volume 3

The Brown Scapular, by Benjamin Cabeen Derived from the Latin word Scapulae, or “Shoulders”, a scapular is a Western Catholic garment suspended from the shoulders. There are two different types of scapulars. One is called the Monastic scapular, the other is called the Devotional scapular. The word scapular is a general term. A Monastic scapular is a large piece of cloth that monks wear over their heads. Originally just the aprons that they wore, the scapulars are worn by many orders of monks....

Blessed Alice Kotowska, by Evelyn Wagner Blessed Alice Kotowska was born on November 20, 1899. Her birth name was Maria. She had 8 siblings and was born in Warsaw, Poland. Her father was an organist at her church and his holiness affected her throughout her life. The two most important things in her life were God and Country because she was born in a time when Poland was trying to free itself from the captivity of other nations....

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....

Christening a Church, by Ryan P. Hanson When a new Catholic Church is built, it cannot be used right away; it begins as just a beautiful building. For it to become a church it has to be christened by the bishop of the diocese. This happens by giving the new church three things that reflect the Sacraments of Initiation, that is, Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. The Baptism of a Church happens when the bishop sprinkles holy water on the new building and on the people, called the living stones of the church, and the altar....