Author Archives: Steve Benner

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 Saturday, April 27, 2024”

Michael RamseyArthur Michael Ramsey (1904-1988) was the 100th Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from 1961-1974. Prior to his tenure as Archbishop he was the Bishop of Durham and Archbishop of York. According to one Ramsey scholar, his theology was (1) based on Scriptures, (2) the church’s traditions, and (3) reason and conscience. John Macquarrie stated that Ramsey’sContinue reading “Oremus for Friday, April 26, 2024”

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 Thursday, April 25, 2024”

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 Wednesday, April 24, 2024”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/yc2wmpsx The merciful love of the Lord fills the earth;by the word of the Lord the heavens were made, alleluia. Psalm 33 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 yourContinue reading “Oremus for Tuesday, April 23, 2024”

Toyohiko KagawaToyohiko Kagawa was born in 1888 in Kobe, Japan. Orphaned early, he lived first with his widowed stepmother and then with an uncle. He enrolled in a Bible class in order to learn English, and in his teens he became a Christian and was disowned by his family. In his late teens, he attendedContinue reading “Oremus for Monday, April 22, 2024”

Antiphon 1 Ant. I am the good shepherd, alleluia;I know my sheep and my own know me, alleluia, alleluia.V. The Lord is my shepherd; *there is nothing I shall want.Fresh and green are the pastures *where he gives me repose.Near restful waters he leads me; *he revives my soul. John 20, Psalm 23 Almighty God,to whom all hearts areContinue reading “Oremus for Sunday, April 21, 2024”

Käthe KollwitzBorn to a middle-class family of Christian dissidents in Königsberg, East Prussia, Käthe Ida Schmidt was fortunate to have a liberal-minded father who encouraged her talent. Although women were barred from studying at the Academy, Schmidt began private art lessons with a copper engraver in 1881. Her education continued at the Schools for WomenContinue reading “Oremus for Saturday, April 20, 2024”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/28xk7a7x The love of God has been poured into our heartsthrough the Spirit of God dwelling within us, alleluia. Romans 5, 8 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 Friday, April 19, 2024”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/7e7juvyw The Lord is the strength of his people,a saving refuge for the one he has anointed.Save your people, Lord, and bless your heritage,and govern them for ever. Psalm 28 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 yourContinue reading “Oremus for Thursday, April 18, 2024”