Established July 4, 1926
Search
-
-
Why do pilgrims flock to England's "Slipper Chapel"?Despite devastation and persecution, England’s greatest shrine survives.
The Catholic shrines in the United Kingdom have been through a lot.
In the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation that struck England in the 16th century, many of its shrines were torn down, religious houses were vacated, and monastery properties were appropriated by the crown. Catholic priests and the laymen who sheltered them were hunted down and killed. Statues of Our Lady were taken and burnt.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is a story of survival and resurrection. It was originally built in 1061 by a devout lady named Richeldis de Faverches. Our Lady inspired her to create a shrine in Walsingham based on the Holy House of Nazareth, where the Annunciation and the Incarnation took place.
This shrine became the center of pilgrimage for English Catholics during the Middle Ages—indeed, it became one of the greatest shrines in Catholic Europe.
The 14th-century Slipper Chapel was originally Walsingham’s final wayside shrine—that is, the last of the smaller chapels along the pilgrimage route that led to the major shrine. It is called “Slipper” because pilgrims would remove their shoes and travel the final mile—called the “Holy Mile”—to Walsingham with penitentially unshod feet.
During the Reformation, the main shrine was destroyed, the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham was burnt, and the pilgrimages ended. The Slipper Chapel fell into disuse—but was not destroyed.
Centuries passed. The Church at last regained the Slipper Chapel in 1896, and the following year Pope Leo XIII re-established the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. It was located at first at the new Lady Chapel of the Church of the Annunciation nearby before being transferred to the Slipper Chapel.
Pilgrims came back to Walsingham right away, and—with a minor interruption due to World War II—have been coming ever since.
Pilgrims walking the Holy Mile. Note the lack of shoes!
(Our thanks to pilgrim Tremain Newman-Brown for the photo!)
In August 1934, the first Mass since the Reformation was said in the Slipper Chapel. Soon after, at a great pilgrimage of 10,000 souls led by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, the Chapel was declared the National Shrine of Our Lady for Roman Catholics in England. Today, 150,000+ pilgrims visit every year!
Of course, you need not be within travel-distance of Walsingham to honor Our Lady. You can create your own home shrine with some help from your friends here at The Catholic Company. A beautiful statue is a wonderful way to start, such as this gorgeous rendition of Our Lady and her precious Child. Crafted of resin and stone and standing nearly two feet high, this ornately-detailed statue will inspire reverence, prayer, and love for our holy Queen. Be sure to add a candle and perhaps a rosary to your home shrine! All available today at The Catholic Company! -
Back in Columbus's day, did people think the earth was flat?Let’s set the record straight on this common misconception.
No educated person believed the earth was flat in 1492, when “Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
As Dr. Michael Foley explains in his delightful work The Politically Incorrect Guide to Christianity:
“…the truth is that no educated Westerner or sailor at the time thought such a thing; the only point of contention was the size of the earth’s circumference, which Columbus had vastly underestimated. The crown’s geographers advised Queen Isabella against backing Columbus’s voyage not because they were superstitious ignoramuses but because they had calculated that Columbus could not reach China in the manner he proposed (and they were right).”
In fact, it’s the Catholic Church that has been the greatest supporter of the sciences throughout history, and such institutions as the Vatican Observatory—Rome’s center for astronomical research—stand as living testaments to her love for exploring God’s marvelous creation. Many names you will doubtless recognize have been both happy members of the Catholic Church and brilliant scientists: people like Copernicus, Albert the Great, and Louis Pasteur.
Dive into all kinds of politically incorrect explanations of Catholicism in The Politically Incorrect Guide to Christianity, written by the same sage who brought us the ever-popular Drinking with the Saints. In Dr. Foley’s Guide you’ll get the real story on whether the Church really “oppresses” women, what the Crusades were all about, how the Church regards creation and the sciences, and much more. A fun, energetic, captivating read! Available today at The Catholic Company! -
The relic of whose blood (usually) liquefies today?Three times a year, throngs of faithful come to witness the miracle.
“Il miracolo é fatto!” “The miracle has happened!”
These words are traditionally proclaimed in the Cathedral of Naples when the preserved blood of the city’s beloved martyr-bishop, St. Januarius, miraculously liquefies each year.
We do not know much about this saint’s life. He was the Bishop of nearby Benevento, and was martyred for the Faith in the 4th century under Diocletian. Some sources say that he and his companions were thrown to the wild beasts, but were not harmed by them and had to eventually be beheaded.
Januarius’ blood—contained in glass phials in a silver reliquary—is normally coagulated and solid. But for hundreds of years it has, on regular occasions, become liquid again.
