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

Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

September is the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 5 Obedience - Ch 7:1-23 Humility

The Lord upholds my life.

HOLY MARY, TREASURE OF THE FAITHFUL,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.

(James 3:18)

Welcome to the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Today is the autumnal equinox, the first day of fall. Change is in the air, dear faithful readers, in ways big and not so big. Take a stroll today: feel, look, listen, what changes are taking place in the place where you find yourself? What is stirring in your heart and soul ... is it time for a change, a shift toward moving closer to the heart of Jesus? 

At Mass late this morning, the words from the Book of Wisdom were proclaimed; I heard something the wicked say: "Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us" (Wisdom 2:12). It may be that we find this Christian way of life somehow obnoxious, inconvenient, even burdensome at times. Maybe we just aren't in the mood to love our neighbor, especially the one who we find difficult. And as far as looking after a poor and needy one, or as Saint Benedict says, "relieve the lot of the poor ...go to help the troubled and console the sorrowing" (RB 4:14, 18), what if I am busy or spending my limited quiet time in prayer? It is not unlikely that Jesus was busy, or conversing with His Father, when the poor, lame, hungry, sick, and dying came to Him. I don't recall that the Lord sent such people away. His disciples, well, that's another matter. Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), who we commemorate this Friday, and comes as our first voice for the week, wrote this: 

It is our duty to prefer the service of the poor to everything else and to offer such service as quickly as possible. If a needy person requires medicine or other help during prayer time, do whatever has to be done with peace of mind. Offer the deed to God as your prayer. Do not become upset or feel guilty because you interrupted your prayer to serve the poor. God is not neglected if you leave Him for such service. One of God's works is merely interrupted so that another may be carried out. So when you leave prayer to serve some poor person, remember that this very service is performed for God. Charity is certainly greater than any rule.

Padre Pio (1887-1968), another great saint who we commemorate this week, on Monday, wasn't about turning people away either. It is said that he heard confessions 15-18 hours a day. That's a lot of confessions, a lot of penance given, and a lot of absolution too. Dear Lord have mercy. 

Jesus never said following Him was going to be easy. If you wanted to be His disciple, He was clear that we must carry our cross and follow Him. And that includes helping others to carry their crosses, or as Saint Benedict puts it, "supporting with greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body and behavior" (RB 72:5). Willie Graf, 1918-1943, was clear: "To be a Christian is perhaps the hardest thing to ever become in life." It seems reason enough to become a Christian then, in word, deed, heart, and mind, whether or not it is inconvenient, burdensome, or in some way upsets our apple cart. This week, we can perhaps, united as we are in faith, prayer, and carrying our crosses, not question the Lord or argue about what He is asking us to do. We pray for the grace to go about the daily and be about the pure wisdom from above that is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity (see James 3:17). After all, Jesus did say, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35). By the grace of God, we are what we are.

Before we hear a few voices, please note that this is the penultimate post that you will see for some weeks. There will be no posts during the month of October, the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and perhaps into the month of November, the month dedicated to the holy souls in Purgatory. I have been at this since September 10, 2017, at least. That's over seven years. A little break is good for the heart and soul. So why not get busy and start collecting some voices, some you hear, here there and everywhere. Thank you for your prayerful support. 😊

Here then with more shouts from here and there, some echoes, some not:

At the death of Vratislaus, the people of Bohemia made his son Wenceslaus their king. He was by God's grace a man of utmost faith. He was charitable to the poor, and he would clothe the naked, feed the hungry and offer hospitality to travelers according to the summons of the Gospel. He would not allow widows to be treated unjustly; he loved all his people, both rich and poor; he also provided for the servants of God, and he adorned many churches.

(From the old Slavic legend, in Office of Readings, September 28)

We are never strong enough to bear our cross. It is the cross which carries us. Nor are we so weak to be unable to bear it, since the weakest become strong by its virtue.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit and raises man to Heaven.

