August 2025

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

August is the month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Sing with joy to God our help.

HEART OF MARY, BLESSED AMONG ALL HEARTS,

HEART OF MARY, SEAT OF MERCY,

OUR LADY, QUEEN AND MOTHER,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Hope finds its supreme witness in the Mother of God. In the Blessed Virgin, we see that hope is not naive optimism, but a gift of grace beyond the realities of life.

(Spes non confundit, Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, 24)

Dear faithful readers, welcome to the month of August, the month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Inspired by Mary, I thought it was a good day to pay special attention to Our Lady, in this very special month dedicated to her ever-loving heart. A heart so BIG, it occurred to me, that it has room for all of us. That is one BIG heart. 💓 So this month, each and every day, listen to Cistercian Father Adam of Perseigne (1145-1221), who wrote, "If you stand in need of mercy, it is found in the full measure in the heart of the Virgin" (Letter III). Go to Mary then, when you find yourself troubled, anxious, worried, or needing a dose of tender loving care. At the same time, however, Mary is ever ready to sing with you, as you sing the praise of her beloved Son for the many gifts He has bestowed upon you. With Mary, let your soul magnify the Lord! And if this is not enough, how about this from Saint Rafael Arnaiz Baron (1911-1938).

Surely we'd go mad if we truly loved Mary. By honoring the Virgin, we will love Jesus more. By placing ourselves under her mantle, we will understand divine mercy better. When we invoke Her name, it's as if everything becomes lighter. When we turn to Her as our intercessor, what will we not receive from her Son, Jesus?

In addition to dear Mary, we also have a heavy hitter list (that seems to grow day by day☺) of saints to invoke this month, beginning today with a great Doctor of the Church, patron saint of confessors and moralists, Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1698-1787). Speaking of Doctors of the Church, did you hear the good news that Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890) will be declared a Doctor of the Church by the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV? It was the Holy Father's predecessor in name, Pope Leo XIII, who made John Henry Newman a Cardinal in 1879. 

August is also loaded with feasts to celebrate such as the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (August 5), the Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6), the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15, the patronal feast of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance), the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 22), and the Passion of Saint John the Baptist (August 29).

As I've gone on for some time now, we close with a few voices, that too, may grow as the month progresses. Keep the faith. Keep going. We are united in faith and love. That's ALL of us who fit together into the BIG heart of Mary Immaculate. No pushing and shoving allowed; there is room for everybody! The first one is a favorite.

My mother [Mary] is very strange; if I bring her flowers she does not want them; if I bring her cherries she will not take them, and if I then ask what she desires, she replies, "I desire thy heart, for I live in hearts."

(Saint Joseph of Cupertino, 1603-1663)

The spiritual beauty of God is reflected in the most holy Virgin Mother of God.

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2502)

All for God and all through Mary!

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz Baron, 1911-1938)

Be humble. Trust always and a great deal in divine Providence; never, never must you let yourselves be discouraged, despite contrary winds. I say it again: trust in God and Mary Immaculate; be faithful and forge ahead.

(Saint Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, 1865-1942)

The golden urn is blessed Mary,

golden by reason of the excellence of her life,

golden through her integrity and purity,

golden through the fullness of grace.

(Amadeus of Lausanne, 1110-1159)

And for all Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year:

Mary is the reason for all my hope.

(Poster in the cell of Padre Pio, 1887-1968)

I feel that my mission is being a mother ... I wish to encompass in my soul the love from all of heaven and earth, the immense and maternal love of Mary.

(Blessed Concepcion Cabrera de Armida, 1862-1937)

And just in case you thought that Mary wasn't human, let Mother Teresa bring you back to earth.

What did Mary do, after she heard that she was to bear the Savior? Did she stay and meditate on the great mystery? No, when she heard that her elderly cousin Elizabeth was also with child, she immediately got up to go on a long journey - a very long journey to help her. To wash the pots and pans and whatever needed to be done.

(Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

SAINT ALPHONSUS LIGUORI,

SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI,

SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD,

OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS,

SAINT GERMANUS OF AUXERRE,

SAINT OSWALD,

SAINT AETHELWOLD,

SAINT JOHN VIANNEY, CURE OF ARS,

POPE SAINT SIXTUS II AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT CAJETAN,

OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS,

SAINT EMYGDIUS,

BLESSED FREDERIC JANSSOONE.

