MSI Press Blog

If you walk into a Catholic church during Lent, you’ll often see people quietly moving from station to station, pausing before small images on the wall. This ancient practice—the Stations of the Cross —is one of the most beloved Lenten devotions in the Church. But what exactly is it, and why do Catholics do it? 1. A pilgrimage without leaving your parish The Stations of the Cross are 14 moments from Jesus’ Passion , beginning with His condemnation by Pilate and ending with His burial. Early Christians in Jerusalem walked the actual path Jesus took to Calvary. Over time, as travel became impossible for most people, the Church brought the pilgrimage home. Parishes installed “stations” so the faithful could walk with Christ spiritually, even if they could never set foot in the Holy Land. It’s a pilgrimage of the heart. 2. A way of slowing down the Passion The Gospels tell the story of Good Friday with stark simplicity. The Stations invite us to linger —to notice the falls, the face...

  Why People Say “Kul ʿĀm wa‑inta Bikhair” During Ramadan If you spend any time around Arabic‑speaking communities during Ramadan, you’ll hear a warm, melodic phrase exchanged again and again: “kul ʿām wa‑inta bikhair.” It’s one of those expressions that carries more than its literal meaning. It’s a blessing, a wish, and a gesture of affection all at once. What the Phrase Literally Means In Arabic, the words break down simply: kul ʿām — “every year” wa‑inta — “and you” (or “wa‑inti” when speaking to a woman) bikhair — “in goodness,” “in well‑being,” “in a good state” Put together, it means something like: “May you be well every year.” Or, more expansively: “May each year find you in goodness, health, and peace.” It’s not tied only to Ramadan—you’ll hear it at Eid, New Year’s, and other milestones—but Ramadan gives it a special resonance. Why It Matters During Ramadan Ramadan is a month built around intention: caring for others, softening the heart, and practicing ...