Despite facing personal hardships, their unwavering faith and trust in God serve as an inspiration to families and couples worldwide

Here are 10 things to know about Saints Louis and Zelie Martin:

1) Louis was a watchmaker, and Zélie was a talented lacemaker, running a lace‑making business from home.

2) They both discerned religious life before they met. According to family testimony, when Zélie first saw Louis, she heard Our Lady’s voice interiorly say, “He is the one I have prepared for you.”

3) They married on July 12, 1858, in Alençon, France. Their wedding anniversary is also kept as their liturgical feast day in many places on July 12.

4) Zélie bore nine children, four of whom died very young in infancy or childhood. In the midst of their grief, she wrote in one of her letters, “…life is short and full of miseries, and we shall find our little ones again up above.”

5) They overcame many crosses on their path to sainthood. Louis faced emotional and health struggles, and Zélie endured the demands of being a working mother while managing the lace business and the household. Yet, together, they prioritized family and faith while raising their children.

6) The couple attended daily Mass whenever possible and faithfully received Holy Communion, especially on First Fridays, nurturing a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart.

7) Their five surviving daughters all became religious sisters. Their youngest, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, was later proclaimed a Doctor of the Church, and their third daughter, Léonie Martin, is a Servant of God whose cause for canonization is underway.

8) Zélie died of breast cancer at the age of 45, leaving Louis a widower with their five daughters. He then dedicated himself to raising them and teaching them the faith by his holy example, even amid his own serious illness and trials.

9) The Martins were canonized together by Pope Francis on Oct. 18, 2015, in St. Peter’s Square, becoming the first married couple in history to be canonized together as spouses.

10) Through their intercession, God continues to bless families today. Two miracles involving gravely ill children were officially recognized for their beatification and canonization, and many couples and parents now turn to Saints Louis and Zélie as powerful patrons of marriage, parenting, and family life.

Prayer for Spouses to Louis and Zelie Martin:

Saints Louis and Zelie Martin,
today we ask you to intercede for us.
You are the first canonized married couple,
and we look to you as a holy example
and model for our own marriages.

We ask you to bless all marriages.
Help us to live out our married life with joy and virtue
and for those of us who have children,
please help us to be virtuous parents.  

You have modeled for us an exemplary Christian life;
may the example of your unwavering trust in God
and your constant willingness to surrender
all the joys, the trials, the sorrows
and the sufferings that filled your life.
Encourage us to persevere in our daily challenges
and to remain in joy and Christian hope.

Prayer Source: Marriages of Grace

Saints Louis and Zelie Martin, pray for us!

One of the earliest biographies of his life was written by Pope Saint Gregory the Great, and it includes many stories of incredible miracles performed by the monk.

Here are seven of the best miracles Saint Benedict of Nursia performed:

1) Saint Benedict broke a glass full of poison with the Sign of the Cross.

The abbot of a nearby monastery died, and the monks there asked Saint Benedict if he would become their new abbot. He declined at first, but they insisted, so he agreed. Benedict was stricter than the previous abbot, and soon the monks came to hate Benedict. They decided to kill him and put some poison in his glass of wine.

But when he made the Sign of the Cross to bless the wine, the wine glass suddenly broke as if a rock had been thrown at it. Saint Gregory the Great writes in his telling of the story:

“On which accident the man of God by and by perceived that the glass had in it the drink of death, which could not endure the sign of life.”

2) Saint Benedict saved a man from drowning by briefly becoming another person.

A monk named Placidus was getting water from the lake, accidentally fell in, and was swept away quickly by a current. Even though Benedict was a good distance from the lake, he miraculously knew what had happened and immediately ordered another monk, Maurus, to run to the lake to save Placidus.

When Maurus arrived at the lake, without thinking about it, he ran across the surface of the lake, grabbed Placidus by the hair, and dragged him back to shore. He only realized he had walked on water after he was back on land. Saint Gregory the Great writes that Maurus “marveled and was afraid of what he had done.”

