Croagh Patrick

Man, Myth, Missionary: Reconnecting with the Real St. Patrick

Posted on March 13, 2025
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I owe St. Patrick an apology. Despite him being my countryโ€™s patron saint and having celebrated more St. Patrickโ€™s Days than I can count, I never took him seriously. It didnโ€™t help that a joke was going around school when I was young: โ€œWhat did St. Patrick say as he was driving the snakes out…

St Matthias the Apostle - Rubens

The Liturgical Home: St. Matthias, the Apostle Who Replaced Judas

Posted on February 21, 2025
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The Church commemorates St. Matthias on February 24th, recognizing him as the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. A devoted follower of Jesus, Matthias was selected through prayer and casting lots. His legacy emphasizes God’s call to ordinary people for extraordinary purposes, highlighting themes of faithfulness and humility in service.

Polycarp Exinguishing the Fires of Smyrna

Polycarp: A Martyr Who Bore Much Fruit

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In the providence of God, a person’s name sometimes accurately reflects the meaning of his life. Such is the case with Polycarp, the 2nd-century bishop and martyr. Polycarp is a Greek name that means many (poly) fruits (carp), and in light of scripture, this is an especially appropriate name. Jesus himself said: Truly, truly, I…

Holy Sovereigns King Kamehameha IVย and his wife,ย Queen Emma.

Holy Sovereigns Day: The Feast of the Church in Hawaii

Posted on November 22, 2024
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At the end of November, we will make a big-to-do at All Saints Honolulu. A large, light-strung canopy will be set up in my front yard. Chairs, benches, and carpets from the sanctuary will be arranged, with an altar and lectern on the grass, dressed for Holy Communion. A reredos and boughs of leaves will…

Charles Simeon

Charles Simeon: A Life of Long Obedience

Posted on November 13, 2024
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After a long and faithful life of preaching, teaching, and pastoring in Cambridge, England, Charles Simeon died on November 13, 1836. As he lay dying, a friend who visited him asked his thoughts as he lingered between time and eternity. Simeon responded only this: โ€œI donโ€™t think now; I am enjoying.โ€ Though they sound more…