Latest news with #St.Joseph
Business Insider
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Why spiritual shopping is the new wellness trend you didn't see coming
It's 2025, and wellness isn't just about green smoothies and fitness trackers anymore. Americans are reaching for something deeper—something that touches the soul. And in this quiet cultural shift, spiritual shopping is becoming the unexpected bridge between modern self-care and ancient tradition. The Quiet Rise of Sacred Objects For many, surrounding themselves with meaningful symbols like rosaries, saint medals, and devotional candles is no longer solely a matter of religion. It has become a way to express identity, to create a sense of grounding, and to live with greater intention. These objects offer a form of presence in spaces often dominated by screens and noise. As spiritual curiosity grows—particularly among Millennials and Gen Z—religious items are appearing in unexpected places. No longer limited to churches or family altars, they're now found on nightstands, tucked into bags, or featured in TikTok videos that explore faith and spirituality. A cross necklace might be worn as a symbol of protection, while a small statue of St. Joseph could take on new meaning as part of a personal ritual in a first apartment. These items are resonating in ways that go beyond aesthetic or trend. They speak directly to the human need for connection, stability, and purpose. The Vatican's Lasting Cultural Footprint At the heart of this movement is the enduring presence of the Vatican, which for centuries has shaped the aesthetic and devotional traditions of Catholicism worldwide. From the grandeur of Michelangelo's frescoes to the simplicity of a hand-carved crucifix, the Vatican has long influenced how faith is expressed visually and spiritually. But its influence isn't just historical—it's deeply relevant today, especially in a time when many are searching for meaning, rootedness, and continuity. The recent election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in Church history, has further energized interest in Catholic identity across the United States. Charismatic, intellectually grounded, and pastorally engaged, his leadership has brought a renewed sense of global unity to the Church. For American Catholics, in particular, the connection feels more personal than ever—bridging continents and generations, and awakening a new wave of interest in the symbols, rituals, and heritage of the faith. From the stunning art of the Vatican Museums to the sacred rituals that continue to draw thousands to St. Peter's Square each week, the Holy See remains a central source of spiritual inspiration. Its influence reaches far beyond theology, extending into the realms of craftsmanship, culture, and everyday devotion. Religious artisans—many of whom work in small, family-run workshops in and around Vatican City—still create devotional objects using time-honored techniques passed down through generations, preserving a legacy that spans centuries. Many religious items available today—such as rosaries, crucifixes, saint medals, and icons—are made just steps away from the Vatican. But their significance goes beyond geography. These objects carry with them the legacy of centuries of faith and tradition. For many believers, they're not just keepsakes or souvenirs, they represent a real connection to the Church's spiritual and cultural heritage. In a time when much of life feels disposable or digital, these pieces offer something lasting: a sense of meaning, beauty, and belonging. Influencers Bringing Faith Into the Feed A major driver of this trend? Catholic content creators who are reimagining how faith is expressed online. Take Leah Darrow, a former fashion model who now shares her journey of spiritual transformation with hundreds of thousands of followers. Her blend of authenticity and devotion has inspired many to explore their own faith—starting with a single rosary or saint medal. Then there's Fr. Mike Schmitz, whose 'Bible in a Year' podcast has ranked #1 on Apple Podcasts, proving that deep faith content can thrive in digital spaces. Other figures like Emily Wilson and Jackie Francois Angel have turned platforms like YouTube and Instagram into communities where Catholicism meets everyday life—joyfully, honestly, and often with a devotional in hand. Where Meaning Meets Craft Retailers rooted in religious tradition are seeing renewed interest—not because they've changed, but because the world has. As modern life grows more chaotic and digital, people are seeking something tangible, timeless, and intentional. There's a desire to reconnect with slower values—heritage, faith, and craftsmanship—and this is where spiritual artisanship thrives. One example is Savelli Religious, a family-run company based in Vatican City since 1898 that offers handcrafted religious items deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. With over a century of experience, the company has become a trusted name for those seeking