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December 19, 2009
December 12, 2009
Last Day
My friends,
yes it has been quite some time since my last post and soon I will be posting no more, God willing. I write to you the day following my last day workign for the Little Sisters of the Poor in Philadelphia. As the Lord calls me forth I just want to express my gratitude and prayers for the Little Sisters all over the world as youhave all taken care of me during my journey. I owe so much to you and primise to pray for all your homes and residents as I journey forth. I have applied and await an answer from the Carmelites in Wisconsin (holynamecarmel.org).
Praised be Jesus Christ!
yes it has been quite some time since my last post and soon I will be posting no more, God willing. I write to you the day following my last day workign for the Little Sisters of the Poor in Philadelphia. As the Lord calls me forth I just want to express my gratitude and prayers for the Little Sisters all over the world as youhave all taken care of me during my journey. I owe so much to you and primise to pray for all your homes and residents as I journey forth. I have applied and await an answer from the Carmelites in Wisconsin (holynamecarmel.org).
Praised be Jesus Christ!
October 19, 2009
October 14, 2009
Happy Feast of St. Teresa of Avila!
Novena prayers for the Ninth Day:
Lastly, O dearest Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of the precious death which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa, making her sweetly to die of love; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most affectionate spouse, to grant us a good death; and if we do not die of love, yet, that we may at least die burning of love for Thee, that so dying, we may be able to go and love Thee for evermore with a more perfect love in heaven.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
Lastly, O dearest Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of the precious death which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa, making her sweetly to die of love; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most affectionate spouse, to grant us a good death; and if we do not die of love, yet, that we may at least die burning of love for Thee, that so dying, we may be able to go and love Thee for evermore with a more perfect love in heaven.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
October 13, 2009
Teresa of Avila Novena Day 8!
Eighth Day:
O most beloved Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the eminent gift of the desire for death which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most constant spouse, to grant us the grace of desiring death, in order to go and possess Thee eternally in the country of the blessed.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
O most beloved Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the eminent gift of the desire for death which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most constant spouse, to grant us the grace of desiring death, in order to go and possess Thee eternally in the country of the blessed.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
October 12, 2009
Teresa of Avila Novena Day 7!
Seventh Day:
O most loving Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the wonderful gift of the wound in the heart which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy seraphic spouse, to grant us also a like wound of love, that, henceforth, we may love Thee and give our mind to the love of nothing but Thee.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
O most loving Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the wonderful gift of the wound in the heart which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy seraphic spouse, to grant us also a like wound of love, that, henceforth, we may love Thee and give our mind to the love of nothing but Thee.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
October 11, 2009
Teresa of Avila Novena Day 6!
Sixth Day:
O most bountiful Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of devotion towards Thy sweet mother, Mary and her holy spouse, Joseph, which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most dear spouse, to give us the grace of a special and tender devotion towards Thy most holy mother, Mary, and towards Thy beloved foster-father, Joseph.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
O most bountiful Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of devotion towards Thy sweet mother, Mary and her holy spouse, Joseph, which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most dear spouse, to give us the grace of a special and tender devotion towards Thy most holy mother, Mary, and towards Thy beloved foster-father, Joseph.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
October 10, 2009
Teresa of Avila Novena Day 5!
Fifth Day:
O most kind Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of humility which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most humble spouse, to grant us the grace of a true humility, which may make us ever find our joy in humiliation, and prefer contempt before every honour.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
O most kind Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of humility which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most humble spouse, to grant us the grace of a true humility, which may make us ever find our joy in humiliation, and prefer contempt before every honour.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
October 09, 2009
Teresa of Avila Novena Day 4!
Fourth Day:
O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of great desire and resolution which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa, that she might love Thee perfectly; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most generous spouse, to give us a true desire, and a true resolution of pleasing Thee the utmost of our power.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of great desire and resolution which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa, that she might love Thee perfectly; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most generous spouse, to give us a true desire, and a true resolution of pleasing Thee the utmost of our power.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
October 08, 2009
Teresa of Avila Novena Day 3!
Third Day:
O most loving Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of love which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most loving spouse, to give us the great, the crowning gift of Thy perfect love.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
O most loving Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of love which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most loving spouse, to give us the great, the crowning gift of Thy perfect love.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
October 07, 2009
Teresa of Avila Novena Day 2!
Second Day:
O most merciful Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of hope which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy holy spouse, to give us a great confidence in Thy goodness, by reason of Thy Precious Blood, which Thou hast shed to its last drop for our salvation.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
O most merciful Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of hope which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy holy spouse, to give us a great confidence in Thy goodness, by reason of Thy Precious Blood, which Thou hast shed to its last drop for our salvation.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
October 06, 2009
Teresa of Avila Novena Day 1!
Novena to St. Teresa of Avila
by St. Alphonsus of Liguori
( Pray especially beginning
on October 7 and ending on
October 15 , the Feast of St. Teresa.)
Day 1
O most amiable Lord Jesus Christ! We thank Thee for the great gift of faith and of devotion to the Holy Sacrament, which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits and by those of Thy faithful spouse, to grant us the gift of a lively faith, and of a fervent devotion toward the most Holy Sacrament of the altar; where Thou, O infinite Majesty! hast obliged Thyself to abide with us even to the end of the world, and wherein Thou didst so lovingly give Thy whole Self to us.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
Amen.
by St. Alphonsus of Liguori
( Pray especially beginning
on October 7 and ending on
October 15 , the Feast of St. Teresa.)
Day 1
O most amiable Lord Jesus Christ! We thank Thee for the great gift of faith and of devotion to the Holy Sacrament, which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits and by those of Thy faithful spouse, to grant us the gift of a lively faith, and of a fervent devotion toward the most Holy Sacrament of the altar; where Thou, O infinite Majesty! hast obliged Thyself to abide with us even to the end of the world, and wherein Thou didst so lovingly give Thy whole Self to us.
Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
V. St. Teresa, pray for us:
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
Amen.
September 27, 2009
September 25, 2009
Fr. Kingsley
His story:
He is a diocesan priest in Nigeria who received his masters in philosophy in rome this past year and is headed back fro a two year program to get his doctorate. his mother died when he was 13mos old and slept with him in the church one night about a week before her death. She was a very holy woman and it is believed by his village that she consecrated him to the Lord on that night. So he entered minor seminary.. found it too hard after 3 yrs... left for a year... came back and re-joined his class. Went on with his studies and became very sick. Had a very back case of sinusitis and had a growth inside one of his nostrils which blocked his breathing and was continually bleeding. He took a break from seminary to have a total of 5 surgeries.. all the same performed by different doctors and nothing worked... tried to come to the US or go to Australia for the surgery but was neglected a visa. He finally said to the Lord after 2.5 yrs of this that if God wanted him to be a priest he would just have to help him and he asked to go back to the seminary. His bishop told him he could either take the backlog of exams and join his own class for the last semester or join the class two years behind and do it at a normal pace. He decided to take the backlog of exams and in this, the last semester of classes he took all the exams from the past 5 semesters he missed, then ended with the present exams and the overall exams at the end of seminary. The Lord showered him with His grace as he ended up coming out as the highest grades of his whole class and was able to be ordained with them.
His mission right now is in helping widows in his country. When a woman's husband dies, the fault is placed upon the woman and she is then ostracized and often banished from society.. her children are taken away and put under the care of one of her husbands brothers or family and there are often very challenging customs the woman must endure such as being made to sleep in the same room with her dead husband's body for a few days or even one that water is poured into the coffin, over the corpse and she is made to drink this water. So, these women are left w/o a job, a house, money, or even family in many cases and are dying of hunger and depression. Fr. Kingsley swore to take care of these women and would give most of his monthly stipend to these women when he was over there as a parish priest for his first 3 yrs of priesthood but is now trying to start a foundation which will not only give them money for food, but also provide them with loans to help create a business and be able to sustain themselves.
He is a diocesan priest in Nigeria who received his masters in philosophy in rome this past year and is headed back fro a two year program to get his doctorate. his mother died when he was 13mos old and slept with him in the church one night about a week before her death. She was a very holy woman and it is believed by his village that she consecrated him to the Lord on that night. So he entered minor seminary.. found it too hard after 3 yrs... left for a year... came back and re-joined his class. Went on with his studies and became very sick. Had a very back case of sinusitis and had a growth inside one of his nostrils which blocked his breathing and was continually bleeding. He took a break from seminary to have a total of 5 surgeries.. all the same performed by different doctors and nothing worked... tried to come to the US or go to Australia for the surgery but was neglected a visa. He finally said to the Lord after 2.5 yrs of this that if God wanted him to be a priest he would just have to help him and he asked to go back to the seminary. His bishop told him he could either take the backlog of exams and join his own class for the last semester or join the class two years behind and do it at a normal pace. He decided to take the backlog of exams and in this, the last semester of classes he took all the exams from the past 5 semesters he missed, then ended with the present exams and the overall exams at the end of seminary. The Lord showered him with His grace as he ended up coming out as the highest grades of his whole class and was able to be ordained with them.
His mission right now is in helping widows in his country. When a woman's husband dies, the fault is placed upon the woman and she is then ostracized and often banished from society.. her children are taken away and put under the care of one of her husbands brothers or family and there are often very challenging customs the woman must endure such as being made to sleep in the same room with her dead husband's body for a few days or even one that water is poured into the coffin, over the corpse and she is made to drink this water. So, these women are left w/o a job, a house, money, or even family in many cases and are dying of hunger and depression. Fr. Kingsley swore to take care of these women and would give most of his monthly stipend to these women when he was over there as a parish priest for his first 3 yrs of priesthood but is now trying to start a foundation which will not only give them money for food, but also provide them with loans to help create a business and be able to sustain themselves.
