Author Archives: Steve Benner

Pope John XXIIIPope John XXIII changed the landscape of twentieth century Christianity. Born in Northern Italy in 1881, Angelo Roncalli was trained in Roman Catholic schools from an early age. After military service, Roncalli was ordained a priest in 1904. His passion for social justice for working people and for the poor was formed earlyContinue reading “Oremus for Saturday, June 4, 2022”

The Martyrs of UgandaOn June 3, 1886, thirty-two young men, pages of the court of King Mwanga of Buganda, were burned to death at Namugongo for their refusal to renounce Christianity. In the following months many other Christians throughout the country died by fire or spear for their faith. These martyrdoms totally changed the dynamicContinue reading “Oremus for Friday, June 3, 2022”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/555e7rrf How great is the goodness, Lord,that you keep for those who fear you. Psalm 31 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 Christ ourContinue reading “Oremus for Thursday, June 2, 2022”

Justin MartyrJustin was born of a pagan family at the beginning of the second century in Palestine. As a young man he explored many different philosophies before at the age of thirty embracing Christianity. He continued to wear the distinctive dress of a professional philosopher, and taught Christianity as a philosophy first at Ephesus, andContinue reading “Oremus for Wednesday, June 1, 2022”

The VisitationThis feast commemorates the visit of the Blessed Virgin to her cousin Elizabeth, recorded in the Gospel according to Luke (1:39–56). Elizabeth, who was then carrying John the Baptist, greeted Mary with the words, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Mary broke into the song of praiseContinue reading “Oremus for Tuesday, May 31, 2022”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/2p9c4fyw Look to your covenant, O Lord,and forget not the life of your poor ones for ever.Arise, O God, and defend your cause,and forget not the cries of those who seek you. Psalm 74 Almighty God,to whom all hearts are open,all desires, known,and from whom no secrets are hid:Cleanse the thoughts of our heartsbyContinue reading “Oremus for Monday, May 30, 2022”

Antiphon 1 Ant. God has gone up amidst shouts of joy,the Lord to the sound of the trumpet, alleluia.V. All peoples, clap your hands. *Cry to God with shouts of joy!For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, *the great king over all the earth. Psalm 47 Almighty God,to whom all hearts are open,all desires, known,and from whom noContinue reading “Oremus for Sunday, May 29, 2022”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/228vra7b Come to me, all who labor and are burdened,and I will refresh you, says the Lord. Matthew 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 holyContinue reading “Oremus for Saturday, May 28, 2022”

John CalvinJohn Calvin was the premier theologian and leader of the Reformed wing of the Protestant Reformation. He was born in France in 1509. His father wanted him to study law, whichhe did for a time, but Calvin’s own passions were theology, languages, rhetoric and the literary sciences. Around 1534, he underwent a major conversionContinue reading “Oremus for Friday, May 27, 2022”

Ascension Day Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/47syb79m You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;praise the Lord, who ascends above the highest heavens;his majesty and might are in the skies, alleluia. 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 weContinue reading “Oremus for Thursday, May 26, 2022”