May--the Month of Our Lady

Tomorrow is May 1st--the month of Our Lady. May is such a perfect month to remember our Heavenly Mother. It is blooming with life and God's loving touch.

This is my favorite picture of Mary. It is a painting of Our Lady of the Rosary that I have hanging in a gold oval frame in my living room. There is something so comforting about it. She is so beautiful and serene, in spite of all that she suffered.

I think that is one of the messages of Mary's life. She suffered so much (hence her titles such as Our Lady of Sorrows and Mother of Sorrows.) But her beauty is our human way of portraying her sinless nature. She keeps that inner beauty through all her sufferings, although she was completely human.

May--the Month of Our Lady

Tomorrow is May 1st--the month of Our Lady. May is such a perfect month to remember our Heavenly Mother. It is blooming with life and God's loving touch.

This is my favorite picture of Mary. It is a painting of Our Lady of the Rosary that I have hanging in a gold oval frame in my living room. There is something so comforting about it. She is so beautiful and serene, in spite of all that she suffered.

I think that is one of the messages of Mary's life. She suffered so much (hence her titles such as Our Lady of Sorrows and Mother of Sorrows.) But her beauty is our human way of portraying her sinless nature. She keeps that inner beauty through all her sufferings, although she was completely human.

The DaVinci Code

The Vatican has called for a boycott of The DaVinci Code film. From what I hear about it, that's a no-brainer.

Catholic World News reports that "The secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has called for a boycott of the film version of The Da Vinci Code, saying that the work is "full of calumnies, offenses, and historical and theological errors."

Not being much of a movie-goer, I wasn't planning on going anyway, but as I said, to me, this is a no-brainer for Catholics.

For more information on the errors in The DaVinci Code, see the Catholic Answers Special Report.

The DaVinci Code

The Vatican has called for a boycott of The DaVinci Code film. From what I hear about it, that's a no-brainer.

Catholic World News reports that "The secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has called for a boycott of the film version of The Da Vinci Code, saying that the work is "full of calumnies, offenses, and historical and theological errors."

Not being much of a movie-goer, I wasn't planning on going anyway, but as I said, to me, this is a no-brainer for Catholics.

For more information on the errors in The DaVinci Code, see the Catholic Answers Special Report.

An Adult Faith

An Adult faith does not follow the waves of fashion and the latest novelties.
Joseph Ratzinger--Pope Benedict XVI

I've been listening to something on EWTN radio today. The speaker is saying that when a person transitions from childhood to adulthood, their faith should go from an emotion-based faith to a rational-based faith. They often go through a stage of questioning, because they want to "prove" the tenants of their faith. This is where apologetics comes in. It is important for parents and religious ed teachers at this age to know why they believe what they believe.

This reliance on emotion-based faith made me think of the many adults led by many churches/belief systems that rely mainly or soley on an emotion as proof of faith or salvation. "Feeling" it, is believing it in these cases. If you have a dry period, you are suddenly afraid that you are "backsliding" and no longer believing.

An adult faith on the other hand, is a faith that knows the basis for its belief. That is not to say that emotion never plays a part in adult faith. We are sometimes blessed with spontaneous feelings of praise to God for His many gifts to us. But if one doesn't experience this, or other "positive" emotions, that is a cross that we sometimes have to bear. Saint John of the Cross called this "the dark night of the soul." Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta experienced this for the last half of her life.

Dr. Darryl Pokea says that

Many today, through the lens of ego perception, would like us to fantasize that Mother Theresa was in a state of spiritual ecstasy, high on God that made her immune to placing her self in situations among those living in agonizing poverty and suffering. There were no spiritual endorphins that lifted Mother Theresa away from compassionately feeling the suffering of those she was serving. She was not held up by any spiritual narcoticized state.

The Catholic Church stands alone among churches in recognizing the efficacy of suffering. We can each offer up our dry times and times of suffering to the Lord, uniting our suffering with His.

Becoming an adult in the faith can, and probably will, involve some suffering. But all is not lost. God is still there.

