tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47951768683497856882024-03-18T12:03:15.235+09:00put out into the deepscribblings | doodles | dreams by calejcalejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.comBlogger797125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-77332645599193358852024-03-15T08:40:00.004+09:002024-03-15T08:40:46.409+09:00Saint Joseph, Pillar of Families<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB68GFClE3STLafG9BwY-Rijb0WB3sSNKRoXt4t97bfDEV1CQG4BWnWcjjYKCfrk6edo9_Asctdm-4epS79cwgfmJpk8rA18atLhg8Arb9zFqYJ-WRPIbmmzD4qeuIvLlfc57QOYzJZ5lply6sJsVFq_s28YJk6F87Q7nX2epJxoWpFR3QvH81PJfJzn2P/s1234/st%20joseph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="saint joseph pillar of families" border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="1184" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB68GFClE3STLafG9BwY-Rijb0WB3sSNKRoXt4t97bfDEV1CQG4BWnWcjjYKCfrk6edo9_Asctdm-4epS79cwgfmJpk8rA18atLhg8Arb9zFqYJ-WRPIbmmzD4qeuIvLlfc57QOYzJZ5lply6sJsVFq_s28YJk6F87Q7nX2epJxoWpFR3QvH81PJfJzn2P/w614-h640/st%20joseph.png" title="saint joseph terror of demons" width="614" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">I didn't use to pray novenas. I always thought that praying directly to God was better. But I read this passage from the Bible:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">"The continual prayer of a just man availeth much." - James 5:16</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">I thought of the matter more and now I see that novenas are a humble way of praying. It is asking those closest to Jesus (and holiest) people who walked the earth, to pray for me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">This is not a new way of doing things as Moses intervened for the Jews when God wanted to punish them for making a bull with their own hands and started worshipping them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">I now think God is pleased whenever I pray a novena. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Since then, I have seen so many SIGNS AND WONDERS in myself and in my circumstances because I prayed a novena. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">I credit Saint Joseph for my happy home life and also for helping us with our finances though the best thing for me is the way novenas help us to lead holy lives. The saints want no applause but rather, they will always draw us closer to God. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Instead of idolizing celebrities for their beauty, riches and talent, why not learn about the saints whose lives changed the world for the better?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Let's live like the saints instead who led the most joyful, peaceful and fruitful lives.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Saint Joseph is my patron saint. His feast day is on March 19. He is the Pillar of Families and the Terror of demons.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">My husband shared this <a href="https://www.praymorenovenas.com/" target="_blank">website</a> to me and he was the one who really got me started on doing novenas. Thank you dear husband! Thank you to John Paul and Annie for their site <a href="https://www.praymorenovenas.com/" target="_blank">Pray More Novenas</a>. You can also read about miracles and answered prayers over there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Miracles really abound with our Lord!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-70102098210609304312024-03-07T07:24:00.001+09:002024-03-07T07:24:33.261+09:00The Snowstorm Helps Me Bite My Tongue <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_E21YcULC-LgG2zVsAb_6kC1bUWT51hTUhtDumfHm2TMlceTHs1qERTXs1x_dhTCar-mCqFNyeymdjoJpaWWGkrrJRMh5qYrIENCnLlqTNe3JgMN-h_hhl4r7mZIM8IS9uCgiavuyBmALTz1g2i94M0tBJOdfmKqJri3eqir3ELUBaRLWM9B7c-aobo40/s1677/IMG_3611.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Winter story about complaining" border="0" data-original-height="1677" data-original-width="1619" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_E21YcULC-LgG2zVsAb_6kC1bUWT51hTUhtDumfHm2TMlceTHs1qERTXs1x_dhTCar-mCqFNyeymdjoJpaWWGkrrJRMh5qYrIENCnLlqTNe3JgMN-h_hhl4r7mZIM8IS9uCgiavuyBmALTz1g2i94M0tBJOdfmKqJri3eqir3ELUBaRLWM9B7c-aobo40/w618-h640/IMG_3611.jpeg" title="Winter digital painting" width="618" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">When I am tempted to complain about the cold, I recall the story from the writings of Saint Alphonsus Liguori…</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">“In external matters. In times of great heat, cold or rain; in times of famine, epidemics and similar occasions we should refrain from expressions like these: “What unbearable heat!” “What piercing cold!” “What a tragedy!” In these instances we should avoid expressions indicating opposition to God’s will. We should want things to be just as they are, because it is God who thus disposes them.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">An incident in point would be this one: Late one night St. Francis Borgia arrived unexpectedly at a Jesuit house, in a snowstorm. He knocked and knocked on the door, but all to no purpose because the community being asleep, no one heard him. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">When morning came all were embarrassed for the discomfort he had experienced by having had to spend the night in the open. The saint, however, said he had enjoyed the greatest consolation during those long hours of the night by imagining that he saw our Lord up in the sky dropping the snowflakes down upon him.”</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-23151219134227976432024-02-24T08:21:00.000+09:002024-02-24T08:21:07.687+09:00The Mountain in the Oldest City in the World<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6uQUpE0CpbcjUtn_4A-YM1t3baz1-VXKJUrT_vG_p7UV6BHDe-FaWfpIc3WxPyRrcOkg9nXzo1vLov4AUd-exYxDHXid4SkA6tZEpGAaMVBSAsY-ojHubU153ZaU4mcXOldV2rlrTixZDJw3oVNkQzos0ESos8rGT5sRR9CVVRZXKT2BbLDT6p2eRbSQ/s600/winter-mountain-by-calej.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Winter reflection on Jesus temptation" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6uQUpE0CpbcjUtn_4A-YM1t3baz1-VXKJUrT_vG_p7UV6BHDe-FaWfpIc3WxPyRrcOkg9nXzo1vLov4AUd-exYxDHXid4SkA6tZEpGAaMVBSAsY-ojHubU153ZaU4mcXOldV2rlrTixZDJw3oVNkQzos0ESos8rGT5sRR9CVVRZXKT2BbLDT6p2eRbSQ/w640-h640/winter-mountain-by-calej.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: x-large;">When I opened our front door today, what I saw was mountains. Where I live, we are surrounded by mountains. </span><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you look right, there are mountains. When you look left, there are mountains.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">I never thought mountains in the winter could be so beautiful. The shades of gray and white turn into almost lavender, and the trees look like leaves upon a bushy hill.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">In my younger days, I had my fill of mountains but if there is one mountain I would’ve wanted to climb, it is found in the oldest city in the world.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">This is the mountain found in Jericho.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> It is not a pretty sight as it is mostly ground with rock surfaces but it surprisingly has a water source. </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;">On the mountain, there are centuries-old monasteries and a chapel built out of the rock, ravaged by wars. There is an ancient, sacred seat that was where Jesus sat during his time of temptation (</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Luke 4:1-13)</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Many places in Israel have churches over sacred spots where Jesus walked, but on this mountain, I fancied myself touching a tree, where Jesus may have leaned His head or a rock, where He could’ve rested his foot while the grumblings of his stomach troubled him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Was it cold and wet on that mountain? I am sure it was, especially during the night. It must have been hard leaving the comfort of His home and the warm meals surrounded by His loving family.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Many things in our lives are like mountains, even if we don't want to climb them, we do and we fail. The hunger for life's purpose or our own human nature may cause grumblings in our hearts and disturb our peace.