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Saint James the Greater: Apostle, Pilgrim, and Model for Evangelization

/ chicoinematt

Sponsored: This article is made possible by Follow My Camino, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.

Saint James the Greater, son of Zebedee and Salome, was one of the first called by Jesus along the shores of Galilee. Along with his brother John, he left behind nets, boats, and family to follow the Lord immediately. Scripture captures this moment with striking simplicity: “They left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him” (Mark 1:20). That willingness to leave everything behind is at the heart of why James remains such a powerful figure for pilgrims today.

James was part of Christ’s “inner circle,” along with Peter and John. He witnessed miracles and mysteries most did not—the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the Transfiguration, and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. These moments of glory and suffering shaped James into a disciple who understood that to follow Christ was to share both in His triumph and in His Cross.

Nicknamed with his brother as “Boanerges,” or “sons of thunder,” James had a fiery temperament. At one point, he even asked Jesus if he should call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected Him (Luke 9:54). Yet this zeal, when purified by grace, became a driving force for evangelization. James eventually grew into a disciple who no longer sought honor for himself but laid down his very life for Christ. Around A.D. 44, James was martyred by King Herod Agrippa, making him the first of the Apostles to receive the crown of martyrdom.

The journey from fisherman to martyr reminds us that holiness is not instant perfection but faithful transformation. Like James, we too are called to be formed by both the joys and trials of following Christ.

The Camino and the Legacy of Saint James

James’ story does not end with his martyrdom. According to ancient tradition, his remains were carried miraculously to Galicia in Spain. There, at Compostela—meaning “field of the star”—pilgrims began to venerate his tomb as early as the 9th century. This place became the heart of one of Christianity’s greatest pilgrimages: the Camino de Santiago, or “Way of Saint James.”

The Camino quickly became more than a route to a shrine. It was, and still is, a living metaphor for the Christian journey. Pilgrims walk with blisters, burdens, and unexpected companions, just as Christians make their way through life with joys, sufferings, and surprises. To walk the Camino is to echo James’ original act of leaving behind nets and securities to follow the Lord wherever He leads.

For centuries, countless faithful—from medieval peasants to modern seekers—have made their way across Spain to Compostela. Some walk for penance, some for healing, others simply for the chance to rediscover faith through the rhythm of step after step. The Camino remains a spiritual school of humility, conversion, and encounter.

This is where groups such as Follow My Camino play a special role today. They help modern pilgrims enter into this centuries-old tradition with guidance, preparation, and support. For those longing to walk in the footsteps of Saint James but uncertain where to begin, such accompaniment makes the pilgrimage more accessible while preserving its deeply spiritual heart.

Symbols of a Pilgrim Apostle

Christian iconography developed rich symbols for Saint James that still resonate with pilgrims. He is often depicted with a wide-brimmed hat, a staff for walking, and a scallop shell. Each of these speaks to his enduring role as the patron of pilgrims.

The staff represents both physical and spiritual support. It is the reminder that we do not walk alone: God’s grace sustains us on the road. The shell, perhaps the most famous emblem, became the badge of those who had completed the Camino. Just as water fills the grooves of a scallop shell from different directions but flows into one point, the Camino gathers pilgrims from all over the world to converge at Compostela, united in Christ.

In some depictions, James appears on horseback as Santiago Matamoros, a figure connected to medieval legends. While this image reflected the historical struggles of the time, the deeper truth it represents today is the triumph of faith over fear. James remains a symbol of courage and steadfastness, urging us not to lose heart in the face of trials.

Even in Orthodox iconography, James is pictured with scrolls or books, emphasizing his identity as a bearer of the Gospel. Whether carrying a pilgrim’s staff or a holy book, the iconography always highlights his dual mission: to walk and to proclaim. He is both traveler and evangelist, disciple and teacher, reminding us that every Christian journey is meant to overflow into witness.

Get your pilgrim Tiny Saint James today.

Saint James as a Model for Evangelization

What makes Saint James a compelling model for evangelization is not his perfection but his transformation. At first, he was ambitious, fiery, even impulsive. Over time, through closeness to Jesus and the power of the Spirit, he became courageous, faithful, and willing to give everything—even his life.

