Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

58th World Day of Peace, "Forgive us our trespasses, grant us Your peace"

January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Reading from the Rule of Saint Benedict for January: The Prologue of the Holy Rule

May the peoples praise You, O God.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,

MARY, QUEEN OF HEARTS,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF FORGIVENESS,

MARY, MERCIFUL MOTHER,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, PRINCE OF PEACE,

JESUS, PRINCE OF HOPE,

JESUS, PRINCE OF FORGIVENESS,

JESUS, PRINCE OF MERCY,

JESUS, PRINCE OF RECONCILIATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Happy New Year, and welcome to the Jubilee Year 2025, may we be "Pilgrims of Hope." Jesus, Prince of Hope, have mercy on us. Holy Mother of God, Queen of Hope, pray for us. 

We are not perfectly free until we live in pure hope. For when our hope is pure, it no longer trusts in exclusively human and visible means, nor rests in any visible end. He who hopes in God trusts God, Whom he never sees, to bring him to the possession of things that are beyond imagination.

(Thomas Merton, No Man is an Island)

May we live in pure hope and be perfectly free. For "hope does not disappoint because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us" (Romans 5:5).

As we celebrate the Holy Mother of God, we also celebrate the 58th World Day of Peace, with the theme "Forgive us our trespasses, grant us Your peace." Perhaps all of us will agree that we could not only invigorate our hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, we could also, along with our neighbors near and far, better some of the ills we experience day in and day out through forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace. 

I have been immersed in the series The Chosen. I marvel at the actors and actresses, the character development, the noteworthy lines and scenes, and the lessons to learn by the gradual conversion and witness of not only Jesus' immediate followers, but of others, Jew and Gentile alike. I am presently in Season 4. It is in episode 2, "Confessions," that I have seen one of the most powerful portrayals of forgiveness. Without spoiling it for those who haven't tuned in, there are a few lines to share. Jesus asks Matthew two questions that may help us as we seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God and our neighbor, especially a neighbor with whom we live or work: "Have you asked for forgiveness?" and "Who harmed the other first?" We might also remember a few other things Jesus says to Matthew: "You don't apologize to be forgiven. You apologize to repent. Forgiveness is a gift from the other person." And if you just think you can't apologize due to fear, anxiety, lack of courage, shame, embarrassment, or some other reason, remember these words of Jesus to Matthew: "I make people what they aren't. You know that better than most." Jesus will give you the strength and courage to offer a sincere and heartfelt apology to someone you have harmed. And lastly, in the past, in the present, in the future, for all time then, we might remember that "there is no peace when two of My followers hold resentment towards one another." Thank you, Jesus, you give the peace that the world does not give. However, we have our parts to play. This is why our holy father Saint Benedict instructs us: "Let peace be your quest and aim ... If you have a dispute with someone, make peace with him before the sun goes down" (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 17; 4:73). And lead us not into temptation.

Our friends in heaven and on earth encourage us. 

In teaching us to pray the "Our Father," Jesus begins by asking the Father to forgive our trespasses, but passes immediately to the challenging words: "as we forgive those who trespass against us". In order to forgive others their trespasses and to offer them hope, we need for our own lives to be filled with that same hope, the fruit of our experience of God's mercy. Hope overflows in generosity; it is free of calculation, makes no hidden demands, is unconcerned with gain, but aims at one thing alone: to raise up those who have fallen, to heal hearts that are broken and to set us free from every kind of bondage.

(Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the LVIII World Day of Peace, January 1, 2025, paragraph 10)

Seventy-seven times forgiveness acknowledges that I do not see the whole story, that God does not love me more than He loves those with whom I am in conflict. It is absolute surrender and love, and extravagant kind of grace, and undeserved forgiveness that holds out a hand that may be refused.

(Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

It is always tempting to take credit for the gifts and to lay blame elsewhere for our faults. If we do not claim responsibility for the choices that are truly ours, neither can we ask for or seek forgiveness. Too heavy for us, our offenses-to heavy not to allow the Lord to wipe them away.

(Magnificat, Prayer for the Morning, Introduction to Psalm 65, March 9, 2024)

No one heals himself by wounding another.

(Saint Ambrose of Milan, 339-397)

Only the peace of God, which surpasses all pleasures of the senses, can satisfy the aspirations of our soul.

