Islam and China are the threat, but Christianity the future
The Daily Compass interviewed political scientist, Dominique Reyniém who said: "Islam and Chinese totalitarianism are waging two wars against the separation of politics and religion and against democracy. It is inevitable that Christians will be persecuted." However, according to Reyniém. the future is Christian: "The West is trying to win the favour of Muslim countries for geopolitical reasons with pitiful results."
Agnes of Montepulciano, an extraordinary life
From an early age Agnese Segni felt the beauty of faith and prayer. She had great mystical and thaumaturgical gifts. At only 15 years of age she became abbess, with a special papal dispensation. She fasted and mortified herself. She united her serious illness with the sufferings of Jesus and, on her deathbed, invited her sisters to rejoice with her.
Anthropology turned upside down by Pixar-Disney
A 2015 cartoon, Inside Out, which was a worldwide success, is an example of the current educational model: a life totally driven by passions. Reason – which discerns right from wrong, useful from harmful, and which decides the direction to give to life – does not exist.
Anthony Abbot, patron saint of farmers
After the death of his parents, inspired by the words of Jesus in the Gospel, Anthony sold everything to give it to the poor. He retired to live in the desert and the devil tempted him in vain several times, even in the guise of a pig, from which he later emerged. Young men gathered around the saint and became his disciples, giving an impetus to monasticism. His monks became accustomed to rearing pigs.
Joseph of Cupertino, the flying friar... and a cook
A simple-minded boy, unable to learn to read and write, he had the gift of a very intense spiritual and mystical life. Famous for his levitations, he was named the patron saint of pilots. But even as a child he loved to cook.
Italian nun prophesied Mancini’s European cup victory
“Roberto, you’ll win the European Championships because you have Our Lady with you.” This is what Sister Rosalina Ravasio told Roberto Mancini in December 2019, when the Italian national team coach visited the Shalom-Regina della Pace Community in Palazzolo sull'Oglio in northern Italy. Our Lady is sowing “a seed of evangelisation”, says Sister Rosalina, with Mancini who has “a simple but profound faith” and a particular story with Medjugorje.
Oliver Plunkett, the last Irish martyr in England
Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland, he lived through the English persecutions in Ireland in the 17th century and was condemned in England to a death of horrific cruelty. Beatified by Benedict XV in 1920, he was later canonised by Paul VI in 1975, and is an example of fidelity to one's vocation and task.
- THE RECIPE: SEAFOOD CHOWDER
Kateri Tekakwitha, an unusual saint
Kateri Tekakwitha is the first Native American to be canonised. Among the miracles attributed to her intercession is the inexplicable healing in 2006 of Jake Finkbonner, a child suffering from necrotizing fasciitis. When she was already orphaned of her parents, she discovered Christ thanks to the Jesuit missionaries and decided to dedicate herself to Him, imitating His sufferings. The documentary “In Her Footsteps” tells her story.
