What is the Catholic Church's position on the ordination of women?

The Catholic Church holds that the ordination of women is not possible. This teaching is based on the Church's belief that the priesthood is a participation in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, who was a man and that only a baptized man can be validly ordained to the priesthood. Additionally, the Church teaches that the ministerial priesthood has a sacramental character that cannot be shared by women, as they cannot represent Christ in the same way that a man can. This teaching is rooted in the Church's understanding of the nature of the priesthood and the role of the priest in the sacraments, and it is considered an unchangeable part of Church's tradition.

The role of women in the Church is multifaceted and valuable. Women, like men, are called to participate in the life and mission of the Church in various ways. Women can serve as lay leaders, religious sisters, and lay ministers, among other roles.

In the Church, women can participate in the sacraments, such as receiving the Eucharist, and can receive the sacrament of Confirmation. They can also participate in the Church's liturgical and devotional life and can serve in various roles such as lectors, altar servers, catechists, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

Women have also played vital roles in the Church's history and continue to do so today. Many women have been recognized for their contributions to the Church as mystics, theologians, and saints. Women have also played important roles in the formation of religious orders and have been instrumental in the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other institutions that serve the Church's mission.

January 18: Feast Day of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys

Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys was a French-Canadian religious leader and educator who lived in the 17th century. She is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and is considered to be one of the founders of the colony of Montreal. Born in Troyes, France in 1620, she was drawn to the religious life from a young age, and at the age of 22, she decided to dedicate her life to the service of God.

She founded the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal, which was a religious community of women dedicated to the education of young girls. This was particularly important at the time, as the colony of Montreal was still in its infancy and there were very few educational institutions for young women. Her work in education was motivated by her belief in the importance of providing young women with the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment.

She also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the colony of Montreal, as she helped to establish the first school and hospital in the city. She also worked tirelessly to promote the welfare of the colony's inhabitants, particularly the poor and marginalized. Through her tireless efforts, she helped to establish a sense of community and social cohesion in the colony.

Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys was known for her deep spirituality, humility, and compassion. She was also known for her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and for her ability to inspire others to work for the betterment of society. She passed away on January 12, 1700, and was canonized on April 3, 1982 by Pope John Paul II, as the first Canadian-born saint. Her feast day is celebrated on January 18th, in honor of her devotion to God, her contributions to education, and her tireless work on behalf of the poor and marginalized.

Saint of the Day: January 17, 2023: St. Anthony the Great

Saint Anthony, also known as Anthony of Egypt, Anthony the Great, or Anthony the Abbot, is a Christian saint and a prominent leader among the Desert Fathers. He is celebrated on January 17th in the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. He is also honored as a saint in the Anglican Communion and in some other Christian denominations. He is known for his deep spirituality and asceticism, and is considered to be the founder of Christian monasticism. He is also known for his many miracles and for his ability to communicate with animals. He lived in the 3rd century and was born in Egypt and died in 356 AD. He is the patron saint of gravediggers, travelers, and butchers, among others.

St. Augustine Commentary on Gospel for Today (Mark 2: 23-28)

Today's Gospel is from Mark 2:23-28 and is as follows:

23 One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24And the Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?" 25And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: 26how he entered the house of God, when Abi'athar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?" 27And he said to them, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; 28so the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath."

One commentary on this passage from a Catholic Church Father is from St. Augustine of Hippo, who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries. He wrote:

"The Lord, therefore, who is the Lord of the Sabbath, and who made man, and not the Sabbath for man, has power to do what He will with His own, and to dispense with the observance of the Sabbath, in order to do good to man. For He Himself is the true rest of the faithful, in whom we cease from our own works, as the Apostle says (Heb. 4:10), and are refreshed by the works of God."

In this commentary, St. Augustine emphasizes that Jesus, as the Son of Man and Lord of the Sabbath, has the authority to disregard the Sabbath laws in order to help people. He also references Hebrews 4:10, which states that the faithful will find rest in Jesus, rather than in the observance of the Sabbath.

Five Young Catholic Saints

These are not necessarily the youngest Catholic saints but they are saints who were very young when they died. Please let me know in the comments if there are any you believe should be included.

