Fr. Miguel’s Shrine Homilies

In this homily on the feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch , Fr. Miguel reflects on the courage of a saint who longed to give his life for Christ. Ignatius’ words—“I am God’s wheat, to be ground by the teeth of beasts”—reveal a fearless love born of faith in the Resurrection. Fr. Miguel invites us to examine how we might respond in our own trials, trusting that when we are faithful in small things, Go...

In this homily for the memorial of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Fr. Miguel reflects on the burning yet often unreturned love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Drawing from Christ’s words to St. Margaret Mary, he invites us to make reparation for indifference and ingratitude with our own acts of faith, hope, and love. Even the smallest response of the heart brings joy to His Heart that still waits for l...

In this homily, Fr. Miguel reflects on the life and teachings of St. Teresa of Avila—one of the great Doctors of the Church and a master of prayer. Through her example, we learn that prayer is not optional but essential for holiness and salvation. Fr. Miguel explains how prayer and living the Gospel must go hand in hand: prayer deepens our love of God, and living the Gospel strengthens our prayer....

In this homily, Fr. Miguel reflects on the stories of Naaman and the ten lepers, showing how God’s healing extends beyond the body to the soul. Just as leprosy isolated and wounded the afflicted, sin can separate us from God and our communities. Fr. Miguel highlights the transformative power of obedience, faith, and the sacraments—especially confession—as paths to spiritual healing. He encourages...

Evil is real — but Christ is stronger. Fr. Miguel explains how we stay protected from the enemy: by living in the state of grace, keeping the commandments, and remaining close to the sacraments. Confession, not fear, is our greatest weapon.

When the wicked prosper and the just suffer, it’s easy to lose heart. But as Fr. Miguel reminds us, God’s justice is sure — and His mercy, endless. Drawing from the prophet Malachi, Pope Francis, and the story of Blessed Bartolo Longo, this homily renews our hope that “no fall is definitive” and “blessed are they who hope in the Lord.”

When St. Faustina wrote about Divine Mercy, Satan’s fury was unleashed. But God’s mercy cannot be silenced. In this homily, Fr. Miguel contrasts Jonah’s anger, Satan’s pride, and God’s patience—reminding us that divine justice is never without mercy.

St. Joseph of Cupertino, known as the “flying friar,” reminds us that holiness is not about our own effort but God’s grace at work in us. In this homily, Fr. Miguel reflects on Joseph’s humility, simplicity, and purity — the “two wings” that lift us above earthly things.

We may not receive the stigmata like St. Francis, but each of us carries the invisible marks of Christ. Fr. Miguel shows how our trials—big or small—can become a path to deeper union with Jesus.

What does the cross really mean for us today? In this homily, Fr. Miguel shares Mother Angelica’s story of healing and her longing for the cross, reminding us that suffering embraced with Christ becomes a path to holiness, redemption, and victory over evil.

St. John Chrysostom—known as the “Golden Mouth”—preached with power and lived with patience. Discover his call to holiness for every Christian and the gift hidden in suffering.

Why does the Church honor the Holy Name of Mary? Fr. Miguel explains how all of Mary’s gifts come from Christ, why true devotion to her never competes with Him, and why the devil fears her humility more than anything else.

On the anniversary of September 11 and in the shadow of new tragedies, Fr. Miguel reflects on Christ’s hard command: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who persecute you.” Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism, and the witness of those who suffered, this homily explores the difference between justice and vengeance, the act of forgiveness, and the hope we have in Jesu...

St. Paul urges us: “Seek what is above.” As baptized Christians, we share in Christ’s risen life even now, though hidden, and we await its full glory. In this homily, Fr. Miguel reflects on our dual citizenship—earthly and heavenly—and how to live our daily responsibilities with eyes fixed on the Kingdom of God.

“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother…he cannot be my disciple.” What does Jesus mean by this difficult teaching? In this homily from the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Fr. Miguel explains that Christ is not calling us to despise our loved ones, but to love them less than we love Him —to put God first above every relationship and attachment. Drawing on the newly canoni...

Jesus never hesitates to come to us — not because we are worthy, but because He loves us unconditionally. In this homily, Fr. Miguel reflects on the Gospel of the centurion’s faith: “Lord, I am not worthy…but only say the word.” Like the centurion, we are invited to trust in the healing power of Christ’s word, even in our weakness and struggles. Fr. Miguel also shares the witness of soon-to-be can...

On the memorial of St. Teresa of Calcutta, Fr. Miguel reflects on the life and wisdom of Mother Teresa, whose mission was to serve “the poorest of the poor” with extraordinary love. Sharing personal memories, her sayings, and the way she radiated Christ’s light, this homily invites us to examine how much love we put into what we do. From the call to stop judging others to the simple challenge of s...

Fr. Miguel reflects on the Gospel account of Peter’s miraculous catch of fish, showing the power of listening to Jesus and obeying His simple commands. Though reason may say “it won’t work,” faith makes room for miracles. In a noisy world filled with competing voices, this homily reminds us to recognize the gentle voice of the Lord, follow His inspirations, and discover the amazing fruit of obedie...

Fr. Miguel reflects on the Franciscan tradition of the “Three C’s”—the Crib, the Cross, and the Ciborium—as places where Christ shows His humility. From the manger in Bethlehem, to His suffering on Calvary, to His hidden presence in the Eucharist, Jesus invites us to learn from Him, for He is meek and humble of heart. Drawing on Scripture, Franciscan spirituality, and the wisdom of the Desert Fath...

Fr. Miguel reflects on the Parable of the Talents, reminding us that wickedness isn’t only great evil—it can also be doing nothing when God calls us to act. Drawing from Mother Angelica’s witness, the Catechism, and God’s words to St. Catherine of Siena, he challenges us to recognize and use our God-given gifts. Each talent is entrusted to us for the sake of others and for building up the Kingdom...

Fr. Miguel reflects on the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist through the words of St. Augustine. Unlike typical martyrs questioned about their faith, John was killed simply for speaking the truth—that it was unlawful for Herod to take his brother’s wife. Fr. Miguel connects John’s witness to our own time, where even simple truths can provoke hatred and persecution. Drawing from the Catechism, Moth...

Fr. Miguel reflects on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, connecting the pain of loss with the hope of God’s grace. Drawing from the life and conversion of St. Augustine, he explores the mystery of suffering, the reality of free will, and how every good act is a grace from God. In the face of tragedy, we are called to pray, to trust, and to cooperate with the grace that leads us to holiness and e...

Heaven has a dress code—and it’s not what you think. Fr. Miguel unpacks the Gospel’s wedding garment, showing how baptism clothes us in grace, how the Eucharist adorns our souls, and how confession restores us when we’ve fallen.

Jesus tells us it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven—but not impossible. In this homily from the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, Fr. Miguel reflects on detachment: why possessions can weigh down the soul, how generosity begins the journey of freedom, and why our one true attachment must be to Christ in the Eucharist.

esus came to set the world on fire—not with destruction, but with the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit. In this homily from the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, AL, Fr. Miguel explains how Christ’s fire sometimes causes division, but only so that hearts may be transformed in truth and love.