Why do we pray for our dead?
November 4, 2025
All Souls Day, November 2, is a day dedicated to praying for the faithful departed. It arose as a
Tag: Faith Fact
Why do we venerate the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
October 2, 2025
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most popular—and mysterious—devotions in the Christian faith. The historical development of this devotion traces the evolving path of Christology and our understanding of His divinity throughout the life of the Church.
Why are so many religious orders dedicated to education?
September 2, 2025
It’s hard to overstate just how influential Catholicism has been in education, but why not just one order? Why have so many chosen to focus on education?
Faith Fact: How does the Vatican appoint a bishop?
May 1, 2025
As you may expect, the Vatican’s process for choosing a Bishop is arcane, esoteric and very deliberate.
Where did the Easter Bunny come from?
April 1, 2025
While not quite as ubiquitous as Santa Claus is for Christmas, the Easter Bunny is one of the modern
Faith Fact: What is Word of God Sunday?
December 2, 2024
While emerging from the Christmas season into Ordinary Time, the Church takes one Sunday in late January for a special focus—the Word of God.
What is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross?
September 1, 2024
September 14f is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross—not a person, and not a celebration of a particularly important liturgical event. So, what exactly are we feasting about?
What is a basilica?
August 1, 2024
This year, the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Youngstown is celebrating its 10th anniversary of becoming a minor basilica. But what is a basilica?
What is a relic?
June 1, 2024
The word “relic” derives from the Latin reliquere, which means “to abandon, or leave behind.” Catholic relics—items associated with canonized saints or Jesus Christ—have always held an important place in Catholic spirituality.
The Origins of the Rosary
May 1, 2024
While the rosary is certainly not a modern concept, it is a surprisingly recent addition to our spiritual practice. It first appeared in its current form in the 16th century.
