She was a full-bodied woman and reminded me of Oprah, as Sophia, in the Color Purple. Her one eye watered and drooped much the same as that character. Her walk was a shambling gait of exhaustion. Her niece had brought her shopping for clothes. The three of us exchanged niceties among the racks of plus-size blouses and stretchy jeans. With shortened breaths she told her niece she wanted a colorful top, she needed color after being so long in dingy gowns.... Read more
O my God, pour forth upon thy priests the spirit of sacrifice in its fullness. It is their glory as much as their duty to be victims, to consume themselves for souls, to often live without human joys, to often undergo mistrust, injustice, and persecution. May they reflect upon what they say each day at the altar: “This is My Body; this is My Blood.” May they reflect on it and apply it to themselves: “I am no longer myself,... Read more
O Immaculate Virgin, help remove from the hearts of our holy women any reluctance to giving themselves fully to God. Keep them from being immersed in the things of earth. Teach them how pure their hearts ought to be, so that they will never refuse anything to the Lord, and will always be able to repeat with you their sweet, prompt fiat. Illumine their minds, then, with the light which emanates from your resplendent purity, so that no attachment, no... Read more
Last week’s post on the herb, rosemary, brought requests about other symbolisms of plants in our Christian traditions. The meanings of evergreens in the language of flowers will be new to some of you, and familiar to others who may have read this column before. During the Christmas holidays I love how the fragrance and beauty of evergreens adds to celebrating this holy season. Many of us add Christmas trees (originally called the Paradise tree), wreaths, or garlands to our homes. Collectively, evergreens for... Read more
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of vocations, multiply priestly vocations and fill the earth with religious houses which will be light and warmth for the world, safety in stormy nights. Beg your Son to send us many priests and religious. Guard and protect each of your precious priests according to your Divine Son’s will. This we ask of you, O Mother. Read more
Beloved Mother Mary hear our prayers for our Sisters and Nuns. In this Advent season we ask that they seek to answer God’s call, as you had, through faith. That they are encouraged to walk with trust on an unknown journey. That you guide them to embrace fully the teachings of your Son, and to share unfalteringly his words. Give them courage to continue to follow God’s will in the face of hardships or persecution. Let them always look to you as... Read more
I thought it would be nice to share this blog from last year with all the new visitors to Morning Rose Prayer Gardens…and gently remind the rest of you of an alternative. Many of you know I’m on a mission to dethrone the poinsettia as the Christmas plant in Catholic homes and churches with the herb Rosemary officinalis. The poinsettia’s association with Christmas began in Mexico in the 1600s. A legend tells of a young girl, too poor to provide a gift... Read more
Most gracious Heavenly Father, We thank you for our faithful priests and bishops, whose spiritual fatherhood and example of fidelity, self-sacrifice, and devotion is so vital to the faith of your people. May our spiritual fathers be guided by the examples of Saints Peter and Paul, all the Apostles and their saintly successors. Give them valiant faith in the face of confusion and conflict, hope in time of trouble and sorrow, and steadfast love for you, for their families, and... Read more
O God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry; when I have work, help me to remember the jobless; when I have a warm home, help me to remember the homeless; when I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer; and remembering, help me to destroy my complacency and bestir my compassion. Make me concerned enough to help, by word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted. Amen ~unknown Read more
Precious Lord, We pray this day for our consecrated women that their sanctity continues to increase and that their communities continue to grow so that they may serve those who are in need. We pray that our Sisters and Nuns continue to see You in the least of humanity, but that they also see You in those of power who fail to see You in themselves. We pray that they help bring You to those who are poor and impoverished... Read more
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