The Catholic Company Blog | Sharing advice on Catholic books and gifts.

Sacrament Spotlight: Holy Matrimony

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Nick

Of all of the Sacraments, none has been, and more than likely will continue to be, more brutalized, disturbed, and augmented than the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. What was once done primarily in the Church is now done in the U.S. almost anywhere. From the beach to a roadside chapel to the courts. This means that the Church is called to ever more fully pronounce what the sacrament of Matrimony is. Is it simply a union between two people? Is it an attempt to be together for life? Is it a publicity stunt? Is it a financial decision reached for the benefit of two people and the children they may or may not have? Today the Church must affirm and exclaim with renewed vigor what the Sacrament of Marriage really means against a culture which doesn’t seem to be capable of answering the question.

Here are some commonly asked questions of the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church. These answers are gathered from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

- QUESTION: Who authored marriage? ANSWER: This is a very hot question in the world. Some say that marriage is a human practice made by humans for the survival of the human race. Lumen Gentium argues that “God himself is the author of marriage.” Furthermore, marriage is not a “purely human institution” (CCC 1603). What does this tell us? Marriage involves more than just a man and a woman making a commitment. It involves two people, their families, and their relationship with God.

- QUESTION: What is essential to marriage? ANSWER: The CCC plainly states: “unity, indissolubility, and openness to fertility are essential to marriage” (CCC 1664). Marriage is between a man and woman who are united (no polygamy, or swingers, affairs, etc.) throughout all of their lives (no divorce) and have a conjugal love open to life (no birth control, contraception, etc.).

- FOLLOW-UP Q: Why are these three qualities essential to marriage? ANSWER: Unity is essential as shown by Christ’s words: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate” (Mt. 19:6). Christ exclaims that those married become one flesh (unity) and are not to be separated (indissoluble). Those married must also be open to life because in children they are given a special gift which is the marriage’s crowning glory (CCC 1652).

- QUESTION: What is the goal of the married couple? ANSWER: The CCC argues that marriage is by nature “ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring” (CCC 1601). This means that even if procreation is seemingly impossible despite openness to human life, the marriage is still valid. I have heard it said that before you marry someone you ought to ask yourself, “Will this person bring me to Christ?” This question essentially addresses the nature of the relationship being ordered toward the “good of the spouses” and the ultimate “good of the spouses” is eternal life in Heavenly Glory.

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a beautiful Sacrament in which two lives and families are changed forever. I encourage you to give your loved ones who are receiving the Sacrament of Marriage Catholic wedding gifts. Catholic wedding gifts will help your loved ones remember what is essential to their marriage and will help them toward their natural goals. Do you have any questions about the Sacrament of marriage? What Catholic wedding gifts do you wish you had received on your wedding day?

Posted in Sacraments | Tagged Holy Matrimony, Marriage, Sacraments | Leave a comment

May Birthstone (Emerald) Rosary

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Nick

Emerald is one of the most famous gemstones in the world and is considered the May birthstone. Emerald has been worn and used for centuries as many have thought that it brings both intelligence and power. In fact, in ancient India beautiful emeralds can be found on treasure chests of Maharajas and Maharanis. The emerald is also thought to bring forth love as this old May birthstone poem says:

“Who first beholds the light of day

In spring’s sweet, flower month of May

And wears an Emerald all her life

Shall be a loved and a loving wife.”

Emerald is thought to bless those who wear it with promising love. Furthermore, many Christians have used the emerald to symbolize faith and hope. Emerald today is used primarily as the May birthstone. The May birthstone is a beautiful addition to jewelry and has wowed people for years. The emerald makes a great addition to rosaries as well. The rosary is one of the most popular prayers of Catholics around the world. Many pray the rosary daily as it allows them to meditate on the life of Christ, grow closer with the Blessed Mother, and center their day. Adding the May birthstone to a rosary could be the addition which draws your loved one to pray more fervently and fall in love with the Blessed Mother.

A May birthstone rosary combines the beauty of the rosary with the stunning radiance of emeralds. Your loved one born in May might benefit greatly from the gift of a May birthstone rosary. If you would like to learn more about birthstones or the rosary, please read the Birthstone Rosaries Guide.