(Venerable Mary Magdalene of Jesus in the Eucharist, C.P., 1888-1960)

Forgiveness often seems impossible, but nothing is impossible for God. The God who lives within us will give us the grace to go beyond our wounded selves and say, "In the Name of God you are forgiven."

(Henri Nouwen, 1932-1996)

If by chance your conscience is burdened by sin, take your rosary and say at least part of it ... [Jesus] will plead for you and will obtain for your contrition and forgiveness of your sins. 

(Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, 1673-1716)

We say that we must seek God, go to Him and ask for forgiveness, but when we go, He is waiting for us. He is first! ... You go [a] sinner but He is waiting to forgive you.

(Pope Francis, Vigil of Pentecost, May 18, 2013)

It is to be hoped that the life of everyone will be a life sustained by passionate love for the Lord Jesus; a life capable of responding to suffering and to thorns with forgiveness and the total gift of self, in order to spread everywhere the good odor of Christ.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, May 20, 2000, to pilgrims on the Centenary of the Canonization of Saint Rita of Cascia, d. 1457)

Breath of life, you who knows us better than we know ourselves, grant that the words we speak serve to praise your name and express your love for creation. Prevent us from speaking in any way that hurts another, but rather let our speech be instructive, uplifting, and always in accordance with your will. We ask this through your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

(Advent and Christmas with Thomas Merton, Liguori, 2002, p. 81)

There are more than a few saints to invoke this month, including "wholly American," Mother Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. ☺ For all the saints ...

SAINT BASIL THE GREAT,

SAINT GREGORY NAZIANZEN,

SAINT MUNCHIN,

SAINT GENEVIEVE,

SAINT KURIAKOSE ELIAS CHAVARA,

BLESSED STEPHANA QUINZANI OP,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINT JOHN NEWMANN,

SAINT RAYMOND OF PENYAFORT,

SAINT ANDRE BESSETTE,

SAINT NATHALAN,

SAINT PETER THOMAS,

SAINT ADRIAN OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT ANDREW CORSINI,

BLESSED ANN OF THE ANGEL MONTEAGUDO OP,

BLESSED GONSALVO OF AMARANTE OP,

BLESSED BERNARD SCAMMACCA OP,

SAINT AELRED OF RIEVAULX,

SAINT MARGARET BOURGEOYS,

SAINT BENE (BENEDICT) BISCOP,

SAINT HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT KENTIGERN OR MUNGO,

BLESSED PETER DONDERS,

SAINT ITA,

SAINT REMIGIUS, REMY OR REMI,

SAINT FURSA OR FURSEY,

SAINT JOSEPH VAZ,

SAINT ANTONY, ABBOT,

OUR LADY OF ARABIA,

SAINT MARGARET OF HUNGARY OP,

SAINT WULSTAN,

SAINT NINO (HOLY CHILD),

SAINT FAOLAN,

SAINT HENRY OF UPPSALA,

THE JESUIT MARTYRS OF THE REFORMATION OF EUROPE,

BLESSED ANDREW OF PESCHIERA OP,

POPE SAINT FABIAN,

SAINT SEBASTIAN,

BLESSED CYPRIAN MICHAEL TANSI,

BLESSED ANGELO PAOLI,

SAINT AGNES, VIRGIN, MARTYR,

SAINT VINCENT, DEACON, MARTYR,

SAINT PUBLIUS,

BLESSED ANTHONY DELLA CHIESA OP,

SAINT MARIANNE COPE,

BLESSED HENRY SUSO OP,

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT PAUL, APOSTLE,

SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS,

SAINT ANGELA MERICI, VIRGIN,

BLESSED EDWARD OLCORNE,

SAINT HENRY DE OSSO,

BLESSED MARCOLINO OF FORLI OP,

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST, DOCTOR,

BLESSED ARCHANGELA GIRIANI,

BLESSED VILLANA DE BOTTI OP,

SAINT AEDAN OF FERNS

SAINT JOHN BOSCO,

SAINT ALBAN ROE,

SAINT THOMAS GREEN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Mary, Mother of God, most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament 

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 58 The Procedure for Receiving Brothers - Ch 62 The Priests of the Monastery

Glorify the Lord with me.

SACRED HOST, IN WHICH WE PARTAKE OF CHRIST,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND EARTH,

MARY, GATE OF HEAVEN,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love.

(Ephesians 5:2)

Welcome to the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time in the month of August dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, fitting as we are in this Year of Mission spreading the Good News of Eucharistic love after the great Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. And this week is a doozy as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Glorious things are spoken of you, O Mary, who today were exalted above the choirs of Angels into eternal triumph with Christ. 