objects that combine spiritual meaning with artistic craftsmanship. Their catalog ranges from classic rosaries and saint medals to intricate crucifixes and devotional gifts, each one reflecting the care of skilled Italian artisans and the spiritual heritage of its surroundings. What sets Savelli apart is not only its longevity, but its location—just steps from St. Peter's Basilica—where faith and history converge. For many who shop there, especially American Catholics discovering or rediscovering their roots, owning a rosary or sacred item crafted so close to the heart of the Church isn't simply a transaction. It becomes a way to stay connected to something timeless, to carry a piece of the Vatican's legacy into everyday life, and to find meaning in objects that are made to last. Finding Stillness in a Tangible Way You don't have to be particularly devout to feel a connection to symbols of peace, protection, or meaning. Increasingly, people of all backgrounds are incorporating items like crucifixes, saint pendants, and devotional candles into their homes—not necessarily as expressions of religious practice, but as quiet reminders of something greater than themselves. For some, it's about starting a personal ritual; for others, it's simply a way to bring intention or calm into their space. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift. As modern life becomes faster and more fragmented, there's a growing interest in objects and habits that offer a sense of permanence. Spiritual symbols—regardless of religious affiliation—can provide that. They represent continuity, identity, and values that transcend the present moment. In that sense, reaching for something timeless isn't about nostalgia or dogma; it's about finding balance in a world that rarely slows down.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sturgis tennis wins road contest at St. Joseph
ST. JOSEPH — The Sturgis tennis team went on the road Monday with a tough task at hand. The Trojans came back home, however, with a victory over St. Joseph by a 5-3 score in non-conference action. Doubles proved to be a big part of the Trojan win as Sturgis logged victories in three of the four flights. Advertisement Bella Currier and Arianna Terwedo won their match at first doubles over Zoey Owens and Charlotte Corifer with a score of 6-2, 6-2. In second doubles play, Sturgis' duo of Stella Barry and Chloe Clark won by a score of 6-3, 6-3. Hannah Ritchie and Lilly Whitehead won their match at fourth doubles, beating Riya Veersheety and Catalina Gonzalez with a score of 6-4, 6-4. The only match to go three sets came at third doubles. There, the St. Joseph team of Ava Armstrong and Ava Mandarino upended Sturgis' duo of Mazie Sterling and Marlee Smith, winning 6-4, 4-6 and 11-9. Girls soccer: Pair of late-half goals gives Three Rivers girls soccer home win over Sturgis Advertisement Softball: Top softball performers: Burr Oak wins as host tournament Gracie Perry moves up to hit a return shot in her match at second singles on Monday. Gracie Perry logged a win at second singles. She beat Violet Waters with a score of 6-0, 6-1. Also winning in singles play was Mya Eicher. She won her fourth singles matchup over Emma Shagen 6-1, 6-0. Cora Phillips fell in her match at first singles by scores of 6-1 and 6-2. Katherine Steele was upended at third singles by scores of 6-2 and 6-3. On Saturday, the Sturgis team finished second overall at the Portland Spring Sports Carnival with 13 points. Mason won with 17 points, Ludington was third with 11 and Portland recorded seven points. Advertisement Sturgis won three flights. Steele won at third singles and Eicher claimed victory at fourth singles. In doubles action, the team of Sterling and Smith at third doubles plus Ritchie and Whitehead at fourth doubles claimed first place. In recent junior varsity action, Sturgis picked up wins over Three Rivers (10-2), Vicksburg (4-2) and Paw Paw (9-4). Contact Sports Editor Brandon Watson at bwatson@ Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @BwatsonSJ. This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Doubles matches help give Sturgis Trojans tennis road win at St. Joe
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Joliet's only hospital cuts inpatient pediatric care
