Did you know?

…how the Salve Regina originated? From one end of the earth to the other, no devout Catholic fails to raise to Heaven the most beautiful prayer dedicated to the Virgin Mother of God: the Salve Regina. What is its origin? Although the earliest reliable records of the Marian hymn date only to the end of […]

…that we owe many scientific advances to the Society of Jesus?

…that we owe many scientific advances to the Society of Jesus? Intrepid missionaries, eminent theologians, and skilled diplomats: with the founding of his work, St. Ignatius of Loyola provided the Church with a truly elite squadron, teeming with saints! Moreover, the history of the Society of Jesus is pervaded by remarkable scientists. It would be […]

…that the world’s smallest basilica is in Brazil?

…that the world’s smallest basilica is in Brazil? Yes, and at an altitude of 1,746 metres! Serra da Piedade, a mountainous region located between the capital of Minas Gerais and the municipality of Caeté, is best known for the small sanctuary built on its summit, which, despite its simplicity, makes the splendid natural panorama even […]

…that there are several Eastern Catholic Churches?

…that there are several Eastern Catholic Churches? Uniting East and West has always been a challenge, and not even the imperious Alexander the Great achieved such a glorious endeavour. History learned from him that conquering territories does not mean uniting peoples… This immense feat, however, was accomplished by the Catholic Church by uniting the two […]

…why the Bible is divided into chapters and verses?

…why the Bible is divided into chapters and verses? “Divide et impera” was the motto of Roman authority throughout its existence. This ancient advice, however, applies not only to dividing the empire into regions, the army into phalanxes, or the enemy into factions, but also admirably to daily life: in dividing schedules, distinguishing concepts, delegating […]

…the origin of the statue of Christ the Redeemer?

…the origin of the statue of Christ the Redeemer? The thirty-metre-high statue built on the peak of Corcovado – one of the most enchanting spots in Rio de Janeiro – soon became the main symbol of the Brazilian nation and earned a place among the seven wonders of the modern world. More beautiful than the […]

…why Catholics pray kneeling?

…why Catholics pray kneeling? Considered barbarian behaviour and despised by Greco-Latin culture, genuflection had little value in antiquity. The aversion is not hard to understand: how could one kneel before pagan deities, capricious beings from whom one sought sympathy only to obtain certain personal benefits? Men would demean themselves – and they knew it – […]

…why the priest says the Our Father with open arms at Holy Mass?

…why the priest says the Our Father with open arms at Holy Mass? In the Holy Scriptures we find many passages in which certain providential men turn to God in prayer with their arms open. During the Israelites’ battle against Amalek, for example, Moses was on the top of the mountain interceding for the people […]

…that “Gregorian Masses” are celebrated for the dead?

…that “Gregorian Masses” are celebrated for the dead? When a loved one passes away, we often hear the comment: “At least they will not suffer any more…” However, this expression denotes an incomplete view of supernatural realities. Is it not true that the deceased may be suffering incomparably greater pains in Purgatory, and in need […]