CATHOLIC FAITH

Image of Jesus Appears to Saint Paul By Edward Matulanya  Discover the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle and its spiritual lessons on grace, repentance, and transformation according to the Roman Catholic Church. 1. Meaning of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle The Conversion of Saint Paul is understood by the Roman Catholic Church as a decisive act of divine grace in which God freely intervened in Saul’s life, transforming him into an apostle of Christ (CCC, 1997, §§1996–2001; Fitzmyer, 1998). For example, Saul’s encounter with the risen Christ is recorded as a historical and salvific event in Acts 9:1–19 (NABRE, 2011). The lesson is, human salvation begins with God’s initiative, not human merit (CCC, 1997, §1996; Romans 9:16). 2. Biblical Account of Saint Paul’s Conversion on the Road to Damascus The Acts of the Apostles presents Paul’s conversion three times to emphasize its theological importance and apostolic authority (Acts 9; 22; 26; Brown, 1997). For example...

Image of Magi offering gifts to Jesus By Edward Matulanya  Discover the meaning and traditions of Epiphany, the Christian holiday celebrating the revelation of Christ to the world. Learn about its history, customs, and significance. 1. What is Epiphany in the Roman Catholic Church? Epiphany, also called Theophany, is a major feast in the Roman Catholic Church celebrated on January on Sunday between 2 and 8. It commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the visit of the Magi (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB], 2020; Hardon, 2003). 2. The Biblical Meaning of Epiphany Epiphany is rooted in Matthew 2:1-12, where the Magi from the East followed a star to worship the newborn King, Jesus (New International Version Bible, 2011; Brown, 1993). 3. History and Origin of Epiphany Discover the history and origin of Epiphany, exploring its religious significance, cultural traditions, and how this Christian celebration came to be observed worl...

Image of Holy Family   By Edward Matulanya  Explore the Holy Family; Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Roman Catholic teaching, Scripture, and tradition, with faith-based explanations and family life examples. 1. Introduction of Holy Family of Jerusalem  The Holy Family; Jesus, Mary, and Joseph occupies a central place in Roman Catholic theology as the perfect model of Christian family life. Through Sacred Scripture , Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium of the Church, the Holy Family reveals God’s plan for love , unity, obedience, and holiness within the family (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, nn. 2204–2206; Second Vatican Council, 1965/2014). Through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition , and the Magisterium of the Church, the Holy Family reveals God’s plan for love, unity, obedience, and holiness within the family (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, nn. 2204–2206; Second Vatican Council, 1965/2014). 2. Understanding the Holy Family; Jesus, Mary, and J...

Image of St. Joachim and St. Anne offering a young child Mary to God in the Temple By Edward Matulanya   Here are the Overview,  Origin, Roles and significance of Feast of  Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Roman Catholic Church. 1. Overview of Feast of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a liturgical feast of the Roman Catholic Church celebrated each year on November 21. It commemorates the tradition that Mary, as a young child, was offered to God in the Temple by her parents, St. Joachim and St. Anne (Shoemaker, 2012). For example, Joachim and Anne dedicate Mary at the Temple much like parents today dedicate a child during a sacrament of baptism . 2. Origins of the Feast of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Roman Catholic Church The feast began in the Eastern Church as early as the sixth century and gradually entered the Roman Church, becoming universal after Pope Sixtus V who included it in the Roman...