Air Maria

The Need for Bridal Reins

“Modesty inspires a way of life which makes it
possible to resist the allurements of fashion and
the pressures of prevailing ideologies.”
(Catechism of the Catholic Church: 2523)

Not very long ago I was in attendance at a family wedding, with a nuptial mass. This was good, as many contemporary couples simply choose not to have a mass. I have been to those “exchanges of vows” (of sorts) in the past – no more. In this case, the day before the ceremony, I tagged along to the bridal shop where the gowns were to be collected. As we entered the shop I was just about to drop my usual sardonic comment about “robot” brides – when the sales clerk came out with the dresses. (more…)

THE OTHER SIDE

The culture, now beginning to evidence the signs
Of age, ebbs and tides, bobs indiscriminately.
The good, the bad, the indifferent, the lazy
Flow together unwittingly, often unwillingly.
Now slowly, now faster, events are shaping lives,
Or lives are shaping events. Moving, not holding.

(more…)

This article is being presented in three parts over three consecutive days.

Part 3 - The Miraculous Image Appears

Before anyone knew what she was doing, Veronica ripped off the veil that covered her own head. She acted so quickly no one could exercise any effort to stop her. They were indeed shocked at the sight of this young, beautiful woman, who had removed the customary veil, unheard of — and thus revealed herself and masses of her long, dark curls. She extended her arms to Him. (more…)

This article is being presented in three parts over three consecutive days.

Part 2 - Veronica Wipes the Face of Our Lord

The three women, no longer conscious or caring about their planned errands, thanked her, and began the retreat back to their homes, when one of them, the youngest, ever impetuous, stopped and asserted, “I must go and see for myself if this terrible story is true.” “You cannot go to that cruel road. You will be crushed by the crazed hordes, those who thrive on these brutal methods of killing.” “Even so,” she asserted, “I am going.” (more…)

This article will be presented in three parts in three consecutive days.

Part 1 - Veronica Hears of the Condemnation

The three women covered themselves carefully, as the March air was still cold with a penetrating damp. Each brought along a basket, for this was the day to purchase necessary foods and wine for the solemn Passover feast. There was the customary anticipation in them, as they planned their celebration in the traditional way, recalling and reliving the truths they had been taught since they were children. At the same time they talked in awed tones of the new movement spreading throughout their community and the larger part of their world was a movement they believed in, but did not know was destined to change everything. (more…)

Ave Maria!

With great joy we announce the debut of Hilda Nicolosi’s new column The Dry Wood on AirMaria. Hilda has many years of experience on the forefront of such issues as the ERA and Abortion.  As a housewife and mother she has experienced the full range of what is most precious about womanhood and has a burning zeal for preserving the God-given treasure of family life. We are looking forward to her contributions. 

                                  -Fra Roderic Mary

The Eighth Sorrow of Mary:

The Death of St. Joseph

by Hilda C. Nicolosi

A most treasured devotion for generations of Catholics is the honoring of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each of these prayerful recollections is followed by a Hail Mary:

The prophecy of Simeon
The flight into Egypt
The loss of Jesus in the Temple
The meeting of Jesus and Mary on Calvary
The Crucifixion
The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross
The burial of Jesus

Many blessings and graces are assured to those who will pause each day to recall Mary€™s sorrows. We draw near to her in a direct and personal way by this devotion because we realize how truly human she was and is. (more…)