After almost a year of hopping from convent to convent and retreat to retreat, my home had very truly become the Church. If I was sleeping the same building as Our Lord in His Holy Presence, then i was at home. Moving to Philadelphia, I am no longer at "home" for I live in a house with 4 other women and the Tabernacle is not here... Although I am quite blessed to have Him within walking distance of my new place.
What I do want to share is a feeling of home... The Little Sisters of the Poor always help me to feel at home and so, finding out that they are in the area, I eagerly went for Mass last week. The good Lord had it in His Divine plan that the sister I spoke with, Sr. Veronica, is both vocation and volunteer coordinator. Allowing my mouth to freely speak, I do not even know what I shared or what I asked for past the initial, "Excise me sister, can you direct me to mother?" But at the end of it all, I was signing up as a volunteer and ready to return the following day.
The next day, we celebrated a funeral Mass for Sr. Adeline, lsp. It was so beautiful to be there with all the sisters and to have sisters from the other homes down visiting for the day. I even was able to speak with Mother Provincial, whom I had met while at the Palatine home! Oh how grateful I was to have a friendly face who recognized me and could, just through a simple smile, open up my heart to be vulnerable. As I exchanged just a few words, and began to cry, mother comforted me and encouraged me.
I return again today for another day of volunteering, wishing I could go there more, but knowing that I must also look for a job. Thank you Little Sisters for allowing me to feel at home, to have some sense of belonging in this strange, new place.
December 09, 2008
December 06, 2008
Long-Awaited update
My dear friends! what do I say? It has been a long time since i have updated my blog and mainly due to my lack of knowledge at how to share with you what has happened in the past 2 months!
As you know, I went on a silent retreat for a month directed by my long-time spiritual director. This month began with a decision that I was called to either the Visitation Monastery in MA or the Carmelites in WI... and ended with a very different next step.
Through the month, the Lord revealed a few area of my life and the way I perceive myself, the world, people, bugs... that I need to re-adjust and figure out. So, in order to do this, I have moved to Philadelphia and am now looking for a job in the science world! I hope to get back on track and have updates more frequently of my adventures in the big city! :) Thank you all for your prayers!
As you know, I went on a silent retreat for a month directed by my long-time spiritual director. This month began with a decision that I was called to either the Visitation Monastery in MA or the Carmelites in WI... and ended with a very different next step.
Through the month, the Lord revealed a few area of my life and the way I perceive myself, the world, people, bugs... that I need to re-adjust and figure out. So, in order to do this, I have moved to Philadelphia and am now looking for a job in the science world! I hope to get back on track and have updates more frequently of my adventures in the big city! :) Thank you all for your prayers!
November 01, 2008
October 28, 2008
October 20, 2008
October 19, 2008
Time to start praying to St. jude!
Here is a great website to find one!
http://www.stjudenovena.org/index.html
http://www.stjudenovena.org/index.html
October 18, 2008
Happy Feast of St. Luke (Evangelist)
Prayer to St. Luke:
Most charming and saintly Physician, you were animated by the heavenly Spirit of love. In faithfully detailing the humanity of Jesus, you also showed his divinity and his genuine compassion for all human beings. Inspire our physicians with your professionalism and with the divine compassion for their patients. Enable them to cure the ills of both body and spirit that afflict so many in our day. Amen.
Most charming and saintly Physician, you were animated by the heavenly Spirit of love. In faithfully detailing the humanity of Jesus, you also showed his divinity and his genuine compassion for all human beings. Inspire our physicians with your professionalism and with the divine compassion for their patients. Enable them to cure the ills of both body and spirit that afflict so many in our day. Amen.
October 17, 2008
Happy Feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch
Prayer to St. Ignatius
Dear Holy Spirit, Saint Ignatius was taken to Rome under military guard after he was condemned to die in the Roman amphitheater. On the way, he wrote inspiring letters to Christian communities. Nothing would stop him from carrying out his ministry of preaching the Gospel. I ask him to pray for me to continually find opportunities to build up Your kingdom, even in the midst of problems. Keep me from being blinded by discouragement, so that I may see that there are always opportunities to share the Gospel with others. When there are roadblocks in my path, show me the way around them. Saint Ignatius, pray for me. Amen.
Dear Holy Spirit, Saint Ignatius was taken to Rome under military guard after he was condemned to die in the Roman amphitheater. On the way, he wrote inspiring letters to Christian communities. Nothing would stop him from carrying out his ministry of preaching the Gospel. I ask him to pray for me to continually find opportunities to build up Your kingdom, even in the midst of problems. Keep me from being blinded by discouragement, so that I may see that there are always opportunities to share the Gospel with others. When there are roadblocks in my path, show me the way around them. Saint Ignatius, pray for me. Amen.
October 16, 2008
Happy Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Here is a great prayer to St. Margaret Mary. I will be praying for you!
Prayer to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Saint Margaret Mary, thou who wast made a partaker of the divine treasures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, obtain for us, we beseech thee, from this adorable Heart, the graces we need so sorely. We ask these favors of thee with unbounded confidence. May the divine Heart of Jesus be pleased to bestow them upon us through thy intercession, so that once again He may be loved and glorified through thee. Amen.
V. Pray for us, O blessed Margaret;
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst wondrously open the unsearchable riches of Thy Heart to blessed Margaret Mary, the virgin: grant unto us, by her merits and our imitation of her, that we may love Thee in all things and above all things, and may be worthy to have our everlasting dwelling in the same Sacred Heart: who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Saint Margaret Mary, thou who wast made a partaker of the divine treasures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, obtain for us, we beseech thee, from this adorable Heart, the graces we need so sorely. We ask these favors of thee with unbounded confidence. May the divine Heart of Jesus be pleased to bestow them upon us through thy intercession, so that once again He may be loved and glorified through thee. Amen.
V. Pray for us, O blessed Margaret;
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst wondrously open the unsearchable riches of Thy Heart to blessed Margaret Mary, the virgin: grant unto us, by her merits and our imitation of her, that we may love Thee in all things and above all things, and may be worthy to have our everlasting dwelling in the same Sacred Heart: who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
October 15, 2008
Novena to St. Teresa Day 9
Day 9
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.
Happy Feast Day St. Teresa!!!!
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.
Happy Feast Day St. Teresa!!!!
October 14, 2008
Novena to St. Teresa Day 8
Day 8
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 13, 2008
Novena to St. Teresa Day 7
Day 7
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 12, 2008
Novena to St. Paul of the Cross
So I won't give you a day-by-day for this one... but it starts today if you are interested....
Nine days of prayer with Saint Paul of the Cross
St. Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionists, was born in Ovada, Italy, in 1694, the eldest of six children surviving from a family of fifteen. As a child he knew the hardship, uncertainty and fear brought by widespread poverty to families like his. Then, as a young man, Paul experienced a call from God. For the rest if his long life of 81 years he would remind the disheartened people of his time of the Passion of Jesus of God's wisdom and love.
