🕯️ Saints, Sacraments & Spiritual Rhythm — All in This Issue

Dear friends in the faith,

We live in a world that numbs the soul and dulls our spiritual senses. But this week, we bring you 3 powerful reminders that our Catholic identity is more than heritage — it’s a call to courage, holiness, and depth.

🕯️ A guide to reclaiming your daily rhythm through the Liturgy of the Hours
🌾 A 12-year-old girl in Louisiana whose quiet heroism may make her a saint
⚠️ A warning from Padre Pio that shakes us out of Eucharistic complacency

Whether you’re feeling spiritually dry or simply need a holy nudge, these stories will speak directly to the soul. Let’s walk boldly in our faith — together.

In Christ,

Matt West
Holyhighlights Editor

Amid the rush and noise of modern life, many Catholics struggle with distraction and spiritual fatigue. The ancient Liturgy of the Hours offers a time-tested remedy, inviting believers to mark their days with meaningful prayer and reflection.

Once reserved for clergy, this structured cycle of psalms, hymns, and scripture now welcomes all. Since the Second Vatican Council, lay participation has been strongly encouraged, helping everyday Catholics root themselves in the Church’s continuous prayer.

Starting with Morning and Evening Prayer creates natural anchors for the day. Over time, many find comfort expanding to include Night Prayer or other hours, deepening their spiritual routine.

User-friendly apps and online platforms now bring these sacred texts to anyone’s fingertips. Virtual communities, such as those formed by the Guild of St. Benedict Joseph Labre, highlight how Catholics can unite in communal prayer, wherever they are.

Embracing the Liturgy of the Hours nurtures a lasting, peaceful connection with God in daily life.

Charlene Richard, lovingly called the Little Cajun Saint, continues to inspire Louisiana and beyond with her deep faith and courage.

Born in 1947 in Richard, Louisiana, Charlene was the second of ten siblings in a devoted Catholic family.

After being diagnosed with leukemia at age 12, she spent her final days at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette, praying and offering her suffering for others.

Her remarkable grace led the Diocese of Lafayette to open her cause for sainthood in January 2020, a process advanced in 2021 by U.S. bishops recognizing her influence and virtue.

On her 77th birthday in 2024, a ceremony at St. Edward Church marked the closure of the diocesan phase, forwarding her case to the Vatican.

Charlene’s legacy is felt through reported miracles, local memorial Masses, and the enduring comfort she brings to families facing hardship.

Padre Pio, the renowned Capuchin friar, persistently stressed the sacredness of the Eucharist and the need for deep reverence when receiving Holy Communion.

He warned that taking the sacrament in a state of mortal sin is a grave offense, highlighting the necessity of self-examination and repentance.

His teachings on recognizing the Real Presence of Christ have become especially relevant after recent events.

During the June 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, participants encountered protests challenging core Catholic beliefs.

A 2024 survey by the Real Presence Coalition showed that 58% of respondents feel modern Communion practices have lessened faith in the Eucharist.

Local parishes are responding with renewed catechesis and a return to traditional practices, such as receiving Communion on the tongue while kneeling, to foster deeper devotion and respect.

Padre Pio’s message calls the faithful to approach the sacrament with humility and love.

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