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">In all of this, we are not alone. The God of the Universe who many of us know IS love - shared our fallen existence. He suffered all for love of us.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0Jericho31.8611058 35.46175833.5508719638211552 0.30550829999999962 60.171339636178843 70.6180083tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-5584497310149759502024-02-14T09:17:00.001+09:002024-02-14T09:17:15.965+09:00A Prayer to Begin Lent<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04v-VP9XXIPzKHAAHPrdUHWeck7XwCC0_NXC5-7BiQpjue9421A208U2ZOM_VS390mSB785-beguLJ-t64gyfsJSJ187D1HIw1WIsPpo3C41KvED-9DOFUIdYG1FkiKpJwxJPHWsqApcmBU2glGQoLaLg0aGgjgIdTjCq-j2HYjTySCdtHT4EWMiwrKn7/s500/candle.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ash wednesday 2024" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04v-VP9XXIPzKHAAHPrdUHWeck7XwCC0_NXC5-7BiQpjue9421A208U2ZOM_VS390mSB785-beguLJ-t64gyfsJSJ187D1HIw1WIsPpo3C41KvED-9DOFUIdYG1FkiKpJwxJPHWsqApcmBU2glGQoLaLg0aGgjgIdTjCq-j2HYjTySCdtHT4EWMiwrKn7/w640-h640/candle.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: Special Elite;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">I read today that Lent was viewed as entering into 40 days of battle. There are 2 enemies - the one within us and the evils in the world.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we fight for the good, we are not left defenseless. Our weapons are all invisible but extremely powerful!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></span></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-6-14" id="en-NIV-29352">"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,</span> <span class="text Eph-6-15" id="en-NIV-29353">and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.</span> <span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354">In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.</span> <span class="text Eph-6-17" id="en-NIV-29355">Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." </span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;">Ephesians 6</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">As we "gird our loins", we receive the sign of entering into combat, the cross of ash that believers used as early as 4,000 years ago (in the story of Job).</div><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">During the 11th century, Ash Wednesday was marked in the Church by the Pope and the cardinals walking to the altar barefoot with ashes on their foreheads.</div><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">May we begin this season of Lent with the virtue of humility, knowing that any good we have ever done or will ever do is only by the grace of God alone.</div></span><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Special Elite"; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Litany of Humility</span></span><br style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important;" /><br style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important;" /><div style="font-family: "Special Elite"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Special Elite;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, hear me.</div><div style="text-align: left;">From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being preferred, Deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Amen.</div></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-64670919855891931212024-02-12T06:01:00.004+09:002024-02-12T15:15:10.841+09:00The Lenten Journey<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejMfyTjZFq0kSSh0hmDAMT1adqkSY51ndoseQlpqA_5FetGe2kQwCLiONqwv2Hu7yB4LuZ5PE8Vq3lm50Pgc2mfpkMcqHMoeCCir7UJ-x3HcZR51LofYrinBK9wUYusGXE4mK64CQyy-RN9Hh9d34MTUsSv50MkGe_UoredFmdCmAVvdpQD8ljxFU7JtH/s2048/IMG_3052.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Strong love" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejMfyTjZFq0kSSh0hmDAMT1adqkSY51ndoseQlpqA_5FetGe2kQwCLiONqwv2Hu7yB4LuZ5PE8Vq3lm50Pgc2mfpkMcqHMoeCCir7UJ-x3HcZR51LofYrinBK9wUYusGXE4mK64CQyy-RN9Hh9d34MTUsSv50MkGe_UoredFmdCmAVvdpQD8ljxFU7JtH/w640-h640/IMG_3052.jpeg" title="Lasting love" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">“The love which is not the offspring of the Passion is feeble.” -St. Francis de Sales</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">From the darkness of nothingness came the light of creation. After the night comes the dawn. Without Lent there can be no Easter. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Though this time can pass without one noticing, it is a special time of much-needed grace. The Lenten season can be an opportune time to grow in the wisdom of the ages.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">“if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.” James 1:1-11</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Yesterday, my husband and planned a leisurely lunch at an outdoor museum but when we got there, the road was closed for the winter. So we thought we would just take a walk around. He pointed up to a distant building and asked if I thought I could reach it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">I didn't know if I could, but I wanted to try. I've climbed mountains before but never during winter. The snow felt like sand to my tropical mind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">I wanted to give up at one point, but then thought of a One who not only climbed a mountain, but was lacerated and carried a huge cross while doing it. All of this, He did for us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Lent is a lot like climbing a mountain. One may forfeit observing this centuries-old tradition or one can choose to partake of this journey (not knowing how it will go).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Needless to say the view from the peak was indescribably awesome. So is the new life that Easter brings.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, February 14. How apt! Let us not love feebly.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-64140140909201030892024-02-02T14:51:00.002+09:002024-02-02T14:51:40.829+09:0010 Easy Ways to Re-use your Old Calendar<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58gQlrzQlIKMlEPJ45cyUNyN43E-cFl2lNVjI5oKplBN97_pNkW_M3nEEiLAde17N8kjk8ZUe52nBWg2nm4iwj8nyFpwEQ8oeXOBVezryMN0qXFSOMx0WeKYtTXu0dlIiCz1L-FND-pu9dp8mw6PBSJvfVkULMGAN6MPpXZVlTlRefnM0N_ebwd6Yucv9/s708/10ways-recycle-calendar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10 Easy Ways to Recycle a Wall Calendar" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="708" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58gQlrzQlIKMlEPJ45cyUNyN43E-cFl2lNVjI5oKplBN97_pNkW_M3nEEiLAde17N8kjk8ZUe52nBWg2nm4iwj8nyFpwEQ8oeXOBVezryMN0qXFSOMx0WeKYtTXu0dlIiCz1L-FND-pu9dp8mw6PBSJvfVkULMGAN6MPpXZVlTlRefnM0N_ebwd6Yucv9/w640-h452/10ways-recycle-calendar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Hello!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">I wanted to share with you some ideas on how to repurpose your old calendars. Since we don't like wasting anything in our family, I thought you might want to do something creative with usual throwaway items like this.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">I hope you find it useful!</span></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wBg8A38w7QU?si=gHr_vr7XsBHNKnwh" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">By the way, I had fun designing this year's wall calendar for papemelroti.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixw7r9EVgA8NnpI9p3mrOuBKDR82UQ79yx477IUfqMqInTr25efhc8FooBrh36VPocnnywk7mxJE3RnYtJQj2pGyMS6epYSeLe0Wc_lPutvTn_H8F-4Ds9hc4T12aDSBvvEHdmmXFH-Je1SYQTfYFS7HagjLGKbh3Cm_EP0-0ekt9sCuDeAO0nc_ZQby9/s200/ridingsm.