With the Blessed Mother leading the way, followed by the illustrious saints commemorated this week, how about we make it a week of no more murmuring. It is time to listen to Jesus and stop murmuring among ourselves (see John 6:43). Do not, as Saint Paul tells us, grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption. All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ (Ephesians 30-31). It's a tall task for the week; however, united in faith, love, and prayer, we can do it. What is one way you will go about this task, reaching out to someone who you would prefer just to ignore? Believe, dear faithful readers, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life, Jesus tells us, the living bread that came down from heaven, and whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world (See John 6:47-51). Get up, then, with Elijah, eat and drink and be strengthened for the journey to God (see 1 Kings 19:8). I believe, help my unbelief. 

And now our voices for the week, with a starter from our holy father Saint Benedict who tells us that the concern for anyone entering a monastery is whether the novice truly seeks God. We ask ourselves, then, do I truly seek God, day in and day out, no matter the hardships and difficulties that come my way, those things that will lead us to God? (Rule of Saint Benedict, Ch. 58).

Do not receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament so that you may use Him as you judge best, but give yourself to Him and let Him receive you in this Sacrament, so the He Himself, God your savior, may do to you and through you whatever He wills.

(Saint Cajetan, Priest, 1480-1547)

There is no place for selfishness—and no place for fear! Do not be afraid, then, when love makes demands. Do not be afraid when love requires sacrifice. 

(Pope Saint John Paul II, 1920-2005)

Neither science nor speculation has made, or will ever make, a saint. Better to be an idiot capable of love, because in love he will sanctify himself.

(Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini "Mother Cabrini", 1850-1917)

I would become weak and languid and risk losing myself if I were to occupy myself only with exterior things, however good and holy those may be; or if I were to be without the sleep of prayer ... in the heart of my beloved Jesus. Give me, O Jesus, an abundance of mystical sleep.

(Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini "Mother Cabrini", 1850-1917, from her resolutions-the Prositi)

A heart filled with joy is more easily made perfect than one that is sad.

(Saint Philip Neri, 1515-1595)

Beg Jesus to speak incessantly to your soul. I assure you that His voice will teach you more in a single day than can the schools of learned men in many years ... I assure you that if you begin to be faithful to His voice, little by little you won't be able to withdraw from Him at all.

(Blessed Clelia Merloni, 1861-1930)

I no longer have any time for regular prayer, but from the first moment of the day, I endeavor to unite myself to Jesus Christ, and then I do whatever needs to be done with this union in mind.

(Saint John Vianney, 1786-1859, when asked for advice on mental prayer)

SAINT CLARE,

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

BLESSED ISIDORE BAKANJA,

SAINT MUREDACH,

SAINT ATTRACTA,

SAINT LELIA,

SAINT BLAAN,

SAINT FACHTNA,

BLESSED WILLIAM FREEMAN,

SAINT MAXIMUS,

SAINT ROCK,

BLESSED IMELDA LAMBERTINI,

BLESSED MARIA SAGRARIO OF SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA,

BLESSED ANGELUS MAZZINGHI,

SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL,

POPE SAINT PONTIAN,

SAINT HIPPOLYTUS,

SAINT MAXIMILLAN KOLBE,

SAINT STEPHEN OF HUNGARY,

SAINT HYACINTH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

September is the month dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary

Rule of Saint Benedict Reading for the Week: Ch 4 The Tools for Good Works - Ch 5 Obedience 

Heals all your ills.

MARY, CALMER OF TEMPESTS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time still in the month of September dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Thank you for tuning in after a couple weeks of silence on my part. It goes like this; I took a "vacation." Now this particular vacation was kind of like the vacation I took from regular Mass attendance when I was in my 20s or so. I thought to stop going to Mass to see how it went. In fairly short order, I missed Mass and realized that Mass was not something to take a vacation from. In like manner, with these weekly musings in the form of a blog, I tried to take a vacation. Well, as you can see, it took only two weeks to realize that random musings are not something for me to take a vacation from. And it is all fitting as about six years ago, when I inquired about vacations, I was told quite simply: "Cistercians don't take vacations." There you have it then: We don't take a vacation from Mass and so united in faith and prayer, none of us takes a vacation from the daily ora et labora. As Saint Paul tells us then: None of lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's (Rm 14:7-8). Encouraged, we keep going because "being a light to the nations," as I was told the other day, "takes a lot of energy." And in the words of Saint John Chrysostom, dear "golden-mouth": 

Do not say: it is impossible for me to influence others. If you are a Christian, it is impossible for this not to happen. Things found in nature cannot be denied; so here, for it is a question of the nature of a Christian.

