Lord Jesus, once you called the first disciples in order to make them fishers of men. Continue to let resound today your sweet invitation: “Come and follow Me.” Grant to young men the grace of responding promptly to your voice. Sustain our bishops, priests and consecrated souls in their apostolic work. Give perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are fulfilling the ideal of a life of total consecration to your service. Enkindle in our communities a... Read more
Journeys—Mary and Joseph’s, the wise men, Jesus’ cousin John, and Jesus himself. In the past few weeks everybody we read about in the Bible is on a journey following a path—and probably prayed to remain watchful on a course laden with misdirection. I was 28 in 1982. This picture was taken while we waited at the ranger station for a canoe portage permit into the backwoods of Massasauga Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. All of my vacations in the late 70s and... Read more
Come Holy Spirit and guide our Sisters and Nuns in the formation of new communities. In their venture let them be free of the anxieties that distance them from trusting God to provide. Help deepen their confidence in one another during uncertain times. In humility let them feel Christ’s presence in all that they do. Lead them to persevere with resolve to do God’s will. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen. Read more
He was a dear friend from college and delightfully quirky. He was six foot eight, brilliant, perceptive, with a quick and witty sense of humor, and never disrespectful. He was the gentlest of souls and a devout Catholic of Polish descent. I liked to think he saw me as a little sister. Even though I was several years older I was considerably more naïve about…well a lot of things outside Detroit’s city limits. On the long walks across campus he... Read more
The angel appeared and said “Do not be afraid…” Some heavenly being popped up in front of me, I’d need calming down too! These words were spoken to Zechariah in Luke 1:13; and a few months later to Mary, Luke 1:30. Let’s never mind about St. John the Baptist’s father. Consider only Mary for a moment. Mary was well educated in the foundations of her religion. There is no doubt that she observed the traditions of daily prayers. One day... Read more
As a child, my first memory of a soup is Oxtail. Not so much for its flavor—though it is delicious—but for the adventure at my grandmother’s side. In late winter, after Christmas and before Lent, I would often spend a weekend at my maternal grandparents’ house. I delighted in the quietness and solitude that their home afforded. When I was too small to help prepare foods, I would sit at grandma’s side on the bench to the kitchen table and... Read more
Today we heard the story of St. Joseph’s faithfulness to follow the will of God. Let us offer a prayer to Saint Joseph for a Particular Priest: Saint Joseph, I present to you this day Father (N.), priest of Jesus Christ, and beg you to be to him advocate and defender, counselor and friend. Open your heart to him as you opened your home to the Virgin Mother in her hour of need. Protect his holy priesthood as you protected... Read more
Christmas shopping and the Red Kettles bell ringers of the Salvation Army are calling us with a tinny jangle to help the poor. I nod my head and smile, walking by, not depositing even a penny. I have already given—to another group, at church or the office—earlier. I am annoyed by the once-a-year, in-your-face, give-to-ME-or-look-selfish-in-the-eyes-of-the-anonymous-crowd suppliants. The annoyance exists for more than whom they claim needs our help. All year the obvious poor are easy to spot—financially destitute, mentally impaired,... Read more
Blessed Mother Mary, You discerned in your heart and gave to God the fullness of yourself in love and faith. You did not know the demands your “yes” would place on you in the future as the mother of Jesus. You chose to walk trusting the will of our Holy Father. Look now on our women, young and old, discerning a vocation as a Sister or Nun. Hear our prayers for them that they are open to God’s calling. Grant... Read more
Plant symbolism is prominent in religious art. Margaret Rose Realy, Obl OSB offers a small study on the catechism of plants. Read more
Morning Rose Prayer Gardens
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