Contemplata has launched "Into the Mysteries of the Rosary," a biweekly mini series. Fr. James Brent, O.P., leads this series with brief, guided meditations on each mystery of the Rosary, drawing you more deeply into the life of Christ. New episodes arrive every other week, with regular Contemplata episodes continuing on the weeks between. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Watching college football this season? Keep an eye out for Fr. John Baptist Hoang, O.P., on the sidelines at University of Louisville home games. As chaplain of UofL’s Catholic Campus Ministry, Fr. John Baptist has found the football field to be another place for ministry. He gives the team a blessing before home games, prays for the players, and has opportunities to connect with athletes, coaches, fans, and others about the Catholic faith. So if you spot a Dominican habit on the sidelines at a Cardinals game, now you know who it is!

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of Pope St. John Paul II! Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power. Help the Pope and all those who wish to serve Christ and with Christ’s power to serve the human person and the whole of mankind. Do not be afraid. Open, I say open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power open the boundaries of states, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization and development. Do not be afraid. Christ knows “that which is in man.” He alone knows it. So often today, man does not know that which is in him, in the depths of his mind and heart. So often he is uncertain about the meaning of his life on this earth. He is assailed by doubt, a doubt which turns into despair. We ask you, therefore, we beg you with humility and with trust, let Christ speak to man. He alone has words of life, yes, of life eternal. —Pope St. John Paul II St. John Paul II, pray for us!

Our friars were privileged to carry our Eucharistic Lord during the Napa Institute Eucharistic Procession in New York City.

The twenty-first century is an age of overwhelming information, communication, and confusion–not unlike the time of St. Dominic. In such an environment there is a desperate need for trustworthy guides who can clearly communicate the fullness of the truth and intelligently address the questions and problems of today. It is providential that at such a time as this God has called an increasing number of young men to follow him as sons of St. Dominic. And because of your generosity, they can answer that call. We are pleased to announce our Matching Challenge for Vocations. Every gift made by November 30 will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $300,000 by a group of generous benefactors. Will you partner with us by making your most generous gift today? Please click here to learn more and donate: dominicanfriars.org/matching… Thank you and may God bless you!

The Second Beatitude reveals the many forms of mourning in the Christian life, all of which find their fullest expression in Jesus. Though he was without sin, Christ embraced the Cross as the ultimate act of penance and love on our behalf. Listen to Episode 64 of Contemplata with Fr. James Brent, O.P. youtube.com/playlist?list=PL…

Today the Order of Preachers celebrates the Feast of St. Louis Bertrand! St. Louis Bertrand is known as the Apostle of the Americas and is the patron of Novice Masters. In his 37 years as a Dominican, he spent 7 years in the Americas where he converted over 23,000 Native Americans in Colombia, Venezuela, and the Caribbean Islands, and he spent most of the rest of his years as the Master of Novices in Valencia, Spain. A relative of St. Vincent Ferrer, he was baptized in the same baptismal font as the great saint, and later likewise became a fervent preacher. His powerful preaching led to the anger of some nobles however. On one occasion, a gun was pulled on him. Yet, with great faith, he prayed and made the Sign of the Cross over the weapon, which immediately turned into a crucifix. As novice master, he also sought to inspire his novices to become great and fervent preachers. May he continue to be an inspiration to those of us in formation to the priesthood. And through his intercession may many holy Dominicans be raised up to be great and faithful preachers. St. Louis Bertrand, pray for us!