Shows
In Your PresenceMary will Fix YouDomina ut sit. Mary, may it be. Fix it. Fr. Eric Nicolai begins with a pastoral letter by Archbishop Leo of Toronto: "When faced with uncertainty and perplexing events in her own life, Myriam of Nazareth did not “wonder” but “pondered,” not fully understanding, yet always remaining faithful (Lk 2:19).
A meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto, preached on May 5, 2024.
Thumbnail: Our Lady of El Pilar, Zaragoza, Spain.
Music: Guitar by Bert Alink, from Handel's Opera Rinaldo, Aria "Lascia che io pianga."
2024-05-0728 min
In Your PresenceAre You on Fire for Souls?Ignem veni mittere in terram (Lk.12,49)
“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. ..
What is this fire that the Lord speaks about? A mediation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto, Nov 6, 2021.
Music: Handel Opera Rinaldo, aria “Lascia ch’io pianga...
2021-11-0728 min
In Your PresenceDo I cast the Right Shadows? Solemnity of All SaintsFr. Eric Nicolai preaches at Kintore College on November 1, 2021, solemnity of all saints.
Psalm 145, 10-11. ”All Thy works praise Thee, O Lord, and Thy saints give thanks unto Thee: they show the glory of Thy kingdom, and talk of Thy power.”
Today’s Office of reading in the breviary, from St. Bernard of Clairvaux: “The Saints have no need of honor from us; neither does our devotion add the slightest thing to what is theirs…. But I tell you, when I think of them, I feel myself inflamed by a tremendous yearning” (Disc. 2, Opera Omnia Cisterc. 5, 3...
2021-11-0432 min
In Your PresenceThe Tripod of LoveToday is the 31st Sunday of Ordinary time (B), in which Jesus emphasizes the most important commandment of the Law of Moses: In Hebrew, the "Shema", the command to love God, and to love your neighbour as yourself. Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches today (Oct 31, 2021) from Lyncroft centre in Toronto, outlining the 3 aspects of that love: Love of God, love of others, and love of self. Which one of those needs to be fortified now in my life?
Music: Andrian Berenguer, Fall (Album Multiplicity, 2017)
Thumbnail: Michelangelo, Wooden Crucifix, 1493-1494 (S.Spirito, Florence) from...
2021-10-3130 min
In Your PresenceBeing a Soul of Criteria, a Soul of WorthFr. Eric Nicolai preaches a meditation to Lyncroft Centre in Toronto on October 27, 2021, on the notion of having sound judgement, sound criteria. How to develop it, and what it means. We see it in an introductory passage of The Way, a book of aphorisms by St. Josemaria Escriva.
Music: Adagio in C major, K. 356 - Guitar Arrangement - Bert Alink.
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca
2021-10-2830 min
In Your PresenceWhen You Feel All Bent OverFr. Eric Nicolai preaches on Oct 25, 2021 at Kintore College, on the healing of the woman bent over in the synagogue (Lk 13, 10-17)
An encounter with Jesus always brings great healing and dignity. That is because Jesus does not see us as we see our selves or as others see us. In his eyes, we all have great value because we are beloved of God and made in his image. The woman whom Jesus healed had been so stripped of her dignity that she was considered less important than a thirsty barnyard animal. At least they could be...
2021-10-2626 min
In Your PresenceCan I Really Learn to Pray the Our Father?Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches a meditation from Lyncroft Centre on October 20, 2021.
Luke 11, 1-14: When the apostles saw the Lord go off to pray, I’m sure they wondered what he was talking about. They could see he was not in some sort of private monologue, just thinking things to himself, much less stewing over something that the pharisees had said. He was not brain storming on his own. He was clearly in conversation with someone. So they asked him to teach them how to pray.
Now he gives them a new name, that God is “our...
2021-10-2027 min
In Your PresenceDo Not Seek the Food that PerishesFr. Eric Nicolai preaches this meditation in Lyncroft centre, Oct 17, 2021.
Jn 6, 25-27: When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labour for the food which perishes, but the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal.”
Formation helps us t...
2021-10-1728 min
In Your PresenceTime is Short. Ready for Death?A meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai during a retreat at Cedarcrest Conference, outside of Toronto. It was preached on October 8, 2021.
It is about being ready for death.
Music: Chiquinha Gonzaga (1847-1935), "Lua Branca" (white moon), played on guitar by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Rogier Van der Weyden, Descent from the Cross (1435) Prado Museum in Madrid.
2021-10-1223 min
In Your PresenceSaint Francis of Assisi and Lady PovertyOur Pope decided to take his name. This was not a superficial gesture. Saint Francis’ radical desire to be poor lead him to become one of the most beloved Catholic saints of all time. On pilgrimage in Rome, threw a large sum of money at the tomb of St. Peter and traded clothes with a beggar, after which he began to ask for alms. He wanted not only to give alms, but wanted to see what being poor was like. What did it mean to walk around, depending on the charity of others? What kind of life would this be...
2021-10-0428 min
In Your PresenceTherese of Lisieux and Opus DeiA meditation preached in Lyncroft Centre in Toronto on Oct 1, 2021 by Fr. Eric Nicolai.
We begin October with the feast of St. Therese. She inspires us because she had such deep desires for sanctity. For living out the call from God in her life. This does not mean that it was easy for her, or that she even found it easy to discern her vocation. She came to discover that she could be like the beating heart of the church.
Josemaria discovered the beauty of sanctity in the ordinary. God gave him a light one d...
2021-10-0234 min
In Your PresenceThree Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, 2021Today is a great solemnity in Toronto, as our Cathedral is dedicated to St. Michael the archangel. There used to be a feast day dedicated to St. Michael, but after the reform they were all united into one feast. But that’s ok that they be a unity, because they are interceding for us to keep us very united in the church. What do their names actually mean, how real are they?
Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College, Sept 29, 2021.
Music: Mozart, Adagio in C major, K. 356 - Guitar Arrangement - Bert Alink
...
2021-09-2932 min
In Your PresenceMy Steps to JerusalemPreached at Kintore College, by Fr. Eric Nicolai, Sept 27, 2021.
Luke 9, 51-56 Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem.
