tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62393262024-03-13T22:16:03.198-05:00Catholic Fire"IF YOU ARE WHAT YOU SHOULD BE, YOU WILL SET THE WHOLE WORLD ON FIRE."
"LET THE TRUTH BE YOUR DELIGHT.... PROCLAIM IT..., BUT WITH A CERTAIN CONGENIALITY." ~ St. Catherine of SienaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13652125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-51429556158471309412021-02-24T12:35:00.002-06:002021-02-24T12:43:59.233-06:00R. I. P. Jean Heimann<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UKZ-eTh6gE/YDaX-Ua_8FI/AAAAAAAAFnA/G9E4fwac-zIUEethg_XrH8KlcrBtBsHzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/jean%2Bheimann%2Bfinal.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="340" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UKZ-eTh6gE/YDaX-Ua_8FI/AAAAAAAAFnA/G9E4fwac-zIUEethg_XrH8KlcrBtBsHzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/jean%2Bheimann%2Bfinal.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jean M. Heimann, <br />Aug. 8, 1949-Feb. 21, 2021</i></td></tr></tbody></table>The founder of this blog, <b>Jean M. Heimann, has gone on to her eternal reward.</b> After suffering rapidly declining health following the death of her beloved husband, Jean died on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the age of seventy-one years. Of your charity, please pray for the repose of her soul.<p></p><p>Those who have appreciated the work Jean put into this blog for many years, those who have appreciated her books, as well as those who knew Jean are invited to <b><a href="https://www.downingandlahey.com/obituaries/Jean-Marie-Heimann?obId=20073997&fbclid=IwAR3SFfNI3FBOXaajJhG2ag_a3gaFnBgxrz9sUnn_7pfIZTl6TUS_PocEG2M#/obituaryInfo" target="_blank">leave a tribute on this memorial site</a></b>. There you can also find details of her funeral, scheduled for Friday, 26 February 2021, in Wichita, Kansas.</p><p>This blog will remain online as a lasting memorial to Jean. Those who have enjoyed the inspiration and information provided here may also like to read Jean's books (click title headings for link to Amazon):</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Saints-Virtues-Jean-Heimann/dp/1616368454/" target="_blank">Seven Saints for Seven Virtues</a></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woewJ2bg9_w/YDaZGcgl2hI/AAAAAAAAFnI/uyYR-DmxxXsoy9ypccBhErAYrlWNzkmQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s499/Jean%2Bbk%2B1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="323" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woewJ2bg9_w/YDaZGcgl2hI/AAAAAAAAFnI/uyYR-DmxxXsoy9ypccBhErAYrlWNzkmQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jean%2Bbk%2B1.jpg" /></a></p></div><p>To live a virtuous life might seem like a daunting task, but we are fortunate to have examples to follow— the saints who have faced sin through the embodiment and exemplification of virtue. In this book, the reader will meet seven saints who lived seven virtues, and will discover concrete ways that they can live those virtues in their own lives. Each chapter includes: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A quote from the saint </li><li>A personal reflection on each saint </li><li>A brief biography </li><li>A discussion on the spirituality of each saint, and concrete examples how to emulate this saint and grow in the virtue that saint models </li><li>A prayer to conclude each chapter, asking for the intercession of that saint. </li></ul><p></p><p><i>Seven Saints for Seven Virtues</i> covers a wide range of spirituality and life circumstances, demonstrating that everyone, in every role of life, has the opportunity to live a virtuous life.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Love-Saints-Spiritual-Memoir/dp/0692656952/" target="_blank">Learning to Love with the Saints: A Spiritual Memoir</a></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfsVgDQEkZU/YDabLJQwIVI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/2aKi4pQVi5kFq5aH6jJ9xK9wn96OgmwnQCNcBGAsYHQ/s499/Jean%2Bbk%2B2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfsVgDQEkZU/YDabLJQwIVI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/2aKi4pQVi5kFq5aH6jJ9xK9wn96OgmwnQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jean%2Bbk%2B2.jpg" /></a></div><i>Learning to Love with the Saints </i>is the inspiring personal witness of how Jean M. Heimann was wooed by Jesus to return to the Church after being raised Catholic and then leaving her faith for fifteen years. In this riveting memoir, Jean tells the story of growing up in the Midwest in a French-Catholic family during the tumultuous times of the sexual revolution, the Vietnam War and mass misinterpretation of Vatican II in the Church in the '60s. <p></p><p>Jean grew up in a stable home environment with devout, hardworking Catholic parents. As a young adult, she deeply desired adventure and romance and yearned for love; however, she searched for it with unsuitable partners. Her life took some treacherous turns as she entered into marriage with a drug-addicted abusive man, which was soon followed by divorce, causing her to leave her Catholic faith. </p><p>Throughout her life, Jean faced numerous sufferings and trials: unemployment, loss, divorce, chronic illness, financial difficulties, and emotional heartaches. In spite of personal and professional accomplishments and successes, she describes feeling empty inside. In this intimate account, Jean shares her fears, her pain and the graces she received from God to rise above her circumstances. She reveals how she came to see her own value in the eyes of God, to surrender to Him and to embrace His tender love and mercy. Jean expertly weaves Pope St. John Paul II’s theology of the body, Scripture passages, brief biographies of the saints, and poignant quotes from the saints into her story to illustrate how the saints served as spiritual guides who interceded for her, resulting in some astonishing miracles. Through all these trials, it was the saints who restored her faith, kept it alive and helped her discover the meaning of true love.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fatima-Apparition-that-Changed-World-ebook/dp/B071RD88FH/" target="_blank">Fatima: The Apparition that Changed the World</a></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRshM0E5tZA/YDabzMj7OGI/AAAAAAAAFnY/_XbxtUHt79cYLB5U0JgaDLwZPobHYYkgACNcBGAsYHQ/s500/Jean%2Bbk%2B3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="379" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRshM0E5tZA/YDabzMj7OGI/AAAAAAAAFnY/_XbxtUHt79cYLB5U0JgaDLwZPobHYYkgACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jean%2Bbk%2B3.jpg" /></a></div>Fatima. Few place-names in the Christian world conjure up such powerful images and associations as that of this humble town in Portugal. For it was there that Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children beginning in 1917 apparitions that are intimately linked to pious Catholic practices such as devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the five first Saturdays, daily recitation of the Rosary with the Fatima prayer, as well as miracles attested to even by non-believers, such as the day the sun danced. The Virgin s message, as it always is, was penance. But she also predicted world historical events such as the rise and fall of communism, the second world war, and the attempted assassination of Pope St. John Paul II. She promised refuge in her Immaculate Heart to all who approach her a promise extended, and urgently needed, today.<p></p><p>This beautifully illustrated volume will be treasured by long-time devotees of our Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of Fatima, as well as those, both Catholic and non-Catholic alike, who seek to learn more about the dramatic events related to the apparition that have unfolded over the course of the last century.</p><p><i>In Fatima: The Apparition That Changed the World</i>, noted Catholic author and Blue Army member Jean M. Heimann traces the history of the apparitions at Cova da Iria and, assisted by over fifty full-color illustrations, guides the reader through the hundred years since the Mother of God appeared to three little children in a small town in Portugal.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-209253416734890962019-05-31T23:42:00.011-05:002021-01-15T10:56:46.693-06:00Catholic Fire Returns to Blogger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Three years after Jean Heimann moved the Catholic Fire blog to her new author website on WordPress, <i>Catholic Fire</i> returns to the Google Blogger platform. Jean, unfortunately, is no longer able to maintain the blog, but fifteen years of her blogging efforts are still available here.<br />
<br />
Those of you who are fans of Jean's work may be interested in this update on her situation by her friend Judy Phelps:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNCMkUlLY_0/XPIBCLTIwsI/AAAAAAAACHY/z6Imsv6MW7sn43vNtL76sko58UDQkFHyACLcBGAs/s1600/Jean-Bill-birthday-2017.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNCMkUlLY_0/XPIBCLTIwsI/AAAAAAAACHY/z6Imsv6MW7sn43vNtL76sko58UDQkFHyACLcBGAs/s1600/Jean-Bill-birthday-2017.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean and husband Bill, 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>To Jean’s readers: </b>My name is Judy Phelps, and I am a friend of Jean’s. I am writing this to give you an update about the many things that have changed in Jean’s life recently.<br />
<br />
Jean’s beloved husband, Bill, died on February 16th. He had heart surgery to address a valve problem, and unfortunately developed bleeding in the following days, and the doctors were not able to save him.<br />
<br />
Upon visiting Jean the day after Bill’s death, another friend from church and I became quickly aware that Jean was not in a condition to take care of herself. It became apparent that Bill had been her caregiver and, with him gone, she would need extensive help. Over the next two months, it was determined by her doctors that Jean would need long-term care. We found a very nice retirement community for her with all levels of care. The graciousness of the staff is amazing, and we visit her constantly and are certain she is receiving the best care possible.<br />
<br />
I wanted to let her loyal readers know that she will not be able to blog any more. She has suffered a sharp mental decline, possibly accelerated by her chemo treatments of last Fall. I ask all her prayer warriors out there to pray for her and for the soul of Bill.</blockquote>
All of Jean's original Blogger posts are here on this site. As you read her posts, I hope you will continue to explore what is implied for all of us by Saint Catherine of Siena's challenge: "If you are what you ought to be, you will set the world on fire!"</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-76033504384280040282016-12-02T00:21:00.001-06:002019-05-31T22:07:57.919-05:007 Quick Takes: Christmas Movies and Books<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JbXP-ob-ow/WEEFC2Rs3II/AAAAAAAArQQ/P7dgpNnMCMIMG34XEc1XXTaeg6lJe1CRACLcB/s1600/Believe_2016_%2Bmovie%2B433%2Bx%2B641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JbXP-ob-ow/WEEFC2Rs3II/AAAAAAAArQQ/P7dgpNnMCMIMG34XEc1XXTaeg6lJe1CRACLcB/s320/Believe_2016_%2Bmovie%2B433%2Bx%2B641.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<b>1. <a href="http://www.believe.film/" target="_blank">Believe</a> is one Christmas movie I am looking forward to viewing this year</b>. It opens in theaters on Dec. 2. Here is a review from <b><a href="http://variety.com/2016/film/news/faith-based-drama-believe-smith-global-media-1201900558/" target="_blank">Variety</a>,</b> Here is a brief synopsis from the website. For years, the small town of Grundy, Va. has relied on the Peyton family to provide the highlight of the year—the annual Christmas pageant. When Matthew Peyton (Ryan O’Quinn) inherits the family business, the responsibility of the Christmas pageant also falls on his shoulders. But as financial hardships fall on the town, Matthew finds himself overwhelmed. As his business profits plummet and his workers begin to strike, Matthew is forced to make a decision between selling the family business and cancelling the beloved pageant or sticking out hardships despite his rapidly declining popularity in the community. Through chance events, Matthew meets Clarence (Issac Ryan Brown), a boy who believes in miracles, and his mother Sharon (Danielle Nicolet). His newfound friends impact Matthew’s life in a way he never thought possible and teach him to believe and give faith a chance.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vTMc8904API" width="450"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>2. A few years ago, I put together a post on my favorite Christmas movies<a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-ten-best-christmas-movies.html" target="_blank"> HERE.</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>3. I am adding these to my favorite list of Advent and CHRISTMAS books: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-faKInT32XiI/WEEQMDSVr3I/AAAAAAAArQg/taHl3gEB3g0SWaOjerDwAolDoXZ2HjAegCLcB/s1600/Advent%2Bwith%2BMother%2BTeresa%2B500%2Bx%2B590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-faKInT32XiI/WEEQMDSVr3I/AAAAAAAArQg/taHl3gEB3g0SWaOjerDwAolDoXZ2HjAegCLcB/s320/Advent%2Bwith%2BMother%2BTeresa%2B500%2Bx%2B590.