Author Archives: Steve Benner

Philip and JamesPhilip and James appear in the list of the twelve apostles in the first three gospels but are frequently confused with other early saints who share their names. In John’s gospel, Philip has a more prominent rôle, being the third of the apostles to be called by Jesus and then himself bringing hisContinue reading “Oremus for May 1, 2026”

Daniel BerriganJesuit Daniel Berrigan, pirest, poet and peacemaker was one of the most influential voices in shaping Catholic thinking about war and peace during the past century. He died on this day in 2016 at the age of 94. Berrigan gained national attention for his work against the Vietnam War, including his participation in a strikingContinue reading “Oremus for April 30, 2026”

Catherine of SienaCatherine Benincasa was born in 1347, the second youngest of twenty-five children. Pious from her earliest years, she overcame family opposition to her vocation and became a Dominican tertiary at the age of eighteen. Nourished by a life of contemplative prayer and mystical experience, she devoted herself to active care for the poorContinue reading “Oremus for April 29, 2026”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/fuads5xa I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord.Should they cry to me in any distress,I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever. God of all who worship you,make us one with all your saintsand with any who are in need.Teach us to befriend the weak,and welcome the outcast,thatContinue reading “Oremus for April 28, 2026”

Christina RossettiChristina Rosetti, among the more important poets of the nineteenth century, was born in 1830 to a professor and his devout, evangelical wife. Her eldest sister, Maria, entered an Anglican convent and her poet-painter brother, Dante, was a leading figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement of the nineteenth century. She suffered from poor health mostContinue reading “Oremus for April 27, 2026”

Antiphon 1 Ant. Sing unto the Lord, alleluia; *sing to the Lord, bless his name;proclaim his salvation day after day, alleluia, alleluia.V. O sing a new song to the Lord; *sing to the Lord, all the earth.Tell among the nations his glory, *and his wonders among all the peoples. Psalm 96 Lord of life,submitting to death, you conquered theContinue reading “Oremus for April 26, 2026”

Mark the EvangelistJohn Mark’s mother lived in Jerusalem, and Mark was a companion of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Paul and Barnabas parted company, and Mark went with Barnabas to Cyprus. The rift between Mark and Paul was not permanent, for we later hear of Mark as a companion of Paul, andContinue reading “Oremus for April 25, 2026”

Genocide RemembranceThis day is set aside in the calendar of the church to hold in remembrance those who have died and those whose lives have been severely damaged as a result of acts of genocide: the systematic and intentional destruction of a people by death, by the imposition of severe mental or physical abuse, byContinue reading “Oremus for April 24, 2026”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/5t7vysmf The glory of the Lord will be revealed,and all flesh will see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 40 Living God, with joy we celebratethe presence of your risen Word.Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spiritso that we may proclaim the good newsof eternal and abundant life;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCW2018 Music: https://tinyurl.com/mb6h9xfa OContinue reading “Oremus for April 23, 2026”

Earth Day Antiphon1 Ant. Yours are the heavens, yours is the earth, *the world and the fullness thereof have been founded by you.Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.V. A God to be feared in the council of the holy ones, *great and awesome to all around him. Psalm 89 God of creation,we give thanks forContinue reading “Oremus for April 22, 2026”