July 2026

Jubilee Year of Saint Francis on the 800th Anniversary of His Death 

July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood

The Lord speaks of peace to His people. 

OUR LADY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT FRANCIS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, STREAM OF MERCY,

SAVE US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, VICTOR OVER DEMONS,

SAVE US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, COURAGE OF MARTYRS,

SAVE US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, PEACE AND TENDERNESS OF HEARTS,

SAVE US.

Welcome to July dear faithful readers. It is God bless America, red, white, and blue, happy 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; July, the month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, save us! Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, save us!

This month's suggestion for reflection stems from a quotation I marked in Anne Tyler's Vinegar Girl, that is, "You could feel physically wounded if someone hurt your feelings bad enough." As children, "we," that would be my friends and I, used to sing a little ditty, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me." Even though there is truth in that short song, words are powerful and can hurt us. And, even though one of Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements is, “Don’t take things personally,” we do take things personally, and are wounded as a result. Over time, one can diminish in myriad ways. Words, spoken and unspoken, from another, can hurt our feelings, even to the point when we become physically wounded, in mind, body, and heart. Maybe you can recall a time a two, or more, when your feelings were hurt, by what someone said, or did not say to you, in what tone, with what body language, with what force, and so on. With these thoughts in mind, perhaps paying more attention to what and how we speak to others is due. Are our words and actions building up, or tearing down? Are we at the very least civil, using "thank-you," "please," "you are welcome," "I am sorry," "It is my fault" ... It is no wonder that Saint Benedict, who we celebrate July 11th, had an entire chapter on Restraint of Speech, Chapter 6. You might read it. In a nutshell, remember the psalmist who sings, "I have resolved to keep watch over my ways that I may never sin with my tongue. I have put a guard on my mouth, I was silent and was humbled, and I refrained even from good words." Even good words, you ask? Saint Benedict explains, "Here the prophet indicates that there are times when good words are to be left unsaid out of esteem for silence." Furthermore, "so important is silence that permission to speak should seldom be granted even to mature disciples, no matter how good or holy or constructive their talk, because it is written: 'in a flood of words you will not avoid sin,' and elsewhere, 'The tongue holds the key to life and death.'" And one other gem I read in my monthly missal: "We can use our treasured capacity for speech to offer prayer, as fragrant incense before God, or to offer hurt to another."* The decision is ours: speech to offer prayer or speech to offer hurt. Hmmm. 

United in faith and prayer, we encourage each other as we continue on the journey to God. May the following voices inspire us ... 

Out of the darkness of my life, so much frustrated, I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament ... There you will find romance, glory, honor, fidelity, and the true way of all your loves on earth.

(J.R.R. Tolkien, 1892-1973)

Our God dwells within us and the only way we can become one with our God 

is to become one with our authentic self.

(Maurice Blondel, 1861-1949)

Sei vil o grande; mori, lo saprai.

Whether great or mediocre; in death, it will be known.

(Marco Antonio Altieri, 1450-1532)

These three remain: word, example, prayer; but the greatest of these is prayer.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153)

When we dismiss or deny the hopes of others, she [Mma Ramotswe] thought, we forget that they, like us, have only one chance in this life.

(Alexander McCall-Smith, Tea Time for the Traditionally Built)

Concern for those whom one loved was an inescapable feature of this life - and it was impossible to imagine a world without such concern.

(Mma Ramotswe in Alexander McCall-Smith, Tea Time for the Traditionally Built)

And most of all I am grateful to you for being my friend, Mma; I am grateful to you for that. That is the best thing anybody can be to anybody else - a friend.

(Mma Makutsi to Mma Ramotswe in Alexander McCall-Smith, Tea Time for the Traditionally Built)

But when you are old like me, you think that the whole world is changing. There are new people everywhere. New buildings. And all this rush - everybody is in a hurry. And you sit there and think: Why is everybody in a hurry? That will not make the crops grow any quicker, will it? It will not.

(Fanwell's grandmother to Mma Ramotswe in Alexander McCall-Smith, 

Tea Time for the Traditionally Built)

And wisdom from two powerful Carmelites to remember first, at the beginning of each day ...

However quietly we speak, He is so near that He will hear us; we need not wings to go in search of Him but have only to find a place where we can be alone and look upon Him present within us.

(Saint Teresa of Avila, 1515-1582)

and second, at the end of each day ...

When night comes, and look back over the day and see how fragmentary everything has been, and how much you planned that has gone undone, and all the reasons you have to be embarrassed and ashamed: just take everything exactly as it is, put in in God's hands and leave it to Him. Then you will be able to rest in Him - really rest - and start the next day as new life.

(Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Edith Stein, 1891-1942,  in The Tablet, January 2, 2021, p. 17)

Once again, there are plenty of saints to invoke this month. Why not choose one and learn about him or her. Among others, the life of Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu (1910-1946) is interesting. 