Do not insult God: If you say that the sun cannot shine, you have insulted Him. If you say that a Christian cannot help others, you have insulted God and called Him a liar. It is easier for the sun not to give warmth or shine than for the Christian to not shed his light. It is easier for the light to be darkness than for this to happen.

Do not say that it is impossible. The opposite is impossible. Do not insult God. If we have put our affairs in order, these things will certainly come to be, and will follow as a natural consequence. The light of a Christian cannot escape notice. So bright a lamp cannot be hidden.

(Saint John Chrysostom, from a homily on the Acts of the Apostles, in Office of Readings, Common of Holy Men)

This week how about we focus on forgiveness and reconciliation starting with some of Saint Benedict's Tools for Good Works, namely, "harbor neither hatred or jealousy of anyone, and do nothing out of envy. Do not love quarreling; shun arrogance. Respect the elders and love the young. Pray for your enemies out of love for Christ. If you have a dispute with someone, make peace with him before the sun goes down. And finally, never lose hope in God's mercy" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:65-74). And we have plenty of voices to encourage us, starting with one we heard a few weeks ago.

Seventy-seven times forgiveness acknowledges that I do not see the whole story, that God does not love me more than He loves those with whom I am in conflict. It is absolute surrender and love, and extravagant kind of grace, and undeserved forgiveness that holds out a hand that may be refused.

(Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

There are many ways of excusing sins. One will say: "I didn't do it." Another: "I did it, but I was perfectly right in doing it." If it was wrong, he may say: "It isn't all that bad." If it was decidedly harmful, he can fall back on: "I meant well." If the bad intention is too evident, he will take refuge in the excuses of Adam and Eve and say someone else led him into it.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Steps of Pride and Humility, XVII, 45)

It is only by God's grace that we find the strength to put aside what we are due in justice and charity in order to turn towards others who have deeply hurt us with mercy ... Forgiveness must be unconditionally and freely given as Christ has given it to us ...

The question we are faced with each day as we experience the pain and sin of others, on top of the reality of our own sinfulness and weaknesses, is how do we want to live? Do we want to allow the rejections we endure at the hands of others-especially those closest to us-to stifle our willingness and ability to love others? Do we want to cling to bitter resentment, which turns us into shells of people? Do we want to join in Lucifer's non serviam because we don't want to be crucified on the Cross of forgiveness?

(Constance T. Hull, "The Supernatural Power of Forgiveness," in Catholic Exchange, September 7, 2023)

With Mrs. Hull's words, then, we might ponder something Major Pettigrew thought to himself:

No one really contemplates death when making life decisions, thought the Major. If they did, what different choices might they make?

(Major Pettigrew in Helen Simonson, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel, Random House, 2011)

And of something Saint Benedict tells us:

Day by day remind yourself that you are going to die.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:47)

And furthermore,

No one heals himself by wounding another.

(Saint Ambrose, 339-397)

An insult is either sustained or destroyed, not by the disposition of those who insult, but in the disposition of those who bear it.

(Saint John Chrysostom, 347-407)

Pardon one another so that later on you will not remember the injury. The recollection of an injury is in itself wrong. It adds to our anger, nurtures our sin and hates what is good. It is a rusty arrow and poison for the soul. It puts all virtue to flight.

(Saint Francis de Paola, 1416-1507)

Forgiveness often seems impossible, but nothing is impossible for God. The God who lives within us will give us the grace to go beyond our wounded selves and say, "In the Name of God you are forgiven."

(Henri Nouwen, 1932-1996)

And this prayer from the son of Saint Monica, Doctor of the Church Saint Augustine, bears another showing:

Grant that I may say with confidence: O my God, forgive me as I forgive others. Grant that I may pray to you with a peaceful heart for those who have hurt me, teach me to conquer myself and to check the impulse which would lead me to take revenge.

(Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430)

We have quite a few saints to intercede for us this week, plus a few of my favorites thrown into the mix ... For all the saints ... Please, help us to lift high the cross and forgive those who trespass against us. 

