Four Ways to Live Liturgically During Summer’s Ordinary Days
Wondering how to live liturgically during the ordinary days of summer? Sarah Damm shares simple and meaningful ideas to get you started.
Learning From Mary: Saying Yes to God With Cheerful Readiness
In today’s Gospel, Mary sets out to visit Elizabeth “in haste” (Luke 1:39). Just a few verses back from the Visitation account, we remember that Mary also responds to the angel’s request with a cheerful readiness. Mary does not delay in giving her “yes” to God (v. 38). When God invites me to do something, however, I am a little slower in my response than Mary is. I am grateful for His invitation to be His servant, his handmaiden. But…
Being Called Beloved: A Reflection on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
“And this is the marvel of marvels, that He called me Beloved.” (C.S. Lewis) The warm sun is shining, and there is not a cloud in the sky. I wear a white robe, and I am standing in chest-deep water. It is the perfect temperature—comfortable and refreshing at the same time. I have been following John for awhile, and his message of repentance resonates deep in my heart. I wonder how I can apply his words—“Prepare the way of the…
Advent Traditions My Family Loves
With Thanksgiving just two days away, there is a lot to do. My plans include cooking, baking, and cleaning. I have always liked the Thanksgiving holiday. To be with family and friends, to pause in gratitude for God’s abundant blessings. It’s a good day. Often, the Advent season begins the Sunday right after Thanksgiving. We have just a couple of days to transition from pumpkins and fall hues to our Advent wreath of purple and pink. This year, however, Advent…
Day 26 :: 31 Days With Mary—Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Originally posted July 16, 2015 My family’s relationship with Our Lady of Mount Carmel began five years ago when my oldest daughter was entering second grade. Days leading up to Our Lady’s feast day on July 16, she asked me if she would be enrolled in the [Confraternity of the] Brown Scapular, after she received her First Holy Communion. I was blown away by her question, because I didn’t know she knew what that meant! I barely knew what that meant! When I made…
Day 24 :: 31 Days With Mary—Renewing Devotion
When people love and recite the rosary they find it makes them better. —St. Anthony Mary Claret— Feast Day: Oct. 24 There is one week left in this 31-day writing challenge. It has not been easy, but I am so glad I am doing it. Thinking and writing about Our Blessed Mother has renewed my devotion to her. While I have not forgotten her significant role in our Church and my own life, I have felt as if I have received the…
Day 18 :: 31 Days With Mary—St. Luke
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…
Day 16 :: 31 Days With Mary—St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
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…
Day 15 :: 31 Days With Mary—St. Teresa of Avila … And a BIG Giveaway!
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.”…
Day 14 :: 31 Days With Mary—#WorthRevisit Liturgical Teas
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…