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.(Lk 9, 51-53)
Jesus, we are told, was to be received up to heaven: Curious words, but they refer to the end of his life, and th...
2021-09-2828 min
In Your PresenceGenerous Correspondence to GraceA meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai to some Toronto priests in St. Lawrence, martyr parish on Sept 14, 2021, feast of the Exalatation of the Holy Cross.
Today we read those stunning words from the hymn of the morning prayer:
He endured the nails, the spitting, Vinegar, and spear, and reed;
From that holy Body broken, Blood and water, both proceed:
Earth, and stars, and sky, and ocean By that flood from stain are freed.
And in one of the passages in Andrew of Crete where he quotes about the...
2021-09-1632 min
In Your PresenceLord, I am a SinnerA meditation preached to High School boys at Cedarcrest Conference Centre in Belfountain, Ontario. It was preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai, focused on the earthquake in the history of humanity, the watershed moment, that shaped the fate of our species: original sin, as recounted in Genesis 3.
https://www.cedarcrestcc.ca
Music: Handel, from the opera. Rinaldo, aria Lascia ch'io piango. Arranged for guitar by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Rembrandt engraving of Adam and Eve, 1638.
2021-09-0628 min
In Your PresenceWhat is Inner Purity?Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai in Lyncroft centre, Toronto, 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time (year B).
Based on Mark 7, 1-8, 14-15, 21-23: the teaching on ritual purity. How do I realize inner purity of heart, and rectitude?
Music: Topaz, guitar arrangement by Bert Alink
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca
2021-08-2929 min
In Your PresenceSt. Bartholomew and SimplicityBartholomew, or also known as Nathanael, was described as a man in who there is no duplicity, no guile. Let us ask for simplicity and humility, and never rely merely on appearance or facade. He appears in Michelangelo's famous Sistine chapel from 1534. This great apostle will pray for us today.
Music: Mozart Opera Rinaldo. "Lascia ch'io pianga", played by Bert Alink.
Feast of St. Bartholomew, preached in Ernescliff Centre on August 24, 2021, by Fr. Eric Nicolai
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
2021-08-2424 min
In Your PresenceSpiritual DirectionMark 1, 29-39: All the demons he expelled, all the sickness….Demons possess a supernatural type of knowledge and therefore they recognize Jesus as the Messiah (Mk 1:24). Through the people they possess demons are able to publish this fact. But our Lord, using his divine powers, orders them to be silent. Some Fathers of the Church point out that Jesus does not want to accept, in support of the truth, the testimony of him who is the father of lies.
Spiritual direction can help us come closer to the truth about ourselves, and avoid lies.
Fr. Er...
2021-08-1723 min
In Your PresenceKolbe and ConscienceFrom Ernescliff College in Toronto, Fr. Eric Nicolai prepares for the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15, and the memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe on August 14. The evil that took place in Auschwitz is difficult for us to understand. How can one stand by and allow this to happen? Here we see the pressing need for the formation of conscience.
Music J.S. Bach, BACH Cello Suite no. 1 - Prelude in G, BWV 1007
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
...
2021-08-1427 min
In Your PresenceOur Lady of Snows: Ask for Holy PurityToday is the the anniversary of the dedication of the basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, first dedicated by Pope Sixtus III in 435 on the occasion of the definition of the council of Ephesus on Mary, the Mother of God. It holds special treasures, like the earliest mosaics of th Christian Era, and one of the earliest icons of our Lady, attributed to St. Luke, evangelist. Fr. Eric Nicolai tells the legend of the name, Our Lady of the Snows, and how this can be an invitation for us to live better our dedication to chastity and holy...
2021-08-0528 min
In Your PresenceMass is Root and Centre of Interior LifeOn the feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, July 31, 2021, Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches from the Manoir de Beaujeu about how Ignatius read about the exploits of great saints, and this led to his conversion. Many were in love with the Eucharist. We can too can make the Holy Mass the root and centre of our interior life.
Music: Adrian Berenguer, Fall (Album Singularity, 2017)
For more meditations: www.youtube.com/c/ericnicolai
Thumbnail is Blessed Alvaro del Portillo celebrating his last Mass in the cenacle in Jerusalem, March 22, 1994
2021-08-0128 min
In Your PresenceFeast of St. Anne, being sons and daughters in the SonJuly 26th is the feast of St. Anne and St. Joachim, parents of the Blessed Virgin. Anne is the Patroness of the Province of Quebec, and big celebrations take place today at St. Anne de Beaupré. Especially because of her relics there. Fr. Eric Nicolai outlines the origin of the devotion to Anne, and how we can become sons and daughters God, modelled on the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Preached July 26, 2021 at the Manoir de Beaujeu.
Music: Adrian Berenguer, Fall (Album Singularity, 2017)
www.youtube.com/c/ericnicolai
Thumbnail: St. Anne de Beaupré
2021-07-2630 min
In Your PresenceSt. Bridget of Sweden and the Wounds of ChristSt. Bridget was a native of Finsta in early 14th century, in Sweden. She married at age 13 and bore 8 children. 28 years of happy marriage, her husband died.
When she was just a child, St. Bridget received a vision of Christ scourged and hanging on the Cross. In sorrow, she asked him who had treated him like this.
Christ answered, "They who despise me, and spurn my love for them." From that time on, the young St. Bridget had a great devotion to the Passion of Christ. How do I meditate on the wounds of Jesus...
2021-07-2326 min
In Your PresenceAre We Being Persecuted?Matthew 10:16-23: Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Remember, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves.
This is a warning that Our Lord issued several times to warn against discouragement. He knew it would happen, and we know persecution has often happened throughout the history of the church. He knew it would not be a walk in the park.
Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre, Toronto, July 9, 2021.
Music: Andrian Berenguer, Fall (Album Multiplicity, 2017)
For more meditations, ch...
2021-07-1027 min
In Your PresenceSolemnity of Saints Peter and PaulSince the most ancient times the Church of Rome has celebrated the Solemnity of the Great Apostles Peter and Paul as a single Feast on the same day, 29 June. It was through their martyrdom, that they became brothers; together they founded the new Christian Rome. (Pope Benedict XVI June 29, 2008). A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ernescliff College on June 29, 2021.
