It was a young nun named Margaret Mary Alacoque of the Visitation order at Paray-le-Monial, France, who would become Jesus’ conduit to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart throughout the Roman Church.

Workers spent about two weeks planting and rearranging evergreens, flowers and plants to complete a gigantic botanical reproduction of Pope Leo’s shield on the sloped lawn in front of the Vatican’s governing office.

Missionaries of Mercy are priests given faculties to absolve penitents of certain sins which are otherwise reserved to the Holy Father to absolve, due to their seriousness. These include the profanation of the Eucharist and the direct violation of the sacramental seal by a priest hearing a confession.

Summer is my favorite time of year, and I am looking forward to being outside more and enjoying longer, slower days. I love everything about summer.

The other day, I watched as my son, who was stuck in a challenging situation, stepped forward to advocate for himself—politely and firmly. He was heard without any apparent criticism, the problem was immediately resolved, and the world continued to turn. It took my breath away. But at 15 and 17, he and his brother […]