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixw7r9EVgA8NnpI9p3mrOuBKDR82UQ79yx477IUfqMqInTr25efhc8FooBrh36VPocnnywk7mxJE3RnYtJQj2pGyMS6epYSeLe0Wc_lPutvTn_H8F-4Ds9hc4T12aDSBvvEHdmmXFH-Je1SYQTfYFS7HagjLGKbh3Cm_EP0-0ekt9sCuDeAO0nc_ZQby9/s1600/ridingsm.gif" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">The theme I picked was "Happy Days" since the world needs a lot more of these in the coming year. I hope that it will put everyone in a good mood and lighten the load for whoever sees it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://papemelroti.com/collections/wall-calendars/products/wall-calendar?variant=42767990718662" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2024 wall calendar by papemelroti" border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="946" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhomwv9AXNvyVPj8iveBdtCVWci_WzgX5WwcJ-G613rKoumDatXMOekyAAIFXHq2i0v-TnOy1X2uqpf4VU1rT0tZEs4ZKPlmVxqfwbRTYUn7T_5AC_6Augjd9GPIzm_Xn54bijX6ZRTHCm5efTjWHHndeIajHjgxbPAQnlyF7FypjcFzHDEgKAC-iGcV6Y/w574-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-02%20at%2014.33.31.png" width="574" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-2058459583143584352023-12-31T08:00:00.022+09:002023-12-31T08:00:00.234+09:00Saint John Francis Regis, Patron of Embroiderers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwFNMkeOlqFRASXnKw6ipX86v68IKxHHTvNa5ElU1YI9IBbFFRLLYm1uFcDSkpwCjAysOJf59a-_Tqdy0DQnAE7W19ZNEnPrAn4B0Vx5VpYH_4D7MHWNSNxtD8l2oZVGKQ2J6Ap_a6J7uQ8rlIKMCeI6rCEfi8iB5Ane4aW9UKviQD3t4GGAva1D3_T7N/s1152/saint-john-francis-regis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint John Francis Regis, Patron of Embroiderers" border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1152" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwFNMkeOlqFRASXnKw6ipX86v68IKxHHTvNa5ElU1YI9IBbFFRLLYm1uFcDSkpwCjAysOJf59a-_Tqdy0DQnAE7W19ZNEnPrAn4B0Vx5VpYH_4D7MHWNSNxtD8l2oZVGKQ2J6Ap_a6J7uQ8rlIKMCeI6rCEfi8iB5Ane4aW9UKviQD3t4GGAva1D3_T7N/w640-h638/saint-john-francis-regis.jpg" title="Saint John Francis Regis, Patron of Embroiderers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">The children were rapt with attention. The man's words struck a chord within them and they were filled with joy. They had to share this newfound friendship with God with their parents. Soon, the parents wished to go back to going to Holy Mass with their children. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">That man was Saint John Francis Regis. He traveled from town to town sharing simple yet powerful words of salvation. Many farmers, workers and country folk were converted through his preaching! Every day, he was busy living out his mission of hearing confessions in the morning and visiting prisons and hospitals in the afternoon. He did not spend much time for himself but kept busy serving his flock. He usually ate only apples and black bread and whatever else was available.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">To save desperately poor women and reformed prostitutes, he helped them learn embroidery and put up hostels for them called the "Daughters of Refuge". He inspired the rich to use their wealth to uplift the poor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Miraculous multiplication of food in the granary occurred through his prayers. The sick were also cured but he said, "<i>Every time God converts a hardened sinner, He is working a far greater miracle.</i>"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">He is the patron of embroiderers, lace makers, medical social workers, and against the plague.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Today, December 31st is his feast day. Saint John Francis Regis, pray for us!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;">Note: My 2023 endeavor to learn more about the saints is done! Thank you for journeying with me! Who was your favorite saint of all? May we all aspire to be saints who will make God smile on the day we meet Him face to face! Wishing you a blessed 2024!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-8521952704987933592023-12-30T08:00:00.002+09:002023-12-30T20:41:25.504+09:00Blessed Giovanni Maria Boccardo, Father of the Poor and Patron Against Cancer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYQilga693PfogioXOGLNhP0ShY33UqFG8avLycDwDoymSEGC8d1vn7f_mdKrhBwjMX5C30gE_kOmVCHU2YGkYF4ZINTMDvfPKCoXHpDWwIwoErs7_WXxokICULY68CeulZuVoQnrRGJSMdv4-CJYtAajNnspmSVr19-2Bh3czNj9g5fIrqC27vxVaqgU/s1152/blessed-giovanni-maria-boccardo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blessed Giovanni Maria Boccardo, Father of the Poor and Patron Against Cancer" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYQilga693PfogioXOGLNhP0ShY33UqFG8avLycDwDoymSEGC8d1vn7f_mdKrhBwjMX5C30gE_kOmVCHU2YGkYF4ZINTMDvfPKCoXHpDWwIwoErs7_WXxokICULY68CeulZuVoQnrRGJSMdv4-CJYtAajNnspmSVr19-2Bh3czNj9g5fIrqC27vxVaqgU/w640-h640/blessed-giovanni-maria-boccardo.jpg" title="Blessed Giovanni Maria Boccardo, Father of the Poor and Patron Against Cancer" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">There was once a blind beggar who needed care. Someone took notice of the poor man and cared for his basic needs. The man was Blessed Giovanni Maria Boccardo who was later known as the "Father of the Poor".</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">He was born in 1848 in Ca'Bianca, Moncalieri, Turin, Italy. He grew up in a devout Catholic family and was baptized the day after he was born. Out of a family of 10 children, 4 of the boys grew up to join the priesthood. Blessed Giovanni Maria was one of them and his brother Blessed Luigi was another.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">In 1817, he was ordained and proceeded to work in the seminary as the spiritual director of young seminarians. He was friends with Saint John Bosco, Saint Leonard Murialdo, and Blessed Joseph Allamano. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">He spent most of his days tending to his parishioners and he was well-loved by all. He especially paid close attention to the poor and the sick of Turin by setting up a hospice. He ensured that all the children became well-versed in their faith and also organized a prison ministry. He established the Poor Daughters of Saint Cajetan whose work spans several countries and still operates today. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">An 80-year-old woman was miraculously cured of cancer through his intercession. </span><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: large;">That is why he is the patron against cancer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Today, December 30th, is his feast day. Blessed Giovanni Maria Boccardo,prayfor us!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-55944949021463859502023-12-29T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-29T08:00:00.139+09:00Saint Thomas Becket, Patron of the Clergy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjudG780k3BFe9OAxqa3fidwV3tyWBRDR0o5FJP7lmHAAgqT3NQCdE0M-ljzjQJtuIuqLheCRhPsBwJ6Cd0aukBmK3woTfnzig7LdzjiOi0Hpx8GFYZ-AAtp_ulDUrET1B26aF1_nNYf9f_FihoHwT4lJQt-0Rfx2UwxEVUp6YIAOxQ7rHefGq_eCifYa/s1148/saint-thomas-becket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Thomas Becket, Patron of the Clergy" border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1148" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjudG780k3BFe9OAxqa3fidwV3tyWBRDR0o5FJP7lmHAAgqT3NQCdE0M-ljzjQJtuIuqLheCRhPsBwJ6Cd0aukBmK3woTfnzig7LdzjiOi0Hpx8GFYZ-AAtp_ulDUrET1B26aF1_nNYf9f_FihoHwT4lJQt-0Rfx2UwxEVUp6YIAOxQ7rHefGq_eCifYa/w640-h640/saint-thomas-becket.jpg" title="Saint Thomas Becket, Patron of the Clergy" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">"<i>Whosoever wisely examines the works of God will speedily discover what is next to be done.</i>" - </span><span style="color: #101010;">Saint Thomas Becket</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #101010; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Your friend can sometimes be your greatest foe. This was the case for Thomas who was the friend of King Henry II.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">He lived in 12th-century Canterbury, England and was a civil and canon lawyer, soldier and officer. When he was appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury, his life changed. He put God first in all that he did. He became known as a generous benefactor of the poor.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #373737;"><span style="background-color: white;">The king wished for him to sign a document that would curtail the Church's freedom. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737;">Thomas refused to sign. This enraged the king - once his closest ally, now his worst enemy. Thomas fled and was in exile for 2 years. Upon his return, the people rejoiced but the king muttered, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737;">“Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest!” </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737;">These words led to the murder of Thomas. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">His last words were, “<i>For the name of Jesus and the protection of the Church, I am ready to embrace death.</i>” </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">"<i>Wait the end with joy. It is the end which characterizes everything and which tests a man's expectations.