SAINT JUNIPERO SERRA, PRIEST,

SAINT OLIVER PLUNKETT,

BLESSED NAZJU FALZON,

OUR LADY OF BUDSLAU,

BLESSED JOHN CORNELIUS,

BLESSED MARIA CROCIFISSA,

SAINT PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI,

SAINT MARIA GORETTI, VIRGIN,

SAINT MONINNE,

SAINT PETER TO ROT,

SAINT MAELRUAIN,

SAINT KILIAN,

SAINT WITHBURGA,

SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

THE MARTYRS OF GORCUM,

SAINT PAULINA OF THE HEART OF THE DYING JESUS,

SAINT VILLEHAD, MARTYR,

SAINT LEO IGNATIUS MANGIN, PRIEST, MARY AHU WU AND COMPANIONS, MARTRYS,

BLESSED JANE SCOPELLI,

SAINT CNUT, KING AND MARTYR, PATRON OF DENMARK,

SAINT BENEDICT, ABBOT,

SAINT JOHN JONES,

SAINT KJELD, PRIEST,

SAINTS LOUIS MARTIN AND MARIE AZELIE GUERIN,

SAINT HENRY,

SAINT TERESA OF LOS ANDES,

SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA,

SAINT BONAVENTURE, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT SWITHUN,

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL,

SAINT HELIER,

SAINT KENELM,

BLESSED JOHN SUGAR, PRIEST, AND ROBERT GRISSOLD, MARTYRS,

BLESSED INACIO DE AZEVEDO,

SAINT THERESE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT CAMILLIS OF LELLIS, PRIEST,

SAINT BARTHOLOMEW OF THE MARTYRS, BISHOP, 

SAINT JOHN PLESSINGTON,

SAINT APOLLARIS, BISHOP, MARTYR,

SAINT THORLAK,

SAINT ELIJAH, FATHER OF THE CARMELITES,

SAINT LAURENCE OF BRINDISI, PRIEST, DOCTOR,

SAINT MARY MAGDALENE,

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN, RELIGIOUS,

SAINT PHILIP EVANS AND JOHN LLOYD,

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE,

SAINT CHARBEL MAKHHLOUF, PRIEST,

SAINT DECLAN,

SAINT JOHN BOSTE,

BLESSED ROBERT LUDLAM AND NICHOLAS GARLICK,

BLESSED JOHN SORETH,

BLESSED MARIA MERCEDES PRAT,

SAINT JAMES, APOSTLE,

SAINTS ANNA AND SAINT JOACHIM,

SAINT TITUS BRANDSMA,

BLESSED ROBERT SUTTON,

BLESSED RUDOLPH ACQUAVIVA AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT VICTOR,

SAINT SAMPSON,

SAINT ALPHONSA MUTTATHUPADATHU,

SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS,

SAINT OLAV, MARTYR, PATRON OF NORWAY,

SAINT PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT JUSTIN DE JACOBIS,

SAINT IGNATIUS LOYOLA,

PRAY FOR US.

*Magnificat, June 2026, p. 253.

This month's photo: lol. To learn the name of these glorious flowers, I googled "hairy tulip," and even though they look "hairy," these beauties are better known as "fringed tulips." Justice and peace shall kiss.

© Gertrude Feick 2026

June 2026

Jubilee Year of Saint Francis on the 800th Anniversary of His Death 

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High.

OUR LADY, QUEEN OF ALL HEARTS,

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, HOLY TEMPLE OF GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF JESUS, WELL-SPRING OF ALL VIRTUE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

We confess you, we praise you, and we bless you, God the Father, the unbegotten, God the Son, the Only Begotten, and God the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, all holy and undivided Trinity.

(Traditional Antiphon)

Welcome to June dear faithful readers. Oh what a glorious month it is, one dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Go to the HEART of JESUS; there you will find the fullness of God. Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts, have mercy on us. And what is it that Jesus to said to one of Gertrude of Helfta's (1256-1301/2) sisters? You will find me in the heart of Gertrude. Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints, have mercy on us! Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta, pray for us. 

There is so much to celebrate this month, including, June 7 with The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Corpus Christi.

Full and clear ring out your chanting,

Joy nor sweetest grace be wanting,

From you heart let praises burst:

For today the feast is holden,

When the institution olden

Of that supper was rehearsed.

(The Sequence Laud, O Zion, Lauda Sion)

Then on June 12, we are gifted with The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus; for June 13, The Immaculate Heart of Mary; for June 24, The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, and wrapping up the month with the June 29 celebration of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. Celebriamo tutti!

So, what might be about this month ... hmmm. In addition to continual invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary using one of your favorite titles for her, or two or three of your favorites, like Mary, cause of our joy, or Mary, Health of the sick, it may be good for us to remember that Jesus is in the heart of each and every one of us. Sadly, we sometimes forget that gift, or maybe just imprison Him in our hearts when His love for us, and His love for all those we encounter is begging us to let His LOVE shine forth. Let LOVE and JOY abound dear faithful readers; spread LOVE and JOY throughout the earth ... let LOVE and JOY shine on those near and far ... let HIM shine, let HIM shine, let HIM shine.

With encouragement from not a few voices, we go forth!

To serve God is to reign.

(Saint Antonius of Florence OP, 1389-1459)

I have always something to repent of after having talked, 

but have never been sorry for having been silent.

(Saint Arsenius the Great, d. 450)

In moments when fever, agony, and pain make it hard to pray, the suggestion of prayer that comes from merely holding the rosary-or better still, from caressing the Crucifix at the end of it-it is tremendous!

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1979)

Let us live hour by hour, day by day, and leave the future to God.

