While many people know the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance in Mexico to Juan Diego on Dec. 12, 1531, not everyone knows the significance that roses played in the miraculous event.

Our family visited the shrine in 2006 and my husband Mark brought home a life-sized replica of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s image. It hangs in our living room and he uses it during presentations that he frequently gives about this amazing story. Although there is much to love about the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the part about the roses is one of my favorites.

Bishop’s Prayer

Presented the VI Report: $1700 billion turnover for the production of arms: USA in the lead, China and Saudi Arabia growing. Paolo Beccegato: “they fight sure to win because they are more armed than their adversary”.

It is the shocking scene of the twenty-one Copts slaughtered on a beach in Libya by the militiamen of the Islamic State that inspires the Pope’s reflection in the Tuesday, december 11 Mass in Santa Marta. Francis recalls that dramatic moment, one of the worst in the propaganda of the jihadist horror, to testify that even in the worst moments there is a “consolation” that is a gift from God and that is “the usual state of the Christian”.

Today, December 10, "the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights” is adorned with the finest gowns, as this "virtuous lady" marks its 70th anniversary.

Truth (=the true Word of God) comes into the world through Mary the Immaculate

Each Advent for the past eight years, I have had the privilege of giving a sermon at the Episcopal church that I attend (this year I am up on Advent 4). Last year I gave this sermon on the First Sunday of Advent.

Pakistan, a country where the Christian minority experiences terrible persecution and discrimination, simply because of their faith.

The rupture of sacramental communion between the Patriarchates of Moscow and Constantinople over the “Ukrainian issue” risks triggering potentially irreparable processes of laceration.

Francis launches the Christmas campaign organized by Aid to the Church in Need. In his catechesis he reflects on the season of Advent: let us open ourselves up to the many peoples tormented by hunger and injustice.

Does the Mother of Jesus have any relevance to the present Church crisis? In light of the ubiquitous commentaries questioning obedience to Pope Francis, clerical sex abuse, and the proper role of bishops and laity, it is, perhaps, time to return to basics. It is time to return to Mary.