</i>" </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">- </span><span style="color: #101010;">Saint Thomas Becket</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #101010; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">He is the patron of the clergy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Today, December 29th is his feast day. Saint Thomas Becket, please pray for us!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-37257869374074387342023-12-28T09:00:00.003+09:002023-12-28T09:00:00.127+09:00Saint Anthony of Lérins<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRI_C0HsTXK-T3CPG-wUjE06fBZ47TookrRxkNXoVp8qjid0ZTwowgijZ9Hsisnmijrrqed93_pC4-XPjZ9BRLxK7xRCIqb7OISUWkmFlIRR8D_XlFYKA59NAZSLra1OhEyfkRNg3QuIhG_fJ_OUlR8Jp-cUdsvrz-wecy4p7x_5J-c9bjEChEjrVs1Jr/s5100/IMG_2620.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Anthony of Lérins" border="0" data-original-height="5100" data-original-width="5100" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRI_C0HsTXK-T3CPG-wUjE06fBZ47TookrRxkNXoVp8qjid0ZTwowgijZ9Hsisnmijrrqed93_pC4-XPjZ9BRLxK7xRCIqb7OISUWkmFlIRR8D_XlFYKA59NAZSLra1OhEyfkRNg3QuIhG_fJ_OUlR8Jp-cUdsvrz-wecy4p7x_5J-c9bjEChEjrVs1Jr/w640-h640/IMG_2620.jpeg" title="Saint Anthony of Lérins" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">In 6th-century Italy lived a hermit on an island on Lake Como. He was a holy an pious man and his prayers wrought many miracles. The people came from far away to live with him for his life inspired them to love God and live for Him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">His name was Anthony and he was tutored by Saint Severinus of Norichelle when his father died at the age of 8. When he became a teenager, Saint Severinus passed away and he was put in the care of his uncle, the Bishop of Lorsch.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Upon reaching adulthood, he decided to live as a monk and his life and vocation served as a good witness to all.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Today, December 28th is his feast day. Saint Anthony of Lerins, pray for us! </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-81140970887363762532023-12-27T08:00:00.002+09:002023-12-27T08:00:00.138+09:00Saint John the Beloved Apostle, Patron of Friendship<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5TjuD68luWOEyo9v1etZUvbBzKVtTyMnltyNlJRbomdWyEhr3zJV5huKaGVO6I0n-PT4PkyU3rp5Z6AjCQilzFUjRDa8Ui13zRLLB1ddAVr3HkefE6rF4EgYXYD_SBK5jNckYJtwZJjCWTjeY9mDfFBR4cwAiNRp3q13dtnJ2hLGtLk2roEp8s3YEFy3/s1152/saint-john-the-beloved-apostle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint John the Beloved Apostle, Patron of Friendship" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1142" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5TjuD68luWOEyo9v1etZUvbBzKVtTyMnltyNlJRbomdWyEhr3zJV5huKaGVO6I0n-PT4PkyU3rp5Z6AjCQilzFUjRDa8Ui13zRLLB1ddAVr3HkefE6rF4EgYXYD_SBK5jNckYJtwZJjCWTjeY9mDfFBR4cwAiNRp3q13dtnJ2hLGtLk2roEp8s3YEFy3/w634-h640/saint-john-the-beloved-apostle.jpg" title="Saint John the Beloved Apostle, Patron of Friendship" width="634" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Saint John is one of the most well-known apostles of the Lord Jesus. He was the only one of the 12 who did not abandon our Lord during His passion on the cross. Jesus entrusted His beloved Mother Mary to his care. He wrote the fourth Gospel.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Many extraordinary events in the life of Saint John have been passed down through the centuries.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Because Christianity was banned during that time, the Roman Emperor Dometian sentenced him to a gruesome death. He was beaten, given poison, and then thrust into a cauldron filled with boiling oil. He came out unscathed! Since he was unharmed, he was exiled to the island of Patmos.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">In one of his travels, their ship encountered a fierce storm and sank. Everyone except Saint John was swept onto the shore and everyone thought he didn't make it. Two weeks later, Saint John was found alive on the beach at the feet of his disciple Prochoros.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">One story recounts when Saint John preached against praying to stone idols. The followers of the false god Artemis stoned him but somehow, the rocks hit them instead of Saint John!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Once a year, the site where Saint John was buried gave off a lovely fragrant dust that when sprinkled on the sick, cured them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">He is the patron of friendship and many other things such as burn victims, art dealers, authors, editors. harvests, painters, printers, scholars, papermakers, those afflicted with foot ailments, burns, epilepsy, poisoning, and others.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Today, December 27th is his feast day. Saint John, please pray for us!</span></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-86075394098306442023-12-26T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-26T08:00:00.133+09:00Saint Stephen, the First Martyr and Patron of Headaches<p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_iNFfNRyPW_TZUSqR7m8jiB5PPeJYma8-U2sG3pAM-YyWmV0x1chv-BZEfmXYdlfU7EfzHf3ojy0jDS9TM5LBFSEppwEj0e3xaVo2izsmlKGmD8gCc4v-C3zfmmCWR5FSbPfA1WmXmJ1sXx4hopaQObkejnKH1LhxnBlmhCcnlCaCIPl6cC_CFirjhT6/s1152/saint-stephen-the-martyr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Stephen, the First Martyr and Patron of Headaches" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_iNFfNRyPW_TZUSqR7m8jiB5PPeJYma8-U2sG3pAM-YyWmV0x1chv-BZEfmXYdlfU7EfzHf3ojy0jDS9TM5LBFSEppwEj0e3xaVo2izsmlKGmD8gCc4v-C3zfmmCWR5FSbPfA1WmXmJ1sXx4hopaQObkejnKH1LhxnBlmhCcnlCaCIPl6cC_CFirjhT6/w640-h640/saint-stephen-the-martyr.jpg" title="Saint Stephen, the First Martyr and Patron of Headaches" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">“<i>Look,</i>” he said, “<i>I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.</i>” - Saint Stephen </span></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">There was trouble in first-century Jerusalem. The young Christian deacon Stephen who preached the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ was being questioned by members of the Sanhedrin. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The religious leader's arguments were no match for the truth that Saint Stephen proclaimed. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">They could no longer refute him so they accused him of blasphemy. </span><span style="background-color: white;">During that time, the Jewish penalty for such an act was death by stoning. </span><span style="background-color: white;">That is when he had a vision of heaven.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span class="text Acts-7-59" id="en-NIV-27176" style="background-color: white;">While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “<i>Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.</i>”</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Acts-7-60" id="en-NIV-27177" style="background-color: white;">Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “<i>Lord, do not hold this sin against them.</i>” When he had said this, he fell asleep. - Acts 7:59</span></span></p><p><span class="text Acts-7-60" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span class="text Acts-7-60" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">He is he is the first martyr of the Christian church. He is the patron of headache sufferers, bricklayers, casket makers, deacons, horses, stonemasons, and several dioceses.</span></span></p><p><span class="text Acts-7-60" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span class="text Acts-7-60" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Today, December 26th is his feast day. Saint Stephen, please pray for us!</span></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-64035164949229168202023-12-25T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-25T08:00:00.132+09:00Blessed Jacopone da Todi<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi911g-XNnJTw9jYA7_JzmSrW4vx5onEzyP9wf42knU3br_yb07dNiEC-ryBTyM4lqSbiedse5ISXcmx2uNMsh6LjZi1UIRgj6B_TydEdpskaIAc9ryWSlF7FJZkHmEcRLQiyIy1yMCwjFW_JFe68vRXnSiIfx-PKvGl_7Mv6SbLSMCsbyANdHo8fUDiduY/s800/blessed-jacopone-da-todi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blessed Jacopone da Todi" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="798" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi911g-XNnJTw9jYA7_JzmSrW4vx5onEzyP9wf42knU3br_yb07dNiEC-ryBTyM4lqSbiedse5ISXcmx2uNMsh6LjZi1UIRgj6B_TydEdpskaIAc9ryWSlF7FJZkHmEcRLQiyIy1yMCwjFW_JFe68vRXnSiIfx-PKvGl_7Mv6SbLSMCsbyANdHo8fUDiduY/w638-h640/blessed-jacopone-da-todi.jpg" title="Blessed Jacopone da Todi" width="638" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">"<i>Love, infusing with light all who share Your splendor, </i></span><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">You teach us the true light i</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><i>s not to be found in the light of this world.