(Blessed Hendrina Stenmanns, 1852-1903)

He who trusts himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things.

(Saint Alphonsus Liguori, 1696-1787)

Those who want to find the right way to eternal well-being should not walk with the majority of people who are usually timid about making sacrifices ... Authentic spirituality comes about not by talking about God, but living according to God's command. Without this obedience, even wonderful acts mean nothing.

(Blessed Franz Jagerstatter, 1907-1943)

The Interior Master is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus ...

Loyalty to the Interior Master requires a life that is habitually recollected enough to enable us to hear and obey Him, a life of habitual and voluntary docility to the good as we see it, so that we shall not resister the voice of the Master once we recognize it.

(Father Leonce de Grandmaison, S.J., 1868-1927)

Do your little bit of good where you are; 

it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.

(Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 1931-2021)

Mr. James Ponder to Theo:

People like you renew my hope in humanity.

Theo's reply:

Yes, we can be such a terrible race at times, but, at the same time, terribly wonderful. All capable of saintliness. You, too, James. You too.

(in Allen Levi, Theo of Golden)

Love is a vital sap; if it fails or if it is not sufficiently abundant, 

everything grows weak, especially faith.

(Venerable Louise Margaret Claret de la Touche, 1868-1915)

He who truly loves, and loves with his heart, must of necessity live in harmony with all. We do not wish to do as the ass; when you shove away the ass it will push itself towards you; and if you draw it to you, it draws itself backwards. Do not so when you see that a certain thing is needed for the good of your neighbor; see to it that you always help him.

(Saint Bernardine of Siena, 1380-1444)

I figure you have to make a bet. You can't go through this life and just be a spectator without ever laying it on the line. I'm betting on God to win, not to show.

(James Farl Powers, 1917-1999)

The gift of life is no less beautiful if it is accompanied by illness or weakness, hunger or poverty, mental of physical handicaps, loneliness or old age. Indeed, at these times, human life gains extra splendor as it requires our special care, concern and reverence. It is in and through the weakness of human vessels that the Lord continues to reveal the power of His love.

(Servant of God Terence Cooke, 1921-1983)

SAINT JUSTIN, MARTYR,

SAINTS MARCELLINUS AND PETER, MARTYRS,

SAINT POTHINUS AND BLANDINA,

SAINTS CHARLES LWANGA AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT KEVIN,

SAINT CLOTILDE,

SAINT FRANCIS CARACCIOLO,

SAINT BONIFACE, BISHOP, MARTYR,

SAINT NORBERT, BISHOP,

SAINT MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT,

SAINT JARLATH,

SAINT COLMAN OF DROMORE,

SAINT ROBERT OF NEWMINSTER,

BLESSED ANNED OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW,

SAINT JAMES BERTHIEU,

SAINT WILLIAM OF YORK,

SAINT EPHREM, DEACON, DOCTOR,

SAINT LANDRY OF PARIS,

SAINT COLUMBA,

SAINT JOSE DE ANCHIETA,

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGEL OF PORTUGAL,

SAINT BARNABAS, APOSTLE,

SAINT ONUPHRIUS,

SAINT LUTGARD,

SAINT JOHN FRANCIS REGIS,

BLESSED ALPHONSUS MAZUREK AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED HILARY JANUSZEWSKI,

SAINT ALBERT CHMIELOWSKI,

SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST, DOCTOR,

BLESSED MARIA CANDIDA OF THE EUCHARIST,

SAINT DAVNET,

SAINT SILVERIUS,

SAINT LIDWINA,

SAINT ELISHA,

BLESSED PETER SNOW AND RALPH CRIMSTON,

SAINT GERMAINE COUSIN,

SAINT RICHARD OF CHICHESTER,

ALL SAINTS OF SCOTLAND,

SAINT BOLTOLPH,

SAINT ROMAULD, ABBOT,

SAINTS ALBAN, JULIUS AND AARON,

THE IRISH MARTYRS,

BLESSED SANCHA, BLESSED MAFALDA, VIRGINS,

BLESSED TERESA, RELIGIOUS,

SAINT ALOYIUS GONZAGA,

SAINT JOHN RIGBY,

SAINTS JOHN FISHER, BISHOP, AND THOMAS MORE, MARTYRS,

SAINT PAULINUS OF NOLA, BISHOP,

SAINT ETHELDREDA,

SAINT THOMAS GARNET,

SAINT JOSEPH CAFASSO,

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

SAINT GREGORY BARIGO,

SAINT LUAN,

SAINT WILLIAM OF VERCELLI,

BLESSED MARY JOSEPHINE CATANEA,

SAINT JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA,

SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT JOHN SOUTHWORTH,

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR,

BLESSED NYKYTA BUDKA,

BLESSED VASYL VELYCHKOVSKY,

SAINT IRENAEUS,

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES,

THE FIRSTS MARTYRS OF THE SEE OF ROME, 

PRAY FOR US.

This month's photo: Who abide in the shadow of the Almighty. It was Lord Byron (1788-1824) who wrote, "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods." There is, however, also a pleasure in the woods with paths. From a walk in the woods at the Fetzer Institute, Kalamazoo, Michigan. 

