“Time it was and what a time it was, it was … A time of innocence.”
— “Bookends,” by Simon and Garfunkel (1968)
I recently wrote a guest article for the community newspaper detailing the unique baseball games we invented and endlessly played in yards and on streets during our youth. The Old Geezers appreciated it.
We played a street game known as “running bases.” Two children positioned themselves at different bases — typically garbage can lids — and threw a ball to each other while two other kids attempted to move from one base to the other without being tagged. If tagged, the player who was caught took their place as a runner. Back and forth, back and forth. The game concluded when one of us had to leave for piano lessons.

Season after season, Catherine Huss faced difficulties in discovering the perfect swimsuit. Then, she made the choice to design her own — and launched a new type of swimwear brand.
“I’ve always had a passion for fashion and aesthetics, but my mother brought me up with a strong emphasis on modesty,” Huss, the creator and designer behind Siena and Co., told Our Sunday Visitor. “I couldn’t find the designs I was looking for, so I concluded that I must create them myself!”
“We should not need to settle for less when it comes to style, level of modesty, or the manner in which our garments are produced,” she remarked. “Siena and Co. was created to offer apparel without such compromises.”
The 31-year-old based in San Diego launched her business in 2020. Now, women have the ability to explore and buy her swimsuits on the internet, at siena-co.com. The site showcases models of various sizes donning one and two-piece swimwear that offers both coverage and flair.
A Catholic, Huss shared how her beliefs shape her professional life — even during Eucharistic adoration — and how her business emphasizes the worth of the human individual.

Following Jaguar’s divisive “Copy Nothing” ad campaign, Volvo has garnered significant praise for a recent family-oriented ad that many view as a response to the increasing cultural split in advertising and branding.

Initiated on Nov. 19 as a key aspect of a significant rebranding initiative, Jaguar’s debut “Copy Nothing” advertisement showcases androgynous models dressed in vibrant attire, featuring a man in a dress, while phrases like “create exuberant,” “delete ordinary” and “break moulds” appear on screen. Remarkably missing from the 30-second advertisement are any of Jaguar’s vehicles.

Even with more than 160 million views on various social media channels, the advertisement provoked considerable criticism. Detractors charged the British luxury automobile brand with neglecting its offerings in favor of progressive, “woke” messaging.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — An organization that encourages reverence for St. Pio of Pietrelcina, commonly referred to as Padre Pio, is making 10 never-before-seen photographs of the saint accessible to the faithful at no cost.

The pictures offer a personal glimpse into the existence, demeanor, and spirituality of the saint from the 20th century, according to the photographer. Certain images depict Padre Pio reverently conducting Mass, while in others, he is grinning amidst his companions.

Rare photographs of Padre Pio

Elia Stelluto, the personal photographer of Padre Pio, stood with pride — camera ready — in front of posters displaying the 10 new images for the photo presentation at the Vatican cinema on April 29.

“It takes just a single glance at one picture of his face” to grasp the essence of Padre Pio, he informed Catholic News Service. “With that, you can comprehend so much; every photograph carries its unique narrative, and by examining them individually, you can discover so much more in his expressions.”

I have consistently felt drawn to the Catholic press due to our ability, our potential, and our mission to convey tales of inspiration. Throughout my almost 20 years in Catholic media, I have been fortunate enough to articulate the narratives of remarkable men and women who have endeavored to pursue the Lord in their lives. Their journeys haven’t always been simple. Errors occurred, and there were hurdles and setbacks, but the essential thread of each narrative remained unchanged: These were individuals who deliberately opted to love Jesus Christ, and they permitted that love to significantly transform their lives.
This narrative belongs to the saints as well, doesn’t it? We desire it to be our narrative, too.
One of the most uplifting tales I’ve encountered in quite a while appeared as my reading for Labor Day Weekend — “The Big Hustle: A Boston Street Kid’s Story of Addiction and Redemption” authored by Jim Wahlberg and released by OSV earlier this month.

