Blog Archives – Catholic Free Shipping Blog

A Song for Nagasaki

On June 30, 2010, In Pop Culture, Stuff In Our Store, By Patrick

What a remarkable true story. All great Saints, all great Catholics, seem to have one thing in common: a tremendous cross carried to achieve uncommon holiness.

Takashi Nagai was a Japanese convert to Catholicism (from Shintoism). He was a physician who did groundbreaking research in the field of radiology and x-rays. He, his wife Midori, and their children settled in the city of Nagasaki when….

We all know what happened in that city in August of 1945.

Nagai did make it through the tragedy–but only to endure the sorrow of the loss of loved ones and the sufferings of terminal cancer. He found his strength and solace in God to move forward, and before his death in 1951, left a body of work in various writings and art. Most notable is his book The Bells of Nagasaki, which describes the Catholic Japanese experience of the devestation.

Fr. Paul Glynn is an Australian Marist missionary who worked in postwar Japan for more than twenty years. His calling there was to strive for peace and understanding between the nations following the atrocities of war. Fr. Glynn himself suffered from an aggressive cancer, working until he collapsed during Mass, dying a few days later. The profits from all of Fr. Glynn’s books are donated to the impoverished people in the Third World.

iMass

On June 30, 2010, In Pop Culture, Stuff In Our Store, Traditions, By Patrick

I’ve been reading about other bloggers’ opinions on the Roman Missal app for the iPhone/iPod/iPad. The purpose being for our priests to use a device (namely, the book-size iPad) to read from during Mass, replacing that ginormous red book with all sorts of ribbons hanging out of it.

The opinions range, and I agree with certain points from both sides. Yes, it does make it convenient. It’s smaller. It’s portable. It’s easily updated. It’ll bring up the readings for the day in a snap. It can zoom in for those aging priests with poor eyesight.

On the other hand, I can’t imagine the lecter holding an iPad up high during the processional–nor the priest or deacon during the Gospel. The Curt Jester had an idea of binding it in leather to make it less conspicuous; I thought maybe it could be imbedded into the old Roman Missal book–though kind of defeating the purpose of the “upgrade.”

Still, I don’t want knowing our beloved priests or deacons are reverencing an Apple touch screen with a kiss after reading from it.

(On that note… can we use the iPad to swear oaths in a court of law or public ceremony [as an inauguration of a president, say] if the iPad contained a Bible? I have the Bible on my iPhone… will that work just as well? What if I took just the microchip on which it is stored out, and used that? It’s the same thing, right? Definitely an idea to flesh out: how and when do written words transfer significance–holiness, even–to the object carrying it, that the object becomes worthy of reverence?)

I tried justifying for both ends of this, but it ultimately came down to answering the one, the only important question I ask myself before any decision:

“Is it pleasing to God?”

I don’t think using the Roman Missal on the iPad is. Namely that the device is employed solely for CONVENIENCE, not BENEFIT. It’s just making things easier, not better. We’ve done fine with the book for centuries. To me that translates that we are getting lazy in our worship. So I say no.

The Mass of the
Early Christians
by Mike Aquilina

To learn more about how our early Church celebrated the Mass, check out Mike Aquilina’s The Mass of the Early Christians. Aquilina is the eminent Church historian on this subject. We’re fortunate that he agreed to be interviewed by us. Check it out here: Mike Aquilina interview.

In his book, Aquilina examines original sources to trace the origin of our Mass from the time of Jesus, the original Apostles, and up until the Fourth Century. It is a great book to help one understand how we came to do what we do in today’s Liturgy, and, most especially, why we do it.

I wonder if it’s available for download to an iPad?

Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul

On June 29, 2010, In Bible Study, Stuff In Our Store, The Saints, Traditions, By Patrick

To Whom Shall We Go?:
Lessons from the Apostle Peter
by Abp. Timothy M. Dolan

Today is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, a Solemnity.

St. Peter, as we already know, is the Apostle to whom Jesus entrusted the continuation of His mission. In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus says to Peter:

“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

I have always quoted this verse to those who ask me where the authority of the Church under the leadership of the Pope comes from; it is clear that Jesus tells “Rocky” (as the name given to Simon, in the original Greek, has this affectionate connotation) he’s now in charge and shall have His full support.

Abp. Timothy M. Dolan (of New York) discusses how following the Lord’s call requires great sacrifice, humility, and heroic courage–as demonstrated through the life and death of Peter. Abp. Dolan shows that even those closest and dearest to Christ, the holiest and most vigilant, are still susceptible to their human weaknesses, as when Peter denied Him three times. But, men can overcome those failings through His help, and, eventually give their life for Him.

Saint Paul
by Pope Benedict XVI

Saul of Tarsus used to persecute Christians. He even had a hand in executing St. Stephen, the first martyr. But the resurrected Jesus appeared to Saul and called him to spread His message to all the nations.

