Jeanie Hannaman

By Rob Sexton, Catholic Exchange - The geography of life is marked by mountains and valleys. From new life and new love to the sorrow of loss and disappointment, our journey through this vale of tears always seems to find us ascending or descending. The same pattern is mirrored in our relationships; anyone married for a long time will attest that struggle and strife often go hand in hand with laughter and joy... Because the interior life is a relationship with God, it is not exempt from the same challenges and difficulties. The Church and the saints even tell us to expect it. Whether it is the desolation described by St. Ignatius, the harrowing Dark Night written of by St. John of the Cross, or the luminous experiences of advanced prayer recorded by St. Teresa of Avila ...

By Fr. Kevin Drew, Catholic Exchange - The emperors of this world, a class of men richer, more cunning, and scientific, are busy doling out bread and circuses to keep the rabble at bay and our eyes off the truth. Christ the King gives you bread from heaven, the bread that gives eternal life... Christ dies on the cross to give you this bread. This death of your King takes place in a mystical, timeless sacrifice so it can be applied to your soul now. Realize this and you will never come to Mass to be entertained or amused. You will be too busy bowing down and worshipping your King on His throne.

By Phillip Campbell, Catholic Exchange - Among the Church’s multitudes of saints, perhaps none is as well-recognized as St. Francis of Assisi. The little man with the brown habit, scruffy beard, and forest creatures perched upon his shoulders is one of the most universal images in Catholic iconography, recognizable to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The passage of eight centuries since the saint’s death have not diminished his popularity. He is as beloved today as he ever was... Yet Francis has, in some respects, become a victim of his own renown—a saint better recognized than understood, easier to stereotype that to exegete. ...