From posts featuring prayers of hope to reflections on Biblical figures, the Basilica blog covers a broad range of topics – but throughout each and every one, our goal remains the same: to give the faithful guidance as they seek to grow in their faith. Today, we invite you to read the top 10 posts of 2021 and strengthen your own devotion.
10. Looking to Our Lady of Hope
Throughout the centuries, the faithful have looked to Christ for hope in times of trouble and uncertainty. Christ offers hope to the hopeless, brings light to the darkness, and redeems a world that has been stained by sin. The Catholic tradition is full of accounts of how the Blessed Mother has helped bring the faithful to a deeper trust in Christ, urging them to remain steadfast and rely on His provision.
9. The God of Second Chances: The Story of Cain and Abel
While filled with tragedy, the story of Cain and Abel teaches us a valuable lesson about living with sincerity. Through their example, we learn how not just our actions, but our attitudes matter to God – and how devastating sin’s consequences can be. It is only through God’s mercy that we can learn to live “with the simplicity and sincerity of God, [and] not by human wisdom but by the grace of God,” (2 Corinthians 1:12).
8. What is the origin of the devotion to Our Lady of Antipolo?
The Oratory of Our Lady of Antipolo recognizes the Filipino people’s special devotion to Mary and honors her under her title of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Learn more about the origins of this devotion and where you can find Our Lady of Antipolo honored in the Basilica.
7. Prayers for the Unborn
Since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, over 60 million abortions have been performed in the United States. As we ask God to deliver innocent children from the horror of abortion, we invite you to reflect upon these prayers for life – for the unborn, and also for medical professionals, researchers, and those advocating for life.
6. The Fruit of the Spirit Part III: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control
Those who are in Christ are distinguished from unbelievers in that they have been gifted with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to bear fruit. In other words, their works demonstrate the change of sanctification that is at work in their hearts. What is this fruit, how does the Bible define it, and how is it displayed in our Christian walk?
5. Three Prayers for Grandparents
This year marked the first celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on July 25. It was instituted by Pope Francis in January, and exhorts the faithful to remember the elderly, and pray for those who have been isolated during the pandemic. As you pray for your grandparents and the elderly in your community, we hope these prayers serve as a helpful resource for you.
4. What is the origin of the Infant Jesus of Prague?
Observed on January 14, the Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague celebrates the mystery of the Incarnation. By depicting Jesus as a child, this Czech tradition emphasizes His humanity, and how we are children of God because of the salvation that He brings us. Learn more about how the Feast originated and where you can find the Infant Jesus of Prague honored in the Basilica.
3. Ten Psalms of Hope
Each day, we can experience hope in God, who brings healing to a broken world, and shines light in the darkness. Though we may endure trials and hardship, we may take comfort in the redemption He brings us, and His promise to restore creation and make it whole once more. Through these 10 Psalms of hope, we pray that your faith may be strengthened, your heart lightened, and your vision made clear.
2. A Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
According to tradition, the Blessed Mother first appeared to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France on February 11, 1858. Since her appearance, a number of unexplained and miraculous healings from the waters at Lourdes have been recorded by the Church. See where Mary is honored as Our Lady of Lourdes in the Basilica and reflect on the prayer inscribed in the chapel in this post.
1. The Parable of the Prodigal Son
The parable of the prodigal son is perhaps one of the most well-known parables mentioned in Scripture. Not only does it paint a picture of God’s love for us, but it also demonstrates how we should love our brothers and sisters in Christ.