thomas m cabeen

The Blue Scapular, by Benjamin Cabeen The Blue Scapular was given to Servant of God Ursula Benincasa, who founded the Congregation of the Oblates of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Hermitage of the Contemplative Nuns of the Immaculate Conception. Both societies were approved by Pope Gregory XV on April 7, 1623. Those who wear the Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception and belong to the Marian Fathers confraternity can receive a plenary indulgence if they are in a state of grace and free from attachment to sin, have an intention for someone, perform an act of indulgence, receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, and pray for the Pope....

Heresies: and Introduction, by Thomas M. Cabeen Heresies are an evil that can easily be thought of as a thing of antiquity. On the contrary, heresy is as present in our age as it has been from the early Church, the very first of which was condemned in the Council of Jerusalem, which is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. When one thinks about heresy the mind can be brought to many events of the past, both far and near: there are the complicated names, such as Arianism and Pelagianism, and councils such as the Council of Trent and of Nicaea....

St. Margaret of Castello, by Evelyn Wagner St. Margaret of Castello was born in Metola, Italy, in 1287. To the dismay of her parents, she was born a hunchback, could barely walk, and was blind. Her parents were wealthy and only cared about their social status, so they secluded her from society and tried to keep her a secret. But when she was six years old, a guest found out that she existed....

Bring Back the Slap! By Thomas M. Cabeen Blows on the cheek are not commonly associated with sacramental ceremonies nowadays, but until 1965, every confirmed Catholic received such a brief reproval. This action is known as the “Confirmation Slap”. Why it existed, why it doesn’t in the current Roman Rite, and why I think it should be brought back will be treated in this article. Up until the Second Vatican Council in the mid- 1960s, during the ceremonies (that is, the actions that surround a sacrament but are not necessary for the validity of the sacrament) of Confirmation, the confirmandi would receive a “brief blow on the cheek” by the bishop after being anointed with the Sacred Chrism....

The Camino de Santiago, by Gabriel Ringwald This life is a journey. We will have many experiences throughout our life, be they good or bad. One thing remains certain: we need to be spiritually in a personal relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ. When I get a chance to hear a talk about something related to our Catholic faith, you’ll see me there trying to learn more and get closer to God....