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...

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...

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...

On this day in 1794, Servant of God, Madame Élisabeth of France was guillotined during the French Revolution. in commemoration of her Feast Day within the Catholic Church, this post is dedicated to her life and legacy.                              Servant of God, Madame Élisabeth of France (date and artist unknown) B orn on May 3, 1764, Princess Élisabeth was the daughter of Dauphin Louis of France and his wife,  Dauphine Marie Josèphe. At the age of two, Élisabeth was left an orphan following her father's death in 1765 and her mother in 1767. At a young age, Élisabeth had difficulty studying her education. It was not until Élisabeth became ill, that her sister Clothilde inspired her to become devoted to her Catholic faith and learn the French alphabet. Within time, Élisabeth began to change her outlook on life and develop a personality of kindness and humility.  C hoosing to live a cha...

As Easter week comes to end, let us reflect of the glory of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Taking from the four Gospels, according to St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. John, let us read of the true meaning of Eastertide.                                         "The Ressurection of Jesus" by Carl Bloch, circa 1881 "Among whom was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. And when it was evening, there came a certain rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate, and asked the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded that the body should be delivered. And Joseph taking the body, wrapped it up in a clean linen cloth. And laid it in his own new monument, which he had hewed out in a rock. And he rolled a great stone to the door of the mo...

In 386 A.D,  Patrick was born in  Britannia to  Calpurnius and Conchessa. In this time of history, most Britains belonged to the Catholic (Christian) faith and Patrick's father was a Deacon in the early Church. From his childhood, Patrick was raised in the Christian faith and was known to be a humble young boy.                                                                   Saint Patrick, Protector of Ireland  During his teenage years, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates and sold into slavery. These pirates were from Ireland and followed Celtic paganism. Under this enslavement, Patrick was ordered to watch over his master's livestock. It was through this period that Patrick held to his faith and prayed that he would be liberated from slavery. According to Patrick, he was told by God to r...

In honor of the last day in February, here is a short story of the love story between King Louis and Queen Marie Antoinette of France. Although this pair started off as two foreigners to each other, their bond would hold them together in the most grievous hour. Let us take a moment and learn of this royal love.              King Louis XVI by Joesph Duplessis and Queen Marie Antoinette by Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun. On May 16, 1770, Dauphin Louis of France married  Archduchess Maria Antonia Josepha Joanna (Marie Antoinette) in the Royal Chapel of Versailles. On their wedding night, the adolescents went to bed together, yet their marriage was not consummated. It is reported that either the Louis and Antoinette did not know what to do, or decided to remain platonic spouses as they grew to personally know each other. For the next years, the pair learned their likes and dislikes as they were young adults in a foreign relationship. In 1774, Lou...

In 226 A.D, Valentinus (Valentine) was born in Terni, Italy. As a young adult, Valentine made the decision to become a Christian Priest. At the time of his ordination, the Roman Emperor Claudius Gothicus II took pleasure in punishing, torturing, persecute and executing Christian men women and children. In response, Valentine continued to spread the word of Christianity and baptized hundreds of Roman citizens into the Christian (Catholic) Faith.    Valentine Within time, Valentine was arrested by Roman officials and placed on house arrest. In regard to his case, a judge called Asterius was appointed to interrogate Valentine on his Christian faith. During his questioning, Valentine defended the faith he held and vowed to Jesus Christ as the Son of God. To challenge his faith,  Asterius brought  forth his blind daughter, asking Valentine to restore her sight. The judge said that if Valentine restored his daughter’s vision, he would convert Christianity and w...

On this day in 1793, King Louis XVI was guillotined during the French Revolution.  Throughout his reign,  King Louis XVI remained convicted  in the Catholic faith and made multiple reforms. In addition to establishing the first blind school in Europe, Louis signed the 1787 "Edict of Versailles", granting the people  freedom of religion and press. Nine years prior, L ouis recognized the colonial "United States of America" as a separate nation from England and assisted George Washington in his plight for freedom. On a personal level, Louis had an interest in lock making and had grown into a loving marriage with his wife, Queen Marie Antoinette. Together the couple had four heirs of their own and two adopted children.  Louis XVI as King of France beside a bust of his queen, Marie Antoinette Due to Enlightenment ideals, economic strain and propaganda, King Louis was overthrown by French Revolutionaries in 1789. Three years later, the king was tried for treason again...