N.J. Lim - Catholic Matters & Art

Why Do Catholics Kiss the Rosary when Praying? A Catholic Priest Kissing the Rosary. Answer: Some Catholics softly kiss the crucifix of a rosary before or after praying as a personal expression of reverence and love for Jesus Christ. This is not a mandatory aspect of the Rosary. The Clear Answer Kissing the rosary is not mandatory. When Catholics choose to do so, it is typically a gesture directed toward Christ, symbolized by the crucifix. This act does not enhance the Rosary

The Sacred Line of Holy Sites of St. Michael Archangel The devotion to St. Michael began to gain popularity in the early Middle Ages, particularly around the 5th century, as he was recognized as a protector and leader of the heavenly armies. By the 9th century, his feast day was established, further solidifying his veneration in the Christian tradition. The Sacred Line of Saint Michael links seven notable sanctuaries devoted to the Archangel Michael, extending from Ireland to

When I first started exploring Catholic literature, I quickly realized how vast and varied the selection can be. Finding authentic traditional Catholic books online that truly resonate with your faith journey can feel overwhelming. How do you know which books are reliable, enriching, and worth your time? In this post, I want to share my insights and practical tips on selecting the best authentic Catholic books online. Whether you are deepening your spiritual life, seeking his

The Sanctity of Life from Conception The Catholic Church teaches that human life is sacred from conception to natural death, meaning the direct and purposeful taking of innocent human life—whether born or unborn—is morally wrong. This principle underpins Catholic opposition to abortion and euthanasia, emphasizing the inviolability of life as a reflection of its divine origin, advocating for the protection of life at all stages. The Sanctity of Life in Catholic Teaching The Ca

Sermons of St. John Vianney When I first encountered the sermons of St. John Vianney, I was struck by their simplicity and profound depth. This humble parish priest from Ars, France, has inspired countless souls with his gentle words and unwavering faith. His sermons are not just historical relics; they remain relevant today, offering guidance and comfort to those seeking a closer relationship with God. St. John Vianney’s approach to preaching was rooted in love and understan

Holy Mary the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholicism teaches that holiness is inherently beautiful because it reflects God’s own nature and glory. This beauty is evident in the lives of the saints and sacred art. The saints exemplify Christian virtues and fidelity to God. Their lives inspire others, demonstrating that holiness is attainable and desirable. It embodies qualities such as charity, kindness, and justice. Holiness stands in stark contrast to sin, which is considered repul

St. Dominic receives the Holy Rosary from Our Lady. The Rosary is one of the most cherished prayers of the Catholic Church. According to legend, the Virgin Mary herself appeared to St. Dominic in the 12th century, who told him about the Rosary (and even showed him a pair of rosary beads); entrusting him with the Rosary as a powerful tool to combat heresy. As such, the Dominicans played a pivotal role in popularizing the Rosary and formulating the prayers and structure that ad

Recommended Catholic Books Essential Catholic Books for Tradition and Faith As a traditional Catholic who values the richness of our faith, it's important to have a selection of books that not only deepen our understanding of Catholic teachings but also enhance our appreciation for the beauty of our traditions. Below is a curated list of notable titles that encompass a range of themes, including theology, prayer, art, and history. Theology "The Catechism of the Catholic Churc

Saint Casilda and the miracle of the hidden bread, which transformed into a bouquet of roses. Saint Casilda (c. 950–1050) was a remarkable figure in history, a Muslim princess hailing from Moorish Spain who underwent a profound transformation by converting to Christianity. Her life and legacy have left a significant impact, leading to her veneration as a saint in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The celebration of her feast day on April 9 serves to honor her

Persecution of Christians of Cordoba by the Emir. When we reflect on the history of Christian martyrdom, our minds often turn to the Roman Colosseum or the English Reformation. Yet, embedded within early medieval history lies a profound, lesser-known chapter of the Church: the stories of the "neo-martyrs." Under the jurisdiction of early Islamic caliphates and emirates, apostasy was a capital offense. To turn away from Islam to embrace Christ meant facing torture, public humi