September 24, 2009
A Gift from God
I was on my first train from Springfield to New Haven where I would transfer in order to get on the train to Philadelphia. I read for a little while and my exhaustion convinced me to just rest my eyes for a half hour, setting a timer so as not to sleep too long and miss my stop. I was unable to sleep, but simply sat resting my body and soul listening to the hustle and bustle around me. We paused to pick up passengers at one of the stations... Hartford I believe it was and a man say behind me. He was quite loud coming in and my seat got knocked a few times as he tried to settle himself. I fought the temptation to be quite upset at this "rudeness".
He began speaking on the phone and as I just lay there I overheard... "Mass...I can say Mass at the place I live or I can say it at St. Peter's because where I live is very close to the Vatican..." I thought, oh wow! A priest! Praise God! So, as a typical American who "respects the individuality of each person" I did not want to disturb him and told the Lord... well my Lord if you want us to speak, then let us transfer at the same station. New Haven arrived and he followed me off the train. Still unsure I said, ok Lord, I am going to stop in this area where there is room for him also to pause and await the next train but if he should go in any other direction (of which there were a few other viable options) I will not "bother" him. So, he stopped and put his bags down next to mine and placed his phone into his pocket.
He was not wearing his collar and was just in simple street clothes, so I tapped him n the shoulder and asked,
"Excuse me. Are you a priest? I would like to pray for you".
Shocked, he turned and said, "How did you know I was a priest?"
"I overheard your conversation on the train that you could say Mass where you live or at the basilica and I thought, 'Oh! he must be a priest! SAY Mass???'"
"My name is Fr. Kingsley"
"I am Joanna, I just came from visiting some nuns"
"May I call you Sr. Joanna?"
And so we began talking and ended up talking for the next 4 hours to Philadelphia!
He began speaking on the phone and as I just lay there I overheard... "Mass...I can say Mass at the place I live or I can say it at St. Peter's because where I live is very close to the Vatican..." I thought, oh wow! A priest! Praise God! So, as a typical American who "respects the individuality of each person" I did not want to disturb him and told the Lord... well my Lord if you want us to speak, then let us transfer at the same station. New Haven arrived and he followed me off the train. Still unsure I said, ok Lord, I am going to stop in this area where there is room for him also to pause and await the next train but if he should go in any other direction (of which there were a few other viable options) I will not "bother" him. So, he stopped and put his bags down next to mine and placed his phone into his pocket.
He was not wearing his collar and was just in simple street clothes, so I tapped him n the shoulder and asked,
"Excuse me. Are you a priest? I would like to pray for you".
Shocked, he turned and said, "How did you know I was a priest?"
"I overheard your conversation on the train that you could say Mass where you live or at the basilica and I thought, 'Oh! he must be a priest! SAY Mass???'"
"My name is Fr. Kingsley"
"I am Joanna, I just came from visiting some nuns"
"May I call you Sr. Joanna?"
And so we began talking and ended up talking for the next 4 hours to Philadelphia!
September 09, 2009
My Everything
The other day the versatility of the Lord and His gentleness with us overwhelmed and calmed me. After a tiring day at work and a feeling that I would never get this chill out of my system, a scare with my father's health and the reassurance that he was ok, emotions ran high and I did not even know what I was feeling. My fear was masked by my will to be a happy face for the residents and my sorrow placed into no mans land. It was only as our priest announced my dad's name at Mass that I felt myself tear up and realized I was scared. I had shoved it so far down that i had no idea what I was even feeling. The Lord shows us what we need to see.. even within ourselves
After the relief that everything was ok, I ran to the chapel to say my prayers and thank the Lord, but instead i could not control my tears. I sat sobbing and just gazing at the Tabernacle wondering what I was crying for, He knew i needed to release and He was there to be the shoulder I could rely on. The comforting embrace which makes me feel I can be vulnerable and cry. I am not alone and He is there for me.. to be exactly what I need.
He led me into prayer and comforted me in this prayer of the Church (Liturgy of the Hours). Holding me in His gentle embrace, He reminded me how much He loves me and is there for me, of the people He has given me to support me, but most of all He helped to to again view my love for Him. How amazing He is... to be Our Embrace, Our Comfort, Our Shelter, Our Grace, Our Knight in Shining Armor, Our Lover, Beloved. Yes, it always returns to this term... Beloved.
I am my Beloved's and He is mine! AMEN
After the relief that everything was ok, I ran to the chapel to say my prayers and thank the Lord, but instead i could not control my tears. I sat sobbing and just gazing at the Tabernacle wondering what I was crying for, He knew i needed to release and He was there to be the shoulder I could rely on. The comforting embrace which makes me feel I can be vulnerable and cry. I am not alone and He is there for me.. to be exactly what I need.
He led me into prayer and comforted me in this prayer of the Church (Liturgy of the Hours). Holding me in His gentle embrace, He reminded me how much He loves me and is there for me, of the people He has given me to support me, but most of all He helped to to again view my love for Him. How amazing He is... to be Our Embrace, Our Comfort, Our Shelter, Our Grace, Our Knight in Shining Armor, Our Lover, Beloved. Yes, it always returns to this term... Beloved.
I am my Beloved's and He is mine! AMEN
September 07, 2009
To Belong
What does it mean to belong and why does it seem we all strive to feel this way here on Earth. There is a very real sense in which we all do belong down here and that we each have a place that Our Father finds most suitable for us, and to which we belong. Yet, will we, as Christians, as Catholics, ever truly belong down here? Will we ever be fulfilled and retain a sense of right placement? I don't know
All I can tell you is that all my life I have striven to feel as if I belong.
In grade school it is the striving to be part of the big group. Part of the "cool" crowd. Someone other people want to invite to their house and have over after school.
High school becomes more of a niche atmosphere with each person trying to figure out who they are and why they want to be so as to pick the right college to get on the right track... and yet with all these personal things going on, there are still the various cliches... the jocks, the brainiacs, the cheerleaders, football players, swimmers, goths, punks, preps, geeks, dorks, nerds, crewies, artists, etc, etc.
Then you finally get to college. The big leagues, your catapult into the world. Yet even there as you prepare for a completely new world (or so you are told), you are still trying to find a group. Some mixture of people with whom you can say you are a part, you belong. It is different at each college and for each person, an internal struggle and yet just part of the human condition. You find people to study with, people to play with, and people to live with. but do you feel as though you belong?
Then into the world you go. Off as a lone ranger once more to figure out a place to belong. Perhaps this is the search for our entire worldly existence. Perhaps it is only a search for a few. But I believe that even for those who feel content and have their place pretty well figured out, there is still somewhere deep inside a sense that they do not belong. For we belong to God. We are here on Earth in order to prepare us for our Heavenly Home. We are on a journey, not yet at our final destination. The challenge is... Joy in the journey. SO, find joy and embrace it. Celebrate that you are on a spectacular journey to and even more spectacular place.
All I can tell you is that all my life I have striven to feel as if I belong.
In grade school it is the striving to be part of the big group. Part of the "cool" crowd. Someone other people want to invite to their house and have over after school.
High school becomes more of a niche atmosphere with each person trying to figure out who they are and why they want to be so as to pick the right college to get on the right track... and yet with all these personal things going on, there are still the various cliches... the jocks, the brainiacs, the cheerleaders, football players, swimmers, goths, punks, preps, geeks, dorks, nerds, crewies, artists, etc, etc.
Then you finally get to college. The big leagues, your catapult into the world. Yet even there as you prepare for a completely new world (or so you are told), you are still trying to find a group. Some mixture of people with whom you can say you are a part, you belong. It is different at each college and for each person, an internal struggle and yet just part of the human condition. You find people to study with, people to play with, and people to live with. but do you feel as though you belong?
Then into the world you go. Off as a lone ranger once more to figure out a place to belong. Perhaps this is the search for our entire worldly existence. Perhaps it is only a search for a few. But I believe that even for those who feel content and have their place pretty well figured out, there is still somewhere deep inside a sense that they do not belong. For we belong to God. We are here on Earth in order to prepare us for our Heavenly Home. We are on a journey, not yet at our final destination. The challenge is... Joy in the journey. SO, find joy and embrace it. Celebrate that you are on a spectacular journey to and even more spectacular place.
August 27, 2009
August 09, 2009
Reflecting with St. John of the Cross
I have begun to read more of St. John of the Cross and came across his "Sayings of Light and Love". I would like to share with you a few of these as I reflect upon them so as to share something for you to reflect upon and help spark the fire within your soul.
St. John himself states of these little sayings, "these will be sayings of discretion for the wayfarer, of light for the way, and of love in the wayfaring... Let us speak to the heart words bathed in sweetness and love that do indeed please you, removing obstacles and stumbling blocks from the paths of many souls who unknowingly trip and unconsciously walk in the path of error."
Sayings:
"Oh Lord, my God, who will seek You with simple and pure love, and not find that You are all one can desire, for You show Yourself first and go out to meet those who seek You?"
How true this is my dear friends! For if we allowed ourself to let go and love Him with all our heart, then He woudl come running towards us faster than we could ever run towards Him. Like a small child who is out in the yard. The mother sits on the porch watching at all times, but as soon as the child calls out for the mother and begins to walk towards her, she rushes towards him faster than this little one can move. But it is not until this call that the mother goes to the child as he plays, for her child is at play and at peace in his play. Let us learn to love the Lord and turn to run towards Him with all our heart, but also to know when he asks us to go out and play, knowing that all the while He is there, watching us carefully so that any slight movement indicating a desire that He come to play with us or that we simply desire to rest in His Divine lap, He will run to our side to embrace us and fill our deepest desires! Praise Him!!!