Music: Chiquinha Gonzaga composer, Lua Branca (Arranged for guitar by Guitar Bert Alink)
2021-06-2924 min
In Your PresenceSaint John the BaptistFirst reading: Isaiah 49, 1-6
"Islands, listen to me, pay attention, remotest peoples. The Lord called me before I was born, from my mother’s womb he pronounced my name.
He made my mouth a sharp sword, and hid me in the shadow of his hand. He made me into a sharpened arrow, and concealed me in his quiver."
He promises that a new servant of the Lord is coming, someone who will really restore the city of Zion. Applied to Jesus, but also his forerunner, John The Baptist.
He was to be...
2021-06-2428 min
In Your PresenceThe Storm at SeaMark 4:35-41:
What power in those words of the Lord, who faces down the treacherous storm in front of him, that sea that men feared and that seemed to unfurl its wrath against them. The sea is a force so fierce that no human might can contain it, ever….
And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet now! Be calm!’ And the wind dropped, and all was calm again.
Trust in God: This is the message of the Gospel. On that day, what saved the disciples from shipwr...
2021-06-2429 min
In Your PresenceHow do I develop Sound Criteria?Matt 6, 19-23: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moths and woodworms destroy them and thieves can break in and steal.(...)‘The lamp of the body is the eye. It follows that if your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light.
Why won’t material goods, recognition, prosperity, even fame satisfy? Because we were made for God. Our heart is made for you Lord.
Augustine: Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you. (St. August...
2021-06-1925 min
In Your PresenceRest in the Sacred HeartA meditation inspired by the pastoral letter by Thomas Cardinal Collins, archbishop of Toronto, entitled Heart Speaks to Heart. In the midst of the pandemic, and all the suffering that it supposes he is opening his heart about the love that will keep us afloat, and that is still capable of transforming us, despite all the devastation: it is the power of the Sacred heart.
Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai in Lyncroft centre, Toronto, June 4, 2021
Music: Andrian Berenguer, Fall (Album Multiplicity, 2017)
Thumbnail: Stained glass detail from a window in the...
2021-06-0527 min
In Your PresenceThe Visitation: Learning How to ServeLk 1, 39-41: Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah.
Why did Mary go with such haste? What was her purpose in this trip? She teaches us quite a lot about the spirit of service we must have with those around us. Know how to serve as they would need to be served. This is from a meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College on May 31, 2021.
Music: Adrian Berenguer, Fall (Album Singularity, 2017)
Thumbnail: Antependium from Straßburg, de...
2021-06-0127 min
In Your PresenceThe Blessed TrinityWe have just finished the Easter season, ending it with the solemnity of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit comes ands fires up the apostles in the cenacle. Before they were afraid and doubtful, now they are on fire and ready to undertake the mission. It is what we call "the time of the church".
Which is why we are now in the season called “Ordinary Time”. Not ordinary in the sense of boring, or unappealing. But ordinary in the sense of the normal, habitual action of God in the world, through in the Church.
This ordi...
2021-05-2930 min
In Your PresenceThe Virgin Mary, Spouse of the Holy SpiritWith this global marathon of prayer during May, in union with Pope Francis, we ask our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, for an end to the pandemic. Josemaria Escriva would say we are under the mantle of our Lady. She is also spouse of the Holy Spirit. What does that mean? Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches during the monthly recollection during the month of May.
Music: Claude Debussy, Reverie. Played by Simone Renzi
https://musopen.org/music/4505-reverie/
This meditation can also be found on YouTube: Check my channel:
ht...
2021-05-1834 min
In Your PresenceMay 18: Blessed Guadalupe Ortiz de LandázuriIn 1944, Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri (1916-1975) attended Mass in Madrid and had an experience of the closeness of God. With time, she came to know Saint Josemaria Escriva, and ended up dedicating her life in Opus Dei as a numerary. She served Madrid, Mexico, and Rome. She was cheerful and always full of enthusiasm for love of God. Fr. Eric Nicolai gives an account of how this happened in her life, and how we too are called to real sanctity and must reject any complacency in our life. Her memorial is celebrated on May 18.
2021-05-1829 min
In Your PresenceFeast of Blessed Alvaro del PortilloMay 12 is the memorial of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo (1914-1994), who was the Prelate of Opus Dei and first successor of Saint Josemaria. He was beatified by Pope Francis on September 27, 2014. The prayer card for his intercession reads: O God, merciful Father, you granted your bishop Blessed Alvaro, the grace of being, with our Lady's help, an exemplary pastor in the service of the Church and a most faithful son and successor of Saint Josemaría, the Founder of Opus Dei. Grant that I also may respond faithfully to the demands of the Christian vocation, turning all the circumstances a...
2021-05-1230 min
In Your PresenceGet Ready for the Holy Spirit: He's comingSince Pentecost is coming up on May 23, we wanted to prepare for that marvellous solemnity by understanding how grace acts in our soul.
Grace is the life of God in humans: it is the life of God (one and three) and therefore must be considered as essentially “un-created” in character, as something that is divine in origin and divinizing in effect. It is not some kind of liquid substance that seeps into our soul and cleans it out. It is more like God himself entering our apartment, with mop and bucket and powerful instruments to do the clea...
2021-05-0828 min
In Your PresencePeace be with youLk 24, 35-48: The disciples on the road to Emmaus had realized that their hearts were burning within them. It was afire of longing to be with the master, to stay with him. Mane nobiscum Domine, was the prayer that expressed that inner fire.
But in that moment of agitation, he comes among them and says peace be with you. Shalom. A common Jewish expression. But here it has the sense of salvation.
We must seek to be like a calm lake, where the sun is easily reflected. But if we are agitated, we are like...
2021-04-2927 min
In Your PresenceFidelity: Never Give UpIn the discourse on the bread of life (John 6), some of the disciples are scandalized by the words of Jesus, and no longer go with him. "Will you also go away", he asks the apostles? Peter says: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." During hard times we realize we have made a commitment, and we must keep our word. Stay faithful, no matter what. Fidelity means a readiness to fight. To struggle. We do so now during the ups and downs of the pandemic. (Preached in Lyncroft centre by Fr. Eric Nicolai)
2021-04-2628 min
In Your PresenceHe loved them to the End: Do I know how to truly love?In this meditation, Fr. Eric Nicolai speaks about the account of Christ washing the disciples feet, in which John says he loved them to the end (Jn 13:1). What does this mean? What do we mean by unconditional love? Do I really love even if I’ve lost feelings? Preached on April 9, 2021.
