Music Monday--Remember the Fallen

Music Monday--Remember the Fallen

Holy Trinity Sunday

In the West, the Holy Trinity is often pictured as Jesus the Son, the Father as a rather stereotypical "old man", and the Holy Spirit as a dove. As scripturally based as this is, it doesn't really portray the concept of "3 equal persons in 1 God" as does the typical Eastern depiction.

In the East, the Holy Trinity is most often portrayed as three angels. This comes from the Old Testament story of the Hospitality of Abraham. In Genesis 18, Abraham and Sarah are visited by three "wanderers" who prophesy the birth of Isaac after Abraham offers them hospitality.

The figure on the left represents the Father.  We see a very little of a blue garment, which represents the Heavens and alludes to the fact that we do not see the Father directly. Behind the Father we see "the Father's house"; his "mansion" with "many dwellings".

The figure in the middle represents Christ.  The dark garment represents the earth and alludes to his humanity. The gold stripe speaks of his kingship.  He rests his two fingers on the table to represent his humanity coupled with his divinity.  He points to a cup of wine.  He also wears a blue garment, representing the Heavens.  Behind him is a tree (the tree of life, the wood of the cross.)

The Holy Spirit, on the right, wears the green of new life along with the blue of the heavens.  The mountain in the background represents the mountain(s) on which God has often been encountered.

Hat tip to Wellsprings.

Holy Trinity Sunday

In the West, the Holy Trinity is often pictured as Jesus the Son, the Father as a rather stereotypical "old man", and the Holy Spirit as a dove. As scripturally based as this is, it doesn't really portray the concept of "3 equal persons in 1 God" as does the typical Eastern depiction.

In the East, the Holy Trinity is most often portrayed as three angels. This comes from the Old Testament story of the Hospitality of Abraham. In Genesis 18, Abraham and Sarah are visited by three "wanderers" who prophesy the birth of Isaac after Abraham offers them hospitality.

The figure on the left represents the Father.  We see a very little of a blue garment, which represents the Heavens and alludes to the fact that we do not see the Father directly. Behind the Father we see "the Father's house"; his "mansion" with "many dwellings".

The figure in the middle represents Christ.  The dark garment represents the earth and alludes to his humanity. The gold stripe speaks of his kingship.  He rests his two fingers on the table to represent his humanity coupled with his divinity.  He points to a cup of wine.  He also wears a blue garment, representing the Heavens.  Behind him is a tree (the tree of life, the wood of the cross.)

The Holy Spirit, on the right, wears the green of new life along with the blue of the heavens.  The mountain in the background represents the mountain(s) on which God has often been encountered.

Hat tip to Wellsprings.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at a This, That and the Other Thing. This week I talked about Forgiveness and Gentle Pentecost, St. John of Sinai on talkativeness, my friend, Dr. Elisa Koehler played Vivaldi for Music Monday, and our Scripture Saturday was a quote from psalms about sleeping peacefully in God's safety.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at a This, That and the Other Thing. This week I talked about Forgiveness and Gentle Pentecost, St. John of Sinai on talkativeness, my friend, Dr. Elisa Koehler played Vivaldi for Music Monday, and our Scripture Saturday was a quote from psalms about sleeping peacefully in God's safety.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Scripture Saturday

I lie down in peace and sleep comes at once for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.  ~Psalm 4:9

If we depend on God for security and safety, we will never be disappointed. Begin and end your days with the Lord, giving up trials to Him and remain open to what He wants you to learn. Then, peace will come.

Scripture Saturday

I lie down in peace and sleep comes at once for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.  ~Psalm 4:9

If we depend on God for security and safety, we will never be disappointed. Begin and end your days with the Lord, giving up trials to Him and remain open to what He wants you to learn. Then, peace will come.

Music Monday--Dr. Elisa Koehler

This week's music Monday is a famous Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Trumpets played by Reinhard Ehritt and my friend, Dr. Elisa Koehler in Paderborn, Germany in January, 2010. 

Music Monday--Dr. Elisa Koehler

This week's music Monday is a famous Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Trumpets played by Reinhard Ehritt and my friend, Dr. Elisa Koehler in Paderborn, Germany in January, 2010. 