(Saint Ephram the Syrian, 306-373)

What profit you gain from God when you are generous? You give a coin and receive a kingdom; you give bread from wheat and receive the Bread of Life; you give a transitory good and receive an everlasting one. You will receive it back, a hundred times more than you offered.

(Saint Thomas of Villanova, Father of the Poor, 1488-1555)

Joy, with peace, is the sister of charity. Serve the Lord with laughter.

(Padre Pio, 1887-1968) 

God loves a cheerful giver.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 5:16/2 Cor 9:7)

Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.

(Saint Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226)

SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION,

SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA, FATHER OF THE POOR,

SAINT PIO OF PIETRELCINA,

SAINT ADOMAN OF IONA,

SAINT STEPHANIE,

OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM,

BLESSED EMILIE TAVERNIER-GAMELIN,

BLESSED ANTON MARTIN SLOMSHEK,

SAINT FINBARR,

BLESSED HERMANN CONTRACTUS "THE WONDER OF HIS AGE,"

SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS,

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, "APOSTLE OF CHARITY,"

SAINT WENSCESLAUS, MARTYR,

SAINT LAURENCE RUIZ AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I will praise your name, O Lord, for your goodness.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 September is the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 2:33 Qualities of the Abbot - Ch 4 The Tools for Good Works

For He is good, the Lord.

MARY, JOY OF THE AFFLICTED,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, 

PRAY FOR US.

So now, O children, listen to me, be attentive to the words of my mouth!

(Proverbs 7:24)

Dear faithful readers, I'm a bit behind schedule this week due to some traveling. However, I am back. And guess what, this week we are in Saint Benedict's chapter on the Tools for Good Works. Why not take a look at it; you will find plenty of tools to pick up and put to good use. Why not pick just one tool to use this week, beginning with first, "love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself" (RB 4:1). I think I'll work with placing my hope in God alone (RB 4:41). Our voice for the week certainly did that. I best get busy. ☺

So, for our voice of the week, I turn to Venerable Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan (1928-2002), who spent 12 years as a prisoner in communist Vietnam with more than two thirds of that time in solitary confinement. One might expect such a man to be bitter, resentful, and angry. However, I have read a little of what he wrote and been amazed at his positive attitude and joy. In fact, one colleague of the Cardinal's who worked with him at the National Catholic Register, Kishore Jayabalan, said this about the Cardinal: "He was almost always smiling or laughing, but never in a superficial or happy-go-lucky way. You could tell his joy came through his suffering and identification with Christ." Here are the Cardinal's ten "rules of life." * 

I will live the present moment to its fullest.

I will discern between God and God's works.

I will hold firmly to one secret: prayer.

I will see in the holy Eucharist my only power.

I will have only one wisdom: the science of the cross.

I will seek the peace the world will not give.

I will speak one language and wear one uniform: charity.

I will have one very special love: Mary.

I will carry out a revolution by renewal in the Holy Spirit.

I will remain faithful to my mission in the Church and for the Church as a witness to Jesus Christ.

OUR LADY OF SORROWS,

VENERABLE FRANCIS XAVIER NGUYEN VAN THUAN,

SAINT MIRIN,

POPE SAINT CORNELIUS,

SAINT CYPRIAN,

SAINT NINIAN,

SAINT MARTIN OF FINOJOSA, CISTERCIAN BISHOP,

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE,

SAINT HILDEGARD OF BINGEN, BISHOP,

SAINT ALBERT OF JERUSALEM,

SAINT EDITH KEMSING,

SAINT STANISLAW KOSTKA,

SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO,

SAINT EMILY DE RODAT,

SAINT JANUARIUS,

SAINT THEODORE OF TARSUS,

SAINT ANDREW KIM TAEGON AND PAUL CHONG HASANG,

 AND THEIR COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST,

PRAY FOR US.

* See Tom Hoopes, "Learn Vietnam Hero Cardinal Van Thuan's 10 Rules of Life with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton," in Seton Reflections, September 16, 2024. 

