Wednesday’s Woman: St. Fabiola

The Basics: Birthdate unknown in Italy; died about 399 in Italy; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, December 27. Laywoman; philanthropist. The Story: It was a complicated life, full of twists and turns. Fabiola, born into a noble family, first was married to a man who proved to be so violent that she sought and was granted a civil… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Fabiola

Of Piercings and Love

Note: On Tuesdays and some Sundays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.  So, here we are, less than a week out from Christmas, and we’re already hearing prophecies of the eventual earthly fate of Jesus—and Mary: (Simeon said to Mary:)… Continue reading Of Piercings and Love

Returning Catholics FAQs: Beginning Anew

On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.… Continue reading Returning Catholics FAQs: Beginning Anew

Wednesday’s Woman: St. Irmina

The Basics: Birth date uncertain; died about 710 or 720 in what is now France; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, December 24; woman religious. The Story: Irmina’s life was proceeding the way one might have expected of a king’s daughter; she was to marry a count named Hermann, whom she apparently loved. But shortly before the wedding, one… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Irmina