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Thumbnail: Jacopo Tintoretto. Christ Washing His Disciples' Feet, c. 1545-1555. Oil on canvas, 154.9 × 407.7 cm. Gift by general subscription, 1959. © Art Gallery of Ontario
https://www.youtube.com/w...
2021-04-1025 min
In Your PresenceEaster Sunday 2021Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches Easter Sunday at Lyncroft Centre.
Yesterday we talked about the dark, materialistic dialectic of poets like Bertold Brecht and philosophers like Nietzsche, who said God is dead. We killed him. Very dire and sad visions. But now we have come out of that dark night. Against this background I think we can hear the message of Easter in a new way. Christ is risen! There is justice for the world! There is complete justice for all, which is able retroactively to make good all past sufferings, and this is because God exists, and h...
2021-04-0431 min
In Your PresenceHoly Thursday 2021Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches a meditation at Lyncroft hospitality centre in Toronto. It is Holy Thursday, so he touches on the three great mysteries commemorated today: The priesthood, the Holy Eucharist, and the Commandment of Love.
Music: J.S. Bach, "Komm, Jesu, komm, BWV 229.
Thumbnail: Albrecht Durer, Engraving of the washing of the feet, 1510. Detroit Institute of Arts Museum.
https://www.dia.org/art/collection/object/last-supper-43117
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8BmK4a9nqgLi0kGWJieug
2021-04-0228 min
In Your PresenceMonday in Holy Week: MagnanimityA meditation at Kintore College, Toronto by Fr. Eric Nicolai on March 29, 2021. St. John the Evangelist gives us the account of Jesus' arrival at Bethany with Lazarus, Mary and Martha. He felt at home. Mary took this alabaster jar and broke it open. She did not carefully pry open the vessel, and simply offer a few drops. She was not stingy. She did not hold back. She did not keep any for herself, or for a future occasion. She gave it all. She is an example of generosity, magnanimity, and magnificence in the way she humbly anointed the Lord’s...
2021-03-3030 min
In Your PresencePalm Sunday March 2021Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches at Lyncroft centre. This is March 28, and coincides with the anniversary of the priestly ordination of Saint Josemaria Escriva in 1925. He recounts the symbols used today, Palm Sunday, and makes references to the moments leading up to Josemaria’s ordination.
Thumbnail: The Entrance of Christ into Jerusalem by Jean-Hippolyte Flandrin (1842-1845). Located in the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris.
Music: J.S. Bach, "Komm, Jesu, komm", BWV 229. https://musopen.org
2021-03-2829 min
In Your PresenceBecoming a Sign of IntegrityFr. Eric Nicolai preaches on the eve of Palm Sunday (March 27, 2021), inviting us to be enamoured with the figure of Christ and to meditate his passion and death this week. It can help us be men and women of real integrity.
Music: J.S. Bach, "Komm, Jesu, komm", BWV 229. https://musopen.org
Thumbnail: Bartolomé Murillo, Ecce homo, (17th century) private collection, Sothebys.
2021-03-2726 min
In Your PresenceFifth Sunday of Lent: Why the veiled cross?Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches at Lyncroft centre on the eve of the fifth Sunday of Lent, and invites us along the lenten pathway, interiorizing the mystery of the cross. It can help us to grow in penance and mortification.
Music: Adrian Berenguer, Fall (Album Multiplicity, 2017)
2021-03-2224 min
In Your PresenceSaint Joseph and Contradictions in LifeMeditation in Ernescliff College by Fr. Eric Nicolai, priest of Opus Dei, March 13, 2021/
There are punishments in the Bible, like the flood, the plagues, and they always have a pedagogical purpose. Like the serpents that bit people in the dessert, God told Moses to fashion a bronze serpent so that people could gaze on it and be cured. So the son of man would be lifted up on the earth, s that we would. gaze on him and be cured. Pope Francis said that the painful things we experience are painful, they make us suffer, but they...
2021-03-1630 min
In Your Presence8 Years Since the Election of Pope FrancisOn March 13, 2013, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th successor of St. Peter, not so he could shine, and outdo everyone, but so that he could serve as Bishop of Rome, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, vicar of Christ, servant of the servants of God. What a responsibility. He is the visible foundation and source of unity, and as pastor of the entire Catholic Church.
Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, said that each new Pope is like a gift for the church, but that is slowly unwrapped, through years of ministry, writings, decrees, and images for...
2021-03-1424 min
In Your PresenceTransfiguration: a meditation for the Second Sunday of LentA meditation at Ernescliff College, Toronto, by Fr. Eric Nicolai on the Second Sunday of Lent, focused on the Transfiguration of the Lord in Mark 9, 2-10.
When I think of this scene, I go to Raphael’s 16th century depiction, commissioned by Cardinal Giulio de Medici, the later Pope Clement VII (1523–1534), and conceived as an altarpiece for the Narbonne Cathedral in France. Now it is in the Vatican museum, and there is a mosaic version in the Vatican Basilica made in 1774, by Stefano Pozzi. How can I too see Jesus as he really is, in all his divi...
2021-02-2821 min
In Your PresencePrayer of Petition: Homily for Thursday in First Week LentReadings for Thursday of the First week of Lent
Book of Esther 12, 14-16, 23-25
Psalm 138 Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me
Matthew 7, 7-12: Everyone who asks, receives.
A homily by Fr. Eric Nicolai in a streamed Mass from Ernescliff College, Toronto.
Music: Adrian Berenguer, Fall (Singularity 2017)
2021-02-2511 min
In Your PresenceBe Still, Be SilentToday, January 31, 2021, we start the seven Sundays of St. Joseph, that just and upright man that God entrusted Mary and Jesus to. We do this in the Year of St. Joseph. We meditate on the joys and sorrows of St. Joseph. Like when he saw Mary pregnant. He was going to divorce her privately to make it look like he was the problem. It was a difficult decision, but then he went to sleep. That’s when God spoke to him. He went from a great sorrow, to a great joy. Pope Francis has a statue of the sleeping Jo...