His story shows that evangelization begins with listening to Christ’s call and stepping out in faith, even if we don’t have everything figured out. James immediately left his nets behind, a reminder that discipleship often requires surrendering comforts and securities. Evangelizers today can take inspiration from that same readiness to go where Christ sends.

James also shows us the importance of zeal. While his thunderous temperament needed refining, his passionate heart became an instrument for proclaiming the Gospel with courage. Evangelization today requires that same blend of passion and humility: a love so great it cannot remain silent, but also a service so humble it always points back to Christ rather than self.

Finally, his connection to pilgrimage reminds us that evangelization is itself a journey. It is not simply about delivering information but about accompanying others step by step, sharing joys and sufferings, and pointing toward the hope found in Christ. Just as pilgrims encourage one another along the Camino, so too evangelizers walk alongside others in faith.

Organizations like Follow My Camino remind us that the physical pilgrimage of Santiago is also an icon of the spiritual pilgrimage every Christian undertakes. Whether we set out on the Camino across Spain or live our daily journey at home, the invitation remains the same: to walk with James in following Christ wholeheartedly and to share that joy with others.

Conclusion: Walking with Saint James

Saint James the Greater’s life is a testament to what it means to follow Christ without reserve. From leaving his nets behind, to standing at the Transfiguration, to sharing in Christ’s agony, to finally drinking the cup of martyrdom, his story embodies the call to discipleship in its fullness.

His association with the Camino de Santiago ensures that his witness continues to inspire millions of pilgrims across centuries. His symbols—the staff, the shell, the book—still speak to us today about the Christian life as a journey of faith, service, and evangelization.

If we long to become better witnesses to the Gospel, we can look to Saint James as our guide. His transformation gives us hope that God can shape our weaknesses into strengths. His zeal encourages us to share the Good News boldly. And his patronage over pilgrims reminds us that every step we take, in prayer or on the road, can bring us closer to Christ.

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Thank you to today’s sponsor! Discover more by visiting Follow My Camino today.

Related Links

Pilgrims of Faith: A Catholic Journey Homeward

There’s More to St. James than Meets the Eye

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Why Mary is Our Surefire Protector in Spiritual Battle

/ chicoinematt

Sponsored: This article is made possible by The Last Weapon, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.

In the cosmic battle between good and evil that rages both in the heavens and in human hearts, Catholics have long recognized that we are not defenseless. We have been given powerful spiritual weapons. Chief among our protectors stands the Blessed Virgin Mary—the Destroyer of All Heresies and our most reliable ally in spiritual warfare.

The Ancient Enmity

The battle lines were drawn in the very beginning. In Genesis 3:15, God Himself establishes the fundamental conflict: “I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel.” This prophetic declaration reveals Mary not merely as a passive figure in salvation history, but as Satan’s greatest adversary—the one who would ultimately crush the serpent’s head through her divine Son.

This enmity is not accidental but divinely ordained. Where Satan’s rebellion was rooted in pride, Mary’s triumph comes through perfect humility. As St. Louis de Montfort observed, “What Lucifer lost by pride Mary won by humility.” Her complete “yes” to God at the Annunciation became the antithesis of Eve’s “no” in the Garden, making Mary the new Eve who would undo what the first had corrupted.

The Destroyer of Heresies

Mary’s title as “Destroyer of Heresies” reveals her active role in defending divine truth. This title was formally recognized by Saint Pope Pius X in his encyclical Pascendi Dominici gregis, where he invoked Mary under this powerful title in the Church’s battle against modernist errors. Unlike Satan, who is the father of lies and the author of confusion, Mary stands as the embodiment of pure faith. Her unwavering acceptance of God’s revelation serves as a beacon of truth in a world clouded by deception and false teaching.

This protection against heresy is not merely theological—it’s deeply personal and practical. Mary serves as our model of faith, showing us how to receive God’s truth completely and without reservation. She exemplifies the virtues of faith, hope, and charity that we need to combat the lies that Satan whispers in our daily lives. Her example teaches us to ponder God’s word in our hearts, constantly seeking deeper understanding rather than being swayed by every wind of doctrine.