Posted in Catholic Gifts, Prayer | Tagged birthstone rosary, May birthstone rosary, rosary | 1 Comment

Catholic Gifts and making a difference

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Nick

In Western society we have a beautiful tradition of gift-giving. We have numerous days on which we give gifts to one another including birthdays, religious events, religious holidays, etc. All of these occasions encourage use to be generous gift givers, especially religious events in which we can give catholic gifts. We should allow this beautiful tradition of gift-giving to encourage us to give gifts regardless of the day or event. I would argue that almost any day or time can be appropriate to give a heart-warming gift of love and consideration.

Consider that gift-giving in the U.S. is not always tied to a religious holiday or event. In fact, a great tradition exists in the U.S. of giving each other gifts regardless of the occasion. In fact, sometimes someone might simply be in great need of a catholic gift. For example, imagine the kind of impact giving a rosary, prayer card, prayer journal, or other catholic gifts might have on a friend of yours who is struggling with hopelessness or depression. Imagine the hope that you are giving that person and the love that are you are sharing with that cherished friend. Without you even being aware of it, you could be changing that friend’s entire outlook and perspective on life and their current situation.

Many years ago I attended a high school youth group retreat as a leader. While I was at the retreat one of the high school students wanted to try out spiritual prayer journaling I happened to have an unused prayer journal which I knew could help so I gave that simple gift to the student. He came to love the prayer journal and began to write in it with frequency. Years later I met up with him at Mass and he me that he had filled the entire prayer journal, and that the prayer journal transformed his prayer life and relationship with Christ. When I gave the simple gift of the prayer journal I had no clue as to the kind of effect it would have in his life, but I am glad to see that it was such a blessing to him. When one gives catholic gifts to someone in need, such as something as simple as a prayer journal, they might have just given one of the gifts which can change that loved one’s life.

Catholic gifts and Christian gifts in general need not be tied to specific gift giving holidays, but rather can be given when that special someone needs that gift the most. St. Francis Assisi is often quoted for saying “Preach the Gospel at all times, use words when necessary.” This quote reminds us that we are not able to preach the Gospel most effectively with words at all times and that sometimes simple catholic gifts can make a huge difference and are able to preach the Good News far more effectively. Catholic gifts can have an influence far beyond what we could ever imagine and I highly suggest you take the time to give a great catholic gift to a friend who is in need.

Posted in Catholic Gifts | Tagged Catholic Gifts, gift-giving, prayer journal | Leave a comment

Sacrament Spotlight: Confirmation

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Nick

One of the most mysterious sacraments of the Church is Confirmation. Confirmation is unique in that it is both a Sacrament of initiation, meaning that it initiates or begins our Christian life, while at the same time it is a completion of baptismal grace (CCC 1285). This powerful Sacrament completes a believers initiation into the Roman Catholic Church.

The Sacrament of Confirmation, just as any Sacrament, is multi-dimensional with a rich history. Many Christians don’t celebrate confirmation at all. Why does the Roman Catholic Church keep the Sacrament of Confirmation? Why is the Sacrament separate from Baptism? Is the Sacrament biblical? Here are some answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church to questions such as these.

- QUESTION: Why is the Sacrament of Confirmation conferred apart from Baptism? ANSWER: Originally, Confirmation and Baptism were conferred as a “double Sacrament” according to St. Cyprian (CCC 1290). In the Eastern Church they continue to confer them together. The West, however, could not confer them together due to “multiplication of infant baptisms all through the year, the increase of rural parishes, and the growth of dioceses often prevented the bishop from being present at all baptismal celebrations” (CCC 1290).

- QUESTION: Why can’t the Sacrament of Confirmation be repeated? ANSWER: Like Baptism, in Confirmation one receives an “indelible spiritual mark” on the soul (CCC 1304). This mark can never be removed or repeated. For this reason the Sacrament of Confirmation cannot be repeated.

- QUESTION: Who can receive this Sacrament? Anyone who has been baptized can receive the Sacrament, and preferably once they have attained the “age of discretion” (CCC 1307). However, if someone is in danger of death and have not yet been confirmed then they ought to be. One must also be in a state of grace to receive the Sacrament (CCC 1310).

- QUESTION: Is there a biblical origin to the Sacrament of Confirmation? ANSWER: Yes. The Catechism points to Acts 8:14-17 in which some disciples came to Peter and John after baptism to receive the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands (CCC 1315).

