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women, Invite the Holy Spirit into your Life, and has contributed to the Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion, as well as Digital Ministry and Leadership in Today’s Church.

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Saint Lawrence was a revered Roman deacon serving under Pope St. Sixtus II. A mere four days after the Pope’s execution, Lawrence, alongside four clerics, faced martyrdom. Their deaths are believed to have taken place during the persecution led by Emperor Valerian.

Details of his death, which have become legendary over time, were well-documented by figures like Damasus, Prudentius, Ambrose, and Augustine. The church erected above his final resting place became one of Rome’s seven major churches and a renowned destination for pilgrims.

As a deacon in Rome, Lawrence was entrusted with the Church’s material assets and the task of distributing alms to the needy. Sensing his impending arrest following the Pope’s death, Lawrence gave away all available funds to the destitute, widows, and orphans of Rome. He even sold the Church’s sacred vessels to bolster the amount.

When the prefect of Rome caught wind of this act, he presumed the Christians to be hoarding significant treasures. He summoned Lawrence and said, “We’ve heard tales of priests using golden vessels during offerings and evening services illuminated by golden candlesticks. Your teachings advocate giving to Caesar what belongs to him. Hand over these treasures. The emperor needs them for his forces. After all, God doesn’t need material wealth—He values words. So, give us the wealth and keep your words.”

In response, Lawrence assured him of the Church’s immense wealth. Seeking time to prepare an “inventory,” he took three days and then gathered a multitude of Rome’s blind, lame, leprous, orphaned, and widowed. Upon the prefect’s arrival, Lawrence proclaimed, “Behold the treasures of the Church.”

Enraged by this defiance, the prefect devised a torturous death for Lawrence in 258AD.

A large gridiron was prepared with burning coals beneath. Lawrence was placed upon it, and as he endured the agonizing pain, he reportedly quipped with unwavering spirit, “It is well done. Turn me over!”

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During the Holy Triduum this year, I was battling a cold that just wouldn’t go away. I had already been sick for over a week and was still coughing. Nevertheless, I had volunteered to be a lector for the Holy Thursday liturgy, as they hadn’t been able to find enough volunteers. So, I asked God to help me read for His glory, and without coughing, if at all possible.

Precisely because I wanted to save my voice, I decided not to sing the hymns prior to the readings. I simply mouthed the words, participating as best I could, and listened as the entire community sang behind me. During the “Gloria” I had a profound experience. I felt as though heaven and earth were united in one massive choir, and that Jesus, seated at the right hand of His Father, was present with us right there above the altar.

The reality is that the Most Holy Trinity, along with the angels and saints, is in fact present with us at every Mass. I recall watching a short video entitled “The Veil Removed” which depicts angels processing down the church’s main aisle until they reach the altar and surround it. During the consecration of the bread, the angels offer praise to Jesus, present in the host. During the consecration of the wine, the blood of Christ is shown dripping into the chalice from the crucifix hanging behind the altar, reminding us once again that what we consume is truly His Body and Blood.

In today’s readings, we also see how God makes Himself present in various ways. Elijah does not find Him in the heavy wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but rather in a tiny whispering sound. In the second reading, we see the Spirit of Christ present in Saint Paul, who is deeply anguished over his brethren and willing to do whatever it takes for their well-being. And in the Gospel, Jesus makes Himself present to His disciples as they struggle in their boat amid a violent storm. After telling Peter to walk on the water and saving him when he began to sink, they proclaimed, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

Just like that experience I had on Holy Thursday, and just like that video I watched, today’s readings are another demonstration of the unity of God with His people, of heaven with earth. May God help us realize in a much deeper way the union of His divinity with our humanity. May we be filled with joy, knowing that soon we will be fully united with Him forever in heaven.

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Durante el Santo Triduo este año, estuve batallando con un resfriado que no se me iba. Ya había estado enferma más de una semana y seguía con tos. Sin embargo, me había ofrecido para leer durante la liturgia del Jueves Santo, ya que no encontraban suficientes voluntarios. Así que, le pedí a Dios que me ayudara a leer para su gloria, y sin toser, si fuera posible. 

Por lo mismo que quería guardar mi voz, decidí no cantar los himnos anteriores a las lecturas. Solo movía la boca, participando como podía, y escuchaba como cantaba toda la comunidad atrás mio. Durante la gloria, tuve una experiencia profunda. Sentí que el cielo y la tierra se unían en un coro enorme y que Jesus, sentado a la derecha de su Padre, se hizo presente con nosotros arriba del altar.  

La realidad es, que la Santísima Trinidad, junto con los ángeles y santos, de hecho están presentes con nosotros en cada Misa. Me acuerdo de haber visto un video corto que se llama “Lo que pasa en Misa, pero no vemos con los ojos” y mostraba angeles procesando por el pasillo principal de la iglesia hasta llegar al altar y pararse alrededor de él. Durante la consagración del pan, los ángeles alababan a Jesus, presente en la hostia. Durante la consagración del vino, la sangre de Cristo goteaba en el cáliz desde el crucifijo que colgaba detrás del altar, recordándonos nuevamente que lo que consumimos es verdaderamente su cuerpo y sangre.

En las lecturas de hoy, vemos también cómo Dios se hace presente de diferentes maneras. Elias no lo encuentra en el huracán, ni en el terremoto ni en el fuego, sino en la brisa suave. En la segunda lectura, vemos al espíritu de Cristo presente en San Pablo, quien se angustia por sus hermanos, y está dispuesto a hacer lo que fuese por su bien. Y en el Evangelio, Jesus se hizo presente a sus discípulos quienes estaban batallando en su barca en medio de una gran tormenta. Después de decirle a Pedro que caminara sobre las aguas y de salvarlo cuando empezó a hundirse, proclamaron, “Verdaderamente tú eres el Hijo de Dios”.

 Igual que esa experiencia que tuve el Jueves Santo, e igual que ese video que vi, las lecturas de hoy son otra muestra de la unidad de Dios con su pueblo, del cielo con la tierra. Que Dios nos ayude a darnos cuenta de una forma más profunda la unión de su divinidad con nuestra humanidad. Que nos llenemos de alegría sabiendo que pronto estaremos plenamente unidos con Él para siempre en el cielo.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adult she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: brooklyn, unsplash.com/photos/people-in-the-street-painting-MO5qO9xpZhA

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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