</i>" </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">- </span><span style="color: #202122;">Blessed Jacopone da Todi</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">A tragic event happened in the year 1268. During a public tournament in Bologna, Italy, a certain part of the stands gave way, and one of the casualties was a married woman named Vanna di Guidone. Her husband Jacopone was devastated. He was the one who insisted that she come to this event. His wife was a pious woman who was praying for the greedy and worldly Jacopone to change his ways.</span></p><p><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">That was a turning point in the life of Jacopone. He set aside his successful career as a lawyer and became a Franciscan tertiary. Furthermore, he gave away all his wealth to the poor and dressed in rags, thus earning the name "Crazy Jim" from his former colleagues.</span></p><p><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Jacopone wrote beautiful poetry and hymns in his love for God. His most famous work is the Latin hymn, Stabat Mater.</span></p><p><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Christmas day on December 25th is his feast day. Blessed Jacopone da Todi, pray for us.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-8807147467874436032023-12-24T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-24T08:00:00.142+09:00Adam and Eve, The Patriarch and Matriarch<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqC_7oG_yqTq4RdnMNt3B_DQ0qJCA2W1OQDCIc0lijF2ML_p6J4aZFue0EKpOdbNtyLYZ7Ed0b-LBUuzoS4eCVpZtFbrX5VjmO7Gczrv8t6NUEy6mNQyYZ2tEGj4j4WcYxPNPymdYPWujuS1HmYw1SwEPzoTFPArMcMx1LMb28nyNpROd-qB9Cjt88CT_/s1152/saint-adam-and-saint-eve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adam and Eve, The Patriarch and Matriarch" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqC_7oG_yqTq4RdnMNt3B_DQ0qJCA2W1OQDCIc0lijF2ML_p6J4aZFue0EKpOdbNtyLYZ7Ed0b-LBUuzoS4eCVpZtFbrX5VjmO7Gczrv8t6NUEy6mNQyYZ2tEGj4j4WcYxPNPymdYPWujuS1HmYw1SwEPzoTFPArMcMx1LMb28nyNpROd-qB9Cjt88CT_/w640-h640/saint-adam-and-saint-eve.jpg" title="Adam and Eve, The Patriarch and Matriarch" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Today is the day before Christmas and it is the time that the Church honors all of the holy ancestors of Jesus whose birthday we celebrate tomorrow. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">God formed Adam and Eve out of the dust of the earth and they are man's first parents. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><span class="text Gen-2-8" id="en-NIV-39" style="background-color: white;">"<i>Now the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">L</span></i></span><i>ord</i><span class="text Gen-2-8" style="background-color: white;"><i> God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.</i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i> </i></span><span class="text Gen-2-9" id="en-NIV-40" style="background-color: white;"><i>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span> God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.</i>" - Genesis 2:8</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.</i></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman', for she was taken out of man.</i>” - Genesis 2:8</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span class="text Gen-2-9" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">They are the patrons of tailors and gardeners.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Today, December 24th is their feast day. Saints Adam and Eve, pray for us!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-44319628197123008882023-12-23T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-23T08:00:00.139+09:00Saint Marguerite d'Youville, Patron of Difficult Marriages<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYmBaS5KnCDo5lZoAhaw5r_F1wmJSO3413Lo0XDF8AcB1BGWzxuG9JHZBLp6kfyd461a65Z8izWPuab1KT_MuUEq3ncMZSM5WJcsjwj9QDWnpsy61EJyD9wbV3UxBUYkz5Pds4stEOJbPPXhUa8_E4CMFwOpZZyOpK5DPN1wcjgssUqyc5ZZbl6MkD-0t/s1146/saint-marguerite-d'youville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Marguerite d'Youville, Patron of Difficult Marriages" border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1146" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYmBaS5KnCDo5lZoAhaw5r_F1wmJSO3413Lo0XDF8AcB1BGWzxuG9JHZBLp6kfyd461a65Z8izWPuab1KT_MuUEq3ncMZSM5WJcsjwj9QDWnpsy61EJyD9wbV3UxBUYkz5Pds4stEOJbPPXhUa8_E4CMFwOpZZyOpK5DPN1wcjgssUqyc5ZZbl6MkD-0t/w640-h630/saint-marguerite-d'youville.jpg" title="Saint Marguerite d'Youville, Patron of Difficult Marriages" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><i>"All the wealth in the world cannot be compared with the happiness of living together happily united." - </i></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><i>Saint Marguerite d'Youville</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">In 19th century Quebec, Canada lived a most righteous woman. She was the eldest child of 6 children. Her father died when she was 7 years old. Her mother had her educated with the Ursulines and when she was 13, she returned home to help care for her younger siblings. She taught them all she learned at school.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Her mother married an Irish doctor who was regarded as an outsider by the neighborhood. This forced them to relocate to Montreal and start a new life there. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">When Marguerite was 21, she married Francois de Youville. They decided to live with Francois' mother. Soon they had 6 children but 4 of them died soon after they were born. Both the remaining sons chose to become priests later in life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Marguerite had a pious nature but her husband was an adulterous alcoholic who paid no attention to his children. After only 7 years of marriage, he died leaving the family steeped in debt.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Marguerite set up a small shop to meet the family's needs and gave what she could of her modest income to those poorer than them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">She was always thinking of others and never let her own hardships in life stop her from serving the needy around her. With the guidance of a priest and 3 other women, she established the Sisters of Charity of the General Hospital of Montreal, also known as the Grey Nuns. They then restored the old General Hospital in the city and there Marguerite lived for the rest of her days as its director. The order still operates today around Canada, the United States, Africa, and South America.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">She is the patron of difficult marriages, in-law troubles, people who are ridiculed for doing good, widows, victims of adultery, and against the loss of children and parents.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Today, December 23rd is her feast day. Saint Marguerite d'Youville, please pray for us!</span></div><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-79753444988695620412023-12-22T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-22T08:00:00.136+09:00Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Patron against Malaria<p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kgVWI7YzKD98uekGU6mchEtDG2OU9R_ec5WXN2To_KaYUB1Tg9XO6OgzhaqCkM173xNWEsG2NF_GTyUoYci6oXpLI_Uc5rmILWF0rOa83u9kpH-CfWlNsxkBjX1pgsLcwsxkD_iQ-Vv0-vFDzbzjDiQESGXaTyaxFc6oCbBDSw3In9SZ-H1HwjrGBJp7/s1152/saint-frances-xavier-cabrini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Patron against Malaria" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kgVWI7YzKD98uekGU6mchEtDG2OU9R_ec5WXN2To_KaYUB1Tg9XO6OgzhaqCkM173xNWEsG2NF_GTyUoYci6oXpLI_Uc5rmILWF0rOa83u9kpH-CfWlNsxkBjX1pgsLcwsxkD_iQ-Vv0-vFDzbzjDiQESGXaTyaxFc6oCbBDSw3In9SZ-H1HwjrGBJp7/w640-h640/saint-frances-xavier-cabrini.jpg" title="Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Patron against Malaria" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></h3><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">A Prayer for Peace of Mind</span></span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini</span></span></p><p></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px; min-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">"<i>Fortify me with the grace of Your Holy Spirit and give your peace to my soul that I may be free from all needless anxiety, solicitude and worry.