Some days, all I have to offer is one, simple Hail Mary. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Today is Day 22 of this 31-day writing challenge! Today also is the feast day of an incredible—and brand new—saint: St. John Paul II. St. John Paul II is known as a “Marian giant,” meaning he had great devotion to Our Blessed Mother and taught prolifically on her role in our faith. In fact, the motto of his entire 27-year papacy was Totus Tuus, which is Latin for totally yours, referencing his belonging to Our Lady, and based on the…
She who is the Mother of Sorrows and also the Mother of Consolation, can understand you completely and help you. —St. John Paul II—
Take It to the Queen by Josephine Nobisso is an absolutely beautiful story! About six years ago, we actually found it at our library (surprise!), and it has since become a favorite of our family’s. It is an allegory of the role Our Blessed Mother plays in salvation history. The story, on its own, is delightful, but the theological symbols that are woven throughout make the tale that much more rich and meaningful. (A great explanation of all the theological insight in…
I have been struggling with some health changes that I need to make. But I have such internal conflict. On one hand, I want to make these changes, because I know I will feel better. On the other hand, I don’t want to make these changes, because they are so drastic and unconventional. I have moments of clarity and hope. But they can be so fleeting, I can’t grab hold of them long enough to create some good habits. And sometimes, well,…
Today, is the Feast of St. Luke, who is one of the Gospel writers as well as the author of Acts of the Apostles. Luke is known for having a close connection with the Blessed Mother and receiving much of what he included in his writings from her. He also is known to have painted images of Jesus and Mary. He is the patron saint of artists, brewers, butchers, doctors, notaries, painters, physicians and surgeons. According to Catholic Online, “It is…
Originally published on Dec. 29, 2010. Remembering the story of some special Rosaries on the 17th day of 31 Days With Mary, during this Month of the Rosary. My husband and I attend a silent Ignatian retreat every year (separately, of course). The order of priests and brothers that puts on the retreat has a strong devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, which has granted them (and all those associated with them) the same merits that a traditional Rosary grants. Part of the retreat’s prayer…
Today is the Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Jesus gave 12 promises to all those who honor His Sacred Heart, through the apparitions to St. Margaret Mary. They are beautiful to ponder today, on her feast day, and strive to practice everyday! The Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart 1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life. 2. I will establish peace in their families. 3. I will console them in all their…
Happy Feast of St. Teresa of Avila! I just completed a special Novena to this amazing saint, and I always enjoy reading her quotes and learning about her life. St. Teresa ties in beautifully to my 31 Days of Mary series. Why? Because during Teresa’s life, she loved the Blessed Virgin Mary. As a Carmelite, her specific Marian devotion was to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In history, the Carmelite order has been known as “The Order of the Virgin.”…
Yesterday, I mentioned the idea of celebrating feast days within the home. When hearing this idea for the first time, perhaps it sounds daunting. Especially for overwhelmed moms (like myself, ahem!), celebrating feast days could just seem like one more thing to do. But perhaps I can assure you that celebrating feast days can be super simple and completely organic in nature. Meaning, there are no rules to celebrating feast days within the domestic church. As long as a feast day is…