An Adult Faith

An Adult faith does not follow the waves of fashion and the latest novelties.
Joseph Ratzinger--Pope Benedict XVI

I've been listening to something on EWTN radio today. The speaker is saying that when a person transitions from childhood to adulthood, their faith should go from an emotion-based faith to a rational-based faith. They often go through a stage of questioning, because they want to "prove" the tenants of their faith. This is where apologetics comes in. It is important for parents and religious ed teachers at this age to know why they believe what they believe.

This reliance on emotion-based faith made me think of the many adults led by many churches/belief systems that rely mainly or soley on an emotion as proof of faith or salvation. "Feeling" it, is believing it in these cases. If you have a dry period, you are suddenly afraid that you are "backsliding" and no longer believing.

An adult faith on the other hand, is a faith that knows the basis for its belief. That is not to say that emotion never plays a part in adult faith. We are sometimes blessed with spontaneous feelings of praise to God for His many gifts to us. But if one doesn't experience this, or other "positive" emotions, that is a cross that we sometimes have to bear. Saint John of the Cross called this "the dark night of the soul." Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta experienced this for the last half of her life.

Dr. Darryl Pokea says that

Many today, through the lens of ego perception, would like us to fantasize that Mother Theresa was in a state of spiritual ecstasy, high on God that made her immune to placing her self in situations among those living in agonizing poverty and suffering. There were no spiritual endorphins that lifted Mother Theresa away from compassionately feeling the suffering of those she was serving. She was not held up by any spiritual narcoticized state.

The Catholic Church stands alone among churches in recognizing the efficacy of suffering. We can each offer up our dry times and times of suffering to the Lord, uniting our suffering with His.

Becoming an adult in the faith can, and probably will, involve some suffering. But all is not lost. God is still there.

Cat adopts puppy

A tiny, black pug puppy in Connellsville, Pa, has been adopted by a neighboring tabby cat with three kittens. The puppy, which was the runt of its litter, is about the same size as the kittens, and is being nursed by the mother cat.

The mother cat may not know the difference between the puppy and her kittens, but that little white kitten looks like she knows something is amiss!

Cat adopts puppy

A tiny, black pug puppy in Connellsville, Pa, has been adopted by a neighboring tabby cat with three kittens. The puppy, which was the runt of its litter, is about the same size as the kittens, and is being nursed by the mother cat.

The mother cat may not know the difference between the puppy and her kittens, but that little white kitten looks like she knows something is amiss!

GasBuddy.com

I came across a site called GasBuddy.com. It has the lowest gas prices by state/province and city in the U.S. and Canada. You can click on a state or province and it will give you the highest and lowest gas prices in the region. You can also enter in your zip code and it will give you the lowest gas prices in your area.

The sad thing is, it looks like the lowest average gas price in the U.S. is in Wyoming at 2.584 per gallon. At any rate, visit Gas Buddy to see that we are all in a very similar boat here!

BTW, I do realize that in Europe, gas prices are much higher and have been for years. Unfortunately, many of us in the U.S. live in areas with little or no public transportation and have to drive hours to and from work every day.

GasBuddy.com

I came across a site called GasBuddy.com. It has the lowest gas prices by state/province and city in the U.S. and Canada. You can click on a state or province and it will give you the highest and lowest gas prices in the region. You can also enter in your zip code and it will give you the lowest gas prices in your area.

The sad thing is, it looks like the lowest average gas price in the U.S. is in Wyoming at 2.584 per gallon. At any rate, visit Gas Buddy to see that we are all in a very similar boat here!

BTW, I do realize that in Europe, gas prices are much higher and have been for years. Unfortunately, many of us in the U.S. live in areas with little or no public transportation and have to drive hours to and from work every day.

flash of red
glimpsed through the trees
on black wing

white from yellow
blooming in the grass
not weeds to me!

small yellow blossom
favorite childhood flower
do you like butter?

More reality about tv

Television is classically abusive.

1) It isolates you from friends and family.
2) It pressures you sexually into activities you may not be comfortable with.
3) It is violent.
4) It continually belittles you.
5) Makes "jokes" that shame, humiliate, demean or embarrass you.

Hats off to dh for reminding me of this.

More reality about tv

Television is classically abusive.