On Talkativeness

Talkativeness is the throne of vainglory, on which it loves to show itself and make a display.

Talkativeness is a sign of ignorance, a door to slander, an inducement to jesting, a servant to falsehood, the ruin of compunction, a creator and summoner of despondency, a precursor of  sleep, the dissipation of recollection, the abolition of watchfulness, the cooling of ardor, the darkening of prayer.

Saint John of Sinai, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 11, # 2, p. 92.

I came across this quote from one of the Church Fathers on the byzcath.org forum and was amazed and intrigued at its wisdom. Thank God for these holy men and women who live lives of quiet striving towards God and can pass down their wisdom to us!

Who knew talkativeness could lead to despondency!? (I sure didn't!) I am definitely going to have to ponder that further. I think, also, that "talkativeness" can be taken to mean "inner talkativeness" as well as "technological talkativeness." Giving in to the temptation to "express" every thought and feeling that comes our way, can cause us to believe that our faulty assumptions are true, not to mention the affect our negative verbalizations may have on our listeners.

Instead, cultivating the discipline of silent reflection and prayer can do wonders for our relationship with God.

On Talkativeness

Talkativeness is the throne of vainglory, on which it loves to show itself and make a display.

Talkativeness is a sign of ignorance, a door to slander, an inducement to jesting, a servant to falsehood, the ruin of compunction, a creator and summoner of despondency, a precursor of  sleep, the dissipation of recollection, the abolition of watchfulness, the cooling of ardor, the darkening of prayer.

Saint John of Sinai, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 11, # 2, p. 92.

I came across this quote from one of the Church Fathers on the byzcath.org forum and was amazed and intrigued at its wisdom. Thank God for these holy men and women who live lives of quiet striving towards God and can pass down their wisdom to us!

Who knew talkativeness could lead to despondency!? (I sure didn't!) I am definitely going to have to ponder that further. I think, also, that "talkativeness" can be taken to mean "inner talkativeness" as well as "technological talkativeness." Giving in to the temptation to "express" every thought and feeling that comes our way, can cause us to believe that our faulty assumptions are true, not to mention the affect our negative verbalizations may have on our listeners.

Instead, cultivating the discipline of silent reflection and prayer can do wonders for our relationship with God.

Forgiveness and the Gentle Pentecost

In scripture, the Holy spirit is seen from the beginning of creation hovering over the face of the deep.  God's Spirit is the uncreated energy that allows all things to come into being and the bond that allows life on this earth, and indeed, our own life, to continue.  [Genesis, chapter 1]

The Spirit of God is seen as both breath and fire.  At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire on the apostles and on Mary as they finished the first novena--nine days of continuous prayer--in the Upper Room.  The effect was dramatic.  Suddenly, they were no longer afraid. They spoke boldly of the fulfillment of God's prophesies through the person of Jesus Christ, and the onlookers each heard them speaking in their own language(s).   [Acts, chapter 2].

In John, chapter 20, Jesus "breathed on (the apostles) and said, Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven.  If you hold them bound, they are held bound.  This coming of the Holy Spirit was much less dramatic but no less important. Forgiveness is hard.  Asking for forgiveness is often as hard as granting it.  It is only through God's Spirit that true forgiveness can take place.

We often would like to wait until the tongues of fire appear before we step out in faith and do what we are called to do in our daily lives.  But, as it says in the Old Testament book of Kings, God was not in the wind...earthquake (or) fire.  Instead, as Elijah discovered, the Spirit of God is often in the gentle whisper.

Adam and Eve discovered the same thing--God came to them in the cool of the evening, at that time of quiet reflection, after the heat of the day was past, to commune with them.  What stopped this beautiful union?  Sin and fear of asking forgiveness.

So, when Our Lord breathed the Holy Spirit on the apostles, he paired it with the one thing necessary to walk with God in the cool of the evening--forgiveness. Jesus was repairing our first parents' relationship with the creator through the Holy Spirit.