St. John himself states of these little sayings, "these will be sayings of discretion for the wayfarer, of light for the way, and of love in the wayfaring... Let us speak to the heart words bathed in sweetness and love that do indeed please you, removing obstacles and stumbling blocks from the paths of many souls who unknowingly trip and unconsciously walk in the path of error."
Sayings:
"Oh Lord, my God, who will seek You with simple and pure love, and not find that You are all one can desire, for You show Yourself first and go out to meet those who seek You?"
How true this is my dear friends! For if we allowed ourself to let go and love Him with all our heart, then He woudl come running towards us faster than we could ever run towards Him. Like a small child who is out in the yard. The mother sits on the porch watching at all times, but as soon as the child calls out for the mother and begins to walk towards her, she rushes towards him faster than this little one can move. But it is not until this call that the mother goes to the child as he plays, for her child is at play and at peace in his play. Let us learn to love the Lord and turn to run towards Him with all our heart, but also to know when he asks us to go out and play, knowing that all the while He is there, watching us carefully so that any slight movement indicating a desire that He come to play with us or that we simply desire to rest in His Divine lap, He will run to our side to embrace us and fill our deepest desires! Praise Him!!!
August 04, 2009
Day 9: Novena to St. John Vianney
Ninth Day: Happy Feast of St. John Vianney!!!
St. John Vianney, Good and Holy Priest
O holy Priest of Ars, you lived in an age of much upheaval, in a time when men turned their backs on God. Your bishop told of a parish to which he wished to send you where there was no love. He assigned you to Ars and said that you would be the Priest who would enable the people to know the love of God. Not only did you draw these people back to God, but your saintly reputation soon spread and many people were converted to a life of holiness. You said that a good Priest, a Priest after Christ’s own heart is the greatest treasure that God can give a parish. Give us such Priests! O great St. John Vianney, once again we are living in day of upheaval. There is much evil in the word. Obtain for Father _____________ the grace to persevere in his faith and never to despair. May he walk with the Lord and trust in Him all the days of his life. Obtain through your heavenly intercession, for Father ___________________ the grace of modeling his life after that of Jesus Christ, that his people will know the love of God. More than ever the people need him to be able to bring the world to Christ. Pray for Father______________ and all Priests, O great Priest of Ars. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
St. John Vianney, Good and Holy Priest
O holy Priest of Ars, you lived in an age of much upheaval, in a time when men turned their backs on God. Your bishop told of a parish to which he wished to send you where there was no love. He assigned you to Ars and said that you would be the Priest who would enable the people to know the love of God. Not only did you draw these people back to God, but your saintly reputation soon spread and many people were converted to a life of holiness. You said that a good Priest, a Priest after Christ’s own heart is the greatest treasure that God can give a parish. Give us such Priests! O great St. John Vianney, once again we are living in day of upheaval. There is much evil in the word. Obtain for Father _____________ the grace to persevere in his faith and never to despair. May he walk with the Lord and trust in Him all the days of his life. Obtain through your heavenly intercession, for Father ___________________ the grace of modeling his life after that of Jesus Christ, that his people will know the love of God. More than ever the people need him to be able to bring the world to Christ. Pray for Father______________ and all Priests, O great Priest of Ars. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
August 03, 2009
Day 8: Novena to St. John Vianney
Eighth Day
St. John Vianney, Lover of Penance and Mortification
O holy Priest of Ars, you led a life of detachment from worldly pleasures. Your meals consisted of a boiled potato each day; you slept a few hours each night. But you did all of this so that you would be able to serve God to the best of your ability. Your life was portrayed by the saying: “We complain when we suffer. We have much more reason to complain when we do not suffer, since nothing likens us to our Lord as the bearing of His cross.” O great St. John Vianney, in these days when we are surrounded by so many comforts and pleasures, it can be so difficult for us to do penance for our sins and live a life of detachment. I resolve to offer some sacrifice today for the expiation of Father ______________’s sins and the sins of all mankind. Assist Father in accepting the cross God chooses to send him. May he embrace the life of sacrifice to which Priests are called. May he willingly offer his whole life to God! Obtain for Father _____________________ the grace to imitate the life of Christ by the bearing of His cross. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena
St. John Vianney, Lover of Penance and Mortification
O holy Priest of Ars, you led a life of detachment from worldly pleasures. Your meals consisted of a boiled potato each day; you slept a few hours each night. But you did all of this so that you would be able to serve God to the best of your ability. Your life was portrayed by the saying: “We complain when we suffer. We have much more reason to complain when we do not suffer, since nothing likens us to our Lord as the bearing of His cross.” O great St. John Vianney, in these days when we are surrounded by so many comforts and pleasures, it can be so difficult for us to do penance for our sins and live a life of detachment. I resolve to offer some sacrifice today for the expiation of Father ______________’s sins and the sins of all mankind. Assist Father in accepting the cross God chooses to send him. May he embrace the life of sacrifice to which Priests are called. May he willingly offer his whole life to God! Obtain for Father _____________________ the grace to imitate the life of Christ by the bearing of His cross. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena
August 02, 2009
Day 7: Novena to St. John Vianney
Seventh Day
St. John Vianney, Humble in all Things
O holy Priest of Ars, your life was filled with humility. You wore an old cassock. You ate meager meals. You realized that before the throne of God, you were one of His creatures made to glorify God and praise Him in all things. You said that the “first virtue is humility; the second, humility; and the third, humility.” You counseled people to remain humble, remain simple and the more one is so, the more good he will do. Your simplicity of soul and your uncluttered way of life led you to sanctity. O humble St. John Vianney, when Father _____________________ forgets he is totally dependent on God for everything, intercede for him with Almighty God, to allow him to see that without His Creator nothing is possible and that he must rely on God for everything. He is his Creator, who keeps him in existence at every moment. Obtain for Father __________________ the grace of humility. May his life exemplify your humility and simplicity, a life uncluttered, a life totally dependent on God. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena
St. John Vianney, Humble in all Things
O holy Priest of Ars, your life was filled with humility. You wore an old cassock. You ate meager meals. You realized that before the throne of God, you were one of His creatures made to glorify God and praise Him in all things. You said that the “first virtue is humility; the second, humility; and the third, humility.” You counseled people to remain humble, remain simple and the more one is so, the more good he will do. Your simplicity of soul and your uncluttered way of life led you to sanctity. O humble St. John Vianney, when Father _____________________ forgets he is totally dependent on God for everything, intercede for him with Almighty God, to allow him to see that without His Creator nothing is possible and that he must rely on God for everything. He is his Creator, who keeps him in existence at every moment. Obtain for Father __________________ the grace of humility. May his life exemplify your humility and simplicity, a life uncluttered, a life totally dependent on God. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena
August 01, 2009
Day 6: Novena to St. John Vianney
Sixth Day
St. John Vianney, Model of Purity
O holy Priest of Ars, your life was a model of purity. Your life of chastity was a source of edification to all. You said that when a soul is pure all the court of heaven looks upon it with great joy. Today we are experiencing a great disregard for the virtue of purity; it is looked upon with ridicule by worldly standards. O great St. John Vianney, more than ever before, we need your prayers and help in avoiding sins of impurity. I ask you to help Father ___________________ to keep pure in mind and in body and give good example in his speech, conduct and in his faith. Obtain for him the strength necessary to combat temptations against the virtue of purity, which could lead him away from God. Unite your prayers with those of Mary Immaculate to implore God that Father ___________________ be pure in mind and heart and preserve him from those sins which are so displeasing to God. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
St. John Vianney, Model of Purity
O holy Priest of Ars, your life was a model of purity. Your life of chastity was a source of edification to all. You said that when a soul is pure all the court of heaven looks upon it with great joy. Today we are experiencing a great disregard for the virtue of purity; it is looked upon with ridicule by worldly standards. O great St. John Vianney, more than ever before, we need your prayers and help in avoiding sins of impurity. I ask you to help Father ___________________ to keep pure in mind and in body and give good example in his speech, conduct and in his faith. Obtain for him the strength necessary to combat temptations against the virtue of purity, which could lead him away from God. Unite your prayers with those of Mary Immaculate to implore God that Father ___________________ be pure in mind and heart and preserve him from those sins which are so displeasing to God. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
Day 6: Novena to St. John Vianney
Sixth Day
St. John Vianney, Model of Purity
O holy Priest of Ars, your life was a model of purity. Your life of chastity was a source of edification to all. You said that when a soul is pure all the court of heaven looks upon it with great joy. Today we are experiencing a great disregard for the virtue of purity; it is looked upon with ridicule by worldly standards. O great St. John Vianney, more than ever before, we need your prayers and help in avoiding sins of impurity. I ask you to help Father ___________________ to keep pure in mind and in body and give good example in his speech, conduct and in his faith. Obtain for him the strength necessary to combat temptations against the virtue of purity, which could lead him away from God. Unite your prayers with those of Mary Immaculate to implore God that Father ___________________ be pure in mind and heart and preserve him from those sins which are so displeasing to God. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
St. John Vianney, Model of Purity