SAINT NICHOLAS POSTGATE,

SAINT ALBERT OF TRAPANI,

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSS,

SAINT LAURENCE,

BLESSED ISIDORE BAKANJA,

SAINT MUREDACH,

SAINT ATTRACTA,

SAINT LELIA,

SAINT BLAAN,

SAINT DOMINIC,

SAINT TERESA BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH,

SAINT CLARE OF ASSISI,

SAINT FRANCES DE CHANTAL,

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES,

BLESSED ISIDORE BAKANJA,

SAINT MUREDACH,

SAINT ATTRACTA,

SAINT LELIA,

SAINT BLAAN,

SAINT PONTIAN AND HIPPOLYTUS,

SAINT FACHTNA OR FACHANAN OF ROSS,

BLESSED WILLIAM FREEMAN,

BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY,

SAINT MAXIMUS THE CONFESSOR,

SAINT MAXIMILLAN KOLBE,

SAINT STEPHEN OF HUNGARY,

SAINT ROCH,

BLESSED ANGELUS MAZZINGHI,

BLESSED VICTORIA RASOAMANARIVO,

SAINT HELENA,

SAINT ALBERTO HURTADO CRUCHAGA,

BLESSEDS JOHN-BAPTIST DUVERNEUIL, MICHAEL-ALOYSIUS BRULARD AND JAMES GAGNOT,

SAINT EZEKIEL MORENO,

SAINT OSWIN

SAINT JOHN EUDES,

SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX,

POPE SAINT PIUS X,

SAINT JOHN KEMBLE,

SAINT ROSE OF LIMA,

SAINT EUGENE,

SAINT JOHN WALL,

SAINT LOUIS OF FRANCE,

SAINT JOSEPH CALASANZ,

SAINT MARY OF JESUS CRUCIFIED BAOUARDY,

BLESSED DOMINIC BARBERI,

SAINT DAVID LEWIS,

OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA,

SAINT CAESARIUS OF ARLES,

BLESSED JOSEPH RETOURET,

SAINT TERESA OF JESUS' TRANSVERBERATION,

SAINT JEANNE ELIZABETH DES BICHIER DES ANGES,

SAINT MONICA,

SAINT AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

BEATRICE OF NAZARETH,

SAINT MARGARET CLITHEROW,

SAINT ANNE LINE,

SAINT MARGARET WARD,

BLESSED GHEBRE MICHAEL,

SAINT FIACRE,

SAINT JEANNE JUGAN, AKA SISTER MARY OF THE CROSS,

SAINT EDMUND ARROWSMITH,

SAINT AIDAN,

PRAY FOR US.

This month's photo: Thank you to Jean, who not only loves sunflowers, grows a variety of them in her garden. 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Eastertide 2025

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

April is the month dedicated to the Divine Mercy

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

By the Lord has this been done.

MARY, MOTHER OF HOPE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

DIVINE MERCY, SOURCE OF MIRACLES AND WONDERS,

I TRUST IN YOU.

HEART OF JESUS, IN WHOSE FULLNESS WE HAVE ALL RECEIVED,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Papa Francesco, 

Requiescat in Pace.

We pray for all the Cardinals who gather to elect the Holy Father's successor. At the same time, we pray for all the faithful. We have our part to play too. May the Holy Spirit guide and direct us. 

Our prayers continue as we pray for our Holy Father,

Pope Leo XIV. 

Auguri Papa Leone XIV.

Lord, God, keep Pope Leo XIV close to Your Sacred Heart. 

Guide him in truth, strengthen him in grace, 

and let his every step draw the Church nearer to you.

Amen.

He is risen. Alleluia! Sing praise; sing praise. 🎶 We welcome all the newly baptized and confirmed. Benvenuti a tutti! Together, may we grow in faith, joy, and happiness.

HAPPY EASTER!

BUON PASQUA!

FROHE OSTERN!

JOYEUSES PAQUES!

FELIZ PASCUA!

We welcome too the Easter morning birds, busy as they "fly beneath the dome of the sky," and sing praise from this tree and that one. God looks at it all and finds it very good. As Pilgrims of Hope, we hear from Cardinal Basil Hume, from an Easter Sunday Morning Television Program, 1986.