Be still and know that I am God.  ~Psalm 46:10

Forgiveness and the Gentle Pentecost

In scripture, the Holy spirit is seen from the beginning of creation hovering over the face of the deep.  God's Spirit is the uncreated energy that allows all things to come into being and the bond that allows life on this earth, and indeed, our own life, to continue.  [Genesis, chapter 1]

The Spirit of God is seen as both breath and fire.  At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire on the apostles and on Mary as they finished the first novena--nine days of continuous prayer--in the Upper Room.  The effect was dramatic.  Suddenly, they were no longer afraid. They spoke boldly of the fulfillment of God's prophesies through the person of Jesus Christ, and the onlookers each heard them speaking in their own language(s).   [Acts, chapter 2].

In John, chapter 20, Jesus "breathed on (the apostles) and said, Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven.  If you hold them bound, they are held bound.  This coming of the Holy Spirit was much less dramatic but no less important. Forgiveness is hard.  Asking for forgiveness is often as hard as granting it.  It is only through God's Spirit that true forgiveness can take place.

We often would like to wait until the tongues of fire appear before we step out in faith and do what we are called to do in our daily lives.  But, as it says in the Old Testament book of Kings, God was not in the wind...earthquake (or) fire.  Instead, as Elijah discovered, the Spirit of God is often in the gentle whisper.

Adam and Eve discovered the same thing--God came to them in the cool of the evening, at that time of quiet reflection, after the heat of the day was past, to commune with them.  What stopped this beautiful union?  Sin and fear of asking forgiveness.

So, when Our Lord breathed the Holy Spirit on the apostles, he paired it with the one thing necessary to walk with God in the cool of the evening--forgiveness. Jesus was repairing our first parents' relationship with the creator through the Holy Spirit.

Be still and know that I am God.  ~Psalm 46:10

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at a This, That and the Other Thing. This week I highlighted an ingenious Esty shop that has a Catholic necklace charm designed after the British poster, Keep Calm and Carry On.  I also reviewed Curtis Roosevelt's book, Too Close to the Sun.  Our Music Monday was Dr. Carol Williams playing the National Anthem on organ, outdoors, with the Navy Band.  Yesterday, I posted more on Facebook Privacy and our Scripture Saturday was a beautiful musical rendition of Psalm 84.

Have a great week!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at a This, That and the Other Thing. This week I highlighted an ingenious Esty shop that has a Catholic necklace charm designed after the British poster, Keep Calm and Carry On.  I also reviewed Curtis Roosevelt's book, Too Close to the Sun.  Our Music Monday was Dr. Carol Williams playing the National Anthem on organ, outdoors, with the Navy Band.  Yesterday, I posted more on Facebook Privacy and our Scripture Saturday was a beautiful musical rendition of Psalm 84.

Have a great week!

Scripture Saturday

This week's Scripture Saturday is a musical rendition of Psalm 84, "How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place", as sung by Huntindon College. The text of the Psalm is below.  It speaks of a longing to be in the Lord's house.

Psalm 84
How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord, God of hosts.

My soul is longing and yearning,
is yearning for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my soul ring out their joy
to God, the living God.

The sparrow herself finds a home
and the swallow a nest for her brood;
she lays her young by your altars,
Lord of hosts, my king and my God.

They are happy, who dwell in your house,
for ever singing your praise.
They are happy, whose strength is in you,
in whose hearts are the roads to Zion.

As they go through the Bitter Valley
they make it a place of springs,
the autumn rain covers it with blessings.
They walk with ever growing strength,
they will see the God of gods in Zion.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer,
give ear, O God of Jacob.
Turn your eyes, O God, our shield,
look on the face of your anointed.

One day within your courts
is better than a thousand elsewhere.
The threshold of the house of God
I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.

For the Lord God is a rampart, a shield;
he will give us his favor and glory.
The Lord will not refuse any good
to those who walk without blame.

Lord, God of hosts,
happy the man who trusts in you!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.

Scripture Saturday

This week's Scripture Saturday is a musical rendition of Psalm 84, "How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place", as sung by Huntindon College. The text of the Psalm is below.  It speaks of a longing to be in the Lord's house.

Psalm 84
How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord, God of hosts.

