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December 25th, Christmas, is recognized as the birth of Jesus. However, in Christianity and Catholicism, January 6th is a feast day known as The Epiphany (sometimes called Three Kings’ Day or Little Christmas).  The Epiphany is the day in which Jesus is revealed to be the Son of God. This feast day also commemorates the visit of the Magi. The three Wise Men were sent by King Herod, brought baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Epiphany comes from the Greek word epipháneia meaning manifestation or appearance. The Epiphany celebrates the Three Wise Men, and the rest of the world, [...]

January 1 marked the Solemnity of Mary. This feast day celebrates Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ. January 1 is the eighth day of Christmastide in the Catholic Church leading up to the Epiphany on January 6. On the Epiphany, we celebrated Jesus as the incarnate of God. Christmas does not end on December 25 for Catholics. We celebrate the birth of Christ and the revelation of Jesus as God for days after.  One week after we celebrate Jesus’ birth to our mortal world, we take the time to cherish His mother. Mary’s vocation from God was the ultimate “yes” to God’s [...]

As you may be well aware, Daylesford Abbey is a community of priests and brothers within the Norbertine Order, also called the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, or Premonstratensians. St. Norbert founded our order in 1120. The Norbertines are the 5th oldest surviving religious order within the Catholic Church. This year, we celebrate 900 years of the Norbertine Order. St. Norbert of Xanten was born around 1080. After an accident while riding a horse, St. Norbert found himself looking to repent and live a simple life. He soon laid the groundwork and foundation of this new religious order, choosing the [...]

This week, the Catholic Church in the United States spends time promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.   Every person has a vocation; a calling in life to be the person God has intended you to be. Our callings are as unique as our fingerprints. Discovering your vocation, a process called discernment, takes careful consideration, quiet contemplation, prayer and dedication.  It also takes courage to say “yes” to God’s call. Father Casey Cole, OFM, has become something of a YouTube sensation.  His “Breaking the Habit” YouTube Channel has over 149,000 subscribers.  Each year, during Vocations Awareness Week, Father Casey produces [...]

All Saints Day, commemorated in the West on November 1, was initially instituted by Pope Gregory III and expanded by Pope Gregory IV.  This Holy Day commemorates “all of the souls in heaven including those for whom salvation is known to God alone.” (Source)  We are all called to be saints and the Church recognizes in a special way specific people who have participated in God’s grace in a unique way.  However, all who achieve the gift of salvation are considered saints by the Church.   The lives of the officially recognized saints are truly inspirational. Consider the men Jesus called to [...]