Image of Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent By Edward Matulanya  Learn about Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, fasting, almsgiving, and daily reflections according to the Catholic Church, with examples and lessons. 1. What Is Lent in the Catholic Church? Lent is a 40-day season of prayer , fasting, and almsgiving to prepare Catholics spiritually for Easter (Catholic Church, 1997; McBrien, 2011). For example; Catholics may attend Mass more frequently and reflect on their sins. The lesson is; lent teaches repentance, self-discipline, and spiritual growth.  2. The History of Lent in Catholicism Originating from early Christian baptism preparation, Lent evolved into a universal period of penance (Bradshaw & Johnson, 2014; Ratzinger, 2000). For example; early Christians fasted for 40 days before Easter baptism. The lesson is; tradition connects modern Catholics with the faith of the early Church.  3. Start and End of Catholic Lenten Season of 2026 Lent begins on Ash Wednesda...

Image of Saint Bernadette Soubirous By Edward Matulanya  Learn about Saint Bernadette Soubirous, the humble visionary of Lourdes, her miracles, life, and feast day in the Catholic Church. 1. Who Is Saint Bernadette Soubirous in the Catholic Church? Saint Bernadette Soubirous is recognized by the Catholic Church as the humble witness of the Lourdes apparitions and a model of faith and simplicity (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997; John Paul II, 1997). For example; born into poverty in Lourdes, France, she suffered illness but showed deep trust in God’s will (Ruffin, 2013; Laurentin, 2002). The lesson is; holiness is rooted in humility and trust in Divine Providence (CCC, §§489, 544; Benedict XVI, 2008). 2. Life of Saint Bernadette Soubirous According to Catholic Teaching After the apparitions, Bernadette chose the hidden life of a religious sister, embodying the virtues of obedience and simplicity (Vatican, 1862/2002; Second Vatican Council, 1964). For example; she ser...

Image of Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order By Edward Matulanya  Learn about the Seven Holy Founders of the Servites. Understand their founding of the order, dedication to Mary, examples of holiness, and the miracles that inspire Catholics worldwide. Introduction The Catholic Church commemorates the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order on February 17, honoring their collective response to God’s call, their profound Marian devotion, and their witness to communal holiness. Their lives demonstrate that sanctity is not solely an individual pursuit but also an ecclesial reality lived in fraternity, obedience, and service (Vatican II, 1964; Butler, 1995). 1. Saints of February 17 in the Roman Catholic Church This feast highlights saints whose lives reflect unity, humility, and Marian spirituality. The Church commemorates the Seven Holy Founders collectively, emphasizing the communal nature of holiness (Congar, 1965). For e xample; u nlike most saints honored individually, the S...

Image of Saint Juliana of Nicomedia By Edward Matulanya  Learn about Saint Juliana of Nicomedia, virgin and martyr of the early Church, her life, martyrdom, feast day, and lessons for Catholics today. Introduction Saint Juliana of Nicomedia is venerated by the Catholic Church as a virgin and martyr of the early fourth century. Her life and death exemplify fidelity to Christ during Roman persecution (Butler, 1990). 1. Saint Juliana of Nicomedia, a Virgin and Martyr of the Early Church Saint Juliana lived a consecrated life and suffered martyrdom rather than deny Christ, embodying the Church’s understanding of virgin-martyrs as witnesses to eschatological hope (Attwater & John, 2013; Second Vatican Council, 1965). For example; she rejected marriage to a pagan official who demanded she abandon Christianity, reflecting the early Christian valuation of consecrated virginity (Brown, 1988). The lesson is; total dedication to God may demand heroic sacrifice and bears witness to the ...

Saint Claude de la Colombière By Edward Matulanya  Learn about Saint Claude de la Colombière, Catholic saint celebrated on 15 February, confessor of Saint Margaret Mary and apostle of the Sacred Heart. 1. Who Was Saint Claude de la Colombière?  Saint Claude de la Colombière was a French Jesuit priest recognized by the Catholic Church for heroic virtue , theological clarity, and fidelity to ecclesial authority (Butler, 1990; Roman Martyrology, 2004). For e xample; a s preacher and confessor, he consistently aligned pastoral care with Church teaching, even when misunderstood or opposed (Jesuits, 2023). The l esson is; t he Catholic life requires humility, fidelity, and trust in God’s providence (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997). 2. Life of Saint Claude de la Colombière a Jesuit Priest and Confessor Formed by Ignatian spirituality, his life emphasized prayer , discipline, discernment, and service to souls (O’Malley, 1993). For e xample; d espite fragile health, he ac...

Image of Saint Valentine By Edward Matulanya  Learn about Saint Valentine’s witness of faith, his role as a priest and bishop, and his miracles. Introduction Saint Valentine is honored in the Catholic Church as a 3rd-century martyr whose feast is celebrated on February 14. Although historical records are limited, his veneration is officially preserved in the Roman Martyrology (Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 2004). Over time, devotional traditions connected him with Christian marriage and sacrificial love . This study examines historical evidence, liturgical recognition, theological meaning, and spiritual lessons associated with his witness. 1. Historical Background and Martyrdom Early sources indicate that a martyr named Valentine died in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II (Kirsch, 1912/2023). Some traditions identify him as a Roman priest, while others identify a Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni). The Roman Martyrology lists his co...