Sr. Maria Beatriz Matos

In the gardens of the Academy, comfortably seated and reflective, master and disciple still seem to be meditating: Socrates, his chin supported in his hand, prepares to bring into the world yet another concept; at his side, Plato, with an attentive ear, waits patiently. However, tourists come and go, days …

In following the articles in this special issue of Heralds of the Gospel magazine and considering the numerous achievements attributed to Msgr. João, a reader who knew him but little might imagine that his life progressed in a straight line, from triumph to triumph until his departure for eternity, without …

Contemplating the gradual fading of the lights of Christian Civilization, in which its bastions were systematically attacked and left in ruins until almost nothing remained of them, the Catholic soul kneels before this rubble, once surrounded by splendour and promise, and its love seems to ask of those now lacklustre …

It was during the fifteenth century that John, Duke of Berry, brother of King Charles V of France, asked for a fragment of St. Radegunde’s body to be placed in his chapel in Bourges. With authorization obtained, the tomb was opened and to the surprise of all, the body was …

Thursday September 8. The world learned, through the mainstream media, that Queen Elizabeth II had just passed away. Death is always cruel and painful, whatever the circumstances. Nevertheless, analysed from a purely material point of view – the only one that seems to have the right to exist in our …

Few figures inspire more respect than the patriarchs of the Old Covenant – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – whose story, by determination of the Divine Holy Spirit, was perpetuated in the pages of Sacred Scripture. Their lives were full of promise and symbolism, and the misfortune that Jacob faced in …

It was the year 423, a troubled time, sown with wars and invasions, when a dying civilization was emitting its last gasps.1 The Roman Empire, once almost indestructible, threatened to collapse under the furore of the barbarian invasions. Between treaties and military manoeuvres, it had achieved another period of peace; …

Well known is St. John of the Cross’ Dark Night, in which he explains the process of purifying the imperfections of the soul, “preparing it for the union of love with God.”1 However, I do not think that the master of spiritual life will mind if, in these pages, instead …

A young man is walking through the winding streets of Siena. The city, busy with its work and intrigues, pays no attention to him. Of medium build and manly bearing, with a pleasant countenance and a cheerful look, he has many friends and they all esteem him; yet he is …

Who is not moved to contemplate Him who went about on earth doing good (cf. Acts 10:38), being the object of more hatred, scorn and outrages than has any man ever been in history? For today’s generations, so accustomed to a life aimed at avoiding suffering, it would perhaps cause …