The miraculous liquefaction occurs three times a year: the commemoration of the transfer of his relics to Naples on the Saturday before the first Sunday in May; his feast day, September 19th (that’s today!); and December 16th, the anniversary of the occasion when his intercession saved Naples from an impending implosion of Mount Vesuvius in 1631.
The people process with St. Januarius’ relics as Mount Vesuvius threatens
On each of these occasions, a silver bust housing fragments of the saint’s skull is placed near the reliquary containing the phials of blood. Throngs of people pray for the miracle and watch in anticipation. Then, the hardened blood (usually) becomes liquid, often bubbling and foaming. The Archbishop of Naples or another officiant holds up the reliquary and turns it sideways to demonstrate the liquefaction. The people come to kiss the relic and sing the “Te Deum,” the Church’s traditional hymn of thanksgiving.
The miracle usually happens, but not always. Sometimes it stays solid, and this is often taken as a foreshadowing of calamity by the observers. But whether it happens or not, the blood of Januarius remains a stunning modern-day, ongoing miracle that bears a beautiful testament to our Faith. (Editor’s note: the blood did indeed liquefy today!)
The relics of the saints are among the greatest treasures of the Church and she has revered them since time immemorial. Read more in Relics: What They Are and Why They Matter. In these pages, author Joan Carroll Cruz examines some of the Church’s most treasured relics, such as the Holy Grail and Our Lady’s Veil, as well as relics of seventy-five saints. An eye-opening exploration of the world of relics—and why they are so cherished by the Church. Available today at The Catholic Company -
What amazing skill did St. Joseph of Cupertino have?They call him the patron of pilots—and for good reason.
Giuseppe really didn’t have any skills. He was considered exceedingly dull as a child, and seemed incapable of learning anything. He performed poorly in school, couldn’t seem to keep his focus on the simplest things, and failed at apprenticeships as a teenager. He would “space out” frequently and even wander off at times.
When he tried to join the Capuchin Franciscans in the hopes of finding his place in the world, he was accepted for a time. Then they sent him away because of his lack of ability to do…anything. In addition to his apparent unintelligence, the bouts of distraction continued, wherein he was seemingly whisked away by some pious thought while he was supposed to be occupied with a practical task.
He tried again with a different community of Franciscans as a servant, and things began to improve. The Franciscans noticed how humble Giuseppe was, how full of joy, how simple; indeed, he was what a model Franciscan should be. He was readmitted to the Order, and began studies for the priesthood.
But study was still his weakness, and he found himself unable to learn what he needed to know. There was only one Scripture passage he could talk about: Luke 11:27, “Blessed is the womb that bore you.” When it came time for his diaconate test, his prospects looked grim—but as God would have it, he was asked during his exam to speak on exactly that passage, and speak he did! A deacon he became, and eventually a priest—and is now known as the patron saint of test-takers.
Giuseppe’s episodes of abstraction continued, and with immense fervor. He would be lost for long periods of time in contemplation at the beauty of God, completely taken away from this world to the other. It appeared that his trademark absent-mindedness was something far deeper than that. He had an incredible connection to God, who chose to reveal Himself in ways that made Giuseppe lose himself in wonder.
The flying friar, St. Joseph of Cupertino!
Painting by Ludovico Mazzanti.
And did we mention that he flew? Levitation was a normal part of this mystical friar’s life. He would fly across the chapel; when he heard the names of Jesus and Mary; at the refectory table; outside when in awe at the beauty of creation, et cetera. He is now also known as the patron of aviators!
Though Giuseppe was beloved by the poor he served, his mystical experiences did not always gain him the favor of his brethren. He was reported to the Inquisition for his unusual behavior. Although they found nothing against him, he was eventually put into seclusion, never really returning to normal life. He spent twenty-five years this way, accepting everything with resignation and patience. He died on September 18th, 1663.
You and the young readers in your life can read more about this incredible saint in the lovely book The Little Friar Who Flew. Filled with the illustrations of beloved artist Tomie de Paola, this tale will charm readers young and old with its story of a humble friar, rejected by the world, who literally “flew” to the heights of sanctity. Available today at The Catholic Company! -
Our Lady's Pet: the spotted backyard critter named for MaryA captivating legend tells us the origins of this colorful—and helpful—creature.
Everyone loves ladybugs. Not only are they eye-catching—with their rosy-red mantles and dapper spots—but they also consume pests that cause serious trouble for gardeners and farmers. An adult ladybug can eat 75 aphids a day!
But did you know that the ladybug owes its name to Our Lady and has a special connection to her?
