Yes, before his gigantic split from Catholicism Henry VIII was a staunch defender of the Catholic faith. Before he famously left the faith over his wish to divorce Catherine for giving him no sons and his desire for other women (like Anne Boleyn) Henry defended Pope Leo X and the Holy Roman emperor Charles V from theological attacks by Martin Luther. For his defense of the faith, outlined in Henry’s book called Assertio Septem Sacramentorum, the Pope conferred upon him the title of “Fidei Defensor”, or “Defender of the Faith”. Ironically, this title has passed down through all of England’s monarchs to today.

During his trial, St. Thomas More, was accused of having actually authored the book so that the King’s actions would not appear contradictory. St. Thomas, however, asserted it was “first to last the King’s own project.”

You can read more, including Henry VIII’s letter to Pope Leo X on the subject of his book, here.

Henry VIII’s book as been re-printed (thanks to our friend Raymond de Souza) and can be found, here.

The post Henry VIII – Defender of the Faith? first appeared on AirMaria.com.

For the memorial of St. Cyril of Alexandria (Jun 27), Fr. Matthias focuses his homily on the question: “Why is it so necessary to acknowledge Mary’s different titles and privileges?” The answer: They tell us who God is.

St. Cyril of Alexandria (Bishop and Doctor of the Church) was a major contributor to the definition of the dogma of Our Lady’s Divine Maternity.

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Cyril of Alexandria – Opt Mem

Readings: Wednesday 12th Week of Ordinary Time
1st: 2 Kgs 22:8-13, 23:1-3
Resp: Ps 119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40
Gsp: Mt 7:15-20

More on the Readings: http://dev.airmaria.com/r?m=1096&r=1633

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By the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate http://marymediatrix.com

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The post Why is the Dogma of Divine Maternity So Important? – Jun 27 – Homily – Fr Matthias first appeared on AirMaria.com.

In the homily for the memorial of St Anthony Mary Claret (Bishop, Oct 24), Fr. Maximilian explains how our Saint’s life and example conform to today’s Gospel message, to be faithful to one’s duties, constant in vigilance, so as to “be prepared, for … an hour you do not expect” (Lk 12:40).

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Anthony Mary Claret – Opt Mem

Readings: Wednesday in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
1st: Eph 3:2-12
Resp: Isa 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
Gsp: Lk 12:39-48

More on the Readings: http://dev.airmaria.com/r?m=1184&r=975

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The post Be Prepared for an Hour You Do Not Expect – Oct 24 – Homily – Fr Maximilian W first appeared on AirMaria.com.