And this is where things got a lot weirder. 

Talking about the event later that day, Maurus insisted that he had hardly been aware of walking on water as he was doing it. And Placidus? He claimed that the person who had pulled him from the water in the middle of the lake wasn’t wearing Maurus’ clothes, but Benedict’s.

In other words, in some mysterious way, although Maurus had been the one who went to the lake, Benedict had miraculously worked through him to walk on water and save Placidus.

3) Saint Benedict read the minds of his monks.

A few of his monks were sent to deliver a message to another town. For the length of the journey, Benedict ordered them to fast, as was their custom. But the trip took a bit longer than they expected, and someone invited them to their house for a good meal, and they accepted – who would know?

Benedict would. When they got back, he immediately asked them where they had been eating. When they said they hadn’t eaten anywhere, he told them where they had eaten and what they had eaten, including how many drinks they had had. Caught, as well as afraid of the fact that Benedict could know all the details of what they had done, they “fell down trembling at his feet” and confessed their sin.

4) Saint Benedict brought a child back to life.

During a construction project at the abbey, Satan himself came to Saint Benedict and told him that he planned on attacking the monks working on the project. Benedict at once sent a warning to the workers. Just as soon as the message arrived, a partially completed wall collapsed on a small boy who was helping with the work, killing him.

Grief-stricken, the monks brought the dead, mangled body to Benedict, who laid the child’s corpse on a table, sent everyone out of the room, and started praying. Miraculously, the boy came back to life, his body healed of all injuries.

5) Saint Benedict moved a huge stone with his prayer.

Some monks were busy building new cells at their abbey and came across a huge stone that blocked the path to their building. Even working all together, they were unable to move the stone.

So what did they do? Call Saint Benedict, of course! He said a prayer for them that the stone would move, and – voilà! – The monks were able to easily move the stone.

6) Saint Benedict exorcised a stubborn demon.

A man in a nearby town was possessed by a demon, and his local bishop was unable to exorcise it. He sent the man to the shrines of many holy martyrs, but without any effect.

Finally, the bishop summoned Benedict, who called on Our Lord Jesus Christ in prayer and immediately freed the man of the demon. Benedict left them with two rules to follow to avoid another demonic attack: (1) abstain from meat for the rest of his life, and (2) do not try to enter the priesthood.

7) Saint Benedict was unfazed by the devil’s trickery.

During construction, Benedict requested that the monks dig a deep hole in a certain spot. The monks found an old brass idol. For some reason, one of the monks set the idol in their kitchen, not intending to worship it, but just as a place to put it.

Suddenly, a massive fire broke out in the kitchen. Worried the fire might engulf their whole building, the monks called for Benedict, who said he saw no fire. When the monks insisted the kitchen was full of flames, Benedict realized that the flames were a trick of the devil to scare them – a trick that was completely ineffective on him. He prayed that the monks would be freed from the deception, and they quickly were.

Saint Benedict of Nursia, pray for us!

He’s the newly ordained Maronite priest who drew his entire village together to celebrate his new chapter with God.  

In a three-part video series, posted by @Eastern_Christians on Instagram, twin brothers Charbel and Giovanni Lteif, 21-year-old Maronite Catholics from Lebanon, showed how what started as a beautiful celebration for Father Johnny turned into a village party. 

Watch the full story below:

Women of all ages tossed rose petals to the priest, and while many applauded him as they walked together with him from his home to the church for his first Divine Liturgy, others sang and danced.   

From monks to priests to nuns to friends to family members, the Mass was held outside the chapel.  

“When an entire village in Lebanon gathers to celebrate and welcome its new priest, you might think it’s a wedding, and in many ways, you wouldn’t be mistaken. For the man has just entered a lifelong union with God, a bond that not even death can separate…” 

“This is the beauty of Christianity in Lebanon. The entire community gathers to celebrate the ordination of its new priest. You might think it’s a wedding, and in many ways, you wouldn’t be mistaken. A priest has just entered a lifelong union with God, a bond that not even death can separate.” 