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2016/11/advent-with-st-teresa-of-calcutta-daily.html" target="_blank">Advent with St. Teresa of Calcutta: Daily Meditations</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beoCT65SCxg/WEEQsqFtn6I/AAAAAAAArQk/K3DnrEWDWh0KaKaBMQuVf9UN5U0msIhnwCLcB/s1600/Ornamental%2BGraces%2Bcover%2B333%2Bx%2B478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beoCT65SCxg/WEEQsqFtn6I/AAAAAAAArQk/K3DnrEWDWh0KaKaBMQuVf9UN5U0msIhnwCLcB/s320/Ornamental%2BGraces%2Bcover%2B333%2Bx%2B478.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2016/11/ornamental-graces-book-review.html" target="_blank">Ornamental Graces</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmDWnEbXqtA/WEERGsGLvyI/AAAAAAAArQo/p7h1fgf-oJAaGkegnko-2z237JGgmlVlwCLcB/s1600/Advent%2BWreath%2B2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmDWnEbXqtA/WEERGsGLvyI/AAAAAAAArQo/p7h1fgf-oJAaGkegnko-2z237JGgmlVlwCLcB/s320/Advent%2BWreath%2B2016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>4. Speaking of Advent, here are <a href="http://www.jeanmheimann.com/2016/11/twelve-tips-holy-advent-season/" target="_blank">Twelve Tips to a Holy Advent Season.</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>4. My new website continues to be a work in progress, but you can check it out <a href="http://www.jeanmheimann.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>5. Here is a children's book that I have been reading for Advent that is very good: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Light-World-Catholic-Advent-Christmas/dp/0990895033" target="_blank">Light for the World: A Catholic Kid's Guide to Advent and Christmas</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>6. If you are looking for a great novena to pray this Christmas, try <a href="http://www.jeanmheimann.com/2015/11/st-andrew-christmas-novena-begins/" target="_blank">this one.</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>7. Here are <a href="http://www.jeanmheimann.com/books/" target="_blank"> some books</a> that you may want to give as gifts to the adults on your list this year. I highly recommend them!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>Have a happy and holy Advent! </i></b><br />
<b><i>Jean</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>For more Quick Takes, please visit Kelly at <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-keeping-anonymous-with-the-simpsons/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum. </a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1i4BZPj7xQ/WEER5kV5FdI/AAAAAAAArQw/z2N_a-BYjb8ielOpXl_Xww49Efe0gP9CQCLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1i4BZPj7xQ/WEER5kV5FdI/AAAAAAAArQw/z2N_a-BYjb8ielOpXl_Xww49Efe0gP9CQCLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-27034872534129469932016-11-30T01:06:00.001-06:002016-11-30T01:06:22.697-06:00Ten Fascinating Facts about Advent<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hC6g44BlL6c/WD55gibdVMI/AAAAAAAArP0/0XGtRAKcuJAiVKM58AP3pYTIUHDegiliACLcB/s1600/Advent%2BWreath%2B2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hC6g44BlL6c/WD55gibdVMI/AAAAAAAArP0/0XGtRAKcuJAiVKM58AP3pYTIUHDegiliACLcB/s400/Advent%2BWreath%2B2016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
1. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means "coming" or "arrival."<br />
<br />
2. The Advent Season always begins four Sundays before Christmas; so it is rarely four full weeks long, but only between three and four weeks, depending on what weekday Dec. 25 happens to be in a certain year.<br />
<br />
3. The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called "Gaudete Sunday" (from Latin, meaning "Rejoice!), because the "Entrance Antiphon" of this Sunday's Mass is taken from Paul's letter to the Philippians: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near." (Phil 4:4+5b)<br />
<br />
4. In the Roman Catholic Church, the official liturgical color for most of the Season of Advent is violet. Only on the Third Sunday of Advent is a rose (pink) colored candle lit, as a symbol of joy; the priest may also wear rose vestments on this Sunday.<br />
<br />
5. Advent wreaths have their origins in the folk traditions of northern Europe, where in the deep of winter people lit candles on wheel-shaped bundles of evergreen. Both the evergreen and the circular shape symbolized ongoing life. The candlelight gave comfort at this darkest time of the year, as people looked forward to the longer days of spring.<br />
<br />
6. Advent wreaths traditionally include three purple/violet candles and one pink/rose-colored candle, which are arranged evenly around the wreath.<br />
<br />
7. Sometimes a fifth candle is placed inside the Advent wreath. This candle is lit on Christmas Day. It is white, the color associated with angels and the birth of Jesus.<br />
<br />
8. An advent calendar is a card or poster with twenty-four small doors, one to be opened each day from December 1 until Christmas Eve. Each door conceals a picture. This popular tradition arose in Germany in the late 1800s and soon spread throughout Europe and North America.<br />
<br />
9. Advent is not part of the Christmas season itself, but a preparation for it. Thus, Catholics do not sing Christmas hymns, or use Christmas readings, in Mass until December 25th, the first day of the Christmas season.<br />
<br />
10. The readings and the liturgies during Advent prepare us for both the birth of Jesus and His Second Coming of Jesus at the end of the world.<br />
<br />
<i>~ Image Copyright Jean M. Heimann 2016.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-49088215942559687282016-11-30T00:52:00.002-06:002016-11-30T00:52:53.094-06:00Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai3E9QfjGiw/WD52i_NO7iI/AAAAAAAArPo/NRjzMAnYZuI8BAnwfWjitHKLoXegNCg-wCLcB/s1600/11_30_saint_andrew%2B500%2Bx%2B307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai3E9QfjGiw/WD52i_NO7iI/AAAAAAAArPo/NRjzMAnYZuI8BAnwfWjitHKLoXegNCg-wCLcB/s400/11_30_saint_andrew%2B500%2Bx%2B307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today is the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. He is the patron of fishermen, singers, unmarried women, and women who wish to become mothers.<br />
<br />
St. Andrew, son of Jonah, was the brother of the Apostle Peter, and like his brother, was born at Bethsaida in Galilee. He was a disciple of John the Baptist and became the first to follow Jesus. A fisherman like St. Peter, Saint Andrew first introduced Saint Peter to Christ. Both occupied the same house at Capharnaum.<br />
<br />
At first the two brothers continued to carry on their fishing trade and family affairs, but later, the Lord called them to stay with Him all the time. He promised to make them fishers of men, and this time, they left their nets for good.<br />
<br />
As one of the Twelve Apostles, Andrew was very close to Our Lord during His public life; he was present at the Last Supper; beheld the risen Lord; witnessed the Ascension; shared in the graces and gifts of the first Pentecost, and helped, amid threats and persecution, to establish the Faith in Palestine. After Our Lord ascended into Heaven, St. Andrew went to Greece to preach the gospel.<br />
<br />
He was crucified by order of the Roman Governor at Patras in southern Greece on a cross to which he was tied, not nailed. Tradition states that he requested to be crucified on a saltire or "x"-shaped cross, as he considered himself unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross as Jesus had been. This type of cross has long been known as "St. Andrew's cross." He was martyred during the reign of Nero, on November 30, 60 A.D.<br />
<br />
St. Andrew's relics were transferred from Patras to Constantinople, and deposited in the church of the Apostles there, about 357 A.D. When Constantinople was taken by the French, in the beginning of the thirteenth century, Cardinal Peter of Capua brought the relics to Italy and placed them in the cathedral of Amalfi, where most of them still remain.<br />
<br />
Although little is mentioned in the Book of Acts regarding the life of St. Andrew, much can be learned through St. Andrew's life. He and Saint Peter gave up their lifelong careers and lifestyles, leaving everything behind, to follow Jesus. Their undying faith in a difficult world is an inspiration to all Christians.<br />
<br />
Beginning today, Novena 30, the Christmas Anticipatory Prayer, also known as "St. Andrew's Christmas Novena" (Hail and Blessed be the hour...) is prayed every day until Christmas.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-75492317482344155492016-11-21T21:04:00.000-06:002016-11-21T21:04:13.424-06:00St. Cecilia: Patron of Poets and Musicians<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KPFAvdlNaPM/WDOyYX9J0MI/AAAAAAAArPI/A3_3dF6mYbcuHYy5KgT-wSoc3XqmEQjagCLcB/s1600/11_22_St_Cecilia_with_angel_best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KPFAvdlNaPM/WDOyYX9J0MI/AAAAAAAArPI/A3_3dF6mYbcuHYy5KgT-wSoc3XqmEQjagCLcB/s400/11_22_St_Cecilia_with_angel_best.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On November 22, the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr. St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians, is one of the most famous and most venerated of Roman martyrs.<br />
<br />
It is believed that St. Cecilia was born in the 2nd or 3rd century A.D., although the dates of her birth and martyrdom are unknown.<br />
<br />
Tradition tells us that Cecilia was a Roman girl of a patrician family who had been brought up as a Christian. She fasted often and wore a coarse garment beneath her rich clothing. Although she had consecrated her virginity to God, her father betrothed her to a young pagan named Valerian.<br />
<br />
When the wedding day arrived, Cecilia sat apart from her guests, repeating psalms and praying. After the ceremony, when the guests had departed and she was alone with her husband, Cecilia made known her great desire to remain a virgin, saying that she already had a lover, an angel of God who was very jealous. Valerian, shaken by fear, anger, and suspicion, said to her: “Show me this angel. If he is of God, I shall refrain, as you wish, but if he is a human lover, you both must die.” Cecilia answered, “If you believe in the one true and living God and receive the water of baptism, then you shall see the angel.” Valerian assented and following his wife’s directions sought out a bishop named Urban, who was in hiding among the tombs of the martyrs, for this was a time for persecutions. Valerian made his profession of faith and the bishop baptized him.<br />
<br />
When the young husband returned, he found an angel with flaming wings standing beside Cecilia. The angel placed chaplets of roses and lilies on their heads. The brother of Valerian, Tiburtius, was also converted, and after being baptized he too experienced many marvels.<br />
<br />
Valerian and Tiburtius devoted themselves to good works on behalf of the Christian community, and they made it their special duty to give proper burial to those who were put to death. The two brothers were themselves soon sentenced to death for refusing to sacrifice to Jupiter. Maximus, a Roman officer charged with their execution, was converted by a vision that he saw in the hour of their death. After professing Christianity, he, too, was martyred.<br />
<br />
The three were buried by the grieving Cecilia. Soon after, she was sentenced to death. The prefect tried to reason with her, but she remained strong in her faith. Consequently, he gave an order that she was to be suffocated in her own bathroom. Surviving this attempt on her life, a soldier was sent to behead her. He struck her neck three times, then left her lying, still alive, for it was against the law to strike a fourth time. She lingered on for three days, during which the Christians who remained in Rome flocked to her house. In dying she bequeathed all her goods to the poor, and her house to the bishop for a place of Christian worship. She was buried in the crypt of the Caecilii at the Catacomb of St. Callistus. St. Cecilia's body was found to be incorrupt in the Catacombs of Saint Callistus. Her body was later moved to St Cecilia in Trastevere.<br />
<br />
She is praised as the most perfect model of the Christian woman because of her virginity and the martyrdom which she suffered for love of Christ.<br />
<br />
At her wedding banquet, while the pipes were playing, St. Cecilia sang to the Lord, asking that her heart might remain immaculate, that she not be put to shame. This inspired early composers to write elaborate music for the antiphon used on her feast day, and St. Cecilia became the special patron of musicians. For this reason, she is usually shown at the organ, although a harp or lute may be used. Sometimes she wears a wreath of white and red roses.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ORsvhYm4Fk0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-1633976502319531992016-11-21T13:29:00.003-06:002016-11-21T13:29:58.965-06:00The Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGW86MgDs5k/WDNHAZToGfI/AAAAAAAArO4/h5Mkq_fwzsohvJagTThVZ4ZE56hZ0ezVACLcB/s1600/11_21_the-presentation-of-the-virgin-vittore-carpaccio%2Bbest%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGW86MgDs5k/WDNHAZToGfI/AAAAAAAArO4/h5Mkq_fwzsohvJagTThVZ4ZE56hZ0ezVACLcB/s400/11_21_the-presentation-of-the-virgin-vittore-carpaccio%2Bbest%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today, November 21, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. <br />