St. Paul was a man of tremendous faith. He endured great adversity in order to fulfill his mission for the Lord, trusting always that He was with him, and despite his dark past, he knew forgiveness was given and a reward awaited him at the end of his life:

“The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:17-18)

St. Paul wrote half of the New Testament, and a study of his life and writings is essential when one sets out to learn about Christ through Sacred Scripture. In this book, Pope Benedict XVI examines the historical St. Paul and attempts to answer the questions surrounding the man, his mission to the Gentiles, and the body of work he left behind.

Swarovski Crystal Bead Rosaries

On June 28, 2010, In Stuff In Our Store, By Patrick

Swarovski Crystal
Aquamarine Rosary
(with 22k Gold
over Sterling Silver)

In the spirit of those great architects who raise magnificent cathedrals in His name, we have a line of jewel-quality Rosaries. These are in-stock and ready to be shipped anywhere in the US for FREE.

Most notable are Creed’s selection of sterling silver or 22k gold Rosaries featuring Swarovski crystal beads (pictured).

Swarovski is a company based in Austria that specializes in luxurious, precisely-cut crystal glass. These crystal Rosary beads have finely faceted surfaces and a range of delicate to deep color tones that rival much more expensive precious gems. Available in most birthstones.

They also come with different styles of crucifixes and centerpieces, all ornatetly decorated and of the same high quality sterling silver or 22k gold to match the chain that holds it all together. Given the material and craftsmanship involved in making these sacramentals, their prices are not at all outrageous. There are different options to consider where you can still get a fine quality Rosary without breaking the bank.

Visit our Rosary section to view our entire inventory: one of the largest collections of Rosaries on the web.

Dark Night of the Soul

On June 28, 2010, In Stuff In Our Store, The Saints, By Patrick

Dark Night of the Soul
by St. John of the Cross

Ever feel like God has abandoned you? No matter how hard you pray and meditate, how often you go to receive the Sacraments and do good deeds in His name, you don’t sense His presence, any goodness happening in your life?

Well, God is doing that on purpose. Not because you did something wrong and He is punishing you–but because He loves you and wants you to become holier.

St. John of the Cross, in Dark Night of the Soul, talks about this very subject. He likens it to a child who has grown attached to the nurturing and love of its mother, and unhealthily so that it cannot mature. At one point, the mother has to put the child down, make herself unavailable though still nearby with her watchful eye, and let the child figure things out on their own. Eventually, the child is strengthened–not weakened–as a result of this separation.

St. John of the Cross was a Carmelite, who along with St. Teresa of Avila, attempted to reform the order. Because of their austerity they did not wear shoes and came to be called “Discalced Carmelites.” He was imprisoned and severly punished by his superiors; most his writings reflect this “dark” moment of his life. He died in 1591 and was canonized in 1726.

Originally written in Spanish in the late Sixteenth Century, this translated version may present some difficulties because of its dated language and theological references. Recommended for those experiencing depression or loss of hope due to a spiritual crisis, St. John of the Cross offers a detailed account of this necessity in one’s journey, encourages perseverance, and promises hope at the end of the ordeal.

More for Less

On June 22, 2010, In Stuff In Our Store, The Saints, By Patrick

Today is the Feast Day of St. Thomas More. He is regarded as one of the greatest defenders of the Catholic Faith during one of its most darkest hours.

Despite threats of imprisonment and certain death, St. Thomas More was one of the few who stood firm in opposing Henry VIII, who wanted to break from the Church to obtain a divorce and remarry. Refusing to renounce his allegiance to the Pope and recognize the divorce, More was unjustly tried, charged with treason, thrown in jail, and on July 6, 1535, was decapitated. His severed head was fixed on a pike over London Bridge for a month, for all to see.

He was beatified in 1886 and canonized in 1935. He is recogzined as the patron saint of lawyers and civil servants, as these were the positions he held in life, and, as he came to the defence of the one, true Church.

Learn more about this great man by reading his own words. Check out these titles:

Dialogue Concerning
Heresies

The Sadness of
Christ

The Four
Last Things

St. Joseph Home Sale Kit

On June 21, 2010, In Pop Culture, Stuff In Our Store, The Saints, Traditions, By Patrick

St. Joseph
Home Sale Kit

The directions are fairly simple. If you wish to sell your house promptly, bury the enclosed statue of St. Joseph outside, facing the house, upside down (with feet towards Heaven). After the house sells, (and it is practically guaranteed) exhume and clean off the statue and then display it in a place of prominence in your new home.

I’m uncertain where this all started. Perhaps it is from St. Joseph’s patronage of carpenters (builders of homes), or, his patronage of fathers (as he provided Christ with shelter and protection while He was growing up). There are also many stories of religious orders in the Middle Ages planting medals of St. Joseph in lands they wished to acquire for convents and monasteries.

