Next to the south wall of the screened porch is a small stand of Liliaceae ‘Golden Splendour’. They are one of the few flowers remaining from last summer’s dig-out, when, because of arthritis, nearly all of my gardens were removed. This trumpet lily cultivar was introduced in 1957. It is tall—at nearly six feet—and the highly fragrant flowers are 7-10” long. It has been one of the pride and joys of my garden since it was planted in 1989. Twenty... Read more
I’ve lived a sheltered life in some ways. I had never read anything Sherlockian until I was nearly 60. And then Ann Margaret Lewis happened. Her first book, Murder in the Vatican, drew me in. I was eager for her second book, The Watson Chronicles: A Sherlock Holmes Novel in Stories, to be released—and was duly rewarded for my wait. The first night I had the book, I laughed and gasped until 3 a.m. Over the next couple of days,... Read more
Heavenly Father, in your wisdom you have called certain women to a life of special consecration so that in prayerful observance of a lifestyle of poverty, celibacy, and obedience, they might be witnesses to us that as St. Paul says, “our true citizenship is in heaven.” Give them, Lord, the grace of joy and perseverance in their holy vocation. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Read more
From spring forsythia branches to fall garden mums I bring the beauty and fragrance of my garden into the house. Some arrangements are minimalistic and modern while others are full and robust, looking very much like a 16th century Dutch painting. Either way, they grace my desk, home altar, or table—sometimes I take them to a friend. Arranging flowers cut from your garden is a time honored tradition. It’s easy once you let go of the glossy magazine images inhibiting your... Read more
Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your word and to act in your name. For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and thanksgiving. We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shine out through their weakness. In their afflictions let them... Read more
Earlier this week a storm roared through with wind shears and explosive lightening, and power went out for nearly three days. I realized how important others are in our lives when we are in need. My neighbors were pretty much self sufficient with their generators growling through the hours. But what of those who when disasters hit are left without the bare essentials and are in need? It is here that we offer our prayers for Sisters and Nuns. For... Read more
The extraordinary Synod of Bishops convening this October will be discussing the family. The 2013 survey of Catholics revealed that people are confused about what the Church teaches about families and that the function and purpose of family life is not clearly understood, more so when parents are not the same faiths. When I was seven I’d become aware that in my family my mother’s side was Catholic, my father was not and there was a deep brokenness hidden within our... Read more
The gardening season is well underway. It’s the time of year when bare spots show up in the garden. Not only bare spots where the bulbs and poppies use to be, but you may have an area of winter-killed perennials or maybe the transplanted seedlings you started never took. There are several ways of filling in bare spots. A container garden can be placed in the location or maybe a shrub if you decide to add more structure to your... Read more
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Eternal High Priest, let Your love flow into the hearts of your priests and transform them into living images of You. By Your grace, make them true apostles of Your Sacred Heart. I pray for the fulfillment of the promise You made to St. Margaret Mary: “I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.” May Your kingdom come to the hearts of all through the ministry of holy priests. Amen. Read more
Over the years I’ve learned to not turn away from dark nights and to accept the journey inward as a journey towards God. By entering fully into them is to come out the other side sooner. The intense darkness of some of those episodes can, at times, push me over the edge of human limits and leave me flat out in despair. To despair, according to the Catechism (#2019), is to lose hope and turn your back on God…and a sin.... Read more
Morning Rose Prayer Gardens
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In