My soul is longing and yearning,
is yearning for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my soul ring out their joy
to God, the living God.

The sparrow herself finds a home
and the swallow a nest for her brood;
she lays her young by your altars,
Lord of hosts, my king and my God.

They are happy, who dwell in your house,
for ever singing your praise.
They are happy, whose strength is in you,
in whose hearts are the roads to Zion.

As they go through the Bitter Valley
they make it a place of springs,
the autumn rain covers it with blessings.
They walk with ever growing strength,
they will see the God of gods in Zion.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer,
give ear, O God of Jacob.
Turn your eyes, O God, our shield,
look on the face of your anointed.

One day within your courts
is better than a thousand elsewhere.
The threshold of the house of God
I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.

For the Lord God is a rampart, a shield;
he will give us his favor and glory.
The Lord will not refuse any good
to those who walk without blame.

Lord, God of hosts,
happy the man who trusts in you!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.

More on Facebook Privacy

If you are on Facebook, check out ReclaimPrivacy.org. They have a Scan for Privacy link that you drag to your bookmarks bar on your browser. You then go to your Facebook page and click the link. It will tell you how private various aspects of your Facebook page are to the outside world and give you links to go into your Facebook settings to correct it (or leave it alone as you see fit.)

They also have links to articles about Facebook privacy.

On a more extreme note, May 31, is Quit Facebook day. Apparently, 11,000 people have pledged to delete their Facebook account on that day. If you decide to do that, however, make sure your Facebook information is permanently deleted and not just hidden. Once you've deleted your account, try signing in again. If you get a prompt asking you to reactivate your account, it is not permanently deleted.

More on Facebook Privacy

If you are on Facebook, check out ReclaimPrivacy.org. They have a Scan for Privacy link that you drag to your bookmarks bar on your browser. You then go to your Facebook page and click the link. It will tell you how private various aspects of your Facebook page are to the outside world and give you links to go into your Facebook settings to correct it (or leave it alone as you see fit.)

They also have links to articles about Facebook privacy.

On a more extreme note, May 31, is Quit Facebook day. Apparently, 11,000 people have pledged to delete their Facebook account on that day. If you decide to do that, however, make sure your Facebook information is permanently deleted and not just hidden. Once you've deleted your account, try signing in again. If you get a prompt asking you to reactivate your account, it is not permanently deleted.

Music Monday--Dr. Carol Williams

Once again, we visit with Dr. Carol Williams, this time accompanied by the Navy Band in San Diego. Nothing like a rousing rendition of The National Anthem to get the blood going on a Monday morning!

Music Monday--Dr. Carol Williams

Once again, we visit with Dr. Carol Williams, this time accompanied by the Navy Band in San Diego. Nothing like a rousing rendition of The National Anthem to get the blood going on a Monday morning!

Too Close to the Sun

Too Close to the Sun by Curtis Roosevelt


Too Close to the Sun chronicles the early life of Curtis Roosevelt, oldest grandson of FDR.  The book made me realize how much Eleanor's depression and anxiety was passed on to her daughter, Anna, the mother of the author.  As a result, Curtis grew up confused and lonely, and, to a large extent, under-parented.  Even fame, class, privilege and education do not make families immune to pain and dysfunction.

Both Eleanor and FDR, to an extent, emotionally abandoned their children because of their emotional depression(s) in the wake of his affair in the nineteen teens and his subsequent polio in 1921, as well as in favor of their careers in politics. Anna did the same to Curtis, divorcing his father and limiting their contact while largely ignoring him emotionally herself.

Perhaps ironically, Curtis feels more secure in the White House than in the many homes he and his sister shared with their father, their mother and their stepfather over the years.

The book ends with FDR's death and leaves the reader wondering how Curtis navigated young adulthood, especially in the wake of his admitted retreat into his "dream world" during childhood.

View all my reviews >>

Too Close to the Sun

Too Close to the Sun by Curtis Roosevelt


Too Close to the Sun chronicles the early life of Curtis Roosevelt, oldest grandson of FDR.  The book made me realize how much Eleanor's depression and anxiety was passed on to her daughter, Anna, the mother of the author.  As a result, Curtis grew up confused and lonely, and, to a large extent, under-parented.  Even fame, class, privilege and education do not make families immune to pain and dysfunction.