I hope these answers cleared up some of your questions about the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is an important sacrament which embarks the Christian on their new life in the Holy Spirit. If you have a loved one who is to be confirmed, then consider giving them a Confirmation gift to benefit them for life. It could be something as simple as a Confirmation photo frame to a beautiful Confirmation rosary. By giving your loved one a Confirmation gift they will be reminded of their Confirmation and of the fruits the Holy Spirit has given them! What questions do you have, if any, about Confirmation?

Posted in Sacraments | Tagged Confirmation, Confirmation gifts, Sacraments | Leave a comment

Angel Statues + Garden = Contemplative Zone

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Nick

What percentage of Americans do you think garden? 25%? 50%? Actually, according to the 2000 Census, 61% of Americans garden. If that percentage holds true today, then over 186 million people garden in the United States. Gardens are a great addition to any home. Gardening allows one to participate in the creation of life, surround oneself with God’s creation, and sometimes eat healthy, organic, and natural foods. Gardening takes hard work and effort which is usually fulfilling and soothing.

According to an article on health.msn.com entitled “4 Suprising Health Benefits of Gardening,” gardening provides numerous benefits one might not expect. These benefits include greater satisfaction in life and better sleep. But I think their are certain benefits unique to having a garden with religious statues. At first it was odd to me to see religious statues in a garden, whether they were angel statues or St. Francis of Assisi statues. Then I realized that having angel statues or any sort of Christian statues in gardens added a whole new dimension to them. Walking through gardens with angel statues reminds us of an important lesson.

That important lesson is that God dwells in his creation. Any kind of garden reminds us of the beauty of life and the gift of life given by God. Having angel statues in a garden simply brings these thoughts more to mind, at least for myself. For me, walking through a garden with religious statues is a sort of spiritual experience. I tend to begin to contemplate the beauty of God’s creation and hand in our lives.

One of the first of these experiences for me was walking through a garden at a Missionaries of the Poor monastery in Jamaica. Their garden was beautiful due to both the stunning angel and Mary statues as well as unique plants. Walking through the garden one couldn’t help but simply be in awe. This garden wowed all of us on the mission trip and inspired us to bring that style of gardening back home to the states. Do you garden? What kind of statues do you like in your garden?

Posted in Catholic Gifts | Tagged Angel Statues, Catholic Garden, Gardening | 1 Comment

Saint Florian the Master of Fire and Water

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Nick

St. Florian Saint Florian is one of the most courageous and fearless saints to have lived. He lived in Rome during the third century which featured one of the most savage and ferocious persecuters of Christians of all-time known as, Emperor Diocletian. Saint Florian was a Roman officer in modern Austria, military administrator of Noricum, and a closet Christian. As a closet Christian, he “neglected” to enforce the anti-Christian laws in Noricum which was eventually brought to the attention of higher Roman officials. Aquilinus investigated Florian by ordering to execute a group of Christians and sacrifice to the pagan Roman gods.

St. Florian REFUSED to do so and therefore was:

1) scourged with clubs and spikes . . . twice. 2) flayed alive. 3) Had a stone tied around his neck and dropped in the river

Little Known Facts/Legends of St. Florian:

He is the patron of firefighters because: FACT – He he was the leader of an elite Roman fire brigade. LEGEND – He prayed over a burning town and poured one bucket of water which extinguished the entire fire and saved the town.
His remains were: FACT – found by local Christians whom transported the remains to an Augustinian monastery near Lorch. LEGEND – A pious woman named Valeria found his body and had a vision in which St. Florian told her he wanted a proper burial. And therefore, she brought him to the Augustinian monastery near Lorch.
LEGEND: Saint Florian cheerfully accepted his beatings and even challenged those building the funeral pyre to build it higher and higher in order that his soul might ascend even faster to God.
Saint Florian is the patron of Austria and Poland because some of his relics were moved to those locations.
Saint Florian’s feast day is May 4^th.
He is usually presented either pouring the water over the fire,especially in St. Florian Medals, as a boy with a millstone around his neck, or as a man being beaten.

The Rarity of St. Florian

One cannot help that notice he accepted incredible suffering and torture for his faith.
He lived his faith despite the dangers and did so undetected by pagan authorities for quite some time which certainly saved countless Christian lives.
St. Florian had such a strong faith that he was able to smile in the face of death and unimaginable suffering.