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE,

SAINT HILDEGARD OF BINGEN,

SAINT ALBERT OF JERUSALEM,

SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO,

SAINT MARY OF CAMPOROSSO,

SAINT EMILY DE RODAT,

SAINT EDITH KEMSING,

SAINT STANSILAW KOSTKA,

SAINT JANUARIUS,

SAINT THEODORE OF TARSUS,

SAINT ANDREW KIM TAEGON, PAUL CHONG HASANG, AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST,

SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGEND,

SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA,

SAINT PIO OF PETRELCINA,

SAINT ADOMNAM OF IONA,

SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one helps to heal all that ills. So surpassing is His kindness toward those who fear Him.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord

3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 

In other years: Saint Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373); Saints Philip Evans and John Lloyd (-1679); Our Lady, Mother of Divine Grace

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 43 Mistakes in the Oratory - Ch 48 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass:  Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Resp Ps 86; Rm 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43

You alone are God.

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, WITHOUT WHICH THERE IS NO FORGIVENESS,

SAVE US.

Those who are just must be kind;

and you gave your children good ground for hope that you would permit repentance for their sins.

(Wisdom 12:19)

Welcome to the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time in the month of July dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord, and the 3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. We remember especially today, then, our grandparents, living and deceased, and all the elderly. We remember them with love, respect, and gratitude while recalling something Saint Benedict teaches us, namely, that the young must respect their seniors, and the seniors must love their juniors (Rule of Saint Benedict, 63:10). Saint Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Grandparents of Our Lord Jesus Christ, pray for us. 

With something more from Saint Benedict, we prayed Psalm 50 [51] at Lauds this morning, just as our holy father Benedict prescribes in Chapter 12 of the Holy Rule. It is in the chapter on the Celebration of the Solemnity of Lauds that Saint Benedict prescribes Psalm 50 after Psalm 66 (see RB 12:1-2). With the words from the Book of Wisdom above, we pray: A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit. Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my guilt. Do not drive me away from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit. Restore my joy in our salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit (Ps 50:11-14). Dear Jesus, we place our hope in you alone (see RB 4:41). Have mercy on us and renew our hope. Whoever has ears ought to hear (Mt. 13:43).

United in faith and prayer, we take to heart what Saint Paul assures us with today. When you think you do not know how to pray, remember that we do not know how to pray as we ought. Not to worry though, as the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because He intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will (see Romans 8:26-27). Come, Holy Spirit, come. Your will. O Lord, not mine, be done. 

And now for what has become my favorite section, that is, voices for the week. 

Though tested and plagued by a host of misfortunes, I have no fear so long as your grace is with me. It is my strength, stronger than any adversary; it helps me and gives me guides.

(Thomas a Kempis, 1380-1471, The Imitation of Christ)

We know not, and we shall not ask before the time, where our earthly way will lead us. We know only this, that to those who love the Lord, all things will work together to the good, and further, that the ways by which our Savior leads us point beyond this earth.

(Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, 1891-1942)

The attempt to develop a sense of humor and to see things in a humorous light is some kind of trick learned while mastering the art of living.

(Victor E. Frankl, 1905-1997, Man's Search for Meaning)

Compassion never stands at arm’s length.

(Magnificat, July 2023, Introduction to Psalm 13, p. 102)

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

(Saint Padre Pio, 1887-1968)

The unknown is where all outcomes are possible; enter it with grace.

(Anonymous, Yogi tea bag tag)

Smiling is the most basic kind of peace work.

(Anonymous, Yogi tea bag tag)

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN,

SAINTS PHILIP EVANS AND JOHN LLOYD,

SAINT CHARBEL MAKHLOUF,

SAINT DECLAN,

SAINT JOHN BOSTE,

BLESSED ROBERT LUDLAM AND NICHOLAS GARICK,

BLESSED JOHN SORETH,

BLESSED MARIA MERCEDES PRAT,

SAINT JAMES,

SAINT TITUS BRANDSMA,

BLESSED ROBERT SUTTON,

BLESSED RUDOLPH ACQUAVIVA AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT PANTELEON,

POPE SAINT VICTOR,

SAINT SAMPSON,

SAINT ALPHONSA MUTTATHUPADATHU,

SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Angel trumpet brought to you by Esther in the Hoosier State. Glorify your name.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

June is the month of the Sacred Heart 

In other years: Saint Clotilde (575-545)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch  7:49-54 Humility

Mass: Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9; Resp Ps (Dn 3); 2 Cor 13:11-13; Jn 3:16-18

Glory and praise forever. 

