Building the New Catholic Economy™
In This Issue
From the Founders
About Catholic Owned
What St. Thomas More Can Teach Us
Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Living in Imitation of Christ:
Scriptural Rosary Excerpt
This Week
Sapientia de Sanctis
Ultima Verba
Acknowledgements
GLORIA DEO REGINA CAELI
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Monsignor Oscar F Castaneda
OUR SPONSORS
OUR READERS
CONTRIBUTORS
Christine Haapala
Grace Williams
Suzi Hixon, Esq.
Matteo Onori & Brooke Joiner
Slaves of Jesus and Mary
From the founders
Dear Catholic Owned Readers,
Welcome to this issue of Catholic Owned Magazine. This is the first Issue in Volume 2. This week, you’ll enjoy a special reflection on St. Thomas More by Suzi Hixon, Esq., plus we feature a special contribution from author Christine Haapala. Offering a sneak peak at her scriptural rosary book, Living in Imitation of Christ: A Scriptural Rosary About Men for Men, a pocket-sized book that makes a great gift! This contribution is the fourth in a series of 20. You can shop for these books here. We also have an excerpt from Dom Prosper Gueranger on the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sapientia de Sanctis, and the Ultima Verba
Be sure to check the Catholic Owned App often for businesses of all kinds. We feature 200+ businesses & counting, plus other handy features We hope you’re inspired by this first Issue in Volume 2
Please pray for us and be assured of our prayers for you!
MATTEO ONORI & BROOKE JOINER Co-Founders, Catholic Owned with fraternal affection,
About Catholic Owned
Catholic Owned exists to propagate Knowledge of, Devotion to, and Love & Admiration for the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in reparation for the many sins & blasphemies against her.
In practical terms, we are Building the New Catholic Economy.
Over time, our community members can make fewer compromises and be more free to pursue ever greater devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary- what is known to be the sweetest path to sainthood.
what St. thomas More has taught Me about being a Good lawyer—and
what he can teach
about being Good business Owners
As a lawyer, it's hard not to feel a certain kinship with St Thomas More After all, he was one of us sharp, principled, and allegedly equipped with a bit of a crass sense of humor. The more I've come to know St. Thomas More, the more I've appreciated his humanity and how accessible his journey is for anyone trying to live a life of faith, even in one of the most complicated professions
One thing that has always struck me about St Thomas More is that, despite the gravity of his times and the high stakes of his decisions, he remained human. That was true in his friendships, his family life, and even his wit. I can't help but imagine him as a teenager, probably joking around with his friends, much like young teen boys do. I think that's part of what makes him such a remarkable figure for us to emulate today because sainthood doesn't demand that we leave behind our humanity. Instead, it asks that we bring it fully into our faith, flaws and all, and offer it up to God.
Maybe we can reach sainthood because of our humanity?
St. Thomas More's life is a reminder that, as Catholics, we can strive for greatness without aiming for perfection God loves us, messy human parts included, and I'm comforted with the idea that we can be both deeply faithful and deeply flawed. It's about living in integrity, knowing when to stand firm, and above all, always keeping our eyes on a higher purpose. For me, this has translated directly into how I approach my law practice.
Thomas More wasn't just "the King's good servant " He made it perfectly clear that he was, as he famously said, awaiting his execution, " the King's good servant, but God's first."
As a lawyer, it can be easy to get caught up in the demands of clients, deadlines, and the inevitable pressures of this career. But Mors reminds me that my first responsibility is to God. That means practicing law with integrity sometimes in ways that challenge the norms and the expectations of the legal industry I'll admit, there are times when standing firm in faith and integrity can feel lonely
Us
and costly though I haven't faced a beheading, thankfully!
But every time I remember how St. Thomas More refused to compromise, even under extreme pressure, I'm reminded that this is the true test of character. Despite the personal risks, his steadfastness in opposing King Henry's divorce wasn't just a political stance; it was a profound example of staying true to what More knew to be moral
That's a lesson I try to be mindful of and take with me in every difficult decision.
Maybe we can reach sainthood because of our humanity?
What St. thomas More can
teach Us about businesS
Now, while we might not all be running around with crowns and proclamations (thankfully!), Thomas More's life speaks volumes about what it means to be a good business owner, too.
And, let's be honest, owning a business is no small feat—it's full of ethical dilemmas, opportunities to cut corners, and the temptation to let the demands of the world cloud our vision. But that's where More's virtues shine through as a guiding light. First, integrity.