<br />
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the fact that the parents of Our Lady brought her to the Temple and handed her over to live there for a long period as a virgin consecrated to the Temple, contemplating God exclusively. Also known as the Dedication of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the feast originated in the East, where it is called the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos Into the Temple.<br />
<br />
The story of the presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary captures the essential gospel portrayal of Mary totally committed to living out the will of God in her life. Her own willing, steadfast obedience lies at the heart of her life of self-sacrifice offered in love.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>History of the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary</b><br />
<br />
The Protoevangelium of James (7-8), and the writing entitled "De nativit. Mariae" (7-8), state that Joachim and Anna, faithful to a vow they had made, presented the child Mary in the Temple when she was three years old; that the child herself mounted the Temple steps, and that she made her vow of virginity on this occasion. St. Gregory of Nyssa and St. Germanus of Constantinople adopt this report; it is also followed by pseudo-Gregory of Nazianzus in his "Christus patiens". Moreover, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation, though it does not specify at what age the child Mary was presented in the Temple, when she made her vow of virginity, and what were the special natural and supernatural gifts with which God endowed her. The feast is mentioned for the first time in a document of Manuel Commenus, in 1166; from Constantinople the feast must have been introduced into the western Church, where we find it at the papal court at Avignon in 1371; about a century later, Pope Sixtus IV introduced the Office of the Presentation, and in 1585 Pope Sixtus V extended the Feast of the Presentation to the whole Church.<br />
<br />
~ Catholic Encyclopedia<br />
<br />
<b>Saint Quote for the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary</b><br />
<br />
"There never was, and never will be, an offering on the part of a creature greater or more perfect than that which Mary made to God when, at the age of three, she presented herself in the Temple. She offered him not aromatic spices, nor calves, nor gold, but her entire self, consecrating herself as a perpetual victim in his honor."<br />
<br />
~ St. Alphonsus Liguori<br />
<br />
Prayer<br />
<br />
As we venerate the glorious memory of the most holy Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, O Lord, through her intercession, that we, too, may merit to receive from the fullness of your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-31286836295372133732016-11-21T01:00:00.001-06:002016-11-21T01:00:46.295-06:00Advent with St. Teresa of Calcutta: Daily Meditations<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0jMm44uMVw/WDKVYv8nniI/AAAAAAAArOY/K4ZCGALv9hsvHakNjvM-eSfrWnG0LJ9TQCLcB/s1600/Advent%2Bwith%2BMother%2BTeresa%2B500%2Bx%2B590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0jMm44uMVw/WDKVYv8nniI/AAAAAAAArOY/K4ZCGALv9hsvHakNjvM-eSfrWnG0LJ9TQCLcB/s400/Advent%2Bwith%2BMother%2BTeresa%2B500%2Bx%2B590.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
<br />
The word Advent comes from the Latin word advenio, which means "to come to," and denotes the coming of Christ. Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and souls for the Savior’s three comings: (1) the Lord's coming into the world as the incarnate God of love at Christmas, (2) Christ’s coming in Holy Communion and through grace, and (3) His final coming as judge, at death and at the end of the world.<br />
<br />
In her inspirational book, <i><a href="https://shop.franciscanmedia.org/products/advent-with-saint-teresa-of-calcutta-daily-meditations" target="_blank">Advent with St. Teresa of Calcutta: Daily Meditations</a></i>, author Heidi Hess Saxton presents twenty-eight daily meditations based on the wisdom of St. Teresa of Calcutta as it relates to each day’s Scripture readings. With an Introduction written by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle and a Foreword by Bishop Robert Barron, this beautiful devotional assists us in entering into the peace, joy, and love of this liturgical season. The book is divided into six sections: each of the four weeks of Advent, the Christmas week through Epiphany, and the feasts days and other special days during Advent and Christmas. Each daily meditation contains: a list of the Mass readings for the day, a Scripture excerpt, a meditation which incorporates Mother Teresa’s spiritual ideas, virtues, and advice, questions for reflection, and a prayer.<br />
<br />
Saxton’s meditations include interesting anecdotes and astute insights that teach us how to love more deeply, drawing us into a more intimate relationship with Our Savior. As I read each meditation, I felt as if I were having an intimate conversation with a close friend, who was encouraging me to enter into a deeper level of sanctity and to surrender my heart to the Lord, in order for him to fill it with the gifts that He desires to give me this Christmas.<i> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Advent-Saint-Teresa-Calcutta-Meditations/dp/1632531348" target="_blank">Advent with St. Teresa of Calcutta: Daily Meditations</a></i> is a book that you will treasure for many Advent and Christmas seasons to come, as it can used year after year.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsKXdhFPAe4/WDKYgTQ-7rI/AAAAAAAArOk/0CtOdTO2OAgUMvbmIGGLdoUo9j8GmfgDgCLcB/s1600/Heidi%2BHess%2BSaxton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsKXdhFPAe4/WDKYgTQ-7rI/AAAAAAAArOk/0CtOdTO2OAgUMvbmIGGLdoUo9j8GmfgDgCLcB/s200/Heidi%2BHess%2BSaxton.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
<br />
Heidi Hess Saxton is a Catholic editor, wife, and mother, and is author of several books. A convert to the Catholic faith since 1995, Saxton holds a master’s in theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. As part of her undergraduate studies at Bethany College of Missions in Minneapolis, she spent an internship in Senegal that sparked a lifelong interest in missions—an interest that connected her in a very personal way with the life and work of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Heidi is now editorial director of Servant, an imprint of Franciscan Media. She writes for adoptive, foster, and special-needs families at her blog,<a href="https://heidihesssaxton.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> <i>A Mother on the Road Less Traveled.</i></a><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fVjBCCNGHRw/WDKZXOOY95I/AAAAAAAArOo/cSo4swQ6SsgUc9J0nV6h7YwMMEwdiG2zQCLcB/s1600/Donna-Marie%2BCooper%2BO%2527Boyle%2B500%2Bx%2B458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fVjBCCNGHRw/WDKZXOOY95I/AAAAAAAArOo/cSo4swQ6SsgUc9J0nV6h7YwMMEwdiG2zQCLcB/s200/Donna-Marie%2BCooper%2BO%2527Boyle%2B500%2Bx%2B458.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle is a bestselling author whose friendship with Mother Teresa has been the subject of several books including <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Teresa-Me-Years-Friendship/dp/161278500X" target="_blank">Mother Teresa and Me</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Lent-Home-Mother-Teresa/dp/1594712867" target="_blank">Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa.</a></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-14054485805117833912016-11-18T12:33:00.002-06:002016-11-18T12:33:56.106-06:00Winners of the Magnificat Advent Companion Giveaway<br />
The winners of the electronic Magnificat Advent Companion Giveaway are: Amy and Deacon John Giglio Jr. Please contact me at jean.heimann@gmail.com to claim your prize. If you do not contact me within one week, your prize will be forfeited.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-56970277591367878762016-11-18T01:15:00.001-06:002016-11-18T01:15:29.459-06:00Miraculous Medal Novena begins<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iylfPEBrWM/WC6mz0GKymI/AAAAAAAArOA/iYxhwqxm0wo_jS5LT7c8IFqh5_KRZaIIwCEw/s1600/11_27_best_OL_Miraculous_Medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iylfPEBrWM/WC6mz0GKymI/AAAAAAAArOA/iYxhwqxm0wo_jS5LT7c8IFqh5_KRZaIIwCEw/s400/11_27_best_OL_Miraculous_Medal.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
This novena begins on November 19 and continues through November 27.<br />
<br />
(Recite this prayer for nine consecutive days.)<br />
<br />
O Immaculate Virgin Mary,<br />
Mother of Our Lord Jesus and our Mother,<br />
penetrated with the most lively confidence in your all-powerful and never-failing intercession, manifested so often through the Miraculous Medal,<br />
we your loving and trustful children implore you to obtain for us the graces and favors we ask during this novena,<br />
if they be beneficial to our immortal souls,<br />
and the souls for whom we pray.<br />
<br />
(Here mention your petition)<br />
<br />
You know, O Mary, how often our souls have been the sanctuaries of your Son who hates iniquity.<br />
Obtain for us then a deep hatred of sin and that purity of heart which will attach us to God alone so that our every thought, word and deed may tend to His greater glory.<br />
<br />
Obtain for us also a spirit of prayer and self-denial that we may recover by penance what we have lost by sin and at length attain to that blessed abode where you are the Queen of angels and of men.<br />
Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-37914807022669324982016-11-16T23:25:00.002-06:002016-11-16T23:25:49.233-06:00St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Princess and Bride of Christ<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mql86bpNLdQ/WC07FlprlvI/AAAAAAAArNU/_BP91uzo8akYSdwc0x3CbiTAiufr2T5CwCLcB/s1600/11_17_St_Elizabeth%2B_of_Hungary%2B500%2Bx%2B509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mql86bpNLdQ/WC07FlprlvI/AAAAAAAArNU/_BP91uzo8akYSdwc0x3CbiTAiufr2T5CwCLcB/s400/11_17_St_Elizabeth%2B_of_Hungary%2B500%2Bx%2B509.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
<br />
We are frequently entertained and fascinated by the lifestyles of royalty and their romantic adventures in books and movies. However, St. Elizabeth was a real-life princess, who served as an exemplary model of the heroic virtues of charity and humility. Her life is not a fairy tale, but is a true story of authentic love.<br />
<br />
Born in Bratislava, Hungary in 1207, Princess Elizabeth was the daughter of King Andrew of Hungary and his wife Gertrude. Her aunt was St. Hedwig and her great niece was St. Elizabeth of Portugal.<br />
<br />
Elizabeth was betrothed at the age of four to Prince Herman of Thuringia (in central Germany) and grew up in his father's court. In 1216, Hermann, who Elizabeth was to marry, died. After this, she then became engaged to Ludwig, the second son. The couple married when she was fourteen and he was twenty-one. She loved him and bore him three children. They were very happy together and deeply devoted to one another. Ludwig was protective of his wife and the couple often prayed together, holding hands while kneeling in prayer.<br />
<br />
In the real world, unlike the fairy tale world, this princess was not content with living a life of luxury, but dedicated herself to caring for the poor, the sick, and the elderly. She was so moved by the plight of the poor that she sought to become one with them. Instead of wearing luxurious gowns, she dressed in simple clothing to display her solidarity with them.<br />
<br />
In 1226, when floods, famine, and disease created chaos in Germany, and Princess Ludwig was attending to business in Italy, Elizabeth came to the rescue. Not only did she distribute food (bread) and clothing to hundreds of the needy, but she built a hospital with twenty-eight beds and personally cared for the patients. When Prince Ludwig returned from his business trip to Italy, he assured Elizabeth that she had done the right thing and was pleased with all that she had done.<br />
<br />
A strong and courageous man, Ludwig joined the Crusades, but died within the year. Elizabeth, who received the news just after giving birth to her third child, cried out: “The world with all its joys is now dead to me.” She was twenty years old.<br />
<br />
Elizabeth chose to leave the castle which had been her home for sixteen years. Her royal uncle made a castle available to her and began making plans for a second marriage for her. However, she had taken a vow never to remarry, but to become the bride of Christ.<br />
<br />
