The Loss of a Soul
©2026 Victor R. Claveau, MJ St. John Chrysostom wrote, “The loss of one soul carries with it a penalty which no language can represent. For if the salvation of that soul was of such value, that the Son of God became man, and suffered so much, think how sore a punishment must the losing of […]
The Selection of Bishops
©2025 Victor R. Claveau, MJ The present appointment process for the selection of diocesan bishops is widely perceived to be in need of serious reform. While the Church has long relied on a confidential and consultative system—typically involving apostolic nuncios, regional bishops, and recommendations forwarded to the Congregation for Bishops—the practical outcome in many regions […]
Puritanism[i] in America
©2026 Victor R. Claveau, MJ The term Puritan began as an epithet hurled at church reformers in England, whom others perceived as annoyingly precise, exacting, and meddlesome in the practice of their faith. Puritans were predestinarian Calvinist dedicated to living according to “primitive” scriptural rules.[ii] Timeline 1608 Separatist Pilgrims[iii] flee England for Holland. 1620-1640 The Great […]
The Four Marian Dogmas (With CCC References for Catechetical Study)
Victor R. Claveau, MJ________________________________________1. Mary’s Divine Motherhood (Theotokos)Defined: Council of EphesusMary is truly the Mother of God (Theotokos) because she bore Jesus Christ, who is one divine Person with both a human and divine nature.Doctrinal Significance• Affirms the hypostatic union• Proclaims Jesus Christ as true God and true man• Establishes Mary as Mother of the […]
The Four Marian Dogmas
Victor R. Claveau, MJ Mother of God! What an ineffable title! The grace of the divine maternity is the key which opens up to the weak, human scrutiny the untold riches of Mary’s soul; as it is likewise a challenge commanding for her the utmost reverence of every creature. “She alone by her dignity transcends […]
Catechism Lesson: Divine Mercy and Divine Justice
Victor R. Claveau, MJ ✠ I. The Nature of God Q1. Who is God? God is the infinite, eternal, all-perfect Being, Creator of heaven and earth.— CCC 199–202 Q2. What are God’s principal attributes? God is truth, goodness, love, justice, and mercy.— CCC 214–221 ✠ II. Divine Justice Q3. What is Divine Justice? Divine Justice […]
The Divinity of Jesus Christ
Victor R. Claveau, MJ 🔹 Core Claim Jesus Christ is not merely a prophet or teacher, but true God and true Man, the eternal Son of God made flesh. ✠ 1. Christ Explicitly Claimed Divine Identity Jesus did not present Himself as just a messenger: Key idea: His claims go beyond prophecy—they imply equality with […]
The Mercy of God
Victor R. Claveau, MJ 🔹 Core Claim God is infinitely merciful, always willing to forgive and restore the sinner—yet His mercy is perfectly united with His justice. ✠ 1. God’s Nature Is Love and Mercy Key idea: God does not reluctantly forgive—He desires to save ✠ 2. Creation Itself Is an Act of Mercy Conclusion: […]
The Sacrament of Confession
Victor R. Claveau, Mj 🔹 Core Claim Christ instituted the Sacrament of Confession to forgive sins committed after Baptism through the ministry of the Church, especially through ordained priests acting in His name. ✠ 1. Christ Gave the Apostles Authority to Forgive Sins After the Resurrection, Jesus: Key implication: Forgiveness is not merely internal—it is […]
The Sacrifice of the Mass
Victor R. Claveau, MJ 🔹 Core Claim The Mass is the true, sacramental re-presentation (making present) of the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary—not a new sacrifice, but the same sacrifice made present in an unbloody manner. ✠ 1. Christ Instituted a Sacrificial Memorial At the Last Supper, Jesus said: Key point: Conclusion: Christ […]