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In a third video, Father Johnny carries the Holy Eucharist on his head in procession, a beautiful gesture of union with Christ, reminding the church of Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist.   

“When a new Maronite priest is ordained, he carries the Most Holy Eucharist on his head in procession. This solemn act expresses his union with Christ, who is truly present in the Eucharist, which becomes the center of his life and priestly ministry.

"He is then entrusted with distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the faithful. Just as Jesus gave His life for the salvation of the world, the priest now offers his life in service to Christ for the salvation of the souls entrusted to his ministry.” 

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The Lteif brothers have built a massive social media presence by sharing the beauty, the traditions, and the depth of Eastern Christianity through their lens.    

The Maronite Church is one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, while the Roman Catholic Church is the only Western church. All 24 Catholic churches are in full communion with one another and united with the Holy Father and the Vatican. 

The difference between a Maronite church and a Roman Catholic church is in some of its traditions, rituals, and liturgies.

Watch this EWTN News In Depth report about the Maronite church below:

It was January 18, 1905. Padre Pio was not yet a priest, not yet the renowned friar with the stigmata and countless spiritual children.

He was only a young Capuchin seminarian, Fra Pio, quiet, studious, faithful in prayer. That evening, he was kneeling in the monastery choir alongside Brother Anastasio. It was close to 11:00; the monastery hushed in silence.

Then, without warning, the young friar was carried up in spirit, transported far from the stone walls around him.

He later described the experience in simple words: He found himself in the palace of a wealthy family, where the master of the house lay dying as his wife labored to bring forth a child. In that vision, the Blessed Mother herself appeared before him.

“She radiated a light more tender than dawn, more powerful than the sun.”

With maternal gentleness, the Blessed Mother turned to Fra Pio and entrusted him with a mission that would last a lifetime. 

“My son,” she said, “I entrust this unborn child to your care. She will one day be a precious jewel, but right now she has no form. Shape and polish her. Make her as brilliant as you can, because one day I would like to have her in My court in heaven.”

The Blessed Mother’s answer was firm, yet full of tenderness:

“Do not doubt me. She will come to you. But first, you will meet her in the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome.”

In the next instant, Fra Pio was once again in the choir stall, his hands folded in prayer, as if nothing had happened. Yet everything had changed.

That very night, in the northern city of Udine, Giovanna Rizzani was born.

Her entry into the world was marked by drama and sorrow. Her father, a wealthy Mason, lay upstairs at death’s door. Her mother, Leonilde, gave birth prematurely in the palace garden, aided only by the steward. But Heaven intervened: A priest was permitted to baptize the fragile infant. In reality, he heard the Confession of Giovanna’s father, who died reconciled with God.

Thus, both birth and death were intertwined in that moment, and Heaven had already written Giovanna’s life into the story of Padre Pio.

The following year, in 1923, Giovanna traveled with her aunt to San Giovanni Rotondo, the remote mountain town where Padre Pio lived.

The monastery corridor was crowded with pilgrims when suddenly Padre Pio stopped. His penetrating gaze fell upon Giovanna. With words that struck her like lightning, he said:

“I know you. You were born the day your father died.”

The next morning, she went to Confession. Before she could speak, Padre Pio greeted her tenderly: “My daughter, finally you have come! I have been waiting for you so many years.”

“But Father,” she whispered, “this is the first time I have ever met you.”

He smiled gently.

“No, my child, I know you well. Do you not remember last summer in St. Peter’s Basilica? You came searching for a confessor, and I heard your confession. That was me.”

Then he revealed the secret of the Blessed Mother’s words:

“Before you were born, Our Lady brought me to your home. I witnessed your father’s death. She entrusted you to me. You are my responsibility.”

From that day on, Giovanna became one of his most faithful spiritual daughters.

Later, Padre Pio invested her in the Third Order of St. Francis. To her surprise, he chose for her the name Jacopa.

