January 25, 2026

Devotions, Explained!
Examination of Conscience

Mini Explanation
The practice of examining one’s conscience dates to the very beginning of the Christian faith. It simply calls for reflection on one’s actions, making note of lapses in judgment that should be confessed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Examination of Conscience, Explained
In Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, the apostle writes that it is imperative for a Christian to reflect on his conscience before he partakes of Holy Eucharist: “Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28). The practice of examining one’s conscience before seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation thus dates to the very beginning of the Christian faith and was encouraged as a regular practice by many saints and founders of religious orders as a means of growing in virtue.

An examination of conscience, when it relates to the sacrament, simply means reflecting on one’s actions (and particularly the intentions behind those actions) since the penitent’s last absolution, making note of lapses in judgment that should be confessed. A good basis for this reflection can be the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes and the seven deadly sins.

Virtues, Explained!
January 25, 2026

Patience

Mini Explanation

In practicing patience, we bear any kind of suffering for a greater good, safeguard our reason against sorrow, and “look at (other people) with God’s gaze knowing how to distinguish their faces from their faults.”

Patience, Explained!

In treating others with a spirit of patience, said Pope Francis, we “look at them … with God’s gaze, knowing how to distinguish their faces from their faults.”

“Rushing and impatience are enemies of spiritual life,” he continued. “God is love, and those who love do not tire, they are not irascible; they do not give ultimatums. God is patient, God knows how to wait.”

Patience is sometimes referred to as being “annexed” to the moral virtue of fortitude. In practicing patience, we bear any kind of suffering for a greater good. St. Thomas Aquinas describes patience as a means to “safeguard the good of reason against sorrow, lest reason give way to sorrow” (Sum. II-II, 136, Art. 1).

The virtue of patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and as Christians who have received the Holy Spirit we are called to “be patient in tribulation” (Romans 12:12) and to “preach the message (of Christ) … with great patience” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Devotions Explqained

January 18, 2026
The Angelus 

Mini Explanation
The Angelus is an ancient devotion whose practice developed over the course of several centuries. It is composed of three antiphons that tell the story of the annunciation, each followed by a Hail Mary. It is usually said daily at noon.

The Angelus, Explained
The incarnation of Christ changed the life of every Christian person who ever lived. Reflecting on that moment in salvation history is an opportunity for grace, growth and peace. Who wouldn’t want that every day, or even three times every day?

The Angelus is composed of three antiphons which narrate the annunciation, each followed by the recitation of a Hail Mary (a prayer that itself contains the “angelic greeting” of the angel Gabriel). Its name is derived from the first words of the prayer in Latin.

This devotion was developed over the course of several centuries and is rooted in the ancient practice of saying three Hail Marys in the evening. Historically, people were called to prayer by the ringing of church bells — “the Angelus bells.” Most people who recite the Angelus do so daily at noon, though it is often said in the morning, at noon and in the evening. 

Virtues, Explained!
January 18, 2026

Peace



Mini Explanation

Our modern Catholic understanding of peace is derived from the Hebrew concept of shalom, or wholeness, and refers not just to an absence of violence but to a personal reconciliation with one’s Creator.

Peace, Explained!

Peace. There may be no other word in the English language, writes Msgr. Stuart Swetland in Catholic Answers, “more susceptible to sloganeering, and thus misunderstanding.” But what is peace, in the context of Catholic virtue?

The peace of God, writes Paul in his Letter to the Philippians, “surpasses all understanding.” (Phil. 4:7) Peace is both a fruit of charity (CCC 1829) and a fruit of the Spirit (CCC 1832). Our modern Catholic understanding of peace is derived from the Hebrew concept of shalom, or wholeness, and it refers not just to an absence of violence (mandated by the fifth commandment) but to a personal reconciliation with one’s Creator. Peace is a spiritual effect of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (CCC 1496).

Our search for interior peace in our hearts parallels the historic struggle of mankind to realize peace in the world by practicing justice. “When we hear the Gospel, dear brothers and sisters,” said Pope Benedict, “we learn to build peace on the truth of a daily life inspired by the commandment of love.”

Devotions, Explained!

January 11, 2026
St. Blaise Blessing of the Throat

Mini Explanation
Catholics traditionally receive a blessing of the throat on the feast day of St. Blaise (Feb. 3), who was a bishop and martyr of fourth-century Armenia. During the blessing, a cross is formed from two blessed candles that are held over the throat.

St. Blaise Blessing of the Throat, Explained
Perhaps it’s an example of divine providence that the feast of St. Blaise falls on Feb. 3 — right in the middle of cold and flu season! This fourth-century Armenian saint was a bishop and martyr and is venerated as the patron of those who suffer from illnesses of the throat.

On his feast day, Catholics traditionally receive a blessing of the throat. This blessing is administered by a priest, deacon or a lay minister who follows the rites and prayers designated for a layperson. During the blessing, the minister takes two candles that were blessed on the feast of the Presentation and makes a cross in front of the throat, saying “Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness.” A priest or deacon will then make the sign of the cross.