St. Maria Goretti: Maria Goretti was born in Italy in 1890 and was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1950. She is one of the youngest saints in the Catholic Church, having died at the age of 11. Maria was murdered by a neighbor who attempted to rape her, and her story of forgiveness and mercy toward her attacker moved many people. Her canonization was largely due to her remarkable forgiveness and her unwavering faith in the face of death.

St. Francisco Marto: Francisco Marto was born in Portugal in 1908, and was canonized by the Catholic Church in 2017. He was one of the three children who received the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima in 1917. Francisco Marto passed away on April 4, 1919, at the age of 10. He died from pneumonia which he contracted after his health had been weakened by the harsh conditions of the apparitions and by the prolonged fasting that he and his siblings had undertaken at the request of Our Lady of Fatima. Francisco is remembered for his devotion to the Virgin Mary and his willingness to suffer in union with Jesus.

St. Jacinta Marto: Jacinta Marto was born in Portugal in 1910, and was canonized by the Catholic Church in 2017. She was also one of the three children who received the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima in 1917. The canonization process for Jacinta Marto began many years after her death, specifically it began in the 1940s. The Diocese of Leiria-Fátima opened the Cause for canonization of Jacinta Marto and her brother Francisco Marto in 1946, and it was later transferred to the Holy See in 1952. Jacinta Marto was beatified on 13 May 2000, and canonized on 13 May 2017 by Pope Francis.

Saint Agnes: Saint Agnes was a young Christian martyr who lived during the 4th century in Rome. According to tradition, she was martyred at the age of 12 or 13 for refusing to renounce her faith in Jesus Christ. She is considered one of the youngest saints in the Catholic Church and is a patron saint of young girls.

Saint Tarcisius: Saint Tarcisius was a young Roman martyr who lived during the 3rd century. He was a deacon and was martyred at the age of 12 or 13 while protecting the Eucharist from being desecrated by a group of Roman pagans. He is considered one of the youngest saints in the Catholic Church and is a patron saint of altar servers.

Here are some AI Images of St. Tarcisius:

I hope you enjoyed this article! I would love to hear your comments!

What is Binding Prayer from a Catholic Perspective?

What is Binding Prayer from a Catholic Perspective?

From a Catholic perspective, binding prayer is a form of prayer that is used to bind or restrict the actions of an individual, group, or entity that is believed to be causing harm or committing evil acts. This type of prayer is often used to combat spiritual oppression or to protect oneself or others from negative influences. It is typically a specific, powerful and direct form of prayer, often used in exorcism or deliverance ministry. It is believed to have a supernatural power to bind the devil and his agents and protect the person or people being prayed for. It is usually led by a priest or other spiritual leader.

What Saints are Associated with Binding Prayer?

Several Catholic saints have spoken about the power of binding prayer. One notable example is St. Padre Pio, who was known for his strong devotion to the power of prayer and his ability to perform spiritual healing. He encouraged the use of binding prayers to combat the influence of evil spirits and to protect oneself and others from negative influences.

St. Francis of Assisi, is another example, he was known for his deep devotion to God and his ability to cast out evil spirits. He is said to have used binding prayers as part of his spiritual practices, to protect himself and others from the influence of the devil.

Additionally, St. Michael the Archangel is often invoked in binding prayers, as he is considered to be a powerful defender against evil and a protector of the Church.

What is the connection between Fr. Chad Ripperger and Binding Prayer?

Fr. Chad Ripperger is a Catholic priest, theologian, and exorcist who is known for his teachings on spiritual warfare and the use of binding prayers. He is a member of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter and has written several books and given numerous talks on the topic of spiritual warfare and the use of binding prayers.

Fr. Ripperger emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature and power of evil spirits, and the role of binding prayers in protecting oneself and others from their influence. He also stresses the importance of a strong spiritual foundation and a deep relationship with God in order to effectively use binding prayers.

Fr. Ripperger's teachings and writings on spiritual warfare and binding prayer have been widely popular among catholic circles, and he is considered a leading expert on this topic.

What are some binding prayers that Fr. Ripperger might use?

I don't have specific binding prayers that Fr. Chad Ripperger might use, but in general, binding prayers used by exorcists and those who practice spiritual warfare include the use of holy water, the Sign of the Cross, and the names and titles of God, Jesus, and the saints to invoke their protection and power against evil spirits.

One common binding prayer that is used in Catholic Church is the "St. Michael the Archangel Prayer" it goes like this:

"St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen."