Padre Pio shook his head.

“No. You will be Jacopa. Just as Jacopa de Settesoli was at the side of St. Francis when he died, so too will you be present at my death.”

Years passed. Giovanna, now Sr. Jacopa, remained steadfast under Padre Pio’s direction. Near the end of his life, he spoke to her with urgency.

“Come soon to San Giovanni Rotondo, for I am going away. If you delay, you will not find me.”

On September 23, 1968, as Padre Pio entered eternal life, Sr. Jacopa experienced a vision.

She was transported mystically to his cell. She saw the friars around his bed. She witnessed the exact moment of his passing, though she had never entered his room before. Later, she described every detail, the arrangement of the room, the faces of those present. All was confirmed true.

Just as Padre Pio had foretold, she was indeed at his side when he died.

For me, this miracle is the most beautiful of all. It was not a single dramatic healing, nor an isolated grace. It was the story of a soul guided from birth to death under the mantle of Our Lady and the hand of Padre Pio.

From the night Giovanna was born to the moment Padre Pio breathed his last, their lives were bound together in a mystery of mercy. He shaped her as Our Lady requested, and she, in turn, stood as witness to the sanctity of his mission.

When I reflect on this, I cannot help but whisper with reverence: This truly was Padre Pio’s miracle.

This article is an excerpt from Susan De Bartoli’s book, "Padre Pio’s American Daughter: The Story of Mary Pyle."

The Saint Benedict medal is a powerful sacramental in the Catholic Church. It bears the image of Saint Benedict, a sixth-century monk known for his spiritual wisdom and contributions to monastic life.

The medal is rich in symbolism. Each part represents a particular aspect of Saint Benedict's life or has a specific spiritual meaning.

According to the National Catholic Register,

"As Saint Benedict is invoked against evil, his medals are considered particularly efficacious against it. This is the medal the Church uses when she’s had just about enough.”

What does the Medal of Saint Benedict mean?

Here is an explanation of the common elements found on the Saint Benedict medal:

On the front of the Benedictine medal:

1. Saint Benedict's image represents Saint Benedict as a powerful intercessor against evil and a source of spiritual guidance. He holds the written Rule of Saint Benedict in one hand and a cross in the other.
2. On one side of Saint Benedict is a raven. On the other is a cup with a serpent emerging from it. This represents an incident in his life when he miraculously saved himself from poisoning. Above the cup reads: “Crux sancti patris Benedicti," which means, “The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict.”
3. Surrounding Saint Benedict are the words, “Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!” which translates to, "May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death."
4. At Saint Benedict’s feet reads: “Ex. S. M. Cassino MDCCCLXXX” - Of the Holy Monte Cassino 1880.

On the reverse side of the Saint Benedict medal:

5. “Pax” means Peace in Latin. The Cross signifies Christ's victory over sin and death through His crucifixion.

6. The vertical arm of the cross bears the initials "C.S.S.M.L.," which stands for "Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux" ("May the Holy Cross be my light").

7. The horizontal arm of the cross displays the initials "N.D.S.M.D.," which stand for "Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux", or "Let not the dragon be my guide." This is a rejection of evil.

8. The larger letters surrounding the center cross, “C S P B”, stand for: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti, which means, "The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict."

9. Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters, V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B. This symbolizes a Latin prayer for protection: "Vade Retro Satana! Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana!". It translates to: "Begone, Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities!"

According to the National Catholic Register,

"Though lay people and most priests are forbidden to conduct exorcisms, they are permitted to use the Saint Benedict medal to ward off evil."

One is allowed to:

1. wear the medal around the neck;
2. attach it to one's rosary;
3. keep it in one's pocket or purse;
4. attach it to one's keychain;
5. affix it to one's car or home;
6. place it in the foundation of a building;
7. Affix it to the center of a crucifix, usually behind the corpus.

It is important to note that we should not treat the medal of Saint Benedict as magic. Instead, we accept its graces due to our faith in Jesus Christ and the powerful intercessory prayers of Saint Benedict.

