It’s difficult for a North American in 2010 to relate with the complex cultures and landscapes of Eastern Europe. When we look back through time, some 350 years into the past – well, then what we discover is an almost impenetrable forest of hard to pronounce names and convoluted stories. We find a battle or a war under ever rock and monumental faith living side-by-side with suspicious accusations of impiety.
St. Josaphat lived in a time when the Christians of Europe were battling, …

St. Augustine was born in the city of Tagaste, in Roman North Africa. Today it is known as Souk Ahras and it’s a three hour car drive from the Tunis airport. But back when Augustine was a child, Tagaste was still a Roman town and had been for the five centuries, ever since the days when Carthage was smashed and rebuilt by the occupying Latins. All those years later, Latin was still the dominant language of provincial Africa and generations of wealthy …

The year is 1335 and Magnus Eriksson, King of the Swedes and Norway, summons Bridget to be principle lady-in-waiting to his new queen, Blanche of Namur. Bridget was the daughter of the wealthiest family in Uppland and she was expected to produce many children. She gave birth to four sons and four daughters and thus fulfilled her parents’ wishes. By now Bridget was already having the revelations that would soon make her famous throughout Europe. She asked the queen-consort for permission and was given …

The Feast of St. Ignatius is something of a family holiday. Ignatian folks all over the world celebrate this day in gratitude for the life and teachings of Ignatius of Loyola. From Patna to Budapest and from Lima to Quebec, Jesuits come together for food, fun, and festivities. In the Philippines there’s even a St. Ignatius Day Run, ranging from 3 to 10K, so everyone can participate.
It’s one of the biggest international holidays that no one’s ever heard of.
Here in the U.S. Jesuits come …

The 11th of June is the Feast of the Sacred Heart
The image of the Sacred Heart is familiar to many in the Northwest – it’s a favorite decoration and tattoo in communities like Portland’s Hawthorne District and Seattle’s Capitol Hill. One of the few definitively Catholic symbols that has been universally accepted by popular culture – something about the truth of burning love resonates easily with all.
The place is Burgundy in central France and the year is 1675. A talented young Jesuit by the name of Claude de la Columbiere …