Great numbers of men and women were led from fear to trust and faith in God through Paul's guidance and preaching. Sharing their hardships, he directed them to seek their support in the merciful love of Jesus Christ Crucified. He taught people to pray, and was an outstanding guide helping people to make good decisions.
We invite you to pray to St. Paul of the Cross for guidance and direction in God's ways. He helps those who are discouraged and uncertain. The novena that follows is a nine day prayer, modeled after the nine day period the apostles prayed before Pentecost. Recite the first two prayers for the nine days. Then offer the special prayer for each day.
As you pray this novena, remember these words of the saint:
Look on the face of the Crucified who invites you to follow him.
He will be father, mother -- everything to you.
+
In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come to my aid, O God.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Almighty God,
Father of mercies
and giver of all good gifts,
we come before you
to honor you in your saints
and to ask their help
in our many needs.
You promised those who ask,
would receive;
those who seek,
would find;
those who knock,
would have doors opened to them.
Hear the prayers of your church,
grant our requests,
and pardon our sins.
(Bring your requests to God)
O good Saint Paul of the Cross,
you proclaimed God's wonders
in the Passion of God's only Son.
By word and deed,
you became a spiritual guide
and preacher of the gospel
to a world grown cold
to the love of Jesus Christ.
Help me to see God's love
in the merciful cross of Jesus,
and teach me to trust
in the blessings God gives.
May the Passion of Jesus
be in my heart,
and bring life to all the world.
Amen.
Day 1
O Jesus Christ,
I look to you as my companion and support,
be with me as I carry my cross;
be Father, mother -- everything to me.
Day 2
O Jesus Christ,
in all the choices I make in life,
help me to be wise and just,
loving and generous.
Day 3
O Jesus Christ,
in the dark garden you depended
on your Father above
to help you carry on.
Listen, as I pray in sorrow and cares.
Day 4
O Jesus Christ,
judged by Pilate unjustly,
scourged and spit upon,
make me strong
when I am wrongly judged and harshly treated.
Day 5
O Jesus Christ,
you bore your cross,
enduring insult and injuries;
yet you forgave your offenders.
Give me a forgiving heart.
Day 6
O Jesus Christ,
abandoned in sorrow,
be with the discouraged and lonely.
You know the power of comfort;
encourage those in need.
Day 7
O Jesus Christ,
nailed to the cross,
fixed and unable to move,
help all of us who get nowhere,
give us patience to try again.
Day 8
O Jesus,
dying on the cross,
in the darkness and alone,
be with us in our dying,
Stay with us in the darkness.
Day 9
O Jesus Christ,
risen from the dead,
in you we too arise.
Give us the joy of new life;
help us to rise again.
Nine days of prayer with Saint Paul of the Cross
St. Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionists, was born in Ovada, Italy, in 1694, the eldest of six children surviving from a family of fifteen. As a child he knew the hardship, uncertainty and fear brought by widespread poverty to families like his. Then, as a young man, Paul experienced a call from God. For the rest if his long life of 81 years he would remind the disheartened people of his time of the Passion of Jesus of God's wisdom and love.
Great numbers of men and women were led from fear to trust and faith in God through Paul's guidance and preaching. Sharing their hardships, he directed them to seek their support in the merciful love of Jesus Christ Crucified. He taught people to pray, and was an outstanding guide helping people to make good decisions.
We invite you to pray to St. Paul of the Cross for guidance and direction in God's ways. He helps those who are discouraged and uncertain. The novena that follows is a nine day prayer, modeled after the nine day period the apostles prayed before Pentecost. Recite the first two prayers for the nine days. Then offer the special prayer for each day.
As you pray this novena, remember these words of the saint:
Look on the face of the Crucified who invites you to follow him.
He will be father, mother -- everything to you.
+
In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come to my aid, O God.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Almighty God,
Father of mercies
and giver of all good gifts,
we come before you
to honor you in your saints
and to ask their help
in our many needs.
You promised those who ask,
would receive;
those who seek,
would find;
those who knock,
would have doors opened to them.
Hear the prayers of your church,
grant our requests,
and pardon our sins.
(Bring your requests to God)
O good Saint Paul of the Cross,
you proclaimed God's wonders
in the Passion of God's only Son.
By word and deed,
you became a spiritual guide
and preacher of the gospel
to a world grown cold
to the love of Jesus Christ.
Help me to see God's love
in the merciful cross of Jesus,
and teach me to trust
in the blessings God gives.
May the Passion of Jesus
be in my heart,
and bring life to all the world.
Amen.
Day 1
O Jesus Christ,
I look to you as my companion and support,
be with me as I carry my cross;
be Father, mother -- everything to me.
Day 2
O Jesus Christ,
in all the choices I make in life,
help me to be wise and just,
loving and generous.
Day 3
O Jesus Christ,
in the dark garden you depended
on your Father above
to help you carry on.
Listen, as I pray in sorrow and cares.
Day 4
O Jesus Christ,
judged by Pilate unjustly,
scourged and spit upon,
make me strong
when I am wrongly judged and harshly treated.
Day 5
O Jesus Christ,
you bore your cross,
enduring insult and injuries;
yet you forgave your offenders.
Give me a forgiving heart.
Day 6
O Jesus Christ,
abandoned in sorrow,
be with the discouraged and lonely.
You know the power of comfort;
encourage those in need.
Day 7
O Jesus Christ,
nailed to the cross,
fixed and unable to move,
help all of us who get nowhere,
give us patience to try again.
Day 8
O Jesus,
dying on the cross,
in the darkness and alone,
be with us in our dying,
Stay with us in the darkness.
Day 9
O Jesus Christ,
risen from the dead,
in you we too arise.
Give us the joy of new life;
help us to rise again.
Novena to St. Teresa Day 6
Day 6
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 11, 2008
Novena to St. Teresa Day 5
Day 5
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 10, 2008
Novena to St. Teresa Day 4
Day 4
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 09, 2008
Novena to St. Teresa Day 3
Day 3
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 08, 2008
Novena to St. Teresa Day 2
Day 2
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 07, 2008
A Novena to keep you busy...
Here is a Novena to St. Teresa of Avila (my favorite).
I will set it up to post each day's prayers on the proper day! This Novena was made by St. Alphonsus Liguori. Please pray for me!
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.
I will set it up to post each day's prayers on the proper day! This Novena was made by St. Alphonsus Liguori. Please pray for me!
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.
The Wonder of God
Well, after a visit to yet another carmelite monastery (this one amazingly close by), The Lord has blessed me with some incredible insights. I was quite confused after the visit as all seemed to be pointing in that direction and yet when I got the the Lord gave me a fervent NO!