2021-01-3130 min
In Your PresenceSpeak Lord, your servant is listening (2nd Sunday of Ordinary time, year B)Today Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches about the first reading from the Second Sunday of ordinary time, the account of Samuel’s vocation (1 Sam 3, 3-10, 19.)
We start with the back story of Hannah, who was childless. She went to Shiloh, to the temple. She prayed ardently. The priest there was Eli, who was pretty flaky, and he in turn had two sons who also became priests, and they were Hophni and Phinehas. They were corrupt, and immoral. In fact the book of Samuel itself says that they were “scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord.” (1 Sam 2, 12) But Hannah...
2021-01-1730 min
In Your PresenceThe Paralytic of Capernaum: The Joy of ConfessionFr. Eric Nicolai preaches about Mark 2, 1-12: The healing of the paralytic in Capernaum.
The first word of Jesus is very simple :“Courage, your sins are forgiven”.
Courage: that meant that the paralytic must have been quite discouraged, probably somewhat depressed, maybe even in despair. He lacked the energy to do anything about his situation. He probably thought to himself I’m useless, I can’t even walk, I can’t get around, I can’t help anyone, what am I good for? This must’ve clouded his vision, and made him perhaps cynical and negative about...
2021-01-1627 min
In Your PresenceTo Be Fishers of Men: Apostolic driveFr. Eric Nicolai preaches about the empathy of Jesus, how he saw in the depth of the soul.
Matt 9, 35-36: Our Lord began to go to the towns and villages preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and curing the sick and the afflicted...
There two attitudes of the Lord that we too must have: empathy and urgency, both seem to fit together in a unique puzzle that gives us the loving face of Jesus.
Music: Adrian Berenguer, FAll, album Singularity (2017)
Thumbnail: Raphael, Miraculous draught of fishes (1515) tapestry in the Victorian A...
2021-01-1331 min
In Your PresenceBirthday of Saint Josemaria Escriva (1902)Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches in Lyncroft Centre about the birthday of Saint Josemaria Escriva in Basbastro in 1902. We always celebrate this birthday at the beginning of the year, when we’re looking at it with hope, wondering how it will turn out, what will history say about 2021. We haven’t seen 2021 yet, but we can wonder if it will make a mark: not a splotch, or a stain, but a significant mark that will inspire us further to sanctity, and to be an instrument of sanctity. Our Father must continue to leave his mark. Perhaps hidden, but real.
I...
2021-01-0927 min
In Your PresenceHow to grow in true humilityFr. Eric Nicolai preaches about the virtue of humility at Ernescliff College.
Lk 4, 16-30 The account of Jesus in Nazareth reading in the synagogue.
"The spirit of the Lord is upon me...." The Fathers of the Church see this verse as a reference to the three Persons of the Holy Trinity: the Spirit (the Holy Spirit) of the Lord (the Father) is upon me (the Son): (cf. Origen, Homily 32).
Jesus read the passage from Isaiah 61:1-2 where the prophet announces the coming of the Lord, who will free his people of their afflictions. I...
2021-01-0732 min
In Your PresenceSolemnity of the Epiphany 2021A meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai in Lyncroft Centre, Toronto, on January 3, 2021.
For the Church which believes and prays, the Wise Men from the East who, guided by the star, made their way to the manger of Bethlehem, are only the beginning of a great procession which winds throughout history.
Readings of today's Mass are from Book of Isaiah 60, 1-6 and Psalm 71 (72)
Isaiah 60, 6: "…camels in throngs will cover you, and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; everyone in Sheba will come, bringing gold and incense and singing the praise of the Lord."
Po...
2021-01-0332 min
In Your PresenceLast Day of the Year: Mary Mother of GodThis is the last meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai in 2020. We're about to make a transition to a new calendar year, with the great solemnity of the Mother of God. Mary not only carried Jesus in her womb but also supplied all of the genetic matter for his human body, since it was through her—not Joseph—that Jesus “was descended from David according to the flesh” (Rom. 1:3). In the fifth Century Nestorius had objected to this, and said Mary was only the mother of the nature. But the church rejected this claim, saying she was not only mother o...
2021-01-0130 min
In Your PresenceOur Divine Vocation: Time to Fall in Love AgainFr. Eric Nicolai gives one of the first meditations at a retreat at Ernescliff College, Dec 26, 2020. This is on the mystery of vocation. God chooses and calls everyone: He chose us in Christ, that we should be holy and blameless in his presence through love (Eph 1:4).
He chose Abraham in Christ. He chose Sarai his wife. He chose Jacob, changed his very name to Israel, and then saved Moses from sure destruction, and chose him to lead his people. He chose David. He chose Jeremiah, and Ezekial, and Daniel, and Ruth, and even Melchisedek, that mysterious figure...
2020-12-2831 min
In Your PresenceDo I really know what it is to Serve? Meditation to families at Kintore CollegeThis is a meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College on December 23, 2020. He was connected on Zoom to the families of the residents.
Today, as we approach the birth of the saviour, we look more closely at the preparation. The immediate anticipation to this extraordinary moment. We saw yesterday how this expectation is is expressed in the O antiphons, where each antiphon to the Gospel is preceded by an O…
O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Dayspring) or Rising Dawn, O Rex Ge...
2020-12-2430 min
In Your PresenceHow does the Holy Spirit Act in my Life?Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches about the role of the Holy Spirit in our life. Our Lord told the apostles: "I will ask the Father and He will give you another Advocate to dwell with you forever, the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you shall know him because he will dwell with you, and be in you (Jn 14: 16-17). And then: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”. And we have heard his summons – “be my witnesses throughout the world” – (Acts 1:8). These were the very last...
2020-12-2231 min
In Your PresenceOur Lady of Guadalupe Squashed the DevilHere is the story of Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin and his encounter with Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531. She wanted a shrine built, she gave him a souvenir of that encounter, and transformed Mexican society with massive conversions from paganism to Christianity. Fr. Eric Nicolai tells the story here.
Music: Adriá Guerenger, Fall.