© Gertrude Feick 2026

May 2026

Jubilee Year of Saint Francis on the 800th Anniversary of His Death 

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Praise the Lord from the heavens. 

OUR LADY, QUEEN AND MOTHER,

OUR LADY, STAR OF THE SEA,

MOTHER ADMIRABLE,

MOTHER OF HOPE,

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to May, the month dedicated to Our Lady. Still in the Easter Season, here's to hoping you are still singing your favorite Easter hymn, or mine, "Jesus Christ is Risen Today, Alleluia ..." 🎵 

It's a big month, dear faithful readers. What can be better than kicking off the festivities with today, May 1, when we commemorate Saint Joseph the Worker. Saint Joseph, model of workers, man of strength, man of courage, pray for us! Thank you. We celebrate Mother's Day on May 10 so let us rejoice. Thank a mother today for all she is and for all she does. Give God the praise for mothers! Our Lady, Queen of mothers, pray for us! Thank you. 

Depending on where you are in the world, we celebrate The Ascension of the Lord, either on Thursday, May 14, or Sunday, May 17. Next up is Pentecost Sunday set for May 24. And if that isn't enough, the next day, Monday, May 25, is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. It was Pope Saint Paul VI, who solemnly confirmed the title, Mother of the Church, in an address to the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council on November 21, 1964. The Pontiff decreed that the whole Christian people should, by the use of this beautiful title, give still greater honor to the Mother of God. And a beautiful title for Our Lady it is. Speaking of titles for Our Lady, why not take a look at the Litany to Mary and select a few of your favorite titles. Then, address Mary using the titles. As I say, go to Mary, she knows what to do. One of my favorite titles is Star of the Sea. Indeed, Our Lady is a star that will guide us, especially when we go astray. For never was it known that she left anyone unaided. 

In this glorious month of May when we turn our minds and hearts to blessed Mary, Our Lady, she, who said to the angel Gabriel, "Let it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38), and she, who "kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart" (Lk 2:19), we might also reflect on our particular vocations*  our call from the Lord, to love Him and serve Him. No matter our state in life, be it married, single, widow, religious or priest, we remember words from our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, given in his March 16, 2026, Message for the 63rd World Day of Prayer, celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2026:

A vocation is not a fixed point, but a dynamic process of maturation sustained by intimacy with our Lord. To grow in one's vocation means being with Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to act in our hearts and in the circumstances of life, and reinterpreting everything in light of this gift ...

a vocation, therefore, is not an immediate possession-something 'given' once and for all. Instead, it is a path that unfolds much like life itself. The gift we receive must not only be protected but also nourished by a daily relationship with God in order to grow and bear fruit. 'This is helpful, since it situates our whole life in relation to the God who loves us. It makes us realize that nothing is the result of pure chance but that everything in our lives can become a way of responding to the Lord, who has a wonderful plan for us.

One last thought, on May 30, we commemorate the great Saint Joan of Arc (d. 1431). With her in mind when you are looking for a parking place, turn to the Maid of Orleans and pray, "Saint Joan of Arc, show me a place to park." Joan knows what to do. And if for some reason or another, Joan is busy helping someone else, which is highly unlikely since she can manage quite a few things at once, you can turn to Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917) and pray, "Mother Cabrini, help me park the macchini." Keep going with inspiration from the following voices ...

Belief is certainty that God has shown Himself and has opened for us the view of truth itself.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

Jesus says to each one of us, no matter where we are, "The path I have for you is simple enough for a child to follow. When we know we are loved as His very own, the Lord's way is wholly uncomplicated.

(Sister Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., member of the Sisters of Life)

Here we join Saint Faustina Kowalska in her words ...

I feel tremendous pain when I see the sufferings of my neighbors. All my neighbors' sufferings reverberate in my own heart; I carry their anguish in my heart is such a way that it even physically destroys me. I would like all their sorrows to fall upon me, on order to relieve my neighbor.

(Saint Faustina Kowalska, 1905-1938)

And then invoke Our Lady ...

Mother of Mercy,

pray for us.

We must contain ourselves in patience, remembering each morning that our main job is to love God and to serve Him and if we don't get things done due to interruptions, well, it cannot be helped, and God will take care of what we leave undone. Saint Teresa says that God cannot rest in an unquiet heart. I have to remember that many times during the day.

(Servant of God Dorothy Day, 1897-1980)

Humility is not self-contempt but the truth about ourselves couples with a reverence for others; it is self-surrender to the highest goal.

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)

Think ... of how we first came into being, of what we were at the first moment of our existence. Think of the dark tomb out of which our Creator brought us into His world where He had His gifts prepared for us even before we were born. All this we owe to Him and for everything we must give Him thanks. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(From a letter to the Corinthians by Saint Clement, pope, late 1st century)

We ought to be like the sunflower which follows all the 

movements of the sun and ever turns toward it.

(Saint Julie Billiart, 1751-1816)

Let us endure with courage the painful little experiences that Divine Providence allows to befall us. They are a necessary part of every life, and force us to place all our trust in God, for He alone can support and guide us.

(Saint Julie Billiart, 1751-1816)

The whole purpose of our lives is to be for others what Mary was for her Son on Calvary.