On the Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, I was graced with Adoration close by and spent 4 hours before my Beloved asking Him what I should do and why I was so confused. With a bit clearer of a focus and an idea of perhaps what the next step might be, I rejoiced to merely sit and be with Him!
The magnificence of my future Spouse was revealed further as I learned that I am being given a chance to do a 1-month private, silent retreat. Directed by my spiritual director and best friend. The Lord truly is amazing!
Since this is my next step, I will not be adding any new posts until after my retreat which will end on Nov. 7.
Thank you for your prayers!!!
On the Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, I was graced with Adoration close by and spent 4 hours before my Beloved asking Him what I should do and why I was so confused. With a bit clearer of a focus and an idea of perhaps what the next step might be, I rejoiced to merely sit and be with Him!
The magnificence of my future Spouse was revealed further as I learned that I am being given a chance to do a 1-month private, silent retreat. Directed by my spiritual director and best friend. The Lord truly is amazing!
Since this is my next step, I will not be adding any new posts until after my retreat which will end on Nov. 7.
Thank you for your prayers!!!
October 01, 2008
Prayer of Abandonment -Br. Charles of Jesus
Father, I abandon myself into your hands.
Do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you.
I am ready for all.
I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures.
I ask no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul.
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands
without reserve and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.
Do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you.
I am ready for all.
I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures.
I ask no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul.
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands
without reserve and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.
September 27, 2008
A hug from God
This morning I awoke thinking I would go to a special Mass being held in my parish, a Mass for the sick. I am was excited to go but had this feeling I should go to the 9 am Mass anyways. Why? What is the purpose of going to the same Mass I always go to? Well I wasn't able to shake the feeling and so off I went. I thought perhaps the homily had something for me the Lord wanted to say... or ... I dunno. so there was a visiting priest, Fr. Joe and I was listening to every word as if my life depended on it. As a result I really was very present for Mass which was awesome, but I didn't feel like I had any insights that would change my heart or something.
So I went to the little side chapel to pray and do my office after Mass. there was a man there I had never seen before and I was glad to have someone to pray with, even if we were both silently placing ourselves into the Lord's hands and praying together in the sense of being both united in His most Sacred Heart. He was radiating with the joy of the Lord and as he knelt, I felt that I could see his love for Him! I thought, perhaps this is why I came here to this Mass this morning.
After a few hours of praying together in that little chapel, he was on his way, I thanked him for loving God and begged his prayers for me! Oh Praise God for the strength he sent me through this servant of His, Timothy. He encouraged me in my search for an order and was actually returning from time in the wilderness. he wants to pursue the eremetical life! How amazing that he was just passing through town and the Lord sent him to me to be my companion in prayer and encourage me as I go to visit another Carmelite Monastery on Monday!
God is Good!!! He sent this angel to me to show me His love and embrace me!! Thank you!
So I went to the little side chapel to pray and do my office after Mass. there was a man there I had never seen before and I was glad to have someone to pray with, even if we were both silently placing ourselves into the Lord's hands and praying together in the sense of being both united in His most Sacred Heart. He was radiating with the joy of the Lord and as he knelt, I felt that I could see his love for Him! I thought, perhaps this is why I came here to this Mass this morning.
After a few hours of praying together in that little chapel, he was on his way, I thanked him for loving God and begged his prayers for me! Oh Praise God for the strength he sent me through this servant of His, Timothy. He encouraged me in my search for an order and was actually returning from time in the wilderness. he wants to pursue the eremetical life! How amazing that he was just passing through town and the Lord sent him to me to be my companion in prayer and encourage me as I go to visit another Carmelite Monastery on Monday!
God is Good!!! He sent this angel to me to show me His love and embrace me!! Thank you!
September 19, 2008
A humbling day
The day began as any other. Ride over to the Church for Mass, pray, walk the dog, go to the trolley stop. OK pause. Here is my first uplifting humility for the day:
I sat awaiting the arrival of the trolley. Talking with a young man who was going to school downtown, we greeted an elderly woman. She was sharing with us her relief that the trolley drivers were not on strike. Strike? I did not even know there was talk of strike, let alone it could be going on today! I voiced my ignorance simply and asked about the situation. Turning for comfort to this other guy, did you know there was a possible strike? Of course, he replied! Well, living in my own little world, I was glad to be informed of this breaking news (well, breaking to me at least) so as to keep my eyes more closely on the situation which may affect my daily commute.
life resumed as normal, simple trolley ride, walk to Catholic Charities, start paperwork for the refugee services. Then i was asked to escort two men, my age, to the bank to open a checking account. I got directions and was handed a check for another client who had forgotten to take it with him.
Walking along I asked, "So, how long have you been in the US?" seemed like a typical question to me... "I was born here!" Woops! One of them was born here and one was a refugee! I should have known this was only a start. So we reach the bank. "Umm excuse me where do I go to sign up for a checking account?" You see my bank is completely online and so I have never done face-to-face banking! They call us to meet with one of the employees and I still have not found the owner of this check that I have in my hand! All questions are directed towards me, yet I have zero of the answers! I am just there to accompany! The gentleman born here asked the lady helping us, "Are there any other PNC banks in the area?" Then upon finding out there was another within a half-block suggested that perhaps they were there! Silly me! Well, off I charge, leaving them to create their own checking account as they obviously can do this better than I. Tra la la... hmm I found the bank. Nobody there! Ok, I guess I return to the first one and perhaps they were on a different side of the building... I am completely lost now. I return to find the two men I was with are gone!!! Now I have not only NOT found the man I am looking for, but I have also lost the TWO I was with!!! Ahh! I try calling back to the office. nobody there! Oh dear Lord, what do I do now?? So I decide to go back to the other bank in hopes that the two men decided to go there.
They meet me as I re-exit the bank. "We found the man you are looking for, but you still have the check!" "What! Where?" "At the other bank, they are sitting out front!" So they took me down to find them. And there they were, at the other entrance to the bank, patiently waiting for me! How silly. I was there to be the guide and to help, but rather they helped me and guided me! Well, teaching me humility!
Thus proving once again that when you think you can help someone, most likely, they can help you more!
I sat awaiting the arrival of the trolley. Talking with a young man who was going to school downtown, we greeted an elderly woman. She was sharing with us her relief that the trolley drivers were not on strike. Strike? I did not even know there was talk of strike, let alone it could be going on today! I voiced my ignorance simply and asked about the situation. Turning for comfort to this other guy, did you know there was a possible strike? Of course, he replied! Well, living in my own little world, I was glad to be informed of this breaking news (well, breaking to me at least) so as to keep my eyes more closely on the situation which may affect my daily commute.
life resumed as normal, simple trolley ride, walk to Catholic Charities, start paperwork for the refugee services. Then i was asked to escort two men, my age, to the bank to open a checking account. I got directions and was handed a check for another client who had forgotten to take it with him.