1) It isolates you from friends and family.
2) It pressures you sexually into activities you may not be comfortable with.
3) It is violent.
4) It continually belittles you.
5) Makes "jokes" that shame, humiliate, demean or embarrass you.

Hats off to dh for reminding me of this.

TV Turnoff Week--starting 4/24--DO IT!!!!

Monday, April 24 begins TV Turnoff Week. The TV Turnoff Network is asking us to ditch the television for a week. Not convinced you need to turn off your television for a week? How about these stats:

1) The average American home has the TV on for a total of 7 hours, 40 minutes per day.
2) The average American watches 4 hours of TV per day.
3) The average American child UNDER 6 spends a total of 2 hours per day watching some type of screen media.
4) The average parent spends 38.5 minutes per WEEK in meaningful conversation with their children.
5) 54% of 4-6 year olds say they would rather spend time watching TV than spend time with their fathers.
6) Between 1993 and 1996 the percentage of homicides covered by television news increased 721%. During the same period, actual homicides decreased by 20%.

As someone who is greatly concerned with mental health issues, I am fully convinced that television can really contribute to an exacerbation of mental illness symptoms, especially in the environment that exists following 9/11. But as the above statistics show, even prior to the terrorist attacks of 2001, network news shows were greatly increasing coverage of homicides to the public.

Television is lying to you, people. For decades, television has told us that we all have to look the same, act the same, and that we are never good enough. We never spend enough money. Everyone else has (fill in the blank with a tempting product) but us. We should empty our bank accounts to keep up with our neighbors, claim many TV commercials. If we believed what TV showed us, we would all be in imminent danger of death by violence every time we walk out the door. Everything we eat or buy would be potentially life threatening.

Sex is touted as a "right". Anyone trying to live a chaste life is ridiculed and laughed at. A fulfilling early adulthood should be spent sleeping around. Porn is seen as a healthy supplement because life without sex is not possible. In TV land, women are sexual objects, catty and competitive. Men are bumbling idiots unnecessary to the life of women and children.

Whitedot reminds us that the last generation to grow up without TV is quickly dying off. They *gasp* made up their own childhood games and learned to get along with each other because they were forced to live without constant entertainment. They did not need gobs of "activities" organized by adults living their lives through their children and watching for every litigious action that might take place. They did the job of children--they invented. They lived. They PLAYED!

Do you have any sense of how rich our lives would be without all the media we are subjected to today? Do you have any idea of the risk we take in turning our brains and opinions over to television? If Nazi Germany can thrive with the propaganda machine available to it in the 1930's, imagine what a similarly minded tyrant could do today.

Learn to form your own opinions. Learn to live your own life.

TURN OFF THE TV!

TV Turnoff Week--starting 4/24--DO IT!!!!

Monday, April 24 begins TV Turnoff Week. The TV Turnoff Network is asking us to ditch the television for a week. Not convinced you need to turn off your television for a week? How about these stats:

1) The average American home has the TV on for a total of 7 hours, 40 minutes per day.
2) The average American watches 4 hours of TV per day.
3) The average American child UNDER 6 spends a total of 2 hours per day watching some type of screen media.
4) The average parent spends 38.5 minutes per WEEK in meaningful conversation with their children.
5) 54% of 4-6 year olds say they would rather spend time watching TV than spend time with their fathers.
6) Between 1993 and 1996 the percentage of homicides covered by television news increased 721%. During the same period, actual homicides decreased by 20%.

As someone who is greatly concerned with mental health issues, I am fully convinced that television can really contribute to an exacerbation of mental illness symptoms, especially in the environment that exists following 9/11. But as the above statistics show, even prior to the terrorist attacks of 2001, network news shows were greatly increasing coverage of homicides to the public.

Television is lying to you, people. For decades, television has told us that we all have to look the same, act the same, and that we are never good enough. We never spend enough money. Everyone else has (fill in the blank with a tempting product) but us. We should empty our bank accounts to keep up with our neighbors, claim many TV commercials. If we believed what TV showed us, we would all be in imminent danger of death by violence every time we walk out the door. Everything we eat or buy would be potentially life threatening.

