When trials of any kind enter our lives, we often lose the peace of mind that we had so long sought and built up in our relationships with others. How then can we rediscover that peace, even amidst trials? Fr Bernard Ducruet offers advice based on the wisdom of St Benedict.

When St Francis de Sales looked at the towns and cities of 17th-century France, he couldn't help but see 'the squalor of the Cross' in the squalor of the towns and cities. Determined to do something about it, he decided to set up a religious order to help them, with the aid of his friend St Jane Frances de Chantal. Learn how they became servants of the poor in founding the Visitation Order in this blog.

While everyone is familiar with St Thérèse of Lisieux, her sister Léonie is less well known. In comparison with her sisters, Léonie led a more challenging life. She suffered illness from childhood, was somewhat isolated within her family, had been expelled by her school and been abused by a maidservant. Three times she tried religious life before she finally succeeded aged thirty-five.

In order to reconcile us to Himself, Jesus became man and freely gave up His own life for our sake. And yet, when we sin, we risk losing our new identity as children of God. In this blog, discover how to unite yourself with Jesus and live for His Kingdom, and the role the Mass has to play in this goal.

Ask God to sanctify you with these aspirations.