Both Eleanor and FDR, to an extent, emotionally abandoned their children because of their emotional depression(s) in the wake of his affair in the nineteen teens and his subsequent polio in 1921, as well as in favor of their careers in politics. Anna did the same to Curtis, divorcing his father and limiting their contact while largely ignoring him emotionally herself.

Perhaps ironically, Curtis feels more secure in the White House than in the many homes he and his sister shared with their father, their mother and their stepfather over the years.

The book ends with FDR's death and leaves the reader wondering how Curtis navigated young adulthood, especially in the wake of his admitted retreat into his "dream world" during childhood.

View all my reviews >>

Keep Calm and Say Your Rosary!

Hat tip to Lucy of Mystical Rose Design who pointed out this great Esty shop (hers, I think) that has this ingenious necklace charm design! As she said in her comment to my Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake post, say the rosary, then have your cupcake!

Keep Calm and Say Your Rosary!

Hat tip to Lucy of Mystical Rose Design who pointed out this great Esty shop (hers, I think) that has this ingenious necklace charm design! As she said in her comment to my Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake post, say the rosary, then have your cupcake!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at a This, That and the Other Thing. This week completed our Novena to St. Dymphna, complete with a different artistic rendering every day. In between, I blogged about St. Monica on Mother's Day, and the parody on the English poster, Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake. I also highlighted Dr. Carol Williams playing a 1610 organ (more on her tomorrow)and also talked about Jesus' last words to the disciples in the Gospel of Matthew.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at a This, That and the Other Thing. This week completed our Novena to St. Dymphna, complete with a different artistic rendering every day. In between, I blogged about St. Monica on Mother's Day, and the parody on the English poster, Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake. I also highlighted Dr. Carol Williams playing a 1610 organ (more on her tomorrow)and also talked about Jesus' last words to the disciples in the Gospel of Matthew.

Scripture Saturday

Behold, I am with you always, until the end of time.

~Matthew 28:20

These words of Jesus, read last Thursday at the Feast of the Ascension are His last words to the disciples and indeed the last words of the Gospel of Matthew.

They exude hope to a world that sometimes seems abandoned by God.

Scripture Saturday

Behold, I am with you always, until the end of time.

~Matthew 28:20

These words of Jesus, read last Thursday at the Feast of the Ascension are His last words to the disciples and indeed the last words of the Gospel of Matthew.

They exude hope to a world that sometimes seems abandoned by God.

Novena to St. Dymphna--day nine

NINTH DAY

INTENTION: Peace in Our Days

THOUGHT: For God is not the God of disorder but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14:33

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Dear St. Dymphna, the blessed days of "peace on earth" still elude us. God's children cannot get along together, and the world's game of guilt and blood continues. Justice, good will, and peace on an international scale are still lacking among men and nations.
There is much talk of peace. All peoples desire it. Millions endure agonies of body or spirit because of the effects of war. When will the world know unity, concord, and fraternal harmony?
Dear St. Dymphna, pray that we may do the works of peace. May our times of space exploration and lunar landings usher in an era of universal harmony and the peaceful development of peoples.
Pray with us all, dear martyr, that God may lead the world out of darkness into the bright light of peace. This I ask in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.

PRACTICE: Our best contribution to peace is to cultivate it first in our own hearts, our own homes, and to be peacemakers at our place of work, and in our own parish.

Novena to St. Dymphna--day nine

NINTH DAY

INTENTION: Peace in Our Days

THOUGHT: For God is not the God of disorder but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14:33

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Dear St. Dymphna, the blessed days of "peace on earth" still elude us. God's children cannot get along together, and the world's game of guilt and blood continues. Justice, good will, and peace on an international scale are still lacking among men and nations.
There is much talk of peace. All peoples desire it. Millions endure agonies of body or spirit because of the effects of war. When will the world know unity, concord, and fraternal harmony?
Dear St. Dymphna, pray that we may do the works of peace. May our times of space exploration and lunar landings usher in an era of universal harmony and the peaceful development of peoples.
Pray with us all, dear martyr, that God may lead the world out of darkness into the bright light of peace. This I ask in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.