(He is also known as St. Ahmed the Kalfas or Christodoulos), a 17th-century Eastern Orthodox Martyr. Saint Ahmed (or Ahmet) was born in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) during the 17th century, and was raised in a Muslim family and was of Turkish origin. By profession, he worked as a scribe for the chief accountant, known as the "deuterarios", the Ottoman Empire’s Great Archives (Deuterarios / Imperial Chancery) and became distinguished copyist. As an unmarried official

Communion of Saints Prayer of Intercession Intercession is a form of petitionary prayer that aligns us with the way Jesus prayed. He stands as the sole intercessor with the Father on behalf of all humanity, particularly for sinners. Jesus is "able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he perpetually lives to intercede for them." The Holy Spirit "intercedes for us... and intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." Since the time of Abraham

Finding the perfect gift can often feel like a daunting task, especially when you want to give something meaningful and unique. If you’re looking for gifts that resonate with faith and spirituality, Catholic-inspired print-on-demand products offer a wonderful solution. These items not only reflect personal beliefs but also serve as beautiful reminders of faith. In this blog post, we will explore various gift ideas that are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays,

Art has always been a powerful medium for expressing thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. In the realm of creativity, few artists manage to intertwine their faith with their artistic vision as seamlessly as Nicholas Joseph Lim. His artwork not only captivates the eye but also resonates deeply with the soul, inviting viewers to explore the intersection of spirituality and creativity. In this blog post, we will delve into the life and work of Nicholas Joseph Lim, examining how his

Catholic art is more than just a collection of beautiful images; it is a profound expression of faith, history, and spirituality. From the intricate designs of cathedrals to the delicate brushstrokes of paintings, Catholic art serves as a visual narrative of the Church's teachings and beliefs. This blog post invites you on a spiritual journey through the world of Catholic art, exploring its significance, various forms, and the impact it has on the faithful. Eye-level view of

Why Truth is More Than a Fact. Truth is more than a fact because facts are temporary, objective, and isolated data points, while truth is enduring, context-driven, and encompasses meaning, belief, and interpretation. Facts represent the current state of affairs, but truth addresses deeper, permanent realities and the overall context of existence. Twenty-five hundred years ago, Confucius outlined a hierarchy of human wisdom that remains the ultimate litmus test for a functioni

How to Merit Heaven, the Catholic Way. (My personal message to all my Catholic relatives especially to the seniors in our clan.) The Church’s greatest spiritual teachers point out that the fullest and most holy lives are those lived with a regular acknowledgement that our time on earth is limited and each moment we have is precious. St. Philip Neri, pointed out (in a phrasing that has been borrowed many times by inspirational publishers): “The best way to prepare for death is

The Joy of Christmas Gifting Christmas gift-giving has deep roots, evolving from ancient traditions and taking on significance through religious and cultural shifts. Gifts symbolize affection, gratitude, and the desire to spread joy and happiness. The practice is connected to biblical giving, reflecting God's generosity, and extending to expressions of worship and care for others. It's a tradition that reinforces family bonds and celebrates relationships. Meaningful reasons f

Why Social Media Effects on Critical Thinking Matters The emergence of social media and the reliance on various platforms is increasingly impacting the way in which we interact with each other and the world as a whole. Bearing in mind that algorithms configured in these platforms, influences our decision making. We know that our virtual network is oftentimes as important to us as our physical network and that the information we digest online is significantly influential, but

The Discovery of the Megiddo Mosaic of 2005 Proves the Divinity of CHRIST. Recently, I watched a captivating documentary by Angel Studios about an extraordinary archaeological discovery—the Megiddo Mosaic—uncovered in Tel Megiddo, near a high-security prison. You may or may not have come across this awesome news but the story behind the mosaic is so fascinating that I felt compelled to share it. ​ The documentary details the discovery of the Megiddo Mosaic, a remarkable ancie