We can't run a good business in good conscience without it. As business owners, we're often called to make choices that test our moral compass. It could be something as simple as transparency with customers on pricing; or something more complex, like deciding how to balance profits with treating employees fairly.
Thomas More reminds us that no amount of success is ever worth compromising who we are. He understood that no matter how difficult the times, " [t]he times are never so bad that a good man cannot live in them." He reminds us that, no matter the pressures we face, integrity is always within our reach.
Second, equality.
St. Thomas More was ahead of his time in many ways, particularly in his belief that girls should receive the same education as boys. That was radical in the 16th century—and yet, it's a principle that still holds so much relevance today.
As business owners, are we fostering workplaces and environments where everyone has a fair chance? Are we lifting up those who are often overlooked or marginalized? More reminds us that the values of equality and justice aren't just about laws—they're about how we treat people every single day. And then there's humanity. This might be one of the greatest lessons St. Thomas More has to offer us. In a world that sometimes glorifies ruthless ambition, More showed that it's possible to hold onto your humanity while pursuing greatness.
As business owners, it can be easy to get caught up in metrics, profits, and performance.
But More's life reminds us that our humanity— our compassion, our empathy, our humor— should be at the center of how we operate. We're not just running businesses; we're leading communities, families, and real human lives…just as Thomas More did.
So, what can we take from all of this?
St. Thomas More teaches us that being good at what we do, whether in law, business, or any other profession, is ultimately about being good moral people. It's about living with integrity, seeking justice, promoting equality, and never losing sight of our humanity. I like to think that, in his own witty way, More would tell me to laugh at myself now and then, to remember that it's okay to be imperfect, and to never stop striving for sainthood—flaws and all. And, of course, as my heaven bestie, I'm sure St. Thomas More would remind me that time waits for no one, and that it's time to get back to work! More showed that it's possible to hold onto your humanity while pursuing greatness.
Suzi Hixon, Esq. specializes in Trademark Law, helping companies Build Brand Equity. Her expertise helps create long-term wealth with businesses & brands by guiding clients through the complexities of the legal trademarking landscape. Need a trademark? Contact her today at https://suzihixon.com
Motherhood of the blessed virgin MarY
“Holy Scripture tells us that those who first came to adore Him Who is Son of God and Son of Mary found Him “with Mary his Mother ” At the scene of the first miracle at Cana, which marked the opening of his public life, “the Mother of Jesus was there.” In the tremendous hour when all was consummated, when types and shadows gave place to the mighty reality, “there stood by the Cross of Jesus His Mother.” And when the little flock who were to be the nucleus of the Church of God awaited in prayer the coming of the Paraclete, Who would teach them all truth, again it was in company with “Mary the Mother of Jesus ” Far from taking from the honor and love due to the Word Incarnate, devotion to Mary is a strong bulwark protecting the central doctrine He is ever found with His Mother; where Mary is denied her rights, sooner or later Jesus is denied His; they stand or fall together. ...
This was realized in the year 431 when, at the General Council of Ephesus, the Church condemned the Nestorian heresy, whereby the Patriarch of Constantinople, Nestorius, had taught that, since in Christ there are two persons, a Divine and a human, Mary was mother only of the Man “Christ”, and therefore could not be called “Mother of God ” He therefore denied “that wondrous and substantial union of the two natures which we call hypostatic.”