(Venerable Mary Potter, 1847-1913)

I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen-not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

(C.S. Lewis, 1898-1963)

Let us be inspired by the beauty of love; let us become witnesses to the love that Jesus has given us and taught us! Let us show every day that it is beautiful to love-that the greatest joys, in every situation, come from knowing how to give and from giving of ourselves, especially when we reach out to those most in need. The light of charity, nurtured in our homes and lived out in faith can truly transform the world.

(Pope Leo XIV, April 22, 2026, address to young people and families, Bata, Equatorial Guinea)

God has established as a law that His graces should flow to us through channels of prayer and the Sacraments; and they are so united that the performance of one is a preparation for the other. Prayer is a plant, the seed of which is sown in the heart of every Christian, but its growth depends entirely on the care we take to nourish and cultivate it; if neglected, it will die; if nourished by constant practice, it will blossom and produce fruit in abundance ...

(Venerable Catherine McAuley, R.S.M., 1778-1841)

I want creation to penetrate you with so admiration that everywhere, wherever you may be, the least plant may bring you to the clear remembrance of the Creator.

(Saint Basil the Great, 330-379)

Here are the last words of Blessed Maria Guggiari Echeverria (1925-1959), spoken at 4:10 am, April 28, 1959, as "she was dying, propped up on cushions, and surrounded by her siblings and parents, she sat up and spoke" them. They are fitting words to end each and every day ...

Jesus, I love you! What a sweet encounter! O Virgin Mary!

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER,

SERVANT OF GOD TAKASHI NAGAI,

SAINT ATHANASIUS, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES,

THE ENGLISH MARTYRS,

BLESSED MARIE-LEONIE PARADIS,

SAINT CONLETH,

THE BEATIFIED MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES,

SAINT JOSE MARIA RUBIO,

BLESSED ANGEL PRAT HOSTENCH AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED EMILY BICCHIERI, OP,

SAINT ASAPH,

SAINT HILARY OF ARLES,

BLESSED EDMUND RICE,

SAINT RICHARD REYNOLDS,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LACONI,

SAINT ROSE VENERINI,

SAINT ANGELUS,

SAINT FRANCOIS DE LAVAL,

SAINT JOHN OF BEVERLEY,

SAINT EPIPHANIUS OF SALAMIS,

BLESSED ALBERT OF BERGAMO, OP,

BLESSED CATHERINE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE,

SAINT PETER OF TARANTAISE,

THE ALGERIAN MARTYRS,

SAINT PACHOMIUS,

BLESSED FRANZ JAGERSTATTER, 

SAINT ANDREW BOBOLA,

BLESSED JOHN SULLIVAN,

BLESSED ALOYSIUS RABATA,

SAINT GEORGE PRECA,

SAINT DAMIEN OF MOLOKAI,

SAINT JOHN OF AVILA,

SAINT COMGALL,

SAINT ANTONIUS OF FLORENCE, OP,

THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS,

SAINT NEREUS AND ACHILLEUS, MARTYRS,

SAINT PANCRAS, MARTYR,

SAINT JOHN HOUGHTON AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED JANE OF PORTUGAL, OP,

BLESSED JOAN, PRINCESS OF PORTUGAL,

OUR LADY OF FATIMA,

SAINT ERCONWALD,

BLESSED IMELDA LAMBERTINI, OP,

SAINT MATTHIAS, APOSTLE,

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER,

SAINT CARTHAGE,

BLESSED ANDREW ABELLON, OP,

BLESSED GILES OF VAOZELA, OP,

SAINT SIMON STOCK,

SAINT BRENDAN,

SAINT JOHN STONE,

POPE SAINT JOHN I, MARTYR,

SAINT ERIK OF SWEDEN,

SAINT DUNSTAN,

POPE SAINT CELESTINE V,

SAINT MILBURGA,

SAINT IVO OR YVES,

SAINT RAPHAEL LOUIS RAFIRINGA,

SAINT FRANCIS COLL GUITART, OP,

SAINT BERNARDINE OF SIENA, PRIEST,

BLESSED COLUMBA OF RIETI, OP,

SAINT CHRISTOPHER MAGALLANES AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT EUGENE DE MAZENOD,

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

SAINT JANE ANTIDE THOURET,

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST DE ROSSI,

SAINT VINCENT OF LERINS,

SAINT JOACHINE DE VEDRUNA DE MAS,

OUR LADY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

BLESSED LOUIS-ZEPHIRIN MOREAU,

SAINT ALDHELM,

SAINT DOMINIC,

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

VENERABLE EMIL KAPAUN, 

SAINT MARY MAGDALAN OF PAZZI,

SAINT BEDE THE VENERABLE,

SAINT PHILIP NERI, PRIEST,

SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP,

BLESSED ANDREW FRANCHI, OP,

BLESSED MARGARET POLE, COUNTESS OF SALISBURY,

BLESSED MARY BARTHOLOMEW BAGNESI, OP,

BLESSED ANTONI JULIAN NOWOWIEJSKI,

POPE SAINT PAUL VI,

SAINT MAXIMINUS,

BLESSED JOSEPH GERARD,

SAINT URSULA LEDOCHOWSKA,

BLESSED ELIA OF SAINT CLEMENT,

BLESSED WILLIAM ARNAUD, OP, AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT ZDZISALAWA OF LEMBERK, OP,

SAINT LUKE KIRBY,

THE YORKSHIRE MARTRYS,

SAINT JOAN OF ARC,

SAINT WALSTAN,

PRAY FOR US.