Today's photo: Sing to Him a new song.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Thursday of Holy Week (Holy Thursday)

The Month of April Dedicated both to Devotion to the Eucharist and Devotion to the Holy Spirit

In other years: Saint Galla, Roman Widow (6th century); Saint Peter of Verona, Dominican and Martyr (1205-1252); Blessed Pierina Morosini (1931-1957)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 54 Letters of Gifts for Monks

Chrism Mass: Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9; Resp Ps 89; Rev 1:5-8; Lk 4:16-21

Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; Ps 116; 1 Cor 11:23-36; Jn 13:1-15

To You I will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, 

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, OUR HOPE,

SPIRIT OF HUMILITY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

If I, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. 

I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.

(Jn 13:14-15)

Welcome to Maundy Thursday. Jesus' words in today's Gospel take me to Saint Benedict and what has been called the center of his holy rule. You will find it in Chapter 35. Kitchen Servers of the Week. There we learn that the sisters should serve one another (RB 35:1). So important is this service of those in our midst; no one should be excused from it unless she is sick or otherwise engaged in something important. It is this kind of service that increases reward and fosters love (RB 35:1-2). Jesus, Master and Teacher has given us the model. Do whatever He tells you (Jn 2:5).

Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus.

(Ph 2:5)

SAINT GALLA,

SAINT PETER OF VERONA,

BLESSED PIERINA MOROSINI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: In the presence of all His people.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of Holy Week

The Month of April Dedicated both to Devotion to the Eucharist and Devotion to the Holy Spirit

In other years: Saint Irene of Thessalonica, Virgin (4th century); Saint Vincent Ferrer, Priest (1350-1419)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 53:16-24 The Reception of Guests

Mass: Is 50:4-9a; Resp Ps 69; Mt 26:14-25

See, you lowly ones, and be glad.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, OUR LORD,

HOLY SPIRIT, WHO GOVERNS THE CHURCH,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, 

That I may know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them ...

The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced ...

See, the Lord God is my help; who will prove me wrong?

(Is 50:4, 9a)

As we reflect these days on Saint Benedict's chapter on the reception of guests, we turn first to the Lord with the help of the Prophet Isaiah quoted above and remember that "proper honor must be shown to all" (RB 53:2). And it happens that words from one of our saints of the day might help us honor one another. too 

If you truly want to help the soul of your neighbor, you should approach God first with all you heart. Ask Him to simply 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 Ferrer, priest, in Office of Readings, April 5)

SAINT IRENE OF THESSALONICA,

SAINT VINCENT FERRER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More happy flowers, this time little ones. Kindness is free; sprinkle that stuff everywhere.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Friday of the Second Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint John Ogilvie, Jesuit and Martyr (1579-1615)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 32 The Tools and Goods of the Monastery

Mass:  Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Resp Ps 105; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46

Remember the marvels the Lord has done.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF SNOWS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

SAINT JOSEPH, PRAY FOR US.

When their brothers saw that their father loved him best of all his sons, they hated him so much that they would not even greet him.

(Gn 37:4)

Yikes. That is one response to what jealousy and envy can do as evidenced in our reading from the Book of Genesis. Meanwhile, the chief priests and Pharisees were attempting to arrest Jesus. At the same time, they feared the crowds (see Mt 21:46). Sadly, these situations may sound familiar to most of us, wherever we find ourselves. We must encourage each other with prayer and our witness to the faith. 

Whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name.

(1 Peter 4:16)

In response to the words from Saint Peter above, in addition to the lengthy * below ☺, there is something about our saint of the day, Saint John Ogilvie*. Before he was martyred, he was asked whether he was afraid to die. His reply? "I fear death as much as you do your dinner." Keep going, faithful readers.

SAINT JOHN OGILVIE,

PRAY FOR US.

