Faith Hakesley
 

Today on the Feast of the Annunciation we pause to reflect on one of the most powerful moments in human history: the “yes” of the Blessed Mother.

I’m in a strange season of life that I don’t often hear about. It’s the moment when you find yourself holding a newborn in your arms while watching another child stand on the edge of adulthood.

There is something people rarely talk about after someone dies. The after.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ +JMJ+ Every February, our culture loudly proclaims its version of love. Hearts, chocolates, flowers, and grand romantic gestures flood the shelves and social media feeds. Somewhere along the way, love itself has become strangely distorted even among Christians. Love is often reduced to a feeling, a fleeting emotion, or a self-centered pursuit of personal happiness. Marriage is redefined as a contract of convenience (a mere piece of paper) rather than a covenant

+JMJ+ Suffering is not something we seek. Even when we love God deeply, and even when we want to trust Him completely, suffering can still takes us by surprise. Whether suffering has come to us, someone we care about, or even a stranger, it interrupts our plans, takes away our sense of safety, and causes us to ask questions. I have lived long enough to know this firsthand. A priest once tried to destroy me. For a time, he nearly succeeded. That is not something I write lightl

+JMJ+ In the days since Charlie Kirk’s tragic passing, something deeply disturbing has unfolded, not just the loss itself, but the viciousness directed toward his wife, Erika. The very people who claim to love Charlie, claim to honor his legacy, claim to be devoted to Christ, are spending an astonishing amount of time doing the opposite. If people care so much about Charlie and his family, they’re doing a remarkable job of proving otherwise. Some people are behaving horribly.

+JMJ+ I am overjoyed to share some truly unexpected and humbling news: I will be publishing a children’s book with  Pauline Books & Media !  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be writing a children’s book, but God had other plans. This particular story is so near and dear to my heart. While I can’t share details just yet (trust me, I will as soon as I can!), I am beyond grateful for this new venture. What makes this even more special is the opportunity to work wit

Every year as October 31st approaches, the world seems to be filled with jack-o’-lanterns, costumes, and candy. While there’s nothing...

+JMJ+ Many are saying,  “Even if we disagreed politically with Charlie Kirk, his was still a human life senselessly taken. We should never celebrate that.” Agreed. It never should have happened. Murder is evil. Full stop. Charlie Kirk died defending truth despite the fact that he did so in a calm, respectful, and humble way. His assassination is proof of paying the ultimate cost of discipleship. Here’s the issue: some of the very people expressing their dismay and offering “t

+JMJ+ To the ancient Romans, the cross was a tool of terror. It was the most shameful and brutal death imaginable, and it was reserved...

The past week has felt unbearably heavy.

+JMJ+ I’ll be honest with you: I’m sick of this. As a survivor of clerical abuse, every new scandal involving any known Church figure (priest, nun, influencer, etc.) can feel like someone ripping the scab off an old wound. It’s “one more thing” that shakes trust, reopens pain, and leaves many of us asking, How much more can we take? The recent scandal surrounding Catholic apologist Alex Jurado (known online as “Voice of Reason”) has been just that. His public denial of serio

+JMJ+ I’m into my third trimester of pregnancy with our sixth baby, and it’s safe to say this has been the most stretching season of my life (both literally and figuratively). Every pregnancy brings its own set of challenges, but this one has been especially difficult—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m exhausted in every sense of the word. It’s been a season of deep suffering, of uncertainty, and of navigating change. A season that has required me to come out of my

Recent changes in American Eagle’s advertising strategy have sparked both celebration from conservatives… and also concern.

I’ve seen too many Catholics walk away from the Church over hard truths.

Today’s Gospel presents one of Jesus’ most well-known parables, that of the Good Samaritan.

Recently, the Bishop of San Bernardino issued a sweeping dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation for all undocumented immigrants.

There’s a sad, quiet kind of brokenness that sometimes plays out in church halls, prayer groups, and ministries.

It’s frustrating (and frankly dangerous) when people justify sin by saying, “Well, Jesus never said anything about that.”

+JMJ+ This past Sunday, Catholics celebrated the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. It is a special day on which the Church invites us to fix our eyes, minds, and hearts on the reality of the Eucharist: Jesus Christ (Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity) is truly present under the humble appearances of bread and wine. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith (CCC 1324). It is Christ Himself, our strength, our sustenance, and our Savior. Every time we receive Him in Holy Commu