Easter is so much more than a welcome spring holiday. It has its own special meaning and importance. It offers us real hope. It is the key that unlocks the secrets of life. It reveals the immensity of God's love and the future He has planned for each of us ... Easter gives us an idea of what our life is for. Through Easter we see how the love of God shines through darkness and discouragement and death. We now have sure hope that there is meaning and a purpose in all that happens to us, and a future beyond our wildest dreams.

Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! 

Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors! That the King of glory may come in.

(Psalm 24)

Life is not a waiting room leading to the void but the beginning of eternity ...

God does not live in a distance castle, nor does He hide Himself behind impenetrable anterooms. The door is open; it is called Jesus Christ. The celebration of Easter is intended to show us the radiant light that streams from this door.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

Throw open the door of your heart ... let the radiant light that streams from the King of Glory enter. And check out the long list of saints to intercede for us during this blessed Eastertide. Woo-hoo.

SAINT MARCELLINUS, VINCENT AND DOMNINUS,

SAINT BEUNO,

SAINT AGNES OF MONTEPULCIANO, OP,

SAINT ANSELM OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT MAELRUBHA,

SAINT CAIUS AND SOTER,

SAINT GEORGE,

SAINT ADALBERT OF PRAGUE,

BLESSED TERESA MARIA OF THE CROSS,

SAINT FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN,

SAINT ERKENWALD,

SAINT EGBERT,

SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST,

BLESSED ROBERT ANDERTON AND WILLIAM MARDSEN,

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL,

SAINT ASICUS,

SAINT MAUGHOLD,

BLESSED HOSANNA OF KOTOR, OP,

SAINT PETER CHANEL,

SAINT LOUIS GRIGNION DE MONTFORT,

BLESSED MARIA GUGGLIARI ECHEVERRIA,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA, VIRGIN, DOCTOR,

POPE SAINT PIUS V,

SAINT MARIE OF THE INCARNATION,

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF AFRICA,

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER,

SAINT ATHANASIUS, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES,

SAINT HILARY OF ARLES,

THE ENGLISH MARTYRS,

BLESSED MARIE-LEONIE PARADIS,

SAINT CONLETH,

SAINT BRIGID,

THE BEATIFIED MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES,

SAINT JOSE MARIA RUBIO,

BLESSED ANGEL PRAT HOSTENCH AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED EMILY BICCHIERI,

SAINT ASAPH,

BLESSED EDMUND RICE,

SAINT RICHARD REYNOLDS,

SAINT ANGELUS,

SAINT FRANCOIS DE LAVAL,

SAINT EVODIUS,

BLESSED CHRISTIAN DE CHERGE AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT PETER OF TARENTAISE,

SAINT JOHN OF BEVERLEY,

SAINT ROSE VENERINI, 

BLESSED ALBERT OF BERGAMO, OP,

BLESSED CATHERINE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE,

BLESSED JOHN SULLIVAN,

BLESSED ALOYSIUS RABATA,

SAINT GEORGE PRECA,

SAINT PACHOMIUS,

SAINT LOUISE DE MARILLAC,

SAINT DAMIAN OF MOLOKAI,

SAINT JOHN OF AVILA,

SAINT COMGALL,

SAINT ANTONIUS OF FLORENCE, OP,

THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS,

SAINT EPIPHANIUS OF SALAMIS,

SAINTS NEREUS AND ACHILLEUS,

SAINT PANCRAS, MARTYR,

BLESSED JANE OF PORTUGAL, OP,

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,

SAINT SIMON STOCK,

SAINT JOHN STONE,

POPE SAINT JOHN I,

SAINT ERIK OF SWEDEN,

SAINT DUNSTAN,

SAINT MILBURGA,

SAINT IVO OR YVES,

SAINT RAPHAEL LOUIS RAFIRINGA,

SAINT FRANCIS COLL GUITART, OP,

SAINT BERNARDINE OF SIENA,

BLESSED COLUMBA OF RIETI, OP,

POPE SAINT CELESTINE V,

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA,

SAINT JOACHINA DE VEDRUNA DE MAS,

SAINT CHRISTOPHER MAGALLANES AND HIS COMPANIONS

SAINT EUGENE DE MAZENOD,

OUR LADY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

BLESSED LOUIS-ZEPHIRIN MOREAU,

SAINT ALDHELM,

SAINT DOMINIC,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

SAINT MARY MAGDALENE DE PAZZI,

SAINT BEDE THE VENERABLE,

SAINT JANE ANTIDE THOURET,

SAINTS DONATIAN AND ROGATIAN,

SAINT PHILIP NERI,

SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY,

BLESSED ANDREW FRANCHI, OP,

BLESSED MARGARET POLE, COUNTESS OF SALISBURY,

BLESSED MARY BARTHOLOMEW BAGNESI, OP,

BLESSED ARCHBISHOP ANTONI JULIAN NOWOWIEJSKI,

POPE SAINT PAUL VI,

BLESSED JOSEPH GERARD,

BLESSED ELIA OF SAINT CLEMENT,

BLESSED WILLIAM ARNAUD, OP, AND COMMPANIONS, MARTRYS,

SAINT ZDZISLAWA OF LEMBERK, OP,

SAINT LUKE KIRBY,

THE YORKSHIRE MARTYRS,

SAINT JOAN OF ARC,

SAINT WALSTAN,

SAINT JUSTIN, MARTYR,

SAINTS MARCELLINUS AND PETER,

SAINTS POTHINUS AND BLANDINA,

SAINT CHARLES LWANGA AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT KEVIN,

SAINT MAXIMUS,

SAINT ATHANASIUS,

SAINT CLOTILDE,

SAINT OPTATUS,

SAINT BONIFACE, APOSTLE OF GERMANY,

SAINT NORBERT,

SAINT MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT,

SAINT COLMAN OF DROMORE,

SAINT ROBERT OF NEWMINSTER,

BLESSED ANNE OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW,

SAINT MAC NISSI,

SAINT ANTHONY MARY GIANELLI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: With help from a ladder, I managed this one.☺ Sing praise to the Lord for His glorious achievement. 

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Second Week of Advent

December is the month dedicated to Advent and Christmas and the Immaculate Conception 

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 57 The Artisans of the Monastery - Ch 61 The Reception of Visiting Monks

Justice shall look down from heaven.

MARY, CONCEIVED WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIN,

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; 

for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

(Isaiah 40:5)

Welcome to the Second Sunday of Advent. The Sunday when we hear a messenger who will prepare the way; a voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths (Mk 1:3). It is time to listen, then, with the ear of your heart (Rule of Saint Benedict Prologue 1). Or as a disciple of Saint Benedict says: "Enter the room of your heart. Put your ear to the door, strain to listen to the tidings God's messenger brings" (Saint Bernard of Clairvaux). Be alert; pay attention. Don't miss a thing, for "there is no room for complacency in Christian life" (Mary Healy). Just what is it that you will do this week to make straight the way of the Lord? We turn to one of my favorites, Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), for help.

Make straight the way of the Lord, fill up the valleys, lower the mountains and hills. They, as well as the ditches and valleys, trouble travelers. Make straight the paths. Those that twist and turn fatigue the pilgrim greatly. Our life too contains many hills, valleys and tortuous ways which can be put right only by penitence. Penitence fills up the valleys, lays low the mountains, makes straight and smooths the ways. Do penance ... lower those mountains of pride, fill up those valleys, those ditches of lukewarmness and tepidity. The valleys ... which are none other than fear which, when it is excessive leads to discouragement. Fill up the valleys; that is, fill your hearts with confidence and hope because salvation is near at hand.

Jesus, please give us the grace we need this week to further prepare for Your coming. May we be found worthy to enter Your kingdom. United in faith and prayer, we go forth. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come. 

Here a voice, there a voice, everywhere a voice, voice ...

Time slows,

waiting with the text,

waiting for the Word to come,

Waiting with my heart

Wide open

For Him to write

His pages there.

(David Hodges)

The Incarnation is the most stupendous event which can ever take place on earth; and after it and henceforth, I do not see how we can scruple at any miracle on the mere ground of its being unlikely to happen.

(Saint John Henry Newman, 1801-1890)

In putting his signature, in faith, to the mysterium of the Incarnate Son of God, a person is enabled to be a helper of his fellow men, to bring happiness to children, families, and the oppressed. Faith in the Incarnation promotes the salvation of mankind and the implementation of human rights.