More meditations on www.youtube.com/ericnicolai
2020-12-1224 min
In Your PresenceThe Real Heart of AdventWhat does the word advent even mean? It comes from the Greek word parousia, which means presence, or arrival. Advent means the arrival of the Lord that has already begun but has only just begun. It has begun silently. John the Baptist ended up in prison. He was expecting Jesus to come with his winnowing chaff. Instead he came quietly, with only some miracles and healings. He sent his own disciples to ask Jesus if he was really the one. “God’s presence had begun... but what a difference from what the Baptist had imagined! No fire fell from heav...
2020-12-1222 min
In Your PresenceThe Immaculate Conception: Mary points to the Saviour...A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai in Lyncroft centre, Toronto, in the early morning of December 8, 2020.
In his eternal design for his Son to become man, God also chose Mary as the Mother of the Word Incarnate. This plan had an essential effect both in the manner in which the Word would become flesh—the Word not only became man; he became the descendent of Adam—and on the form of Mary’s motherhood would take.
Her's is a perfect and complete motherhood in all its aspects; in it the person of the Virgin is fou...
2020-12-0828 min
In Your PresenceThe Annunciation to Mary: The Real Meaning of Mary's Fiat.Luke 1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Luke expressly points to her virginity. He uses the Greek word parthenos, twice. He’s stressing that she is a young woman and that she was a virgin.
Gabriel appears to Zecharia. Formal setting of the temple. Here in Nazareth, he is sent to Mary. She does not have to leave where she was. Th...
2020-12-0729 min
In Your PresenceSecond Sunday of Advent: Prepare the way for the LordFr. Eric Nicolai preaches in Lyncroft centre on December 5, 2020: Advent, time for a new conversion. How is that going to happen? In this recollection this is not som much like ascending to a hight mountain, but imagine now that your task is to clear the ground for the helicopter to land (got that image from Bishop Robert Barron). Like the Vietnam scenes in a Francis Ford Coppola, with the wind blowing as helicopters landing and the soldiers with the drill sergeants clearing the place for their comrades. The helicopter is coming in to give them assistance and take them...
2020-12-0526 min
In Your PresenceFirst Sunday of Advent: Stay AlertMark 13:33-37 speaks about being alert and ready for the coming of the master. How does this actually happen in our life? Here is a meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre on ways of staying awake.
Music: Composer is Adrián Berenguer, the song is "Fall", Album: Singularity (2017).
2020-11-2929 min
In Your PresenceWhy did JP 2 Establish Opus Dei as a Personal Prelature?Today, November 28, is the anniversary of the Apostolic Constitution “Ut Sit” from 1982, in which Pope John Paul II establish Opus Dei as a Personal Prelature. It was the definitive canonical suit that Opus Dei needed in order to have that new energy in the mission of the church. Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches on this 38th anniversary in Lyncroft centre and explains its significance.
Music: FALL - Adrian Berenguer (Album Singulairty) from Musopen.org
2020-11-2831 min
In Your PresenceThe Miraculous Medal: the real storyCatherine Labouré was a nun in the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity on Rue du Bac in Paris. On November 27th, 1830 Our Lady appeared to her and entrusted Catherine with the task of forging of the Miraculous Medal. The Virgin said that the medal would be a sign of love, a pledge of protection and source of grace for those who would trust in it. The Virgin herself showed Catherine what the medal should look like. This medal started being circulated in France. She really did everything she could to get it into as many people as possible. Ev...
2020-11-2724 min
In Your PresenceGod’s Providence in the Pandemic. Why does he allow this?Today’s Gospel is about the end times. Luke 17:26-37: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it also be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating and drinking, marrying wives and husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. It will be the same as it was in Lot’s day: people were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but the day Lot left Sodom, God rained fire and brimstone from heaven and it destroyed them all. It will be...
2020-11-1426 min
In Your PresenceIts November: Are you Ready for Death?Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects at Kintore College. In the 1650s a Spanish priest from province of Navarre, Pedro Auxular, wrote a book in Basque titled Gero, which means Later. A book about the practice of the Christian life. The title is striking: later. He warned his reader of the danger of leaving for later the most important aspects of life.
So we want to speak today of that Later, but in a different sense, not simply as later, but as the hereafter. Gero is really about the eschaton. The last things, which the church wants us to...
2020-11-1117 min
In Your PresenceFr. Luis de Moya, RIP: Availability of heart. What is that?Fr. Luis de Moya passed away on November 9th, 2020 in Pamplona, Spain, as a result of complications due to an operation. He was in his late 60s. He was a numerary priest of Opus Dei, incarnated in the Prelature. He had studied medicine, then went to Rome to study theology and was ordained a priest. In 1990 after traffic accident in Madrid he ended up being a tetraplegic, and lived the rest of his life in Pamplona Spain. When he first woke up from the accident, he couldn't remember anything, and he did not think about what he couldn’t do...
2020-11-1028 min
In Your PresenceChrist Reigns Through our Spirit of ServiceA meditation preached on Saturday November 7, 2020 by Fr. Eric Nicolai in preparation for the feast of Christ the King. He reigns from his throne on the cross. Then he appears to the apostles after his resurrection as King: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Mt 28:18). Our Lord invites us to imitate Him in serving others. What kind of power? He wants us to have this new kind of power. The power nobody seems to be aware of, only those truly close to him, truly intimate with him: the power of spreading his kingdom thro...
2020-11-0728 min
In Your PresenceSolemnity of All SaintsScientists have been sending signals into the cosmos, hoping for a response from some intelligent being on some lost planet. Yet even if inhabitants outside of the solar system existed, communication with them would be impossible, because between the question and the answer, millions of years would pass. Even if we could send a message that traveled a light speed. The Church has always maintained a dialogue with the inhabitants of another world -- the saints. Here, though, the answer is immediate because there is a common center of communication and encounter, and that is the risen Christ (from Ra...
2020-10-3127 min
In Your PresenceDo I Go Out of Obligation, or Out of Love?Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches at Lyncroft centre about Luke 14, 1-6, where Jesus asked whether it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath.
“Now on a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. There in front of him was a man with dropsy, and Jesus addressed the lawyers and Pharisees. ‘Is it against the law’ he asked ‘to cure a man on the sabbath, or not?’ But they remained silent, so he took the man and cured him and sent him away."
By "lawf...