PRACTICE: Our best contribution to peace is to cultivate it first in our own hearts, our own homes, and to be peacemakers at our place of work, and in our own parish.

Novena to St. Dymphna--day eight

EIGHTH DAY

INTENTION: The Grace of Gratitude

THOUGHT: Give thanks to Yahweh, for He is good. Psalm 118:1

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Dear St. Dymphna, I'm one of those who don't know how to say thanks to God. It's easy for me to recite my "gimme" prayers; but I am tongue-tied when the time comes to express my gratitude.
I take God's gifts for granted - when I should take them with gratitude! I hang on to the gifts and forget the giver. Yet gratitude should be a way of life for me. When will the remembrance of His goodness and mercy make my lips quick to praise?
Dear St. Dymphna, pray that I may remedy my lack of gratitude. Remind me to count my blessings. Let sincere appreciation be my special trait from this day forward.
Teach me to bless the Lord for the bitter and the sweet, for failure and success, for every material and spiritual good. Help me to make every day a time of glad and humble thanksgiving. May I rejoice in His gifts and use them for His glory. Amen.

PRACTICE: The word "Eucharist" means thanksgiving. It is always good to give thanks to the Lord, and to all those through whom He helps us.

Novena to St. Dymphna--day eight

EIGHTH DAY

INTENTION: The Grace of Gratitude

THOUGHT: Give thanks to Yahweh, for He is good. Psalm 118:1

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Dear St. Dymphna, I'm one of those who don't know how to say thanks to God. It's easy for me to recite my "gimme" prayers; but I am tongue-tied when the time comes to express my gratitude.
I take God's gifts for granted - when I should take them with gratitude! I hang on to the gifts and forget the giver. Yet gratitude should be a way of life for me. When will the remembrance of His goodness and mercy make my lips quick to praise?
Dear St. Dymphna, pray that I may remedy my lack of gratitude. Remind me to count my blessings. Let sincere appreciation be my special trait from this day forward.
Teach me to bless the Lord for the bitter and the sweet, for failure and success, for every material and spiritual good. Help me to make every day a time of glad and humble thanksgiving. May I rejoice in His gifts and use them for His glory. Amen.

PRACTICE: The word "Eucharist" means thanksgiving. It is always good to give thanks to the Lord, and to all those through whom He helps us.

Novena to St. Dymphna--day seven

SEVENTH DAY

INTENTION: Those Who Have Injured Us

THOUGHT: Love your enemies. Matthew 5:44

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Dear St. Dymphna, our Blessed Savior wants us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to pray for those who persecute us.
So far, the successes I have scored in these respects have been rather slight. Spiteful, unforgiving thoughts still come so easily to my mind. Sometimes I get grouchy and assume a cold air toward those who have been unkind to me. Airing my grievances is a habit with me.
You know, dear Saint, how far from perfect my conduct is. Please help me to improve, and remove resentment from my heart.
May the Lord bless those who have injured me, and direct them in the paths of holiness. May He hear your prayers for them, and bestow upon us all the graces we need.
This I ask for the honor of Christ, who forgave His enemies on the Cross. Amen.

PRACTICE: If we love only our friends, how are we any better than the heathens for even they do that? We prove our love for Christ by loving our enemies and doing good to them.

Novena to St. Dymphna--day seven

SEVENTH DAY

INTENTION: Those Who Have Injured Us

THOUGHT: Love your enemies. Matthew 5:44

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Dear St. Dymphna, our Blessed Savior wants us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to pray for those who persecute us.
So far, the successes I have scored in these respects have been rather slight. Spiteful, unforgiving thoughts still come so easily to my mind. Sometimes I get grouchy and assume a cold air toward those who have been unkind to me. Airing my grievances is a habit with me.
You know, dear Saint, how far from perfect my conduct is. Please help me to improve, and remove resentment from my heart.
May the Lord bless those who have injured me, and direct them in the paths of holiness. May He hear your prayers for them, and bestow upon us all the graces we need.
This I ask for the honor of Christ, who forgave His enemies on the Cross. Amen.