Another example of a binding prayer is the "Prayer to Rebuke Evil" which goes like this:

"In the name of Jesus Christ, I command all evil spirits to leave me and to leave this place. I bind you, Satan and all your minions, and command you to leave me alone and to leave this place alone, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

It is important to note that binding prayers should only be used by those who have been trained in spiritual warfare and have the authority to use them, such as a Catholic priest or other spiritual leader.

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I hope you found this information on binding prayer helpful! I want to acknowledge the help of Internet sources in collecting this information including Al. I read through the information and it all sounds legitimate. Please comment any questions you may have and God bless!

Information: What is the Catholic Church's Stance on Abortion?

Most people are aware that the Catholic Church opposes abortion. If you were not aware of this, now you are! Let's get into some of what I found online concerning this topic. Please feel free to send along questions or to ask for clarification!

A popular internet program generated the following response:

The Catholic Church is opposed to abortion, viewing it as a grave moral evil. The Church teaches that human life is sacred from the moment of conception and that every human being has a right to life. The Church also teaches that abortion is a grave sin and that those who participate in it, whether directly or indirectly, are morally responsible for the death of the unborn child. The church also teaches that there are no circumstances that can justify an abortion, and it is a grave sin which incurs automatic excommunication. The Church also encourages alternatives to abortion, such as adoption, and supports programs and organizations that provide assistance to pregnant women in need.

I would consider this to be an accurate representation of the Church's position. 

I went on to ask this system the Church's position on abortion in the case of rape. Here's what it had to say:

The Catholic Church teaches that every human life is sacred from the moment of conception and that abortion is always gravely immoral. However, the Church also recognizes that the circumstances surrounding a pregnancy, such as rape, can be very complex and difficult. In the case of rape, the Church teaches that the sin is committed by the rapist and not the victim. Therefore the victim of the rape cannot be held morally responsible for an unwanted pregnancy resulting from the rape.

The Church encourages compassion and pastoral care for victims of rape and their families, and recognizes that the decision to continue or end a pregnancy in such circumstances can be a difficult one. However, the Church also stresses that there are alternatives to abortion, such as adoption, that should be considered and supported. The Church also encourages all who have been involved in an abortion, whatever the circumstances, to seek forgiveness and healing through the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Again, not a bad response. I like how it adds many things about compassion and that the Church understands the situation is difficult. This is very true. The Catholic Church isn't just a law-giving entity, it's the Church established by Christ to give not only moral direction but also the Love of God to the Children of God.

One issue I had with the response was that there may be some level of confusion in the way that the answer is phrased that might make people think in the case of rape, the Church's position on abortion somehow changes, which it doesn't. It would be just as opposed.

One thing I often think about when it comes to abortion in the case of rape is that people often speak as though the abortion will somehow nullify the rape or erase its effects. The truth is the rape took place and it's horrendous and terrible, but whatever happens after that will not change the fact that it occurred and the woman must endure this. It's a very sad and difficult situation and having an abortion will not change that.

Something I also often say is that if you cannot justify killing a 1 year old for a particular reason, then you cannot justify killing an unborn child for that same reason. If both are human then the same considerations must apply. However, if the unborn child is not human then no justification is required.

Please attach any questions you may have!

Friday the 13th, January 2023: What is the Significance from a Catholic Perspective?

I was doing some research on Friday the 13th to discover its significance and why it's considered an unlucky number. Here's what I found:

Friday the 13th is considered by some to be an unlucky day because of a combination of the superstitions surrounding the number 13 and the fact that it is a Friday. The fear of the number 13 is known as triskaidekaphobia and the fear of Fridays falling on the 13th day of the month is called paraskevidekatriaphobia.

The origins of the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have roots in ancient cultures and religions. In Christianity, Friday is associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which may have contributed to the belief that Fridays are unlucky. However, there is no direct connection between the two superstitions and Catholicism.

I also tried to find out why the number 13 itself is considered unlucky by some:

The origins of the superstition surrounding the number 13 are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have roots in ancient cultures and religions. One theory is that it is related to the number of guests present at the Last Supper, where Jesus and his 12 apostles were present, and the subsequent betrayal by one of the apostles, Judas. This event was considered unlucky and the number 13 became associated with bad luck.