* Pope Saint Paul VI canonized the martyr Saint John Ogilvie in 1976. Saint John Ogilvie was the first Scottish saint in 700 years; he is the only post-Reformation Scottish saint. A convert from Protestantism to Catholicism, John entered the Society of Jesus in 1599 and was ordained priest in 1610. Eventually betrayed and captured in Glasgow, John endured much suffering (huge understatement) and was hanged March 10, 1615, primarily for insisting on the primacy of the Pope. It is said that his last gesture before his hanging was to toss his Rosary beads into the crowd where they were caught by a Calvinist nobleman who later became a Catholic, tracing his conversion to the incident and the martyr's beads. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the Scottish bishops to promote devotion to Saint John Ogilvie among priests since the Jesuit martyr had been "truly outstanding in his dedication to a difficult and dangerous pastoral ministry, to the point of laying down his life." Later the same year during a visit to Scotland, the pontiff encouraged priests to look to the saint's "dedicated, selfless and brave" example. For all the faithful, may we too look to Saint John Ogilvie for encouragement and intercession. See Catholic News Agency, "St. John Ogilvie," and Universalis, "About Today," March 10, 2023; T. Hoopes, "St. John Ogilvie and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Heroic Witnesses to Christ's Church," in Seton Reflections, setonshrine.org. 

Today's photo: Welcome back to Torres de Paine National Park, Chile. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes (Ps 118:23).

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Saints : Saint Angela Merici (1470-1540); Pope Saint Vitalian (580-672) Blessed Edward Oldcorne (1561-1606); Saint Henry de Osso (1840-1896); Blessed Marcolino of Forli OP (1317-1397)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:10-18 Humility

Mass: Heb 10:32-39; Resp Ps 37; Mk 4:26-34   

Bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, THE SOWER,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what He has promised.

(Heb 10:36)

Jesus, the Sower, has planted the seed of love and mercy into our hearts. What will you do today to water and care for that seed so that it continues to grow? May we be about love and charity this day, just like the great Italian Saint Angela Merici, founder of the Ursulines, a congregation under the protection of Saint Ursula (d. 383/385) and devoted to giving a Christian education to girls from poor families. It is said that when she died at the age of 70 on January 27, 1540, Angela's body remained incorrupt for 30 days. Saint Angela Merici was canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII.*

A good tree is not able to produce bad fruit.

He says: A good tree, that is, a good heart as well as a soul inflamed with charity, can do nothing but good and holy works. For this reason Saint Augustine said; Love, and do what you will, namely, possess love and charity and then do what you will. It is as if He had said: Charity is not able to sin ...

We should be impelled only by charity and zeal for souls.

(From a Spiritual Testament by Saint Angela Merici, virgin, in Office of Readings, January 27)

SAINT ANGELA MERICI,

SAINT URSULA,

BLESSED EDWARD OLDCORNE,

SAINT HENRY DE OSSO,

BLESSED MARCOLINO OF FORLI,

POPE SAINT VITALIAN,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Universalis "About Today," January 27, 2023, and Catholic News Agency "St. Angela Merici."

Today's photo: This one comes from Thursday afternoon's regimen on a sunny and warm day like we have had for some time now. Thanks be to God.  Take delight in the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In other years: Saint Edith of Kemsing (961-984); Saint Stanislaw Kostka (1550-1568)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:1-21 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Amos 8:4-7; Resp Ps 113; 1 Tim 2:1-8; Lk 16:1-13

Above the heavens is His glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Since ...

No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.

(Lk 16:13)

then, 

First of all, love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:1-2)

and we go from there.

Bouna domenica! And it's one of those Sundays when many things work together, primarily in the Word as spoken in the Gospel, in wisdom from Saint Benedict, and in what others have to say it about it all, including you. 😊 God is praised!