On Good Friday 1228, Elizabeth became a Third Order Franciscan, sold all that she had, and worked to support her children. She settled into a small house and spent the few remaining years of her life serving the sick, the poor, and the elderly. Elizabeth’s strength was expended by her charitable work, and in 1231, she passed away at the tender age of twenty-four. She was canonized in 1235 by Pope Gregory IX and is known as the “greatest woman of the German Middle Ages.”<br />
<br />
St. Elizabeth is the patron saint of bakers, the homeless, nursing services, Catholic charities, widows, and young brides. She is also the patroness of secular Franciscans.<br />
<br />
<i>~ copyright Jean M. Heimann 2017.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiI1bGsnntU/WC0-A1Yg-AI/AAAAAAAArNo/Va4SdU62ZtUSJv7g7-AdkIAaycftYGC3wCLcB/s1600/11%2B_17_%2BElizabeth%2Bof%2BHungary%2Bprayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiI1bGsnntU/WC0-A1Yg-AI/AAAAAAAArNo/Va4SdU62ZtUSJv7g7-AdkIAaycftYGC3wCLcB/s400/11%2B_17_%2BElizabeth%2Bof%2BHungary%2Bprayer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-30582995204189067142016-11-16T00:09:00.002-06:002016-11-16T00:09:20.144-06:00 Today's Saints: St. Gertrude the Great and St. Margaret of Scotland<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>St. Gertrude the Great</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTEG4IYSQf8/WCvtpcTytPI/AAAAAAAArMo/c0L_wEC_0u4CUxEtuYRYc_8rUuT5WEYVgCLcB/s1600/11_16_St_Gertrude%2B500%2Bx%2B500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTEG4IYSQf8/WCvtpcTytPI/AAAAAAAArMo/c0L_wEC_0u4CUxEtuYRYc_8rUuT5WEYVgCLcB/s320/11_16_St_Gertrude%2B500%2Bx%2B500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
St. Gertrude was born in Eisleben, Germany in 1256. As a five-year-old, she was received into the monastery of the Cistercian nuns in Helfta. She was an intellectually gifted student with a gentle disposition who applied herself to her studies, concentrating on literature and philosophy.<br />
<br />
At the age of twenty-six, Gertrude had the first of many visions of Jesus which brought about a deep interior conversion, drawing her into the innermost recesses of His Sacred Heart. Her heart symbolically united in a vision to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she was a precursor of the later devotion to the Sacred Heart. She also advocated frequent reception of the Eucharist and devotion to St Joseph.<br />
<br />
Similar to other mystics, such as St. Teresa of Avila, the Passion of Christ was her favorite devotion and when she meditated on it, or on the blessed Eucharist, she was often unable to control the torrents of tears which flowed from her eyes. She frequently went into ecstasy when she meditated or focused on the great love of Christ and united her heart with His.<br />
<br />
On one occasion, Jesus, appeared to Gertrude in a vision and pointed out to her the wound in his side, out of which flowed a stream of crystal-clear water. The heart of Christ seemed to her to be suspended like a lamp in her own heart. She heard it throbbing with His unconditional, redemptive love for both saint and sinner.<br />
<br />
In her short book of "Divine Insinuations", or "Communications and Sentiments of Love," she proposed exercises for the renewal of baptismal vows, by which the soul completely renounces the world and herself, consecrates herself to the pure love of God, abandoning herself entirely to His holy will.<br />
<br />
When in a vision the Lord asked Gertrude whether she would prefer health or sickness, she responded, "Divine Lord, give me whatever pleases You. Do not consider my wishes at all. I know that what You choose to send is the best for me."<br />
<br />
Gertrude was an extraordinarily charitable person toward all those she encountered and her love for others manifested itself in tender sympathy towards the souls in purgatory. An extremely humble person, she prayed that her many spiritual gifts not be manifested outwardly to others and her request was granted. Gertrude was blessed with the gift of prophecy as well as the gift of miracles. A prolific writer, she authored five books on spirituality. However, only three of them are still in existence.<br />
<br />
Gertrude died on November 17th, 1301 or 1302 of natural causes. She is the patron saint of nuns, travelers, and the West Indies.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus</b><br />
<br />
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, fountain of eternal life, Your Heart is a glowing furnace of Love. You are my refuge and my sanctuary. O my adorable and loving Savior, consume my heart with the burning fire with which Yours is aflamed. Pour down on my soul those graces which flow from Your love. Let my heart be united with Yours. Let my will be conformed to Yours in all things. May Your Will be the rule of all my desires and actions. Amen.<br />
<br />
~ Saint Gertrude the Great<br />
<br />
<b>Prayer of Saint Gertrude the Great</b><br />
<br />
Dictated by Our Lord, to release 1000 souls from purgatory each time it is said.<br />
<br />
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son Jesus Christ, in union with the most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, said throughout the world today, for all the holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, those in my own home, and within my family.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>St. Margaret of Scotland, Patron of Mothers</b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ev8p6ApZ_9g/WCv3G1tjjDI/AAAAAAAArM4/9_xZ8qy-lak2WLghErUKzUzkU9mKvy-rwCLcB/s1600/11_16_st__margaret_of_scotland%2B515%2Bx%2B522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ev8p6ApZ_9g/WCv3G1tjjDI/AAAAAAAArM4/9_xZ8qy-lak2WLghErUKzUzkU9mKvy-rwCLcB/s320/11_16_st__margaret_of_scotland%2B515%2Bx%2B522.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
St. Margaret of Scotland was not a Scot, but was born about 1045 in Hungary of Anglo-Saxon and Hungarian parents. Her family was in exile at that time due to the Danish invasion of England. Margaret's grandfather was King Edmund Ironside of England and her father was Edward the Exile, the heir to the throne of Scotland.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Margaret was the oldest of three children born to Edward and Agatha. She was educated by her mother and was well grounded in the scriptures and liturgy. She was about 12 when the family returned to England and was educated under the influence of the Benedictines. She learned French, ecclesiastical embroidery, and began to read works of theology: St. Augustine and St. John Cassian greatly influenced her spiritual development.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While fleeing the invading army of William the Conqueror in 1066, her family's ship wrecked on the Scottish coast. They were assisted by King Malcolm III Canmore of Scotland, whom Margaret married in 1070.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The King was deeply devoted to his beautiful, intelligent, and devout wife: she introduced him to a new way of life and a new spirituality. Although he was unable to read, he would handle her books and examine them. If she was fond of a particular book, he would look at it with interest and kiss the pages. While she did not succeed in teaching him to read or stop making war, she did teach him to pray sincerely and frequently.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Margaret prayed often for her husband and added fasting and almsgiving to her prayers, that they might "easily ascend to heaven". Once when he followed her into the garden, he found her praying for him and "her loving spirit set him on fire".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She was very generous in giving alms to the poor, who flocked around her whenever she appeared in public. When she gave away all that she had, the courtiers would give what they had, even their own cloaks. She would sometimes even give away the King's gold.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The couple had a loving and fruitful marriage. Margaret bore the King eight children, six sons and two daughters. She loved them dearly and raised them well, supervising their education herself. The youngest boy became St. David. Both her husband and her son, Edward, were killed in battle. Yet she prayed: "I thank You, Almighty God, for sending me so great a sorrow to purify me from my sins."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Margaret died in Edinburgh on November 16, 1093. She is remembered for the happiness of her marriage, for her devotion to prayer and learning, and especially for her generosity to the poor. In 1250, Margaret was canonized by Pope Innocent IV.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She is the patron saint of mothers, large families, learning, queens, Scotland, the death of children, and widows.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-42029594188291829662016-11-14T23:10:00.000-06:002016-11-14T23:10:00.986-06:00St. Albert the Great<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1oiJxTHgdU/WCqXD-lip5I/AAAAAAAArMQ/yDePvDi_py4HdwS2VdJEyGwn1IZXtBX4gCLcB/s1600/11_15_St_Albert_the_Great_best%2B533%2Bx%2B574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1oiJxTHgdU/WCqXD-lip5I/AAAAAAAArMQ/yDePvDi_py4HdwS2VdJEyGwn1IZXtBX4gCLcB/s400/11_15_St_Albert_the_Great_best%2B533%2Bx%2B574.jpg" width="371" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>By Jean M. Heimann</i><br />
<br />
On November 15, the Church celebrates St. Albert the Great, "the light of Germany", uniquely named the “Universal Doctor” because of his vast knowledge and writings. He was the greatest German philosopher and theologian of the Middle Ages. A Dominican priest and the Bishop of Regensburg, Germany, he was the first of the medieval academics to apply Aristotle’s philosophy to Christian thought.<br />
<br />
Albert was born in Lauingen on the Danube, near Ulm, Germany in 1206 to a knight from a noble family. As a young man, he studied at the University of Padua and there he met Blessed Jordan of Saxony, the Dominican who made the rounds of the universities of Europe, attracting the best young men of the universities into the Dominicans.<br />
<br />
At age 16, Albert entered the Dominican Order and was ordained a priest in 1228. He was then sent to teach in Cologne, where he was renown for his lectures on the Sentences of Peter Lombard. After several teaching assignments in his order, he came in 1241 to the University of Paris, where he lectured in theology. While teaching in Paris, he was assigned by his order in 1248 to set up a new house of studies for the order in Cologne.<br />
<br />
In Paris, he had gathered around him a small band of budding theologians, which included Thomas Aquinas, who became his greatest pupil. Aquinas, exceptionally proficient in theological studies, was silent and reflective, to the point of being christened by his fellow students “the Mute Ox of Sicily.” But Albert quieted them, saying, “The bellowings of this ox will resound throughout the entire world.”<br />
<br />
Later he was sent back to Germany to serve as Provincial of his Order. In this position, he traveled with no money, always on foot, visiting the many monasteries under his jurisdiction, throughout a vast territory which included: Austria, Bavaria, Saxony, and Holland.<br />
<br />
He was no longer young when he had to submit to the formal order of the Pope to serve as the Bishop of Regensburg. There his zeal was rewarded only by harsh trials, while his virtue was perfected. When he asked to be relieved of his responsibilities, Pope Urban IV permitted him to return to the peace of the monastery.<br />
<br />
Albert brought Greek, Arabic science, and philosophy to medieval Europe. He was well-known for his broad interest in the natural sciences and wrote and illustrated guides to his observations. His written works on the natural sciences, on philosophy and theology, form from twenty-one to thirty-eight volumes, depending on the edition.<br />
<br />
He died, apparently of fatigue, at the age of seventy-three, on November 15, 1280, and his body was buried in Cologne in the Dominican church. He was canonized on December 16, 1931. Proclaiming his holiness, Pope Pius XI added the title of Doctor of the Church. He is known as Albert the Great.<br />
<br />
St. Albert is the patron of: medical technicians, natural sciences, philosophers, scientists, students, students of theology, and World Youth Day.<br />
<br />
<b>Quote:</b> "The greater and more persistent your confidence in God, the more abundantly you will receive all that you ask." -- St. Albert the Great<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Prayer to St. Albert the Great</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Dear Scientist and Doctor of the Church, natural science always led you to the higher science of God. Though you had an encyclopedic knowledge, it never made you proud, for you regarded it as a gift of God. Inspire scientists to use their gifts well in studying the wonders of creation, thus bettering the lot of the human race and rendering greater glory to God. Amen.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tyo_b8sJNgs" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-12631647530489844432016-11-14T00:07:00.001-06:002016-11-14T00:07:40.760-06:00St. Lawrence O'Toole, Benedictine Peacemaker<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YR7wOTSFLvU/WClTRFacOtI/AAAAAAAArL8/TQry1n0Yc6Ugbvp_vOySjouJxp3nSFsLwCLcB/s1600/11_14_Saint_Lawrence_O%2527Toole%2Bicon%2B633%2Bx%2B373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YR7wOTSFLvU/WClTRFacOtI/AAAAAAAArL8/TQry1n0Yc6Ugbvp_vOySjouJxp3nSFsLwCLcB/s400/11_14_Saint_Lawrence_O%2527Toole%2Bicon%2B633%2Bx%2B373.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The saint of the day for November 14 is St. Lawrence (also spelled Laurence) O'Toole, a Benedictine abbot and archbishop of Dublin.<br />