2020-10-3126 min
In Your PresenceLord, You are my Rock, my fortress...Psalm 17 (18): 2-4, 47, 51: I love you, Lord, my strength.
My rock, my fortress, my saviour. My God is the rock where I take refuge; my shield, my mighty help, my stronghold. The Lord is worthy of all praise, when I call I am saved from my foes.
I love you, Lord, my strength.
Long life to the Lord, my rock! Praised be the God who saves me,
He has given great victories to his king and shown his love for his anointed.
Today's psalm from the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time...
2020-10-2530 min
In Your PresencePope John Paul II: Do Not Be Afraid!A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on the feast of Saint John Paul II, who in his inaugural homily on October 22, 1978 spoke about how to overcome fear in our life. He had a daunting task ahead of him, and with God’s grace overcame fear. What are your fears?
Music: Handel, Rinaldo Opera, Lascia ch’io pianga, played by Bert Alink
2020-10-2219 min
In Your PresenceSanctity is Possible: St. Josemaria Pointed the WayFr. Eric Nicolai preaches at Kintore College. He recalls being in Rome during the years of the beatification of Josemaria Escriva by Pope John Paul II. Like a catapult officer on an aircraft carrier, he pointed the way to the battle.
Music from Handel's opera Rinaldo, the aria is Lascia ch'io pianga, played by Bert Alink.
2020-10-2020 min
In Your PresenceSimplicity, Humility and staying CheerfulA meditation addressed to Toronto priests. The Lord warns against hypocrisy because it runs against the dispositions of sincerity, authenticity, and sincerity that he wants us all to have. The result will be a deep cheerfulness. But we have to facilitate that sincere simplicity, which is opposite of pretence or hypocrisy. And especially anything that might suggest contempt for the other. Studies have shown that the number one predictor of divorce is eye-rolling. Have you ever done that? This was preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on October 13, 2020.
Music composed by Handel from his opera R...
2020-10-1430 min
In Your PresenceSt. Gabriel Archangel, Master of dialogue and ListeningSt. Gabriel the archangel was entrusted wit the most important message in the history of humanity. He had to make sure it was understood and accepted freely. We can ask him to help us with our ability to listen to others, to develop empathy, and rouse up memorable conversations. Each dialogue can be like a deposit in the emotional bank account of our interlocutor. A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ernescliff college, Oct 11, 2020.
More meditations: www.youtube.com/ericnicolai
Music from Handel's opera, Rinaldo. The aria is Lascia ch'io pianga, played on the...
2020-10-1132 min
In Your PresenceGod's Will for Me: "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it (Lk 11, 28)The praise addressed to our Lord's mother was reinforced when he spoke about her being blessed because she embraced the Word of God, meaning the will of God. Everything hung in the balance when the Angel Gabriel announced God's plan of redemption. The universe was waiting for her response. This is a meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft hospitality centre in Toronto, on Oct 10, 2020.
See other meditations at www.youtube.com/ericnicolai
Music from Handel's opera, Rinaldo. The aria Lascia ch'io pianga, played the guitar by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail painting by...
2020-10-1023 min
In Your PresenceEucharistic Soul: What is that?Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches about the Adorote Devote, a Eucharistic hymn written by St. Thomas Aquinas. It is a hymn rich with faith at the real presence, the living presence of this living pelican who suffers and dies for us, but manages to stay with us.
Music from Handel Rinaldo opera, Lascia ch'io pianga, played by Bert Alink.
The thumbnail picture is a pall made by Talleres de Arte Granda
2020-10-0231 min
In Your PresenceDivine filiation is like a Rich Treasure that we must access DailyFr. Eric Nicolai gives the opening meditation at a workshop at Cedarcrest Conference Centre in the Calendon Hills, in the village of Belfountain, north of Toronto. It is a rich truth that we must access habitually as a responsibility.
Music from Handel’s opera, Rinaldo, Lascia ch’io pianga, played on the guitar by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Saint Jerome in prayer, drawing by Rembrandt (1635)
For more meditations, go to www.youtube.com/ericnicolai
2020-10-0127 min
In Your PresenceThe Three Archangels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. RaphaelSeptember 29th is feast of the Archangels. From Kintore College, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to consider the role of the archangels in the history of salvation. When were they created by God? What happened to Satan in the battle with Michael? Each Archangel was invoked by St. Josemaria when he was on silent retreat in Segovia in 1932. They would protect the different apostolates of Opus Dei: St. Michael would watch over celibate numeraries, St. Gabriel would be in charge of supernumeraries, and St. Raphael of young people.
Music: Handel, Lascia ch'io pianga (1711), guitar by Bert Alink.
2020-09-2932 min
In Your PresenceOur Lady of Ransom: Protector of Captives and of the StressedFr. Eric Nicolai preaches at Kintore College about the feast of Our Lady of Ransom, or Our Lady of Mercy, a devotion that began in the 13th century as recourse for those Christians held captives the Islamic state. In Spanish, la virgin de la Merced. It is also the memorial of Blessed Emilie Gamelin-Travernier, a Montreal woman who founded the sisters of Providence in 19th century Quebec. Both occasions to feel our role to protect the vulnerable, and ourselves to feel protected by the Blessed Mother.
Music: Handel, Lascia ch'io pianga, classical guitar by Bert Alink.
2020-09-2529 min
In Your PresenceThe Virus of Pride and Egotism. Combat them by Truly listening to othersProv 21, 1-6; 10-13: The lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares….Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches at Ernescliff College and invites us to read these words of Solomon slowly. We sense words about the poisonous nature of pride, addressed to us. And how we need to build humility. One way is through what Pope Francis has called the theology of the encounter: "Thanks solely to this encounter – or renewed encounter – with God’s love, which blossoms into an enriching friendship, we are liberated from our narrowness and self-absorption." (Evangelii Gaudium 8)
Music: Handel, Lascia ch'io pianga, played beautiful...
2020-09-2429 min
In Your PresenceThe Interior Struggle. Are you at War?Preaching at St. Mark's parish in Stouffeville, Ontario, Fr. Eric Nicolai speaks about the nature of the interior struggle, or the Spiritual Combat, an expression coined by Lorenzo Scupoli, but which goes back to St. Paul, and Our Lord himself.