(Theodor Schnitzler, 1910-1982)

God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.

(James M. Barrie, 1860-1937, author of Peter Pan)

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.

(Thomas Merton, 1915-1968)

Put aside hatred and hostility. See to it that you refrain from harsh words.

(Saint Francis of Paola, 1416-1507)

The golden urn is blessed Mary,

golden by reason of the excellence of her life,

golden through her integrity and purity,

golden through the fullness of grace.

(Amadeus of Lausanne, 1110-1159)

Salve Regina! Immaculate Virgin,

Hear me implore; and thy pity bestow;

Wild waves of trouble around me are surging,

Light with thy smile the deep night of my woe.

Queen of the saints! hear my earnest petition,

Mother of Jesus, conceived without sin,

Turn me aside from the road to perdition,

Let me the fold of thy love enter in.

(William A.C. Hosmer, 1814-1877)

OUR LADY OF LORETO,

SAINT MELCHIADES,

SAINT JOHN ROBERTS,

SAINT EDMUND GENNINGS,

SAINT EUSTACE WHITE,

SAINT POLYDORE PLASDEN,

SAINT SWITHIN WELLS,

POPE SAINT DAMASUS I,

SAINT MARIA MARAVILLAS OF JESUS,

SAINT FINIAN OF CLONARD,

SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL,

SAINT LUCY,

SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS,

SAINT VIRGINIA CENTURIONE BRACELLI,

BLESSED MARY OF THE ANGELS,

SAINT ADELAIDE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This shot, taken after some days of considerable rainfall, turns out to be perfect. Glory dwelling in our land.

© Gertrude Feick

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary

In other years: Saint Peter Chrysologus (380-450); Saint Justin de Jacobis (1800-1860)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 48 The Daily Manual Labor - Ch 53 The Reception of Guests 

Mass:  1 Kings 3:5, 7-12; Resp Ps 119; Rm 8:28-30; Mt 13:44-52

For I love your commands.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, RELIEF OF THE BURDENED,

SAVE US.

SACRED HOST, SACRAMENT OF LOVE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF MARY, LIKE UNTO THE HEART OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

All things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.

(Rm 8:28)

Welcome to the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, one in which we leave July 2023, the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord, behind, and enter the month of August, the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Give God the praise. With all these gifts, in addition to Saint Paul's words above to the Romans and to us, it is a wonder why Saint Peter Chrysologus asks us the following questions. Still, we must listen to his "golden speech." "Why then are you so worthless in your own eyes and yet so precious to God? Why render yourself such dishonor when you are honored by Him? Why do you ask how you were created and do not seek to know why you were made? Was not this entire universe made for your dwelling?"* We have the pearl of great price, dear faithful readers, so as Saint Peter Chrysologus encourages us, "God has made you in His image that you might in your person make the invisible Creator present on earth: He has made you His legate, so that the vast empire of the world might have the Lord's representative."* United in faith and prayer, God calls each one of us. We go forth to love and serve Him.

And now a word or two from our voices for the week:

When the fire of love is in a heart, all furniture flies out the window.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

Here is my secret. It's quite simple: One sees clearly only with the heart. 

Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.

(The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

Truly humble people are centers of peace because they fear neither their own failure nor others' success. Let us pray for the wisdom to judge as God judges: to look at our own and others' achievements from God's perspective.

(Magnificat, Commentary on Psalm 75, July 19, 2023)

Fortified with good intention, wherever you are and whatever you do, always keep it in mind: 

God is here!

(Venerable Maria Kaupas, 1880-1940)

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)

Holiness is for everyone in every circumstance in life. We are all called to be saints. And we become saints by loving God and others with our whole being in whatever situation we find ourselves.

(Danielle Bean, "Mothers First: Saint Bridget and Mother Seton Remind Us That We Are All Called to Holiness," in Seton Reflections, July 23, 2023)

Gratitude is not about what is received; it's about how you receive what is already there.

(Anonymous, Yogi tea bag tag)

SAINT PETER CHRYSOLOGUS,

SAINT JUSTIN DE JACOBIS,

BLESSED SOLANUS CASEY,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA,

SAINT ALPHONSUS MARY DE LIGUORI,

SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI,

SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD,

SAINT PETER FABER,

SAINT GERMANUS OF AUXERRE,

SAINT OSWALD,

SAINT AETHELWOLD,

SAINT JOHN MARY VIANNEY,

SAINT MARY MAJOR,

PRAY FOR US.

