FAITH OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

  Saints John de Brébeuf By Edward Matulanya  Saints John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and Companions (North American Martyrs) On October 19, the Catholic Church commemorates the North American Martyrs, also known as the Jesuit Martyrs of New France. This group consisted of eight missionaries: Jesuit priests Jean de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, Antoine Daniel, Gabriel Lalemant, Charles Garnier, and Noël Chabanel, along with lay companions René Goupil and Jean de Lalande (Franciscan Media, n.d.). Arriving in New France (modern-day Canada and parts of the United States) during the early 17th century, these missionaries sought to evangelize the Huron and other Indigenous peoples (Loyola Press, n.d.). They immersed themselves in Indigenous languages and cultures, and established missions such as Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Their mission, however, was fraught with challenges, including disease outbreaks, cultural barriers, and at times violent resistance (Franciscan Media, n.d.). Isaac J...

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick By Edward Matulanya  The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick Biblical Foundations of  Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick The roots of the Anointing of the Sick can be traced to Scripture. In the Old Testament, oil often symbolized healing and consecration (Psalm 23:5; Isaiah 1:6). Suffering was seen as a place where God’s mercy could be revealed (Job, 2 Kings 20:1–7). In the New Testament, Jesus’ ministry prominently featured healing the sick and forgiving sins (Mark 2:1–12). The Letter of James explicitly instructs: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14–15, NRSV). This passage is considered the direct scriptural foundation for the sacrament. Development of  Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick  in the Early Church Early Christians obeyed James’ command by anointing with oil while offering communal prayers for bot...

 By Edward Matulanya  Here are meaning, history, pastoral significance of mortal sin. Definition and Description In Roman Catholic theology, a mortal sin is a grave violation of God’s law that leads to the loss of sanctifying grace in the soul, severing the individual from divine communion (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1993/2020, §1855). For a sin to be considered mortal, three conditions must be met: (1) the sin must be of grave matter, (2) the individual must have full knowledge of the sinful nature and gravity of the act, and (3) the act must be committed with deliberate consent (CCC, 1993/2020, §1857). Examples of mortal sins traditionally include murder, adultery, theft of substantial value, and apostasy. Historical Context The concept of mortal sin has roots in early Christian teachings and was systematized in the scholastic theology of the Middle Ages. St. Augustine (354–430 CE) distinguished between mortal and venial sins, emphasizing that mortal sins destro...

By Edward Matulanya Here are meaning, history, theology, element, types, and effects of Actual sins. Definition and Distinction In Roman Catholic teaching, actual sin is a personal act of wrongdoing committed freely by an individual, as distinct from original sin, which is inherited from Adam. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994/1997) defines sin as “an offense against reason, truth, and right conscience; it is failure in genuine love for God and neighbor” (CCC, 1849). Actual sin can take the form of thought, word, deed, or omission (CCC, 1853). Historical Development Patristic Era The early Church Fathers, particularly Augustine, distinguished between original sin and actual sins. Augustine emphasized that actual sins arise from personal choice, while original sin is the inherited corruption of human nature (Augustine, Confessions, trans. 1991). The Pelagian controversy highlighted the tension between human free will and the necessity of divine grace. Pelagius stressed human re...

Saint John XXIII By Edward Matulanya  Early Life and Ministry Saint John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli on November 25, 1881, in Sotto il Monte, Italy, was ordained a priest in 1904. He served in various pastoral and diplomatic roles, including as Apostolic Nuncio and Patriarch of Venice (Britannica, n.d.). Papacy (1958–1963) Elected pope on October 28, 1958, John XXIII is most remembered for convening the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), which sought to renew the Church and foster dialogue with the modern world (Vatican, n.d.). His encyclical Pacem in Terris (“Peace on Earth”) addressed human rights and world peace during a time of global tension (Britannica, n.d.). Canonization and Feast Day He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2014. His feast day is celebrated on October 11, the anniversary of the opening of Vatican II (Vatican, n.d.). Legacy Nicknamed the “Good Pope,” he is remembered for his humility, warmth, and vision of agg...