Sex is touted as a "right". Anyone trying to live a chaste life is ridiculed and laughed at. A fulfilling early adulthood should be spent sleeping around. Porn is seen as a healthy supplement because life without sex is not possible. In TV land, women are sexual objects, catty and competitive. Men are bumbling idiots unnecessary to the life of women and children.

Whitedot reminds us that the last generation to grow up without TV is quickly dying off. They *gasp* made up their own childhood games and learned to get along with each other because they were forced to live without constant entertainment. They did not need gobs of "activities" organized by adults living their lives through their children and watching for every litigious action that might take place. They did the job of children--they invented. They lived. They PLAYED!

Do you have any sense of how rich our lives would be without all the media we are subjected to today? Do you have any idea of the risk we take in turning our brains and opinions over to television? If Nazi Germany can thrive with the propaganda machine available to it in the 1930's, imagine what a similarly minded tyrant could do today.

Learn to form your own opinions. Learn to live your own life.

TURN OFF THE TV!

Divine Mercy Sunday

Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and blood.

from the second reading for Divine Mercy Sunday--

~1 John 5:5-6

Divine Mercy Sunday

Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and blood.

from the second reading for Divine Mercy Sunday--

~1 John 5:5-6

Divine Mercy Novena--Ninth Day

Ninth Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like
corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen

Divine Mercy Novena--Ninth Day

Ninth Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like
corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen

Divine Mercy Novena--Eighth Day

Eighth Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Eighth Day

Eighth Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Happy Anniversary, Pope Benedict!

I am a day late in commenting on the anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict. I remember hearing that he asked his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, many times, for permission to retire. I can't help but think that the former Holy Father's refusal to accept Ratzinger's retirement was because he (JPII) "knew" in some sense, what lay ahead for him.

It has also been said that Ratzinger was troubled when it first looked as though the votes of the conclave were starting to go his way, until someone asked him to say yes if the Lord were to call him.

The fact that this man, who is so intelligent, and had worked at the side of the previous Holy Father for years, was still reluctant to take on the job of his sucessor, tells us that we all have doubts from time to time.

Being Pope is a job that is so important and all encompasing as to be almost incomprehensible.

Only by the grace of God do we all continue to live, move and have our being. Lets continue to pray for this pope and for the Church.

Happy Anniversary, Pope Benedict!

I am a day late in commenting on the anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict. I remember hearing that he asked his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, many times, for permission to retire. I can't help but think that the former Holy Father's refusal to accept Ratzinger's retirement was because he (JPII) "knew" in some sense, what lay ahead for him.

It has also been said that Ratzinger was troubled when it first looked as though the votes of the conclave were starting to go his way, until someone asked him to say yes if the Lord were to call him.

The fact that this man, who is so intelligent, and had worked at the side of the previous Holy Father for years, was still reluctant to take on the job of his sucessor, tells us that we all have doubts from time to time.

Being Pope is a job that is so important and all encompasing as to be almost incomprehensible.

Only by the grace of God do we all continue to live, move and have our being. Lets continue to pray for this pope and for the Church.

Divine Mercy Novena--Seventh Day

Seventh Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Especially Venerate and Glorify My Mercy and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident in Your Mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Seventh Day

Seventh Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Especially Venerate and Glorify My Mercy and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident in Your Mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

Punctuate this--Part II

Another "punctuate this" from Mart. I promise not to give the answer away this time, which is pretty easy, because I don't know it yet!

Jane while John had had had had had had had had had had had the teacher's approval.

Punctuate this--Part II

Another "punctuate this" from Mart. I promise not to give the answer away this time, which is pretty easy, because I don't know it yet!

Jane while John had had had had had had had had had had had the teacher's approval.

Divine Mercy Novena--Sixth Day

Sixth Day
"Today bring to Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace I favor humble souls with My confidence."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls and upon little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight you take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Sixth Day

Sixth Day
"Today bring to Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace I favor humble souls with My confidence."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls and upon little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight you take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Punctuate this!

That that is is that that is not is not.

How would this be properly punctuated?

~Hat tip to Mart over at the NFP board.

Punctuate this!