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Help me to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to You so that Your will may be my will.</i>"</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">In 1850, Francesca was born into a large Italian family and grew up on a farm. Sadly, only 3 out of 13 children survived adolescence and Francesca herself was constantly in poor health. This however did not stop her from serving God.</span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br />She started to teach at the House of Providence Orphanage, a school for girls. When she was 27, her desire to become a nun was fulfilled and she added "Xavier" to her name in honor of the famous missionary saint. Caring for others, specially orphans was her special gift. The bishop assigned her to establish the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart which ministered to poor children in schools and hospitals.</span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Pope Leo XIII heard of the holy Saint Frances and commissioned her to serve in New York in 1889. There, she was able to take care of many immigrants many of whom were Italians like herself.</span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">In time, she was able to establish 67 institutions such as schools, hospitals and orphanages in the United States, Europe and South America. </span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;">"<i>I will go anywhere and do anything in order to communicate the love of Jesus to those who do not know Him or have forgotten Him.</i>" - </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #333333;">Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini</span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">She passed away when she fell ill with malaria.</span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">She is the patron of malaria patients, orphans, immigrants and hospital administrators.</span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Today December 22nd is her feast day. Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, please pray for us!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-14304290264267426722023-12-21T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-21T08:00:00.356+09:00Saint Peter Canisius, Patron of the Catholic Press<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjup6v94uw_WPrafGo_ouTP_714Ofrj7qaIXyCyGFF0A4xTznfdPmsXvaFMxxzPI3hI9DCOuntNirehGkFhY3TYZTIxGnCIgP2i0LmfKVr9FgAUmj7s-KyDIvQuEYg89FbWDU85WLGfk_XZJvvd9RPvG24XGUvVPdV9EHIzwn5w2TcouoROY26j5BdPzk7_/s1152/saint-peter-canisius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Peter Canisius, Patron of the Catholic Press" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjup6v94uw_WPrafGo_ouTP_714Ofrj7qaIXyCyGFF0A4xTznfdPmsXvaFMxxzPI3hI9DCOuntNirehGkFhY3TYZTIxGnCIgP2i0LmfKVr9FgAUmj7s-KyDIvQuEYg89FbWDU85WLGfk_XZJvvd9RPvG24XGUvVPdV9EHIzwn5w2TcouoROY26j5BdPzk7_/w640-h640/saint-peter-canisius.jpg" title="Saint Peter Canisius, Patron of the Catholic Press" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">There was once a boy who thought of himself as lazy. In retrospect, his 76 years were anything but. He was a most accomplished saint in his day and was second to Saint Boniface in reviving the Catholic faith in all of Germany.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">He was a man of many talents, knowledge and abilities. He used all of these for God's glory.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">By the time he was 19, he had already completed his master's degree at Cologne. Being drawn to all things good, he attended a retreat conducted by Blessed Peter Faber where he decided to enter the Jesuit order. He was ordained in 1546.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">His days were never dull for he taught at university, helped found the first Jesuit house in the city and eventually traveled on mission with Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Whenever he finished his many duties, one would find him ministering to the poor and imprisoned. Oftentimes, he would teach catechism to young children and hear their confessions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">During one day at Holy Mass, he received a vision of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. From then on, he offered all his work to the Sacred Heart.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">When many abandoned the faith, Saint Peter worked to bring them back. He restored Catholicism to Germany. His books on catechism, known as "Canisi" had 200 editions and was translated into 12 languages. He established several schools and seminaries. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1925.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">He is the patron of the Catholic press, writers of catechisms, and Germany. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Today, December 21st is his feast day. Saint Peter Canisius, please pray for us!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-61778812133537759342023-12-20T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-20T08:00:00.256+09:00Saint Dominic of Silos, Patron of Pregnant Women<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQZzy-CjuGnIbpNXRlSkGj0OEaVCs5eyjJ6MOmJs2CbfwQ635QsF3-JDSvS8ulaYBEVNZLnmJMG6DfXYqghjSvJ-A4c5v4XB0gA_kYBMwwz51M9DYb06-irMDu-iAZocfWrOCX4YbqZoks7NzA4yqdOz-dl74q1txbGAwJIfvwyREox-8gZtIGTl05D5b/s1146/saint-dominic-of-silos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Dominic of Silos, Patron of Pregnant Women" border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1146" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQZzy-CjuGnIbpNXRlSkGj0OEaVCs5eyjJ6MOmJs2CbfwQ635QsF3-JDSvS8ulaYBEVNZLnmJMG6DfXYqghjSvJ-A4c5v4XB0gA_kYBMwwz51M9DYb06-irMDu-iAZocfWrOCX4YbqZoks7NzA4yqdOz-dl74q1txbGAwJIfvwyREox-8gZtIGTl05D5b/w640-h638/saint-dominic-of-silos.jpg" title="Saint Dominic of Silos, Patron of Pregnant Women" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">In the olden days, if you were a Spanish queen who was with child, you would seek to obtain the staff of Saint Dominic of Silos. On the day of delivery, this was traditionally placed by your bedside to ensure a safe delivery.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">It was Saint Dominic's prayers that helped the Blessed Joan of Aza conceive. When she gave birth, her son was named Dominic in honor of the saint. Her son formed the Dominican order and was also proclaimed a great saint.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Domingo of Silos was born to a poor peasant family and grew up tending sheep. He entered into religious life as a Benedictine monk and in time became the monastery's prior.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">King Garcia III wanted to take possession of the monk's lands but Dominic refused. They were forcibly banished and were given a new home at the San Sebastian monastery in Silos. The place was in disrepair and housed only 6 monks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Under the leadership of Saint Dominic, the monastery flourished and became a spiritual center for arts and literature. The place was also where the poor came to receive nourishment and care. The mission grew prosperous so they used the funds to free Christians enslaved by the Moors.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">He is the patron of pregnant women, shepherds, and captives, and against hydrophobia or rabies.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Today, December 20th is his feast day. Saint Dominic of Silos, please pray for us!</span></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-41401145499297320552023-12-19T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-19T08:00:00.135+09:00Pope Blessed Urban V<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0dCsOEzOl_LnQRpTl4-ZrnFo1U2dsuk1pxl0Q322Apbm0e0LrXxVB304st8DgrUq5Wvv1dxt_vZq9ZLKq-80T0nedKntppb0QcISsHNtkYXAZsTJZYR7-8Pp-s7s4HIb5cWONpbNd1NUbefz9gsnzNd2glwKL1a62vWwD9gpZSGxaNqA9VN74VkL98s_/s1152/pope-blessed-urban-v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pope Blessed Urban V" border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1152" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0dCsOEzOl_LnQRpTl4-ZrnFo1U2dsuk1pxl0Q322Apbm0e0LrXxVB304st8DgrUq5Wvv1dxt_vZq9ZLKq-80T0nedKntppb0QcISsHNtkYXAZsTJZYR7-8Pp-s7s4HIb5cWONpbNd1NUbefz9gsnzNd2glwKL1a62vWwD9gpZSGxaNqA9VN74VkL98s_/w640-h638/pope-blessed-urban-v.jpg" title="Pope Blessed Urban V" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">It was the year 1362 and a new pope was to be installed. Guillaume de Grimoard was chosen, the Apostolic Nuncio in Italy. His reason for choosing the name Urban was, "all the popes who have borne this name were saints".