St. Thomas Aquinas' Feast Day

January 28th is the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas. As one of the 33 Doctors of the Church, he is a remarkably influential figure who is viewed as the model teacher for those studying for the priesthood. As a great theologian and philosopher, he left behind some words of wisdom that are still incredibly relevant in today's world. As I was looking through some of his quotes, I found myself surprised by how much a 13th century priest could speak to me. Here are some of my favorite St. Thomas Aquinas quotes:

-Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.
-Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious.

-Good can exist without evil, whereas evil cannot exist without good.

-How can we live in harmony? First we need to know we are all madly in love with the same God.

-If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.

-The things that we love tell us what we are.

-There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.

-To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

-We can't have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves.

-Wonder is the desire for knowledge.

Prayers for Haiti

After the devastating earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday, our thoughts and prayers go out to those in need. Relief efforts are trying to save as many people from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake, but 100,000+ are feared dead. This is a truly tragic disaster, so please pray and help in whatever way you can.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help is the patron saint of Haiti. In this time of grief, let us call upon her for help and comfort.

O Mother of Perpetual Help, thou art the dispenser of every grace that God grants us in our misery; it is for this cause that He hath made thee so powerful, so rich, so kind, that thou might assist us in our miseries. Come once more to my assistance, for I commend myself to thee. In thy hands I place my eternal salvation; to thee I entrust my soul. Enroll me among thy most faithful servants; take me under thy protection and it is enough for me: yes, for if thou protect me, I shall fear nothing. My dear Lady, obtain for me the forgiveness of my sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance and the grace to have recourse to thee at all times, O Mother of Perpetual Help.

Donations can be made to Haiti relief efforts through the Salvation Army here.

Candlemas Celebration

Candlemas (or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord) is a Catholic celebration that falls on February 2. It is a remembrance of Jesus' presentation and purification in the Temple. According to Mosaic Law, a mother was to bring her son to the Temple 40 days after birth to be purified. During the ceremony, Mary received the Prophecy of Holy Simeon:

And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.

(Luke 2:34-35: )

The Feast of the Presentation is one of the most ancient feasts of the Christian Church. The first written reference can be found in the travel log of a 4th century nun named Egeria. Today, Candlemas is used as the time to bless candles to be used throughout the upcoming year. In a ceremony separate from mass, the priest blesses the beeswax candles with an aspergilium. Traditionally, parishes distribute some of these candles out to their parishioners. However, this tradition has somewhat fallen out of practice since Vatican II.

Candlemas is a day to celebrate new things. Home celebrations include a family meal with crepes, pancakes and cakes, and all grain based foods. Light candles around the house, spend time with your family, and remember the Holy Family.

Click here for special Candlemas Candles.