Legend has it that back in medieval times, terrible pests were devastating crops in Europe. The people, in danger of losing their livelihood and source of sustenance, prayed to Our Lady for assistance. Soon, a great swarm of small beetles—with red shells and black spots—came and ate up the offending pests. The crops were saved, and the people named the miniature heroes after Our Lady, hence “ladybug.”
The name took various forms in different regions—they are called ladybirds in the UK, and in other countries of Europe they bear a similar Marian title, such as Marienkäfer in German, “Mary’s beetle.”
The red of the ladybug’s shell recalls the red mantle often worn by Our Lady in sacred art, and the black spots—which, on the Seven-Spot Ladybird, the most common species in Europe, are seven in number—represent her Seven Sorrows and Joys.
Today we celebrate the feast of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady, so beautifully represented by the lovely ladybird. Devotion to Our Lady’s Sorrows has ancient origins in the Church, and is a practice she has asked us to cultivate. You can increase this devotion in your life with the beautiful book The Seven Sorrows of Mary. With meditations by Dominican friar Fr. Romanus Cessario and illustrations taken from Giotto’s magnificent frescoes, this book is the perfect way to enter more deeply into this beloved Marian devotion. Available today at The Catholic Company! -
Why do we exalt the Cross?Today is the glorious Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. But Why do we “exalt” the Cross?
From a historical perspective, today’s Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross commemorates three events:
- The finding of the True Cross by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, in the 4th century;
- The dedication of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, built by Constantine soon after the finding of the True Cross;
- The restoration of the True Cross to Jerusalem in the 7th century by the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius, after it had been seized as a trophy by the Persian Emperor Chosroes II.
More than simply a marker of historical events, today’s feast is a celebration of the Cross as the triumphant symbol of our salvation. The Cross was the means by which Christ brought us back into the friendship of God. It was His chosen weapon in the battle He waged for our souls. It is a continual reminder of His glorious victory over sin and death.
Just as a victorious king takes down the flag of his enemy and raises his own when he wins a battle, so do we mount the Cross high on our churches, on our buildings, and in our homes to commemorate and celebrate the triumph of Christ the King. We gather under the Cross as His loyal subjects, the joyful people that He freed from the bondage of the devil.
The Church has an ancient and beautiful hymn to the Holy Cross that captures the joy we feel today. Vexilla regis prodeunt—The Royal Banner Forward Goes—was originally written in the 6th century and is principally sung during Passiontide and for today’s feast.
The first verse alone offers us a beautiful meditation for today. Translated from the Latin:
Abroad the Regal Banners fly,
Now shines the Cross’s mystery;
Upon it Life did death endure,
And yet by death did life procure.
We should always keep the Cross before our eyes, on this day and always. As Catholics, we are particularly devoted to the crucifix—the Cross with Christ’s Body upon it—as a continual meditation on the sufferings and death our King endured to earn the victory. The Catholic Company offers a wonderful selection of crucifixes to hang in your home, such as this radiant St. Benedict Bronzed Crucifix. Well-sized for a doorway or prayer space, this crucifix features a radiant sunburst surrounding the St. Benedict medal, ornate detailing, and an old-world bronze-color finish. Order yours at The Catholic Company today! -
What is the Chaplet of St. Joseph?It’s a beautiful devotion in honor of our spiritual father.
If you’ve ever seen a beaded item that looks a bit like a fifteen-decade rosary—but has three small beads instead of ten at the start of each decade—you may have been looking at the Chaplet of St. Joseph.
This devotion is a combination of the Holy Rosary of Our Lady and special prayers in honor of the Holy Family. The Chaplet consists of fifteen sets of four beads: one large, white bead (representing St. Joseph’s purity) and three blue or purple beads (representing his piety). Each four-bead set corresponds to a Mystery of the Rosary.
On each white bead, you announce the Mystery and say two Hail Marys. On the blue/purple beads, you say the following prayer in honor of the Holy Family:
“Praised and blessed be Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!”
Next to Our Lord and Our Lady, this great saint is the most powerful patron we have in Heaven and we should strive to foster our devotion to him. He was the man closest to Christ, the guardian of the Holy Family, God’s chosen protector of His beloved Son and His Immaculate Mother.
God gave what was most precious to Him to the care of St. Joseph; if we place ourselves under the patronage of St. Joseph, we, too, are assured of his loving protection. St. Teresa of Ávila, who had a strong devotion to St. Joseph, assured us that—while God has given other saints the ability to aid us in some necessities—St. Joseph succours us in them all.
The Catholic Company offers a stunning St. Joseph’s Chaplet designed and made in-house with creamy white howlite and stunning amethyst gemstones. The purple color, interlaced with earthy tones, recalls St. Joseph’s royal lineage and his work as a carpenter. A true heirloom Chaplet that will increase your devotion to St. Joseph and be cherished for generations. Includes a prayer card with detailed instructions on how to pray the Chaplet. Available today at The Catholic Company! -
What is the amazing story behind the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary?Through the invocation of this Holy Name, the Church was protected from the Muslims in 1683.
