February Feast Days
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It is hard to believe that 2025 is becoming a recent memory. For me, it marked three years as a contributor for Catholic 365.
In 2025, I reached the milestone of over 600 articles that were published. I even saw myself making the top five in trending articles on numerous occasions. So much has been accomplished in three years.
As I place my articles of last year under review, I do share 25 that have stood out to me and to the many who took the time to read them. I do thank all who read them, and if so, share them on your personal outlets. I promise my readers that there will be more to come.
Each article will include a link to click on and read. Plus, it may be something related to what was happening as we go down memory lane on events that shaped the last year.
Without further ado, let’s begin the 25-article countdown
25. Catholic Connect Banned by Instagram
To start the list, I wrote an article about Catholic Connect being removed by Instagram, with no conclusive evidence of violating community standards. Many of us can relate to this problem with big tech, as it continues to infringe on free speech
24. Pro-Life Laws and Tax Breaks for Consideration
During these hard times, families who are expecting should receive some type of break and write off for maternity items. I offered suggestions and even shared what other countries are doing.
23. Seven New Saints Canonized by Pope Leo XIV
Fresh off the canonization of the first millennial saint and another who will appeal to young adults 100 years after his passing, Pope Leo XIV canonized seven more holy men and women to the altar of sainthood. Three of them represent a first for two countries.
22. Mass on the Parkway 10 years later
I offered a reflection as I witnessed a historic moment in Philadelphia with the papal visit of Pope Francis. This came at the cusp of not only the 10th anniversary of the first World Meeting of Families in the United States but of the recent death of Pope Francis.
21. Baseball Karen
Karens have much to teach us about selfishness and attention seeking. The one who took a baseball from a young fan in Miami is just the tip of the iceberg.
20. Fantastic Four and Surprising Pro-Life Message
The summer blockbuster ended with a surprise pro-life message from a popular group of heroes. This is to lead us into the next Avengers movie, set for a December 2026 release.
19. When a Nation Abandons God
Writing about the heinous shooting in Minnesota had to be the most painful thing to do. It also shows what society does when it abandons God.
18. Fire and Rain
James Taylor’s ballad that topped the charts in 1970 was the subject of many reflections written in 2025. The poignant lyrics really speak to us about human suffering and redemption
Following the death of Val Kilmer, there was a scene from the recent Top Gun movie that stood out to movie fans. Kilmer, who battled throat cancer for more than a decade, gave the fans of the film his last iconic scene that will be remembered for years to come.
16. Closing of Planned Parenthood in Lower Manhattan
Planned Parenthood closed nearly 70 abortion facilities in 2025. Some came from deep blue states like New York’s facility in Lower Manhattan, where a large dedicated group of pro-lifers endured a heavy cross from counter protestors during the First Saturday vigil.
15. Biden’s Weak Farewell to Politics
As America was getting ready for a transition of power, Biden delivered a farewell address to America. It was filled with failures he endured while in office for more than half a century.
14. Dems' Heartless Response to State of the Union
Trump delivered his first State of the Union just weeks following his inauguration for his second term.
13. What The Church Needs More Of
I reflected on a time of a cyber confrontation of a troll who turned out to be on to something, as he wanted to see the priests go above and beyond for the sake of all baptized Catholic souls.
12. Results of 2025 Elections
I highlighted three elections that took place in NJ, NY, PA, and VA. Let’s just say that they don’t look promising. Two gubernatorial races saw DEI vote. PA saw some alarming results because of the lack of republican voters not showing up, and New York elected a foreigner who will likely make the Big Apple a third-world country.
11. The Hypocrisy of “No Kings” Protest
Just months following his inauguration as president, protests broke out nationwide. Yet, some have admitted they had no idea what they were protesting. At the same time, they forget what defines a dictator and a king.
10. Places Catholics Should Never Visit
Are Catholics aware of the places they are forbidden to visit? This will be an eye-opener. Do get to confession as soon as possible.
9. Two Young Saints Message to Youth
Pope Leo XIV finished something his predecessor started in the canonization of Sts. Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. They have messages for the youth today.