PRACTICE: If we love only our friends, how are we any better than the heathens for even they do that? We prove our love for Christ by loving our enemies and doing good to them.

Novena to St. Dymphna--day six

SIXTH DAY

INTENTION: Relatives and Friends

THOUGHT: In life he has had the joy of his company. Sirach 30:5

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Dear St. Dymphna, once more I greet you and thank you for your constant help. Today I should like to pray especially for my relatives and friends.
With all my faults and weak points, they must sometimes find it hard to be patient with me, to bear with my mannerisms and whatever else in me that may irritate them. Now, if only I were more lovable, my changed disposition would bring more sunshine into their lives.
God grant that this may be. It's urgent that I amend my faults that get on others' nerves.
Dear St. Dymphna, please pray to the Lord for my relatives and friends. Implore for them all the blessings they need. Keep a watchful eye on them during their earthly pilgrimage. With your constant aid they will have a safe journey through life, a blessed death in the Lord, and eternal joy with Him in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

PRACTICE: Be careful always to show your relatives and friends frequent evidence of your regard. Look for an opportunity to pay them honor, extol their virtues, and thank them.

Novena to St. Dymphna--day six

SIXTH DAY

INTENTION: Relatives and Friends

THOUGHT: In life he has had the joy of his company. Sirach 30:5

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Dear St. Dymphna, once more I greet you and thank you for your constant help. Today I should like to pray especially for my relatives and friends.
With all my faults and weak points, they must sometimes find it hard to be patient with me, to bear with my mannerisms and whatever else in me that may irritate them. Now, if only I were more lovable, my changed disposition would bring more sunshine into their lives.
God grant that this may be. It's urgent that I amend my faults that get on others' nerves.
Dear St. Dymphna, please pray to the Lord for my relatives and friends. Implore for them all the blessings they need. Keep a watchful eye on them during their earthly pilgrimage. With your constant aid they will have a safe journey through life, a blessed death in the Lord, and eternal joy with Him in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

PRACTICE: Be careful always to show your relatives and friends frequent evidence of your regard. Look for an opportunity to pay them honor, extol their virtues, and thank them.

Music Monday

This is an amazing video of Dr. Carol Williams playing an organ built in 1610. I've heard this type of music played, usually as a background for a program about King Henry VIII or Queen Elizabeth I, but I've never actually seen anyone play the instrument itself.

Music Monday

This is an amazing video of Dr. Carol Williams playing an organ built in 1610. I've heard this type of music played, usually as a background for a program about King Henry VIII or Queen Elizabeth I, but I've never actually seen anyone play the instrument itself.

Novena to St. Dymphna--day five

FIFTH DAY

INTENTION: Courage in Trials

THOUGHT: Courage! Do not be afraid. Isaiah 35:4

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Dear St. Dymphna, I plead with you today to share your courage with me.
You endured martyrdom in your early teens with courage that makes me blush when I recall my own cowardice. You never asked that life's pathway be made smooth. You walked forward bravely, your hand in God's hand.
I admit I've never quite managed to imitate you. When trouble hits, I look for a shoulder to cry on. I, who admire heroes, play the coward too often.
You, dear St. Dymphna, were made of sterner stuff. Your heroic example shows me how to say "yes" to God, no matter what He asks. When I compare my life to yours, the difference shames me deeply. When will I conduct myself with the fortitude so becoming in a follower of Christ?
Pray for me that it may be so. Your intercession will help me to meet every crisis with courage like yours. Then I shall show myself a true disciple of the Lord. Amen.