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

MARY, MOTHER OF THE EUCHARIST,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HOLY TRINITY, ONE GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF JESUS, IN WHOM DWELLS ALL THE FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Let all the monks rise from their seats in honor and reverence for the Holy Trinity.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 9:7)

Rise from your seats, dear faithful readers, and sign yourself big, with intention and reverence. Trace the sign of the cross: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Remind yourself how much God loves you; He "so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life"! (Jn 3:16). I believe, help my unbelief. Alleluia. God gave His life for you, all of us, so, as the Holy Father told the thousands of faithful gathered in Saint Peter's Square at today's Angelus address, "we repeat to ourselves that His love envelops us completely, from top to bottom, from left to right, like an embrace that never abandons us." The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with you all (2 Cor 13:13). Amen.

And now with a warm welcome to the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity and the glorious month of June devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To start things off (after the not so brief introduction ☺) we hear from Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852): "If you have no earthly consolation, why do you not seek consolation in the heart of Jesus? To love Him is truest joy." Amen to that. Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, have mercy on us. And not without a couple of fun facts about the Sacred Heart, did you know that in 1856, Pope Pius IX established the Feast of the Sacred Heart for the universal church (celebrated June 16 this year)? And in his 1899 encyclical Annun Sacrum, Pope Leo XIII ordained that the "principal Church in every town and village" should be consecrated to the Sacred Heart (14). Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven, have mercy on us. All of these things are enough to keep anyone busy for a week ☺O the beauty of our faith tradition. However, if you do not have enough to keep you busy this week, amidst your various, daily responsibilities, remember to "rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Cor 13:11). United in faith and prayer, we go forth.

And now our voices for the week, a word from here and there. 

Every day we are called to be salt for the world, bringing the flavor of [Jesus'] love to a culture bland from disillusionment. Spending my daily life on plans that are merely focused on myself is putting a bushel basket over what Jesus wants others to see and witness: His love radiating uniquely through you.

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

Love everyone with a deep love based on charity ... but form friendships only with those who can share virtuous things with you. The higher the virtues you share and exchange with others, the more perfect your friendship will be.

(Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, 1567-1622)

Seventy-seven times forgiveness acknowledges that I do not see the whole story, that God does not love me more than He loves those with whom I am in conflict. It is absolute surrender and love, and extravagant kind of grace, and undeserved forgiveness that holds out a hand that may be refused.

(Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits ... your only limit is your soul.

(Auguste Gusteau, in Ratatouille, 2007)

Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, 1920-2005)

I should be distressed that I drop off to sleep during my prayers and during my thanksgiving after Holy Communion. But I don't feel at all distressed. I know that children are just as dear to their parents whether they are asleep or awake and I know that doctors put their patients to sleep before they operate. So I just think that God 'knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust'.

(The Story of a Soul: Autobiography of St Therese of Lisieux, Ch.8)

Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry.

(Saint Pio of Pietrelcino, Padre Pio, 1887-1968)

SAINT JOHN EUDES,

SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY,

SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE,

SAINT CLOTILDE,

SAINT BONIFACE, APOSTLE OF GERMANY,

SAINT NORBERT,

SAINT EPHREM THE DEACON,

SAINT MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT,

SAINT JARLATH,

SAINT COLMAN OF DROMORE,

SAINT ROBERT OF NEWMINSTER,

BLESSED ANNE OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW,

SAINT JAMES BERTHIEU,

SAINT WILLIAM OF YORK,

SAINT COLUMBA,

SAINT JOSE DE ANCHIETA,

BLESSED EDWARD POPPE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This photo was taken for one of our artist sisters to draw. It is these spurs of the moment type shots that turn out the best. I was standing on a chair for this one. ☺ Praiseworthy and glorious above all forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

The Ascension of the Lord

May is the Month of Mary, Dedicated to the Devotion of the Blessed Mother

In other years: Saint Christopher Magallanes and his Companions (20th century); Saint Eugene de Mazenod (1782-1861)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:44-62 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Acts 1:1-11; Resp Ps 47; Eph 1:17-23; Mt 28:16-20

Sing praise to God, sing praise.

MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND EARTH,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, 

that you may know what is the hope that belongs to His call.

(Eph 1:18)

Welcome to the Ascension of the Lord. With all sorts of thoughts going through my mind this busy Sunday morning, I stick with a simple message I sent to a dear niece. Even though Jesus ascended, He will send the Holy Spirit and renew the face of the earth. Thanks be to God. 

