Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of God, to you we turn. With your “yes” you have opened the door to the presence of Christ in the world, in history and in souls, receiving in humble silence and total submission the appeal of the Most High. Grant that many men and women may know and hear, even today, the inviting voice of your Son: “Follow Me”. Stretch out your motherly hand over all missionaries scattered throughout the world, over... Read more
The flowers associated with the Annunciation represent in varied ways the spiritual fruit of the event—purity of heart, humility, fruitfulness, and The Mother of God. The Annunciation to Mary found in Luke 1:26-39 and Matthew 1:18-21, is not only recognized by Roman and Eastern Catholics, but is also recorded in the Qur’an. We read in the Bible that the angel St. Gabriel came to Mary and announced to her what her vocation would be; “…you will conceive in your womb... Read more
Our Lord and God, Hear us as we pray. Guard our Sisters and Nuns in your unceasing mercy, and since without you mortal humanity is sure to fall, may they be kept from all harm by your constant help and be directed to all that brings salvation. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. (Image by jclk8888, courtesy morguefile.com) Read more
Its here! It’s the official first day of spring and the launch of my newest book A Catholic Gardener’s Spiritual Almanac: Cultivating your Faith throughout the Year. It has been a joy to create this book and work with the folks at Ave Maria Press. I would like to share that joy with you by offering a special gift. I’ve put together a basket that includes several of my favorite things for the garden—tools, books, seeds, and more! Look below…What... Read more
We pray to you St. Joseph to guide and strengthen our priests that they may model your fidelity. In their uncertainty let them be attentive to Our Lord for guidance as you were. Let our priests teach and lead us with as confident a heart as yours. Let our priests hold as lovingly in their hands the body of Jesus, as you had done with the Holy Child. And in their final hour let them too look into the eyes... Read more
Catholic gardeners can express their faith with plants. Margaret Rose Realy, Obl OSB, offers plants suitable for a virtuous garden on fortitude. Read more
St. Patrick was a great missionary, and a beloved patron saint. On this his feast day, let us ask him to pray with us as intercessor for our missionary sisters and nuns. Lord Jesus, watch over your missionary women–those brave sisters and nuns dispersed throughout our world–who leave everything to give testimony to your word and your love. In difficult moments, sustain their energies, comfort their hearts, and encourage their work with spiritual achievements. Let the image of you crucified, which... Read more
We’ve passed Laetare Sunday, the fourth week of Lent, and still I’ve not been able to adhere to its disciplines: fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. My usual prayer and abstinence routines are securely in place. It is the extras, so important to this spiritual season of faith, that are lacking. The other morning after Lauds and a rosary, rising from my chair, I stood at the home altar. Drawing the sanctuary light that hung from the wall towards me, I blew... Read more
Catholic gardeners can express their faith with plants. Margaret Rose Realy, Obl OSB, offers plants suitable for a virtuous garden on justice. Read more
Beloved Mother Mary, we ask that you enter the hearts of our Sisters and Nuns and console them in their sickness. Give them strength to face the sicknesses that pierce our bodies: cancers, viruses, the diseases of heart and lungs. Give them courage to face the illnesses that impair our minds and rob us of thought: Alzheimer, strokes, and others that diminish our ability to perceive the world. In their time of physical trials there may be fear, resentments, confusion... Read more
Morning Rose Prayer Gardens
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