Call it Simbang Gabi, call it Misa de Gallo, call it crazy if you will. But the Filipino tradition of an insanely early Mass starts up again at my church in Arlington at 5 a.m.–yes, that’s 5 a.m.–this Thursday and runs through
Author: Melanie
Melanie Rigney is the author of Radical Saints: 21 Women for the 21st Century and other Catholic books. She is a contributor to Living Faith and other Catholic blogs. She lives in Arlington, Virginia. Melanie also owns Editor for You, a publishing consultancy that since 2003 has helped hundreds of writers, publishers, and agents.
And So, We Wait
“What are you doing for Lent?” Catholics are fond of asking each other at that time of year. Contrary to popular belief, Lent for us isn’t just about going without chocolate or wine. It’s about behavior modification to better honor
With Winter Closing In
Some songs resonate with you; some don’t. For me, “Be My Baby,” the 1963 Ronettes single written by Ellie
Confession: It’s Good for the Soul
The homily I heard the first Sunday in Advent wasn’t the usual “longing for our Savior” one. Instead, the priest talked about what we do in darkness—and how frightening it can be to shine the light on those things. Paradoxically, confession—part of shining the light on our darkness—keeps many inactive Catholics away from the Church.… Continue reading Confession: It’s Good for the Soul