O holy Priest of Ars, your life was a model of purity. Your life of chastity was a source of edification to all. You said that when a soul is pure all the court of heaven looks upon it with great joy. Today we are experiencing a great disregard for the virtue of purity; it is looked upon with ridicule by worldly standards. O great St. John Vianney, more than ever before, we need your prayers and help in avoiding sins of impurity. I ask you to help Father ___________________ to keep pure in mind and in body and give good example in his speech, conduct and in his faith. Obtain for him the strength necessary to combat temptations against the virtue of purity, which could lead him away from God. Unite your prayers with those of Mary Immaculate to implore God that Father ___________________ be pure in mind and heart and preserve him from those sins which are so displeasing to God. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
July 31, 2009
Day 5: Novena to St. John Vianney
Fifth Day
St. John Vianney, Lover of Sinners
O holy Priest of Ars, you spent many long hours daily in the confessional. People came to you for forgiveness of their sins from far-off places. Although you despised sin, you always received the sinner with much love and forgiveness. O holy confessor of the Lord, St. John Vianney, awaken in Father ____________________ a sense of his sinfulness before the eyes of God. By your Priestly example, grant him a love of the reception of the Sacrament of Penance. Obtain for him the understanding that it is in confessing his sins that God’s mercy is poured out upon him and he draws closer to Christ. Obtain for him a deep hatred of sin and the grace to resist temptation. Teach him the value of frequent confession, where he meets Jesus, our Savior, the source of all mercy and consolation. Contrite and forgiven may all those with whom he comes in contact act with that same mercy. Pray that Father __________________ always love the Sacrament of Penance. Pray that he may call sinners to repentance with his good example and lives in complete service to our Lord. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
St. John Vianney, Lover of Sinners
O holy Priest of Ars, you spent many long hours daily in the confessional. People came to you for forgiveness of their sins from far-off places. Although you despised sin, you always received the sinner with much love and forgiveness. O holy confessor of the Lord, St. John Vianney, awaken in Father ____________________ a sense of his sinfulness before the eyes of God. By your Priestly example, grant him a love of the reception of the Sacrament of Penance. Obtain for him the understanding that it is in confessing his sins that God’s mercy is poured out upon him and he draws closer to Christ. Obtain for him a deep hatred of sin and the grace to resist temptation. Teach him the value of frequent confession, where he meets Jesus, our Savior, the source of all mercy and consolation. Contrite and forgiven may all those with whom he comes in contact act with that same mercy. Pray that Father __________________ always love the Sacrament of Penance. Pray that he may call sinners to repentance with his good example and lives in complete service to our Lord. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
July 30, 2009
Day 4: Novena to St. John Vianney
Fourth Day
St. John Vianney, Greatly Devoted to Our Blessed Mother
O holy Priest of Ars, your life was consecrated to the Blessed Mother. You prayed earnestly to her, entrusting your Priesthood to her care. You begged all the faithful to pray the rosary, the favorite prayer of Mary, our Mother. You summed up the reason for your great love of our Lady by saying: “We have only to turn to the Blessed Mother to be heard. Her heart is all love.” O great John Vianney, I ask you with all my heart through the merits of Jesus and the intercession of Mary, the Virgin Mother to make Father ____________’s life patterned after that of our heavenly Mother, full of love for God and his neighbor. Obtain for him a deeper love for our Lady and a filial confidence in her. She is the person to whom he can turn in times of distress when lonely or upset or in times of temptation. Inspire Father __________________ to consecrate his life to his Mother in heaven. May he know the powerful protection of Mary’s Mantle all the days of his life. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
St. John Vianney, Greatly Devoted to Our Blessed Mother
O holy Priest of Ars, your life was consecrated to the Blessed Mother. You prayed earnestly to her, entrusting your Priesthood to her care. You begged all the faithful to pray the rosary, the favorite prayer of Mary, our Mother. You summed up the reason for your great love of our Lady by saying: “We have only to turn to the Blessed Mother to be heard. Her heart is all love.” O great John Vianney, I ask you with all my heart through the merits of Jesus and the intercession of Mary, the Virgin Mother to make Father ____________’s life patterned after that of our heavenly Mother, full of love for God and his neighbor. Obtain for him a deeper love for our Lady and a filial confidence in her. She is the person to whom he can turn in times of distress when lonely or upset or in times of temptation. Inspire Father __________________ to consecrate his life to his Mother in heaven. May he know the powerful protection of Mary’s Mantle all the days of his life. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
July 29, 2009
Day 3: Novena to St. John Vianney
Third Day
St. John Vianney, Adorer of the Blessed Sacrament
O holy Priest of Ars, you had such an overwhelming love for Christ in the Blessed Sacrament that you prayed for hours in His presence. You said that “when our Lord sees them coming eagerly to visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament, He smiles upon them. They come with that simplicity which pleases Him so much.” O Saint of the Eucharist, may your example enkindle in Father ____________ a deeper love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. By your prayers, never let him doubt Christ’s Real Presence, but obtain for him a firm faith rooted in the Eucharist. Help him not to be afraid to defend or preach Christ’s Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Obtain for him the grace to approach our Lord with simplicity of heart as he lays his soul’s innermost thoughts before Jesus’ Sacred Heart. Keep Father ___________________ under your continual protection, that he may be supported by your example and assistance and be faithfully devoted to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. May his life reflect the belief of our Lord’s abiding presence with us. O St. John Vianney, by the power of your intercession, give us Priests devoted to the holy Sacrament of the Altar. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena
St. John Vianney, Adorer of the Blessed Sacrament
O holy Priest of Ars, you had such an overwhelming love for Christ in the Blessed Sacrament that you prayed for hours in His presence. You said that “when our Lord sees them coming eagerly to visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament, He smiles upon them. They come with that simplicity which pleases Him so much.” O Saint of the Eucharist, may your example enkindle in Father ____________ a deeper love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. By your prayers, never let him doubt Christ’s Real Presence, but obtain for him a firm faith rooted in the Eucharist. Help him not to be afraid to defend or preach Christ’s Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Obtain for him the grace to approach our Lord with simplicity of heart as he lays his soul’s innermost thoughts before Jesus’ Sacred Heart. Keep Father ___________________ under your continual protection, that he may be supported by your example and assistance and be faithfully devoted to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. May his life reflect the belief of our Lord’s abiding presence with us. O St. John Vianney, by the power of your intercession, give us Priests devoted to the holy Sacrament of the Altar. Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena
July 28, 2009
St. john Vianney Novena Day 2
Second Day
St. John Vianney, Full of Zeal for Souls
O holy Priest of Ars, you taught men to pray daily: “O my God, come to me, so that You may dwell in me and I may dwell in You.” Your life was the very living out of this prayer. The divine life of grace abided in you. Your zeal for the salvation of souls was manifested by your total self-surrender to God, which was expressed in your selfless service to others. You gave of yourself unreservedly in the confessional, at the altar, in the classroom, in fact, in every action you performed. O great St. John Vianney, obtain for Father ________________ the realization that God also dwells in him when he is free of sin. Remind him that the salvation of his soul is the fulfillment of his existence. Awaken in him a sense of self-giving for the salvation of souls. Obtain for Father __________, by your intercession, a zeal for souls like your zeal. May he see that God dwells in him and in his fellow men. Obtain for him from our Lord the grace to lead all men to salvation. Let your prayer be his: “If you really love God, you will greatly desire to see Him loved by all the world.” Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer:
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
St. John Vianney, Full of Zeal for Souls
O holy Priest of Ars, you taught men to pray daily: “O my God, come to me, so that You may dwell in me and I may dwell in You.” Your life was the very living out of this prayer. The divine life of grace abided in you. Your zeal for the salvation of souls was manifested by your total self-surrender to God, which was expressed in your selfless service to others. You gave of yourself unreservedly in the confessional, at the altar, in the classroom, in fact, in every action you performed. O great St. John Vianney, obtain for Father ________________ the realization that God also dwells in him when he is free of sin. Remind him that the salvation of his soul is the fulfillment of his existence. Awaken in him a sense of self-giving for the salvation of souls. Obtain for Father __________, by your intercession, a zeal for souls like your zeal. May he see that God dwells in him and in his fellow men. Obtain for him from our Lord the grace to lead all men to salvation. Let your prayer be his: “If you really love God, you will greatly desire to see Him loved by all the world.” Recite the Novena Prayer.
Novena Prayer:
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
July 26, 2009
Novena to St. john Vianney
Novena prayer... sorry I forgot to add that
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround Father ___________________ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for Father ____________________ in a special way during this novena.
Novena to St. john Vianney
In the year of the priest, it is important for us to pray ever more fervently for our shepherds. Tomorrow begins a novena to St. john Vianney, patron of parish priests. here is Day 1:
First Day
St. John Vianney, Who Accepted the Cross
O holy priest of Ars, as a young seminarian you encountered many obstacles on the road to the Priesthood, but you realized that to suffer was to suffer with Christ on Calvary, and so, if following our Lord meant taking up His cross, you lovingly embraced it. Your motto in life became loving while suffering and suffering in order to love. You did not get discouraged, but your strong faith united you closer to Jesus every day of your life. Oh great St. John Vianney, you know what is needed for Father _____________________’s salvation--a strong faith able to accept the will of God in all things. To serve Christ, he too must take up his cross and follow Him. By your prayers, obtain for him a heart full of courage and strength. Obtain for Father _____________________ that same courage and strength to follow Jesus wholeheartedly even if it means following Him to Calvary. Intercede for him before the Lord that he may do the will of God, obey the commandments, and loyally love the Church, the Bride of Christ. Recite the Novena Prayer.
