CATHOLIC FAITH

Image of Mary, Mother of God By Edward Matulanya  Discover the meaning, history, and traditions of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God celebrated on January 1. Learn about Catholic prayers, Mass readings, and ways to honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and model of faith. 1. What is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God? The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, is celebrated on January 1, the octave of Christmas . It honors Mary as the mother of Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully man (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1992/2000, §495). During Mass, the Gospel recounts Mary presenting Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:16–21), affirming her role in salvation history. 2. Meaning and Significance of the Feast This feast emphasizes that Mary’s consent to God’s plan enabled the Incarnation, highlighting the union of divine and human natures in Jesus (CCC, 1992/2000, §486; Kelly, 1978). At Mass, priests reflect on Mary’s “fiat” her obedient “yes” to God as a model for all Christian...

Image of Saint Sylvester I, Pope By Edward Matulanya  Discover the life and legacy of Saint Sylvester I, Pope (314–335 AD). Learn about his leadership during Emperor Constantine’s reign, contributions to the early Church, building of St. Peter’s Basilica, feast day traditions, and enduring influence on Catholic history. 1. Biography of Saint Sylvester I, Pope The life of St. Sylvester I, Pope marks a turning point in Catholic Church history. Serving as pope from 314 to 335 AD, he guided the Church through a period of dramatic transformation, when Christianity moved from persecution to public recognition under Emperor Constantine. Today, he is remembered as a saint, a wise leader, and a shepherd who strengthened the faith during the Church’s early years (Gregory of Tours, 1890). 2. Early Life and Background of Saint Sylvester I, Pope  Saint Sylvester I led the Church for over two decades, providing stability and guidance during the early 4th century. Although details of his ea...

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 Saint Felix I, Pope By Edward Matulanya  Learn about Saint Felix I, 26th Pope of Rome, his life, papacy (269–274 AD), contributions to the Roman Catholic Church, legacy, and feast day. Discover his role in early Christian doctrine and liturgical traditions. 1. Biography of Saint Felix I Saint Felix I served as the Pope and Bishop of Rome from 269–274 AD. He is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church for helping uphold orthodox teaching about Christ’s nature and guiding the Church during theological and communal challenges. Felix authored an important theological letter on the unity of Christ’s divine and human Person and engaged secular authority to resolve doctrinal disputes. His papacy is documented in Catholic historical sources. (Encyclopaedia Britannica Editors, 2025; Pope Felix I, n.d.). For e xample, h e wrote a significant dogmatic letter addressing Christ’s unity, defending orthodox belief against early heretical views (Encyclopaedia Britannica Editors, ...

Image of Saint Thomas Becket By Edward Matulanya  Discover the life, martyrdom, and legacy of Saint Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. Explore his conflict with King Henry II, canonization, pilgrimages, and enduring influence on the Roman Catholic Church. 1. Introduction of Saint Thomas Becket Read the complete biography of Saint Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, detailing his early life, rise to power, conflict with King Henry II, martyrdom, and lasting legacy in the Catholic Church. 1.1 Overview of Thomas Becket’s life and legacy: Thomas Becket (c. 1119 – 1170) was an English priest and Archbishop of Canterbury, remembered for his defense of Church rights against King Henry II. He began as a royal chancellor but transformed into a staunch ecclesiastical leader, exemplifying moral courage and fidelity to God’s law (Britannica, 2025; Canterbury Archaeological Society, 2025). 1.1 Importance of Saint Thomas Becket in the Roman Catholic Church The Church venerates Becket ...

Image of Holy Innocents, the infant martyrs By Edward Matulanya Learn about the Holy Innocents, the infant martyrs of Bethlehem honored by the Catholic Church. Explore their history, feast day on December 28, spiritual significance, prayers, and cultural impact. 1. Introduction to the Holy Innocents Discover who the Holy Innocents are in Catholic tradition, their significance as infant martyrs, and why the Church honors them for their faith and innocence. 1.1 Who Are the Holy Innocents in Catholic Tradition? The Holy Innocents are the young male children in Bethlehem killed by King Herod in his attempt to destroy the newborn Jesus (Matthew 2:16–18). Catholics honor them as martyrs because they died in union with Christ’s salvific mission, even though they were incapable of conscious faith expression (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1994, §§1258, 2473). For e xample, Artistic depictions frequently show halos around infants to symbolize their sanctity and communion with the rise...

Image of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist By Edward Matulanya  Discover the life, teachings, and legacy of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist according to the Roman Catholic Church. Explore his Gospel, letters, miracles, feast day, symbols, and lasting influence on Christian faith and theology.. Introduction to Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist 1. Biography of Saint John the Apostle Saint John was one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles , traditionally called the “Beloved Disciple,” whose writings shaped Catholic understanding of Christ’s divinity and love (Catholic Encyclopedia, 1910; Britannica, 2025; Holy Bible, John 13:23). 1.1 The Life and Legacy of Saint John the Evangelist His Gospel, letters, and Revelation emphasize love , belief, and eternal life, central themes in Catholic theology (The Catholic Voice, 2025).  1.2 Reason for Saint John to be Called “The Beloved Disciple” John’s unique closeness to Christ; present at the Last Supper and Crucifixion, earned ...