PRACTICE: Let not our Lord ever have to say to you, as He did to the Apostles, "Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Novena to St. Dymphna--day five

FIFTH DAY

INTENTION: Courage in Trials

THOUGHT: Courage! Do not be afraid. Isaiah 35:4

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Dear St. Dymphna, I plead with you today to share your courage with me.
You endured martyrdom in your early teens with courage that makes me blush when I recall my own cowardice. You never asked that life's pathway be made smooth. You walked forward bravely, your hand in God's hand.
I admit I've never quite managed to imitate you. When trouble hits, I look for a shoulder to cry on. I, who admire heroes, play the coward too often.
You, dear St. Dymphna, were made of sterner stuff. Your heroic example shows me how to say "yes" to God, no matter what He asks. When I compare my life to yours, the difference shames me deeply. When will I conduct myself with the fortitude so becoming in a follower of Christ?
Pray for me that it may be so. Your intercession will help me to meet every crisis with courage like yours. Then I shall show myself a true disciple of the Lord. Amen.

PRACTICE: Let not our Lord ever have to say to you, as He did to the Apostles, "Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Keep Calm

This poster, Keep Calm and Carry On, was designed by a British civil servant as part of a World War II propaganda campaign in Great Britain.  The third in a series of such posters, the Keep Calm and Carry On poster was to be used in the case of an invasion of Great Britain by Germany.  Since this never occurred, the poster was never officially disseminated.


This pink parody was brought to my attention by my son and I thought it was rather cute and deserved not only a blog post, but a bit of an historical explanation of its origins.

I suppose you could say it is an American version of the original!

Enjoy!

Keep Calm

This poster, Keep Calm and Carry On, was designed by a British civil servant as part of a World War II propaganda campaign in Great Britain.  The third in a series of such posters, the Keep Calm and Carry On poster was to be used in the case of an invasion of Great Britain by Germany.  Since this never occurred, the poster was never officially disseminated.


This pink parody was brought to my attention by my son and I thought it was rather cute and deserved not only a blog post, but a bit of an historical explanation of its origins.

I suppose you could say it is an American version of the original!

Enjoy!

St. Monica on Mother's Day

St. Monica is the patron saint of married women and of mothers. She is the example of patient prayer, fasting and praying for her son Augustine's conversion for years. St. Monica also prayed for years for the conversion of her pagan husband and mother-in-law. All three eventually converted.

Mother's Day has become a rather saccharine holiday when in fact, motherhood itself is far from easy. Motherhood requires patience and persistence, suffering and silence.

Both Our Lady and St. Monica knew this. Both went to that private inner place to pray for their sons who they knew would need divine grace in order to survive in this world.

For the times when motherhood keeps us up at night, either literally or figuratively, both St. Monica and Mary, the Mother of Jesus are there, praying with us for our children.

St. Monica on Mother's Day

St. Monica is the patron saint of married women and of mothers. She is the example of patient prayer, fasting and praying for her son Augustine's conversion for years. St. Monica also prayed for years for the conversion of her pagan husband and mother-in-law. All three eventually converted.

Mother's Day has become a rather saccharine holiday when in fact, motherhood itself is far from easy. Motherhood requires patience and persistence, suffering and silence.

Both Our Lady and St. Monica knew this. Both went to that private inner place to pray for their sons who they knew would need divine grace in order to survive in this world.

For the times when motherhood keeps us up at night, either literally or figuratively, both St. Monica and Mary, the Mother of Jesus are there, praying with us for our children.

Novena to St. Dymphna--day four

FOURTH DAY

INTENTION: Strong and Mature Faith

THOUGHT: Hold firmly on to what you already have. Rev. 2:25

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Here I am again, dear St. Dymphna, to present my needs to you. High on the list, as you know, is a strong and mature faith.
Ours are hectic times when confusion seems to be the normal thing. The faith of many is wavering and a loud chorus proclaims: "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die and there is nothing beyond the grave."
Many are dismayed by the changes in the Church, the liturgy, and the presentation of religious truths. Some are afraid their faith may totally collapse.
My own faith should have greater strength and maturity. I need a powerful faith to carry me through the dark nights that hold no promise of a sunrise. A strong and adult faith will guide me like a beacon to a blessed eternity.
Intercede for me, dear St. Dymphna, that my faith may be firm. Then I shall take God at His word. I shall look to Him for guidance, and give less attention to noisy prophets of the day. May your faith be my inspiration, your prayers my constant source of help. Amen.

PRACTICE: All created things may fail us, those we trusted most may turn against us, but God is faithful. He will be your mainstay, your rock, your refuge in toil and trouble.