The Perfect Advocate

Mary’s role as our advocate in spiritual battle goes back to the early Church Fathers. St. Irenaeus contrasted Eve’s disobedience with Mary’s perfect obedience, showing how Mary’s “yes” defended all of humanity and freed us from the consequences of disobedience. This advocacy continues today—she who stood faithfully at the foot of the cross now intercedes for us from heaven.

Her maternal mediation is uniquely powerful because it combines a mother’s tender care with perfect union to God’s will. God has placed Mary close to Christ, uniting her intercession as a mother with Christ’s intercession as our eternal High Priest. She presents our petitions to her Son and transmits His graces to us, serving as both our advocate before the throne of grace and our protector against the evil one’s attacks.

Weapons of Prayer

In this spiritual warfare, Mary has given us specific weapons—most notably, the holy Rosary. The Rosary is not merely a prayer but a weapon of spiritual combat. As tradition holds, the Rosary serves as both “a weapon of war and a battering ram against heresy.” Through the repetitive prayers and meditation on the mysteries of salvation, we unite our hearts with Mary’s contemplative spirit, allowing her to lead us deeper into the heart of her Son.

The genius of the Rosary lies in its accessibility and portability. Like any effective weapon, it must be readily available when the battle intensifies. Modern Catholics understand that spiritual warfare doesn’t confine itself to scheduled prayer times—temptations arise throughout our daily routines, requiring us to have our spiritual weapons always at hand. This understanding has inspired innovations like The Last Weapon’s pocket-clipped rosary, designed to ensure this powerful prayer is never out of reach when the spiritual battle calls.

Daily Readiness for Battle

Mary’s protection is not reserved for extraordinary moments but extends to our ordinary daily struggles. Her universal spiritual motherhood means she cares for all of Christ’s brethren “who are still journeying on earth amidst dangers and difficulties, until they reach their heavenly home.” This maternal care recognizes that we face spiritual battles in boardrooms and classrooms, in traffic jams and family disagreements, in moments of temptation and discouragement.

The key to accessing Mary’s protection is maintaining constant connection with her through prayer. Just as St. Padre Pio would call the Rosary his weapon, understanding that regular, accessible prayer creates an unbreakable bond with our heavenly Mother. This consistent devotion transforms Mary from a distant figure into an intimate protector who walks with us through every spiritual skirmish.

The Church’s Battle Plan

The Church herself seeks to imitate Mary’s example in the ongoing battle against error and evil. Like Mary, the Church contemplates God’s saving plan and accepts divine will, striving to present God’s true face to a world that often distorts or rejects divine truth. Mary serves as both the Church’s model and protector, showing us how to embrace mystery while maintaining unwavering faith.

Her role as teacher of true theology guides the faithful in growing in knowledge and discernment—essential skills for recognizing and rejecting the subtle heresies that pervade our culture. In an age when religious truth is often relativized or rejected outright, Mary’s example of complete faith provides the stability we need to remain anchored in authentic Catholic teaching.

Victory Assured

Perhaps most encouraging of all is the certain knowledge that Mary’s protection guarantees our ultimate victory. The woman clothed with the sun in Revelation represents the Church under Mary’s maternal care, and despite the dragon’s fury, her offspring are ultimately protected. Satan may rage against those “who keep God’s commandments and bear witness to Jesus,” but Mary’s intercession ensures that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.

This confidence allows us to engage in spiritual battle not with fear, but with the bold assurance that comes from fighting under the banner of the Queen of Heaven. With Mary as our protector, advocate, and guide, we can face each day’s spiritual challenges knowing that we are never alone in the fight. The Destroyer of All Heresies stands ready to crush the serpent’s head once again in our own lives, leading us safely to her Son who is our eternal victory.

In recognizing Mary as our surefire protector in spiritual battle, we discover not only a powerful intercessor but a loving mother who desires nothing more than to see all her children safely home in heaven—victorious over every assault of the evil one.