*From a sermon by Saint Peter Chrysologus, bishop, in Office of Readings, July 30.

Today's photo: More than gold, however fine.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Blessed John Anne (-1589); Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer, Redemptorist (1751-1820); Pope Saint Zachary (679-752); Saint Louis de Marillac, Patron Saint of Social Workers (1591-1660)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 36 The Sick Brothers

Mass: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Resp Ps 147; Mt 5:17-19

Swiftly runs His word.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JOSEPH MOST CHASTE,

PRAY FOR US.

Take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, not let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children's children.

(Dt 4:9)

Welcome to Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent in March the month devoted to Saint Joseph. United in faith and prayer, may we keep the eyes of our mind and the ears of heart open, be on our guard, remember, and pass on the riches of our faith tradition, in word and deed. Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven (Mt 5:19).

If you say, "Show me your God," I will say to you, "Show me what kind of person you are, and I will show you my God." Show me then whether the eyes of your mind can see, and the ears of your heart hear ...

God is seen by those who have the capacity to see Him, provided that they keep the eyes of their mind open.

(From the book addressed to Autolycus by Saint Theophilus of Antioch, bishop, in Office of Readings, Wednesday, Third Week of Lent)

BLESSED JOHN ANNE,

SAINT CLEMENT MARY HOFBAUER,

POPE SAINT ZACHARY,

SAINT LOUISE DE MARILLAC,

PRAY FOR US.

*How are you doing with your patron saint for the liturgical year 2022/2023? Saint Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad, pray for us.

Today's photo: Thompson Creek, around 6:30 p.m. last night. The rain has subsided for now. He sends forth His command to the earth.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Saints: Saint Margaret of Hungary OP (1242-1270); Saint Prisca of Rome, early Christian martyr, Patron Saint of Good Marriages

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17; Resp Ps 110; Mk 3:1-6  

In holy splendor.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Stretch out your hand.

(Mk 3:5)

With today's Gospel in mind, it may be a good day to think about our hearts, and whether or not there is any hardness in them. Jesus, not without anger, rightly, is grieved at hardness of hearts (see Mk 3:5). We pray then, for healing for our own hearts, then openness to others in our hearts of flesh, especially to those who have wandered from the fold for one reason or another, those who are stretching out their hands for love, mercy, forgiveness, and kindness. How might you reach out to others and let them know the beauty of God's love and the warmth of His embrace?

By staying with Jesus, we discover that His pastoral heart always beats for the person who is confused, lost, far away. And ours? How many times do we express our attitude about people who are a bit difficult or with whom we have a bit of difficulty: "But it's their problem, let them work it out ..." But Jesus never said this, never. He Himself always went to meet the marginalized, sinners. He was accused of this - of being with sinners that He might bring God's salvation precisely to them ... 

God suffers for those who leave and, while He mourns over them, He loves them even more. The Lord suffers when we distance ourselves from His heart. He suffers for all who do not know the beauty of His love and the warmth of His embrace. 

(Pope Francis, General Audience, January 18, 2023)

We are honored to commemorate Saint Margaret of Hungary today. Thinking first about the beautiful name of Margaret, and then turning to Margaret of Hungary and another Margaret, Saint Margaret of Scotland, my mind went to the universal call to holiness as presented to us in Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. We are all called to holiness, to be saints, no matter our state in life. A wonderful example of this is in Saint Margaret of Hungary (13th century), daughter of the King of Hungary and his wife, Maria Lascaris, daughter of the emperor of Constantinople. Before their daughter was born, both parents vowed to dedicate their child to God if Hungary would be victorious over the invading Tartars. Their prayers answered, the faithful couple placed their daughter Margaret in a Dominican monastery at the age of four. At about the age of 12, Margaret moved to a new monastery built by her father, the King. There she dedicated her life to Christ, works of mercy, pursuit of peace, and humble service. And then there is Saint Margaret of Scotland (11th century) who was princess, queen, a wife and a mother, who devoted her life to charitable works. May we be inspired by these women, and like them, respond to the universal call to be saints. May they intercede for us to lead us on the path to holiness.

