Noise, Noise, Noise!

Source

Noise, noise, noise! Sometimes I feel that finding quiet and solitude is nigh impossible. Now, before you think I'm being a grinch, hear me out. I don't think it need always be quiet, for that would certainly be taking things to the other extreme. No, it is simply that I think we've almost come to fear silence and being alone with our thoughts. The first thing many do upon turning on the car is to turn on the radio or other music. I'm as guilty here as any, so it's been nice that my car radio was broken. My thoughts were still drowned out when I went to a large open-air shopping centre to find that they were piping music through speakers along the walks, though, when all I wanted was a bit of silence. It's not that I hate music, far from it, but must we have background noise at all times?  And honestly, it wasn't necessarily silence I wanted, but my own noise, I suppose.

And yet, even with my aversion to lots of noise, how often am I truly still and silent?  How often do I really allow myself to be alone with my thoughts?  No, I, too, seek to drown out my thoughts and prayers by remaining busy.  Not that busyness alone accounts for that, for I can and do pray and think when I'm doing housework or walking or whatnot.  It's more when I'm sitting that I can't seem to be still, paradoxically.  It is then when I suddenly need to be online or reading, instead of having a conversation, thinking, or praying.  I'm not doing anything that is noisy, and yet I drown out my thoughts and prayers just the same, instead of listening for that small, still voice.  I know I should endeavor to allow myself to be still and silent more, but it's something with which I struggle.

Rosary Musings: Fifth Sorrowful Mystery

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: the Crucifixion

by Salvadore Dali

1 Corinthians 1:17-24

17 After all, Christ sent me not to baptise, but to preach the gospel; and not by means of wisdom of language, wise words which would make the cross of Christ pointless. 18 The message of the cross is folly for those who are on the way to ruin, but for those of us who are on the road to salvation it is the power of God. 19 As scripture says: I am going to destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of any who understand. 20 Where are the philosophers? Where are the experts? And where are the debaters of this age? Do you not see how God has shown up human wisdom as folly? 21 Since in the wisdom of God the world was unable to recognise God through wisdom, it was God's own pleasure to save believers through the folly of the gospel. 22 While the Jews demand miracles and the Greeks look for wisdom, 23 we are preaching a crucified Christ: to the Jews an obstacle they cannot get over, to the gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who have been called, whether they are Jews or Greeks, a Christ who is both the power of God and the wisdom of God.

 Having been raised in a Christian home, I grew up seeing the cross.  Seeing it so often, it was,. and sometimes still is, easy to forget how venerating the cross really does look foolish.  After all, it's an instrument of torture and death for criminals - hardly something that would normally be venerated.

Similarly, the mystery for today, the crucifixion, is hardly an event one would think of commemorating in other circumstances.  But for us, it is an amazing event, with Jesus our Paschal Lamb sacrificing Himself for us.  It seems counterintuitive, it is beyond full comprehension.

Rosary Musings: Fourth Joyful Mystery

The Fourth Joyful Mystery: the Presentation in the Temple

The Presentation by Bellini, from CGFA

As always, starting with the Scripture, from Luke 2:22-38, taken from the New Jerusalem Bible:

22 And when the day came for them to be purified in keeping with the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord- 23 observing what is written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord- 24 and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is prescribed in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
25 Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to the restoration of Israel and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. 27 Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, 28 he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:
29 Now, Master, you are letting your servant go in peace as you promised; 30 for my eyes have seen the salvation 31 which you have made ready in the sight of the nations; 32 a light of revelation for the gentiles and glory for your people Israel.
33 As the child's father and mother were wondering at the things that were being said about him, 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Look, he is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is opposed- 35 and a sword will pierce your soul too -- so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.'
36 There was a prophetess, too, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years 37 before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 She came up just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.

 I have to admit that I think I'd freak out if some random man picked up my child at Mass.  Of course, it's possible that Mary and Joseph knew Simeon, at least in passing.  I have had an acquaintance snatch Kieran from my arms when he was much younger, because he was so excited to see the baby, but of course I never heard such words as Simeon says.  I cannot imagine how I'd react hearing those words about my son.  Obviously the angel had told Mary some of the story, and she knew some more from the shepherds who came in Bethlehem, but this was new.  What must she have thought?  And of course a sword did pierce her own soul, for what mother's soul wouldn't be pierced at seeing her son suffering as hers did?