On the occasion of the fifteenth centenary of the Council of Ephesus, the Sovereign Pontiff, Pius XI, issued the Encyclical Lux Veritatis (1931) recalling the history of the heresy and commenting thus upon the dogma of the hypostatic union: “When once the doctrine of the hypostatic union is abandoned, whereon the dogmas of the Incarnation and of man’s Redemption rest and stand firm, the whole foundation of the Catholic religion falls and comes to ruin. . . . When once this dogma of the truth is securely established, it is easy to gather from it that, by the mystery of the Incarnation, the whole aggregate of men and of mundane things has been endowed with a dignity than which certainly nothing greater can be imagined, and surely grander than that to which it was raised by the work of creation ” Proceeding to speak of the special dignity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Pope emphasizes that, “because she brought forth the Redeemer of mankind, she is also in a manner the most tender Mother of us all, whom Christ our Lord deigned to have as His brothers; wherefore we may confidently entrust to her all things that are ours, our joys, our troubles, our hopes; especially if more difficult times fall upon the Church –if faith fail because charity has grown cold, if private and public morals take a turn for the worse ” In this last connection we are reminded of another result of the loss of devotion to the Mother of God Frequently and truly we hear and speak of the “paganism” of the present age. The decay of faith has been followed inevitably by a decline in morality, and our elaborate and complex civilization is threatened with the dissolving agent which contributed in no small measure to the
overflow of the magnificent civilization of old Rome: namely, the loss of the domestic virtues, the disappearance of healthy, normal family life, consequent upon the abandonment of the Christian ideals of marriage and parenthood
It is a truism that one of the greatest social effects of Christianity was to raise the status of womanhood Her legal position in the Ancient World was little better than that of a slave, and although classical literature furnishes us with examples of women who, in pagan homes, yet enjoyed high honor and affection, such are few indeed, and but serve to prove the rule. Divorce, infanticide, general degradation of womanhood, and not infrequently of childhood, were accepted features of pagan social order The ideal and model of the “new woman ” of the Christian dispensation was the Mother of God It was Mary, “Mother of fair love,” “Madonna,” “our Lady,” who ennobled the degenerate old civilization, just as she tamed the fierce barbarian peoples; she it was who inspired the ideals of the later chivalry. In Mary, all her sex was uplifted; in her motherhood all motherhood became blessed. Now again the world needs the hallowing influence of the Mother of God and of men, if “the life of the family, the beginning and the foundation of all human society” is to be preserved in all its nobility and its purity Desirous “to mark the commemoration, and help to nourish the piety of clergy and people towards the great Mother of God,” His Holiness concludes the Encyclical by establishing the new feast of the Divine Motherhood, to be celebrated on October 11 by the universal Church.
From The Liturgical Year, by Dom Prosper Gueranger
Fourth in a Series of 20 Scriptural Decades from
Living in Imitation of Christ
A Scriptural Rosary about Men for Men
Christine Haapala’s 13th Scriptural Prayer book views the mysteries through the lives of some of the men who were part of salvation history and Jesus’ world.
Does a scriptural rosary about men for men necessarily mean that a Marian prayer will become less Marian? On the contrary, Mary always points to Jesus. Mary, infused with extraordinary humility,
will be guiding us to the foot of the Cross and through the gates of Heaven
Illustrations for each rosary mystery feature Servants of God, Venerables, Beati, and Saints These men answered the call to holiness and lived in imitation of Christ
“A prayer so easy and yet so rich deserves to be rediscovered Rediscover the Rosary in the light of Scripture, in harmony with the Liturgy, and in the context of your daily lives ”
Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 43, St Pope John Paul II, Oct 16, 2002
You can purchase the complete, pocket-sized version from her website:
SHOP NOW
BLESSED BERNARD FRANCIS CASEY, O.F.M.
As a doorkeeper, Blessed Casey, a Capuchin Franciscan friar, worked the humblest of duties. While many would consider this task a lowly, trivial job, it was far from that.
At the monastery door, he met thousands of people who sought his prayers and advice. He was always available to the poor, the sick, and the anxious souls. They felt he was a prophet who offered words of salvation and hope in a fallen world. During the Great Depression, Blessed Casey inspired the Detroit Capuchins to establish their soup kitchen. This kitchen continues to this day. Blessed Casey always lived Jesus’ message, “Do everything in love.”
1 Cor 16:14
THE FOURTH JOYFUL MYSTERY
THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
[Simeon] took [Jesus] into his arms and blessed God, saying: / “my eyes have seen your salvation ” The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: / a spirit of wisdom and of understanding Lk 2:28,30, Is 11:2
[Elijah said to the people, “I am the only surviving prophet of the LORD.” … “LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, … I am your servant.” … For near is the day of the LORD / for all the nations! 1 Kgs 18:22,36, Ob 15
Hail Mary
Blow the trumpet in Zion, / sound the alarm on my holy mountain! / … [T]he day of the LORD is coming. … I am in the midst of Israel, / I am the LORD, your God I will pour out / my spirit upon all mankind / Your sons and daughters shall prophesy Jl 2:1,27, Jl 3:1
Hail Mary...
On that day I will raise up / the fallen hut of David; / I will wall up its breaches, / raise up its ruins, / and rebuild it as in the days of old. … In days to come, / The mountain of the LORD’s house / shall be established as the highest mountain. Amos 9:11, Is 2:2
Hail Mary...