Walking along I asked, "So, how long have you been in the US?" seemed like a typical question to me... "I was born here!" Woops! One of them was born here and one was a refugee! I should have known this was only a start. So we reach the bank. "Umm excuse me where do I go to sign up for a checking account?" You see my bank is completely online and so I have never done face-to-face banking! They call us to meet with one of the employees and I still have not found the owner of this check that I have in my hand! All questions are directed towards me, yet I have zero of the answers! I am just there to accompany! The gentleman born here asked the lady helping us, "Are there any other PNC banks in the area?" Then upon finding out there was another within a half-block suggested that perhaps they were there! Silly me! Well, off I charge, leaving them to create their own checking account as they obviously can do this better than I. Tra la la... hmm I found the bank. Nobody there! Ok, I guess I return to the first one and perhaps they were on a different side of the building... I am completely lost now. I return to find the two men I was with are gone!!! Now I have not only NOT found the man I am looking for, but I have also lost the TWO I was with!!! Ahh! I try calling back to the office. nobody there! Oh dear Lord, what do I do now?? So I decide to go back to the other bank in hopes that the two men decided to go there.
They meet me as I re-exit the bank. "We found the man you are looking for, but you still have the check!" "What! Where?" "At the other bank, they are sitting out front!" So they took me down to find them. And there they were, at the other entrance to the bank, patiently waiting for me! How silly. I was there to be the guide and to help, but rather they helped me and guided me! Well, teaching me humility!
Thus proving once again that when you think you can help someone, most likely, they can help you more!
September 18, 2008
Miracles!
My dear friends, I must share with you a story of the power of prayer and ask that you continue to pray for the woman involved. In order to keep all things private I will refer to her as Sue, although this is not her real name. Sue has been dealing with some very rough issues while also trying to run a household of two young children with a husband who is addicted to sports and struggles to tear himself away from the TV and sports games.
Sue is battling a very severe case of depression due to some unfortunate, inappropriate contacts with a mentor whom she went to for advise. After reporting these incidents, she was even more distraught at having possibly ruined this person's reputation or career and the Devil worked on her trying to get her to believe that she had made all this up. She became bulimic and was headed downhill, yet remained close to the Lord and was attending a prayer group.
This past Sunday her husband woke up to find her missing, a suicide note in her place. Her mother called for prayers and the prayers reached out to parishes and individuals in the Pittsburgh area, but also to other states, into convents and cloisters, just about everywhere! The speed at which the message was spread was incredible and how many people took her into their hearts to intercede to the Lord for her life! Amazingly, the police in her area were having a training day/weekend for all the rescue dog teams in Pittsburgh. They used Sue for this exercise and so not just one team, but all the rescue teams were on her scent. They found her unconscious, having consumed two bottles of anti-depressants and a water bottle full of whiskey or scotch. She had consumed them all! They rushed her to the hospital where she slowly regained consciousness and they determined.. NO BRAIN DAMAGE! NO LIVER DAMAGE! NO HEART DAMAGE! NO MAJOR ORGANS WERE DAMAGED! Truly a miracle of God's mercy to spare her life.
She is currently under supervision in the psychiatric wing of the hospital, but through prayer and love she will win! The Lord shall conquer! AMEN!!!
September 14, 2008
Volunteering
The past week I have spent living at my neighbor's house taking care of the dog. It has been a great chance for some extra exercise and silence. My days are quite regulated now in comparison to the past month of waking up not having any plans or agenda. Waking early, I bike to Mass, a bit of extra prayer time and return for breakfast. Then I walk the dog and it is off to the trolley. Taking "The T", as we refer to it here it Pittsburgh, I have begun a volunteer position with the refugee services of Catholic Charities. My time has been quite interesting, learning that we even have refugees coming into Pittsburgh and then seeing that we currently have 3 or 4 families arriving each day! The constant influx of people, trying to provide them with some permanent housing, and also their basic needs has been a challenge. I mostly am involved behind the scenes filling out paperwork and sorting through donations, but the refugees are in the office every day and just a simple smile is all I have to offer, yet they appreciate it immensely. How good it is to just show love. This is all we can do, be Love for the world.
September 13, 2008
A Wedding, A Hurricane, and a bombing
It all began with a call on thursday evening. "Umm hello, Diana? This is Dad (my grandfather). We just wanted to warn you that the fleas are back and the dog was just treated for them yesterday! We haven't gotten bit much, but I am vacuuming every day to try and control them."
Well, seeing as these fleas have been around for at least 2 or 3 months now, my mother and I decided to do something about it. We headed east and picked up flea bombs and yard spray. Now, we had to be undercover for fear they would not want us doing so much and so we arrived (after renting a car since our wasn't starting very well) and stripped all the beds, covered every piece of furniture, moved the dog and cat outdoors, and set up 5 flea bombs. In a relay-race of bombs, we successively set off the bombs on each floor. running out of the house and driving away to my other grandparent's house for dinner.
We had a lovely dinner and picked up my dad at the airport, then returned to the bombed house to let it air out and begin to wash the sheet and floors and tables and dishes and carpets...etc. Let me say it was a very long nihgt, interrupted with a small trip the the train station to pick up Andrew. At around 2 or 2:30 am we finally had enough sheets clean for us to sleep and it was aired out enough that we felt comfortable we woudl not be inhaling insecticide.
Finishing the wash in the mornign, we readied for the wedding (my cousin Joey). Locking dog and cat indoors, we departed just in time to catch the winds and rain of Hannah (the hurricane). Thankfully my father was driving and is a very good driver, weathering the storm quite well and getting us to the church on time. The wedding seems a bit unrehearsed and included a bit of comic relief. The highlights included my Uncle Jimmy (who is hard of hearing) standing up during the reading of the Gospel to yell, "I am goign to the bathroom!", the siser of the groom praying for "N. and N." (should have been Joe and Kim), and a few other interesting spectacles. The reception though was wuite nice and very elegant including gourmet appetizers, dinner, and even a flaming dessert!
Well, seeing as these fleas have been around for at least 2 or 3 months now, my mother and I decided to do something about it. We headed east and picked up flea bombs and yard spray. Now, we had to be undercover for fear they would not want us doing so much and so we arrived (after renting a car since our wasn't starting very well) and stripped all the beds, covered every piece of furniture, moved the dog and cat outdoors, and set up 5 flea bombs. In a relay-race of bombs, we successively set off the bombs on each floor. running out of the house and driving away to my other grandparent's house for dinner.
We had a lovely dinner and picked up my dad at the airport, then returned to the bombed house to let it air out and begin to wash the sheet and floors and tables and dishes and carpets...etc. Let me say it was a very long nihgt, interrupted with a small trip the the train station to pick up Andrew. At around 2 or 2:30 am we finally had enough sheets clean for us to sleep and it was aired out enough that we felt comfortable we woudl not be inhaling insecticide.