</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Though he had a brilliant mind as a canon lawyer, and his position as pope was surely that of power and influence, and yet he lived simply and modestly, adhering to the Benedictine rule. He often served ordinary people and brought reformation to churches and monasteries. He continuously sought to unite the Eastern and Western churches. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">With the encouragement of Saint Bridget of Sweden and Saint Catherine of Siena, he returned to the papacy to Rome.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Today, December 19th is his feast day. Pope Blessed Urban V, please pray for us!</span></div><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-24948242649889723302023-12-18T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-18T08:00:00.140+09:00Saint Winebald of Heidenheim, Patron of Construction Workers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u3iKmLwRgcsoZi3XH_sdT8fqmRwYBIi_tJT6W1MiAYaBYMnMYTmzrs5ekyX_-lMWljATuqjJDRR_vVGlVZNQOf0GA5I2_h-Gk5PWP8BBrZNHf1IdRjtVhPVxlkW7nJtUH66FB66Bt5jzIJhjITou0-9V2uygAXBLF25L66pH9kilQMtBU1jMfgx2_wgc/s1152/saint-winebald-of-heidenheim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Winebald of Heidenheim, Patron of Construction Workers" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1146" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u3iKmLwRgcsoZi3XH_sdT8fqmRwYBIi_tJT6W1MiAYaBYMnMYTmzrs5ekyX_-lMWljATuqjJDRR_vVGlVZNQOf0GA5I2_h-Gk5PWP8BBrZNHf1IdRjtVhPVxlkW7nJtUH66FB66Bt5jzIJhjITou0-9V2uygAXBLF25L66pH9kilQMtBU1jMfgx2_wgc/w636-h640/saint-winebald-of-heidenheim.jpg" title="Saint Winebald of Heidenheim, Patron of Construction Workers" width="636" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Indeed saintly parents produce saintly families. Today's saint was born a prince in 8th-century England. His parents were Saint Richard the King and Saint Wunna of Wessex. His siblings were Saint Willibald and Saint Walburga. His uncle was also a holy man, Saint Boniface.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Saint Winebald wished to serve the Lord and his uncle Saint Boniface ordained him in the year 739. He traveled with his uncle to Germany as a missionary and shared the Good News with everyone as much as they could.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Saint Winebald is often represented with a trowel because he helped build many churches and monasteries in England. In fact, the country's Christian heritage is largely due to pious men like him who converted many souls to the faith. He also traveled throughout France, Holland, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">He established a Benedictine monastery at Heidenheim and served as the first abbot. His grave has become a place of pilgrimage.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">He is the patron of construction workers and engaged couples.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Today, December 18th is his feast day. Saint Winebald, pray for us!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-2565097087224416152023-12-17T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-17T08:00:00.143+09:00Saint Lazarus of Bethany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReg8tk48bv7T_2cg72UV4u8y66uzJC1hAVds1gsfeu5gJvgoaTkKjIaE-u7GKBx4UJYFG-HEE8WoDJlUrO3-VfbcIQgk8lLvNFwQIOZ2FsOEw872NlkEHSGz1vZeMFLOFnRr3-AA5ieptvqs49YiTvNrvrSCJMwKuHD-50qPPTal8CKfJPbKkWT0BuV-T/s1152/saint-lazarus-of-bethany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Lazarus of Bethany" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReg8tk48bv7T_2cg72UV4u8y66uzJC1hAVds1gsfeu5gJvgoaTkKjIaE-u7GKBx4UJYFG-HEE8WoDJlUrO3-VfbcIQgk8lLvNFwQIOZ2FsOEw872NlkEHSGz1vZeMFLOFnRr3-AA5ieptvqs49YiTvNrvrSCJMwKuHD-50qPPTal8CKfJPbKkWT0BuV-T/w640-h640/saint-lazarus-of-bethany.jpg" title="Saint Lazarus of Bethany" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Imagine awakening from a long sleep and finding yourself bound and encased in darkness. A commanding voice calls out your name and instantly you are brought to your feet and realize that you have just come back from the dead!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Lazarus was in his tomb for 4 days and the Lord Jesus performed a miracle for all to see that He had the power over life and death. He was reunited with his ecstatic sisters Martha and Mary.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">We know from tradition that Saint Lazarus' resurrection was made known to all in the region and after Christ's own passion and rising, he went on to become a missionary in Gaul. He gave his life as a martyr during the Domitian persecution.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">He is the patron of the dioceses of Autun and Marseille, France.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Today, December 17th is his feast day. Saint Lazarus, pray for us!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-57549900836239416852023-12-16T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-16T08:00:00.145+09:00Saint Adelaide of Burgundy, Patron for In-Laws<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9i9gg8cO39HQjhd9h2N3226q_T-RHn8KmTHULJ2jZoMMdHKDX7vSd8qMJ-SJRPt4xqSsJ_0ecd9_TW99U4SW-0zY11OHen-4BJuEmtmvPa3d9Pustfcc48AVsyARJ9yIttuONwT6Sa_P1YRpcMa5sKOt9YnLUJp-PCGidPdDSkqA1VByEBn0-QGdCJSB0/s800/saint-adelaide-of-burgundy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Adelaide of Burgundy, Patron for In-Laws" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9i9gg8cO39HQjhd9h2N3226q_T-RHn8KmTHULJ2jZoMMdHKDX7vSd8qMJ-SJRPt4xqSsJ_0ecd9_TW99U4SW-0zY11OHen-4BJuEmtmvPa3d9Pustfcc48AVsyARJ9yIttuONwT6Sa_P1YRpcMa5sKOt9YnLUJp-PCGidPdDSkqA1VByEBn0-QGdCJSB0/w640-h640/saint-adelaide-of-burgundy.jpg" title="Saint Adelaide of Burgundy, Patron for In-Laws" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">A princess' life is not always easy. It was a challenging one for Adelaide who was the daughter of the King of Upper Burgundy (found in ancient France) in the year 931. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Her life was mapped out by the age of 2. To solidify alliances, she had an arranged marriage at 16 years old with Lothair (the future king of Italy). Their union did not last long as Lothair was found to be poisoned presumably by his successor Berengarius.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Berengarius forced Adelaide to marry his son but she refused. For this, she was held captive in prison but was set free by King Otto of Germany who defeated Berengarius.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Adelaide married King Otto who was enthroned as the Emperor of Rome. Their reign lasted 20 years. All the while, Queen Adelaide was known for her generosity to the poor. She used her influence and wealth to bring the Christian faith to the people, building and repairing monasteries and churches. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Sadly, her stepson and his wife did not like her and were often unkind to her. Eventually, Saint Adelaide who was prayerful and pious, won them over.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">She is the patron for those with troubles with their in-laws, brides, princesses, empresses, exiles, parenthood, parents of large families, second marriages, prisoners, widows and abuse victims.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Today, December 16th is her feast day. Saint Adelaide, please pray for us!