* Vocation comes from the Latin vocare, "to call".

This month's photo: A major Ohhhh Ahhh. 😊

Praise Him in the heights. 

© Gertrude Feick 2026

April 2026

Jubilee Year of Saint Francis on the 800th Anniversary of His Death 

April is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament

April 12 is Divine Mercy Sunday

From the rising of the sun to its setting.

OUR LADY, ARK OF THE COVENANT,

SAINT FRANCIS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, BREAD OF LIFE,

SACRED HOST, GREATEST AID TO HOLINESS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

It is said that April showers bring May flowers. With that, welcome to the first day of April from a place where it is raining. You who seek God, may your hearts revive! (Psalm 69). Rise and shine say the tulips in the garden. Not surprisingly, mowing and garden work have commenced in our neck of the woods. Glorious April, the month, as it is, dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. And this first day of the month finds us on Wednesday of Holy Week. Lord, in your great love, answer me (Psalm 69).

April is a packed month with Holy Week leading to the Paschal Triduum which takes us to Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord. And that is not all as we have the Octave of Easter that leads us into the Easter Season which leads us into May ... And we will see what is in store for us in May, the month for flowers! In summary, our plate is full, dear faithful readers. For the gift to us, we give God the praise. 

My beloved missal highlights "Saints Who Wrote Hymns," this month. One project could be to reflect upon your favorite Easter Hymn and when you recall it, to pray with and meditate on the words. And sing it too! Maybe there is a favorite line that comes to mind throughout your busy day, doing this, that, and the other. Sing we to our God above ...

Or, how about taking Saint Josemaria Escriva's words that follow to heart and writing down one practical thing you will do this month for Christ's apostolate. But don't stop at just writing it down, carry it out in word and deed!

The apostolic concern which burns in the heart of ordinary Christians is not something separate from their everyday work. It is part and parcel of one's work, which becomes a source of opportunities for meeting Christ. As we work at our job, side by side with our colleagues, friends, and relatives and sharing their interests, we can help them become closer to Christ ...

We are not doing our apostolate. If we were, what could we possibly say? We are doing Christ's apostolate, because God wants it to be done and because He has commanded us to do it: Go out all over the world, and preach the Gospel to the whole of creation. The errors are ours; the fruits are His ...

Christ's plea is addressed to each and every Christian. No one can consider himself excused, for whatever reason: age, health, or occupation. There are no excuses whatsoever. Either we carry out a fruitful apostolate or our faith will prove barren.

(Saint Josemaria Escriva, 1902-1975)

And no matter what you encounter in the days of this month, remember Saint Pius of Pietrelcina "Padre Pio" (1887-1968), and his words of encouragement: "Courage, then, and keep forging ahead." 

And for more encouragement, we hear some other strong voices too. 

There is a general rule concerning all special graces granted to any human being. Whenever the divine favor chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfill the task at hand.

(From a sermon by Saint Bernardine of Siena, priest, in Office of Readings, March 19)

If you truly want to help the soul of your neighbor, you should approach God first with all you heart. Ask Him simply to fill you with charity, the greatest of all virtues, with it you can accomplish what you desire.

(From the treatise On the Spiritual Life by Saint Vincent Ferrer, in Office of Readings, April 5)

God does not want our wretchedness, but He is aware of it, and indeed He makes use of our weakness to make saints of us ...

the realization that we are made of clay, and cheap clay at that, has to lead us, above all, to strengthen our hope in God alone.

(Saint Josemaria Escriva, 1902-1975)

The only truly happy people are those who have chosen Jesus and His cross on earth ... Jesus is filled with compassion for those who suffer ... making Himself our Simon of Cyrene.

(Father Jean du Coeur de Jesus d'Elbee, 1892-1982)

Being at one with God is the utmost happiness man can know, 

and that it is His own happiness and glory.

(Caryll Houselander, 1901-1954)

Our concern should be what is happening right now. 

There is plenty of work for love to do, you know.

(Bishop Trevor Mwamba to Mma Ramotswe in 

Alexander McCall Smith, Tea Time for the Traditionally Built)

Love does not want a divided heart; He wants all or nothing.

(Saint Teresa Margaret Redi, 1747-1770)

Prayer purifies us, reading instructs us. Both are good when both are possible. Otherwise, prayer is better than reading.

If a man always wants to be in God's company, he must pray regularly and read regularly. When we pray, we talk to God; when we read, God talks to us.

All spiritual growth comes from reading and reflection. By reading we learn what we did not know; by reflection we retain what we have learned.

(From the Book of Maxims by Saint Isidore, bishop, in Office of Readings, April 4)

The human heart is always drawn by love.

(Saint Catherine of Siena, 1347-1380, The Dialogue)

Until you hear the whole story, until you dig deeper, and listen, she [Mma Ramotswe] thought, you know only a tiny part of the goodness of the human heart.

(in Alexander McCall Smith, Tea Time for the Traditionally Built)

The more you are led by God's love, the more you become yourself and it is all done without ever losing your freedom.

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)*

We begin to act differently when we recognize the immensity of our possibilities.