<br />
St. Lawrence O'Toole was born around 1128 in County Kildare, Ireland. His father was the chief of Hy Murray, and his mother one of the Clan O'Byrne.<br />
<br />
At the age of 10, Lawrence was taken hostage by King Mac Murehad of Leinster, who treated him with such cruelty that his father convinced the King to turn him over to the Bishop of Glendalough.<br />
<br />
In 1140, Lawrence obtained permission to enter the monastic school of Glendalough; he studied there for thirteen years and became known for his piety and learning. So great was his reputation in the eyes of the community that on the death of Abbot Dunlaing, at the young age of 25, he was unanimously chosen to supervise the Abbey of St. Kevin.<br />
<br />
In 1161, Lawrence was chosen as Archbishop of Dublin. In his new position, he reformed much of the administration and clerical life in his diocese, worked to restore and rebuild Christ Church cathedral, and accepted the English form of liturgy in 1172.<br />
<br />
Known for his personal self-denial, he wore a hair shirt under his clerical robes, made an annual 40 day retreat in Saint Kevin's cave, never ate meat, fasted every Friday, and never drank wine - although he would color his water to make it look like wine to avoid attracting attention to himself during meals. Throughout the second siege of Dublin in 1170, he acted as a peacemaker and mediator.<br />
<br />
In 1171, he travelled to Canterbury, England on diocesan business. While preparing for Mass there he was attacked by a lunatic who wanted to turn Lawrence into another Saint Thomas Beckett. Everyone in the church thought Lawrence had been killed by the severe blow to the head. Instead he asked for water, blessed it, and washed the wound; the bleeding stopped, and the archbishop celebrated Mass.<br />
<br />
In 1175, King Henry II of England became upset with Roderic, the monarch of Ireland, and St. Lawrence once again journeyed to England to negotiate a compromise between them. Henry was so moved by his piety, charity, and prudence that he cooperated totally with Lawrence.<br />
<br />
Lawrence participated in the Lateran Council in 1179, and returned as legate for Ireland. While on yet another mission to King Henry II of England, Lawrence died at Eu, Normandy, France. He was canonized in 1225 by Pope Honorius III.<br />
<br />
St. Lawrence is the patron saint of the archdiocese of Dublin, Ireland.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/olnKYKUY3d8" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-78154776277113045462016-11-13T21:03:00.002-06:002016-11-13T21:03:39.462-06:00Ornamental Graces: Book Review <b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6diyGc8TvU/WCke7gfnc3I/AAAAAAAArLc/us5y9tKAVecTKk3vP310a_Bm1QcPlBnkACLcB/s1600/Ornamental%2BGraces%2Bcover%2B533%2Bx%2B850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6diyGc8TvU/WCke7gfnc3I/AAAAAAAArLc/us5y9tKAVecTKk3vP310a_Bm1QcPlBnkACLcB/s400/Ornamental%2BGraces%2Bcover%2B533%2Bx%2B850.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Today is Day 1 of the Virtual Book Tour for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ornamental-Graces-Carolyn-Astfalk-ebook/dp/B01M60UCQB/" target="_blank"><i>Ornamental Graces</i> </a>by Carolyn Astfalk.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Brief Summary</b><br />
<br />
After his duplicitous girlfriend left, Dan Malone spent six months in a tailspin of despair and destruction: emotional, physical, and spiritual. Just when his life seems to be back on track, he meets Emily Kowalski, younger sister of his new best friend.<br />
<br />
Emily’s the kind of girl he’d always dreamed of—sweet, smart, and sincere. But he’s made a mess of his life and ruined his chances for earning the love and trust of a woman like her.<br />
<br />
Could Dan be the man Emily’s been waiting for? How could he be when every time they get close he pulls away? And will he ever be free from his shady past and the ex-girlfriend who refuses to stay there?<br />
<br />
<b>My Review</b><br />
<br />
Carolyn Astfalk is a gifted writer who had me hooked from page one in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ornamental-Graces-Carolyn-Astfalk-ebook/dp/B01M60UCQB/" target="_blank">Ornamental Graces</a></i>. This is not just a good love story, but it is a great one! It is hard for me to believe that this is only Carolyn’s second novel! While her first book,<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Me-Carolyn-Astfalk/dp/0987915398" target="_blank"> <i>Stay with Me</i></a> was intriguing and is one of my favorite inspirational Christian love stories, this one was even better. Similar to <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Me-Carolyn-Astfalk/dp/0987915398" target="_blank">Stay with Me</a></i>,<i> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ornamental-Graces-Carolyn-Astfalk-ebook/dp/B01M60UCQB/" target="_blank">Ornamental Graces </a> </i>contains all the ingredients of a great story -- romance, suspense, action, and humor. However, there is more character development and even more mystery involved in this plot. The characters are more complex, which makes them true to life and very easy to relate to.<br />
<br />
In <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ornamental-Graces-Carolyn-Astfalk-ebook/dp/B01M60UCQB/" target="_blank">Ornamental Graces</a></i>, Dan Malone, who is basically a decent, handsome Catholic man, has recently been jilted by a physically beautiful, but completely selfish and spoiled woman who has contributed to his emotional, physical, and spiritual destruction. Like all of us, he is flawed. Dan is weak and is prideful, but he has the potential to be humble, holy, and pure. He begins to recover from the pain, but meets the sweet, innocent Emily, who is completely the opposite of his first girlfriend. He falls for her, but is unable to commit, for many reasons. Emily is kind and loving and sees the good in Dan, but is perplexed by his mysterious behavior and his lack of commitment. He runs hot and cold, but she has no idea why and things only grow more complex as the plot progresses. Continual interference in his life from the previous woman as well as other temptations and situations only add to the confusion. Emily is a smart, attractive woman, strong-willed woman who is determined to live her own life and to move on.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ornamental-Graces-Carolyn-Astfalk-ebook/dp/B01M60UCQB/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ornamental-Graces-Carolyn-Astfalk-ebook/dp/B01M60UCQB/" target="_blank">Ornamental Graces</a></i> is remarkable because it is an extraordinary story of faith, redemption, healing, forgiveness, and the true meaning of love. It is a beautiful, inspirational pro-life account of the miracles that can occur when we honestly face the consequences of our actions and when authentic love exists in our relationships. If you’re like me, this is a book that you will treasure and want to share with those you love. It is a great Christmas love story that would make an excellent Christmas gift! However, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ornamental-Graces-Carolyn-Astfalk-ebook/dp/B01M60UCQB/" target="_blank">Ornamental Graces</a></i> is a great read any time of year.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JDicP7yMiDM" width="560"></iframe><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>About The Author</b></b></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9QJzuz6lYls/WCkneB3QP1I/AAAAAAAArLs/tpcM7x6rVA8v47cm2MLGEK8BxFaXslu3QCLcB/s1600/Carolyn%2BAstfalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9QJzuz6lYls/WCkneB3QP1I/AAAAAAAArLs/tpcM7x6rVA8v47cm2MLGEK8BxFaXslu3QCLcB/s1600/Carolyn%2BAstfalk.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Carolyn Astfalk lives with her husband and four children in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where the wind carries either the scent of chocolate or cow manure. She is a <a href="http://catholicmom.com/" target="_blank">CatholicMom.com </a>contributor and author of the contemporary inspirational romances <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Me-Carolyn-Astfalk/dp/0987915398" target="_blank">Stay With Me</a></i> (Full Quiver Publishing) and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ornamental-Graces-Carolyn-Astfalk-ebook/dp/B01M60UCQB/" target="_blank">Ornamental Graces</a></i>.<br />
<br />
Read an excerpt from <i>Ornamental Graces</i><b> <a href="http://www.carolynastfalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Ornamental-Graces-Excerpt.pdf" target="_blank">HERE. </a></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.carolynastfalk.com/" target="_blank"><b>Carolyn's Website</b></a><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.carolynastfalk.com/carolyn-astfalk-author/books/ornamental-graces/" target="_blank"><i>Ornamental Graces</i> page on her website.</a></b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31945842-ornamental-graces" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31945842-ornamental-graces" target="_blank"><i>Ornamental Graces</i> on Goodreads.</a></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.carolynastfalk.com/category/extras/" target="_blank"><b>Carolyn's Pinterest Board</b></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-11550682031534171042016-11-11T06:42:00.001-06:002016-11-11T07:31:37.345-06:007QT: Veteran's Day, Soldier Saints, and Giveaway<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5z_qvq1Yng/WCWlYhwWKoI/AAAAAAAArKs/Spe_118xGfs5j_6ikGzRSHg8tR4WMKfkwCLcB/s1600/11_11_Veterans_Day_God_bless_our_heroes%2B570%2Bx%2B425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5z_qvq1Yng/WCWlYhwWKoI/AAAAAAAArKs/Spe_118xGfs5j_6ikGzRSHg8tR4WMKfkwCLcB/s400/11_11_Veterans_Day_God_bless_our_heroes%2B570%2Bx%2B425.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> We salute you! Thank you for your service!</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. Happy Veteran's Day, <span style="color: red;">U</span><span style="color: blue;">S</span><span style="color: red;">A</span>!</b><br />
<br />
<b>What is Veteran's Day?</b><br />
<br />
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of the year 1918, an armistice was signed, ending the "war to end all wars." November 11 was set aside as Armistice Day in the United States to remember the sacrifices that men and women made during the war in order to ensure a lasting peace. In 1938 Congress voted Armistice Day as a legal holiday, but World War II began the following year. Armistice Day was still observed after the end of the Second World War. In 1953 townspeople in Emporia, Kansas called the holiday Veterans' Day in gratitude to the veterans in their town. Soon after, Congress passed a bill renaming the national holiday to Veterans' Day. Today, we remember those who have served for our country in the armed forces in our prayers.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yh0N4Aib2KA" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>2. Today we honor a great soldier saint --<a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2015/11/st-martin-of-tours-soldier-in-army-of.html" target="_blank"> St. Martin of Tours </a></b>, who was a soldier in the Army of God. Some of my favorite saints who honorably served their country include:<b> <a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2015/05/st-joan-of-arc-woman-of-courage-patron.html" target="_blank">St. Joan of Arc</a></b>, who is the patron of soldiers<b>,<a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2015/07/st-ignatius-of-loyola-knight-for-christ.html" target="_blank"> St. Ignatius of Loyola</a>,</b> who was a knight for Christ, and <b><a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2015/04/st-george-martyr.html" target="_blank">St. George</a>, </b>who served as a soldier in the army of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and later slayed a dragon.<a href="http://fatherkapaun.org/father-kapaun" target="_blank"> <b>Servant of God Fr. Emil Kaupan</b></a>, of course, is my favorite modern day saint. He has not yet been officially canonized, but, God willing, he soon will be honored as a saint in the Catholic Church.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AZuPrQBSDCs" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s2-1hz1juBI" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>3. If you have not yet seen the film <i>Hacksaw Ridge</i> directed by Mel Gibson, I highly recommend it. </b>This is the best film I have to seen this year and it is one you don't want to miss. In my humble opinion, it should be nominated for an Academy Award. It conveys the beautiful message of laying down one's life for a brother.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rt3-wdCyi6M/WCW4tvfh5QI/AAAAAAAArK8/TdjYOu6NbDo39DXAndmoc57KF2kZrPexgCLcB/s1600/DSCN1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rt3-wdCyi6M/WCW4tvfh5QI/AAAAAAAArK8/TdjYOu6NbDo39DXAndmoc57KF2kZrPexgCLcB/s320/DSCN1750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpKIr4QosKU/WCW42I2WepI/AAAAAAAArLA/MQfuKJY5lso7R3qPgddhkHRbWlmFI0dvgCLcB/s1600/DSCN1752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpKIr4QosKU/WCW42I2WepI/AAAAAAAArLA/MQfuKJY5lso7R3qPgddhkHRbWlmFI0dvgCLcB/s320/DSCN1752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>4. I recently met up with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Kreeft" target="_blank">Dr. Peter Kreeft</a>,</b> who was speaking at Blessed Sacrament parish in Wichita. He is one of my favorite authors and philosophers. It was an honor meeting him and having my photo taken with him. You can read my <a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-practical-theology.html" target="_blank"><b>review of his book <i>Practical Theology</i></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-practical-theology.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Spiritual Direction from Saint Thomas Aquinas</b></i></a>,<b> <a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-jacobs-ladder-ten-steps-to.html" target="_blank">my review of <i>Jacob's Ladder</i></a></b>, and <b><i><a href="http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/philosopher-peter-kreeft-offers-advice-on-holiness-saintliness" target="_blank">How to be Holy </a></i>at the National Catholic Register.</b></div>