Not done yet, as there follows all sorts of this and that ☺, here is something Pope Benedict XVI said about the Ascension. "The Lord draws the gaze of the Apostles - and our gaze - toward heaven to show how to travel the road of good during earthly life." And there are many ways to travel the road of good as expressed by Saint Benedict in Chapter 4 of the Holy Rule, The Tools for Good Works. And it happens that we have the privilege of being immersed in that chapter this week. As far as hope is concerned, then, "place your hope in God alone" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:41). And as Mother Julian of Norwich (1343-after 1416) said, "all will be well, and all will be well, and every kind of thing will be well." And it so happens that this year marks the 650th anniversary of Mother Julian's Revelations of the Passion of Christ. Pope Francis sent a message last week to all pilgrims gathered to mark the anniversary in the English city of Norwich.

All voices for this week come from George Cardinal Pell (1941-2023) and the first volume of his Prison Journal: The Cardinal Makes His Appeal (Ignatius, 2020). With this read, I am meeting a remarkable man of faith. The title of a recent article about him states it clearly: "Cardinal Pell Showed Us What Interior Freedom Really Looks Like," (Maryella Hierholzer, National Catholic Register, May 15, 2023). The late Cardinal is certainly showing me something about interior freedom, forgiveness, and taking pleasures in small things, among other things. At the same time, I am busy asking him to help me. And he delivers. The book is full of worthwhile passages to quote; Cardinal Pell has many things to teach the faithful, and not so faithful. For example, "I believe that one of the keys to surviving in prison, and especially in a solitary regime, is to concentrate on doing what one can rather than lamenting what one cannot do" (p. 95). Very good advice, wherever one finds herself. At the end of each journal entry, Cardinal Pell has a prayer, his own, another, or one that someone has sent him. Or he might end an entry with a stanza of poem or hymn. In any case, my book is full of page markers. So it may be that we hear from him again. 

Since we commemorate Our Lady, Help of Christians, this coming Wednesday, let's begin with a hymn addressed to her, "Help of Christians, Guard This Land," one that the Cardinal wrote is especially apt for Australia today. It is apt for any country though. 

Help of Christians, guard this land

From assault or inward stain;

Let it be what Christ has planned, 

A new Eden where you reign ...

Take from us the coward heart,

Fleeting will, divided mind,

Give us sight to play our part,

Though the world around is blind.

(p. 98)

Now with some prayers for the week, all from the Cardinal.

God our Loving Father, help me to keep hatred out of my heart.

Not only should I speak the truth in love, but I should think the truth in love.

(p. 30)

God our Father, I will always trust in you. Whatever, wherever I am, I know I can never be thrown away. Whether I am sick or perplexed or in sorrow, I may still serve you, and these difficulties may be necessary causes to some great end, which is quite beyond me.

You do nothing in vain, and you know what you are about. Amen.

(p. 150)

God our Father, help us always to be people of Christian hope even when, humanly speaking, the situation seems hopeless. May we always believe in the Resurrection as well as the crucifixion and be sustained by the promise of eternal life with you, Your Son, and the life-giving Spirit.

(p. 109)

God our Father, I pray for all my fellow prisoners, especially those who have written me. Help them to see their true selves; indeed, help me, too, to do this better for myself. Bring all of them some peace of mind, especially those who most certainly do not possess it.

(p. 26)

For everything I have received in a happy, full life and for all I am about to receive, 

my I be truly grateful.

(p. 322)

Loving God, you are our strength. Support us in our weakness, give us insight and wisdom, peace of heart and patience. Take us under you care, give us your love so that we will have the strength to embrace our weakness and confront our challenges.

We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord.

(p. 330)

There are plenty of saints to invoke this week too.

SAINT CHRISTOPHER MAGALLANES AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT EUGENE DE MAZENOD,

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA,

SAINT JOACHINA DE VEDRUNA DE MAS,

OUR LADY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

BLESSED LOUIS-ZEPHERIN MOREAU,

SAINT ALDHELM,

SAINT DOMINIC,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

SAINT MARY MAGDALENE DE PAZZI,

SAINT BEDE THE VENERABLE,

SAINT PHILIP NERI,

SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY,

BLESSED ANDREW FRANCHI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I took this photo last Monday. When I saw the early morning sunlight on this glorious bush, I thought of the coming of the Holy Spirit. All week I looked for another photo to use; this one kept coming back. The first glance is most often the best. "The Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen Him going into heaven" (Acts 1:11). Veni Sancte Spiritus. 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint John of Egypt (304-394); Saint Rupert, Bishop of Salzburg (d.c.710)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 47 Announcing the Hours for the Work of God

Mass: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Resp Ps 23; Jn 8:1-11  

All the days of my life.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF WORKERS,

PRAY FOR US.

