Paolo Veronese, The Battle of Lepanto (1572) On Sunday, I stumbled upon a group of Venetian nationalists commemorating the Battle of Lepanto, which occurred 443 years ago today, October 7, 1571. I spoke to one of the men, who explained that they wanted to remind people of the battle (and of Venice’s contributions to the… Continue reading Celebrating Lepanto in the Age of ISIS
Tag: apologetics
The Gospel of St. Peter’s: Jesus Doesn’t Need You.
St. Peter’s Square St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest, most famous, and most beautiful churches in the world. Rightly has it been called “the greatest of all churches of Christendom.” Although the pope’s cathedral is actually St. John Lateran, St. Peter’s Basilica is the church typically associated with the papacy. After all, it’s… Continue reading The Gospel of St. Peter’s: Jesus Doesn’t Need You.
My Vocation Story (Plus Two More!)
Laurent Okitakatshi, Archbishop Joseph Naumann,Daniel Koko Oleko, and yours truly. Several people have asked for my vocation story, but I haven’t written much on the subject. So let me share a bit about how I got to be where I am now. This is from a radio show that I did with my bishop, Archbishop… Continue reading My Vocation Story (Plus Two More!)
Why Are Catholics So “Into” Mary?
Aureliano Milani, Expulsion of Adam and Eve (18th c.) Today’s post is for those Protestants who view the Church’s teachings on Mary as unnecessary and odd, rather than evil. There are a lot of you out there, and for good reason. Let’s be honest. If you’re not Catholic, or even if you’re a Catholic who… Continue reading Why Are Catholics So “Into” Mary?
Joel Osteen, Judas Iscariot, and the Heretical “Prosperity Gospel”
Lakewood Church(Joel and Victoria Osteen’s megachurch) The recent controversy over Joel and Victoria Osteen has put these megachurch preachers back in the spotlight. This time, it was because Victoria said: I just want to encourage every one of us to realize when we obey God, we’re not doing it for God—I mean, that’s one way… Continue reading Joel Osteen, Judas Iscariot, and the Heretical “Prosperity Gospel”
6 Biblical Reasons to Pray to Angels
Should you pray to angels? Does the Bible have anything to say about this practice? And if so, does it permit it or condemn it? I should clarify at the outset that by “praying,” I don’t mean “worshiping” them. All Christians are in agreement that worshiping angels is contrary to Scripture, and Revelation 19:9-10 and… Continue reading 6 Biblical Reasons to Pray to Angels
Can All Christians Agree to a “Mere Christianity”?
Martin Luther, illustration from Die Gartenlaube (1883) Martin Luther and many of the original Protestant Reformers believed that “the all-clear Scriptures of God” were so clear that “if many things still remain abstruse to many, this does not arise from obscurity in the Scriptures, but from their own blindness or want of understanding, who do not… Continue reading Can All Christians Agree to a “Mere Christianity”?
9 Ways To Restore All Things in Christ
Pope St. Pius X The world looks pretty frightening for the Church these days. Christians are being martyred around the world, whether it be by Communists in China or by Islamic radicals in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Western society is becoming ever more anti-religious, and the Church is facing increasing threats by secularists in many… Continue reading 9 Ways To Restore All Things in Christ
The Early Church and the Virgin Mary: St. Gregory the Wonder-Worker
St. Gregory the Wonder-Worker (14th c. icon) In honor of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, I thought I would share with you a glimpse into how the early Church viewed Mary. In particular, I want to share excerpts from a homily delivered by one of the great Saints of the early Church, St.… Continue reading The Early Church and the Virgin Mary: St. Gregory the Wonder-Worker
Did the Catholic Church Try to Suppress the Bible?
Shortly before I left for Rome, I ran into a group of Baptists preaching on the street corner. I went over to greet them, because I know from experience how tough public evangelization can be. I was wearing a Roman collar, so they were quick to hand me a tract claiming that Catholics aren’t Christians.… Continue reading Did the Catholic Church Try to Suppress the Bible?