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...

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...

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...

As celebrated within the Roman Catholic Church and several Christian denominations, today is the feast of the "Epiphany", also known as the Adoration of the Magi. According to Church teaching and historical recount, this day represents the event in which three kings came to bestow gifts upon Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Upon following the great "Star", the kings came upon the young Jesus Christ, his mother the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his earthly father Saint Joesph. The kings bestowed the Child gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.  "The Adoration of the Kings" by Jan Gossaert circa 1510-1515 As told in the Gospel of Saint Matthew 2:7-11 (Douay-Rheims Bible) "W hen Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them.  And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him.   Who hav...