While it’s true that the Druids once believed holly had magical powers, the use of this ancient evergreen on special occasions does not derive from any group in particular.
December 13
“The secret of waiting is that the seed has been planted, that something has begun.”
-Henri J. M. Nouwen
December 12
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
“The Word of God is present in [Mary], dwells within her, and takes hold of all the capabilities of her intelligence, her heart, her sensibility. Her entire being is mobilized by God and for God.”
-Father Marie-Dominique Philippe, O.P.
December 11
“Waiting patiently in expectation is the foundation of the spiritual life.”
-Simone Weil
December 10
“And when the hour had come that was to move
The long days onward to Bethlehem…
a moment paused,
Above a quiet place, and found, just this,
A woman wrapped in silence, and the seed
Of silence was her heart that tried to give
All that it held to give, and ever more.”
-John W. Lynch, Excerpt from A Woman Wrapped in Silence
December 9
“The Father of mercies willed that the Incarnation should be preceded by assent on the part of the predestined mother, so that just as a woman had a share in the coming of death so also should a woman contribute to the coming of life.’
-Lumen Gentium #56
Backlash is mounting against the American Girl doll brand after it began marketing a book encouraging gender change to girls ages three to 12 years.
KV writes: "Is it ok for me as a Catholic Christian to give gifts with pictures of Santa Claus on them? … I am concerned that I would be promoting pagan worship if I gave gifts with Santa images on them. Is this the case, or am I being too scrupulous?”
December 8
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
Mary Immaculate
“Pure as the snow,” we say. Ah! never flake
Fell through the air
One-tenth as fair
As Mary’s soul was made for Christ’s dear sake.
Virgin Immaculate,
The whitest whiteness of the Alpine snows,
Beside thy stainless spirit, dusky grows.
“Pure as the stars.” Ah! never lovely night
Wore in its diadem
So pure a gem
As that which fills the ages with its light.
Virgin Immaculate,
The peerless splendors of they soul by far
Outshine the glow of heaven’s serenest star.
-Eleanor C. Donnelly
ES writes: "I have a friend who lost her daughter to cancer. She was going to be 13 years old the past May. The father sells cookware for a living. One day, he went in to see his boss and the boss' wife happened to be in the office. Even though she knew nothing about the death of his daughter, she told him: 'Senor Flores, I see a girl next to you leaning into your shoulder. Who is she?' . . .