Another theory is that the number 13 is associated with the number of full moons in a year and the 13th full moon was considered unlucky.

Additionally, In Norse mythology, the number 13 is associated with Loki, the god of chaos and mischief, which may have contributed to the belief that the number 13 is unlucky.

However, it's also worth noting that superstitions are often passed down through generations and therefore it's hard to trace their origin with certainty.

It seems to have uncertain origins from several possible sources but one that we seem to hear often is its association with the Last Supper (which occurred on a Thursday) and Friday on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

If you have any other information or theories, please post them in the comments!

I just want to mention that as Catholics we are not to place any value in superstitions and they are prohibited, even though they remain popular. Someone who adheres to them isn't necessarily committing evil, but we should be cognizant of them. Here's what I found about that:

The Catholic Church does not condone or promote superstitions. In fact, the Catholic Church teaches that superstitions are irrational and can lead to a lack of faith in God. The Church teaches that faith in God should be based on reason and revelation, rather than on superstitions or luck.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "superstition is a deviation of religious feeling and of the practices this feeling imposes. It can even affect the worship we offer the true God, e.g., when one attributes an importance in some way magical to certain practices otherwise lawful or necessary. To attribute the efficacy of prayers or of sacramental signs to their mere external performance, apart from the interior dispositions that they demand, is to fall into superstition."

Additionally, the Catholic Church encourages Catholics to be guided by reason and faith, and to avoid relying on luck or superstition. The Church teaches that true faith in God is based on trust in God's love and providence, and that this trust should be reflected in a person's actions and attitudes.

In summary, the Catholic Church does not condone or promote superstitions, it teaches that faith in God should be based on reason and revelation and that superstitions are a deviation of religious feeling and practices.

I hope you found this article useful. Please let me know if you have any questions! 

The only known child of a Doctor of the Church

From my research, I could only find one instance of one of the 36 Doctors of the Church who had a child. The Doctor is St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the 4 original doctors and he had a son named Adeodatus.

St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the most well-known and influential Church Fathers, had a son named Adeodatus, who was born to Augustine's partner before Augustine converted to Christianity. Adeodatus was born in 372 AD and died young, around the age of 17.

Augustine wrote about Adeodatus in his Confessions, which is an autobiography that covers Augustine's spiritual journey from his youth to his conversion to Christianity. In the book, Augustine talks about the love he had for his son and how he struggled to reconcile his love for Adeodatus with his desire to follow the celibate life of a Christian priest. He said that Adeodatus was a source of joy for him, and that his birth had been a sign of God's grace.

Adeodatus was highly intelligent and well-educated, and Augustine took great pains to provide him with the best education available. According to some accounts, Adeodatus may have been considered a prodigy, and Augustine mentions that his son was able to read and write at a very young age and was highly interested in philosophy.

Although Adeodatus died young, he made a lasting impression on Augustine, who wrote fondly of him in his Confessions, and considered him a reminder of the beauty of God's grace in his life.

Is anything known of Adeodatus's mother?

The identity of Adeodatus's mother is not entirely clear. Augustine never mentions her by name in his writings and what little is known about her comes from a few passing references in his works. According to his own writings in his Confessions, Augustine had a relationship with a woman, who is not named, before his conversion to Christianity and Adeodatus was born from this union. It is not clear whether the woman was a wife, a concubine or a partner in a informal union. But it is believed that she was not a Christian and Augustine did not live with her after his conversion.

Why aren't there more children of Doctors of the Church?

The title "Doctor of the Church" is a recognition given by the Catholic Church to certain saints who have made significant contributions to the development of theology and doctrine. Typically, these individuals have been priests, bishops, or monks who were actively involved in the Church and made important contributions to theology through their writings, teachings, or leadership.

There are 4 female doctors of the Church including St. Catherine of Siena, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Teresa of Lisieux, and St. Hildegard of Bingen. Obviously none of them were clergy. The two Teresas were nuns, St. Hildegard was an abbess, and St. Catherine was a lay person who was a member of the 3rd order Dominicans.

Other than the women, it seems all the Doctors of the Church have been clergy: priests, bishops, or popes.

Full Text of Pope Francis's Homily for Pope Benedict's Funeral Mass Celebrated Today

You can find the full text of the homily here: https://aleteia.org/2023/01/05/francis-homily-for-benedicts-funeral-full-text/