Thanks again to today’s article sponsor! Visit The Last Weapon to arm yourself for the spiritual battle. ⚔️🛡️📿

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The Memorare Prayer: Our Guide to Jesus Through Mary

/ chicoinematt

Sponsored: This article is made possible by Matrivi supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.

The Memorare prayer begins with “Remember” – a gentle reminder that we can approach the Blessed Virgin Mary with confidence in her unfailing intercession. This beautiful prayer encapsulates a profound theological truth that resonates with the heart of the Catholic faith: Mary serves as our surest guide to her Son, Jesus Christ. Like a well-worn path that leads home, Mary provides the most direct route to encounter Christ in our spiritual journey.

Where Mary is, so too is Jesus. This simple yet profound theology is evident even to children who instantly recognize Mother and Son in holy icons. The innocence of a child pointing to an image and exclaiming “Gee-sus! Mary!” captures perfectly what the Church Fathers spent centuries articulating. Mary’s primary purpose is always to lead us to Christ.

For many Catholics, the Memorare holds a special place in their hearts. Learning this prayer word by word in middle school classrooms creates lasting memories that grow more meaningful with time and deeper understanding of Mary’s role in salvation. Mary’s constant maternal care for the faithful throughout centuries doesn’t leave anyone who seeks her help “unaided.” The prayer confidently asserts this truth not merely as poetic language, but as a testament to her enduring protection.

Mary: The Theological GPS to Christ

Like a divine GPS, Mary unfailingly guides us toward her Son. She doesn’t simply point the way – she accompanies us on the journey, offering direction, protection, and unwavering love. As the “Star of the Sea” (Stella Maris), Mary serves as our guiding light through life’s often turbulent waters, leading us unerringly to the safe harbor that is Christ.

The name “Matrivi” beautifully captures this concept, combining the Latin “matri” (mother) with “vi” (road, way, journey). Mary is both mother and path – the one who nurtures us spiritually while simultaneously showing us the way to Jesus. In John’s Gospel, Mary’s instruction at the wedding feast of Cana perfectly encapsulates her mission: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). Her words always direct us to listen to and follow her Son.

Mary’s role as our spiritual guide was highlighted by Pope Pius X when he referred to her as the “Destroyer of Heresies.” False teachings lead us down incorrect paths, but Mary, through her perfect obedience and unwavering faith, always illuminates the true path to salvation. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux aptly described Mary as “the neck” through which “the body is joined to the head,” emphasizing her unique role in connecting the faithful (the Body of Christ) to Jesus (the Head).

Throughout history, Marian apparitions have served as divine “checkpoints,” helping humanity return to the right path when we’ve strayed. From Guadalupe to Lourdes to Fatima, Mary has appeared with messages of prayer, penance, and return to her Son. These apparitions reinforce her role as our spiritual guide, always gently redirecting our attention to Christ.

The Humble Connector of Divine Grace

The image of Mary as “the neck of the Body of Christ” beautifully illustrates her humble yet crucial role. There’s nothing flashy about a neck – its primary function is to connect the head to the rest of the body. Similarly, Mary’s humility shines throughout Scripture, from her troubled response to Gabriel’s greeting to her quiet presence at the foot of the cross.

Despite receiving more titles and honors than any other saint, Mary remains the model of humility. As Saint Bernard noted, “It is not hard to be humble in a hidden life, but to remain so in the midst of honors is a truly rare and beautiful virtue.” Mary’s humility makes her the perfect channel of grace from Christ to his Church.

We Confidently Find Jesus through Mary

When we pray the Memorare with sincere hearts, we acknowledge Mary’s unique position in salvation history. The prayer’s confidence – “never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection… was left unaided” – stems from Mary’s perfect alignment with God’s will. She never keeps grace for herself but always directs it toward those in need, just as she directed the servants at Cana to her Son.

The Memorare invites us to approach Mary as “Mother of the Word Incarnate,” reminding us of the Council of Ephesus’ declaration of Mary as Theotokos (God-bearer). This title protects the truth of Christ’s full humanity and divinity. Mary’s motherhood ensures that Jesus is truly one of us while remaining fully God – a mystery we can approach with confidence through her intercession.

