Wednesday’s Woman: St. Hedwig of Poland

The Basics: Born circa 1371 in Hungary; died July 17, 1399, in Poland; canonized December 17, 1996, by John Paul II; feast day, July 17. Queen. The Story: Hedwig had fallen in love with an Austrian duke. However, for political reasons, her father, King Louis I of Hungary, forced her when she was thirteen to marry a… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Hedwig of Poland

In the Midst of Wolves

Note: On Fridays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there. “My political views are those of the Lord’s prayer.” That quote attributed to St. John Bosco pretty much sums it up for me, in terms of the United States and the… Continue reading In the Midst of Wolves

Wednesday’s Woman: St. Mary Hermina of Jesus

The Basics: Born April 28, 1866, in France; died July 9, 1900, in China; canonized October 1, 2000, by John Paul II; feast day, July 9. Woman religious and martyr. The Story: Mary Hermina (born Irma Grivot) was a teacher for ten years before entering the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. Despite her ill health, she burned to… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Mary Hermina of Jesus

Returning Catholics FAQs: Holy Days of Obligation

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: Holy Days of Obligation