Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: contemplation

Silent retreats’ rising popularity poses a challenge: How to handle the quiet

The headline in the monthly Ward 5 newspaper described what sounded like an antidote to the nonstop iPhone-checking, list-making, ladder-climbing, goal-setting, Washington mind-set: “Refuge for the Metropolitan Hermit.” The article described a postage stamp of a cabin, urbanely designed and gloriously sunlit, standing alone amid four acres of maples and white oaks on a protected… Read More ›

Share

Mary, model of contemplation

10. The contemplation of Christ has an incomparable model in Mary. In a unique way the face of the Son belongs to Mary. It was in her womb that Christ was formed, receiving from her a human resemblance which points to an even greater spiritual closeness. No one has ever devoted himself to the contemplation… Read More ›

Share

The Most Holy Rosary

Because the Immaculate Virgin was chosen to be the Mother of God, cooperating with him in the work of man’s salvation, she has a favor and power with her Son greater than any human or angelic creature … it is her greatest pleasure to grant help and comfort to those who seek her. The month of… Read More ›

Share

Anglican archbishop suggests contemplation for reaching post-Christian world

Vatican City, Oct 11, 2012 / 02:02 am (CNA).- Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams addressed the synod of Catholic bishops on the New Evangelization about the importance of contemplation for reaching people in a post-Christian world. “To be contemplative as Christ is contemplative is to be open to all the fullness that the Father… Read More ›

Share

Second Vatican Council did not reject Eucharistic adoration outside of Mass

Rome, Italy, Jun 7, 2012 / 05:35 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Benedict XVI says the Second Vatican Council did not reject Eucharistic adoration outside of Mass, including the Corpus Christi procession that he led this evening in Rome. “One unilateral interpretation of the Second Vatican Council has penalized this dimension, restricting in practice the Eucharist… Read More ›

Share

Noisy world is enemy of prayer

Vatican City, Mar 7, 2012 / 11:15 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The constant noise that accompanies modern life is an enemy of God’s word being heard in prayer, Pope Benedict XVI said. “Interior and exterior silence are necessary in order to hear that Word,” and yet, “our age does not, in fact, favor reflection and contemplation,”… Read More ›

Share

Italian astronaut glimpsed God’s beauty while in space

Rome, Italy, Mar 4, 2012 / 04:03 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Italian astronaut who spoke to Pope Benedict XVI from space says that being in orbit inspires deep contemplation and raises the mind and heart to God. “It’s the beauty,” Roberto Vittori told CNA, “the beauty of the earth seen from space, the beauty of… Read More ›

Share

Be Content You Are Not A Saint

Be content that you are not yet a saint, even though you realize that the only thing worth living for is sanctity. Then you will be satisfied to let God lead you to sanctity by paths that you cannot understand. You will travel in darkness in which you will no longer be concerned with yourself… Read More ›

Share

When Evil Comes Winging Toward You, Step Back into Cave of Your ‘Secret Tabernacle’

When an arrow is shot your way, first, step back. Shield yourself in the shadows. Hide in your “secret tabernacle.” If it is evil, it will come and then leave. If it is good, it will remain. Evil stays mainly when we step into its path and engage with it. A priest made this observation… Read More ›

Share

Pope: monasteries have a precious social function

Serra San Bruno, Italy, Oct 9, 2011 / 02:28 pm (CNA/EWTN News) Pope Benedict XVI  called the Carthusian charism of silence “a precious gift for the Church and the world,” and one that contained “a profound message for our life and for humanity.” “Retiring into silence and solitude, man, so to speak, is ‘exposed’ to… Read More ›

Share