JOLIET, Ill. (WGN) — The only hospital in Illinois' third-largest city has cut inpatient pediatric services and will transfer children to a hospital 19 miles away in Naperville. St. Joseph Medical Center will close its pediatric unit with 20 beds beginning May 2 and for at least the next 12 months. Several nurses and two doctors will lose their jobs. 'We're just devastated. We're deeply heartbroken that this is happening,' pediatric nurse Kristi Edwards told WGN on Tuesday. California-based Prime Healthcare bought the hospital and its sister Ascension Illinois properties in March. Employees said the company told them it wouldn't make any cuts for the first 18 months, giving them time to evaluate services and staffing. The company, however, slashed eight of St. Joseph's 14 operating rooms last month and is now doing away with the entire pediatric unit. Edwards, who has worked at the medical center for nearly 30 years, said staff were informed of the closure on Monday. 'We were given only nine or 10 days to decide what we want to do,' she said. 'I mean, all of us were offered adult nursing jobs. We have no experience with the adult population.' The Illinois Nurse's Association alleges the company violated their contract by not giving nurses a 30-day notice. Prime Healthcare released a statement, saying: 'As community needs continue to evolve, we have seen a steady and significant decline in the demand for inpatient pediatric services, with the average inpatient census now less than one patient per day. At the same time, the need for advanced surgical, neurosurgical, and spinal care has grown. To best serve our community, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to suspend inpatient pediatric services and expand other needed critical service lines.' Later this week, children in St. Joseph's pediatric unit will be transferred to Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville. Silver Cross in Lemont is another option for parents but is also several miles away. 'I think it's going to leave a big void in the community without a pediatric unit in Joliet,' Edwards said. 'I feel horrible for the families that rely on our hospital for pediatric services. It's not fair. It's not right.' Prime Healthcare has 30 days to file with the Illinois Hospital Safety Board for approval on the changes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
20-03-2025
- General
- Axios
Where to find St. Joseph's Day altars in New Orleans
Many Catholic churches host elaborate altars today to honor St. Joseph, who Sicilians credit with ending a devastating drought. The altars are laden with baked goods, fruit and flowers. Visitors usually make a monetary donation for a lucky Fava bean and cookies. Several churches also have meals. See the list.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Valencia seeks catharsis in traditional burning of sculptures months after deadly floods
VALENCIA, Spain (AP) — The enormous blue cone slowly crushes tiny piles of sand that represent houses. It symbolizes the deadly havoc wrought by floods that ravaged Spain's eastern Valencia five months ago. The artwork is one of hundreds of wood and papier-maché sculptures that are painstakingly crafted — and then burned — when Las Fallas, the most important yearly celebration in Valencia, reaches its climax on Wednesday night. This year's festival has taken on special meaning. There is hope that the burning ceremony, or Crema, will provide some catharsis for the city and surrounding villages after over 220 people died in October's flooding. UNESCO, which added Las Fallas to its catalog of intangible cultural heritage in 2016, describes the incineration of the sculptures as 'a form of purification" and "social renewal.' The festival originated in the 18th century, according to UNESCO, and now brings together some 200,000 people for the event that runs from March 14-19, culminating in the day of St. Joseph. Spain's King Felipe VI visited the party on Wednesday to show his continued support for flood victims. The king had been pelted by mud when he visited a hard-hit area along with politicians in the immediate aftermath of the floods. The sculptures made by local artisans can tower over 20 meters (65 feet). This year, some were built using wreckage from peoples' homes. Others lampoon politicians accused of mishandling the catastrophe. And U.S. President Donald Trump was depicted unfavorably in a few sculptures — one alongside Elon Musk — after his wavering on Europe's defense. But 'Nada," or 'Nothing,' the wooden cone by artist Miguel Hache, stands out for directly taking on the pain of the floods. Passersby can use cardboard molds to make little houses of sand, then roll the cone to flatten them, evoking the brutality of the rushing waters. In its path, the cone leaves an imprint of a street map of the southern neighborhoods where the deluge was the heaviest. 'If I had to sum my work in one phrase, I would call it 'the weight of the water on the earth,' Hache told The Associated Press. 'A devastated landscape is left behind.' Hache, 40, has been crafting sculptures for Las Fallas for 25 years. He originally planned to save the idea for 'Nada' for the 2027 Fallas to mark the 70th anniversary of a previous flood that hit Valencia's city center in 1957. But he decided this year was perfect for the design, especially after he spent days joining thousands of volunteers cleaning up the mud months ago. Hache said he had been pleased by receiving so many messages of appreciation for the work. On Wednesday night, 'Nada' will be consumed by flames. 'I am excited to see how it will come apart and reveal itself,' Hache said. 'Normally I don't get emotional, but maybe tonight I will.' ___ Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain.
