Tree of Life

“Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”  Today we celebrate the last day of Mary’s Month by the commemoration of Her Visitation to St. Elizabeth.  It is the day that Mary meets with her cousin Elizabeth because the Angel Gabriel when announcing to Mary the incarnation of Christ, he also told her that Elizabeth was pregnant. In her charity Mary selflessly visits her cousin. On this day St. John leaps in the womb at the sound of Mary’s voice and is purified in St. Elizabeth’s womb by Jesus’ presence within Mary’s. The Holy Spirit inspires Mary to pray the Magnificat after inspiring Elizabeth to first recite the second half of the Hail Mary, “Blessed art Thou…Mother of God”.  Therefore like the Annunciation today is a good day for special devotion to the Hail Mary! The Magnificat is also a testimony to the just and merciful power of God and the real Christian call to help the poor and downtrodden as the “rich are sent away empty.” The Canticle o...

As Christians we have a great duty to pray for the souls of the faithful departed. This and every Memorial Day we are grateful for the brave men and women who died for the cause of our civil freedoms as we remember that Jesus Christ died for our soul's freedom.  Today, fly your American Flag, dress patriotic, wear a poppy and take part in the National moment of silence at 3pm ( 3pm is used because that's when people are busy with activities so it provides time to pause and pray as the Angelus does at Noon daily) .   But most of all, Memorial Day is a great day to visit a cemetery/memorial and pray for the souls of those who died defending our freedoms, as well as praying for the intercession of Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception as patroness of America to intercede for their souls and their families as a grateful nation (a partial indulgence can be gained for prayers at a cemetery.)  Although we don't want war, and disagree with its ex...

Daily Reads  Saint of the Day (For further info see Detailed Catholic Calendar  and  The Holy See , if you select Bulletin or News on this website you’ll see the Holy Father’s schedule and messages. The monthly intention of the Pope is also published  here. ) Marian Calendar Daily Holidays   More Daily Holidays This Day in National History This Month at a Glance  (Holidays and special events this month)  Diversity Calendar An Easy Way to Become a Saint Meditations for Those Consecrated to Mary Consecration Aids To Our Lady of Perpetual Help Note: According the the current Handbook on Indulgences a plenary indulgence can be gained once a year on a day of your choosing by visiting a sacred place. See here #33 2d and 4b Various Links  Note:  For people with scrupulosity or OCD, you don't need to read through every source or every post, just look for what you need. Some sources with a plethora of info have a search bar. As always if you have a ...

“In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph!” Today we honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Our Lady of the Rosary when we honor Our Lady of Fatima. How good a Mother in Heaven do we have! Pray the Rosary and wear the Scapular! When honoring Our Lady under this title we aren’t merely recalling an event (and certainly we don’t turn from honoring Mary by instead succumbing to doomsday and false political interpretations of Her prophecies) but instead we celebrate that Mary came down from Heaven to remind us how much She loves us as our Mother and that She is the Queen of Peace. The secrets of Fatima are a means to show us that when we reject God and His love we allow hate to grow which creates violence and destruction which is shown in these secrets. The secrets are only a portion of the message and should not overshadow the tender compassion of Mary’s Immaculate Heart/ Mary is not coming to instill fear or anxiety but to show us that in all the areas of life, we have Her as our most...

This is a pro lgbtq, pro equality page! Let the reader be aware that the usage of a link doesn't state ownership, agreement with sentiments or ads that may be found on certain sites in regard to sexuality/ sexual ethics (per Catholic Teaching individual conscience plays the role here), ecumenism/ religious tolerance/ proselytizing and controversial views that one may deem regressive (ie marriage equality, misogynistic stereotypes). Unfortunately with some traditional sources, reference to some cultures and ethnicities are sometimes referred to with outdated terminology that would be offensive to members and allies of marginalized communities. I share the links for the information related to the specific article and reject the regressive ideologies towards sexuality and ecumenism that is unfortunately found frequently on conservative or traditionalist Catholic websites. There’s a big difference between areas of humanity like culture and sexuality where pages can be wrong whereas ...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!   Today is the day we set aside to honor our Moms and all they do for us all the days of the year. We pray for our moms who are still among us and for those who have passed on while we reflect and show gratitude for their love. We all have our common and most blessed Mother Mary to venerate this day and always, in times of sorrow and joy, like any good mother, Mary is there as our advocate. In 2025 we remember in a special way all the Mom’s in Gaza who are fighting for their lives and the lives of their children. May Our Lady be their comfort and may God grant them through Her intercession a permanent ceasefire. Why Do we Call Mary our Mother? Mary is Our Mother Honoring Mary This Mother's Day Mary’s Love for All Her Children Mother's Day Animal Sponsoring   What Mom Needs to Hear Mother's Day History Mother's Day Specials Mother's Day Fun   Mother's Day and Mental Health   Considerate Mother’s Day Greetings Honoring Moms of the Animal K...

Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for “Fifth of May” and commemorates the Battle of Puebla which is an important moment in Mexican History. Although today is not Mexican Independence Day we celebrate many cultures on holidays throughout the year and thus today is the day for supporting Mexican Americans and appreciating them and their culture. This day is also dedicated to  Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women . Our Lady of Guadalupe   About  Cinco De Mayo  Culturally Sensitive Cinco de Mayo Mexican American Icons Hispanic Culture in Buffalo   Mexican History   National Symbols of Mexico   Virtual Tours of Mexico   Mexican Superstitions   Vegan Mexican Recipes Cinco De Mayo Holiday Specials

  988 is number to be used for mental health assistance as opposed to using 911. Thank You to those from whom I have gotten information for the following, I take no credit. Also for those with mental health concerns that may be overwhelmed by the following, the Allyship guide below is a simple way to begin learning and your desire to do justice is a start and makes for authentic allyship. Allyship Guide  Rights When protesting for human rights make sure that you do so on public property unless you have consent to use private property and make sure to be aware of size limits and if you need a permit for sound amplifying devices. If you feel your rights are being infringed make sure to get badge number, patrol car number and the agency name. Get any witness information and necessary photographs especially any injuries.  Further Know Your Rights Domestic Abuse Hand Signal  Don’t take anything personally, stand up for justice as God would. Treat everyone equally, if you ...

            Resources for the First Friday of Each Month   About the Sacred Heart Devotion (Note,  Eucharistic Adoration is a traditional part of the First Friday devotion but the only necessary condition is to receive the Eucharist in the state of grace in the spirit of reparation.) The Litany of the Sacred Heart Sacred Heart Artwork       Resources for the First Saturday of Each Month History of the Immaculate Heart Devotion   First Saturday Rosary Meditation Our Lady of Fatima Immaculate Heart Artwork     Note for First Saturday Mass: Jesus says the following to Sister Lucy in regards to those who have difficulty attending Mass on First Saturday: “It will be equally acceptable the practice of this devotion on the Sunday following the first Saturday, when my priests, for a just reason, so grants it to souls.” Note to Non Catholics: For those who wish to practice this devotion but are not yet admitted to th...