Glory Be

When we first talked about the strong possibility of moving back to the US, I was sad but OK with it.  The past two days, though, I've been a bit more stressed.  I think of England as "home", and have done so from the minute I first set foot on this wonderful island.  Yes, it will be wonderful to see all the family, many of whom we've not seen for two or more years, I just wish I could stay here and do that.

So in the midst of this stress and sadness today, a couple of things have come back to me.  One is a homily I heard a month or two ago.  One of the monks from Ampleforth Abbey was visiting the parish (which is run by Benedictines from Ampleforth), and he talked about how he encouraged the students to imagine that they were late to class, it was raining, and they'd forgotten their assignment.  At that very moment, when they were stressed, soaked from the rain, annoyed, etc, the words on their lips should be the Glory Be: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I've been trying to do that today.  I've also been thinking of a doxology I learnt years ago: Praise God from Whom all blessing flow; praise Him all creatures here below, praise God above ye heavenly hosts, praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Does it make me feel better?  Not really, but then, that isn't the point.  The point is to give God the glory even when I don't feel like it.  I suppose it's a bit like me telling Kieran that he needs to trust that I'm not giving instructions arbitrarily, but because I'm trying to protect or help him.  I need to trust that God has a plan for all this, and whatever it is, however I feel, I will praise Him.

Rosary Musings: Third Joyful Mystery

The Third Joyful Mystery: the Nativity

John Singleton Copley's The Nativity, found here: http://www.paintinghere.com/painting/The_Nativity_986.html

First the Scripture, Luke 2:1-20 (from the New Jerusalem Bible):

1 Now it happened that at this time Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be made of the whole inhabited world. 2 This census -- the first -- took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, 3 and everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
4 So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee for Judaea, to David's town called Bethlehem, since he was of David's House and line, 5 in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
6 Now it happened that, while they were there, the time came for her to have her child, 7 and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the living-space.
8 In the countryside close by there were shepherds out in the fields keeping guard over their sheep during the watches of the night. 9 An angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel said, 'Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' 13 And all at once with the angel there was a great throng of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours.
15 Now it happened that when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us.' 16 So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17 When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, 18 and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds said to them.
19 As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.

I can't remember exactly when, but a few years ago it really hit me about Jesus, the Bread of Life, being born in Bethlehem, the House of Bread.  It really amazes me how these seemingly little details show us something so wonderful and miraculous.  Just as Jesus came humbly in Bethlehem, he comes to us humbly in the appearance of bread of wine every single day now.  It's easy to forget that or to overlook that the same Jesus who was born in Bethlehem, who walked and lived and died and rose again and is in Heaven, is also in the Eucharist.  In fact, this reminds me of the "My Daily Eucharist" for today:

Is there any real difference between Jesus in heaven and Jesus in the Eucharist? No, it is the same Jesus. The only difference is in us. We now on earth cannot see or touch him with our senses. But that is not a limitation in him; it is a limitation in us.
We speak correctly of believing in the Real Presence. But we should grow in our understanding of what this implies.
The living, breathing Jesus Christ is in the Blessed Sacrament. This is the reality. When we speak of presence, however, we are saying something more.
Two people may be really near each other physically, but not present to each other spiritually. To be present to someone means to have another person in mind by being mentally aware of their existence, and to have them in one's heart by loving that other person...
Jesus is on earth in the Blessed Sacrament. Why? In order that we might come to him now no less than his contemporaries did in first century Palestine. If we thus approach him in loving faith, there is no limit to the astounding things he will do. Why not? In the Eucharist he has the same human lips that told the raging storm, "Be still!" and commanded the dead man, "Lazarus, come forth!"
There are no limitations to Christ's power, as God, which he exercises through his humanity in the Eucharist. The only limitation is our own weakness of faith or lack of confidence in his almighty love.
Soul Magazine
Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J

I also love Mary's response to all this.  She treasures these things in her heart.  I'm reminded that I need to meditate on these things, treasure them in my heart, more instead of taking them for granted or responding with "yeah, I know all that, OK".  Once again, Mary points me to Jesus.