It is about making choices. We have been given the gift of reason; let us not waste it. May we be faithful in little matters, and faithful in bigger matters too, as a wise and prudent steward would. If what we encounter day by day, hour by hour, and minute by minute, leads us to love and serve God, and to love and serve our neighbors as ourselves, then let us choose to go there. If our encounters detract from this love and service, we must choose to avoid them. In all things, may God be glorified (1 Pet 4:11/RB 57:9). Coraggio, dear faithful readers. United in faith and prayer, we pick our crosses, "go against the tide," and follow Him.

And from Pope Benedict XVI, during a 2007 Pastoral Visit to the Suburbicarian Diocese of Velletri-Segni, Italy: 

If loving Christ and one's brethren is not to be considered as something incidental and superficial but, rather, the true and ultimate purpose of our whole existence, it will be necessary to know how to make basic choices, to be prepared to make radical renouncements, if necessary, even to the point of martyrdom. Today, as yesterday, Christian life demands the courage to go against the tide, to love like Jesus, who even went so far as to sacrifice Himself on the Cross.

(Pope Benedict XVI, September 23, 2007, Eucharistic Concelebration, Holy Mass, Homily, Saint Clement's Square, Velletri, Italy)

And from Pope Francis, in today's Angelus Address, delivered to the pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square:

We are called to be creative in doing good with the prudence and cleverness of the Gospel, using the goods of this world, not only the material but all the gifts we have received from the Lord, not to enrich ourselves, but to generate fraternal love and social fellowship ... Let us pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary so that she may help us be like herself poor in spirit and rich in works of charity for one another.

(Pope Francis, Sunday Angelus, Saint Peter's Square, Rome, September 18, 2022)

SAINT EDITH KEMSING,

SAINT STANISLAW KOSTKA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Seeing some blue sky with a smattering of clouds yesterday morning, I thought it was time to share some of this beauty with a friendly reminder: "Don't forget to look up!" And speaking of looking up, it rained during the night, and it continues to rain this morning. High above the nations is the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Camillus de Lellis, Priest (1550-1614); Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, "Lily of the Mohawks", "Genevieve of France" (1656-1680)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 35:12-18 Kitchen Servers of the Week

Mass: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Resp Ps 102; Mt 11:28-30

From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Your name and your title, O Lord, are the desire of our souls.

(Is 26:8)

We have two great saints to commemorate today, one whose name rolls off the tongue ...Camillus de Lellis. I just may end up repeating it throughout the day. In fact, I started last night ... Camillus de Lellis. He's a powerful intercessor and can help us to grow in the virtue of charity. In poor health himself, Camillus devoted his to life to care of the sick, and eventually founded the Servants of the Sick (later known as Camillians). Camillus de Lellis did so by taking Jesus' words from today's Gospel to heart: Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest (Mt 11:28). Camillus longed to take other's labors and burdens upon himself, attested to by one of his companions:

Let me begin with holy charity. It is the root of all the virtues and Camillus' most characteristic trait. I can attest that he was on fire with this holy virtue-not only toward God, but also toward his fellowmen, and especially toward the sick. The mere sight of the sick was enough to soften and melt his heart and make him utterly forget all the pleasures, enticements and interests of this world. When he was taking care of his patients, he seemed to spend and exhaust himself completely, so great was his devotion and compassion. He would have loved to take upon himself their illness, their every affliction, could he but ease their pain and relieve their weakness.

(From the life of Saint Camillus, by his companion, in Office of Readings, July14)

Our other saint of the day is Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Words from the Prophet Isaiah in our first reading of the day were likely in the heart of Kateri: "My soul yearns for you in the night, yes, my spirit keeps vigil for you" (Is 26:9). Pope Benedict XVI canonized Kateri not so long ago, on October 21, 2012. The Holy Father had this to say in his homily:

Kateri impresses us by the action of grace in her life in spite of the absence of external help and by the courage of her vocation, so unusual in her culture. In her, faith and culture enrich each other! May her example help us to live where we are, loving Jesus without denying who we are. Saint Kateri, Protectress of Canada and the first native American saint, we entrust to you the renewal of the faith in the first nations and in all of North America! May God bless the first nations!

