Lectio Divina

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 7, 2025



Mini Explanation
Lectio divina (“divine reading”) is an ancient practice of praying through the reading of Scripture. It includes four steps: read (lectio), meditate (meditatio), pray (oratio) and contemplate (contemplatio).

Lectio Divina, Explained!

Lectio divina (“divine reading”) is a practice of praying through the reading of Scripture, opening oneself to the inspiration and communication of the Holy Spirit.

The practice of Lectio divina dates to ancient monastic communities, but it has gained popularity in modern times as a way to meaningfully engage with the word of God.

The formula for Lectio divina is simple and follows four steps. The text of the Scripture is read (lectio) multiple times, and the reader takes note of any words or phrases that resonate with him in a particular way. The reader then reflects deeply on the passage (meditatio) and the words that he noticed, turning them over in his mind. Following this, the reader prays with the passage (oratio), and dialogues with God, inviting him to illuminate the reader’s understanding of the text. Finally, there is rest and contemplation (contemplatio). 

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 31, 2025

Imago Divina

Mini Explanation
Imago divina (Latin for “divine image”) is an extension of the ancient practice of lectio divina (literally, “divine lesson”). Imago divina is, in a sense, praying with one’s eyes, using the medium of artwork to assist in lifting the mind to God.

Imago Divina, Explained!

Imago divina (Latin for “divine image”) is an extension of the ancient practice of lectio divina (“divine reading”). Imago divina is, in a sense, praying with one’s eyes, or using the medium of artwork to assist in lifting the mind to God.

Believers have always connected with the divine through visual representations of faith. This can be seen in the frescoes that adorn the walls of the catacombs, in the glory of Rococo architecture, and in the stained glass windows of a simple country church. “Art is capable of making visible our need to go beyond what we see and it reveals our thirst for infinite beauty, for God,” said Pope Benedict in 2011.

In practicing imago divina, just like with lectio divina, the faithful “read” (or view), reflect, respond and rest with the image, inviting the Holy Spirit to move them accordingly. 

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 24, 2025

Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

Mini Explanation
The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises are prayers and meditations which are meant to accompany souls on a journey toward deeper contemplation of God’s love and a more meaningful understanding of his call to discipleship.

Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, Explained!

The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises are prayers and meditations developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (commonly referred to as the Jesuits).

St. Ignatius of Loyola (1492-1556) was born to a noble Basque family. In his youth, he spent time at the Royal Court of Castile and fought in the Spanish army. He experienced a profound religious conversion during a long period of convalescence following a battle injury. Living in a cave outside of Manresa, he began to keep the journal that became the basis of the famous Spiritual Exercises.

The Spiritual Exercises are meant to accompany souls on a journey toward deeper contemplation of God’s love and a more meaningful understanding of his call to discipleship in the life of each person. Divided into four stages, or “weeks,” the exercises focus on the interior movements of the heart to unveil the will of God. 

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 17, 2025

Devotions, Explained!

Gregorian Chant

Mini Explanation
Defined by a monophonic (meaning a single melody without harmony or chords), unaccompanied song, Gregorian chant is a form of sacred music used in liturgical settings and prayer. It has been synonymous with Catholic musical worship since the first millennium.

Gregorian Chant, Explained!

Gregorian chant is an ancient form of sacred music used in liturgical worship and prayer. Defined by a monophonic (meaning a single melody without harmony or chords), unaccompanied song, this type of chant focuses the singer’s mind on the content of the prayer being sung, which makes it uniquely suited for use in the Mass.

Dating to the first millennium, it derives its name from Pope St. Gregory the Great, though scholarship is unclear on when exactly this type of chant originated. Prior to the Second Vatican Council, it was standard to use Gregorian chant in the Roman Rite Mass. Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on Divine Worship promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1963, asserts that Gregorian chant is “specially suited to the Roman liturgy…(and) should be given pride of place in liturgical services.”

19 Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 10, 2025

Devotions, Explained!

House Blessing

Mini Explanation — Catholics who move to a new place of residence often wish to have their dwelling blessed, to call the favor and help of God upon all those who live in the house and all those who will enter it. The Roman Ritual provides two formats for such blessings.

House Blessing, Explained!

Catholics who move to a new place of residence often wish to have their dwelling blessed, to call the favor and help of God upon all those who live in the house and all those who will enter it.

The Roman Ritual (Book of Blessings) provides two formats for house blessings: one during the Easter or Christmas season (specifically for the Epiphany) and one for Ordinary Time. Those who live in the home must be present for a house to be blessed. A priest, deacon or lay person can administer the blessing, although if a lay person does so they must use the rites accorded to lay ministers in the Roman Ritual.

A house blessing includes Scripture readings, intercessions and a prayer of blessing.

St. Michael Prayer

Mini Explanation —
The prayer to St. Michael, composed by Pope Leo XIII, invokes the protection of the archangel Michael in the ongoing spiritual battle for the souls of all mankind. It is commonly said at the end of the rosary and by some parishes after the conclusion of Mass.

St. Michael Prayer, Explained!

The prayer to St. Michael invokes the protection of the archangel Michael in the ongoing spiritual battle for the souls of all mankind. This prayer was composed by Pope Leo XIII and its use was instituted in 1886 at the end of Low Mass, a tradition which continued until the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council. A popular story regarding its origin claims that the Pope wrote this prayer after having a vision of demonic spirits descending on Rome.

Michael is mentioned as one of God’s seven archangels in the Book of Enoch and is presented by Revelations 12:7-12 as the warrior angel who cast Satan from heaven. He is therefore traditionally venerated as a protector against the forces of evil and a guardian of the Church.

The Prayer to St. Michael is still commonly said at the end of the rosary and by some parishes after the conclusion of Mass.