Tag, I'm it!

Simcha Fisher tagged me as a result of her being tagged by the Anchoress!  I am feeling the pressure, but I will do my best!  I am to name my five favorite Catholic devotions. So, here we go:

1. The Hail Mary -- The Blessed Mother is my "go-to girl".  She knows better than I the details of any situation and what is needed, so I call on her.  We say a Hail Mary in the car when we pass an emergency vehicle with its lights/siren on; when someone comes to my mind and mysteriously remains there, I offer a Hail Mary or two for them.  I've also recited Ave's by the dozens when the nice man in the surgical mask was preparing to jab a big needle into my spine prior to each of my 6 c-sections.  Lots of Hail Mary's have been prayed in the OR.

2. The Rosary -- Piggy-backing on the Hail Mary, is, of course, the Rosary.  I just figure that if the Mother of God, in just about every apparition she has made to mortal man, continually requests that we pray the Rosary, well, then I am willing to bet that she means it!  Plus, when you have finished a rosary, you know you have prayed!

3.  Adoration -- Although I get there much too infrequently these days, there is nothing like the peace that can be found in the adoration chapel.  It's like radiation for the soul.  Jesus Christ is there, and you can feel Him.  Period.  By the way, this is my favorite adoration story.  It's by Jen at Converstion Diary.  You'll love it.

4.  The Divine Mercy chaplet -- especially this version.  If I can focus and let the words wash over me, I am changed.  The sung chaplet only enhances this effect.  Jesus, I trust in you!

5.  The Novena of Our Lady of Good Remedy -- especially effective in economic distress, which seems to be our frequent companion!  Here's the story of this devotion:

800 years ago Christians were being captured and sold into slavery by the thousands, and nobody knew what to do about it. Then, in the year 1198, a man had an idea. St. John of Matha founded the Trinitarians to go to the slave markets, buy the Christian slaves and set them free. To carry out this plan, the Trinitarians needed large amounts of money. So, they placed their fund-raising efforts under the patronage of Mary. They were so successful at that, over the centuries, the Trinitarians were able to free thousands and thousands of people and to return them safely home. In gratitude for her miraculous assistance, St. John of Matha honored Mary with the title of "Our Lady of Good Remedy."

6.  I am going to add a 6th because I just thought of it and it's an effective devotion.  St. Anthony, finder of lost articles.  Does he ever fail???  It really is miraculous the way he leads me to whatever it is I have misplaced...even if I have already looked in that spot.  Once, my hubby and I went to a Franciscan monastery in Kennebunkport, ME for a weekend.  When we returned home, I realized that I had lost my special rosary.  I was upset by this and turned all the luggage and our car inside out looking for my rosary to no avail.  The next morning, I got up early and went for a walk.  Forty-five minutes later, when I returned home, I saw a sparkle.  There was my rosary, carefully draped on the railing of my front porch, glistening in the sun!!  I was so happy.  I asked the hubster if he had found it and put it there.  No, it wasn't him.  I called my neighbors and asked them.  Nope, not them.  Family?  Nope. I had to chalk it up to divine intervention.  Oh, did I mention the name of that monastery?  St. Anthony's!  

So, there you have it.  My five six favorite Catholic devotions.  What are yours?

Words fail

I have no wise words or deep thoughts to share...only numbness.
My dear friend's husband, Blaine Savage, who's name has appeared here before, is no longer in remission. He is only 43.
He writes about it here:
Ben Hur

Their faith and strength have been inspiring throughout this ordeal. They are special people and dear to my heart, as are their children.

Also, another young woman (age 27) I have known since her birth has received the same news as Blaine: "The cancer has returned." Her name is Hillary.

I am asking for prayers for both Blaine and Hillary and their families. And perhaps a miracle...or two...

Little Audrey Santo

Three years ago today, little Audrey Santo passed into the arms of God. Read her incredible story here. Basically, she drowned when she was 3 years old and was left in a non-responsive state. Her mother was told to put her in an institution, but she refused, saying she would care for Audrey at home. And she did...with the assistance of the community that rallied around her...for 20 years. Miracles began to occur around Audrey: bleeding statues, oil oozing from statues and most astoundingly, hosts began to bleed during Masses said at her bedside. All of this happened in Worcester, Massachusetts. Audrey is a powerful witness to the culture of LIFE. In the world's eyes, her life had little or no value--she couldn't work, she couldn't walk or talk, she needed constant care. But God used little Audrey Santo to show the world that each life, regardless how little, weak, or broken, has great value and is so very precious in His sight.
Thank you, dear Lord, for the gift of little Audrey's life. Through her witness, may the Culture of Life shine forth to dispel the culture of death that currently exists in our world.
Little Audrey, pray for us.

Prayer for the Beatification of Audrey

Eternal Father, we thank you for the gift of Audrey Santo and for her extraordinary witness to the world that all life, no matter how small, broken, or wounded, remains precious in Your eyes. Grant that she may be venerated as a saint for the glory of God. Hear the requests of all those who seek her intercession, especially the grace for which we now ask… We ask this through Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena for Pope Benedict XVI

Please join in this special novena for Pope Benedict XVI, beginning on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11, and concluding on Monday, April 19, the 5th anniversary of the Holy Father's election to the Holy See.