</div>
<br />
<b>5. With Advent coming soon, I am giving away two Advent Magnificat Companions. The first two who comment on this post will each receive an electronic copy.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>6. Coming soon...a new website at <a href="http://jeanmheimann.com/">jeanmheimann.com</a> . Must change that middle initial there to an <span style="color: red;">M</span>. It's not live yet! Stay tuned for more.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>Have a wonderful weekend!</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>God bless you!</i></b><br />
<b><i>Jean</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>For more Quick Takes, please visit Kelly at <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-running-cold-stones-on-my-face-and-chatting-with-jen/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum. </a></i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Dn9VmC2bOc/WCW63PE4YBI/AAAAAAAArLM/r8V1-q1D_Xs0EZQkXZSPtQMUHGKpQ_jMACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Dn9VmC2bOc/WCW63PE4YBI/AAAAAAAArLM/r8V1-q1D_Xs0EZQkXZSPtQMUHGKpQ_jMACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>-- All photos copyright Jean M. Heimann 2016.</i></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-89834406701051582942016-11-10T00:29:00.001-06:002016-11-10T00:29:14.751-06:00Pope St. Leo the Great<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVdVIlKEUUc/WCQSQOgGpBI/AAAAAAAArKU/gJYIAJbqa6QuALV37HmPwCg7HOhAq4liwCLcB/s1600/11_10_Leo_the_Great_Pope%2B564%2Bx%2B326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVdVIlKEUUc/WCQSQOgGpBI/AAAAAAAArKU/gJYIAJbqa6QuALV37HmPwCg7HOhAq4liwCLcB/s400/11_10_Leo_the_Great_Pope%2B564%2Bx%2B326.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor. He is regarded as one of the most important of the Western Fathers of the Church.<br />
<br />
St. Leo the Great (d. 461) was born in Rome of Italian nobility. As a deacon of the Church, he opposed the heresy of Pelagianism, which taught that grace was not necessary for salvation, but was rather a bonus that God granted to those who earned it by their good works. He was elevated to the office of Pope in 440 and reigned as pope for twenty-one years. As pope, St. Leo labored strenuously to safeguard the integrity of the faith and vigorously defended the unity of the Church. He affirmed the full divinity and humanity of Christ. His most famous writing, commonly known as the Tome of St. Leo (449), was the basis of the Council of Chalcedon's dogmatic definition of Christ as one Divine Person possessing two complete natures, human and divine.<br />
<br />
When Attila the Hun marched on Rome, Leo went out to meet him and pleaded for leave. As Leo spoke, Attila saw the vision of a man in Priestly robes, carrying a bare sword, and threatening to kill the invader if he did not obey Pope Leo. As Leo had a great devotion to Saint Peter, it is generally believed the first Pope was the visionary opponent to the Huns.<br />
<br />
When Genseric invaded Rome, Leo's sanctity and eloquence saved the city again. Besides saving Rome, Leo earned the title “Great” because of his personal sanctity, the majesty of his bearing, his profound sermons, his desire for Church unity, and his building up of the Petrine office. He died in 461. St. Leo wrote 143 letters and 96 sermons encouraging and teaching his flock, many of which survive today; it is for these writings that Leo was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1574 by Pope Benedict XIV .<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Quotes from St. Leo the Great</b><br />
<br />
“The effect of our sharing in the body and blood of Christ is to change us into what we receive.”<br />
<br />
"Christian, recognize your dignity and, now that you share in God's own nature, do not return to your former base condition by sinning. Remember who is your head and of whose body you are a member. Never forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of the Kingdom of God."<br />
<br />
"Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation, for there is no conflict without an enemy, no victory without strife."<br />
<br />
"Short and fleeting are the joys of this world's pleasures which endeavors to turn aside from the path of life those who are called to eternity. The faithful and religious spirit, therefore, must desire the things which are heavenly, and being eager for the Divine promises, lift itself to the love of the incorruptible Good and the hope of the true Light."<br />
<br />
From a sermon by Leo the Great:<br />
<br />
"Although the universal Church of God is constituted of distinct orders of members, still, in spite of the many parts of its holy body, the Church subsists as an integral whole, just as the Apostle says: we are all one in Christ. . . For all, regenerated in Christ, are made kings by the sign of the cross; they are consecrated priests by the oil of the Holy Spirit, so that beyond the special service of our ministry as priests, all spiritual and mature Christians know that they are a royal race and are sharers in the office of the priesthood. For what is more king-like that to find yourself ruler over your body after having surrendered your soul to God? And what is more priestly than to promise the Lord a pure conscience and to offer him in love unblemished victims on the altar of one's heart?"<br />
<br />
<b>Prayer</b><br />
O Lord our God, grant that your Church, following the teaching of your servant Leo of Rome, may hold fast the great mystery of our redemption, and adore the one Christ, true God and true Man, neither divided from our human nature nor separate from your divine Being; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and or ever.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rnC4BsLnMIM" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-87658202769328176462016-11-09T23:31:00.002-06:002016-11-09T23:31:48.527-06:00 ELECTION THANKSGIVING NOVENA <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4ENcH8MoCM/WCQFiZ-OjTI/AAAAAAAArKE/NkpGA81KVj4iTBiLjRPazTpugKUGpglgwCLcB/s1600/God%2Bshed%2Bhis%2Bgrace%2Bo%2Bn%2Bthee%2B600%2B%2Bx%2B399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4ENcH8MoCM/WCQFiZ-OjTI/AAAAAAAArKE/NkpGA81KVj4iTBiLjRPazTpugKUGpglgwCLcB/s400/God%2Bshed%2Bhis%2Bgrace%2Bo%2Bn%2Bthee%2B600%2B%2Bx%2B399.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Day 1:</b> St. Jude, Patron of Impossible Causes, we thank you for your intercession with our elections.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 2:</b> St. Frances Cabrini, you who tirelessly built the Kingdom of God in America, thank you for your intercession with our elections.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 3:</b> St. Thomas More, martyred for your uncompromising faith, thank you for your intercession with our elections.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 4:</b> St. Jose Sanchez del Rio, martyred for your child-like, yet fearless faith in Christ the King, thank you for your intercession for our elections.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 5:</b> St. Kateri Tekakwitha, who fled to Canada in order to freely practice your faith, thank you for your intercession with our elections.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 6:</b> St. Damien de Veuster of Molokai, selfless servant of the lepers of Hawaii, thank you for your intercession for our elections.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 7:</b> St. John Neumann, Founder of the Diocesan Catholic School system in America, thank you for your intercession with our elections.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 8: </b>St. Rita, Patroness of Hopeless Causes, thank you for your intercession with our elections.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 9:</b> Mother Mary, Patroness of the Americas, our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, thank you for your intercession with our elections. Thank you for delivering us from more evil that would have come with the opposition.<br />
<br />
<b>DAILY PRAYER</b>: Dear Lord, You have restored our hope in our nation. You've had mercy on us and given us another opportunity to improve the culture. We thank You from the depth of our hearts and praise You for Your Omnipotence. Grant us more wisdom and courage to act for Your Kingdom, to spread Your Gospel, and to share our Faith and belief that You are truly with us always. You are the God of surprises and it pleases us that You surprised so many Americans. May we never fail to stand up for the most innocent and weak in our country. May we always put Your law first before all other ideologies and guide others to do the same, seeing Truth, recognizing falsehoods, following You completely in all things, and striving to please You first always. Help us work toward the best leaders in all areas of life and we pray for the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother to guide all the Church leaders to be strong and also put You first, that we may all work together only for good. Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-23177132006929609782016-11-09T01:14:00.001-06:002016-11-09T01:14:18.166-06:00Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3H_PsWMlFug/WCLFdxuzZ4I/AAAAAAAArJg/ZhjHDbncSvcAGbnUaeYnIVmg93plxpdogCLcB/s1600/11_10_Feast%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bdedication%2Bof%2BSt%2BJohn%2BL%2Bbasilica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3H_PsWMlFug/WCLFdxuzZ4I/AAAAAAAArJg/ZhjHDbncSvcAGbnUaeYnIVmg93plxpdogCLcB/s400/11_10_Feast%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bdedication%2Bof%2BSt%2BJohn%2BL%2Bbasilica.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the Mother Church of Catholicism. The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of Rome. This is not St. Peter's, but it is the Pope's cathedral. Also called the Church of Holy Savior or the Church of St. John Baptist, it was the baptism church of ancient Rome. It was built in the time of Constantine and was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. This feast became a universal celebration in honor of the basilica called "the mother and mistress of all churches of Rome and the world" (omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput) as a sign of love for and union with the See of Peter.<br />
<br />
The foundation of the Lateran Basilica goes back to the time of Constantine, the time of the last persecutions. The palace of the Laterani, on the Coelian Hill, belonged then to Constantine's wife Fausta. After his conversion, the Emperor gave it to the Pope as his private residence and founded in it the church of the Lateran. It was dedicated to Christ our Saviour by Pope St. Silvester on November 9, 324. In the twelfth century, it was given as its second title St. John the Baptist whose name was also that of the ancient baptistery connected with the church; hence the present name of the basilica, St. John Lateran. The first basilica having been destroyed, it was rebuilt in the tenth century by Sergius III and consecrated by Benedict XIII in 1726.<br />
<br />
In the basilica and palace of the Lateran were held the Roman councils at which many were present at certain periods; five great ecumenical councils have also been held there. On the most solemn days of the liturgical year the station was at St. John Lateran. There sacred orders were conferred as well as the Easter baptisms. The residence of the Popes were there and the whole rhythm of Christian life made it the very center of Christianity for a long time.<br />
<br />
