Author Archives: Steve Benner

Thomas MoreBorn in London in 1478, Thomas More studied classics and then the law, being called to the Bar at twenty-three years old. His clear honesty and integrity impressed Henry VIII and he appointed Thomas as his Chancellor. He supported the king in his efforts to reform the clergy but disagreed over Henry’s disputes withContinue reading “Oremus for Wednesday, July 6, 2022”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/5kz2zshn Everyone who lives and believes in mewill not die for ever, says the Lord. John 11 Almighty God,to whom all hearts are open,all desires, known,and from whom no secrets are hid:Cleanse the thoughts of our heartsby the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,that we may perfectly love youand worthily magnify your holy name;through ChristContinue reading “Oremus for Tuesday, July 5, 2022”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/3jt6trf4 As for me, in justice I shall behold your face;I shall be filled with the vision of your glory. Psalm 17 Almighty God,to whom all hearts are open,all desires, known,and from whom no secrets are hid:Cleanse the thoughts of our heartsby the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,that we may perfectly love youand worthilyContinue reading “Oremus for Monday, July 4, 2022”

Thomas the ApostleThomas is mentioned among the number of the Apostles in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke but it is in John’s gospel that his significance is revealed. Firstly, he is heard encouraging the other disciples to go to Judæa with Jesus; then, not knowing what Jesus meant when he talked about whereContinue reading “Oremus for Sunday, July 3, 2022”

Washington GladdenWashington Gladden (February 11, 1836-July 2, 1918) was one of the earliest and most influential proponents of the Social Gospel Movement that grew in response to the industrial and urban revolutions of the late 19thcentury. Its advocates believed that salvation was the symbiotic relationship between the personal and the social. One could not separate one’s ownContinue reading “Oremus for Saturday, July 2, 2022”

Catherine WinkworthCatherine Winkworth is celebrated as the premier translator of German hymns and chorales into English. Winkworth was born in London in 1827, but grew up in Manchester where she spent most of her life. Her lifelong fascination with German hymns and chorales began during a yearlong visit to Dresden, Germany, in 1848. Her firstContinue reading “Oremus for Thursday, July 1, 2022”

Pierre ToussaintPierre Toussaint (1766-1853) was born a slave in Haiti and died a freeman in New York City. He is credited by many with being the father of Catholic Charities in New York. Pierre was instrumental in raising funds for the first Catholic orphanage and began the city’s first school for black children. He also helpedContinue reading “Oremus for Thursday, June 30, 2022”

Peter and PaulPeter has often been called the ‘Prince of the Apostles’ because of the words of Jesus re-naming him, from Simon to Cephas. This was the Aramaic form of the Greek word Peter, which means ‘rock’. Jesus said that on this rock he would build his Church. But both Peter and Paul came toContinue reading “Oremus for Wednesday, June 29, 2022”

IrenaeusIrenæus was probably a native of Smyrna, born in about 130. As a boy, he had heard Polycarp preach, who had in turn been a disciple of the apostle John. Irenæus is thus one of the important connections between the apostolic Church and the second century. He studied at Rome, and later became a priestContinue reading “Oremus for Tuesday, June 28, 2022”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/wkte6j3s I am the true vine and you are the branches, says the Lord.Whoever remains in me, and I in him, bears fruit in plenty, alleluia. John 15 Almighty God,to whom all hearts are open,all desires, known,and from whom no secrets are hid:Cleanse the thoughts of our heartsby the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,that we mayContinue reading “Oremus for Monday, June 27, 2022”