Tracing the Papacy Through the Old Testament

Posted by Samantha Laveau on 2/21/19

We have President’s Day in the United States, which was established in 1885 to honor President George Washington’s birthday. Officially it is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of February, giving our federal government a three day weekend. However his actual birth is on the 22nd of February, which I find ... Read More »

Don’t Say ‘Awesome’ — Few Things Really Are

Posted by Samantha Laveau on 2/15/19

  In a recent school Mass for the St. James Campus of Stella Maris Acad­emy, I had the kids guess my favor­ite word. After many different “holy” word guesses, I finally told them it was “linoleum.” Then I made them repeat it and told them I love saying it ... Read More »

Here’s the Real Story behind St. Valentine’s Day

Posted by Samantha Laveau on 2/11/19

  I generally utilize all my vacation time leading small private tours to Rome.  Although I enjoy it because I love the Eternal City and because I love to see people bewildered by the beauty of the city, it is indeed work for me.  We have long days with ... Read More »

Understanding Infallibility of the Pope

Posted by Samantha Laveau on 2/01/19

On February 22, the church celebrates the feast day of the Chair of Peter.  It is a feast in which the church celebrates the pastoral responsibility and authority of the bishop of Rome.  The chair that is referred to is of course his “cathedra,” the throne that represents his authority.

The actual cathedra of the pope is not in St. Peter’s Basilica but in the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, St. John ... Read More »

Looking at Purgatory Differently Can Help Us Welcome It

Posted by Samantha Laveau on 1/25/19

I think I have addressed the subject of purgatory over the years of writing this column a few different times, probably more than any other subject. There is a reason for this: Purgatory was the primary “lightening rod” that sparked the protestant Reformation.

Martin Luther was completely right when ... Read More »

Worms, Maggots and God’s Love

Posted by Samantha Laveau on 1/14/19

January 2019

 I am not an animal or a pet person.  When I was a kid, we had dogs, rabbits, and even chickens and pigs, but in my adulthood, nothing about having a pet or an animal appeals to me.

In fact, I am sure if I had a ... Read More »

St. Peter’s An Example of How So Many Gave So Much

Posted by Samantha Laveau on 1/04/19

I almost always start January in Rome, Italy.  I regularly use my vacation time to lead small private tours to Rome, and my favorite time of the year to bring groups is Christmas, or at least the days following Christmas and into the New Year.

 I remember 15 ... Read More »