The Saint Benedict Medal is considered a powerful sacramental that carries spiritual significance and protection for those who wear or use it with faith.

It serves as a constant reminder of the presence of God, the victory of the Cross, and the intercession of Saint Benedict against evil.

Interested in purchasing a Saint Benedict medal? Click here to order yours from the EWTN Religious Catalogue.

After Argentina's victory over Cape Verde, a journalist surprised Lionel Messi with a blessed rosary—a touching gesture that quickly captured the attention of social media.

The emotional moment came courtesy of Argentine journalist Julián Pérez Regio, who took advantage of the opportunity to present the Albiceleste captain with a rosary that had been blessed at the Vatican.

As he handed Messi the gift, Pérez Regio explained that he hoped the sacramental would protect both Messi and his family.

"Leo, this little gift is for you. It's a rosary that was blessed at the Vatican—for you, for your children, for Antonella, for your dad, for your mom. For all the joy you've given us over the past 20 years.

"Everyone is always asking you for something, always wanting something from you. And that's understandable. But you've been a source of joy for millions of little children from the day they were born, and even for the elderly at the end of their lives.

"This rosary is for your protection in everything you do, for you and your family. Wishing you good health, and thank you—from all Argentinians. Thank you."

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The video of the encounter quickly went viral on social media.

To date, it has received more than nine million views and over one million likes, with thousands of users praising the simplicity and humility with which Messi accepted the gift.

Here are some of the comments:

"The way he looks at you with those little eyes and that smile. 🥹"

"If Messi looked at me like that, I'd never stop talking to him about the rosary."

"This guy understands what really matters—always putting God first. Thank you, Messi, for your humility."

Argentina's Victory Over Cape Verde

Argentina advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in a hard-fought match. Although the Albiceleste entered as favorites, the African side surprised many and pushed the defending world champions to their limits.

The match also revealed another detail that caught viewers' attention. Cape Verde's head coach, Bubista (Pedro Leitão Brito), once again appeared with the amulet that has accompanied him throughout the tournament: the Turkish Eye, also known as the Nazar.

After that match, Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2, fighting back from two goals down with late magic from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernández. This victory sent the defending world champions into the quarterfinals and reminded fans why this team captivates hearts worldwide.

This fall, you have a powerful opportunity to be part of that movement at St. Patrick's Cathedral in the heart of New York City.

On October 13, 2026, the Napa Institute will once again host this powerful opportunity to walk with Jesus through the streets of New York City during rush hour, impacting thousands both in person and online.

Over the past several years, this event has not only captured the attention of tourists and commuters throughout New York City but has also gone viral around the world, garnering millions of views online.

Last year, Jonathan Roumie, Cardinal Seán O'Malley, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, and Fr. Ambrose Criste led attendees in spiritual reflections, Mass, and the Eucharistic procession.

This year's program is as follows:

The afternoon begins at 3:00 p.m. with Eucharistic meditations led by Fr. John Burns and Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. At 4:00 p.m., Bishop Joseph Espaillat will celebrate Mass and preach the homily before the procession departs the cathedral at 5:00 p.m.

The Boston Boys Choir will provide beautiful sacred music during the Mass and Eucharistic procession.

Each year, Catholics from a wide variety of communities participate, including the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, the Sisters of Life, the Order of Malta, Catholic school students, and parish groups from across New York City and the Diocese of Rockville Centre. We encourage individuals, families, and parish groups to join us.

You can register by visiting the Napa Institute website. Groups of 10 or more should email the Napa Institute team at events@napa-institute.org.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and commemorate the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, this year's procession promises to be a powerful witness to the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Check out these powerful videos from previous years: 

Participate in the Faith & Business Conference the Following Day

This year's Eucharistic Procession marks the beginning of two days of inspiring Catholic events in New York City. On October 14, 2026, the Napa Institute will once again host its Faith & Business Conference at the Metropolitan Club, bringing together leaders to explore the renewal of America's cities as centers of faith, freedom, and prosperity.