We can certainly use the help of both of these great saints. We turn to them and say, 

SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA,

SAINT CAMILLUS DE LELLIS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The Lord looked down from His holy height on this little beauty of a crocosmia, also known as montbretia. This was the first of several photos I took yesterday morning. This one is a favorite; I've been waiting for them. Stay tuned for more from our garden of delights.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)  

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:1-4 Humility

Mass: Acts 18:1-8; Resp Ps 98; Jn 16:16-20

Sing to the Lord a new song.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Spirit of God dwelling within us, alleluia.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

Reflect for a moment on our Entrance Antiphon for today's celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The love of God has been poured into our hearts ... If the message sinks deep, how could we not rejoice in the Lord, always, I say it again: rejoice! (Ph 4:4). Or with the psalmist, break into song; sing praise! (Ps 98). Our saint of the day, Saint Philip Neri, is certainly someone who did just that. Born in Florence, he went to Rome as a young man, worked as a tutor, extended charity to young men, and gathered others to help the sick and poor. Ordained in 1515, he built a place of prayer over the Church of Saint Jerome and celebrated services with spiritual readings and hymns. Dear to the students at the English College, the Venerabile, in Rome, Philip eventually founded the Congregation of the Oratory, a society of priests and brothers, "bound only by the bond of charity". The Oratory remains active throughout the world; you can find them in our nation's capital, for one.

Philip Neri was far from somber. It is said, and this a story that brings a smile to my face when I read it every year, that "when some of his penitents made their confession to him (he was famous as a confessor) he imposed salutary and deflating penances on them, such as walking through the streets of Rome carrying his cat (he was very fond of cats)." Furthermore, "when a novice showed signs of excessive seriousness, Philip stood on his head in front of him, to make him laugh" (Universalis, May 26). I am reminded of another favorite saint of mine, Saint John Bosco (1815-1888), who used to do gymnastics, flipping here and there for the youth that gathered in his midst. 

We are so blessed with our faith tradition and our saints, formally recognized ones, and the saints next door. They can help us keep things in perspective. Remember, as Saint Benedict tells us, "do not aspire to be called holy before you really are, but first be holy that you may more truly be called so" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:62). And there is something Abbot Basil Hume told young monks at a 1969 clothing ceremony: "Don't take yourselves too seriously. Take life seriously. Take God seriously. But don't, please don't, take yourselves too seriously!" We are all wonderful in God's eyes. 

Rejoice in the Lord, not in the world. That is, rejoice in the truth, not in wickedness; rejoice in the hope of eternity, not in the fading flower of vanity. That is the way to rejoice. Wherever you are on earth, the Lord is near, do not be anxious about anything.

(From a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, May 26, Memorial of Philip Neri, priest)

SAINT PHILIP NERI,

SAINT JOHN BOSCO,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This lovely peach colored rose comes from a faithful reader who passes it every day on one of her morning walks with her faithful companion, Molly the dog. It can be found in Eureka, CA.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saints: Saint Bernadino of Siena, Apostle of Italy (1380-1444); Blessed Columba of Rieti OP (1467-1501)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:22-43

Mass: Acts 15:22-31; Resp Ps 57; Jn 15:12-17

I will wake the dawn.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Never turn away when someone needs your love.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:26)