<i>Personal Note: When I made a pilgrimage to Rome several years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity of attending Mass at this beautiful basilica and also in renewing my Baptismal vows here. It was a deeply spiritual experience for me.</i><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/56kx6OMFL8I" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-86337366803425367262016-11-08T02:43:00.000-06:002016-11-08T02:43:04.964-06:00St. Elizabeth of the Trinity<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6ClKErDgHE/WCGLoPORk2I/AAAAAAAArJI/1ZdPTx1VqwMsUpe_lD9JrH650Sq7PuIMgCLcB/s1600/11_8_St_Elizabeth%2Bof%2Bthe%2BTrinity%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6ClKErDgHE/WCGLoPORk2I/AAAAAAAArJI/1ZdPTx1VqwMsUpe_lD9JrH650Sq7PuIMgCLcB/s320/11_8_St_Elizabeth%2Bof%2Bthe%2BTrinity%2B1.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>By Jean M. Heimann</i><br />
<br />
November 8 is the feast of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, a French discalced Carmelite nun, a mystic, a spiritual director, and a spiritual writer. She is the patron saint of sick people and of the loss of parents.<br />
<br />
Elizabeth was born on July 18, 1880 in a military camp in the diocese of Bourges, France to Captain Joseph Catez and Marie Catez. Her father died when she was just seven, leaving her mother to raise Elizabeth and her sister.<br />
<br />
Elizabeth was a determined, energetic, and popular young lady. She had a great love for God, and practiced a beautiful, but simple prayer life. At the same time, she had a bad temper as a child. However, this changed when she made her First Holy Communion just prior to her eleventh birthday. Thereafter, she eventually developed self-discipline and attained a deeper knowledge of God. She grew in her love for God and acquired an intense awareness of the Holy Trinity.<br />
<br />
Elizabeth was blessed with many gifts. She was a talented pianist and had a flair for making friends, participating in a very active social life. At the same time, she never abandoned those who were in most need of her abilities. She sang in the choir, visited the sick, and taught catechism to children.<br />
<br />
On August 2, 1901, Elizabeth entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Dijon, France at the age of twenty-one. At Carmel, she experienced periods of great spiritual growth, but also times of darkness. Elizabeth found much inspiration in the writings of St. Therese of Lisieux, especially her “Offering to Merciful Love,” a prayer found in Story of a Soul. She took her final vows at age twenty-three and became a spiritual director for many, leaving behind a legacy of letters and retreat guides.<br />
<br />
She died on November 9, 1906, at the age of twenty-six from Addison's disease, a hormone disorder characterized by anemia, great pain, and severe weakness. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on November 25, 1984 and canonized by Pope Francis on October 16, 2016.<br />
<br />
Her writings consist primarily of transcriptions and summaries on her private retreats, prayers, and letters to her family and friends. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every Christian was the central focus which inspired her life and spirituality.<br />
<br />
Her name, "Elizabeth," which literally means "House of God," captured her strong belief in the indwelling of the Blessed Trinity, which is found in the silence of contemplative prayer and transforms the one who prays into a "Praise of Glory" (Eph. 1:6, 12). Her unique spirituality is reflected is reflected in her writings. Elizabeth is well-known for her writings on the Trinity and for her prayer “Holy Trinity, Whom I Adore”.<br />
<br />
<b>Saint Quotes</b><br />
<br />
"I have found heaven on earth, since heaven is God, and God is in my soul. My mission in heaven will be to draw souls, helping them to go out of themselves to cling to God, with a spontaneous, love-filled action, and to keep them in that great interior silence which enables God to make his mark on them, to transform them into himself."(Letter 122)<br />
<br />
"A soul united to Jesus is a living smile that radiates Him and gives Him."<br />
<br />
"I can't find words to express my happiness. Here there is no longer anything but God. He is All; He suffices and we live by Him alone." (Letter 91)<br />
<br />
"O Eternal Word, Word of my God. I want to spend my life in listening to you, to become wholly teachable that I may learn all from you. Then, through all nights, all voids, all helplessness, I want to gaze on you always and remain in your great light . . . O my Three, my all, my Beatitude, infinite Solitude, immensity in which I lose myself, I surrender myself to you as your prey. Bury yourself in me that I may bury myself in you until I depart to contemplate in your light the abyss of your greatness." (excerpted from her Act of Oblation)<br />
<br />
~ St. Elizabeth of the Trinity<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lDKfoxnYwgk" width="560"></iframe><div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-68479493775063370482016-11-07T03:55:00.001-06:002016-11-07T03:55:23.647-06:00St. Engelbert of Cologne<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUhYFpNfoEA/WCBLrPAJk1I/AAAAAAAArIM/3tYcwgHTgVUrui_luyFBRui-kd25ImzDwCLcB/s1600/11_7_St_Englebert_of_Cologne%2B533%2Bx%2B246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUhYFpNfoEA/WCBLrPAJk1I/AAAAAAAArIM/3tYcwgHTgVUrui_luyFBRui-kd25ImzDwCLcB/s400/11_7_St_Englebert_of_Cologne%2B533%2Bx%2B246.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today's saint of the day is St. Engelbert of Cologne. He was born in Berg around the year 1185 to Engelbert, Count of Berg and Margaret, daughter of the Count of Gelderland. He studied at the cathedral school of Cologne and, while still a boy, was made provost of the churches of St. George and St. Severin at Cologne and of St. Mary's at Aachen, as it was a common abuse in the Church at the time to appoint the children of nobles to such positions.<br />
<br />
In 1199 he was elected provost of the cathedral at Cologne. He led a worldly life, and in the conflict between two Archbishops, Adolf and Bruno, he sided with his cousin Adolf, and waged war for him. Consequently, he was excommunicated by the pope along with his cousin. After his submission he was reinstated in 1208 and, to atone for his sin, joined the crusade against the Albigenses in 1212. On Feb. 29, 1216, the chapter of the cathedral elected him archbishop by a unanimous vote.<br />
<br />
The mendicant orders of the Franciscans and the Dominicans settled in his realm while he was Archbishop. He was well disposed towards the monasteries and insisted on strict religious observance in them. Ecclesiastical affairs were regulated in provincial synods. He was considered a friend of the clergy and a helper of the poor.<br />
<br />
Engelbert exerted a strong influence in the affairs of the empire. Emperor Frederick II, who had taken up his residence permanently in Sicily, gave Germany to his son, Henry VII, then still a minor, and in 1221 appointed Engelbert guardian of the king and administrator of the empire. When the young king reached the age of twelve he was crowned at Aachen by Engelbert, who loved him as his own son and honored him as his sovereign. Engelbert watched over the young king's education and governed the empire in his name, careful to secure peace both within and without of the realm.<br />
<br />
Engelbert's devotion to duty, and his obedience to the pope and to the emperor, were eventually the cause of his ruin. Many of the nobility feared rather than loved him, and he was obliged to surround himself with bodyguards. The greatest danger came from his relatives.<br />
<br />
His cousin, count Frederick of Isenberg, the secular administrator for the nuns of Essen, had grievously oppressed that abbey. Honorius III and the emperor urged Engelbert to protect the nuns and their rights. Frederick wished to forestall the archbishop, and his wife incited him to murder.<br />
<br />
On November 7, 1225, as he was journeying from Soest to Schwelm to consecrate a church, Engelbert was attacked on a dark evening by Frederick and his associates, was wounded in the thigh, torn from his horse and killed. His body was covered with forty-seven wounds. It was placed on a dung-cart and brought to Cologne four days later. King Henry wept bitterly over the remains, put Frederick under the ban of the empire, and saw him broken on the wheel a year later at Cologne. Frederick died contrite, having acknowledged and confessed his guilt.<br />
<br />
Engelbert's body was placed in the old cathedral of Cologne on February 24, 1226, by Cardinal Conrad von Urach. The latter also declared him a martyr, though a formal canonization did not take place. A convent for nuns was erected at the place of his death.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-3556111852027219962016-11-04T06:57:00.000-05:002016-11-04T07:49:40.607-05:00At Play in God’s Creation: An Illuminating Coloring Book <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bIoQxnults/WBx0G-iJuuI/AAAAAAAArHg/lFZKnma01cQBuN94Zb0_357NG8_m7s8LQCLcB/s1600/At%2BPlay%2Bin%2BGod%2527s%2BCreation%2B533%2Bx%2B533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bIoQxnults/WBx0G-iJuuI/AAAAAAAArHg/lFZKnma01cQBuN94Zb0_357NG8_m7s8LQCLcB/s400/At%2BPlay%2Bin%2BGod%2527s%2BCreation%2B533%2Bx%2B533.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I enjoy adult coloring books. As a psychologist, I am keenly aware of the healing power of art therapy and how it can help reduce stress and tension and allow the person to focus and to express their emotions and their creativity. When I color, I feel relaxed and youthful again in the sense that I am allowing myself to play, to have fun, and to be like a child again. It is a wonderful escape from the everyday stresses of work, home, and family life.<br />
<br />
<i>At Play in God’s Creation:An Illuminating Coloring Book </i> (written by Tara M. Owens and illustrated by Daniel W. Sorenson) is a beautiful coloring book that contains intriguing illustrations of flowers, trees, mountains, valleys, shells, butterflies, animals, oceans, and many scenes from nature. It guides you through arched pathways, intricate mazes, and open fields, providing spiritual direction along the way, with each drawing containing a quote from scripture, the saints, or mystics who guide you on the contemplative journey.<br />
<br />
Spiritual contemplation is the purpose of this coloring book, which makes it uniquely different and superior to the average coloring book. At Play in God’s Creation was designed “to provide a window into the gifts of God for the people of God made manifest in God’s beautiful, glorious, and colorful world.” The author encourages you to “play, pray, and to experience the goodness of God’s creation.” When we color, we learn to focus and we become still and calm. It is in this stillness that we find God and experience peace. This is contemplative prayer, which the authors hope to instill in those who use this book.<br />
<br />
This is no ordinary coloring book. I would suggest that when you use this book, you find a quiet spot, like the Adoration chapel or a private room, to receive the outpouring of graces that contemplative prayer offers. Be sure to read the suggestions that the author provides which will remove stress, put you in peaceful frame of mind, and guide you in contemplative prayer. There is also a wonderful directory in the back of the book which provides a biography of each the mystics in the book, which includes: St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Augustine, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Hildegard of Bingen, St. Francis de Sales, St. Francis of Assisi, and many other great mystics.<br />
<br />
<i>At Play in God’s Creation</i> is a delightful coloring book that would be beneficial to use in group retreats, contemplative prayer groups, or simply for individuals who desire to seek a closer union with God. It is a joyful and creative way of finding holiness.<br />
<br />
You can find <i>At Play in God's Creation</i> at <a href="https://shop.franciscanmedia.org/products/at-play-in-gods-creation-an-illuminating-coloring-book" target="_blank">Franciscan Media</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/At-Play-Gods-Creation-Illuminating/dp/1632530988" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, or your local Catholic bookstore.<br />
<br />
This review has been shared with <a href="http://www.carolynastfalk.com/2016/11/02/an-open-book-9/" target="_blank">My Scribbler’s Heart Open Book Link-up</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-13596517962755228932016-11-04T04:46:00.001-05:002016-11-04T04:46:18.177-05:00St. Charles Borromeo: Patron of Catechists and Spiritual Directors<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UawENavLFw/WBxRjqrKzOI/AAAAAAAArHQ/Zr1bSCKFmBU9P8SHBmSQzByoJZ-wrcCFwCLcB/s1600/11_4_St-Charles-Borromeo%2B600%2Bx%2B515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UawENavLFw/WBxRjqrKzOI/AAAAAAAArHQ/Zr1bSCKFmBU9P8SHBmSQzByoJZ-wrcCFwCLcB/s320/11_4_St-Charles-Borromeo%2B600%2Bx%2B515.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