First Day
St. John Vianney, Who Accepted the Cross
O holy priest of Ars, as a young seminarian you encountered many obstacles on the road to the Priesthood, but you realized that to suffer was to suffer with Christ on Calvary, and so, if following our Lord meant taking up His cross, you lovingly embraced it. Your motto in life became loving while suffering and suffering in order to love. You did not get discouraged, but your strong faith united you closer to Jesus every day of your life. Oh great St. John Vianney, you know what is needed for Father _____________________’s salvation--a strong faith able to accept the will of God in all things. To serve Christ, he too must take up his cross and follow Him. By your prayers, obtain for him a heart full of courage and strength. Obtain for Father _____________________ that same courage and strength to follow Jesus wholeheartedly even if it means following Him to Calvary. Intercede for him before the Lord that he may do the will of God, obey the commandments, and loyally love the Church, the Bride of Christ. Recite the Novena Prayer.
July 19, 2009
LSP Profession
Congratulations to 4 newly professed sisters and 4 sisters who just received the habit! I was blessed to go to the profession in queens and I can say that love and joy flooded through the rooms!
July 10, 2009
Novenas
I failed to share the beauty of the Sacred Heart Novena with the Visitation nuns here in Philadelphia but am in the midst of a Novena to Our Lady of Mt Carmel with the Carmelites and I pray I am able to share a glimpse of the beauty of this experience.
The novena began 2 days ago and the Lord sent His servant to drive me there. How wonderful to have someone willing to drive me there each day! There is so much it is hard to put on paper.. or rather on a computer screen. Let me just share one little thing and perhaps I will get back into this blogging which will make it easier.
one thing: God is so Good... and Mary really does want to be our mother! Amen
The novena began 2 days ago and the Lord sent His servant to drive me there. How wonderful to have someone willing to drive me there each day! There is so much it is hard to put on paper.. or rather on a computer screen. Let me just share one little thing and perhaps I will get back into this blogging which will make it easier.
one thing: God is so Good... and Mary really does want to be our mother! Amen
May 21, 2009
A Miracle
After Mass today, the Lord showed me the power of His Love and revealed how well He uses us, even when we have no idea.
One of the elderly, who sits near me at Mass, sometimes has trouble swallowing Our Precious Lord's Body during communion time. In order to help her to receive Him, I will bring her a small cup of water after she has received if needed. Today was one of those days and I brought her water, which enabled her to easily partake in this Heavenly Feast.
After Mass, she turned to me and whispered, "thank you". I smiled and replied, "you're welcome", but felt that I really didn't do much, just a little water. She must have known this as she repeated, "Thank you for the miracle". Now she had my attention. Miracle? All I did was give her water. But again I figured that well receiving the Lord is a miracle and I enabled her to receive so... I gave her a slightly puzzled smile and went to finish my prayers, but she persisted once more, knowing I had not yet understood her. She whispered, "I didn't have an accident", and I was even further confused. And accident? We are in church, what could have happened. Again patiently watching my baffled expression she spelled it out clearly for me, "I did not wet myself!" This time it was proclaimed proudly and with awe. There is was, her miracle, making it through mass dry.
What continues to baffle me as I chuckle at Our Lord's little miracles is how this elderly woman gave me the credit for her dryness. Why thank me? I still do not know, but here I leave it to the power of the Lord using His vessels to do things they do not know they are even involved in.
Thank you Lord for using me and for keeping her dry! Amen.
May 17, 2009
Visiting the Vistandians
I have long been familiar with St. Francis de Sales (or Frankie D as we referred to him in college) and his order of nuns, the Visitation Nuns of Holy Mary. Having spent time with them in Massachusetts and going to Mass weekly at their convent here in Philadelphia, I finally called to arrange to meet these dear sisters.
The main purpose was just to solidify this connection I felt with them, to know a few of their names as we peer through the sanctuary at each other on our respective sides. I spent almost two hours just simply talking with them and being alive! How glorious it is to be alive. They were eager to hear of my adventures as well as to hear my knowledge of the internet and its many uses. The ease with which the conversation tended from the history of the monastery to the sisters up in Tyringham, MA to eating insects and using technology left me feeling fulfilled and peaceful. They understood me and were like me, and I was like them! Praise God!
The main purpose was just to solidify this connection I felt with them, to know a few of their names as we peer through the sanctuary at each other on our respective sides. I spent almost two hours just simply talking with them and being alive! How glorious it is to be alive. They were eager to hear of my adventures as well as to hear my knowledge of the internet and its many uses. The ease with which the conversation tended from the history of the monastery to the sisters up in Tyringham, MA to eating insects and using technology left me feeling fulfilled and peaceful. They understood me and were like me, and I was like them! Praise God!
May 14, 2009
The Faith of the Elderly
I was amazed today by a story shared with me, and so I decided to share it with you.
One woman in our home in Philadelphia has been having a rough time and been a bit down. She mentioned to one of the sisters that she didn't know why she was destined for such sufferings! This sister turned to her and shook her finger, "Don;t ever use that word!" Confused, she questioned why. It seemed to her a fine word to use and of no significant harm. The sister replied, "You are, right now, sharing the cross of Christ. Sharing in His sufferings".
As this dear resident shared this story, a light came into her eyes at this line. She looked at me and said, "Do you know how great that made me feel? I just about felt that I was soaring! Me?! Share the cross with Christ?! Isn't that wonderful!?" It struck me how something which the world may generally see as bad, can be so uplifting for us if we truly love Our Lord. If we love Him, do we not wish to share in everything with Him? Including His cross? What a wonderful example this resident has shown me with her faith and her love for the Lord. Let us not be afraid to share with Him... but rather, let us REJOICE to share in His cross.
One woman in our home in Philadelphia has been having a rough time and been a bit down. She mentioned to one of the sisters that she didn't know why she was destined for such sufferings! This sister turned to her and shook her finger, "Don;t ever use that word!" Confused, she questioned why. It seemed to her a fine word to use and of no significant harm. The sister replied, "You are, right now, sharing the cross of Christ. Sharing in His sufferings".
As this dear resident shared this story, a light came into her eyes at this line. She looked at me and said, "Do you know how great that made me feel? I just about felt that I was soaring! Me?! Share the cross with Christ?! Isn't that wonderful!?" It struck me how something which the world may generally see as bad, can be so uplifting for us if we truly love Our Lord. If we love Him, do we not wish to share in everything with Him? Including His cross? What a wonderful example this resident has shown me with her faith and her love for the Lord. Let us not be afraid to share with Him... but rather, let us REJOICE to share in His cross.
April 22, 2009
An adventure
Sunday II of Easter.... a lovely stroll through the woods of Philly... here is where i went with a dear friend from college:
more details on our adventure... soon
more details on our adventure... soon
April 16, 2009
March 28, 2009
Concrete Jungle
A common term for the city is the concrete jungle. I have never truly related to this term until today. last night and into the early morning, a gentle rain fell on the good city of Philadelphia, so when i walked off to Mass this morning, there were a few worms remaining on the sidewalks. I am accustomed to picking them up and placing them out of harm's way in the nearby gardens and grasses which surround the sidewalks and streets.
Being still new to the "big city" life, I found it quite strange that as I picked up a few little worm friends, there was nowhere close-by to place them! I was in a concrete jungle! No gardens... not even apiece of grass. Which also led me to commend my little friend for making it so far out! As I finished my walk to the train, my mind remained fixed upon the number of thin worms i saw in comparison to the thicker, larger worms i am used to saving. After a bit of contemplation I surmised that perhaps these poor little guys are the only ones that life because they can make it up through the dirt which intersects the concrete slabs and the cracks in the asphalt. Whereas our bigger buddies are stuck below as the water levels rise in their underground world.
Just a few thoughts... :)
God be Praised
Being still new to the "big city" life, I found it quite strange that as I picked up a few little worm friends, there was nowhere close-by to place them! I was in a concrete jungle! No gardens... not even apiece of grass. Which also led me to commend my little friend for making it so far out! As I finished my walk to the train, my mind remained fixed upon the number of thin worms i saw in comparison to the thicker, larger worms i am used to saving. After a bit of contemplation I surmised that perhaps these poor little guys are the only ones that life because they can make it up through the dirt which intersects the concrete slabs and the cracks in the asphalt. Whereas our bigger buddies are stuck below as the water levels rise in their underground world.
Just a few thoughts... :)
God be Praised
March 27, 2009
12 Angry Seminarians
I just returned from a wonderful evening, compliments of the Little Sisters... compliments of the seminarians. St. Charles Borromeo Seminary put on the play, "12 Angry Men". A story well known to most, but for those of your who don't know I shall indulge. 12 jurors sit in the jury room to decide if there is reasonable doubt for a young boy who is on trail for the murder of his father.
As anger broke out in the jury room and tensions swung back and forth while the debate continued on, I could not help but think.. these are seminarians! They are discerning the priesthood and will one day, God willing, stand en persona Christe! Our simple, broken humanity charged with the great privilege and task of bringing Christ into the world today with "skin on him".
It also reminded me how necessary our prayers are for priests, seminarians, and those who are called but not yet in formation.
Let us remember to pray! To stay human and allow emotions to be real, but also to allow Love to pervade every aspect of our life!
AMEN!
As anger broke out in the jury room and tensions swung back and forth while the debate continued on, I could not help but think.. these are seminarians! They are discerning the priesthood and will one day, God willing, stand en persona Christe! Our simple, broken humanity charged with the great privilege and task of bringing Christ into the world today with "skin on him".