Jesus commands us in today's Gospel: Love one another (Jn 15:17). This may sound like a simple command to follow. On the contrary, we understand that it is in fact a tall order. We need only look to Saint Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians where we find that love is patient, kind, not jealous, not pompous, not inflated, and not rude (1 Cor 13:4-5). Love also does not seek its own interests, it isn't quick-tempered, and does not brood over injury (1 Cor 13:5). Furthermore, love bears all things, believes all things, and endures all things (1 Cor 13:7). Love certainly isn't possessive. And if this isn't enough, one can turn to Saint Benedict and the chapter we are immersed in these days, Chapter 4 and the Tools for Good Works. Among other tools, Saint Benedict lists these: "Rid your heart of all deceit. Never give a hollow greeting of peace ... speak the truth with heart and tongue" (RB 4:24,25,28). And perhaps one of the most difficult: "Love your enemies" (RB 4:31). Some tools to implement for this include: Do not repay one bad turn for another, do not injure anyone, but bear injuries patiently ... and if people curse you, do not curse them back but bless them instead. Endure persecution for the sake of justice. Never speak ill of anyone (RB 4:29-30, 32-33,40). 

I will include two more quotations from Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur, one for today, another for tomorrow. Here then with the penultimate one that happens to be another way to love one another. By the grace of God we go forth, united in faith and prayer. Amen.

To shut one's heart to any complaints and regrets that could escape it; to open it wide to all that it can pour forth of the human sympathy, strength, and kindness.

(E. Leseur, The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur, p. 165) 

SAINT BERNADINO OF SIENA,

BLESSED COLUMBA OF RIETI,

SAINT TITUS BRANDSMA,

SAINT MARIE RIVIER,

SAINT CAROLINA SANTOCANALE,

SAINT CHARLES DE FOUCAULD,

SAINT DEVASAHAYAM PILLAI,

SAINT CESAR DE BUS,

SAINT LUIGI MARIA PALAZZOLA,

SAINT JUSTIN RUSSOLILLO,

SAINT ANNA MARIA RUBATTO,

SAINT MARIA DOMENICA MANTOVANI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Jean sent this clematis from Indianapolis.  I will give you thanks among the peoples.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

In other years: Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1578-1622); Saint Erkenwald (-693); Saint Egbert (639-729)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 66 The Porter of the Monastery

Mass: Acts 5:12-16; Resp Ps 118; Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; Jn 20:19-31

By the Lord has this been done.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

On this Divine Mercy Sunday, my thoughts have been on mercy, one of the fruits of charity, as our Catechism teaches us: "The fruits of charity are joy, peace, and mercy" (CCC 1829). May we bask in the shadow of God's mercy (cf. Acts 5:15), and feel Jesus' breath on us: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained (Jn 20:22-23).

 

Jesus Christ taught that [we] not only receive and experience the mercy of God, but that [we are] also called "to practice mercy" towards others: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." The church sees in these words a call to action, and she tries to practice mercy. All the beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount indicate the way of conversion and of reform of life, but the one referring to those who are merciful is particularly eloquent in this regard. One attains to the merciful love of God, His mercy, to the extent that he himself is interiorly transformed in the spirit of that love towards his neighbor.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, Dives in misericordia God who is rich in mercy, 14)

Never lose hope in God's mercy.

(Rule of Saint Benedict 4:74)

Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,

have mercy on us.

SAINT FAUSTINA KOWALSKA,

SAINT FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN,

SAINT ERKENWALD,

SAINT EGBERT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This azalea is wonderful in our eyes.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saints: Saint John Baptiste de la Salle (1651-1719); Saint Henry Walpole (1558-1595)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 55:1-14 The Clothing and Footwear of the Brothers

Mass: Gn 17:3-9; Resp Ps 105; Jn 8:51-59

The Lord remembers His covenant for ever.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.

(Jn 8:51)

In haste today, we find ourselves sandwiched between Jesus' words above and Saint John Baptiste de la Salle's, founder of the Congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, below. United in faith and prayer, we go forth. Keep the faith. By God's grace I am what I am. 

Let your charity and zeal show how you love the Church. Your work is for the Church, which is the body of Christ. By your diligence show your love for those whom God has given you, just as Christ loved the Church.

(From a meditation by Saint John Baptist de la Salle, priest, in Office of Readings, April 7)

SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE,

SAINT HENRY WALPOLE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: These were found busy doing their thing, yesterday morning, just out back.

© Gertrude Feick 2022