What I’m certain on is that this practice is NOT approved by the Catholic Church.

But like our prayers to images of Mary and the Saints, it is not the physical statue that we pray to, and it is not the physical statue that grants our intentions. That would be idolatry. We are praying to the person the statue represents who is dwelling in Heaven with God. Furthermore, it is not even the person in Heaven who grants our request. It is their intercession–their own prayers–on our behalf to God, that God then allows us to receive what we prayed for–if it be consistent with His plan.

To wit: It is not the statue of St. Joseph that sells the house. It is not even St. Joseph in Heaven who sells the house. It is St. Joseph helping us pray to God for the house to be sold.

So I’m perfectly okay with Catholics burying these little statuettes, so long as they know that it is the chain of prayers, the faith of it being heard and presented before the Almighty, and not the practice, that gets it done.

Now, say you had a neighbor who is a jerk, and you buried one of these in their yard? Hmmm…

Summer, Surfing, Savings!

On June 21, 2010, In Stuff In Our Store, The Saints, By Patrick

St. Christopher
Puka Shell Necklace

School is out and summer is finally here! It’s time to get out of town for some sun, sand, and surf. But, let’s not forget to give thanks, offer our joys, and entrust our safety to Him.

St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers as well as aquatic recreation–like surfing. This comes from the story that because of his gigantic size (he was seven and a half feet tall!), he helped carry persecuted Christians–and even an apparition of the Child Jesus Himself–on his shoulders across a treacherous river to safety. Most of his depictions are of him in this act.

At Catholic Free Shipping, we have a selection of hip summer accessories bearing this image. Pictured is the St. Christopher Puka shell necklace, available in pink or white puka shells, with a silver-plated, enamel-colored medal of St. Christopher on the front and a surfer on the back. Also available in more color combinations of shells and medals as a bracelet or anklet.

Browse for our other St. Christopher medals in our collection of Patron Saint Medals, one of the largest on the internet. Most qualify for FREE SHIPPING! Makes great gifts for new graduates and keepsakes for those leaving for summer vacation.

Love You Forever

On June 16, 2010, In Pop Culture, Stuff In Our Store, By Patrick

Love You Forever
by Robert Munsch
Illustrated by Sheila McGraw

First impression: awwwww….

This bedtime reading picture book is such a heartwarming tearjerker. It can easily be placed alongside Shel Silverstein’s classic The Giving Tree, a story that your kids will one day read to theirs, and so on.

But a caveat: instead of putting them to sleep at night, it may keep them awake! Much like The Giving Tree, Robert Munsch’s Love You Forever touches upon the topic of mortality. As with all books, be sure to read it first before you share it with your younger children; and when you do, be prepared to answer those tough questions about what happens at the end of our lives.

Finding God’s Will For You

On June 15, 2010, In Stuff In Our Store, The Saints, By Patrick

Finding God’s Will For You
by St. Francis de Sales

Feeling lost? Questioning why all these things are happening in your life? Ever wonder what you’re here for and where you’re heading?

You are not lost: God placed you exactly where you need to be right now. Things are happening in your life because God intended it. You are here on Earth to do His will. And if you follow, you are headed for Heaven. Simple.

But, how do I know what He wants from me? How do I listen for His instructions?

St. Francis de Sales’ Finding God’s Will For You is a great read for those experiencing a spiritual crisis, or, those who need further guidance and encouragement on their faith journey. In this book, de Sales explores the nature of how each and every one of us is called to His service and offers insight on how to discern God’s will, citing plenty of relevant verses from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible and writings from the Catholic Church and other Saints.

I was immediately attracted to it because of the title–I thought it would be an easy-to-read, “Spiritual Direction for Dummies” type of book. I was expecting to open it and find step-by-step directions and exercises that would eventually lead me to a definitive answer, the one that I’ve been personally searching for in my life. I was wrong–and, should’ve realized that no such book will ever exist. That’s not God’s way of doing things.

St. Francis de Sales was one of the greatest writers and preachers of the Catholic Church who died in the 17th Century; this is fairly moderate to difficult reading, especially for those without some background in religious studies or literature. But for those with the know-how (or, eagerness and patience to do some side research), de Sales offers some insightful and practical–even in the modern age–explorations in personal spiritual direction towards discernment.

Though the overall map was not revealed to me (as the cover seems to promise), de Sales has equipped me with plenty of useful advice on which path to take at the next fork, and, the ones to follow.

A Song for Nagasaki

iMass

Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul

Swarovski Crystal Bead Rosaries

Dark Night of the Soul

More for Less

St. Joseph Home Sale Kit

Summer, Surfing, Savings!

Love You Forever

Finding God’s Will For You

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