Posted in Patron Saints | Tagged Firefighters, Martyr, Patron Saints, St. Florian | 1 Comment

St. Peregrine: The Patron Saint of Cancer Patients

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Nick

Today is the feast day of none other than St. Peregrine. Saint Peregrine was born in 1260 to a wealthy family and became an activist against the papal party of his hometown, Forli, Italy. Forli was part of the Papal States and therefore governed by the Pope. Many, including St. Peregrine’s family, were opposed to being under the governance of the pope. During one of the uprisings he took part of, he had the chance to slap St. Philip Benizi and he took it. Saint Philip Benizi responded by turning the other cheek and St. Peregrine’s life would never be the same.

This dramatic experience was the beginning of a conversion that would forever change his life. After the encounter with St. Philip he had a vision from Our Lady and was told to join the Servite Order. St. Peregrine was one of the most hardworking Servites to have ever lived. Legend has it that he lived a life of solitude and silence in which he went without sitting for thirty years. Saint Peregrine has been described as a fervent preacher and incredible confessor. He is also an incorruptible saint.

Saint Peregrine is remembered today most of all as being the patron saint of cancer. During St. Peregrine’s years of service he developed cancer in his foot. He was scheduled to have it amputated but prayed constantly that it be healed. The night before the operation he received a vision of Christ touching his foot and healing it. The next day the foot was completely healed and cancer free. Since then many have invoked St. Peregrine to pray for them that their cancer might be healed.

If you or a loved one is struggling or has struggled with cancer, then getting them or yourself a St. Peregrine medal might be the perfect gift. St. Peregrine medals are beautiful and remind us that cancer can be overcome, there is hope. St. Peregrine rosaries also have a Saint Peregrine medal as their centerpiece and remind one to offer the rosary as a prayer for healing. Honoring Saint Peregrine through one of his medals or rosaries might make you or your loved one’s struggle through cancer much more bearable. How have you or loved one’s remained confident through a struggle with cancer?

Posted in Patron Saints | Tagged patron saint of cancer, Patron Saints, saint, Saint Peregrine | Leave a comment

Be an Instant Hero: Our Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Gretchen

Attention all sons, daughters, and husbands: Mother’s Day is just two weeks away. But you don’t have to panic, we’ve been thinking ahead for you. We’ve lined up some great gifts your mothers are sure to love this year, making you an instant Mother’s Day hero. In fact, we have four fantastic Mother’s Day gift ideas that will ensure your mom will have a pleasurable and relaxing Mother’s Day.

#1: Garden gifts are a popular gift idea for most mothers, and rightly so, because Mother’s Day arrives each May (hello, flowers) and most moms love to have beautiful yards and gorgeous flower beds. Gardens are also a great place to relax and breathe in nature’s beauty. But gardens can serve a spiritual purpose when they become Catholic after being sprinkled with Catholic Garden Gifts. Catholic gardens are a wonderful place to pray and enjoy spiritual refreshment, helping your mom to remember that just as outdoor Catholic statues of angels and saints surround her in the garden, so too they surround her in reality, always offering up prayers on her behalf.

#2: Your mom is sure to get soiled with dirt as she puts her new Catholic Garden Gifts in her yard. But again, don’t worry, we’ve thought of this too! We’ve just brought in a new line of Immaculate Waters bath & body products . . . made with pure Lourdes Grotto Water! In addition to having this special water as their key ingredient, these special bath soaps and body lotions also contain other luxurious ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, aloe vera, rose fragrance, and lavender essential oil. Ohhh and ahhh your Mom with a bit of spa-like luxury right in the comfort of her own bathtub.

#3: With our line of Immaculate Waters products, your mom will probably stay in the bathroom a little longer than usual enjoying all that aromatherapy goodness. But don’t worry, you guessed it, we’ve thought of that too! Give your mom some great reading while she’s enjoying a little time to herself with Catholic Books just for mom. Catholic books provide insight, inspiration, and encouragement, all good things your mom will appreciate this Mother’s Day.

#4: When your mom comes out of her luxurious bath, after being spiritually refreshed by her new Catholic garden and her new Catholic book, she’s probably going to feel like a new person. Again, we’ve thought about this! Give your mom something new to wear too, such as a lovely new Catholic bracelet or other Catholic jewelry gifts for mom. She’ll love to emerge from her boudoir showing off a beautiful piece of jewelry that offers her spiritual encouragement as well.