November 4 is the memorial of St. Charles Borromeo (1538 - 15840), Bishop of Milan and one of the great reformers of the sixteenth century. He is is the patron of catechists, catechumens, spiritual directors, and spiritual leaders.<br />
<br />
Charles was born at the Castle of Arona in northern Italy to wealthy and powerful parents. His father, Count Gilbert Borromeo, was a man of virtue and skill, and his mother was a member of the famous Medici family of Milan, sister of Angelo de Medici, who was to become Pope Pius IV.<br />
<br />
Raised in a pious family, Charles was deeply devoted to the Passion of Christ and to the Blessed Mother. He received the clerical tonsure at age twelve and was educated at the Benedict Abbey of Saints Gratian and Felinus. He earned a doctorate in civil and canon law at the University of Pavia.<br />
<br />
When his uncle, Cardinal de Medici, was elected pope in 1559, as Pius IV, Charles was made cardinal-deacon and administrator to the archdiocese of Milan while still a lay person and a student.<br />
<br />
Next, he was made the pope's secretary of state, papal legate to Bologna, the Low Countries, and the regions of Switzerland, and cardinal - protector of the Franciscans, the Carmelites, the Knights of Malta, and others. In spite of his youth, he demonstrated great energy, skill, and tact in accomplishing these various responsibilities.<br />
<br />
Charles played a major role in the diplomatic efforts that led to the reopening of the Council of Trent in 1562, which had been suspended since 1552. He helped draft the catechism, missal, and breviary it produced. He was the mastermind in shaping most of the council's decrees -- and he was only twenty-six years old when it closed. An energetic reformer, who consistently took the strict understanding of the dictates of the Council of Trent, Charles Borromeo was instrumental in helping revive the church during the Counter-Reformation. It is said that his work "gave new confidence to a shaken church.”<br />
<br />
When his older brother died, Charles became head of the family, but refused to pursue the life this entailed (including marriage). Instead, he was ordained a priest in 1563, and was made Bishop of Milan the same year. He immediately set about reforming the diocese with great respect for those involved. He started seminaries for the education of clergy, founded a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine for the religious instruction of children, and encouraged the Jesuits in his diocese. He survived an assassination attempt, during a famine, he fed 3,000 people daily for three months with his own money, and set an example of personal heroism during the outbreak of the plague in 1576, organizing care of the sick, burial of the dead, and feeding of the population. His simplicity, piety, generosity, and self-sacrifice during this time, made him beloved by his flock. Exhausted, he died at the age of 46. His last words were, "See, Lord, I am coming, I am coming soon."<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote</b><br />
<br />
"If we wish to make any progress in the service of God we must begin every day of our life with new eagerness. We must keep ourselves in the presence of God as much as possible and have no other view or end in all our actions but the divine honor."<br />
~ Saint Charles Borromeo<br />
<br />
<b>Prayer of St. Charles Borromeo</b><br />
<br />
Almighty God, you have generously made known to human beings the mysteries of your life through Jesus Christ your son, in the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
Enlighten my mind to know these mysteries which your Church treasures and teaches.<br />
Move my heart to love them and my will to live in accord with them.<br />
Give me the ability to teach this faith to others without pride, without ostentation, and without personal gain.<br />
<br />
Let me realize that I am simply your instrument for bringing others to the knowledge of the wonderful things you have done for all your creatures.<br />
<br />
Help me to be faithful to this task that you have entrusted to me.<br />
Amen.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W8fsbIKch_w" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-46435979837884369432016-11-03T03:45:00.001-05:002016-11-03T03:45:34.346-05:00St. Martin de Porres: Patron of Racial Harmony<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6klh2o4FZE/WBr15Fh9NEI/AAAAAAAArG8/n2lcT0YswdIaO-70GfDu71G6VfTSRVP-gCLcB/s1600/11_3_Saint%2BMartin%2Bbest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6klh2o4FZE/WBr15Fh9NEI/AAAAAAAArG8/n2lcT0YswdIaO-70GfDu71G6VfTSRVP-gCLcB/s640/11_3_Saint%2BMartin%2Bbest.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On November 3, we celebrate the feast of St Martin de Porres, a Peruvian Dominican Brother whose life of charity and devotion led to his canonization as the first black saint of the Americas.<br />
<br />
Martin was born in Lima, Peru in 1579, the son of a Spanish knight, Don Juan de Porres and the former Panamanian slave Ana Velazquez. His father initially refused to acknowledge the boy publicly as his own, because Martin, like his mother, was black. Though Martin's father later helped to provide for his education, his son faced difficulties because of his family background.<br />
<br />
At age 12, Martin studied to be a barber, which at that time meant he was also a druggist, a physician and a surgeon. Once trained, he began to use his skills to serve the poor. He became very well known for his compassion and skill as a barber, and cared for many people as well as animals.<br />
<br />
Martin was a pious child, who began praying at a young age. He had a deep devotion to our Lord’s Passion, and prayed for discernment to know how he could show his gratitude to God for this great sacrifice. He believed that God was calling him to a religious vocation. When Martin was fifteen, he began working with the Dominicans as a lay helper and, later became a professed Lay Brother at the Dominican Friary in Lima, where he worked as a barber, a farm laborer, a clothier, and a caregiver for the sick. Each day Martin distributed food to the hungry, he nursed the sick, and he helped to found an orphanage and a hospice for abandoned babies.<br />
<br />
Martin devoted himself to severe penances. In turn, God endowed him with many graces and an abundance of spiritual gifts: visions, ecstasies, healing, supernatural understanding, and bilocation (being two places at the same time). Some of his peers said they encountered him in places as far off as Japan even as he remained in Lima.<br />
<br />
Martin's kindness and his love of prayer and humility helped him become friends with many people from all social classes, which enabled him to alleviate the sufferings of many. His popularity allowed him to use all of his extraordinary gifts to serve the poor and to work diligently to promote their cause. Thus, he was nicknamed 'Martin of Charity'.<br />
<br />
St. Martin's love was shown equally to humans and to animals, including mice. Like St. Francis, Martin treated animals as brothers and sisters and they did whatever he told them to do. He maintained a hospital for cats and dogs at his sister's house. A close friend of St. Rose of Lima, Martin died in 1639 at the age of sixty and was canonized in 1962.<br />
<br />
St. Martin de Porres is the patron saint of: African Americans, barbers, bi-racial people, hair stylists, hotel-keepers, inter-racial justice, mixed-race people, Peru, poor people, public education, public health, race relations, racial harmony, social justice, and television.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Saint Quote</b><br />
<br />
"Compassion is preferable to cleanliness. Reflect that with a little soap I can easily clean my bed covers, but even with a torrent of tears I would never wash from my soul the stain that my harshness toward the unfortunate would create."<br />
<br />
- St. Martin De Porres, spoken to his Dominican brothers when admonished for bringing an elderly, dirty beggar off the streets and allowing him to take the saint's own bed while he cared for the sick man.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote about St. Martin de Porres</b><br />
<br />
"Martin lived from the adoration of the Lord present in the Eucharist, passing entire nights in prayer before the crucified Lord in the tabernacle, while during the day he tirelessly cared for the sick and assisted the socially outcast and despised, with whom he, as a mulatto, identified because of his origins. The encounter with the Lord, who gives himself to us from the cross, makes all of us members of the one body by means of the one bread, which when responded to fully moves us to serve the suffering, to care for the weak and the forgotten."<br />
<br />
-- Excerpted from: LECTURE BY H.E. CARDINAL RATZINGER AT THE BISHOPS' CONFERENCE OF THE REGION OF CAMPANIA IN BENEVENTO (ITALY) ON THE TOPIC: "EUCHARIST, COMMUNION AND SOLIDARITY", Sunday June 2, 2002<br />
<br />
<b>Prayer to St. Martin de Porres</b><br />
<br />
To you, Saint Martin de Porres, we prayerfully lift up our hearts filled with serene confidence and devotion. Mindful of your unbounded and helpful charity to all levels of society and also of your meekness and humility of heart, we offer our petitions to you. Pour out upon our families the precious gifts of your solicitous and generous intercession; show to the people of every race and every color the paths of unity and of justice; implore from our Father in heaven the coming of his kingdom, so that through mutual benevolence in God men may increase the fruits of grace and merit the rewards of eternal life. Amen.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SuSZKazd8jg" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239326.post-50211082410087692692016-11-01T23:26:00.002-05:002016-11-01T23:26:51.150-05:00All Souls' Day<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8lQx-hsVew/WBllcqYr19I/AAAAAAAArGg/Urr61yhuZ3sFX-1cxzi9vdwxZCJ5cVjfQCLcB/s1600/All_souls_day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8lQx-hsVew/WBllcqYr19I/AAAAAAAArGg/Urr61yhuZ3sFX-1cxzi9vdwxZCJ5cVjfQCLcB/s400/All_souls_day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
November 2 is All Souls' Day. Today Roman Catholics commemorate and pray for the holy souls in Purgatory, undergoing purification of their sins before entering heaven.<br />
<br />
The theological basis for this feast is the doctrine that the souls which, on departing from the body, are not perfectly cleansed from venial sins, or have not fully atoned for past transgressions, cannot not yet attain the Beatific Vision, and that the faithful on earth can help them by prayers, alms, deeds and especially by the sacrifice of the Mass.<br />
<br />
In the early days of Christianity the names of the departed were recorded on tablets. Later, in the sixth century, the Benedictine monasteries commemorated their deceased during Pentecost. In Spain, there was such a day on Saturday before before Pentecost, at the time of St. Isidore (d. 636). In Germany there existed a ceremony of praying to the dead on 1 October. St. Odilo of Cluny (d. 1048) ordered the commemoration of all the faithful departed to he held annually in the monasteries of his congregation. From there, it spread among the other congregations of the Benedictines and among the Carthusians to various dioceses.<br />
<br />
On this day, three requiem Masses are celebrated: one for the celebrant, one for the departed, and one for the Holy Father.<br />
<a href="http://www.churchyear.net/allsouls.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.churchyear.net/allsouls.html" target="_blank">All About All Souls' Day</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Prayer for the Poor Souls in Purgatory</b><br />
<br />
V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.<br />
R. And let the perpetual light shine upon them.<br />
And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.<br />
<br />
<b>Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great</b><br />
<br />
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most precious blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory.<br />
<br />
<b>All Souls’ Day Indulgence -- November 2 Plenary Indulgence</b><br />
<br />
From the Handbook of Indulgences<br />
<br />
Visiting a Church or an Oratory on All Souls Day<br />
<br />
A plenary (“full”) indulgence, which is applicable only to the souls in Purgatory is granted to the Christian faithful who devoutly visit a church or an oratory on (November 2nd,) All Souls Day.<br />
<br />
Requirements for Obtaining a Plenary Indulgence on All Souls Day (Nov. 2nd)<br />
<br />
1. Visit a church and pray for souls in Purgatory.<br />
2. Say one “Our Father” and the “Creed” in the visit to the church.<br />
3. Say one “Our Father” and one “Hail Mary” for the Holy Father’s intentions.<br />
4. Worthily receive Holy Communion (ideally on the same day if you can get to Mass).<br />
5. Make a sacramental Confession within a week of All Souls Day.<br />
6. For a plenary indulgence be free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin (otherwise, the indulgence is partial, not plenary, “full”).<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B20jv1I60HY" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0