Question: Why do certain Protestants regard drinking, smoking, and gambling as the pinnacle of wrongdoing? I assume they can lead to sin, but I am not familiar with a strong biblical focus on these issues. In reality, Jesus created wine during his initial miracle. What’s happening here? Why the fixation on minor concerns?
— John Parsons, Boston, MA
Answer: You are, indeed, accurate. The Scriptures do not explicitly tackle or denounce drinking, smoking, or gambling. Undoubtedly, drunkenness is criticized in various verses and forms, particularly in Proverbs. Smoking does not appear to have been commonly practiced during biblical times; and while gambling is mentioned, it does not appear to be a significant focus of biblical writings.
I suspect that the reason some Protestant denominations emphasized these transgressions is that these issues were significant in the American colonies during the time those denominations thrived. The American relationship with alcohol is quite troubled. Excessive drinking and opiate addiction posed a major challenge in America from the 1880s until the mid 20th century. Individuals, particularly immigrants, frequently endured harsh circumstances. Working environments were unpleasant, hours were extensive, and wages were inadequate. Numerous men from that era turned to alcohol as a means of escape. Upon receiving their paychecks, many of these men frequented bars, consuming alcohol and gambling away a significant portion of their earnings.

Prior to the existence of a Church, there was a mission.
“Go, then, and disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, instructing them to adhere to all that I have commanded you,” the Lord Jesus directed the apostles just prior to his ascension (Mt 28:19-20).
The initial Christians regarded the Lord’s directive earnestly. The apostles disseminated the Gospel across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Minor, and India, with many of them facing martyrdom. St. Paul journeyed extensively across the Greco-Roman realm to proclaim Christ crucified, until he was also executed by beheading in Rome.
Over the subsequent two thousand years, Christian missionaries emulated the apostles’ model, genuinely spreading the Gospel to all nations and converting everyone from Roman heathens to native populations in the Americas.
“The Church’s purpose is to evangelize. The Church’s role is to announce Jesus. If we fail to accomplish this, then we are not a thriving Church,” stated Matthew Spizale, the communications director for Family Missions Company, a private group of the faithful located in Louisiana.
The conversion of the Paravars of South India by Francis Xavier is depicted in a 19th-century colored lithograph. Public domain
Numerous canonized saints were also missionaries. St. Francis Xavier, the prominent Jesuit missionary of the 16th century, is believed to have converted 30,000 individuals during his missionary journeys across Asia and India. He was the inaugural Christian missionary to explore Japan.
“Numerous individuals in this region are not converting to Christianity for a singular reason: There is no one to convert them,” St. Francis Xavier communicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Jesuit founder, from Japan.
For over 2,000 years, missionaries have spread the gospel and fulfilled the requirements of the Great Commission, frequently sacrificing their own lives in the process. In North America, Catholics honor St. Isaac Jogues and his seven companion missionary-martyrs who lost their lives in the mid-17th century while sharing the Gospel with the Huron, Iroquois, and Mohawk nations.
“Mission occurs when I transcend my own limitations. I step out of my familiar surroundings, and I cross an established boundary — this boundary could be geographic, economic, linguistic, or a mix of these — engaging in a personal connection with someone in distress,” stated Donald R. McCrabb, the executive director of the United States Catholic Mission Association.
Catholic missionaries — including clergy, religious, and lay individuals — remain engaged globally. Missionary priests manage rural parishes and deliver the Eucharist to isolated communities. Lay missioners conduct catechism sessions and offer healthcare services. Religious sisters operate Catholic educational institutions and carry out acts of mercy. These are merely a few examples of the activities undertaken by today’s missionaries.
“Through our missioners traveling to a different nation, they serve as representatives of the broader Church to the individuals there. They subsequently bring back home the narratives of those people along with the experiences they’ve encountered, discovering how God has revealed Himself in their lives and revitalizing the Church here in the U.S. upon their return,” stated Janice England, the program director of the Lay Mission-Helpers.
Regardless of their location or the kind of apostolic endeavors they partake in, missionaries aim to spread the message of the Gospel, primarily through the demonstration of their lives as they endeavor to be true representatives of the faith.
“If individuals perceive hope in you,” Spizale expressed, “then God operates through them to establish a circuit of evangelization where you are revealing your existence, and your existence is so intertwined with Christ that no one can observe your actions and overlook that it relates to Jesus.”
Love of neighbor spans beyond borders and demographics.  Courtesy photo
Misinterpreting the purpose of mission work
The term missionary frequently evokes vivid images of a clergyman journeying to a remote region, sharing the Gospel with indigenous communities, persuading them through his actions and divine teachings, baptizing new believers, and serving his congregation while facing numerous challenges.
That well-known image originates from the time when Catholic missionaries traveled with European sailors during the Age of Exploration in the late 15th and 16th centuries.