Finishing the wash in the mornign, we readied for the wedding (my cousin Joey). Locking dog and cat indoors, we departed just in time to catch the winds and rain of Hannah (the hurricane). Thankfully my father was driving and is a very good driver, weathering the storm quite well and getting us to the church on time. The wedding seems a bit unrehearsed and included a bit of comic relief. The highlights included my Uncle Jimmy (who is hard of hearing) standing up during the reading of the Gospel to yell, "I am goign to the bathroom!", the siser of the groom praying for "N. and N." (should have been Joe and Kim), and a few other interesting spectacles. The reception though was wuite nice and very elegant including gourmet appetizers, dinner, and even a flaming dessert!
August 29, 2008
Smoking Cars and long tunnels
Driving home from my clothing drop-off and feeling quite content, I ran into a few problems. Anyone familiar with the Pittsburgh area knows that in order to get pretty much anywhere, you probably have to go over a bridge and through a tunnel. So, in returning from the north side of town towards my home, I went over a bridge happily making sure I was in the correct lane for the tunnel so I could get to the right road as the bridge is an interstate feeding into a tunnel that dumps out onto three main roads (for those of you familiar with the area I went through the PItt tunnel). Well, I got just a little ways into the tunnel when the car began to slow. I thought perhaps I was in too high of a gear and so I downshifted.. and again.. and again! Now I was in a 50mph tunnel in 2nd gear only able to summon enough energy for maybe 5 or 10 mph! I had my foot down as far as the pedal would go and was praying hard!
Smoke! As I watched the gap widen in front of me to see no cars in my lane still in the tunnel and the end still very far away, I glance behind me to see I was smoking! The tunnel was slowing filling up with black smoke behind me. One nice things was that all the other drivers were quite polite and nobody seemed mad at me. There was not a single horn blown as we inched our way through the tunnel. I reached the end and found the three major roads splitting off. Choosing the easiest to pull off onto and the one with the highest probability of finding a parking lot I continued to pray hard and thank the drivers who gently pointed out that I was smoking and going quite slow. :)
One very amusing part was that as I approached the off-ramp, the cars behind me happily followed along! They did not zip past even when there was plenty of room! Happily following this poor little smoking car inching at a snail's pace. Only in Pittsburgh! Finding myself finally on Rt. 19, I prayed for a quick pull off.. a little motel! Glory to God! I made it into the parking lot and a parking space! Thank You Jesus!
Another little miracle was a friend whom I was supposed to see that afternoon decided to come and see me in the parking lot! He planned to visit at my house, and well we just switched our location! He also gave me a ride home after the tow truck came... 4 hours later!!! Thank you Lord fro good friends and wonderful guardian angels!
Smoke! As I watched the gap widen in front of me to see no cars in my lane still in the tunnel and the end still very far away, I glance behind me to see I was smoking! The tunnel was slowing filling up with black smoke behind me. One nice things was that all the other drivers were quite polite and nobody seemed mad at me. There was not a single horn blown as we inched our way through the tunnel. I reached the end and found the three major roads splitting off. Choosing the easiest to pull off onto and the one with the highest probability of finding a parking lot I continued to pray hard and thank the drivers who gently pointed out that I was smoking and going quite slow. :)
One very amusing part was that as I approached the off-ramp, the cars behind me happily followed along! They did not zip past even when there was plenty of room! Happily following this poor little smoking car inching at a snail's pace. Only in Pittsburgh! Finding myself finally on Rt. 19, I prayed for a quick pull off.. a little motel! Glory to God! I made it into the parking lot and a parking space! Thank You Jesus!
Another little miracle was a friend whom I was supposed to see that afternoon decided to come and see me in the parking lot! He planned to visit at my house, and well we just switched our location! He also gave me a ride home after the tow truck came... 4 hours later!!! Thank you Lord fro good friends and wonderful guardian angels!
August 28, 2008
A night in the streets
As I am still at home, I have been seeking some volunteer employment. My first opportunity came this past Monday evening. I worked with what my home parish terms "blanket Monday" (it goes by different names in each area so as to keep it all God and not give the credit to those in charge).
The ministry involves taking blankets, food, clothing, shoes, bags, and most importantly LOVE to the homeless of Pittsburgh. The homeless begin lining up as early as 6pm for the services which begin at 10! Before beginning we made a stop into the nearby McDonalds. As I was standing there one man looked at me and said, "I see that smile! You are happy, aren't you?!" He was one of the homeless I would later see in line and was so glad to see my joy. The funny thing being that I did not even know I was smiling!
We arrived on the scene and began distributing these giant lunches packed with plenty of goodies including pastries, sandwiches, chips, crackers, etc. Then came blanket and clothing distribution. I was assigned to packaging the men's clothing after it was selected for them. A relatively simple task that meant so much to the men! To see them and to just give them a gentle smile was all I was able to do, but yet I felt so filled with a joy I cannot explain for the joy was not for me, it was for them, yet it was in me! CRAZY!!!Now, i know this Joy is Jesus and He decided to make His presence known not only to the homeless but also to me as He worked through me and in me. Still it is difficult to fathom.
Thank God for the chance to share Him with others and to see Him myself!!! AMEN!!
The ministry involves taking blankets, food, clothing, shoes, bags, and most importantly LOVE to the homeless of Pittsburgh. The homeless begin lining up as early as 6pm for the services which begin at 10! Before beginning we made a stop into the nearby McDonalds. As I was standing there one man looked at me and said, "I see that smile! You are happy, aren't you?!" He was one of the homeless I would later see in line and was so glad to see my joy. The funny thing being that I did not even know I was smiling!
We arrived on the scene and began distributing these giant lunches packed with plenty of goodies including pastries, sandwiches, chips, crackers, etc. Then came blanket and clothing distribution. I was assigned to packaging the men's clothing after it was selected for them. A relatively simple task that meant so much to the men! To see them and to just give them a gentle smile was all I was able to do, but yet I felt so filled with a joy I cannot explain for the joy was not for me, it was for them, yet it was in me! CRAZY!!!Now, i know this Joy is Jesus and He decided to make His presence known not only to the homeless but also to me as He worked through me and in me. Still it is difficult to fathom.
Thank God for the chance to share Him with others and to see Him myself!!! AMEN!!
August 21, 2008
"Seeking God"
This is a poem by St. Teresa of Avila about some words she received during prayer, "Seek yourself in Me":
Soul, You must seek yourself in Me
And in yourself seek Me
With such skill, soul,
Love could portray you in Me
That a painter well gifted
could never show
So finely that image.
For love you were fashioned
Deep within Me
Painted so beautiful, so fair;
If, my beloved I should lose you,
Soul, in yourself seek Me.
Well I know that you will discover
Yourself portrayed in my heart
So lifelike drawn
It will be a delight to behold
Yourself so well painted
And should by chance you do not know
Where to find Me
Do not go here and there;
But if you wish to find Me,
In yourself seek Me.
