Author Archives: Steve Benner

Nikolaus von ZinzendorfNikolaus von Zinzendorf (1700-1760) was a German aristocrat who always had more interest in religious matters than in affairs of court. Following studies at the pietist center of Halle, he developed his own “theology of the heart,” which placed great emphasis on a close personal relationship with the suffering Savior. This “heart religion”Continue reading “Oremus for Wednesday, May 10, 2023”

Gregory of NazianzusGregory of Nazianzus, one of the Cappadocian Fathers, loved God, the art of letters, and the human race—in that order. He was born about 330 in Nazianzus in Cappadocia (now Turkey), the son of a local bishop. He studied rhetoric in Athens with his friend Basil of Caesarea, and Julian, later to beContinue reading “Oremus for Tuesday, May 9, 2023”

Julian of NorwichOn this day in the year 1373, when Julian of Norwich was thirty years old and suffering from what was considered to be a terminal illness, she experienced a series of sixteen visions, which revealed aspects of the love of God. Following her recovery, she spent the next twenty years of her lifeContinue reading “Oremus for Monday, May 8, 2023”

Antiphon 1 Ant. Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; shout with joy to God, all the earth; sing a psalm in honor of his name; come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what great things the Lord has done for my soul, alleluia.V. Burnt offering I bring toContinue reading “Oremus for Sunday, May 7, 2023”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/4xb5hd95 I am the light of the world, says the Lord;whoever follows me will not walk in the darkness,but will have the light of life. John 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 weContinue reading “Oremus for Saturday, May 6, 2023”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/3v94vcv3 He who ponders the law of the Lord day and nightwill yield fruit in due season. Psalm 1 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 Friday, May 5, 2023”

MonicaMonica was born in North Africa of Christian parents in 332 and she was married to a pagan named Patricius, whom she converted to Christianity. They had three children of whom the most famous was her eldest child, the future Augustine. Indeed, Augustine ascribed his conversion to the example and devotion of his mother: “SheContinue reading “Oremus for Thursday, May 4, 2023”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/5xe373t5 If you love me, keep my commandments, says the Lord,and I will ask the Father and he will send you another Paraclete,to abide with you for ever, alleluia. John 14 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 ofContinue reading “Oremus for Wednesday, May 3, 2023”

AthanasiusAthanasius was born in about the year 296 of Christian parents and educated at the Catechetical school in Alexandria. He was present at the Council of Nicaea as a deacon, accompanying his bishop Alexander, whom he succeeded as Patriarch in the year 328. Athanasius held firmly to the doctrines of the Church as defined byContinue reading “Oremus for Tuesday, May 2, 2023”

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 Monday, May 1, 2023”