(OSV News) — The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has put its judicial vicar, who was the pastor of two parishes, on administrative leave following media reports that surfaced indicating he has been cohabiting with a man in what appears to be a romantic relationship.

In a statement released on Dec. 1 to OSV News, the archdiocesan vicar for clergy announced that Father Mark Payne has been “put on administrative leave from his positions as Judicial Vicar and as pastor” of St. Monica Parish in Whitefish Bay and St. Eugene Parish in Fox Point, “effective immediately.”

Furthermore, Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki “is also commencing an official canonical inquiry into the matter,” stated Father Nathan Reesman, archdiocesan vicar for clergy, in the announcement.

The action follows a report from Nov. 30 in the Catholic media source The Pillar reported that Father Payne has been residing in a condominium with an unidentified layperson since 2003, whom he employed last year to instruct at St. Monica Parish School.

When Jesus showed himself to St. Faustina Kowalska and told her of his boundless mercy and endless compassion, it was nothing unfamiliar. The essence of the Gospel message has consistently been that God, in his mercy, pursues sinners to draw them back to himself. 

However, merely because it’s dated information doesn’t imply it’s not beneficial news — or essential news. For although we understand that Jesus abundantly offers mercy even to the gravest of sinners, we continue to doubt. We doubt that mercy is available to us amid our transgressions, and we doubt that Divine mercy could reach those individuals we particularly enjoy despising. Thus, the Church reiterates to us time and again the limitless mercy of God, revealing to us saints whose transgressions were shocking: Blessed Bartolo Longo, the Satanic high priest; St. Olga of Kiev, the mass slayer; St. Bruno Sserunkuuma, the aggressive bigamist; St. Longinus, the Roman soldier who crucified God.

A depiction of St. Faustina Kowalska and Jesus, who entrusted his message of Divine Mercy to the Polish nun, hangs at the 2000 canonization Mass for St. Faustina at the Vatican. CNS photo from Catholic Press Photo

These narratives reach out to us in our anguish, reminding us that there is nothing we can do that God will not pardon. Thus, we present him our transgressions and our fragility, and he grants us solely mercy and grace, cleansing us through his blood shed on Calvary.

Nevertheless, those of us who have experienced God’s grace frequently manage to hold back from extending this blessing freely given to us in plenty. Or maybe we don’t resent others receiving God’s mercy; we simply feel it’s not our responsibility to take action. We fulfill our tax obligations, endure our in-laws, and attend Mass on Sundays, patting ourselves on the back for our moral standing while overlooking the Great Commission to spread God’s mercy to the hurting and the lost across the globe.

Once more, the Church invites us to a greater understanding through the examples of the saints, through various individuals who encountered God’s mercy and recognized their duty to share that mercy with the world. Upon hearing these narratives, we start to understand that the mission to reach out to every corner of the earth and proclaim the good news is not limited to faraway pagan nations, but also includes those whose political views, sexual morals, occupations, or characters lead us to feel animosity or contempt towards them. While we celebrate the blessing of Divine Mercy, let’s explore these saints who provided compassion to those least conscious of their need for it — or largely certain they didn’t merit it. Let’s permit their example to inspire us to be ambassadors of mercy in our own existence.