Prayer for Priests

I've been reminded of late that I really need to pray more for our priests.  While I try to remember to mention them in prayer before Mass and sometimes during the day, I don't necessarily make a concerted effort to pray for them as I should.  I'm humbled in reading about St Jean-Baptiste Vianney, who is the patron of priests.  I should follow his example, too, for his faith and service to God are amazing witnesses.  I found a beautiful prayer asking for his intercession, as well:

Most gracious Heavenly Father, We thank you for our faithful priests and bishops, whose spiritual fatherhood and example of fidelity, self-sacrifice, and devotion is so vital to the faith of your people.

May our spiritual fathers be guided by the example of St. John Vianney. Give them valiant faith in the face of confusion and conflict, hope in time of trouble and sorrow, and steadfast love for you, for their families, and for all your people throughout the world. May the light of your Truth shine through their lives and their good works.

Assist all spiritual fathers, that through your Grace they may steadily grow in holiness and in knowledge and understanding of your Truth. May they generously impart this knowledge to those who rely on them. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Today is the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  I've yet to do enthronement, though I want to do so.  We do pray a little prayer to the Sacred Heart daily, though.  I thought I'd post this litany.  For background info on it, check out EWTN's page.

Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy

Christ, hear us
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit,  have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,  have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, obedient to death, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, our peace and our reconciliation, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world,   graciously hear us, O Lord. 
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

V. Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
R. Make our hearts like to Thine.
Let us pray;

Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thy most beloved Son and upon the praises and satisfaction which He offers Thee in the name of sinners; and to those who implore Thy mercy, in Thy great goodness, grant forgiveness in the name of the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who livest and reignest with Thee forever and ever. Amen.

But I Don't Wanna!

I was reading a post over at The Ranter's blog that really hit me.  She was talking about not taking the time to honour God and not taking the time to fall in love with Him.  Yeah, I'm guilty of that.  So often I think "but I don't want to pray right now - I just sat down and actually have a minute without the kids and just want to sit".

In reading that post, though, it occurred to me that my feelings really shouldn't affect whether I do something or not.  Do I choose not to change my daughter's nappy just because I don't want to do it?  No.  Do I turn my children away when they want me to read, even if it's a book I don't especially like or just read 5 minutes ago?  No.  So why can't I do the same for God.  I may not always feel like it, but I should do it anyway as an act of love.

I can't say that I don't have time, because I do if I just prioritise.  I can also pray as I'm doing housework.  While I'm not at all consistent in this, I do find it helps to mentally put myself before the Tabernacle, on my knees before Jesus.  Hopefully, with the grace of God, I can remember to do that more, doing everything while mentally before Him, if I can't be there physically due to my responsibilities (and whether the parish is open).

Jessica

Today would've been the 29th birthday of a childhood friend, Jessica.  We grew up together, going to school together from Kindergarten to 12th grade.  We lived 5.5 miles from each other.  We were constantly at each other's houses and knew the entire families.  We'd had a falling out our senior year, something I still regret.  I was a bit of an ass that year.  We went to different universities, and therefore didn't talk as often, but it was nice knowing she was there.  She came to my wedding with her boyfriend, though we didn't get to talk much then (that's the way it goes when it's your wedding, it seems).

When I was pregnant with Kieran, she sent me a wrap and some dinosaur toys.  I wore Kieran in the wrap quite a bit when he was small.  Then she was pregnant with her son and we talked a lot more.  Of course we then both got busy with various things and didn't talk as much.  I hadn't known she was pregnant again with a little girl.  Last year my best friend sent me a note to make sure I knew that Jess had died.  Of course, being an ocean away I didn't know.  As it turns out, she'd gotten a kidney infection during the pregnancy.  It was bad enough that they needed to operate, but something went wrong.  She and her daughter both died.  I miss her, and then I feel hypocritical because I didn't talk to her all that much before she died.  I wish I had, though.  I did just talk to her mother this week.  It had been a year since I'd last spoken with her, and it was nice to chat.

Eternal rest grant unto them, Oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon their faces.  May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Journal

I used to journal regularly.  It was my routine that before bed I'd jot down my thoughts.  Anyone who knows me knows that my writing is nigh illegible when I write fast, but I didn't write it in order to read it again later, but just to get the thoughts out of my head.  It really helped me to sleep, actually.

Since having kids, I've largely dropped this habit.  When the kids are little, I often end up falling asleep with them.  I also tend to read before bed instead, since I can easily do that whilst nursing Charlotte.