It “does not perish when it separates from the body at death, and it will be reunited with the body at the final Resurrection” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 366). It is the deepest part of our being, a sacred space meant to be reserved for God alone.

The body houses the soul; they are so intertwined that the soul is the “‘form’ of the body” (CCC 365). Fr. Brian Mullady explains, “The body is meant for the soul and the soul is meant for God.” 

When we are in a state of grace, God dwells within our soul, which makes us temples of the Trinity. We cannot be temples of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while also welcoming Hindu deities—we must choose one or the other.

Many Christians practice yoga without realizing its spiritual dangers, and some believe they can separate the physical aspects from the spiritual. But what we think or know about yoga does not change the fact that it is a spiritual practice that invites spirits into the soul. 

Since demons hide behind mythological Hindu gods who are called on in a yoga class, being present gives them an opening to unite with them instead of Jesus. 

It is crucial to understand: Our intention never matters. Every single yoga class, no matter where or how it is done, even the most “non-yoga-like,” promotes a communion with these evil spirits.

Well-known Catholic theologian Edward Sri says, 

“We are more likely to passively allow something into our soul because it is dressed up in a fun show, a funny movie, an attractive image, or a catchy tune.” 

This also applies to yoga. Patricia Talbot, a visionary from Cuenca, Ecuador, asks a profound question: Why would we want anything other than God to enter our soul? Whether done knowingly or unknowingly, letting other spirits into our body diminishes our relationship with Him.

Union is a real thing. Christians strive to unite with Christ, and Catholics are blessed to experience the most intimate and powerful union with God through the Eucharist, an incredible gift yoga belittles. 

Bishop Robert Barron poses an important point worth pondering: those who “regularly gather around the table of intimacy with Christ and yet engage consistently in the works of darkness are meant to see ourselves in the betrayer.” A humbling thought.

Many dabble in the seemingly innocuous and good-for-you yoga under the pretense of exercise and stress relief. As did I.

For almost two decades, I was seduced—numb and blind to yoga’s truths and that each class I taught led my students and myself further away from God—because, at the time, I did not comprehend how yoga opposes Christian beliefs.

This article is an excerpt from Linda Carl’s book, “Yoga Unveiled: My Spiritual Journey from Darkness to Light”.

eCatholic and Spirit Juice Studios released a powerful new mission video depicting how technology can be a beautiful way to help young people find community and deepen their faith through parish life. 

The video tells the story of a fictional young woman named Joanna who embarks on a faith journey after moving into a new home. 

The video begins with a parish priest standing in a beautiful church looking at a text message from Joanna and her husband, expecting a baby and wanting to plan a baptism. 

A little further in, it portrays how Joanna’s story began two years prior at the Catholic parish where she inevitably met her husband.

Upon moving into her home and hanging a crucifix on her wall, she searches online for the nearest Catholic Church and the daily Mass times. After finding the eCatholic parish website, she begins attending daily Mass, meets the parish priest, and researches the community further online.

Joanna decides to register as a parishioner of the church and signs up for text notifications. She joins a bible study with other young people and begins volunteering in parish life.

Finally, Joanna meets her husband on multiple occasions throughout the video, but when they arrive at the church at the same time to pray before the Eucharist, sparks fly!

The video goes on to depict their engagement, wedding, and finally, their plans to baptize their child.

Watch the beautiful story unfold below:

eCatholic published this video to depict the importance of their technology “working in the background of real parish life - not as a product showcase, but as a story about what becomes possible when technology serves the mission of the Church and helps souls flourish.”

“The goal with our new mission video was to create a narrative that shows what parish life looks like when everything is working the way it should,” eCatholic evangelist Brandon Duncan said. 

“When a person or a family can find and connect with their parish community, when a pastor or staff member can better serve their parishioners instead of getting buried in the logistics, and when two people can find each other in a place they both call home, this is the type of fruit we want to see flow from the work done behind the scenes at eCatholic.”