We pray for the pope and for his pastoral mission, asking God to protect, strengthen and uplift our beloved Holy Father at this time of considerable challenge.

Prayer for Pope Benedict XVI

Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to your shepherd, Benedict, a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, may he, as successor to the Apostle Peter and Vicar of Christ, build your Church into a sacrament of unity, love and peace for all the world. Amen.

V/ Let us pray for Benedict, the pope.
R/ May the Lord preserve him, give him a long life,
make him blessed upon the earth,
and not hand him over to the power of his enemies.
V/ May your hand be upon your holy servant.
R/ And upon your son, whom you have anointed.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Patron Saint for 2010

I have just become aware of a blog that promotes having a patron saint for the year. This practice is mentioned in St. Faustina's diary as something that the sisters in her order did every year. Marianne, from the Patron Saint blog, insists that, although she is the "middle man," so to speak, it is actually the saint that chooses us. She has received feedback about the spiritual growth and experiences associated with this devotion and is convinced that the saint chooses us for a particular reason(s). Here is an excerpt from her blog:

"I truly believe that I am only a go-between between the two of you and that it is really the saint "choosing" you! Why? So many people that I have assisted have emailed me again and again telling me of the connections, intercessions and even miracles that have occurred due to their spiritual guides! I have been overwhelmed and awed by all of this and am humbled and honored to have taken on this task. I always suggest that you take some time to research your saints so you get to know them better and then you will be able to recognize the connections and intercessions that you and your saint will share."

To discover your patron saint for 2010 visit Marianne's blog: The 2010 Patron Saint of the Year Ministry

My patron for this year is St. Benedict Joseph Labre. I can't wait to get to know him better!

ht: Become What You Are

Storming Heaven

My dear friend writes here about her husband's latest results in the battle against Multiple Myeloma. This is not good news. They are both faithful, strong and determined. Most importantly they are prayerful. Marleigh and her family will be praying and fasting for Blaine this weekend.
Our Lord himself tell us that some demons can only be cast out through prayer and fasting. This is powerful stuff! Many times, physical illnesses have spiritual components. It is extremely wise of the Savage family to add the "prayer and fasting combo punch" to their treatment regiment. The good docs are doing their very best with all the medical technology available to them. The prayer and fasting combination means that Blaine's cancer is being treated with the most powerful tools available, both medically and spiritually. He is being treated body and soul. It doesn't get better than that!
Please join me in prayer and fasting for Blaine Savage. If a complete fast is not possible, please consider fasting from something you really like for the day, whether it be a TV show, coffee, internet, etc. I know the Savage family will truly appreciate it.

Dear Jesus, when you walked on earth you healed all who came to you. We come before you now and ask for the healing of Blaine Savage. Cast out the "demon" of cancer and heal his body that he may glorify God in all things. As always, we ask in accordance with the Holy Will of God.

I found this great explanation of why fasting is so powerful:

Fasting must accompany our prayer. Why? Because Fasting helps subject our bodies to our spirits (1 Cor 9:27), because fasting disciplines the body, mind, and spirit (Prov. 25:28), because fasting subordinates our flesh with its desires to the desires of the Spirit (Gal 5:17), because fasting helps us to set priorities in our lives. (Mt 6:33) and because fasting is really longing after God. (Ps 63:1-2). The power of fasting is a mystery. Which is probably why those who deem themselves "intelligent," "reasonable" and "rational" cannot understand its importance. But whether such people accept it or not, fasting breaks demonic strongholds and demonic attacks and helps us to walk in the spirit rather than the flesh, to sow to the Spirit, not to the sinful nature.

Fiat

The heavenly host welcomes a new little saint. Please pray for this family. Click image above to visit Matthew Karol Snow's family blog.

Some Good News

After asking everyone to pray for so many serious intentions, it is my pleasure to be able to be the bearer of glad tidings. There was good news today for baby Matthew and his family. Go here and see!

Lord, Have Mercy

A young mom we have known since she was born, Hillary St. Pierre, has been battling Hodgkins Lymphoma for several years now. She has recently been given some bad news. Please add her to your prayers. She and her family have been through so much.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

Prayer request

The Savage family could really, really use some prayers right now. We know our God is a God of miracles, and that is what we are asking for. Please consider joining me in storming heaven for Blaine Savage and his family.

My thoughts on Lent

You know, Lent is a funny thing. I began this Lent with great, concrete plans, which I prayerfully considered before finalizing. And then God laughed....I had made plans. Yes, I had consulted Him and asked for His direction. I still feel those plans are good, well thought out plans, which will produce much fruit, but Our Lord in His Mercy has shown me some other areas that I really need to work on...things I would never have thought of on my own. Almost miraculously, I could suddenly hear the tone with which I speak to my family...and it wasn't tender, gentle or kind. It was tired, impatient and sarcastic. My heart broke. I was horrified. As the mom, I set the tone for the family, after all, the mother is the heart of the family. I have to change this. I have to do better. Self-knowledge can be so painful, but it is always a gift to help us grow.
I did not give up chocolate this year. I was on to "bigger and better" things, I thought. But....I have not been able to eat chocolate this Lent....it seems so frivolous and unnecessary. Now, if you know me, you will know that I NEVER put the words 'chocolate' and 'unnecessary' together! This is truly the Lord's work. ;)
So many times I have opened a book to a certain passage or glanced at an article that spoke directly to my heart. These little nudges are Lenten gifts to me from a loving Father. He wants me with Him, and He is showing me the path.