As we wear or gift a Miraculous Medal from Matrivi, we carry a tangible reminder of Mary’s guidance. Each medal becomes a small compass pointing us toward Christ, a physical manifestation of the spiritual reality that Mary always leads us to Jesus. In praying the Memorare, we recognize that through Mary, we find our most reliable path to Christ – a journey of truth, beauty, and ultimately, eternal life.

Thank you to today’s sponsor! Find the perfect gift for First Communion or Confirmation by visiting Matrivi.

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A 896 Word Interview with Theresa Ambat from Saint Sprites

/ chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Theresa Ambat, Founder of Saint Sprites, via phone call on January 27th, 2024. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given. All the images about Saint Sprites, along with the headshot, are provided by Theresa and she allowed usage in this article.

Blessed Carlo Acutis clearly had a profound impact on your work. What aspects of his life and spirituality particularly resonate with you, and how do they continue to influence your artistic choices?

I first heard about him back in October 2020. I was first drawn to him because he played video games. Reading more about his life, he was so young and exemplified the love of Christ in all aspects of his life. He is similar to Saint Therese the Little Flower in how he loved everyone so deeply. 

The way Carlo used these tools (the Internet and digital art) for the good of others was inspiring.  People love games and speak to them really strongly. To point people toward God through video games is a powerful thing. He is the first saint to really use the Internet for evangelization. I found how he channeled the love of Jesus through the Internet inspiring. 

Your work bridges two seemingly different worlds – traditional Catholic spirituality and retro gaming aesthetics. What inspired you to combine these elements, and what do you think this combination offers to modern Catholics?

I think with video games it’s such a different form of media from books for movies. You are in the middle of the story. We see a part of ourselves when we play these games. I think that’s why so many people find video games so impactful. Hopefully, they are pursuing something good in the game.

When Carlo was beatified I thought it would be so cool that there would be an RPG of the life of the disciples. Video games are interactive and immersive. I don’t have the skillset (yet) to make a video game. But I hope that others can make such video games. 

I see that video games can act as a bridge to help people learn about the faith. To have an RPG about Maximilian Kolbe or Joan of Arc would be amazing! 

How did you settle on the name “Saint Sprites”?

Originally, I was going to do Pixel Saints, but I think that name was already taken on Instagram.

A sprite refers to a singular piece of art in a video game. Individual pieces of pixel art. And there’s alliteration with it. 

When you create a new saint sprite, what’s your creative process like? 

Good question! Typically, I’ll look up the sprite on Google, do some research on the saint, seeing if there are any objects associated with them. Working with a 32 x 32 pixelboard limits me, but it pushes my creativity.

For example, a lot of the religious sisters look similar. Both Hildegard and Monica looked similar so I have the former hold a Gregorian chant piece. Trying to figure how to show their character is fun too. I gave Saint Therese rosy cheeks, and St. Paul a wrinkle on his forehead. More modern saints are a bit easier because they had a more standard outfit than more ancient saints. But so far, I feel like I have been able to put enough detail and make it work to distinguish while working within the 32 by 32 board parameters. 

With the Marian devotions, I like to have a bit more pizazz (she is Mary after all!). I have Our Lady of Guadalupe on the Moon. 

What keeps you motivated to grow in your craft as it relates to Saint Sprites?

Well, I think when I see that this is impacting people and reminding them of God it pushes me to keep going. It motivates me to make more saints and improve my products. I love reading my reviews on Etsy (shown below).

These words of encouragement motivate me. 

I find parents and godparents buying these stickers for their children’s First Communion and how it impacts their faith. So something as simple as a piece of paper that sticks on another piece of paper to help people connect to God is humbling. Ultimately, knowing this project is a way to bring people to God is what motivates me. 

Among all the saints you’ve portrayed in your pixel art style, do you have a particular favorite piece or saint that you especially enjoyed creating? What made this one special?

I think I’m coming up on 82 saints. That’s a good and tough question.

