Wednesday’s Woman: St. Maria Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament

The Basics: Born January 1, 1809, in Spain; died August 25, 1865, in Spain; canonized March 4, 1934, by Pope Pius XI; feast day, August 25. Woman religious, teacher, social worker. The Story: Maria Micaela Desmaisieres, or Madre Sacramento as she would come to be known, had a rich and textured life. Born into a noble… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Maria Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament

Returning Catholics FAQs: The Sign of the Cross

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: The Sign of the Cross

Returning Catholics FAQs: About Sacramentals

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… Continue reading Returning Catholics FAQs: About Sacramentals

Wednesday’s Woman: St. Bathild

The Basics: Birthdate and place unknown; died 680 in France; canonized in the ninth century by Nicholas I; feast day, January 30. Queen, slave, philanthropist. The Story: Bathild (also known as Balthilde and other spellings) came to the attention of King Clovis II when she was a slave in a friend’s palace. Bathild’s intelligence and other virtues… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Bathild