That that is is that that is not is not.

How would this be properly punctuated?

~Hat tip to Mart over at the NFP board.

Gratitude for God's blessings

The devil will try to upset you by accusing you of being unworthy of the blessings that you have received. Simply remain cheerful and do your best to ignore the devil's nagging. If need be even laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Satan, the epitome of sin itself, accuses you of unworthiness! When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!
– St. Teresa of Avila

Perhaps thanking God for the blessings he gives us is better than worrying over whether or not we are worthy, because God is a generous and merciful God.

Gratitude for God's blessings

The devil will try to upset you by accusing you of being unworthy of the blessings that you have received. Simply remain cheerful and do your best to ignore the devil's nagging. If need be even laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Satan, the epitome of sin itself, accuses you of unworthiness! When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!
– St. Teresa of Avila

Perhaps thanking God for the blessings he gives us is better than worrying over whether or not we are worthy, because God is a generous and merciful God.

Divine Mercy Novena--Fifth Day

Fifth Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Fifth Day

Fifth Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

crimson bird
on new spring lawn ~
God's artwork.

Mercy

Mercy is love that seeks to relieve the misery of others. It is an active love, poured out upon others to heal, to comfort, to console, to forgive and to remove pain.

~The Divine Mercy
Message and Devotion

Mercy

Mercy is love that seeks to relieve the misery of others. It is an active love, poured out upon others to heal, to comfort, to console, to forgive and to remove pain.

~The Divine Mercy
Message and Devotion

Divine Mercy Novena--Fourth Day

Fourth Day
"Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Fourth Day

Fourth Day
"Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Third Day

Third Day
"Today bring to Me All Devout and Faithful Souls and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Third Day

Third Day
"Today bring to Me All Devout and Faithful Souls and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Alleluia!

Alleluia!
The Lord is Risen!
The Lord is Risen Indeed!
Alleluia!

Alleluia!

Alleluia!
The Lord is Risen!
The Lord is Risen Indeed!
Alleluia!

Holy Saturday

Today is Holy Saturday. A day in which we await the Resurrection of Our Lord. Holy Saturday is the day in which Jesus "descended to the dead" to preach the Gospel to those who had gone before and were awaiting their Savior.

Holy Saturday

Today is Holy Saturday. A day in which we await the Resurrection of Our Lord. Holy Saturday is the day in which Jesus "descended to the dead" to preach the Gospel to those who had gone before and were awaiting their Savior.

Divine Mercy Novena--Second Day

Second Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Follow with the chaplet

Divine Mercy Novena--Second Day

Second Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Follow with the chaplet

the air is full
of abundant white petals
an Easter blizzard

Divine Mercy Sunday

On April 30, 2000, Pope John Paul II declared the Sunday after Easter to be Divine Mercy Sunday. Jesus told Saint Faustina,

“ I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.... Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy."
~Diary of Saint Faustina (699)

In the post below, I have the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena, which begins today, Good Friday, and goes on for 9 days.

Take advantage of God's deep Mercy!

Divine Mercy Sunday

On April 30, 2000, Pope John Paul II declared the Sunday after Easter to be Divine Mercy Sunday. Jesus told Saint Faustina,

“ I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.... Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy."
~Diary of Saint Faustina (699)

In the post below, I have the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena, which begins today, Good Friday, and goes on for 9 days.

Take advantage of God's deep Mercy!

The Divine Mercy Novena

Today is the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena of chaplets. Jesus told Saint Faustina,

"On each day of the novena you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls. By this novena I will grant every possible grace to souls." (Diary of Saint Faustina 1209, 796)

First Day
"Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.

2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

The Divine Mercy Novena

Today is the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena of chaplets. Jesus told Saint Faustina,

"On each day of the novena you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls. By this novena I will grant every possible grace to souls." (Diary of Saint Faustina 1209, 796)

First Day
"Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.

2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Good Friday

Behold the wood of the cross,
on which hung
the savior of the world.
Come, let us adore Him.

~From the liturgy on Good Friday

Good Friday

Behold the wood of the cross,
on which hung
the savior of the world.
Come, let us adore Him.