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-87147903961622850202023-12-15T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-15T08:00:00.134+09:00Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli, Patron of <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9ax3zNeoW1WVUTOUbHxOKFa5eRrXxRuV3vVMlRr6JAaxeezmj5YA25MIJXUxOW3bElyx7uvUniAuaMdEqMzpRTOLtTMKXm_raiOjnOwaXUww8OjzVJ_Ll9K9wh-QouBAnuRu03L2fvlJCWe5HuAx2XpNI4z628TRwqwNc6-CnncU0Rstgae44fjeW1G4/s1148/saint-virginia-centurione-bracelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli" border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1148" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9ax3zNeoW1WVUTOUbHxOKFa5eRrXxRuV3vVMlRr6JAaxeezmj5YA25MIJXUxOW3bElyx7uvUniAuaMdEqMzpRTOLtTMKXm_raiOjnOwaXUww8OjzVJ_Ll9K9wh-QouBAnuRu03L2fvlJCWe5HuAx2XpNI4z628TRwqwNc6-CnncU0Rstgae44fjeW1G4/w640-h636/saint-virginia-centurione-bracelli.jpg" title="Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Arranged marriages were the custom in 17th-century Genoa and though drawn to religious life, Virginia consented to her parent's wishes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">She wed Gasparo Grimaldi Bracelli in 1602 but he turned out to be prone to gambling and drinking. They had 2 daughters and Virginia raised them as best as she could without much support from her husband. After only 5 years, he passed away.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Virginia led a quiet life caring for her daughters until they were fully grown and married. Afterward, she devoted her time to caring for the sick, aged, and needy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">In 1625, a war broke out, and many orphans and refugees were in town. Virginia housed the children and extended her help and resources to them. After 4 years a severe plague and famine occurred and her place was overrun with the sick and homeless so she rented a vacant convent and took in 300 patients.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">She worked for the good of others unceasingly and had the gift of visions and interior locutions during her later years.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">She is the patron of the Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge in Mount Calgary.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville;">Today, December 15th is her feast day. </span><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";">Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli, please pray for us!</span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-15795856414110946732023-12-14T08:00:00.001+09:002023-12-14T08:00:00.141+09:00Saint John of the Cross, Patron of Contemplatives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhpwn9UVJJay8hCxEbHjzB1zGDGwEh-dEnChFl5N9IHiwBXNlc_j3mmYSG3SPoRg8dyP6maeFh4PLbzNLX4E-yF56P_SFWTr4e1PRAORtMfPRqVD29W6sXfOkw7jZtzFESips0wkQx6Jwj3mVUgzcRfzrwXKns0qLcv6BOFcpVAuSRiawYrE8LJTTOLxw/s1152/saint-john-of-the-cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint John of the Cross, Patron of Contemplatives" border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1152" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhpwn9UVJJay8hCxEbHjzB1zGDGwEh-dEnChFl5N9IHiwBXNlc_j3mmYSG3SPoRg8dyP6maeFh4PLbzNLX4E-yF56P_SFWTr4e1PRAORtMfPRqVD29W6sXfOkw7jZtzFESips0wkQx6Jwj3mVUgzcRfzrwXKns0qLcv6BOFcpVAuSRiawYrE8LJTTOLxw/w640-h638/saint-john-of-the-cross.jpg" title="Saint John of the Cross, Patron of Contemplatives" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">"<i>The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light."</i> <span style="color: var(--black);">- Saint John of the Cross</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: var(--black);"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Saint John knew much about spiritual darkness for he experienced it himself. His family was greatly impoverished and their struggles intensified when John's father and brother died.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">In 1567, at the age of 21, he responded to God's call for him to be a Carmelite priest. He was influenced by Saint Teresa of Avila to establish the Discalced (barefoot) order and took the name "John of the Cross". </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Together with Saint Teresa, Saint John sought to bring reform to the order but many thought him to be too severe and his austerities too difficult to follow. They rebelled and imprisoned him for 9 months in a room with only a prayerbook and an oil lamp. He lived only on bread and water and was subjected to cruel lashings every week. His cell was so small that he could hardly lie down but a friar smuggled small pieces of paper where he was able to write some of the most beautiful mystical poetry there ever was. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Upon his release, he continued the mission of reformation and with the help of Saint Teresa was able to establish monasteries all over Spain.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">"<i>An action done entirely and purely for God, with a pure heart, creates a whole kingdom for those who make it.</i>" - Saint John of the Cross</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">He is the patron of contemplatives, mystics, and Spanish poets.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Today, December 14th is his feast day. Saint John of the Cross, please pray for us!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795176868349785688.post-55692485847698770412023-12-13T08:00:00.008+09:002023-12-13T08:00:00.148+09:00Saint Lucy of Syracuse, Patron for Eye Diseases<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQztjZFl2qIGDwpCsGHVBuzj3MtAY_rWMUmQooRyXP4GU0ZD_5R2npNhhEsly4QKeAHW9oF4yzVQfvbWMZoSI8ElC6pEBAQaBKWT3_3cJ4oVeL2EQeumtmwIlsWbpY_Q7h6VEqLh4xVj-_IOaMpdeva1KT26rBIirRN9HwKsQQ2NfK7Jhbyr4DUy_XpWXc/s1152/saint-lucy-of-syracuse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saint Lucy of Syracuse, Patron for Eye Diseases" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQztjZFl2qIGDwpCsGHVBuzj3MtAY_rWMUmQooRyXP4GU0ZD_5R2npNhhEsly4QKeAHW9oF4yzVQfvbWMZoSI8ElC6pEBAQaBKWT3_3cJ4oVeL2EQeumtmwIlsWbpY_Q7h6VEqLh4xVj-_IOaMpdeva1KT26rBIirRN9HwKsQQ2NfK7Jhbyr4DUy_XpWXc/w640-h640/saint-lucy-of-syracuse.jpg" title="Saint Lucy of Syracuse, Patron for Eye Diseases" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite;">A young girl and her mother journeyed up Mount Etna and prayed at the grave of Saint Agatha on her feast day. The girl was Lucy and her mother was Eutychia. Their family was wealthy and of Greek origin </span><span style="font-family: "Special Elite";">in 4th-century Syracuse, Sicily. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Special Elite"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Special Elite";">They both came to pray for the healing of Eutychia's </span><span style="font-family: "Special Elite";">chronic hemorrhagic illness. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Lucy had a secret prayer that day. Her mother had arranged a marriage for her with a man called Paschasius but Lucy wanted only to live for God. It was unheard of to disobey one's parents at the time and she asked for the saint to pray with her for her mother's change of heart. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Upon her return, her prayers were soon answered for not only did her mother allow her to remain single but she was also miraculously cured.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Upon hearing of his plans to wed Lucy thwarted, Paschasius thought of revenge. He exposed Lucy as a Christian to the governor. As a punishment, she was sentenced to become a prostitute. The guards came to apprehend Lucy and to the amazement of all, they could not move her. They tied her to a team of oxen to cart her away and yet she would not budge. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737;">"<i>The chaste are the temple of God, and the Holy Spirit dwells in them.’</i>” - </span><span style="color: #373737;">Saint Lucy of Syracuse</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">The governor ordered her to be executed instead. She was subjected to horrendous pains including having her eyes torn out and yet she remained steadfast to her faith. Then the guards surrounded her with wood and planned to set her on fire but the fire would keep dying out. Her death was made final with a dagger.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">When she was being prepared for burial, they saw that her eyes were fully restored!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">She is the patron in all cases of eye ailments, spiritual blindness, hemorrhages, epidemics, sore throats, poverty, and many other things.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Special Elite; font-size: large;">Today, December 13th is her feast day. Saint Lucy, please pray for us!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Happy you dropped by! Send me a note below and make the world a bit friendlier! 😸</div>calejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15194074413149549610noreply@blogger.com0