8. Is Defunding Planned Parenthood Enough?
President Trump included the defunding of Planned Parenthood in his bill that was passed before the summer recess. It is projected that they will lose $700 million. This led to a record number of abortion facilities closing. Yet, it is not enough to end abortion, as I offered insight on what must be done to double down on the protection of human life from womb to tomb.
7. What the Catholic Church Got Wrong About COVID
It was 5 years since COVID rocked the world. Sadly, many bishops mishandled the situation to the point that many couldn’t receive the sacraments, especially the eucharist during the draconian style lockdowns and even limiting the number of people to attend Mass.
6. 1st Sunday of Lent Reflection
If I were to pick one of my favorite reflections that I’ve written, this would be it. I think it is a reminder to always be ready to engage the devil with the sacraments, works of mercy, and prayer.
The article serves as a call to action for all Catholics to never give the devil an inch. Our goal is to defeat him by resisting his temptations and looking towards Jesus who died for our sins.
I got to attend another Super Bowl victory parade during my lifetime. It was amazing to join others in celebrating my hometown professional football team’s monumental achievement of winning the big game.
It even reminds us of how we can come together as one.
Many didn’t know when Pope Francis was in his final days, but he didn’t look well from many photos on the internet, and even in public appearances.
On Easter, the late Holy Father delivered his final address to the faithful gathered just hours before he was called home to God.
One sad article to write was the passing of a priest due to mental illness that led to suicide. It is a reminder that our priests are human just like us and need our prayers.
2. Remembering Hulk Hogan and Jake Larson
The lives of two amazing people were taken from us. Hulk Hogan, a wrestling champion, died of a cardiovascular event in his early 70s. He was the showman during the heyday of the World Wrestling Federation (World Wrestling Entertainment).
The other was one of the last survivors of D-Day, Jake Larson. Larson was celebrated not just by those who make the annual trip to Normandy, France, every year, but those in France adored him with his TikTok videos that have gone viral.
Before I get to my top article, I do want to share some honorable mentions
Catholics Who Served in the Navy
Catholics Who Served in the Marines
In the two articles above, I wrote about Catholics who served in the Navy and Marines. Both branches, along with the Army, celebrated their 250th anniversary
The Rocky franchise can teach us a lot about faith. The fourth and fifth installments are no different.
Thanksgiving is Catholic, Always
I give a surprise history lesson to everyone on when the first Thanksgiving took place in America. Believe it or not, it was in Florida as it celebrated its 460th anniversary.
The popular food restaurant made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Maybe it can teach us something about abandoning tradition.
Why We Shouldn't Be Anxious About the Future
This was a bit personal for me to write. I was going through a vulnerable stage as I transitioned to married life. Thanks be to God for a good confession and the support of my spouse; I was able to overcome it.
This article is my hope and prayer that will help anyone who goes through something similar to what I went through.
Candid Sets Record Speed Dating During SEEK Conference
A new way to speed date set a record in Salt Lake City. Already, matches were made, and we could be seeing a wedding boom because of this bold initiative
Pro-lifers who were imprisoned or prosecuted went through hell. David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt were not different. After ten years, the charges were dropped.
The number 1 article: Having Hard Conversation: Lesson from Charlie Kirk
One of the deaths that rocked the world was Charlie Kirk. He was a rising star in the conservative movement. He even hinted at the fact that he was open to becoming Catholic.
Kirk offered a lesson to everyone, and that is to have the hard conversations. It may change our lives.
Thank you for reading the articles. I look forward to writing more in 2026.
Catholic Millennial. I hail from Philadelphia, PA. 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. I enjoy writing, traveling, ballroom dancing, meeting new people, having deep conversations over a cold beer or wine (sometimes champagne), and petting adorable dogs that come right past me.
I hope to convey more messages from our culture with a twist of faith.
Some of my writings will range from pro-life (yes, men can have a say in the abortion issue, Karen), pop culture, history, and just some spontaneous reflections without warning