It also reminded me how necessary our prayers are for priests, seminarians, and those who are called but not yet in formation.
Let us remember to pray! To stay human and allow emotions to be real, but also to allow Love to pervade every aspect of our life!
AMEN!
March 11, 2009
NINE-DAYS NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH
(Note: This prayer was found in the 50th year of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In 1505, it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. It is said that whoever shall read this prayer or take it with them, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, or shall be burned in any fire or shall be overpowered in battle.)
Say this prayer for nine days for anything you may desire. Then let go and let God. Trust that whatever is the outcome of your novena is truly what is best for you in accordance with the will of God.)
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen
O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (Mention your intention)
Say this prayer for nine days for anything you may desire. Then let go and let God. Trust that whatever is the outcome of your novena is truly what is best for you in accordance with the will of God.)
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen
O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (Mention your intention)
Simple Speech
I was struck today by the beauty of direct and simple speech. It came about as I was speaking with one of our dear residents as she whispered, "I have to go wee wee". I smiled and told her someone would help her soon as I knew her aide was already in the restroom with another resident. As we sat together waiting and I tried to take her mind off the matter at hand, she patiently explained how a child cannot hold it very long and that she was only a child!
My mind raced with thoughts of how complicated and coded our language becomes as we "mature". We use the "facilities" or the "ladies' room" or perhaps, we simply need to excuse ourself for personal reasons. Why is it culturally "wrong" for a well-formed adult to tell her friends while out, "Pardon me ladies, I have to go pee". Or and even more blunt, "Be right back, I am going to have a bow movement". These are natural parts of life and although simple, we guard them and hide them in most "civilized" situations.
There is a beauty in the direct speech and the simplicity of stating what needs to be done. Why must we hide it and cover it with code words?
My mind raced with thoughts of how complicated and coded our language becomes as we "mature". We use the "facilities" or the "ladies' room" or perhaps, we simply need to excuse ourself for personal reasons. Why is it culturally "wrong" for a well-formed adult to tell her friends while out, "Pardon me ladies, I have to go pee". Or and even more blunt, "Be right back, I am going to have a bow movement". These are natural parts of life and although simple, we guard them and hide them in most "civilized" situations.
There is a beauty in the direct speech and the simplicity of stating what needs to be done. Why must we hide it and cover it with code words?
March 02, 2009
Lasting Faith
As I stood next to one of our dear residents at Mass today, trying to predict if she would try to kneel, stand, sit during the various Mass parts, her faith began to astound me. The beauty of that frail body kneeling faithfully even as she struggled to make it walk or even simply stand! As we awaited the Lord coming to us in the Eucharist and could hear the priest as he communicated to other communicants, "Body of Christ", at each moment she heard the words, she responded, "AMEN". For every time the Lord in His Sacred Presence of the Eucharist was presented by the priest, she responded in faith, I believe!
How beautiful that even as she may not know where she is sometimes or what she is doing, the Lord still has such a hold on her that she becomes captivated by His Sacrifice of the Mass, forgets her bodily pains and struggles, and freely proclaims her faith in His Tender Presence. Thank you Lord
How beautiful that even as she may not know where she is sometimes or what she is doing, the Lord still has such a hold on her that she becomes captivated by His Sacrifice of the Mass, forgets her bodily pains and struggles, and freely proclaims her faith in His Tender Presence. Thank you Lord
February 28, 2009
A brief moment of peace
I awoke early this morning to a song from the Lord. As He gently work me with "good morning beautiful", I could already feel my countenance changing to a more peaceful state. Hopping into the shower and calmly readying myself for the day, the brisk walk which lay before me seemed inviting and joyful.
The morning air was cool and crisp as I ventured forth from my warm abode, but nothing could stop me. I need to be where I felt a sense of belonging and I knew exactly where I could find that. The mile-long walk was shortened by my dear housemate who was headed out as well and took my half-way. how glorious it is to live in a house of such love!
When I arrived at the Monastery of the visitation, the doors were locked! I was a bit early and prayed that there would be Mass and I would not have walked out in vain. I began to pray my morning office seated on a cement parking block when the lock clicked and the door opened to reveal one of the dear sisters. She was so surprised to see a young girl sitting outside the chapel door that she gasped and ducked back inside. collecting herself, she once more opened the door and ushered me into the warmth and introduced herself as Sr. Catherine Theresa. I came into the simple little chapel, already feeling at home and being filled with peace from the prayers ushered up to the Lord from within each day. In the dark, looking up at the single light (the sanctuary lamp) I was calm and joyful once again.
Morning Office began from the other side of the church and I listened keenly to the gently flowing prayers floating up to the Lord using those ancient tones. Flowing directly into Mass, the prayers continued and I once more was absorbed into that great sacrifice. Blessed be God for giving me exactly what I need. A little taste of relief in the midst of an ocean of change.
The morning air was cool and crisp as I ventured forth from my warm abode, but nothing could stop me. I need to be where I felt a sense of belonging and I knew exactly where I could find that. The mile-long walk was shortened by my dear housemate who was headed out as well and took my half-way. how glorious it is to live in a house of such love!
When I arrived at the Monastery of the visitation, the doors were locked! I was a bit early and prayed that there would be Mass and I would not have walked out in vain. I began to pray my morning office seated on a cement parking block when the lock clicked and the door opened to reveal one of the dear sisters. She was so surprised to see a young girl sitting outside the chapel door that she gasped and ducked back inside. collecting herself, she once more opened the door and ushered me into the warmth and introduced herself as Sr. Catherine Theresa. I came into the simple little chapel, already feeling at home and being filled with peace from the prayers ushered up to the Lord from within each day. In the dark, looking up at the single light (the sanctuary lamp) I was calm and joyful once again.
Morning Office began from the other side of the church and I listened keenly to the gently flowing prayers floating up to the Lord using those ancient tones. Flowing directly into Mass, the prayers continued and I once more was absorbed into that great sacrifice. Blessed be God for giving me exactly what I need. A little taste of relief in the midst of an ocean of change.
February 27, 2009
February 26, 2009
God's Divine Providence
Speaking with one of the residents here in Philly, she told me this story of how the Lord has truly been there to guide her life:
You know how I ended up here? Well, I still can't believe it! I remember when I was still very young, living in Altoona. Father worked on the railroad and we lived nearby so we used to have the Little Sisters of the Poor come and stay in our home while they were out. Mother was always good to them and gave them something good and warm to eat. A bowl of soup, some hot tea... I was about 4 years old at the time.
Then we moved up the mountain and, well I don;t remember saying this, but my sister told me the story. We were talking on the phone and she was living in another home like this and I was here and she said do you remember what you said about the little sisters? I replied that I didn't and she said that one day when my mother was quite distraught she was crying over what would happen to all of us if something were to happen to her! She was so upset and my sister said that I responded quickly not to worry about me. When asked why, I had replied that the Little Sisters of the Poor will find me! And so here I am! I didn't know what I was saying, but when I could no longer take care of myself, here I am at the Little Sisters of the Poor! And I never really saw them between the time I was 4 and they came to my house and when I came to live here, but the Lord sure does have a plan, doesn't He?
You know how I ended up here? Well, I still can't believe it! I remember when I was still very young, living in Altoona. Father worked on the railroad and we lived nearby so we used to have the Little Sisters of the Poor come and stay in our home while they were out. Mother was always good to them and gave them something good and warm to eat. A bowl of soup, some hot tea... I was about 4 years old at the time.
Then we moved up the mountain and, well I don;t remember saying this, but my sister told me the story. We were talking on the phone and she was living in another home like this and I was here and she said do you remember what you said about the little sisters? I replied that I didn't and she said that one day when my mother was quite distraught she was crying over what would happen to all of us if something were to happen to her! She was so upset and my sister said that I responded quickly not to worry about me. When asked why, I had replied that the Little Sisters of the Poor will find me! And so here I am! I didn't know what I was saying, but when I could no longer take care of myself, here I am at the Little Sisters of the Poor! And I never really saw them between the time I was 4 and they came to my house and when I came to live here, but the Lord sure does have a plan, doesn't He?
February 24, 2009
Mardi Gras with the LSPs
Today we had a big Mardi Gras party at the Little Sisters home in philly! There were floats, cakes, candy, a big, fancy dinner, dancing, and all sorts of extravaganzas! The residents were dancing and parading and eating.
One story I thought I would share. One woman was quite distraught as she feared not getting home and began to get quite emotional. As I tried to calm her with reason, I realized that logic is not what helps anyone when they are emotionally distraught... well not usually. It is LOVE! And so, I took her wheelchair with me as we moved to a more open area of the room and we began to dance. With the music playing in the background, we moved across the floor and her common remarks began, "oh stop this!" "You are too much!" "Oh now, you are just going to get tired." This woman will protest with the best of them, but if you continue to love and engage her, a smile will peek through her guarded exterior. This little smile began, "I see a smile" I comment and immediately there is a reply, "Oh no you don't!" "Oh yes I do!" "Oh, alright"
How often we do the same, it is easy to be where we are and stay there. Easy to simply say, I am not happy and I am going to stay that way. When the Lord or a friend comes to dance or to sheer us up, we can remain in our shell and try to hide from the joy they are bringing to us until it is just beyond us! We can no longer hide and actually have so much that, as my dear little dance partner exclaimed at the end of the dance, "hey, why don't you get her [another resident] to dance!", desirous of spreading our new-found joy to others so that they too are able to escape their shells.