Soul, since you are My room,
My house and dwelling,
If at any time,
Through your distracted ways,
I find the door tightly closed,
Outside yourself seek Me not,
To find Me it will be
Enough only to call Me,
Then quickly will I come,
And in yourself seek Me.
*the rhyme is off due to translation from Spanish to English
Beautiful Meditation!!
Soul, You must seek yourself in Me
And in yourself seek Me
With such skill, soul,
Love could portray you in Me
That a painter well gifted
could never show
So finely that image.
For love you were fashioned
Deep within Me
Painted so beautiful, so fair;
If, my beloved I should lose you,
Soul, in yourself seek Me.
Well I know that you will discover
Yourself portrayed in my heart
So lifelike drawn
It will be a delight to behold
Yourself so well painted
And should by chance you do not know
Where to find Me
Do not go here and there;
But if you wish to find Me,
In yourself seek Me.
Soul, since you are My room,
My house and dwelling,
If at any time,
Through your distracted ways,
I find the door tightly closed,
Outside yourself seek Me not,
To find Me it will be
Enough only to call Me,
Then quickly will I come,
And in yourself seek Me.
*the rhyme is off due to translation from Spanish to English
Beautiful Meditation!!
August 20, 2008
Finding a groove
The Lord leads us all down our own road. We have companions who join us for bits and pieces and some who may join us for what seem to be the entire thing! Yet, we all know that nobody else walks exactly the same path that we do and so we must each find our own niche.
So here I am at home, where I grew up and belonged at one time. i shall always belong here in a sense that it is part of my roots, but there is a sense of walking along someone else's road. I a here as I wait try to figure out what road to walk along, where am I called to go.
While at home I am trying to find my groove here. Which Mass to go to, how to set up prayer times, what sort of work to do. so I beg your prayers as I continue to find the horarium of home life :)
So here I am at home, where I grew up and belonged at one time. i shall always belong here in a sense that it is part of my roots, but there is a sense of walking along someone else's road. I a here as I wait try to figure out what road to walk along, where am I called to go.
While at home I am trying to find my groove here. Which Mass to go to, how to set up prayer times, what sort of work to do. so I beg your prayers as I continue to find the horarium of home life :)
August 13, 2008
Back into Society
My dear friends I am sorry for the wait but i am not home and posting once again. I spent the last month in a cloister in Tyringham, MA. It was a beautiful experience which I will be sharing in pieces with you all.
What I would like to share with you today is how society appears after a month on the inside. First I must ask you to picture the beauty of silence and living for a month in the blanket of natural beauty. A month within a cocoon of gentleness and love. How do you return to regular society? Well, I have always been an extremely busy and active individual which comes from living in a very active family. At the monastery life moves at a slower pace so that each moment and each action can be thought about and used as a prayer. So, I return. Day one I arrive after a few hours of travel in airplanes and airports to find out that my brother is also arriving the same day. After breakfast, he arrives and we go home. Within an hour of being home, he is already out the door to a friend's house and I am joining my mother for a short walk and then out to the movies.
When we walked into the theatre i felt completely overwhelmed! It was blasting the sound into the little room so that one could no longer think anything due to the piercing noise level! I had never realized how loud movie theatres were prior to this point as I had become accustomed to the mere dropping of a mop seeming loud and disturbing! My mind dulled and the noise did not seem so loud as I settled into the plot and enjoyed the movie.
Continual noise and movement are so much a part of daily life it is astounding! A typical day is filled with continual noise. And it seems that everything is rushed! We run from one thing to the next in a blur of action! Family meals take just under a half hour normally and then it is off to the next event! It was a huge adjustment which seemed quite strange to be in. This has been my life for 23 years! Even more so in college as I ran from class to class, meeting to meeting, and ate most meals on the run! Only during Mass and my one hour of prayer did I stop to breathe and focus completely on the activity at hand. In one month of cloistered life, could I really have adjusted so much? The only logical reason why it would be hard after a single month to return to life as you have lived it for 23 years is that I am not meant for the life I have been accustomed to. The adjustment into the cloister was hard, but seemed normal and I was at peace the entire time. Coming home it seemed that my head began spinning immediately especially as we drove over to church and turned on the radio as we were also having a conversation! This world bombards us with noise and activity and yet as humans we cannot possibly take it all in and so much of it is wasted energy just decreasing our ability to truly focus on what is important.
I was able to reflect on this after hearing a story of a young man who was deaf. After 20 or so years, they were able to provide him with hearing aids. After a short time, he was found ripping them out as it was too much! He was at peace in the silence and was able to communicate just fine, all the noise was too much for him and so he opted to go without! What a beautiful revelation for me to feel so connected and find this inner desire to return to the silence and the peace which accompanies it. I may be a talkative and active person but I would give anothing for a whole day of silence where no conversations or radio or TV could take me away from my union with God.
Oh Lord shine your grace upon this busy world and give us a chance for silence amidst our high noise-level acitivities.
What I would like to share with you today is how society appears after a month on the inside. First I must ask you to picture the beauty of silence and living for a month in the blanket of natural beauty. A month within a cocoon of gentleness and love. How do you return to regular society? Well, I have always been an extremely busy and active individual which comes from living in a very active family. At the monastery life moves at a slower pace so that each moment and each action can be thought about and used as a prayer. So, I return. Day one I arrive after a few hours of travel in airplanes and airports to find out that my brother is also arriving the same day. After breakfast, he arrives and we go home. Within an hour of being home, he is already out the door to a friend's house and I am joining my mother for a short walk and then out to the movies.
When we walked into the theatre i felt completely overwhelmed! It was blasting the sound into the little room so that one could no longer think anything due to the piercing noise level! I had never realized how loud movie theatres were prior to this point as I had become accustomed to the mere dropping of a mop seeming loud and disturbing! My mind dulled and the noise did not seem so loud as I settled into the plot and enjoyed the movie.
Continual noise and movement are so much a part of daily life it is astounding! A typical day is filled with continual noise. And it seems that everything is rushed! We run from one thing to the next in a blur of action! Family meals take just under a half hour normally and then it is off to the next event! It was a huge adjustment which seemed quite strange to be in. This has been my life for 23 years! Even more so in college as I ran from class to class, meeting to meeting, and ate most meals on the run! Only during Mass and my one hour of prayer did I stop to breathe and focus completely on the activity at hand. In one month of cloistered life, could I really have adjusted so much? The only logical reason why it would be hard after a single month to return to life as you have lived it for 23 years is that I am not meant for the life I have been accustomed to. The adjustment into the cloister was hard, but seemed normal and I was at peace the entire time. Coming home it seemed that my head began spinning immediately especially as we drove over to church and turned on the radio as we were also having a conversation! This world bombards us with noise and activity and yet as humans we cannot possibly take it all in and so much of it is wasted energy just decreasing our ability to truly focus on what is important.