The Ottoman Empire was vast. Touching all five major seas of Europe—the Mediterranean, Caspian, Black, Red, and Arabian Seas—it stretched along the top of Africa, down into the Arabian Peninsula, and engulfed modern-day Turkey and Greece.
How had this empire become so huge?
For nearly 400 years, the initially tiny kingdom had aggressively invaded and subjugated its neighboring countries.
Now, it had just swallowed Hungary but, encountering a sharp repulse from Poland, it turned to attack Vienna, the heart of the Hapsburg empire and the key into Western Europe.
When the siege began in July of 1683, the Hapsburg emperor fled his city.
But Pope Innocent XI knew this was not a time to succumb to fear, and leapt into action. He immediately appealed to King Jan Sobieski of Poland, the same who had been victorious over the Turks a few years earlier in Podhajce.
King Jan set out for Vienna in August with a vastly outnumbered force—in fact, the Ottoman army was four times the size of the Polish troops.
As he passed the shrine at Czestochowa, King Jan invoked Our Lady’s intercession and aid.
Then, just before the battle on September 12th, he and his troops prayed the holy rosary by Innocent XI’s request.
A depiction of the Battle of Vienna by Frans Geffels
By evening, the Ottomans were completely routed and fled the Hapsburg empire.
When Innocent XI learned of the Ottomans’ miraculous defeat, he attributed it to the Name of Mary and declared that the Sunday after her Nativity would be dedicated to her Holy Name.
This devotion had been practiced in Spain for about a century, traditionally on the octave day of Our Lady’s Nativity in correlation with the Holy Name of Jesus.
However, it became a movable feast due to Innocent XI’s decree until 1908, when Pope Pius X declared that it could be celebrated on the actual day of the battle.
Remind yourself of the power of the Holy Name of Mary with our beautiful Ave Maria Glass Keepsake Box. The lid features the “Auspice Maria”—the symbol of Our Lady’s Name—while the clear glass and mirrored base add a touch of beauty and elegance. Perfect for your rosary or other keepsakes, and you can even personalize it to make it your own. Available today at The Catholic Company! -
What is the Green Scapular?It’s a sacramental for those in need of conversion or healing.
Our Lady knows how hard we pray for our loved ones who have left the Faith. She knows how much we suffer alongside our friends and family who are dealing with physical or emotional afflictions.
She also knows that people in need of conversion are often closed to our attempts to lead them to the truth.
In 1840, she brought us a simple and powerful devotion to her Immaculate Heart, a devotion designed for such difficult (and delicate) situations.
On the Feast of her Nativity, September 8th, 1840, she appeared to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu in Paris. Sister Justine was a Daughter of Charity, the same order as St. Catherine Labouré who had received the Miraculous Medal just ten years earlier.
Our Lady appeared with her Immaculate Heart in her right hand and a scapular in her left. The scapular was really a cloth medallion rather than a true scapular, since it only had one piece of cloth. It depicted Our Lady on one side—her flaming Heart in her hands—and on the other, her Heart, pierced and flaming, rays coming forth from it, and a cross surmounting it. Around her Heart are the words:
“Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us, now and at the hour of our death.”
An interior voice told Sister Justine that God wished to establish in the world a greater and more tender devotion to the Immaculate Heart. Graces of conversion would abound for those who were devoted to her under this title and using the image Sister Justine saw.
Since it is not a form of a religious habit like other scapulars, there is no enrollment process—it need only be blessed by a priest. The person needing healing or conversion should wear it and say the above-quoted prayer to the Immaculate Heart every day.
Our Lady also explained that if the person in need is unable or unwilling to wear it, you can slip it—unbeknownst to them—into their belongings or home or work environment! (A wise Mother indeed!)
If (as in the case of someone unwilling to wear it) the intended wearer cannot or will not say the prayer, you can pray it for them.
Since the apparition, the Green Scapular has become famous for the conversions and healings Our Lady has effected through it. Some of the most common types of miracles associated with it include: healings of people on the brink of death or suicide, sudden wisdom and understanding in the midst of dangerous relationships or behaviors, and, most importantly, quiet or drastic changes of heart which lead people to (or back to) the Catholic Church.
If you have a friend or family member in need of spiritual conversion, enlightenment, or any kind of healing, place them in the safe haven of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Green Scapular is Our Lady’s special means of rescuing these souls—even when they don’t want to be rescued. Available today at The Catholic Company!