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)

We must not expect to see our plan for our own sanctification being realized instead of God's plan. His plan for us is His secret-a lover's secret- and we must trust His love. In fact, our trust in God, especially when we see our own unworthiness, is the greatest compliment we can pay Him.

(Dom M. Eugene Boylan, O.C.R., d. 1964)

SAINT CEALLACH,

SAINT HUGH OF GRENOBLE,

SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLA,

SAINT JOHN PAYNE,

BLESSED PEDRO CALUNSGOD,

SAINT ISIDORE OF SEVILLE,

SAINT BENEDICT 'THE BLACK',

SAINT VINCENT FERRER,

VENERABLE JEROME LEJEUNE,

SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE,

SAINT HENRY WALPOLE,

SAINT JULIA BILLIART,

BLESSED ANTHONY NEYROT, OP,

SAINT MICHAEL DE SANCTIS,

SAINT STANISLAW,

SAINT ZENO OF VERONA,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT FAUSTINA KOWALSKA,

SAINT PERFECTUS,

POPE SAINT MARTIN I, MARTYR,

SAINT MARGARET COSTELLO, OP,

BLESSED LUCIEN BOTOVOSOA,

BLESSED LIDWINA OF SCHIEDAM,

BLESSED PETER GONZALEZ, OP,

SAINT HUNNA,

SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS,

SAINT DONAN,

BLESSED BAPTIST SPAGJOLI OF MANTUA,

BLESSED CLARA GAMBACORTA, OP,

BLESSED MARIA MANCINI, OP,

SAINT LASERIAN OR MOLAISE,

BLESSED ANNE-MARIE BLONDIN,

SAINT MARY OF EGYPT,

BLESSED MARY OF THE INCARNATION,

SAINT ALPHEGE,

BLESSED ISNARD OF CHIAMPO, OP,

BLESSED SIBYLLINA BISCOSSI, OP,

SAINTS MARCELLINUS, VINCENT, AND DOMNINUS,

SAINT BEUNO,

SAINT AGNES OF MONTEPULCIANO, OP,

SAINT ANSELM OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT MAELRUBHA,

POPE SAINTS CAIUS AND SOTERA,

SAINT GEORGE, MARTYR,

SAINT ADALBERT OF PRAGUE,

BLESSED TERESA MARIA OF THE CROSS,

SAINT FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN, PRIEST, MARTYR,

SAINT ERKENWALD,

SAINT EGBERT,

SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST,

ANZAC DAY,

BLESSED ROBERT ANDERTON AND WILLIAM MARSDEN,

SAINT ASICUS,

SAINT MAUGHOLD,

BLESSED HOSANNA OF KOTOR, OP,

SAINT ZITA,

SAINT RAFAEL ARNAIZ BARON,

SAINT PETER CHANAL, PRIEST, MARTYR,

SAINT LOUIS MARIE GRIGNION OF MONTFORT, PRIEST,

BLESSED MARIA GUGGUIARI ECHEVERRIA,

SAINT GIANNA BERETTA MOLLA,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA, VIRGIN, MARTYR,

POPE SAINT PIUS V,

SAINT MARIE OF THE INCARNATION,

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF AFRICA,

PRAY FOR US.

*NB. Thankfully, the beatification of Fulton J. Sheen is set for September 24, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri (The Show Me State). Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will preside. 

This month's photo: Praise be the Name of the Lord. From friends visiting Cozumel, Mexico.

© Gertrude Feick 2026

March 2026

Jubilee Year of Saint Francis on the 800th Anniversary of His Death 

March is the month dedicated to Saint Joseph

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day 

First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Come, share your master's joy.

JOSEPH MOST STRONG,

MARY, MOTHER MOST ADMIRABLE,

SAINT FRANCIS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, TABERNACLE OF THE MOST HIGH,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Dear faithful readers, hold on to your hat it is already March. However, March is a glorious month dedicated to Saint Joseph. O dear Joseph, mirror of patience, pray for us. Before we commemorate faithful and prudent Saint Joseph on the 19th, we warm up with Saint Patrick on the 17th, the day when everybody is Irish. Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord is set for March 29, with Holy Week to follow. 

The weather in these parts has been here, there, and everywhere. If I recall correctly, we were hit by 10 inches of rain in a 24-hour period not so many days ago. And there was some snow not so many days ago too. Then there were some days of sun. Raining now as I write, it is humid and the daffodils have risen. Did I mention my banana slug sighting, and a little lizard sighting too? 

We find ourselves continuing on the Lenten journey. How is it going so far? Sometimes, with all our worthwhile intentions, we stumble early, ready to give up. Thanks be to God, our merciful Lord is ready. He holds out His hand to keep us from falling or pick us up if we have fallen. Just ask Our Lord for help. And while you are at it, ask His Mother too. She will wrap you in her protective veil. 

Now is the time to make an effort to be kind and compassionate to our neighbors, to those with whom we live, and work, and play, and bump into when we might prefer not to. We never know what people are coming from or going to. In fact, we never know the whole story about someone else. Ever. One of the best classes I ever had the privilege of taking was Pastoral Counseling, still taught by the same highly respected priest and psychologist. These words, as well as many others, remain: "You can try to walk in someone else's shoes, but remember, you will never walk in someone else's shoes." I just opened my copy of Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West, renderings by Daniel Ladinsky. Here is a rendition of words attributed to Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380).