I was able to reflect on this after hearing a story of a young man who was deaf. After 20 or so years, they were able to provide him with hearing aids. After a short time, he was found ripping them out as it was too much! He was at peace in the silence and was able to communicate just fine, all the noise was too much for him and so he opted to go without! What a beautiful revelation for me to feel so connected and find this inner desire to return to the silence and the peace which accompanies it. I may be a talkative and active person but I would give anothing for a whole day of silence where no conversations or radio or TV could take me away from my union with God.
Oh Lord shine your grace upon this busy world and give us a chance for silence amidst our high noise-level acitivities.
July 01, 2008
My dear friends,
May the Lord shine His grace upon you! Tomorrow I will be traveling to Tyringham, Massachusetts. I will be trying out the cloistered life for the month and am looking forward to the challenges and enlightenments this month will provide for me.
I would like to ask for you prayers and also inform you that due to the cloistered environment that I will be entering into, I will not be posting any new segments until I return.Please feel free to check out these amazing sisters at: http://www.vistyr.org/.
I am excited to spend a month more intensely united to my Beloved and pray that my time in union with Him may be for the good of others and not just a selfish desire of my own. God be with you!
May the Lord shine His grace upon you! Tomorrow I will be traveling to Tyringham, Massachusetts. I will be trying out the cloistered life for the month and am looking forward to the challenges and enlightenments this month will provide for me.
I would like to ask for you prayers and also inform you that due to the cloistered environment that I will be entering into, I will not be posting any new segments until I return.Please feel free to check out these amazing sisters at: http://www.vistyr.org/.
I am excited to spend a month more intensely united to my Beloved and pray that my time in union with Him may be for the good of others and not just a selfish desire of my own. God be with you!
June 29, 2008
God and fleas?
I have been visiting family and friends for the past few weeks and God has revealed himself in so many ways, while also revealing my own weaknesses and shortcomings. One such very unusual way is through fleas. It sounds strange, but as I was petting my grandparent's dog, I felt something bite me. Looking down I saw it was a flea! So we went into a full-force cleaning of the house and animals. They received flea treatments and the carpets received thorough attention as well.
How was this an experience which brought me closer to Christ? First of all, it really helped me to come out of myself and complete service to my grandparents and their animals as I tried to do everything possible in the short time I was there. But more than that, it gave me a deeper appreciation for the sufferings of those who cannot live in very clean environments due to financial or social difficulties.
Never before do I remember getting bitten by a flea, although my own animals have had them and this experience and the subsequent flea bites I obtained allowed me to truly feel for those less fortunate than myself. I have worked and volunteered helping the poor, but never truly felt for them as I did then. How strange that such a small little creature, despised by so many could put me in contact with my fellow man!
Thank God for fleas!
How was this an experience which brought me closer to Christ? First of all, it really helped me to come out of myself and complete service to my grandparents and their animals as I tried to do everything possible in the short time I was there. But more than that, it gave me a deeper appreciation for the sufferings of those who cannot live in very clean environments due to financial or social difficulties.
Never before do I remember getting bitten by a flea, although my own animals have had them and this experience and the subsequent flea bites I obtained allowed me to truly feel for those less fortunate than myself. I have worked and volunteered helping the poor, but never truly felt for them as I did then. How strange that such a small little creature, despised by so many could put me in contact with my fellow man!Thank God for fleas!
June 27, 2008
The beauty of family
Family is an interesting term as it includes so many people, many of whom we often do not know or have never met. I also have found myself reflecting on the family of the Church. I went to Mass this morning at the Little Sisters of the Poor home in Newark and introduced myself to one of the sisters there. She was so excited to hear who was in Palatine and how things were while I was there, it made me realize how large the Little Sisters family is, but also has opened my eyes to the family of the church.
Reading an update from Maggie's Place, where I used to work, I also saw that although it is a workplace with women coming and going according to need, they are a family. They even had a chance to go on a "family vacation"!
So, my dear family, I love you and for those of you whom I have never met, I look forward to meeting you in Heaven! God be with you!
Reading an update from Maggie's Place, where I used to work, I also saw that although it is a workplace with women coming and going according to need, they are a family. They even had a chance to go on a "family vacation"!
So, my dear family, I love you and for those of you whom I have never met, I look forward to meeting you in Heaven! God be with you!
June 19, 2008
Simple Prayer
I am doing a few weeks of traveling around visiting friends and relatives. While at my grandparents, I was able to help with a bit of weeding and mowing the lawn. As I mowed the lawn in the solitary sound of the mower, I felt that it was almost like the silence of a peaceful monastery. It seems hard to explain, but I found myself happily praying as I was mowing the lawn reflecting on the beautiful method of prayer this outdoor work was becoming. I loved it! never have I enjoyed mowing a lawn so much!
I also had a chance to pressure wash a few outdoor areas and this provided me with a very similar experience. I enjoyed my chance to drown out all other noise and have a merely droning hum in my ears that allowed my concentration to once more be enlivened on Christ alone.
As I learn these simple pleasures and the beauty which God provides through work, I am even more anxious to find the monastery God is beckoning me to enter. I struggle to find the patience necessary and the trust in God's timing.
thank you for your prayers! May God bless you!
I also had a chance to pressure wash a few outdoor areas and this provided me with a very similar experience. I enjoyed my chance to drown out all other noise and have a merely droning hum in my ears that allowed my concentration to once more be enlivened on Christ alone.
As I learn these simple pleasures and the beauty which God provides through work, I am even more anxious to find the monastery God is beckoning me to enter. I struggle to find the patience necessary and the trust in God's timing.
thank you for your prayers! May God bless you!
June 12, 2008
Cleaning out
For the past week, I have been digging through my closet and trying to get rid of everything I think my parents would not want. I have saved extraordinary amounts of papers, letter, id tags, plane tickets, post cards... etc. I finally finished sorting through everything yesterday and the closet looks bare! It is good to have done it thought and the knowledge that my parents will not have to worry about that mess when I am gone is a good one.
While God is pouring amazing grace upon me as I had not been able to part with even a left-over bag from a purchase in Rome and now all of that is gone, I also come face to face with the crossroads which is in front of me at this time. Spending another few weeks seeing people on the other side of the state, saying good-bye again, and planning a month in a monastery in Massachusetts all place before me, very tangibly, the sacrifices/joys/excitement/fear of my very near future.
thank you for your prayers. I look forward to the day when I can share with you an entrance date and place! God bless!
While God is pouring amazing grace upon me as I had not been able to part with even a left-over bag from a purchase in Rome and now all of that is gone, I also come face to face with the crossroads which is in front of me at this time. Spending another few weeks seeing people on the other side of the state, saying good-bye again, and planning a month in a monastery in Massachusetts all place before me, very tangibly, the sacrifices/joys/excitement/fear of my very near future.
thank you for your prayers. I look forward to the day when I can share with you an entrance date and place! God bless!
