Sitting in my oratory, I finished the Salve Regina prayer. I then looked from the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe out the window at a gray winter’s morning. I felt heavy that morning, down, and I didn’t know why. Kissing the blue millefiori rosary in my hand, I returned it to the porcelain dish, and the beads chimed against its sides. I picked up the Liturgy of the Hours from the table and rested the book unopened on my... 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
Dear Lord, Hear our prayers for Sisters and Nuns, that, with the words of Pope Francis’ Proclamation of the Gospel in Today’s World, they will be rejuvenated in their commitment to share your Word of salvation. We pray that they are strengthened to resist even more so the wickedness and snares of the devil that entice us all in small and insidious ways. Hear us, Oh Lord, in our prayers for your holy women who strive to lead us in... Read more
I find November to be a transitional month—not quite past autumn and not yet winter. Skies are often filled with heavy dark-gray clouds that suddenly open into glorious sunlight, illuminating yellow leaves. The business of outdoor activities is ending, and the bustle of holiday celebrations is waiting to begin. This is the month when nature goes dormant. And we become wrapped in restfulness, drawing-down at home in heavy sweaters, flannel pants, and warm slippers. With hands encircling steaming cups we... Read more
Eternal God, Please bless our priests, who represent you on this earth. Make them more greatly aware of the grace that you pour out through them when they minister the sacraments. Help them to fall more deeply in love with you after each and every Mass that they celebrate. Please strengthen our priests, who shepherd your flock, when they are in doubt of their faith, that they may be examples of your truth and guide us always on the path... Read more
This is one of my favorite pictures of a woodland statue, at the foot of Mary. There was a heavy frost last night… a cardinal fluffed-up in the pine. And its November, queue white Schlumbergera (Christmas Cactus). Read more
Heavenly Father, in your wisdom you have called certain women a 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 of our true citizenship in heaven. Give them, Lord, the grace of joy and perseverance in their holy vocation. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Read more
I’m still praying with the question from Lisa Hendy, of Catholicmom.com, about Conscious Celibacy and “saying yes to love.” In a previous post I addressed being single and how celibacy is neither the object nor theme of my singleness—though love is. This question from Lisa about love’s expression and, I realized, inherent reception, stirred up a lot of emotions—all good and begging for release. I recalled a conversation I’d had several years ago with Pat Gohn, the voice of Among... Read more
I remember as a child the sweet fragrance and stunning colors of the species Iris germanica, commonly known as bearded iris or Mary’s Sword. I can still recall my first encounter with them. Walking home from kindergarten, I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, inhaled a wave of fragrance, and, sniffing the air, followed my nose. Just a few houses up grew a garden filled with fans of blue-green leaves topped with a rainbow of sturdy flowering stalks. The surprised... Read more
O Jesus, Good Shepherd, who have come to save what was lost, you have established the priesthood of the Holy Church, so that the work of Redemption might be perpetuated. We ask you urgently: send laborers into your vineyard! Give your Holy Church worthy and holy priests. Give your Holy Church religious brothers and sisters. Grant that all those whom you have chosen from all eternity may follow your call. Do not allow anyone who is unworthy to ascend the steps... Read more
Morning Rose Prayer Gardens
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