From a general perspective of parish life, this video truly shows the power technology can have in bringing souls to Christ.

What do you think of Joanna’s story?

Let me put it this way: I have rarely experienced anything that has had such a massive impact on my spiritual life as my encounter with the Old Mass. And this is coming from someone who has been incredibly blessed his whole life when it comes to the Faith. 

My parents raised me Catholic; my family prayed the Rosary together; I was an altar server in my childhood; two brothers of my grandfather were priests; I received the sacraments regularly, took trips to Rome, went on pilgrimages to places such as Medjugorje, and have friends who are Jesuits and Dominicans and a brother in the Legionaries of Christ. 

My wife and I spent about ten years in the charismatic community of Emmanuel. And then, one day, in my early fifties, I moved to Rome and got to know the Traditional Latin Mass, and everything changed. It was the beginning of a complete transformation of my personal life, my life with the sacraments, and my personal relationship with Christ. 

Looking back, I can explain all of this only as a fruit of this liturgy and the world surrounding it. It was as if a page had been turned—and not just for me but for my wife and my children too.

Strangely enough, it wasn’t the beauty, the Gregorian chant, the incense, or the ornate robes that drew me in. All the elements that people usually see as the main reason for attending this form of the liturgy had little effect on me. No, it was the silence.

I was dragged to my first TLM in Rome by my wonderful wife. 

So there I was, frantically flipping through the pages, trying to keep up, and I suddenly found myself struck by the silence. The Sanctus had just ended, and instantly the church grew completely quiet. The priest prayed and did something on the altar that I could not see, and it stayed silent. Everyone was kneeling, not much seemed to be happening, it felt as if the silence was closing in on me, and then it was interrupted by bells, to indicate the Consecration, followed by more silence.

“What is this? What is this?” I thought, baffled, just like Merlin the wizard in Excalibur.

For me, this stretch of silence was the gateway drug. In my humble opinion, it was the first time that I was able to experience the incredible moment of the Consecration. I was used to the Mass of today, in which the time between the homily and the Consecration tends to be very short. Right before and after the Consecration, the faithful are expected to utter responses and sing.

But here, everything continued in silence after the Consecration. That really spoke to me.

It was the foreign, the unknown, that drew me to the Old Mass. I was lucky enough to find a priest who let me, an old family father, be an altar server during his morning Mass on a side altar a couple of times. This was the second big step for me.

It was an incredibly humbling experience, and the patience and humor of the priest prevented it from being even more embarrassing. I learned that being an altar server in the TLM is something complex and challenging, something that must be learned over a long period of time. 

Every gesture is a way to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 

Not only is the altar server able to help the priest, but he is an integral part of the Mass. He has to know the responses, either by memorizing them or by reading them from a little book or card until they stick. 

By moving around the sanctuary in a devout and dignified manner, he can inspire the faithful to enter into devotion and prayer more deeply. For all these reasons and many more, my weeks as an altar server have been incredibly helpful.

After sharing so much enthusiasm for this form of the Mass, I have to be prepared to answer the following question: “Is the TLM for everyone?” 

My own experience (and that of my family) makes me want to say yes. But there are many reasons why people raised in the Novus Ordo might have mental blocks that prevent them from accepting this form—for example, the Latin language. Others look for more interaction with other Catholics when they go to Mass. Others, again, do not seek silence and contemplation in liturgy and prefer more personal involvement.

One thing I would say is that we seem to have forgotten that the Catholic Mass is not—as in many Protestant denominations—primarily about interpersonal relationships and community. The first and deepest encounter in the Mass is with God himself, our Lord and Savior, in the real renewal of His sacrifice on the Cross and Holy Communion. 

And a word on community: The community of Christians is made up not only of the people present at Mass but also of all the angels and saints, who are present in every Mass.

This article is an excerpt from Eduard Habsburg’s book, “Discovering the Latin Mass: A Travel Guide for the Curious.”