June 07, 2008
Nocturnal Adoration
My father is part of a group called Nocturnal Adoration. On the first friday of every moth there is Eucharistic Adoration throughout the entire night where groups take different shifts throughout the evening. I was blessed to go with m father this month as he was there 11-12.
The other men asked me to lead the prayers and I felt so unworthy! This faithful group which meets every month was to be led by me, a visitor! But oh how good God is that they asked me to do this as I was then given the chance to be up front on a kneeler closest to my dear Lord!!! Oh to be so close to Him! What a blessing!
Thank You God!!!!
The other men asked me to lead the prayers and I felt so unworthy! This faithful group which meets every month was to be led by me, a visitor! But oh how good God is that they asked me to do this as I was then given the chance to be up front on a kneeler closest to my dear Lord!!! Oh to be so close to Him! What a blessing!
Thank You God!!!!
June 05, 2008
Adoration Blessings
My dear friends!
Oh how wonderfully glorious it is to have Adoration available to us! Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to Adoration at a local parish for 3 hours!!! How fantastic! Truly this is the bread we live on and it is the source of our life, the fire of our soul! How truly blessed we are as Catholics to have Christ present and vulnerably placing Himself before us to aid us in being vulnerable with Him, in seeing Him, and in diving into His Heart!
I am also blessed because I am at home trying to live a balance of being with my family while obeying the Lord's constant urgings to come and kneel at His side. What a beautiful blessing it is to have a family who understands this yearning and encourages my time in the chapel! Praise God!!!
Oh how wonderfully glorious it is to have Adoration available to us! Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to Adoration at a local parish for 3 hours!!! How fantastic! Truly this is the bread we live on and it is the source of our life, the fire of our soul! How truly blessed we are as Catholics to have Christ present and vulnerably placing Himself before us to aid us in being vulnerable with Him, in seeing Him, and in diving into His Heart!
I am also blessed because I am at home trying to live a balance of being with my family while obeying the Lord's constant urgings to come and kneel at His side. What a beautiful blessing it is to have a family who understands this yearning and encourages my time in the chapel! Praise God!!!
June 03, 2008
Passionist Nuns in Pittsburgh
In typical Joanna fashion, I had visited the Passionists Nuns in Whitesville, KY but there is a monastery 20 minutes from my house which I didn't even think to go and visit!
Well, I have finally overcome this barrier of visiting within driving distance and took the 20 minute (2 hour for people with a poor sense of direction) drive to the monastery yesterday. I was permitted to enter the Monastery and even to eat in the refectory with the nuns! How wonderful to chant the office with them and to be surrounded by such holy women who make many of the altar breads for our diocese. they have Adoration everyday and all-day Adoration on Fridays! How incredible!
The poor monastery was surrounded by farm fields when it was built in 1911, but now is surrounded by the city and the beautiful silence of the chapel is interrupted by the busy streets outside the chapel windows. Even as they have been engulfed by the town, they have learned that it is an aid in prayer as they are continually drawn out of themselves to pray for the streets below, and the teens they can hear outside during their 1AM prayer.
As I dive deeper into His Heart the mysteries also grow deeper! Glory be to God who is so wonderful that we can spend our entire lives searching His ways and continue to discover new things and deeper meanings until the day we die! For as one of the sisters said to me, we travel in an ever deepening circle, continuing the learn the same lessons at deeper and deeper levels. Let us drill into His heart as our circles dig deeper!!!
May 31, 2008
VIdeo
For those of you who may not have seen this... I have posted our chicken dance "I wanna be a Nun" version at the bottom of my blog. Have a look! It was a tribute to Mother Gertrude who was the Mother Provincial of the Chicago Province for the Little Sisters of the Poor when we began the LoveServes program.
The draw of the cloister
After a week at home, the Lord has truly been blessing my vocation as He strengthens this draw for the the cloistered life. The drastic difference from living with the Little Sisters to now living at home is enough to pull me once more towards the cloister!
My Beloved awaits me and yet I can spend only a minimal amount of time in the chapel as my duty here is to be with my family and be present to the needs here (as well as a major cleaning and clearing out of my room). Even while in Palatine, it seemed I could not get enough time with Him alone and so He draws me ever closer to His Heart!
As I struggle to let go of my own ideas and accept His, I am learning how much He loves me. I thought, once again incorrectly, that I had things figured out a little bit and could handle my schedule all by myself. Wrong-o! It looks as if walking across the country again was not in God's plan (unless I am mis-reading Him again of course) and I am trying to "be not afraid" of other decisions which lay upon the horizon.
May God continue to bless you all and please be assured of my love!
My Beloved awaits me and yet I can spend only a minimal amount of time in the chapel as my duty here is to be with my family and be present to the needs here (as well as a major cleaning and clearing out of my room). Even while in Palatine, it seemed I could not get enough time with Him alone and so He draws me ever closer to His Heart!
As I struggle to let go of my own ideas and accept His, I am learning how much He loves me. I thought, once again incorrectly, that I had things figured out a little bit and could handle my schedule all by myself. Wrong-o! It looks as if walking across the country again was not in God's plan (unless I am mis-reading Him again of course) and I am trying to "be not afraid" of other decisions which lay upon the horizon.
May God continue to bless you all and please be assured of my love!
May 29, 2008
Home again
My dear friends, I post here on this blog once more as I discern away from the Little Sisters of the Poor. They are near and dear to my heart and spending the last three months with them was a wonderful experience which I shall cherish forever, but my soul desires more. I desire a way in which I can sacrifice more for God and become totally His through the medium of Himself.
Please understand that to serve our Lord in those who are around us is an important and very self-sacrificing task as you seek to see Him within each resident in the home and a very tangible way in which to soothe His wounds. I truly fell more in love with Him as I tended to His children, my brothers and sisters there in Palatine.
I have been posting with the Little Sisters of the Poor on their vocation blog . It is a beautiful site, but as I leave this wonderful live-in program, I also must pull away from the blog. I may be sharing more stories and memories as I continue to blog on this site.
God bless! I am off to say my office!
Please understand that to serve our Lord in those who are around us is an important and very self-sacrificing task as you seek to see Him within each resident in the home and a very tangible way in which to soothe His wounds. I truly fell more in love with Him as I tended to His children, my brothers and sisters there in Palatine.
I have been posting with the Little Sisters of the Poor on their vocation blog . It is a beautiful site, but as I leave this wonderful live-in program, I also must pull away from the blog. I may be sharing more stories and memories as I continue to blog on this site.
God bless! I am off to say my office!
January 07, 2008
A Little Dancer
While in the chapel late last night
my soul decided to take flight.
It danced around in my heart
she might never again be apart
From her Savior and her King
who remains still beaconing.
my soul decided to take flight.
It danced around in my heart
she might never again be apart
From her Savior and her King
who remains still beaconing.
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