Please pray

My heart is so heavy tonight. I just spoke with a very dear childhood friend whose husband has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. He is 42 years old. They have 4 children.
He begins chemotherapy the week after next. Once they get him in remission he will need a bone marrow transplant. From what my friend told me, it cannot be cured, only treated. Life expectancy varies.
They are very devout members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In fact, Blaine is currently serving as bishop. Their trust is in God and they are strong.
Please join me in storming heaven for Blaine Savage and his family.

Lord, look upon Blaine with eyes of mercy, may your healing hand rest upon him, may your lifegiving powers flow into every cell of his body and into the depths of his soul, cleansing, purifying, restoring him to wholeness and strength for service in your Kingdom. Amen.

Plans for observing Lent

What should we give up for Lent?
This is our younger children's view of how to observe the sacrificial season of Lent. I have a tendency to "over-plan and overwhelm", which normally ends in dismal failure. So, this year I am aiming for the elusive balance that will challenge us, force us from our comfort zone and hopefully, into spiritual growth, but not overwhelm us.
This article was a tremendous help and inspiration for me. I realized that I really do need a plan. We all do.
So, hubby and I sat down with the kids yesterday and began planning for Lent. I made a worksheet for each of us listing the three foci (sp?) for Lent: Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving with 2 subheadings under each category. One was 'individual' and the other was 'family'. We brainstormed about the things we wanted to do as a family:

*Jesus Tree readings (making the actual Jesus tree kit will perhaps become a summer project)
* Evening Rosary
* Eucharistic Adoration- one hour per week (which will hopefully become permanent, not just a Lenten practice)
* 12:10pm Mass at our Parish on Tuesdays and Fridays
* Stations of the Cross on Fridays
One of our traditional Lenten practices is doing the Stations of the Cross at home. Our version includes lighting 12 candles, with one to be blown out after each of the first 12 stations. At Station 12, when Jesus dies on the cross, the candle is blown out and we are in darkness, because the Light has gone from the world. Dad, aided by a flashlight, leads us in the last 2 stations in darkness. It keeps the kids focused and involved--they love blowing out candles. We use a child's station of the cross booklet (I've ordered new ones for this year). We will try to go to Stations at our Church at least once during Lent.
We will be fasting from sweets (not 'Sweets'--our family:) and electronics as a family. We also decided that we eat out waaaaay too much, so we will curtail that practice and donate the money we save to our local St. Vincent de Paul society.
We discussed some ideas for our personal Lenten sacrifices and let everyone think and pray about what each of us will do individually for Lent. Tonight we will meet with the children and help them firm up their plans.
This sounds kind of like "overkill", but experience has shown me that we tend to make excuses for not keeping our Lenten sacrifices when our plans are not concrete. I for one am excited to have it all written out for me...like a contract...I just need that.
I even made plans for our Lenten Altar!
Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday:
* purple cloth
* the crucifix my mil brought back from the Holy Land
* Salt dough Crown of Thorns.
* purple candle
The candles we use for the Stations of the Cross will adorn our dining room table. I will try to get pix and post them once we get it all set up.
Holy Week:
* purple cloth
* grotto
* crucifix
* statue of Christ in Gethsemane
* vase of palms
The crown of thorns will move to the dining room table.
Easter Altar
* white and gold altar cloth
* empty grotto with the stone rolled aside
* Risen Christ statue
* homemade Paschal Candle
* and flowers!!!!
The crown of thorns, devoid of toothpicks/thorns, will be beautifully transformed and will adorn the table.
I am pretty sure I am going to steal Jessica's Lenten Calendar idea, too. We will be using this great book with the kids during co-op. The DVDs "Jesus of Nazareth" and "The Passion of the Christ" will also have a place in our Lenten program. (The Passion will NOT be seen by the littles)
I have firmed up my own personal resolutions, but I am still up in the air about my spiritual reading. I am considering several different books--The Love Dare, The Domestic Church, Room by Room, Full of Grace, the Dolorous Passion of Our Lord by Anne Catherine Emmerich and The Privilege of Being a Woman. But I haven't decided yet. I am open to suggestions, also!
It's a really good feeling to be so prepared. I really hope this will be a very fruitful Lent. As our visiting priest said on Sunday, "Your Easter will only be as good as your Lent."
Let the penance begin!!

Great reminder

HT: Faith & Family Live

Pray for Baby Cate

Please storm heaven for this sweet baby and her family. Dear Jesus, please send your healing power down upon baby Cate, and make her whole. Bless her family with your peace.