~From the liturgy on Good Friday

Holy Thursday

Today is Holy Thursday. The day Christ instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Come, let us adore Him.

Holy Thursday

Today is Holy Thursday. The day Christ instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Come, let us adore Him.

perfumed flowers
in the warm spring air--
God's gentle love

Saint Gemma Galgani, Pray for us!

Today is the 103rd anniversary of the death of Saint Gemma Galgani. She was born in Camigliano, Italy on March 12th, 1878, the fifth child, and first girl, of eight children. Her mother died when she was still quite young and her father died when she was just 19.

She received special permission to make her First Holy Communion at the then early age of 9, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

She developed curvature of the spine, and meningitis, which left her deaf. She lost her hair and became paralyzed. While ill, she read a biography of Saint Gabriel Possenti and became devoted to his Passionist spirituality. She had a vision at midnight on February 23rd, 1899, where St. Gabriel appeared to her and asked her to pray a novena to the Sacred Heart for a cure for her illness. When the novena ended on the first Friday in March, she was cured.

She had a fervent prayer life, went to Mass and vespers daily and had regular conversations with her guardian angel. She later received the stigmata (the marks of the 5 wounds of Christ.)

She was cannonized on May 2nd, 1940.

Anyone who knows me personally, will realize there are a few, eerie coincidences between my life and hers. She is my patron saint.

Saint Gemma Galgani, Pray for us!

Today is the 103rd anniversary of the death of Saint Gemma Galgani. She was born in Camigliano, Italy on March 12th, 1878, the fifth child, and first girl, of eight children. Her mother died when she was still quite young and her father died when she was just 19.

She received special permission to make her First Holy Communion at the then early age of 9, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

She developed curvature of the spine, and meningitis, which left her deaf. She lost her hair and became paralyzed. While ill, she read a biography of Saint Gabriel Possenti and became devoted to his Passionist spirituality. She had a vision at midnight on February 23rd, 1899, where St. Gabriel appeared to her and asked her to pray a novena to the Sacred Heart for a cure for her illness. When the novena ended on the first Friday in March, she was cured.

She had a fervent prayer life, went to Mass and vespers daily and had regular conversations with her guardian angel. She later received the stigmata (the marks of the 5 wounds of Christ.)

She was cannonized on May 2nd, 1940.

Anyone who knows me personally, will realize there are a few, eerie coincidences between my life and hers. She is my patron saint.

† Holy Week 2006 †

This is Holy Week.

Listening to Father Benedict Grochel on EWTN today reminded me of some ways to focus our thoughts this week. We should resolve to redouble our efforts to live out our Lenten spirituality. Go to Mass as often as possible and confession if you have not been already during the season.

Turn off the television this week. Make a point to only watch those things which directly relate to this holy season. Get a copy of The Passion of the Christ, or Jesus of Nazareth and watch it prayerfully.

Try your best to clear your calendar of extraneous commitments, especially on Good Friday. While not a holy day of "obligation", it is a very solemn day in the Christian calendar in which to set aside to remember Christ's sacrifice.

Take part in the Easter Triduum. Attend Holy Thursday Mass, Good Friday Services and the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday Mass.

Make a point to read one of the Passion accounts in the New Testament and to pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary at the 3:00 hour on Good Friday. If possible, set aside the time from 12 noon to 3:00 on Good Friday, and commemorate the death of Our Lord on the cross in your own quiet and contemplative way.

† Holy Week 2006 †

This is Holy Week.

Listening to Father Benedict Grochel on EWTN today reminded me of some ways to focus our thoughts this week. We should resolve to redouble our efforts to live out our Lenten spirituality. Go to Mass as often as possible and confession if you have not been already during the season.

Turn off the television this week. Make a point to only watch those things which directly relate to this holy season. Get a copy of The Passion of the Christ, or Jesus of Nazareth and watch it prayerfully.

Try your best to clear your calendar of extraneous commitments, especially on Good Friday. While not a holy day of "obligation", it is a very solemn day in the Christian calendar in which to set aside to remember Christ's sacrifice.

Take part in the Easter Triduum. Attend Holy Thursday Mass, Good Friday Services and the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday Mass.