Music from Handel, Lascia che io pianga, classical guitar played by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Horace Vernet painting: La Bataille du Pont d'Arcole (1826). French forces under Napoleon battle Austrian troops led by József Alvinczi near Verona. The battle took place 15–17 November 1796.
2020-09-2228 min
In Your PresenceHow do I Correspond to Grace? There is Tons Available.Fr. Eric Nicolai gives a meditation to a group of priests in Toronto, on how we can correspond more generously to all the grace that God grants us. Our Lady of Sorrows is a splendid example. Plus some anecdotes about being truly patient.
2020-09-1732 min
In Your PresenceSeptember 11 Memorial: Never Hate EnemiesOn the 19th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Fr. Eric Nicolai speaks about the challenge of charity, especially to love those we don't find easy to love. C.S. Lewis said: "Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you did." How am I really acting? Do I easily judge others? This is an opportunity to late God's grace sink in deeply.
2020-09-1126 min
In Your PresenceThe Beauty of Living for OthersFr. Eric Nicolai speaks about the beauty inherent in a life dedicated to others. This is only possible if we realize the extent of God's love for us. The Prophet Isaiah was a court prophet who constantly emphasized the value of fidelity to God. He famously expressed God's love for each person: "See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me." (Is 49, 15-16) How can we instil this attitude of gift of self in a culture that is focused more on self fulfillment?
The music is a Handel Aria, "...
2020-09-0831 min
In Your PresenceGet Behind Me Satan!A meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai: Jesus says he must suffer, and Peter says God forbid…and he is rebuked with the strongest possible words: that he is satan. Meaning an obstacle to the salvific plans. This is about seeing our life too humanly, approaching challenges too passively. Do I experience the temptation of not embracing the cross that will make us grow in love?
Opening and closing guitar composed by F. Händel, Lascia ch'io pianga. Played by Bert Alink.
Painting of Saint Peter gazing at the keys, by Giovanni Francesco Bar...
2020-08-3129 min
In Your PresenceDeath of St. John the Baptist: Defender of the TruthFr. Eric Nicolai preaches about the dramatic account of the beheading of Saint John the Baptist and the situation in Herod's royal court. Herod’s banquet. The decadent and sensual atmosphere. The trendy people. Yet John defended the truth, telling it plainly to those who needed to hear it. John was not a whiner or complainer. He was tough. An example to help us defend the truth to our friends.
The painting is from Andrea Solario, "Salome with the head John Baptist (1506) in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The introductory aria is from Handel guit...
2020-08-3023 min
In Your PresenceSt. Augustine, the prayers of his mother St. Monica, and the power of Beauty.Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches about St. Monica (331-387), who prayers for years for the conversion of her son Augustine. He was brilliant, cultured, and had a wide circle of friends, but was seduced by the world. God gave in to her persevering prayers when he drew Augustine (354–430) to himself through beauty.
2020-08-2932 min
In Your PresenceIs it possible that I am actually a hypocrite?Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to imagine Jesus saying these words to the Pharisees: "woe to you pharisees, you hypocrites…" (Matt 23, 23-26). I don’t know what it sounded like in Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke. But the tone was important. Sternest words of condemnation that ever came from our Lord's lips. There was also tone of deep sorrow. This is an invitation to examine how often we seek to ingratiate ourselves with others. To win applause. Or am I somehow sad when I am forgotten? When I am passed over? Let's often rectify, to do everything for God the fa...
2020-08-2527 min
In Your PresenceCheerfulness AlwaysFr. Eric Nicolai preaches about the nature of joy, expressed as cheerfulness. This can be an obligation of charity, a duty to light up the house around us. Here are some examples about how to bring this about in our life.
2020-08-2423 min
In Your PresenceThe Queenship of MaryFr. Eric Nicolai preaches at Lyncroft Hospitality centre in Toronto. The Queenship of Mary is the logical corollary of her assumption, and the natural expression of Christ's kingship over all the universe.
Painting is Pierre-Claude-François Delorme, "La Vierge" (1834) in the château de Compiègne, France
2020-08-2316 min
In Your PresenceThe Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryFr. Eric Nicolai preaches about the solemnity of the Assumption, and the dormition of our Lady, how it was fitting that the Lord should want her body and soul in heaven.
2020-08-1621 min
In Your PresenceThe Story of Saint Maximilian Kolbe and Apostolic CelibacyAugust 14th is his feast day: Here is a meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai on the account of of how Maximilian received the red crown of martyrdom and the white crown of holy purity.
2020-08-1520 min
In Your PresenceThe School of St. Josemaria: Putting love in little thingsBishop Alvaro quoted from an old letter of Saint Josemaria: The Father advises his children: "Endeavour to be in Mariano's school always. It is the school of little things." Saint Josemaria would sometimes sign his letters, "Mariano", as a way to honour our Blessed Mother. But the School of Mariano is all about the delicate drive to put love in the small things of everyday. Here is a meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at the Manoir de Beaujeu describes the heights of this school, and the dangers of getting a failing grade, like scruples and perfectionism.
2020-08-1330 min
In Your PresenceI will send you like lambs among wolves (Matt 10, 16-23)In this meditation to High School students, Fr. Eric Nicolai mentions the early Christians, who suffered persecutions right from the start. The Lord sends us out into an apostolic dynamism, despite what it might cost us. Today polls show that Catholics are often afraid to share their faith, and are not ready to persuade others of their faith. Catholics are among the least likely to want to persuade others of there faith. The current situation of evangelization makes it more necessary than ever to give priority to personal contact. This relational aspect is at the heart of the mode...
2020-07-1424 min
In Your PresenceCelebrating Holy Mass with Reverence and Devotion (For priests)A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai (July 9, 2020) at St. Ann's Parish in Hamilton, Ontario for a group of priests from Toronto and Hamilton.
2020-07-1328 min
In Your PresenceSolemnity of Saint Joseph, Foster Father of JesusA meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on March 19, 2020 in Toronto, on the solemnity of Saint Joseph, who intercedes for us as protector, and helps us to overcome the paralysis of fear. He intercedes for us to protect us in our divine vocation and to give us a supernatural sense of our mission, of that covenant that God made with us.
2020-03-1932 min