One story I thought I would share. One woman was quite distraught as she feared not getting home and began to get quite emotional. As I tried to calm her with reason, I realized that logic is not what helps anyone when they are emotionally distraught... well not usually. It is LOVE! And so, I took her wheelchair with me as we moved to a more open area of the room and we began to dance. With the music playing in the background, we moved across the floor and her common remarks began, "oh stop this!" "You are too much!" "Oh now, you are just going to get tired." This woman will protest with the best of them, but if you continue to love and engage her, a smile will peek through her guarded exterior. This little smile began, "I see a smile" I comment and immediately there is a reply, "Oh no you don't!" "Oh yes I do!" "Oh, alright"
How often we do the same, it is easy to be where we are and stay there. Easy to simply say, I am not happy and I am going to stay that way. When the Lord or a friend comes to dance or to sheer us up, we can remain in our shell and try to hide from the joy they are bringing to us until it is just beyond us! We can no longer hide and actually have so much that, as my dear little dance partner exclaimed at the end of the dance, "hey, why don't you get her [another resident] to dance!", desirous of spreading our new-found joy to others so that they too are able to escape their shells.
February 07, 2009
Post Retreat Life
I recently finished reading a wonderful book, The diary of a Country Priest, which is the beautiful story of how closely connected our dear priests are to their parishes.
I promised to share a bit of my retreat with you all and so I shall try my best to share, but I must at the same time beg your forgiveness as I lack the ability to really express what the retreat was for me. It began with a touch of socialization and a hearty meal, and ended with a social brunch. Sandwiched between these social bonanzas of fun was a time of silence, which is where I thrive and flourish. Being used to Saturdays in my room spent dashing between the kitchen and the chapel, it almost seemed to be noisier in the silence of a retreat with talks and rosaries and confession then a normal Saturday for my interior is continually striving for silence. But to be silent in communion is the key. The beauty of eating with others, nourishing your bodies in communion while also nurturing that silence necessary to our soul is what I desire. this was what the retreat said to me... eat in silent communion.
Due to the almost everyday silence of my being, that which most touched me during the retreat were the brief social interludes. Especially a very fun game entitles, "Who Stole the Cookie" or "Who, What, Where". This hilarious mix of charades, clue, and telephone involves creating a who, a what, and a where. 4 people are sent out of the room for the decision and one is invited back to begin the game. she is told the three items and a second person is called back. Person 1 acts out the who, what, and where for her teammate who is not told if she is guessing rightly or not and must then act these items out for the third... the third acts them for the fourth, and the fourth guesses! how wonderful it was to play this game... so wonderful in fact that we played it in the train station on the way home....yes a bunch of young women fresh off retreat acting out silly clues in the middle of the train station. Now that is what I call being free!
God bless!
I promised to share a bit of my retreat with you all and so I shall try my best to share, but I must at the same time beg your forgiveness as I lack the ability to really express what the retreat was for me. It began with a touch of socialization and a hearty meal, and ended with a social brunch. Sandwiched between these social bonanzas of fun was a time of silence, which is where I thrive and flourish. Being used to Saturdays in my room spent dashing between the kitchen and the chapel, it almost seemed to be noisier in the silence of a retreat with talks and rosaries and confession then a normal Saturday for my interior is continually striving for silence. But to be silent in communion is the key. The beauty of eating with others, nourishing your bodies in communion while also nurturing that silence necessary to our soul is what I desire. this was what the retreat said to me... eat in silent communion.
Due to the almost everyday silence of my being, that which most touched me during the retreat were the brief social interludes. Especially a very fun game entitles, "Who Stole the Cookie" or "Who, What, Where". This hilarious mix of charades, clue, and telephone involves creating a who, a what, and a where. 4 people are sent out of the room for the decision and one is invited back to begin the game. she is told the three items and a second person is called back. Person 1 acts out the who, what, and where for her teammate who is not told if she is guessing rightly or not and must then act these items out for the third... the third acts them for the fourth, and the fourth guesses! how wonderful it was to play this game... so wonderful in fact that we played it in the train station on the way home....yes a bunch of young women fresh off retreat acting out silly clues in the middle of the train station. Now that is what I call being free!
God bless!
February 02, 2009
Perfect Love Casts Out all Fear
I just returned from a very fun weekend with the Sisters of Life at Villa Maria Guadalupe. More to come later, but thought you would enjoy a few pictures...
Sr. Mary Gabriel and I
Some of the Ladies as we were preparing to leave the retreat.
I was so caught up in the retreat that I forgot about picture-taking for most of the time... :)
Sr. Mary Gabriel and I
Some of the Ladies as we were preparing to leave the retreat.
I was so caught up in the retreat that I forgot about picture-taking for most of the time... :)
January 29, 2009
January 28, 2009
for those of you who may have my e-mail.... if you have received any mail from me past 6:30 am this morning, please disregard it. The last time I was able to sign in was before I left for work around 6am this morning (1/28/09) and sometime between then and when I got home at 8pm, my password was changed and my account is compromised. I pray this causes you no trouble or harm.
I will be sure to let you know when the account is safe again. I have begun a new account, but if you would kindly comment on this note with your e-mail i will send you my new info. The comments will not get published, as I will read it, reply via e-mail and delete so that nobody besides myself sees your e-mail address.
thank you
I will be sure to let you know when the account is safe again. I have begun a new account, but if you would kindly comment on this note with your e-mail i will send you my new info. The comments will not get published, as I will read it, reply via e-mail and delete so that nobody besides myself sees your e-mail address.
thank you
January 25, 2009
Diocesan Priests
The Lord has recently inspired me to pray quite fervently for diocesan priests. This is a job for all of the faithful, and especially for all religious. I am curious to know if anyone has information on orders which may have a particular charism to pray for diocesan priests directly and by name. Feel free to comment with any information you may have or idea on where I can search for this information.
Thank you in advance.
God bless!
January 24, 2009
A Prayer for Priests
Lord Jesus, You have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your word and act in Your Name.
For so great a gift to Your Church, we praise You and give You thanks. We ask You to fill them with the fire of Your love, that their ministry may reveal Your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that Your power shine though their weakness. In their afflictions, let them never be crushed; in their doubts, never despair; in temptation, never be destroyed; in persecution, never abandoned. Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of Your dying and rising. In times of weakness, send Your Spirit, and help them to praise Your Heavenly Father and pray for the poor sinners.
By the same Holy Spirit, put Your word on their lips and Your Love in their hearts to bring good news to the poor and healing to the broken-hearted. And may the gift of Mary, Your Mother, to the disciple whom You loved, be Your gift to every priest. Grant that she who formed You in her human image, may form them in Your Divine image, by the power of Your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father.
Amen
Take a few moments to pray for your parish priest today!
For so great a gift to Your Church, we praise You and give You thanks. We ask You to fill them with the fire of Your love, that their ministry may reveal Your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that Your power shine though their weakness. In their afflictions, let them never be crushed; in their doubts, never despair; in temptation, never be destroyed; in persecution, never abandoned. Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of Your dying and rising. In times of weakness, send Your Spirit, and help them to praise Your Heavenly Father and pray for the poor sinners.
By the same Holy Spirit, put Your word on their lips and Your Love in their hearts to bring good news to the poor and healing to the broken-hearted. And may the gift of Mary, Your Mother, to the disciple whom You loved, be Your gift to every priest. Grant that she who formed You in her human image, may form them in Your Divine image, by the power of Your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father.
Amen
Take a few moments to pray for your parish priest today!
January 16, 2009
Some New Quotes to Share
All of these come from The Diary of a Country Priest. Which is a wonderful book about a young priest and his little parish. The struggle of faith and the depth of our interconnectedness as humans. How the sins and distresses of the parish are so intimately connected to their priest!
With that...
"A kid's got plenty of trouble, like everybody else, and he's really so very helpless, quite unarmed against pain and illness. Childhood and old age should be the two greatest trials of mankind, but that very sense of powerlessness is the mainspring of a child's joy."
"Joy is the gift of the Church. whatever joy is possible for this world to share"
"Monks suffer for souls, [a priest's] pain in on behalf of souls"
"My parish... The words can't even be spoken without a kind of soaring love ... my parish is a reality. We belong to each other for all eternity; ... a living cell of the everlasting Church"
I could ponder these little tidbits for a while. I leave them for you also to enjoy.
With that...
"A kid's got plenty of trouble, like everybody else, and he's really so very helpless, quite unarmed against pain and illness. Childhood and old age should be the two greatest trials of mankind, but that very sense of powerlessness is the mainspring of a child's joy."
"Joy is the gift of the Church. whatever joy is possible for this world to share"
"Monks suffer for souls, [a priest's] pain in on behalf of souls"
"My parish... The words can't even be spoken without a kind of soaring love ... my parish is a reality. We belong to each other for all eternity; ... a living cell of the everlasting Church"
I could ponder these little tidbits for a while. I leave them for you also to enjoy.
January 15, 2009
Dancing with God
A short tidbit to share with each of you about dancing...
I just went to a performance by St. Michael's Warriors and how wonderfully splendid they all are! They dance for the heart of Christ, to be one with Him and to bring the joy of our created bodies to others in a truly holy and magnificent way. After watching this and seeing the goodness of the human body, I was reminded that I failed to share with you about my own recent dancings with the Lord...
So, back to a retreat I recently went on... the Jesus Retreat. We were in Adoration on Sunday morning, music playing and people praising the Lord in various ways. One man stood up and said to us all that he felt the Lord was asking us to slow dance with Him. So, "stand up and dance with the Lord" he told us. I got up off my knees and placed my arms out in front of me, resting one on my Lord's shoulder and the other resting on His Divine arm. The music began, a gentle love song meant for a romantic encounter, and what a romantic encounter it was! I could see Him there, holding me tightly to Himself, my head resting on His strong chest, following His lead. We danced gently and He began to hold me tighter, releasing only to send me into a spin, guiding my every move, and bringing me back, ever closer to Himself.