O city of Zion, / for great in your midst / is the Holy One of Israel! … Bethlehem-Ephrathah, / too small to be among the clans of Judah, / From you shall come forth for me / one who is to be ruler in Israel. Is 12:6, Mi 5:1
Hail Mary...
This is the word of the LORD that came to Jonah. … “Set out for the great city of Ninevah, and preach against it; their wickedness has come up before me.” … Straight are the paths of the LORD, / in them the just walk, / but sinners stumble in them Jon 1:1-2, Hos 14:10
Hail Mary...
The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right. … The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
Our Father…
you have no misfortune to fear. Jer 33:14-15, Zep 3:15
Hail Mary...
See, upon the mountains there advances / the bearer of good news, announcing peace! / Celebrate your feasts, O Judah, / fulfill your vows! … [T]he LORD is in his holy temple; / silence before him, all the earth! … His splendor spreads like the light; / rays shine forth from beside him. Na 2:1, Hb 2:20, Hb 3:4
Hail Mary...
You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me [I]f you warn the wicked man, you shall save yourself Ez 33:7,9
Hail Mary
Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, / praiseworthy and glorious above all forever. … Greater will be the future glory of this house / than the former, says the LORD of hosts; / And in this place I will give peace. Dn 3:53, Hg 2:9
Hail Mary
Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD
... See, your king shall come to you; / a just savior is he.
… For a great King am I says the LORD of hosts, / and my name will be feared among the nations. … Lo, I will send you / Elijah the prophet / before the day of the LORD comes, / the great and terrible day. Zec 2:14; Zec 9:9, Mal 1:14; Mal 3:24
Hail Mary Glory Be
O My Jesus
This Week’s feastS
The Month of the Holy Rosary
Thur., Oct. 10: St Francis Borgia, Confessor
Fri., Oct. 11: Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sun., Oct. 13: Twenty first Sunday after the Pentecost
Mon., Oct. 14: St. Callistus I, Pope and Martyr
Tues., Oct. 15: St. Teresa of Avila, Virgin
Weds., Oct. 16: St Hedwig, Widow
Thurs., Oct. 17: St Margaret Mary Alocoque, Virgin
Fri., Oct. 18: St Luke the Evangelist
Sat., Oct. 19: St. Peter of Alcantara, Confessor
Sun., Oct. 20: Twenty second Sunday after the Pentecost
Weds., Oct. 23: St. Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop & Confessor
Sapientia de Sanctis
"Humility is the only thing that no devil can imitate"
~St John Climacus (579-649)
"Make frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the Devil will be powerless against you"
~St John Bosco (1815-1888)
Ultima verba
The Divine Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is closely tied to the mercy that is offered to us in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Sacred Heart devotion was revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque, and both her feast day and the Motherhood/Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary are on this week’s calendar. It doesn’t seem like a coincidence to me.
To be honest, a lot of the world is in desperate need of the loving care of Our Blessed Mother and the Divine Mercy and love of God that flows from the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Today, multiple states are reeling from the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. We have an election less than a month away, and the lies and rhetoric are rampant, with the pursuit of holiness completely absent from the conversation.
Our Church has a synod going on that has everyone deeply worried, and divisions among our Church are deep.
When Our Lord said the time for mercy is now, He meant it. We need mercy, at the individual level, the family level, the Church level, the
societal level and the cultural level. Which brings me to Our Blessed Mother and her Divine Maternity. As Dom Gueranger so succinctly put it, “He (Jesus) is ever found with His Mother; where Mary is denied her rights, sooner or later Jesus is denied His; they stand or fall together.”
By embracing her as His Mother and also our own, we can be sure to find Her Son more easily. Indeed, the fountain of mercy that is His Sacred Heart is all the more accessible to us if only we will draw near to the Queen, who is in His company and has loved Him so perfectly.
This Sacred Heart which has so loved men is overflowing with mercy for us, with mercy for you. His Heart is longing to be loved by us if only we will come to Him. For some reason, we have kept Him waiting at the door of our hearts for too long.
The time for mercy is now, and the time for judgement is next.
So today, as we all are in desperate need of the mercy and love of God, let us go to Him. Let us go to Our Blessed Mother and ask her to bring us to Him so that we may be washed in the fountain of His Mercy and be prepared for whatever is to come.