Make a point to read one of the Passion accounts in the New Testament and to pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary at the 3:00 hour on Good Friday. If possible, set aside the time from 12 noon to 3:00 on Good Friday, and commemorate the death of Our Lord on the cross in your own quiet and contemplative way.

silent cows
under the trees
in the rain

follow the sign
to Karumi Garden--
fresh perspective

Follow the sign!

Thanks to A Catholic Life for the link to this Street Sign Generator.

Follow the sign!

Thanks to A Catholic Life for the link to this Street Sign Generator.

Palm Sunday palm braiding tradition

This Sunday is Palm Sunday--the start of Holy Week. The Cafeteria is Closed reminded me of the tradition of braiding palms. I found a different link that shows how to braid the palms you get on Palm Sunday.

This picture (above) shows the finished braid which is similar to the kind my dad used to make for us. Alas, I have to look up the technique each year! The tradition is to braid the palm and put it behind any icons, crucifixes or holy pictures that you have around the house. This picture (below) shows a technique for braiding palms into a crown of thorns. I have never seen this before, but is so very appropriate for Holy Week.

The Link I have highlighted here gives a few other possibilities as well. Try it out this Palm Sunday!

Palm Sunday palm braiding tradition

This Sunday is Palm Sunday--the start of Holy Week. The Cafeteria is Closed reminded me of the tradition of braiding palms. I found a different link that shows how to braid the palms you get on Palm Sunday.

This picture (above) shows the finished braid which is similar to the kind my dad used to make for us. Alas, I have to look up the technique each year! The tradition is to braid the palm and put it behind any icons, crucifixes or holy pictures that you have around the house. This picture (below) shows a technique for braiding palms into a crown of thorns. I have never seen this before, but is so very appropriate for Holy Week.

The Link I have highlighted here gives a few other possibilities as well. Try it out this Palm Sunday!

Happy Birthday, Pope Benedict!

The Catholic Review reports that a New York based publisher is making free e-cards available for people to send to Pope Benedict for his birthday on April 16th.

Go to www.webelieveweb.com to choose one of the four electronic cards to send the Holy Father, either in English or Spanish for his 79th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Pope Benedict!

The Catholic Review reports that a New York based publisher is making free e-cards available for people to send to Pope Benedict for his birthday on April 16th.

Go to www.webelieveweb.com to choose one of the four electronic cards to send the Holy Father, either in English or Spanish for his 79th birthday.

Need a career change? Look no further.

I've decided that now is the time for a new profession. DH goes to a sedation dentist. I would like to go to a sedation tax preparer. Yes, a little valium around tax time is something that so many of us could benefit from, I think.

As with health professionals, "bedside" manner is important in tax preparers too. I need all the calm, cheerful encouragement I can get when mid-April comes around. I need to know that the professional is centered and in control because God knows I'm not!

Perhaps I should remember to pray and up my intake of Sleepy Time tea to start with.

Need a career change? Look no further.

I've decided that now is the time for a new profession. DH goes to a sedation dentist. I would like to go to a sedation tax preparer. Yes, a little valium around tax time is something that so many of us could benefit from, I think.

As with health professionals, "bedside" manner is important in tax preparers too. I need all the calm, cheerful encouragement I can get when mid-April comes around. I need to know that the professional is centered and in control because God knows I'm not!

Perhaps I should remember to pray and up my intake of Sleepy Time tea to start with.

Sweetie's Haiku

I walked with Mom.
She won't let me dig.
shake it off...

Smile!

Don't forget that

sometimes one needs

to have

smiling faces

around.
– St. Josemaria Escriva

Smile!

Don't forget that

sometimes one needs

to have

smiling faces

around.
– St. Josemaria Escriva

the blessing of
a chilly evening
with fire wood

Clergy scandal statistics

The Cafeteria is Closed has some very enlightening statistics on the clergy abuse scandal. The victims were overwhelmingly male and overwhelmingly in the 10-17 year old age group. The highest number of perpetrators were ordaned during the 1960's and more were diocesan priests than order priests. 1970 saw the highest rate of incidences. The rate of vicimization begins to go down soon after the election of John Paul II. The numbers are enlightening and the trend is hopeful.