My parents gave me a beautiful leather journal a couple of years ago, but even that hasn't induced me to journal regularly again.  However, I'm not putting it to good use again.  Since I'm staying off the computer more, I started using part of the journal to jot down my thoughts or reminders during the day.  I've decided to use another section of it to jot down all the prayer requests I come across so I can be better at remembering them to God.  I often forget the specific requests when I'm before Jesus in the Eucharist, and while I know He knows what they are, it will be nice to bring the journal before Him.  Hopefully I can just remember to keep it with me so I can write down requests and bring them before God.

Body of Christ

I'm trying to stay off-line as much as possible on Sundays, so I thought over the next few Sundays I'd just post my thoughts, such as they may be, on the Anima Christi prayer.  It's one of my favourite prayers, and one I say daily. Here's the full text:

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That with thy Saints I may praise Thee
For all eternity
Amen

Body of Christ, save me.

This line is one of my favourites.  When I was researching Catholicism, it was when I realised the truth of the Eucharist that I knew I had to convert.  I cannot explain or describe the pure love and joy even in kneeling before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament at Adoration, or exclaiming with the Apostle Thomas "My Lord and my God!" at the Elevation of the Host.  Jesus gives us His Body in the humble form of the Eucharist, telling us we must partake of His Flesh and Blood to have life within us (see John 6).  When we unite ourselves with Jesus in this way, we are slowly transformed by His grace so He may save us.  It is amazing how He humbles Himself in order to be so completely united with us.

St Peregrine Novena Day 9

Suzanna Allen, Johnny's little friend, has Wilm's Tumor, a childhood cancer of the kidneys. They found it on Tuesday, May 3rd and discovered on May 4th that it had already spread to her lungs.

Normally, this is a very treatable cancer with good response to chemo and super low incidences of recurrence. However, since it has metastasized, the cancer is much more serious.

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Please join us in a novena to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients. He himself was cured of cancer in the 1300s after receiving a vision of Jesus. Invite any and everyone you know to help us present prayers before the Father that He might heal this beautiful little girl.

A novena means we will pray this prayer every day for nine days.
For Those who are unfamiliar, this is tradition of prayer that dates back to the Apostles, gathered in the upper room following the Ascension of Jesus. As they waited for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they prayed together.

For the next nine days, we will do the same for Suzanna.

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Glorious wonder-worker, St. Peregrine, you answered the divine call with a ready spirit, and forsook all the comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother.

You labored manfully for the salvation of souls. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured painful sufferings with such patience as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg by a touch of His divine hand.

Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God and to fulfill His will in all the events of life. Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of all men.

Deliver Susanna from the infirmities that afflict her body, especially the cancer that has been found.

Obtain for her, and her family, also a perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send her and them, so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother, they may merit eternal glory in heaven.

St. Peregrine, pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.

St Peregrine Novena Day 8

Suzanna Allen, Johnny's little friend, has Wilm's Tumor, a childhood cancer of the kidneys. They found it on Tuesday, May 3rd and discovered on May 4th that it had already spread to her lungs.

Normally, this is a very treatable cancer with good response to chemo and super low incidences of recurrence. However, since it has metastasized, the cancer is much more serious.

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Please join us in a novena to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients. He himself was cured of cancer in the 1300s after receiving a vision of Jesus. Invite any and everyone you know to help us present prayers before the Father that He might heal this beautiful little girl.

A novena means we will pray this prayer every day for nine days.
For Those who are unfamiliar, this is tradition of prayer that dates back to the Apostles, gathered in the upper room following the Ascension of Jesus. As they waited for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they prayed together.

For the next nine days, we will do the same for Suzanna.

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Glorious wonder-worker, St. Peregrine, you answered the divine call with a ready spirit, and forsook all the comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother.

You labored manfully for the salvation of souls. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured painful sufferings with such patience as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg by a touch of His divine hand.

Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God and to fulfill His will in all the events of life. Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of all men.

Deliver Susanna from the infirmities that afflict her body, especially the cancer that has been found.

Obtain for her, and her family, also a perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send her and them, so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother, they may merit eternal glory in heaven.

St. Peregrine, pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.

