Devotions, Explained!
Stations of the Cross           

Mini Explanation
Since the earliest days of the church, Christians have meditated upon Christ’s passion and death. Over the centuries, the Stations of the Cross was popularized as a devotional means to experience the places and moments central to the story of Holy Week.

Stations of the Cross, Explained
In the earliest years of Christianity, the locations central to the story of Holy Week — the Garden of Gethsemane, Calvary, the Holy Sepulcher, and more — were destinations for pilgrims who wanted to experience Christ's sacrificial love for us in a physical way. In the years after the Crusades, pilgrimage to the Holy Land became impossible for most Christians, and the Stations of the Cross was popularized as a devotional means to pray through the passion and death of Christ.

Throughout history the number of stations has varied, with different traditions focusing on different events. In the 18th century, the number was officially fixed at 14 by Pope Clement XII. These stations are taken from the Gospel accounts of Christ’s passion and death, though there are several which are derived from tradition and apocryphal sources, such as the meeting of Mother and Son and St. Veronica wiping the face of Christ

Devotions, Explained!
St. Patrick’s Breastplate

Mini Explanation
St. Patrick’s Breastplate is an ancient Irish prayer attributed to St. Patrick. Its eleven sections call upon different elements of divine protection, beseeching Christ to surround the physical and spiritual reality of those who say it.

St. Patrick’s Breastplate, Explained
St. Patrick’s Breastplate (sometimes called The Lorica of St. Patrick) is an ancient Irish prayer attributed to St. Patrick. The prayer first appears in the Liber Hymnorum, an 11th-century collection of Irish and Latin hymns, where it is said that Patrick sang these words when he was besieged by the anti-Christian chieftain Lóegaire.

The prayer’s most famous excerpt contains an invocation that Christ be “with me, before me, behind me, beneath me, above me, on my right, on my left, when I lie down, when I sit down, in the heart of every man who thinks of me, in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, in the eye that sees me, in the ear that hears me.” The prayer’s complete version can be divided into eleven sections, each calling upon different elements of divine protection, binding those who recite it to the strength of the Trinity. 

Devotions, Explained! - Prayer to St. Joseph

Mini Explanation
For centuries, Christians have relied on the intercessory prayers of Joseph, earthly spouse of the Blessed Virgin and foster father of Christ. One particular novena prayer to St. Joseph is often called “the unfailing prayer to St. Joseph.”

Prayer to St. Joseph, Explained
For centuries, Christians have relied on the intercessory prayers of Joseph, earthly spouse of the Blessed Virgin and foster father of Christ, who was obedient to the will of God in all things.

One particular novena prayer to St. Joseph is often called “the unfailing prayer to St. Joseph.” It is thought to have originated in the first century A.D. and was sent by the pope to Emperor Charles as he went into battle. It is said that those who recite this prayer will not suffer a sudden death and will likewise be protected from drowning, the effects of poison and fire, falling into the hands of the enemy or being overpowered in battle.

For a full text of this prayer, visit ewtn.com/catholicism/library/novena-to-st-joseph-11865. 

Examination of Conscience

3rd Sunday in ordinary time           

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.

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.