VULNERABLE

Vulnerable we are, like an infant.

We need each other's care

or we will

suffer.

Somehow, I think that is enough of an offering from my end. Or at least, there is plenty for me to reflect on this month. As far as our voices, they will come from here and there. After we hear a word or two, there is another long list of powerful saints to invoke, including Saint Vignal and Saint Duthac. 

To enter eternal life requires listening to Jesus, following Him on the way to the cross, carrying in our heart like Him the hope of the Resurrection.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

I want nothing more than for my own will to be completely immersed in God's will. There is no greater pain than that of having offended Him , and thereby having wasted the time that He gave me to love and serve Him ... I am well aware that everything is for God, and that I can please Him with everything I do.

(Saint Maria Maravillas of Jesus, 1891-1974)

I will hear what the Lord God will speak within me, says a devout soul. Blessed is that soul who hears the Lord speaking within, and from His lips receives the words of comfort.

(Thomas a Kempis, 1380-1471, The Imitation of Christ, Book 1, Chapter 2)

It is useless to spend much time in talking; only a holy life and good conscience will ease your mind and satisfy your soul, enabling you to face God with confidence.

(Thomas a Kempis, 1380-1471, The Imitation of Christ, Book 3, Chapter 1)

In the preaching of the Gospel all should receive a strengthening of their faith. No one should be ashamed of the cross of Christ, through which the world has been redeemed.

(From a sermon by Pope Saint Leo the Great, d. 461)

You were made in the image of God. If then you wish to resemble Him, follow His example. Since the very name you bear as Christians is a profession of love for men, imitate the love of Christ.

(From a homily by Saint Asterius of Amasea, bishop, d. 410)

I know you don't command the impossible. You know very well that never would I be able to love others as you love them, unless you, O my Jesus, loved them in me. Your will is to love in me all those you command me to love.

(Saint Therese of Lisieux, 1873-1897)

Our pilgrimage on earth cannot be exempt from trial. We progress by means of trial. No one knows himself except through trial, or receives a crown except after victory, or strives except against an enemy or temptations.

(From a commentary on the psalms by Saint Augustine, bishop, 354-430)

I ask you, my Lord, to feed me with your sweet grace, strengthen me with your pure love, surround me with your boundless mercy, and embrace me with your pure truth.

(Blessed Margaret Ebner, 1291-1351)

Yes, life is a treasure-each moment an eternity, an eternity of joy in heaven, an eternity of seeing God face to face, of being one with Him! There is only Jesus who is; all the rest is not. Let us love Him, then, unto folly; let us save souls for Him.

(Saint Therese of Lisieux)

You, Lady, are my all. In your hands has been stored for me the fulness of all good. With you have been hidden the unfailing treasures of truth and grace, of peace and pity, of salvation and wisdom, of glory and honor. You are my anchor amid the billows, comfort in grief. You are, for those who are yours, aid in oppression, help in time of crisis, temperance in prosperity, joy in time of waiting, refreshment in toil. Whatsoever I can stammer in your praise is less than your praise, for you are worthy of all praise. Yet am I bound to praise you.

(Adam of Perseigne, 1145-1221)

The lover of God never knows the words "too much." Those who accuse others of loving God or religion too much really do not love God at all, nor do they know the meaning of love.

(Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)

SAINT KATHARINE DREXEL,

SAINT VIGNAL,

SAINT CASIMIR,

SAINT KIERAN,

POPE SAINT LUCIUS I, MARTYR,

SAINT JOHN JOSEPH OF THE CROSS,

SAINT COLETTE,

SAINT PERPETUA AND FELICITY,

SAINT DAVID,

SAINT CHAD,

BLESSED CHARLES THE GOOD, COUNT OF FLANDERS,

SAINT JOHN OF GOD,

SAINT SENAN, BISHOP,

SAINT DUTHAC,

SAINT FELIX,

SAINT FRANCES OF ROME,

SAINT JOHN OGILVIE,

SAINT THEOPHANES THE CHRONICLER,

SAINT SOPHRONIUS,

SAINT AENGUS,

SAINT CONSTANTINE,

SAINT RODERICK,

SAINT MATILDA, QUEEN OF GERMANY,

BLESSED JOHN ANNE,

VENERABLE JAN TYRANOWSKI,

SAINT JULIAN OF ANTIOCH,

SAINT PATRICK, BISHOP, MISSIONARY,

SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT EDWARD THE MARTYR,

SAINT HERBERT,

SAINT CUTHBERT,

SAINT ENDA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF FLUE "BRUDER KLAUS",

SAINT DEOGRATIAS,

BLESSED CLEMENS AUGUST GALEN,

SAINT NICHOLAS OWEN,

SAINT TURIBIUS OF MONGROVEJO,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SWEDEN,

SAINT MACARTAN,

SAINT MARGARET CLITEROW,

SAINT JOHN OF EGYPT,

SAINT RUPERT,

SAINT JOHN CLIMACUS,

BLESSED JANE OF TOULOUSE,

PRAY FOR US.

This month's photo: Joseph, being a just man ... 

© Gertrude Feick 2026