By Edward Matulanya  Original sin is a foundational concept in Catholic theology, referring to the state of human nature wounded by the first sin of Adam and Eve. It is not a personal sin committed by an individual but a condition inherited by all humans that inclines them toward sin (concupiscence). 1. Nature of Original Sin Adam and Eve  Inherited Condition; All human beings are born into a state affected by the disobedience of Adam and Eve (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1993, para. 404). Not Personal Guilt: Original sin is distinct from actual personal sins; it does not carry individual moral responsibility. Loss of Sanctifying Grace ; Human nature is deprived of the original grace and holiness intended by God, creating an inclination toward wrongdoing. 2. Consequences of Original Sin According to the Catholic Church, original sin has several effects on human nature: 1. Separation from God. Humanity loses the intimate friendship with God that Adam and Eve original...

By Edward Matulanya  In Roman Catholic theology, sin is considered an offense against God, a violation of His law, and a turning away from His love and commandments. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) defines sin as: > “An offense against reason, truth, and right conscience; it is failure in genuine love for God and neighbor caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1993, para. 1849). Sin distorts human reason and the will, harming relationships with God, oneself, and the community. For an act to be considered sinful, it requires knowledge and deliberate consent. 2. Types of Sin a. Original Sin Adam and Eve  Original sin refers to the fallen state inherited from Adam and Eve. It wounds human nature and inclines humans toward sin (concupiscence), though it does not constitute personal guilt. Baptism restores sanctifying grace and removes original sin (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1993, paras. 404–405). b. Actual Sin Act...

  Saint Pacificus of San Severino By Edward Matulanya  St. Pacificus of San Severino (born Carlo Antonio Divini) was an Italian Franciscan priest and mystic, known for his holiness, intense suffering, and miracles.  Birth and Early Life: He was born on March 1, 1653, in San Severino, in the Marches of Ancona, Italy. His parents were Antonio Maria Divini and Mariangela Bruni. He was orphaned at a very young age (shortly after his Confirmation, when he was about three years old). He was raised by his maternal uncle, who was reportedly strict.  Religious Life: In December 1670, he entered the Franciscan order (the Reformati branch) at Forano, taking the religious name Pacificus. He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1678. Early in his priesthood, he served as a professor (lector of philosophy) for the younger members of his order.  Ministry and Preaching After teaching, he spent several years (four to six) as a missionary in the surrounding regions, preaching and wor...

  Members of Roman Catholic Church  By Edward Matulanya Here are six key laws (also called precepts or commandments of the Church) that Roman Catholics are generally obliged to observe. The Six Precepts (laws) of the Catholic Church are rooted in Sacred Scripture even though they are expressed in the Code of Canon Law (the official legal code of the Catholic Church). Below are the six laws that the Roman Catholic Church traditionally cites as the foundation.  1. Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation Catholics must participate in the Eucharist on Sundays and on other holy days established by the Church (Code of Canon Law, canons 1246–1247). According to the Holy Bible “Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8–11). Also the Holy Bible emphasis “Do not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some…” (Hebrews 10:25 ). 2. Confess Serious (Mortal) Sins at Least Once a Year The faithful are required to receive the sacrament of reconciliation at...

  Saint Januarius By Edward Matulanya St. Januarius (Italian: San Gennaro) was the bishop of Benevento in southern Italy during the early 4th century CE. During Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians, he was arrested for visiting imprisoned believers and was executed—traditionally by beheading—near Pozzuoli around the year 305 CE. After his death, Januarius became the patron saint of Naples. His relics were transferred to the Naples Cathedral, where a vial said to contain his dried blood is preserved. Since at least the 14th century, this blood is reported to liquefy on specific feast days, most famously on September 19, an event popularly known as the “Miracle of the Blood.” The liquefaction is celebrated by thousands of pilgrims and regarded by many as a sign of the saint’s ongoing protection, though scientists have proposed natural explanations. St. Januarius of San Gennaro pray for us References Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). St. Januarius. In Encyclopaedia Britannic...