Yearly Archives: 2019

The Scourging at the Pillar

March 19, 2019 / Michael Haverkamp

All five meditations on the Sorrowful Mysteries could focus on the intense physical suffering Jesus endured for our sake, but the second mystery, The Scourging at the Pillar, brings the physical torment of Christ into stark relief. Scourging was a common practice for the Romans prior to a crucifixion. (1)

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The Agony in the Garden

March 12, 2019 / Michael Haverkamp

The mysteries of the Rosary celebrate the three events that forever changed the destiny of mankind: the Incarnation, when Jesus came down from Heaven to share in our humanity the Crucifixion, when Jesus paid the price for our sins through his death on the Cross the Resurrection, when Jesus triumphed

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The Presentation and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple

March 5, 2019 / Michael Haverkamp

We can lose sight of how awesome the Nativity is due to the over-commercialization of Christmas. (I can imagine Jesus pulling down merchandise from the shelves of Walmart, saying, “The Word did not become flesh so you can get a deal on a giant TV!” Maybe that’s neither here nor

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The Nativity

February 26, 2019 / Michael Haverkamp

Mary’s “yes” to God, her willingness to become the mother of Jesus, set her on a journey she could never have expected. She put her complete trust in God’s love and mercy through all the trials of her life. And her trials were many, including the Nativity. Mary must have

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The Annunciation and the Visitation

February 19, 2019 / Michael Haverkamp

The centerpiece of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary is the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But the protagonist of these mysteries is Mary, who in the story of the Joyful Mysteries is a model of true discipleship for us. The first mystery is the Annunciation. Our

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The Rosary

February 12, 2019 / Michael Haverkamp

The Rosary predates Jesus’ birth, and was updated most recently in 2002. It is the best known of Catholic devotions, is credited with winning an epic battle, and has the capacity to bring peace to the world. The Rosary – specifically, the Hail Mary prayer that is at its center

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Take all souls to heaven

January 29, 2019 / Michael Haverkamp

“And after each one of the mysteries, my children, I want you to pray in this way: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell. Take all souls to heaven, especially those who are most in need.” Holy Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, taught

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The Message of Fatima

January 15, 2019 / Michael Haverkamp

The Miracle of the Sun was not well known outside of Portugal, at least not at first. In October of 1917, World War One still raged in Europe. The months-long battle of Passchendaele was nearing its conclusion, with the British advancing the front five miles at a cost of more

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The Miracle of the Sun

January 1, 2019 / Michael Haverkamp

A common objection to Christianity is the supposed lack of miracles that take place in our time. The Bible documents numerous miracles, and there is compelling evidence that the Resurrection is a real historical event (which, by itself, should satisfy the open mind and heart). But there are miracles in our

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