Clergy scandal statistics

The Cafeteria is Closed has some very enlightening statistics on the clergy abuse scandal. The victims were overwhelmingly male and overwhelmingly in the 10-17 year old age group. The highest number of perpetrators were ordaned during the 1960's and more were diocesan priests than order priests. 1970 saw the highest rate of incidences. The rate of vicimization begins to go down soon after the election of John Paul II. The numbers are enlightening and the trend is hopeful.

Je prie le Rosaire--A Rosary initiative

Along with the Angelus initiative, Mickael also has a site for praying the Rosary. The site is in French. Je prie le Rosaire, (I pray the rosary) also has code for a button to put on your blog. The whole site is about the Holy Rosary, so if you know even a little French, I'll bet you can navigate your way around it, if you also know a bit about the Holy Rosary. For help with translation, go to an online tranlation site such as AltaVista Babel Fish.

Prie le Rosaire!

Je prie le Rosaire--A Rosary initiative

Along with the Angelus initiative, Mickael also has a site for praying the Rosary. The site is in French. Je prie le Rosaire, (I pray the rosary) also has code for a button to put on your blog. The whole site is about the Holy Rosary, so if you know even a little French, I'll bet you can navigate your way around it, if you also know a bit about the Holy Rosary. For help with translation, go to an online tranlation site such as AltaVista Babel Fish.

Prie le Rosaire!

In Memoriam-- † Karol Wojtyla †

Song of the brightness of water

From this depth--I came only to draw water
in a jug--so long ago, this brightness
still clings to my eyes--the perception I found,
and so much empty space, my own,
reflected in the well.

Yet it is good. I can never take all of you
into me. Stay then as a mirror in the well.
Leaves and flowers remain, and each astonished gaze
brings them down
into my eyes transfixed more by light
than by sorrow.

~Karol Wojtyla in Easter Vigil and Other Poems
1920-2005

In Memoriam-- † Karol Wojtyla †

Song of the brightness of water

From this depth--I came only to draw water
in a jug--so long ago, this brightness
still clings to my eyes--the perception I found,
and so much empty space, my own,
reflected in the well.

Yet it is good. I can never take all of you
into me. Stay then as a mirror in the well.
Leaves and flowers remain, and each astonished gaze
brings them down
into my eyes transfixed more by light
than by sorrow.

~Karol Wojtyla in Easter Vigil and Other Poems
1920-2005

Spring Ahead!

For those in the U.S. to whom it applies, don't forget to turn your clocks one hour ahead TONIGHT for Daylight Savings Time. You don't want to be late for church tomorrow, as I was each and every Spring while I was in college! :)

Spring Ahead!

For those in the U.S. to whom it applies, don't forget to turn your clocks one hour ahead TONIGHT for Daylight Savings Time. You don't want to be late for church tomorrow, as I was each and every Spring while I was in college! :)

Wisdom from the Holy Father

I wanted to share a quote from Pope Benedict that I read today in Magnificat Magazine.

The editorial by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P. says,

"The Holy Father goes on to explain that we worship God 'by dropping the fiction of a realm in which we could face Him as independent business partners, whereas in truth we can only exist at all in Him and from Him.'"

We are not God's "business partners" and we are certainly not God's equals in any way. If we were, He would not be God at all. God is not a magic 8 ball for us to manipulate and control to suit our quest for knowledge alone; even knowledge of ourselves. We were created, as the Baltimore Catechism tells us,

to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.

Wisdom from the Holy Father

I wanted to share a quote from Pope Benedict that I read today in Magnificat Magazine.

The editorial by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P. says,

"The Holy Father goes on to explain that we worship God 'by dropping the fiction of a realm in which we could face Him as independent business partners, whereas in truth we can only exist at all in Him and from Him.'"

We are not God's "business partners" and we are certainly not God's equals in any way. If we were, He would not be God at all. God is not a magic 8 ball for us to manipulate and control to suit our quest for knowledge alone; even knowledge of ourselves. We were created, as the Baltimore Catechism tells us,

to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.