-now let me pause to assure you I have never done this before and was under the impression that everyone else in the room was doing the same thing-
The song ceased and the music began to get a bit faster, but the Lord did not let me go, we jazzed up our style and He egged me on to get into the beat and be more free! I opened my eyes to see that I had moved to another place in the room and was facing a different direction. At that moment, the same man got up and said, "now, let us dance with one another and turn this place into a hoe-down!" A hoe-down? Well, feeling that truly these were words from the Lord I let go, hooked arms with a nearby sister and started dancing, making my way through the room and hooking into whatever arm seemed to be available. The Lord continued to dance with me... just in the body of His Church! Blessed be the Lord!
so... Dance! For He is the Lord of the Dance!
I just went to a performance by St. Michael's Warriors and how wonderfully splendid they all are! They dance for the heart of Christ, to be one with Him and to bring the joy of our created bodies to others in a truly holy and magnificent way. After watching this and seeing the goodness of the human body, I was reminded that I failed to share with you about my own recent dancings with the Lord...
So, back to a retreat I recently went on... the Jesus Retreat. We were in Adoration on Sunday morning, music playing and people praising the Lord in various ways. One man stood up and said to us all that he felt the Lord was asking us to slow dance with Him. So, "stand up and dance with the Lord" he told us. I got up off my knees and placed my arms out in front of me, resting one on my Lord's shoulder and the other resting on His Divine arm. The music began, a gentle love song meant for a romantic encounter, and what a romantic encounter it was! I could see Him there, holding me tightly to Himself, my head resting on His strong chest, following His lead. We danced gently and He began to hold me tighter, releasing only to send me into a spin, guiding my every move, and bringing me back, ever closer to Himself.
-now let me pause to assure you I have never done this before and was under the impression that everyone else in the room was doing the same thing-
The song ceased and the music began to get a bit faster, but the Lord did not let me go, we jazzed up our style and He egged me on to get into the beat and be more free! I opened my eyes to see that I had moved to another place in the room and was facing a different direction. At that moment, the same man got up and said, "now, let us dance with one another and turn this place into a hoe-down!" A hoe-down? Well, feeling that truly these were words from the Lord I let go, hooked arms with a nearby sister and started dancing, making my way through the room and hooking into whatever arm seemed to be available. The Lord continued to dance with me... just in the body of His Church! Blessed be the Lord!
so... Dance! For He is the Lord of the Dance!
January 12, 2009
HOLY HOUR to STOP FOCA
Make one today!
the Little Sisters of the Poor all over the world are making holy hours by request of Mother General for this intention. join them or do your own. the home in Philadelphia has a holy hour from 4:30-5:30 pm and will continue up to and including January 20. The holy hour is silent except for evening prayer at 5pm.
Click here to find a home near you!
or look up a church near you that has Adoration: Click here for Masstimes.org (search for Adoration using the right-most column)
some of the main effects of FOCA:
1) All hospitals, including Catholic hospitals will be
required to perform abortions upon request. If this happens Bishops
vow to close down all Catholic hospitals, more then 30% of all
hospitals in the United States.
2) Partial birth abortions would be legal and have no limitations.
3) All U.S. tax payers would be funding abortions.
4) Parental notification will no longer be required.
5) The number of abortions will increase by a minimum of
100,000 annually.
Thank you for your prayers!
the Little Sisters of the Poor all over the world are making holy hours by request of Mother General for this intention. join them or do your own. the home in Philadelphia has a holy hour from 4:30-5:30 pm and will continue up to and including January 20. The holy hour is silent except for evening prayer at 5pm.
Click here to find a home near you!
or look up a church near you that has Adoration: Click here for Masstimes.org (search for Adoration using the right-most column)
some of the main effects of FOCA:
1) All hospitals, including Catholic hospitals will be
required to perform abortions upon request. If this happens Bishops
vow to close down all Catholic hospitals, more then 30% of all
hospitals in the United States.
2) Partial birth abortions would be legal and have no limitations.
3) All U.S. tax payers would be funding abortions.
4) Parental notification will no longer be required.
5) The number of abortions will increase by a minimum of
100,000 annually.
Thank you for your prayers!
January 11, 2009
The Body of Christ
My dear friends I must share with you a revelation which was made so very profoundly real to me recently...
2-FOLD!
The Body of Christ present in the people of the Church.
Yes, it sounds quite simple in our theology and one of the main pillars of being Catholic and yet the Lord has been so very good to open my eyes to His Body here recently as I went on a retreat with other young adults as well as at Catholic Underground.
How to explain.... well let us just say that the whole Body of the Church, when present, can make one feel so very welcomed. A part of the group! A member of the Body! Yes, The Lord is so profoundly present in His Holy Body the Eucharist and has been so good to me in making this truth a very real and profound part of my life. One I could not live without! And yet to feel that I belong amidst the people... well here I have struggled in the past and I am sure i will continue to struggle, but the Lord is taking the scales from my eyes and showing me Himself in other places! Isn't He great?!!! We are happy with one thing, but He wants us to see it all! Surrounding me with not only the physically present Body, but also the celestial Body which is also so profoundly present for every prayer, always there adoring Him! And so I share in words that may not make sense, in a story which seems to have no plot or point, but for those of you who need to hear this and see Him in the Body of the Church, just trust, turn to Him in the Eucharist, and beg Him to show Himself... and He will! OH HE WILL!!!
PRAISE GOD!!!!
January 08, 2009
Step One: Find a Job
I have been in Philadelphia for 5 weeks now (well really just 4 since I was home for a week at Christmas). I am settled in and live with 4 other wonderful women. The community has been a blessing but my favorite part of my new home remains that there is Perpetual Adoration within walking distance!! YAY!
So, the first order of business for most people when moving to a new place is to find a job. Well, I guess for some that is actually an order of business even prior to moving! I searched in my field, having graduated with highest honors and two degrees (Environmental Science and Chemistry). It seemed that all the jobs I qualified for were connected to masters programs or in an area which did not interest me (since my real love is ecological research).
As I had mentioned previously I began volunteering for the Little Sisters of the Poor quite soon after I arrived and found peace in the ability to go there and be with the sisters and residents. I continued to search for a job and found a bagel shop which agreed to hire me. Seemed like a nice place and the Lord was quite gracious in allowing the owner to agree that I be able to go to Mass before coming to work thereby not scheduling me before 7:30am.
After calling a few times and not getting through, this bagel employment seemed to have been a figment of my imagination! As I have been "hired" now for about 3 weeks and have yet to work a single day! I continued to put out resumes and make contacts in hopes of finding a good job in my field.
Well, the Lord is good! Yes! Before Christmas, Mother Veronica asked me if I would like to work in the home! How amazing! So, I am now filling out the paperwork and going through the legal stuff to work for the Little Sisters! How amazing that a little under a year ago I was starting at the Little Sisters in Palatine! I left them assuming I would never see the LSPs again, and here I am working in another home. I guess that look Mother Maureen gave me when I left that seemed to say, "you'll be back" was right! :)
God be Praised!
So, the first order of business for most people when moving to a new place is to find a job. Well, I guess for some that is actually an order of business even prior to moving! I searched in my field, having graduated with highest honors and two degrees (Environmental Science and Chemistry). It seemed that all the jobs I qualified for were connected to masters programs or in an area which did not interest me (since my real love is ecological research).
As I had mentioned previously I began volunteering for the Little Sisters of the Poor quite soon after I arrived and found peace in the ability to go there and be with the sisters and residents. I continued to search for a job and found a bagel shop which agreed to hire me. Seemed like a nice place and the Lord was quite gracious in allowing the owner to agree that I be able to go to Mass before coming to work thereby not scheduling me before 7:30am.
After calling a few times and not getting through, this bagel employment seemed to have been a figment of my imagination! As I have been "hired" now for about 3 weeks and have yet to work a single day! I continued to put out resumes and make contacts in hopes of finding a good job in my field.
Well, the Lord is good! Yes! Before Christmas, Mother Veronica asked me if I would like to work in the home! How amazing! So, I am now filling out the paperwork and going through the legal stuff to work for the Little Sisters! How amazing that a little under a year ago I was starting at the Little Sisters in Palatine! I left them assuming I would never see the LSPs again, and here I am working in another home. I guess that look Mother Maureen gave me when I left that seemed to say, "you'll be back" was right! :)
God be Praised!
January 07, 2009
A Short List
My beloved friends,
it has been quite a while and there is much to catch you up on...
a short list:
-I moved to Philadelphia
-I have been volunteering with the Little Sisters of the Poor
-I will soon be working for the Little Sisters of the Poor
-I just went on retreat and the Lord is GOOD!!!
Ok... well that is the short list.
In the following days, I hope to expound upon the list and let you see a bit of what the Lord has begun in me!
Praise the Lord for He is good...
it has been quite a while and there is much to catch you up on...
a short list:
-I moved to Philadelphia
-I have been volunteering with the Little Sisters of the Poor
-I will soon be working for the Little Sisters of the Poor
-I just went on retreat and the Lord is GOOD!!!
Ok... well that is the short list.
In the following days, I hope to expound upon the list and let you see a bit of what the Lord has begun in me!
Praise the Lord for He is good...
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