Katie's Corner

Years ago whilst I was becoming Catholic, a former tutor of mine sent me a book called "Story of a Soul: The Life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux". As I learned about the saints, I remember Saint Thérèse mainly due to her fascination with Saint Joan of Arc, of whom, the latter became my Patron Saint. The book was always on my list of something to read, but I guess Saint Thérèse wanted me to listen to her words more recently. The following will be my first entry into "Katie's Book Corner", a review of "Story of a Soul: The Life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux". In this immensely captivating autobiography, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux takes the reader on her life's path from a little girl with a big dream to a humble and selfless Carmelite nun. Throughout the autobiography, Saint Thérèse is open and honest about the struggles she went through including mental hardships, overcoming temptation, and defying those who did not believe her holy call to become a nun. B...

  When I was around the age of eleven years old I was going through a great deal. During that time, my main focus was schooling, ballet, and trying to be a good daughter. In spite of all this, one of the few things I had was television, and would try to watch what I could when I had the time. One of the shows I vividly remember watching - at least once or twice was the ABC series “Castle”. Unfortunately I never fully got into the series but tucked it in the back of my brain for years to come. Most recently Lifetime channel brought back   “Castle” for regular viewing and I decided (in the midst of decorating for Christmas and doing housework when I am not in class) to start the show from the start. The series is a mix of drama, light-hearted humor, investigating murder mysteries, and the partnership of the two leads Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Katherine “Kate” Beckett (Stana Katic). The latter is a young, but strong and well-knowledged NYPD homicide detective, while Cas...

As 2021 has come to a destined close, I felt it best to write a retrospective of the ups, downs and adventures of such as ever-changing year.  Beginning in January, my Mother and me kicked in the New Year with a watch of "Gone With The Wind" and enjoyed our usual Snowball Cake. Soon after, second semester of Freshman year began as I continued with my Major in Dance. In the Spring I was met with a personal hardship of bullying and harassment on social media. I will not go into great detail, but the ramifications left me with a broken heart and a deleted Twitter account. I realized that the app, although a presumably great way to connect with people, is a weapon of disaster for some, and by my conscience, I knew when to leave. During the time I was getting through finals and doing my best to keep my grades in check. This was a lot of pressure and stress to have, but by God's grace and direction, I passed my exams and received A's in my finals.  On May 3, I turned 21 yea...

On this final Sunday of Advent, I would like to take a moment and share the history of the "Advent Wreath". This beautiful tradition has continued for several years and continues to warm households every Advent Season.  Dating back to the Early Church and the 5th century, the Advent Season holds many traditions. From charity to penance, the season is one to take a moment and truly meditate on the true history of Christmas. In addition, the traditional "Advent Wreath" begins on the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the Liturgical Year. The greenery of the circular wreath represents the love of God through His Son Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. The colors of the Advent Wreath candles also include the colors of the liturgical vestments used in Mass. Each of the four candles represent exactly one thousand years, which added together becomes four thousand years. Those four thousand years demonstrate the years that humanity waited for salvation following the...

As my readers may know, I am an avid reader of history and studying European monarchies. Today marks a pinnacle event that has touched my heart for years. On this day, October 16, 1793, Queen Marie Antoinette of France was guillotined by French Revolutionaries. Her life has been one of intrigue, mystery, and a reputation in shreds. Many could read this and think, "she was just a Queen who died". That may be true, but her life was more than what a royal stereotype defines. For me, I have felt a connection to her life for a long time. I first read of Marie Antoinette at the age of twelve while studying royal queens. While reading, I will never forget seeing her portrait and the "scandals" of her life; alongside the debunked phrase "let them eat cake." After years of research through later school projects, I came to find the real Marie Antoinette: a woman who was steadfast in faith, charitable to her people and loved her husband and children. "Marie Ant...

On this day of May 30, 1431, the peasant-turned-warrior, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen, France. In commemoration with her memorial and Feast Day, let us remember her accomplishments and courageous legacy.  "Sainte Jeanne d'Arc" by  Paul Antoine de la Boulaye circa 1909 Jeanne d'Arc ("Joan of Arc") was born circa 1412 to Jacques d'Arc and Isabelle Romée in Domrémy, France. Joan came from a peasant household during the midst of the Hundred Year's War between France and England. Additionally, Joan's family was rooted in the Catholic faith which left a profound impact on her upbringing. At the age of thirteen while in her father's garden, Joan received messages from Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret. The saints told Joan that although she was a humble peasant lady, her purpose was to help Dauphin Charles of France be crowned King and win the battle against the English. In response, Joan stated: "I am not afrai...