Penance Presence of God – O Jesus, You who are ever seeking the prodigal son, despise not my contrite and humble heart, but purify it in Your precious Blood. MEDITATION Grace, which has been given to us so abundantly in Baptism and Confirmation, has of itself the infallible power to sanctify. It does not force … Read more
Preparing for Lent Part 2 – Divine Intimacy Radio Preparing for Lent Part 2: Here’s what a recent listener said about the show: “I just listened to the first Divine Intimacy Radio show. Great job! You and Melissa are a joy to listen to, such nice voices, and the real rapport comes through. I enjoyed … Read more
The Key to Living a Holy Life The name of my blog sometimes frightens me because I fear I’ve set myself up as someone who knows how to be holy or who knows how to give advice on how to live a holy life. Neither of those are true! The truth is that I don’t believe … Read more
Dear Friends, We are delighted to present the first episode of Divine Intimacy Radio! The show notes are below: Introducing the show and the hosts Dan Burke and Melissa Elson. Most of you know me (my bio is below) so I thought you would like to know a bit more about Melissa: While attending Auburn University, … Read more
Dear Father John, I want to love God with all my heart, but I don’t know where to start. How do I do this? LOVING GOD WITH all your heart means desiring him above all things and making your intimate, personal relationship with him into the highest priority of your life, the center around which … Read more
THE CHOICE OF NAZARETH “ And He came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled what was said by the Prophet, that He shall be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:23 1. St. Matthew has chosen almost all his incidents of the Nativity to show the fulfillment of prophecy. We know … Read more
Today is the memorial of St John Nepomucene Neumann, Philadelphia’s fourth bishop and our country’s first male saint. In celebration of his memorial, I’d like to introduce you to the National Shrine of St John Nepomucene Neumann, one of Philadelphia’s five shrines, and one of my favorites (they’re on Facebook, too!). The Life of St John Nepomucene Neumann … Read more
Otherworldly Series Baseball Coach Rich Donnelly Shows You Can Go Home Again Editor’s Note: If you’ve ever doubted the connection between souls in the Church Militant (that’s us) and souls in the next life, read and doubt no more… Baseball coach Rich Donnelly has a World Series story that is out of this world. Rich … Read more
FATIMA AND THE MIRACLE OF THE SUN Today is the 97th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun, which occurred at Fatima in Portugal at the culmination of the Virgin Mary’s apparitions at the Cova da Iria to three little shepherd children–Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto. For those not familiar … Read more
Dear Father John, if an individual has been Totally consecrated to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the St. Louis de Montfort method, done privately, 33 day retreat, confession, Mass and Day of Consecration pledge/vow/prayer, can this individual through the Association of Padre Pio still become a spiritual child of Padre Pio? I … Read more
Is it a Sin to Put Yourself Down? “Oh, I’m so inept! I can’t do anything right!” There are endless variations of the self-deprecating rants. They are dressed up like humility but smack of pride. The person announcing his failings probably does not boast and is instead seeking a humble path, but he unwittingly travels by … Read more
The Devil: Is He for Real? Why Does God Let Him Hang Around? Dear Father John, I’ve heard that talking about the devil is just a way to talk about bad things that happen. On the other hand, there are some people that claim there really is a devil. Is the devil for real? If … Read more
Dear Dan, I am Catholic. I committed grave sins when I was a teen that I have lived in guilt and anxiety over for almost two decades. I pray every day about them. I have prayed in church but I have never been to confession. I am afraid to go to confession because I am … Read more
Editor’s Note: The following post comes from a book by Fr. Bartunek published by Franciscan Media: “Answers: Catholic Advice for Your Spiritual Questions”. The questions and answers in this book are some of Father John’s best. Click here to learn more about the book…or if you wish to get it for a friend or relative who … Read more
Dear Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters,¨I have long been dealing with a deep sadness and lack of joy in life. The vortex of emotional suffering seems to revolve around my unanswered prayers for a spouse and romantic love, but when I look at myself honestly I see that I am not selfless enough to have been … Read more
Dear Father John, I have been struggling with some interior trials with forgiveness, resentment and jealousy. I call this “inner ugliness.” I have been praying fervently, going to confession, and receiving excellent spiritual direction. I have been willing myself to be charitable even when I am not feeling it. So here is my question. What … Read more
Two American Exorcists Weigh in on Reported Mexican Possessions There is one place where not even the most adventurous thrill seeker should tread: into the occult. Every exorcist will attest that even a little curiosity is dangerous because it opens one up to a world that is not always so easy to leave. According to … Read more
Dear Fr. John, thank you for “The Better Part“. I have kept up with all days following the calendar in the back. I treasure this book as it “lives” at my bedside ready to nourish and inspire. I especially have benefited from the entries where a figure from Scripture speaks in the first person. I … Read more
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