By Carrie Gress

There is something enigmatic about snow. Often, it arrives silently, without ceremony. One scarcely knows it is there. Only over time, does it reveal itself. The accumulation brings with it a blanket of beauty. Everything becomes different, suddenly pure, calm, quiet, and glistening with wonder.

By Molly Farinholt

Is beautiful art an expression of the divine and an instrument of worship? It has not always been seen as such — even within the Church. In the Byzantine Empire, during the eighth and ninth centuries, magnificent icons were torn down and destroyed while bitter debate raged between those in favor of such destruction and those who sought to halt the burning.

By Sofia Infante

In the decade since a group of Carmelite monks living in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming set out to roast their own coffee, their popularity has steadily increased. The monks began by roasting their coffees in a cast iron skillet and selling a small selection of flavored coffee online. Today, they offer a large selection of flavored coffees, teas, and more.

By Noelle Mering

To consider even briefly the rich symbolism of light is to arrive at varied but overlapping possibilities: the hope-filled dawn, the illumination of space and intellect, the revelation of a light bulb moment, the spring-sun inducing life and rebirth of earth and spirit, the exposure in the cold light of day of what had been cloaked in the night.

By Carrie Gress

Books always make great gifts. Long after the latest flashy fad toy’s batteries have died, treasured books have a way of taking on a life of their own within a family, even as they tumble off of beds, or get piled precariously high among other toys. 2018 was a great year for Catholic children’s books. Here are some of my favorites to consider for the little people in your life.

By Noelle Mering

As Catholic women we are called to represent our internal dignity in how we present ourselves. Style and fashion might tend toward frivolity or vanity in the grand scheme of things, but we’re composites of body and soul and what we’re wearing can inform others about who we are and what we’re about.

by Noelle Mering

Anyone who knows Kendra Tierney knows her to be as gracious as she is inspirational. She, and her very dear family, really live out a full Catholic life with generosity and joy, and that life is exemplified in the way they live out the liturgical year. I sat down to chat with Kendra about this latest book.

By Elizabeth Wise

In 1661, Catholic businessman, Jan Hartman, had the brilliant plan to build a hidden chapel in his home. His success trading linen and selling local wines enabled him to purchase adjacent properties to build his secret chapel. He acquired one canal house along the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, as well as two additional properties in the connected alley.  After these three acquisitions, Hartman immediately began major work on the buildings.

By Molly McKenna

Faced with the daunting task of revitalizing the Church amidst the upheaval of the Protestant Reformation, leaders in Rome turned to art. They commissioned a profusion of altarpieces, frescoes, oil paintings, and sculptures intended to reestablish piety among the faithful. Saint Teresa of Avila became a prominent subject that resonated with the people.

By Molly McKenna

Virtuous women -- it is a lost theme in our own day, but not a neglected one in ages past, particularly 17th century Netherlands. Because virtue is neglected today, few of us know how to interpret the messages of these lovely paintings. A deeper look reveals a beautiful nobility and depth that these artists saw in the daily life of women.