Probably Maximlian Kolbe, he is one of my favorite saints, he was one of the first saints I made and was proud I was able to include so many details in that sticker. He is one of my more distinctive looking saints. For similar reasons, Saint Faustina. I was really pleased to include the Divine Mercy symbol. And thirdly probably Saint Therese. She gives me so much joy. When I put the rosy cheeks on her I knew that THIS IS Therese and she is one of my favorite saints. Those three would be my favorite (it’s soooo hard to pick!).

Any last words of advice to any readers who are also artists?

My biggest piece of advice is to invite the Lord into everything you create. He is the Original Creator. Every little sticker I make is God’s gift to me. Creation is so much more of a joy when you involve the Original Creator. This involves a strong prayer life and inviting the Lord into your workspace. Having a collaborative perspective when creating is an important part of being an artist. 

About Theresa

Theresa Ambat is a 26-year-old Catholic entrepreneur based in Seattle, Washington. Theresa, first interested in music and sound design for video games, eventually found herself creating pixel-art drawings of Catholic saints in her free time. She was inspired by the beatification of Carlo Acutis and over the last four years developed a love for evangelization through Catholic pixel-art reminiscent of retro visuals from the NES and Gameboy. Thus, Saint Sprites was born.

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How to Activate Your Small Catholic Business’s Uniqueness

/ chicoinematt

Do you want your business to stand out in the sea of Internet-noise?

Be like John the Baptist. Do something different.

Eat locusts with a dab of honey. Record yourself chomping on these crunchy bugs. 😋

Don’t worry, I said you can have honey on it.

Now, if aren’t near a grassy field you can order dried locusts online (link in the comments).

😳

🦗

🙄

You might be reading this thinking, “Surely, you must be kidding!?”

I’m only half-kidding— about the locusts.

*Reader breathes a sigh of relief*

But I was serious about being LIKE John the Baptist.

Do something different.

I mean with your blogging strategy on your website.

“But we post once a month.”

We live in a fast-paced world. And it’s weird.

Heck, people video record themselves eating things much stranger than locusts (and in a much greater volume than John the Baptist did with those bugs)

Posting once a month isn’t enough to distinguish your business from every other one.

Going back to weirdness…

Last month, the priest at my local parish talked about how we need to keep the weirdness in Catholicism. This was in the context of our Corpus Christi procession.

Being weird isn’t bad.

It captures people’s attention.

John was weird with his Nazarite vows and yelling “Repent” or “Behold, the Lamb of God”.

And if you have a small Catholic business, we are compelled to preach the oddness of the Gospel.

This doesn’t mean making up new doctrines or stretching the truth.

But it does mean being different.

And if you don’t have a current blog on your website the first step to being different is starting one.

I provide blog writing services for small Catholic businesses.

Reach out to me if you want your business to stand out and attract new customers. More details by clicking on: https://thesimplecatholic.blog/writing-services/

And the best part?

I won’t ask you to eat locusts…unless you want with them with honey. 🍯

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Boost Your Catholic Business: Professional Writing Services

/ chicoinematt
Small Catholic business in need of content creation help

Dear beloved small Catholic business owners and solopreneurs,

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always. We know that time is a precious resource that’s not renewable, and oftentimes it can feel like there’s only 24 minutes in a day instead of 24 hours. As you juggle the many responsibilities of running a small business, it can be challenging to find the time and energy to create compelling content that resonates with your audience.

But fear not, dear brothers and sisters, for help is at hand. As a professional writer and content creator, I offer my services to you with joy and enthusiasm. I understand the importance of creating high-quality blog posts and content that engages and inspires your customers. With my help, you can free up more time to focus on other important aspects of your business while still creating content that delights and informs your audience.

Whether you need help with blog writing, social media posts, email newsletters, or any other type of content creation, I am here to serve you. My services are specifically designed for small Catholic businesses like yours, and I am committed to helping you achieve your business goals with creativity and excellence.

So, dear friends, let us work together to build up the kingdom of God through our small businesses. May our content be a beacon of light in the darkness, a source of hope and inspiration for all who encounter it. And may the Holy Spirit guide us in all that we do, now and forevermore.

Email me today (at chicoine.matt@live.com) for engaging Catholic content!

Sincerely,

Your fellow servant in Christ

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