He Risked His Life for the Faith — Would You Have Done the Same?

Trivia Question❓

In what year did Pope Francis become the first pope from South America?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

🕊️ Faith Anchored: Standing Firm in a Shifting World

Dear friends in Christ,

This week’s stories remind us that faith isn’t meant to be hidden, comfortable, or purely intellectual — it’s a living testimony. Whether it’s a priest defying communism, a believer discovering joy in poverty, or a woman set free from addiction, each witness calls us back to the core of Catholic identity: surrender, courage, and the mercy of God.

Let these stories rekindle your conviction that God is still writing miracles in ordinary lives.

Vladimír Jukl: The Hidden Priest Who Helped Bring Down Communism

Vladimír Jukl, born in Bratislava in 1925, became a symbol of faith and resistance during Slovakia’s years under communist rule.

Facing severe persecution, including torture and imprisonment, Jukl remained unwavering, convinced his beliefs would sustain him through adversity.

After his release, he joined Silvester Krčméry in building secret prayer communities, transforming ordinary homes across Bratislava into sanctuaries for quiet defiance and spiritual resilience.

Their leadership earned recognition as "Generals of the Secret Church", fostering a generation of Catholics who bravely upheld their faith in secret.

Jukl co-organized the 1988 Candle Manifestation, a pivotal, peaceful protest for religious freedom met with police force, foreshadowing the Velvet Revolution.

Recent films and books, including works by František Mikloško, have celebrated Jukl’s legacy, inspiring today’s advocates for religious freedom and human rights.

His centenary is a time to honor his enduring influence on Slovak society.

Why the Poor May Be Closer to Heaven Than the Wealthy: A Forgotten Truth of the Gospel

Throughout Christian history, poverty has been viewed as a path to spiritual purity.

St. Francis of Assisi symbolized this by embracing “Lady Poverty,” seeking holiness through simplicity.

For those in religious life, poverty is considered the most vital of the sacred vows, highlighting its importance in spiritual discipline.

Yet, the Church does not require all believers to experience material poverty, recognizing its challenges and that not all can bear its weight.

Instead, Christians are encouraged to cultivate spiritual poverty—a detachment from possessions and a reliance on God.

Whether wealthy or modest, the call is to trust God rather than depend on material goods.

Saints like St. Maximilian Kolbe found that simplicity and self-denial strengthened their faith and resolve, even during great trials.

Ultimately, the Christian response to poverty is one of compassion, generosity, and seeing Christ in the poor, fostering spiritual richness and deeper trust in God.

After years of battling addiction, first to marijuana in high school and then to alcohol, I spent decades hiding my struggle behind professional success.

Moments of sobriety, like abstaining for Lent, gave a false sense of control—even as the habits persisted.

Everything changed in 2013 with a return to Confession and dedication to Jesus through Mary, which broke my dependence on marijuana for ten years.

But grief brought relapse after the deaths of my husband and father. Overwhelmed, I again turned to substances for comfort.

During Lent 2024, a profound experience during prayer brought total freedom from both addictions.

The urge disappeared instantly, and I knew God had intervened for a purpose.

Now, through the Soul, Mind, and Body Retreat, my mission is to offer women a place of healing, where no one has to carry their burdens alone.

What was once hidden in shame is now a testimony to God’s mercy and restoration.