Therefore in the Church, everyone belonging to the heirarchy, or being cared for by it, is called to holiness, according to the saying of the Apostle: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification (1 Th 4:3/Eph 1:4) ... Every person must walk unhesitatingly according to his own personal gifts and duties in the path of living faith, which arouses hope and works through charity.

(Lumen Gentium, 39, 41)

SAINT MARGARET OF HUNGARY,

SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND,

SAINT PRISCA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: One can't get enough of this as far as I'm concerned. From Monday afternoon. Sit at my right hand.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

World Day of Peace

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 1-7

Mass: Numbers 6:22-27; Resp Ps 67; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 

May He let His face shine upon us.

MARY, HOLY MOTHER OF GOD,

JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE MOTHER OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! 

The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.

(Nb 6:24-26)

Happy New Year 2023. Mary, the Holy Mother of God, pray for us. On this first day of the month of January 2023, we dedicate the month to the Holy Name of Jesus. To kick us off on this World Day of Peace, we pray, Jesus, God of Peace, have mercy on us.

In a card received yesterday, a long-time friend (of over 30 years!), thinking about her intentions for 2023, asked about my intentions for next year. She asked, "Do you contemplate and set goals?" This is a good question, and it seems more than appropriate for a cloistered, contemplative nun or monk to ponder. In fact, we, as in all the faithful united in faith and prayer, who in one way or another live lives of contemplation, should follow Mary's lead and keep all these things and reflect on them in our hearts (see Lk 2:19). And since we are beginning our first read through of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict for the year, we are reminded to listen carefully to the master's instructions and attend to them with ear of our hearts (RB Prologue 1). So, what are your intentions for the New Year 2023 beginning today, January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God?

Mary was indeed full of grace

in good measure

pressed down

shaken together

and running over

and for this reason:

that through her

the grace of God might abound in us.

God chose her

in advance

in a unique way

and accorded the grace of being endowed

with a triple grace

the grace of beauty

the grace of favor

and the grace of honor

so that she should be made

 beautiful

gracious

and glorious.

(Baldwin of Forde, 1125-1190) 

Today's photo: A close-up of the magnificent Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God, in our creche. Take note of the Magnificat in front of her, written in Spanish. Proclama mi alma la grandeza del Senor.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Saturday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

First Saturday of the Month

Saint: Pope Saint Gregory the Great, first monk to be elected pope, “Servant of the Servants of God” (540-604)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 14-20

Mass: 1 Cor 4:6b-15; Resp Ps 145; Lk 6:1-5  

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MOURNFUL MOTHER,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month. Mary, comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.

Listen with the ear of your heart; the Lord is calling. "Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days? If you hear this and your answer is 'I do,' God then directs these words to you: If you desire true and eternal life, keep your tongue free from vicious talk and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim" (RB Prologue 15-17). And Our Lord, through Saint Benedict continues: "Once you have done this, my eyes will be upon you and my ears will listen for your prayers; and even before you ask me, I will say to you: Here I am" (RB Prologue 18). And "what, dear sisters, is more delightful than this voice of the Lord calling to us? See how the Lord in His love shows us the way of life" (RB Prologue 19-20). With this good news, we go forth, united in faith and prayer, and speak the praise of the Lord. May all flesh bless His holy name forever (Ps 145). 

Who am I - what kind of watchman am I? I do not stand on the pinnacle of achievement; I languish rather in the depths of my weakness. And yet the creator and redeemer of mankind can give me, unworthy though I be, the grace to see life whole and power to speak effectively of it. It is for love of Him that I do not spare myself in preaching Him.

(A sermon of Saint Gregory the Great, in Office of Readings, September 3)

POPE SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: And holy in all His works.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

First Friday of the Month

Saints: Blessed Andre Grasset (1758-1792); The Protomartyrs of Communism: The Martyrs of September (18th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 8-13

Mass: 1 Cor 4:1-5; Resp Ps 37; Lk 5:33-39

Take delight in the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SORROWFUL MOTHER,

PRAY FOR US.

The Lord will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.

(1 Cor 4:5)

Welcome to the First Friday of the Month. Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity, have mercy on us. Inspired by Saint Benedict, "let us get up then, at long last, for the Scriptures rouse us when they say: It is time for us to arise from sleep. Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out this charge: If you hear His voice today, do not harden your hearts" (RB Prologue 8-10). 