These Catholic Mother’s Day gift ideas line up the perfect relaxing day for your mom. What can be a better way to spend Mother’s Day than with lovely scenery, a good book, a relaxing bath, a new piece of jewelry, and a very thoughtful child? Not much, and I’m sure your mom will agree!

Posted in Catholic Gifts | Tagged Catholic Gifts, Mother's Day, Mother's Day Gifts | Leave a comment

Sacrament Spotlight: Holy Communion

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Nick

Holy Father Benedict XVI Celebrating the Eucharist According to the Papal Encyclical Lumen Gentium, what is the “source and summit of the Christian life”? Hint: It’s not the Holy Spirit, the communion of saints, or the Holy See.

Answer: It’s the Eucharist!

The Eucharist is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, tradition in the Church. And some have proclaimed that the Eucharist is Heaven on earth. Other Christian denominations would never say that. Some Christian denominations only celebrate Communion a few times a year and give it only a sort of symbolic meaning. However, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates Holy Communion every single day and holds it as the actual Body and Blood of Christ. The differences in how churches celebrate Communion leads one to wonder many things about the sacrament. Why can’t we receive First Holy Communion until the age of seven? Who instituted the Eucharist? Why is it called the Eucharist? Who can receive the Eucharist? The answers to many of these questions can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Here are some answers to some common questions on Holy Communion offered by the Catechism (or CCC).

- QUESTION: Why must you be seven years old to receive First Holy Communion in the Roman Catholic Church? ANSWER: According to the Church, by the age of seven you have attained the age of reason. Many psychologists agree that seven is the average age by which children attain reason, and therefore this is an appropriate age for children to receive the Sacrament. The Eastern Church gives First Holy Communion to infants on the day of their baptism (CCC 1244). Why is attaining reason important to Roman Catholics? I think this is in order to ensure Holy Communion is given due reverence and that one approachs it with the right intention and will. A baby simply can’t approach First Holy Communion with willed reverence, wonder, and awe.

- QUESTION: Who can receive Holy Communion? ANSWER: Any Catholic who is in a state of grace. Recently, the church has been attacked for having this practice. Occasionally in the news a priest will deny Holy Communion to a man or woman openly living a sexually immoral life with another person of their same gender. Why are they denied? Because the priest is aware that they are in a state of grave sin, and therefore he cannot in good faith dispense the Sacrament. We are called to prepare ourselves to receive “so great and so holy a moment” through examining our consciences and confessing our grave sins. Failure to worthily partake of the Sacrament resulted in “ill and infirm, and a considerable number . . . dying” in the Corinthian community (1 Cor. 11:30).

- QUESTION: Why is it called the Eucharist and Holy Communion? ANSWER: The word ‘Eucharist’ comes from the Greek words eucharistein and eulogein which were understood as words of thanksgiving by the Jews for God’s acts in the world (CCC 1328). Christians took these words and applied them to a meal of thanksgiving in which Christ offers his Body to us in order to sanctify us. It is also called Holy Communion because by the Sacrament we are united with Christ (CCC 1331).

- QUESTION: Is Christ really present in the Eucharist? ANSWER: Yes, yes, a hundred times yes! The Catholic Church believes that “the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained” (Council of Trent 1551). Through Christ’s words he is made really present to us, completely, and for our benefit. Why do we believe in the real presence? For many reasons. The earliest words of Christ in the Bible come from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, written in the 50s A.D., well before the gospels, in which he quotes Christ as saying: “This (being the bread) is my body that is for you. Do this (eat My Body) in remembrance of me” (1. Cor. 11:24). If this isn’t telling, then I don’t know what is.

Without the Eucharist there would be no church. I always remind myself that living in the U.S. I am very blessed to be able to receive the Eucharist every single day, unlike some Catholics who only have the chance to receive once a year-such as those living in the mountains of some parts of Central and South America. In First Holy Communion your loved one is taking a part in a Sacrament which will continue to change their life for years to come. Be sure to give your loved one First Communion gifts which will enrich their love of the sacrament and the Catholic faith such as First Communion books or a First Communion rosary. What questions do you have about Holy Communion?