They suppressed their consciences; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments.

(Dn 13:9)

Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.

(Jn 8:7)

Welcome to Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Holy Week is coming soon. I love the first reading from the Book of Daniel. Read it out loud - it is packed! I am busy today passing along voices from here and there, all related. As I have said before, O the beauty and gift of our tradition of faith. United in faith and prayer, we march on. Keep going! Pray to your patron saint today.

Being incapable of acknowledging guilt is the most dangerous form of spiritually arrested development one can imagine because this in particular makes people incapable of improvement.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

Our high priest is Christ Jesus, our sacrifice is His precious body which He immolated on the altar of the cross for the salvation of all people ...

All who have embarked on true contrition and penance for sins they have committed, and are firmly resolved not to commit sins again for the future but to persevere constantly in that pursuit of virtues which they have now begun, all these become sharers in this holy and eternal sacrifice.

(From a commentary on the psalms by Saint John Fisher, bishop and martyr, in Office of Readings, Monday, Fifth Week of Lent)

Go, and from now on do not sin any more.

(Jn 8:11)

SAINT JOHN OF EGYPT,

SAINT RUPERT,

SAINT MARIA ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is the bud you saw last Thursday. My cup overflows.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint Matilde of Ringelheim, Queen (892-968); Saint Placido Riccardi, Monk of Saint Paul of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (1844-1915) 

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Dn 3:25, 34-43; Resp Ps 25; Mt 19:21-35  

Good and upright is the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JOSEPH, PATRON OF THE DYING,

PRAY FOR US.

And now we follow you with our whole heart, we fear you and we pray to you. Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and mercy. Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord,

(Dn 3:41-43)

May we moved with compassion like the master in the gospel who let his servant go and forgave him the loan (see Mt 18:27). How many times are we to forgive one another? Not seven times but seventy-seven times, says the Lord (see Mt 18:22). Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

Pray for your enemies out of love for Christ. If you have dispute with someone, make peace with him before the sun goes down.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:72-73)

No one heals himself by wounding another.

(Saint Ambrose)

A man who is well disposed toward and loves those who revile and abuse him and cause him harm, and who prays for them, in short time attains to great achievement.

(Saint Simeon the New Theologian)

SAINT MATILDE OF RINGELHEIM,

SAINT PLACIDO RICCARDI,

SAINT BENEDICT,

SAINT SIMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is on the other side of the window in our church. Your compassion and your kindness are from of old.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Saturday of the Second Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint Aengus (-824); Saint Constantine (6th century); Saint Aurea (11th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 33 Monks and Private Ownership

Mass: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Resp Ps 103; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

He heals all your ills.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JOSEPH MOST STRONG, 

PRAY FOR US.

Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of His inheritance;

Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency, 

And again will have compassion on us, treading underfoot our guilt?

(Micah 7:18-19)

May we rid ourselves of anger and rather delight in clemency, and have compassion on others. We just might find ourselves in a predicament of one kind or another someday. May we have sincere remorse and the humility to reconcile. 

Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you ...

While he was still a long way off, the son's father caught sight of his son, and was filled with compassion.

(Lk 15:20-21)

Groggy and in haste, I wasn't paying attention. I got a bit ahead of myself in the Office of Readings with the following quotation. On the other hand, it never hurts to hear from Saint Augustine, and, as he says, we are in training. Now.

Our thoughts in this present life should turn on the praise of God, because it is in praising God that we shall rejoice for ever in the life to come; and no one can be ready for the next life unless he trains himself for it now. So we praise God during our earthly life, and at the same time make petitions to Him. Our praise is expressed with joy, our petitions with yearning ...

But see that your praise comes from  your whole being; in other words, see that you praise God not with your lips and voices alone, but with your minds, your lives and all your actions.

(From a discourse on the psalms by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, Fifth Week of Easter, Saturday)

SAINT AENGUS,

SAINT CONSTANTINE,

SAINT AUREA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This was taken in July 2019. These colorful beauties should bring joy and gladness to any heart. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

© Gertrude Feick 2023