 St. Vitalis of Gaza

St. Vitalis of Gaza (d. 625) engaged with a different prostitute each night. When we encounter such a statement, we prepare ourselves for an inspiring conversion tale, yet this does not represent the “before” of Vitalis’s narrative. This epitomizes what sanctity was for him. A hermit who dedicated years in the wilderness, later in his life Vitalis relocated to Alexandria, where he toiled at demanding jobs to ensure he could indulge in the company of a brothel each evening.

The Christians in Alexandria were outraged, yet in spite of their grievances and disapproval, Vitalis paid them no heed. In the end, Vitalis was murdered in the street; when his remains were discovered, he was holding a piece of paper that contained 1 Corinthians 4:5 on it: “Thus, do not render any verdict before the designated time, until the Lord arrives, for he will disclose what is concealed in darkness and will reveal the intentions of our hearts.” The Christians who had criticized him likely found it puzzling that he held on to this scripture, yet they had already decided: Vitalis was a disgraced monk, and now it was too late for him to seek forgiveness.

He extended to them the compassion emanating from the pierced side of Christ, untroubled by the fact that in the process he would become as reviled as they were. They were deserving of it, after all.

However, the disgraced priest’s memorial service was crowded, filled with dozens (possibly hundreds) of former sex workers who mourned his passing. It appears that Vitalis had not engaged with them out of desire. He had abandoned the tranquility and solitude of the desert to pursue the lost souls of the city, seeking each woman who had been so exploited and hurt. Each night, he entered the room of a different woman, offering her payment for the night with just one condition: that she refrain from physical contact. When each confused woman inquired about his meaning, he explained: He was not there to take advantage of her. He sought to purchase her one night of liberation, one night without transgression. And when they questioned his motive, Vitalis would respond: because they were cherished. Because Jesus sacrificed himself for their salvation. Because they mattered far more than their actions or the wrongs inflicted upon them.

Upon learning that she would take on the role of the new superior general of the Sisters of Life — a group of religious women committed to upholding the intrinsic dignity and value of every individual — Mother Mary Concepta, S.V., felt a sense of gratitude.
“I just express my gratitude to God,” she shared with Our Sunday Visitor regarding her election. “Having faith in his plans, and embracing the legacy of Mother Agnes, the Superior General for 30 years.”
“I aspire to carry on her legacy of selfless love and spiritual nurturing for our sisters, community, and extending to those we assist,” she expressed regarding her predecessor, who had guided the community since 1993. “It has been a validation of my own ability for spiritual nurturing, and now I eagerly anticipate witnessing it expand and grow in the lives of others.”
Mother Mary Concepta attributes her journey to the Sisters of Life to the mothers she has encountered throughout her life. In her vocation story, she discloses the influential pro-life testimony of her mother, who supported expectant high school students, and the intervention of Mother Mary. A university companion, who found herself pregnant due to date rape, connected her with the sisters after looking for their assistance.
One of Mother Mary Concepta’s seven brothers and sisters, Sister Mariae Agnus Dei, also became a member of the Sisters of Life. She shares the incredible story of how their father, an OB-GYN, embraced Catholicism and ceased performing abortions after a family member of a patient inquired about the baby: “Was it alive?”

As the leader of the country’s biggest pro-life student organization, Kylie Gallegos willingly offers her guidance to other groups at colleges and universities: Always keep moving forward and value the significance of the small details.
“That’s what we’ve accomplished, is consistently keep up the pace,” Gallegos, the head of Notre Dame Right to Life (NDRtL) conveyed to Our Sunday Visitor, “And it’s crucial to keep in mind that even if these localized initiatives appear to have minimal impact, that’s precisely why the pro-life movement is currently thriving.”
The 21-year-old student in her final year from Stillwater, Oklahoma, heads the pro-life organization at the University of Notre Dame, a Catholic institution located in Notre Dame, Indiana. The group, which boasts over 500 members, was established in 1972 — the year prior to the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, which permitted abortion across the country.
Currently, NDRtL identifies as the inaugural pro-life university organization in the United States.
The members advocate for the sanctity of human existence through prayer, service, and education. By upholding these three principles, they commit to nurturing a culture that acknowledges the intrinsic dignity and value of each individual, from conception to natural death.
NDRtL engages in a wide-range of activities, by inviting pro-life speakers like Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla, the daughter of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, to arranging events such as Respect Life Week. Members also educate other students regarding the life issue on campus, collaborate with local charities, and participate in prayer and Mass together.
Kylie Gallegos. Courtesy of Kylie Gallegos/Notre Dame Right to Life
‘Adopt-a-Mom’
Gallegos disclosed one of their preferred pastimes: Assisting mothers dealing with unforeseen pregnancies.

