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.

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN on May 04, 2020, on how Jesus is the Good Sheperd who guards the gate and even acts a door to the sheepfold and therefore is the way to eternal life, if we recognize Him as God.

Ave Maria!

Mass: Monday 4th Week of Easter – Wkdy
Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050420.cfm
1st: act 11:1-18
Resp: psa 42:2-3, 43:3, 4 0
Gsp: joh 10:11-18

More on the Readings: http://dev.airmaria.com/r?m=1795

Also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/90378558559/videos/252090942863234

and YouTube: https://youtu.be/pDLoasJZ-f0

The post Jesus, Divine Door of the Sheepfold – May 04 – Homily – Fr Terrance first appeared on AirMaria.com.

The life of Servant of God Catherine of Aragon, Queen of England, Widow, Third Order (1485-1536) for the Franciscan Saint of the Day for Jan 6. Catharine was born in Spain the daughter of Elizabeth and Ferdinand of Spain. She was devout and married Henry VIII of England who was unfaithful to her and even separated from the Church in order to renounce Catherine and marry Ann Bohlen. She was exiled from the court and from her children but stayed true to her faith through all her tribulations.

Reflection is on constancy in suffering as exemplified by Catherine, knowing that in suffering we will inherit glory in heaven.
Perseverance wins the heavenly crown.
Perseverance comes from not putting our attention on the glory or the suffering in this world, but stay focused on the goal, heaven.

For more on S. of God Catharine
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_of_Aragon

Also on Youtube: https://youtu.be/PMLLziKTuhM

Read by Fr. Ignatius Manfredonia, FI from Marion Habig’s ‘The Franciscan Book of Saints’ Revised Edition, Franciscan Herald Press, ISBN: 978-0819907516

Playlist of Franciscan Saints: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TxcAETrU_k&list=PLejh_e0-LN4wErRczZGry4TXytCZFiLCm

Ave Maria!

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The post Jan 6 – S. of God Catherine of Aragon – Franciscan Saint of the Day first appeared on AirMaria.com.