St Peregrine Novena Day 7

Suzanna Allen, Johnny's little friend, has Wilm's Tumor, a childhood cancer of the kidneys. They found it on Tuesday, May 3rd and discovered on May 4th that it had already spread to her lungs.

Normally, this is a very treatable cancer with good response to chemo and super low incidences of recurrence. However, since it has metastasized, the cancer is much more serious.

><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+

Please join us in a novena to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients. He himself was cured of cancer in the 1300s after receiving a vision of Jesus. Invite any and everyone you know to help us present prayers before the Father that He might heal this beautiful little girl.

A novena means we will pray this prayer every day for nine days.
For Those who are unfamiliar, this is tradition of prayer that dates back to the Apostles, gathered in the upper room following the Ascension of Jesus. As they waited for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they prayed together.

For the next nine days, we will do the same for Suzanna.

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Glorious wonder-worker, St. Peregrine, you answered the divine call with a ready spirit, and forsook all the comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother.

You labored manfully for the salvation of souls. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured painful sufferings with such patience as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg by a touch of His divine hand.

Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God and to fulfill His will in all the events of life. Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of all men.

Deliver Susanna from the infirmities that afflict her body, especially the cancer that has been found.

Obtain for her, and her family, also a perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send her and them, so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother, they may merit eternal glory in heaven.

St. Peregrine, pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.

St Peregrine Novena Day 6

Suzanna Allen has Wilm's Tumor, a childhood cancer of the kidneys. They found it on Tuesday, May 3rd and discovered on May 4th that it had already spread to her lungs.

Normally, this is a very treatable cancer with good response to chemo and super low incidences of recurrence. However, since it has metastasized, the cancer is much more serious.

><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+

Please join us in a novena to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients. He himself was cured of cancer in the 1300s after receiving a vision of Jesus. Invite any and everyone you know to help us present prayers before the Father that He might heal this beautiful little girl.

A novena means we will pray this prayer every day for nine days.
For Those who are unfamiliar, this is tradition of prayer that dates back to the Apostles, gathered in the upper room following the Ascension of Jesus. As they waited for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they prayed together.

For the next nine days, we will do the same for Suzanna.

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Glorious wonder-worker, St. Peregrine, you answered the divine call with a ready spirit, and forsook all the comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother.

You labored manfully for the salvation of souls. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured painful sufferings with such patience as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg by a touch of His divine hand.

Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God and to fulfill His will in all the events of life. Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of all men.

Deliver Susanna from the infirmities that afflict her body, especially the cancer that has been found.

Obtain for her, and her family, also a perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send her and them, so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother, they may merit eternal glory in heaven.

St. Peregrine, pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.

St Peregrine Novena Day 5

Suzanna Allen, Johnny's little friend, has Wilm's Tumor, a childhood cancer of the kidneys. They found it on Tuesday, May 3rd and discovered on May 4th that it had already spread to her lungs.

Normally, this is a very treatable cancer with good response to chemo and super low incidences of recurrence. However, since it has metastasized, the cancer is much more serious.

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Please join us in a novena to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients. He himself was cured of cancer in the 1300s after receiving a vision of Jesus. Invite any and everyone you know to help us present prayers before the Father that He might heal this beautiful little girl.

A novena means we will pray this prayer every day for nine days.
For Those who are unfamiliar, this is tradition of prayer that dates back to the Apostles, gathered in the upper room following the Ascension of Jesus. As they waited for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they prayed together.

For the next nine days, we will do the same for Suzanna.

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Glorious wonder-worker, St. Peregrine, you answered the divine call with a ready spirit, and forsook all the comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother.

You labored manfully for the salvation of souls. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured painful sufferings with such patience as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg by a touch of His divine hand.

Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God and to fulfill His will in all the events of life. Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of all men.

Deliver Susanna from the infirmities that afflict her body, especially the cancer that has been found.

Obtain for her, and her family, also a perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send her and them, so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother, they may merit eternal glory in heaven.

St. Peregrine, pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.

St Peregrine Novena Day 4

Suzanna Allen, Johnny's little friend, has Wilm's Tumor, a childhood cancer of the kidneys. They found it on Tuesday, May 3rd and discovered on May 4th that it had already spread to her lungs.

Normally, this is a very treatable cancer with good response to chemo and super low incidences of recurrence. However, since it has metastasized, the cancer is much more serious.