Run while you have the light of life, that the darkness of death may not overtake you.

(RB Prologue 13)

United in faith and prayer, we keep going and sing with the psalmist, trust in the Lord and do good ... take delight in the Lord, and He will grant you your heart's requests. 

BLESSED ANDRE GRASSET,

THE MARTYRS OF SEPTEMBER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: He will grant you your heart's requests.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent

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

Saint: Saint Turibius of Mongrovejo, Bishop (15381606)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 43:13-19 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table

Mass: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Resp Ps 147; Mt 5:17-19

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, O Lord.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Let us pray today for help to keep God's commandments, and the greatest is this: Love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. As the Lord says, "Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:19). We remain united in faith and prayer. 

If you say, "Show me your God," I will say to you, "Show me what kind of person you are, and I will show you my God." Show me then whether the eyes of your mind can see, and the ears of your heart hear ...

Hand yourself over to the doctor, and He will open the eyes of your mind and heart. Who is to be the doctor? It is God, who heals and gives life through His word and wisdom. 

(From the book addressed to Autolycus by Saint Theophilus of Antioch, bishop, in Office of Readings, Third Week of Lent, Wednesday)

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.

(Verse before the Gospel, Mass)

SAINT TURIBIUS OF MONGROVEJO,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: There is plenty of beauty to behold around here. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

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

Saint: Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop, Martyr (1118-1170)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 71 Mutual Obedience

Mass: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Resp Ps 96; Lk 2:22-35

Splendor and majesty go before Him.

THE THOUGHTS OF MANY HEARTS MAY BE REVEALED.

(Lk 2:35)

In today's Gospel, Simeon, a man righteous and devout (Lk 2:25), takes Jesus into his arms, blesses God, and says, "My own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel"! (Lk 2:30-32). In what ways, small and great, have you seen the salvation of God revealed during these days of the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord? God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 Jn 1:5).

SAINT THOMAS BECKET,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Moni sent many photos for us to enjoy. This one to honor all the martyrs we commemorate this week, red lights in Freiburg.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta (1256-1301/2); Saint Margaret of Scotland (1046-1093); Saint Edmund of Abingdon (1175?-1240); Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn 

Readings of the Day

RB:  Ch 38 The Reader for the Week

Mass: 2 Macc 6:18-31; Resp Ps 3; Lk 19:1-10

Set me as a seal upon your heart.

MARY, QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today we begin a litany of commemorating powerhouse women saints. We have two on tap for today, one for tomorrow, and another on Thursday. You will see. 

We kick-off with two very different women. First, there is my patron, German Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta, who, as written in The Herald of Divine Love, "like a white lily, [God] freely planted her in the perfumed garden of the church, that is to say, among the assembly of the just. As a little girl of four years old he withdrew her from the turmoil of the world to introduce her into the bridal chamber of holy religion" (I, 1.). It wasn't until Gertrude's 26th year though, that she "realized she was far from God, in a land of unlikeness" (I, 1). She had her "day of salvation" (II, 1), and "her love of learning now became desire for knowledge of God" (I, 1). There is much more to her story. However, for today, let's invoke her. Gertrude the Great was very close to the heart of Jesus. In fact, Jesus said to one of Gertrude's sisters, I live in the heart of Gertrude, as shown in the icon featured in today's photo. We await the day when Gertrude the Great is named a Doctor of the Church. She is being considered and deserves the overdue honor. 

Second, we have Saint Margaret of Scotland, Hungarian born, wife of King Malcolm III of Scotland, mother of eight children. Among other notables, "she reformed the royal court, founded monasteries, and supported major reforms of Church life ... she is remembered for the happiness of her marriage, for her devotion to prayer and learning, and especially for her generosity to the poor" (Universalis).

Holy Spirit, Paraclete, ah! with that glue of love with which you unite Father and Son, unite my heart with Jesus forever.

(Gertrude the Great of Helfta, Spiritual Exercises, 121-122)

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND,

SAINT EDMUND OF ABINGDON, 

OUR LADY OF THE GATE OF DAWN,

SAINT JOSEPH

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Gertrude the Great through the hand of Br. Claude, OSB. Used with permission of the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel, OR.

© Gertrude Feick 2021