Little Pessima, Rosebud, Sweet Briar Rose, Mrs. George Lathrop, Mother Mary Alphonsa — and as of March 2024, Venerable Servant of God Rose Hawthorne. The youngest child of Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne was known by several names throughout her life, and her path to being recognized as a venerable servant of God was anything but straightforward. Like everyone, she experienced numerous joys and sorrows during her existence. We all seek love in various forms, and Rose was no exception. The true story of her life is how the love of God manifested in and through these experiences of joy and sorrow — guiding her from a nurturing New England upbringing to discovering her profoundest joy in embodying a unique kind of bride and mother — a partner of Christ and a spiritual caregiver to the afflicted poor in the tenements of New York City and the ridges of Westchester County.

Rose entered the world on May 20, 1851, as the third offspring of renowned writer Nathaniel Hawthorne and his extraordinary spouse Sophia (née Peabody). Both parents provided exceptional intellectual abilities and a commitment to learning for their offspring. Even more significantly, they presented their children with a model of profound affection and strong devotion to one another, creating a nurturing and joyful household. Theirs was a marriage of equals in spirit and mind, according to all reports.

A happy childhood

Upon Rose’s arrival, her family had recently relocated from Salem to Lenox, Massachusetts. Many years afterwards, in a letter for Rose’s 16th birthday, Sophia affectionately recounted those initial days:

… I do not know as there is yet any language in which I can convey to you an adequate idea of how I love you and have loved you since I first saw your tiny form. … Your babyhood was most lovely and sunny. Grandpa used to declare that you did not know how to cry. You showed the most philosophical patience in attaining your ends. If one way failed, you tried another way, and all in perfect quiet and repose. … This calm intent outlook which you maintained, before you could speak, won for you the title of Lord Chancellor the Dispenser of Equity. … You were very critical in your observations, and one day, when you did not fancy the appearance of Grandpapa, he could not induce you to pass over the described line, till he took out his watch, when with protesting, dignified air, you condescended to approach. I think you inherited from Papa this immitigable demand for beauty and order and right, though in the course of your development it could make you pettish and unreasonable. I was always glad you had it, because I know the impatience and crossness it often caused, would prove a transient phase. …

Rose at approximately age 6 or 7.

As can be observed from this correspondence, Rose was blessed with profoundly caring parents. Nathaniel was just as devoted to her in his messages and undoubtedly in his everyday interactions, although the acclaim of his most notable novel, “The Scarlet Letter,” along with his role as American consul, meant he spent less time with her compared to his older children. He affectionately referred to her as “Dear Little Pessima” and kindly admonished her when she struck her brother and sister at the age of 4. Another note commenced with, “MY DEAR LITTLE ROSEBUD,– I have placed a kiss for you in this lovely, clean piece of paper. I will fold it up with care, and I trust it will not fall out before it reaches (you).” When Rose turned 5, she composed her first letter to him. In large cursive script, she stated: “dear papa, darling, sweet, dear, I have written it. 1856. Rose.”

Rose at roughly age 16. All photos courtesy of Dominican Congregation of St. Rose of Lima (Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne)