><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+

Please join us in a novena to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients. He himself was cured of cancer in the 1300s after receiving a vision of Jesus. Invite any and everyone you know to help us present prayers before the Father that He might heal this beautiful little girl.

A novena means we will pray this prayer every day for nine days.
For Those who are unfamiliar, this is tradition of prayer that dates back to the Apostles, gathered in the upper room following the Ascension of Jesus. As they waited for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they prayed together.

For the next nine days, we will do the same for Suzanna.

><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+


Glorious wonder-worker, St. Peregrine, you answered the divine call with a ready spirit, and forsook all the comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother.

You labored manfully for the salvation of souls. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured painful sufferings with such patience as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg by a touch of His divine hand.

Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God and to fulfill His will in all the events of life. Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of all men.

Deliver Susanna from the infirmities that afflict her body, especially the cancer that has been found.

Obtain for her, and her family, also a perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send her and them, so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother, they may merit eternal glory in heaven.

St. Peregrine, pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.

St Peregrine Novena Day 3

Suzanna Allen, Johnny's little friend, has Wilm's Tumor, a childhood cancer of the kidneys. They found it on Tuesday, May 3rd and discovered on May 4th that it had already spread to her lungs.

Normally, this is a very treatable cancer with good response to chemo and super low incidences of recurrence. However, since it has metastasized, the cancer is much more serious.

><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+

Please join us in a novena to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients. He himself was cured of cancer in the 1300s after receiving a vision of Jesus. Invite any and everyone you know to help us present prayers before the Father that He might heal this beautiful little girl.

A novena means we will pray this prayer every day for nine days.
For Those who are unfamiliar, this is tradition of prayer that dates back to the Apostles, gathered in the upper room following the Ascension of Jesus. As they waited for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they prayed together.

For the next nine days, we will do the same for Suzanna.

><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+


Glorious wonder-worker, St. Peregrine, you answered the divine call with a ready spirit, and forsook all the comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother.

You labored manfully for the salvation of souls. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured painful sufferings with such patience as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg by a touch of His divine hand.

Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God and to fulfill His will in all the events of life. Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of all men.

Deliver Susanna from the infirmities that afflict her body, especially the cancer that has been found.

Obtain for her, and her family, also a perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send her and them, so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother, they may merit eternal glory in heaven.

St. Peregrine, pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.

St Peregrine Novena Days 1 & 2

A friend sent me this, and I'd ask any of you to join in praying for this little girl.  I'm a day behind, so I'll post Days 1 & 2 today to catch up.

Suzanna Allen has Wilm's Tumor, a childhood cancer of the kidneys. They found it on Tuesday, May 3rd and discovered on May 4th that it had already spread to her lungs.

Normally, this is a very treatable cancer with good response to chemo and super low incidences of recurrence. However, since it has metastasized, the cancer is much more serious.

><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+

Please join us in a novena to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients. He himself was cured of cancer in the 1300s after receiving a vision of Jesus. Invite any and everyone you know to help us present prayers before the Father that He might heal this beautiful little girl.

A novena means we will pray this prayer every day for nine days.
For Those who are unfamiliar, this is tradition of prayer that dates back to the Apostles, gathered in the upper room following the Ascension of Jesus. As they waited for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they prayed together.

For the next nine days, we will do the same for Suzanna.

><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+><>+


Glorious wonder-worker, St. Peregrine, you answered the divine call with a ready spirit, and forsook all the comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother.

You labored manfully for the salvation of souls. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured painful sufferings with such patience as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg by a touch of His divine hand.

Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God and to fulfill His will in all the events of life. Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of all men.

Deliver Suzanna from the infirmities that afflict her body, especially the cancer that has been found.

Obtain for her, and her family, also a perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send her and them, so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother, they may merit eternal glory in heaven.

St. Peregrine, pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.

Ashes to Ashes

Well, Lent starts tomorrow, so I won't be around as much.  I've been needing to cut down on computer time, and will be doing so during Lent.  I'll still be on some, but not much.  Since I agree with Sister Mary Martha that we shouldn't use Lent as an opportunity to give up something we should give up anyway, I'll also be adding in some more time for prayer.  Perhaps I can even get to morning prayer with the monks, though I don't know how feasible that will always be with the kids.  I wish you all a blessed Lent.