It seems we Catholics have a patron saint for just about everything. But have you ever wondered if there is a patron saint for addiction? My research uncovered several. Hopefully, one of these will resonate with you. Perhaps the best-known patron saint for addiction...
One of my local churches has recently distributed signs stating very simply, "We all have questions." Sometimes we question the very existence of God. Sometimes we question His nature: is He truly all powerful? Omnipresent? All knowing? All merciful? All loving? Can...
One of the tools that I learned as I went through the Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat spiritual practice to help navigate challenging situations was a beautiful breathing exercise. Even today, over three years clean of my porn addiction, when...
Step One: We admitted that we were powerless over [ ] - that our lives had become unmanageable. I like to say I walked into overeaters anonymous looking for help with my “diet” problems and walked away with something else entirely. Step One was a jarring experience...
According to pious tradition, Our Lady gave 15 promises to those who would pray the rosary with real devotion. Three of those promises are signal graces, an armor against hell, and the destruction of vice. To overcome my porn addiction I needed the Mother of God to...
I had just received my 16-year medallion and black key tag from my NA (Narcotics Anonymous) family, when a brother priest shared that he was reading Sister Ignatia: Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous by Mary Darrah. The medallion and key tag are given to members to...
I write this amidst the serenity of the Prince of Peace Abbey monastery in Oceanside, CA. My eyelids feel a bit heavier than usual this evening, seemingly bearing the weight and pressure of some emotional exhaustion. A dear friend, Dorothy Byrne, who passed away on...