A new life abroad

In 1853, the family relocated to Liverpool, England, as Nathaniel commenced his new role as American consul. After five years, the family departed from England and journeyed across the continent, encompassing time in Italy, where Rose was deeply engaged in Catholicism. By 1860, they had returned to New England and established themselves once more in Concord at their former residence, the Wayside. Upon their re-entry into the United States, Nathaniel’s health started to deteriorate for reasons that were unclear. On May 19, 1864, the day preceding Rose’s 13th birthday, he passed away from this mysterious ailment, which some now suggest may have been stomach cancer. Following this heartbreaking loss of a cherished husband and father, Sophia endeavored to provide for her family, educate her children, and manage her own sorrow with a love and faith that was incredible. In her correspondence, she eloquently conveyed both her profound grief and her belief that she would reunite with him in the afterlife. Rose’s education was sponsored by a family acquaintance who, in exchange, appreciated the presence of young Rose during her studies. Sophia corresponded with her sister in 1868, “Rose is presently in (school), and Mary Loring’s assistance in this significant endeavor has alleviated a considerable worry and burden for me. For Rose is eager to learn, and it felt unkind not to provide her with an opportunity.” Sophia consistently recognized in her youngest daughter a thirst for understanding, beauty, and truth and supported her quest for these items. In the same correspondence for Rose’s 16th birthday, Sophia penned:

This article first appeared in Our Sunday Visitor magazine. Subscribe to receive the monthly magazine here.

Jennie Bradley Lichter, the incoming president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, will take on her new position on Feb. 1. A frequent attendee at the National March for Life since her university days, Jennie possesses a wealth of experience in legislation and policy. Throughout the initial Trump Administration, she held a position in the White House as deputy assistant to the President and deputy director of the Domestic Policy Council, where she spearheaded initiatives promoting life across federal departments. Presently serving as the deputy general counsel at The Catholic University of America, Jennie also established The Guadalupe Project, which assists expecting and parenting individuals within the university community. She holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Harvard Law School, and together with her husband, Brian, they have three young children who enjoy taking part in the March for Life.

Our Sunday Visitor: In what way did you engage with the pro-life movement? What motivated you to take on this role at this particular moment?
Jennie Bradley Lichter: My personal journey in the pro-life movement traces back to my parents. My mother nurtured us within the movement. She was a volunteer for pro-life organizations from my early childhood. In my hometown, my father has participated in pro-life initiatives as a legal strategist.

Although my family wasn’t raised attending the National March in Washington, largely due to our living 600 miles away and having eight children, we did participate in local pro-life demonstrations and events. I spent my childhood holding signs along the roadside in South Bend, Indiana, whenever the chance arose.

Not only is the music of composer and pianist Ian Mulder a delight for the ears, it is also nourishing for the spirit. The award-winning artist aspires solely to assist others in deepening their connection with God.
Originally from the Netherlands and currently living in the United States, Mulder describes his existence as a “peaceful life,” primarily dedicated to composing and performing. Although Mulder is modest regarding his abilities, listeners of his music and compositions can easily recognize his extraordinary talent. Music is evidently his deep passion; however, he remarks, “For me, it was never a choice. I was born to do this. I just followed my instincts,” he mentioned, grinning as he added, “the less I ponder, the smoother it proceeds.”
Mulder’s tunes can be listened to on the UK’s Classic FM station and SiriusXM radio, and he is among Amazon’s top sellers in Christian music, with sales occurring in approximately 20 nations every day. Mulder conducts performances for large audiences throughout the nation, and every Christmas he travels back to the Netherlands to entertain full houses. His albums showcase collaborations with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra as well as the London Symphony and Philharmonic orchestras, and include contributions from vocal ensembles like Libera and artists such as Andrea Bocelli. He recorded a concert that aired on PBS in 2009.
Prior to Mulder relocating to America in 2007, he had already established a reputation in his native country. However, with the increasing secularism in Europe and the limited scale of the Netherlands, Mulder recognized it was time for a change. When televangelist Dr. Robert Schuller from California found Mulder’s music and offered an invitation to the former Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Mulder realized that America was a place he truly wanted to call home.
“A major factor in my decision to leave the Netherlands was, considering the future of our children, the belief that relocating to a nation where Christianity is more embraced would be advantageous,” Mulder remarked, mentioning the extremely low proportion of practicing Christians back in his homeland. However, this choice also influenced his professional life. “If I were residing in the Netherlands at this time, I doubt I could consistently fill concert venues and places of worship,” he stated. “I’m extremely glad to be here now. It brings me great joy.”