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

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family

Reading from the Rule of Saint Benedict for February: Chapter 7:35 through Chapter 23 Excommunication for Faults

Who is this king of glory?

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

    MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY

MARY, HEALTH OF THE INFIRM,

MARY, CONSOLER OF THE AFFLICTED, 

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to February, the month dedicated to the Holy Family. Today is the day we officially end the holy Christmas Season with the Presentation of the Lord, also called Candlemas. Behold, our Lord will come with power, to enlighten the eyes of His servants, alleluia. At the same time, we mark the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life.

And if that’s not enough, we celebrate the World Day of the Sick on February 11. We pray for all the sick this month, and those who suffer in any way be it physical, mental, or spiritual. Remember that Our Lord, the Divine Physician, came for the sick; those who are well do not need a physician. Jesus did not come to call the righteous but sinners (See Mark 2:17). Watch out. There is some moving and shoving going on to get to the head of the line.☺ Jesus, heal us according to Your divine will. May Our Lady of Lourdes cover us in her protective veil. May she sustain our faith and hope and help us care for one another in fraternal love.* As Saint Benedict says: "Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they truly be served as Christ" (RB 36:1).

About the Presentation of the Lord then. When I pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary and it's time for the Fourth Mystery, the Presentation of Jesus, I reflect on how I present Jesus in me to others. And how I welcome the Jesus presented to me in others. Hmmm. What will it be at any given moment or anytime of the day. Saint Teresa of Calcutta offers this: "We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do." Some years ago, I saw this little saying on the counter of a restaurant: "Kindness is free. Sprinkle that stuff everywhere." And I remember what Saint Benedict says about guests: "All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ" (RB 53:1). So what is the Jesus in me and the Jesus in you about this month. 

Our voices are a little of this and a little of that, all though encourage us and add a few more words of wisdom to pray with. 

We sometimes feel more troubled and preoccupied by the suffering of a friend or a child than by our own suffering. In itself, this may be fine and good, but it must never become an occasion for despair ... our distress is legitimate, but we must remain peaceful.

(Father Jaques Philippe, b. 1947, Searching for and Maintaining Peace: 

A Small Treatise on Peace of the Heart)

Like action, suffering is part of our human existence ... Certainly we must do whatever we can to reduce suffering: to avoid as far as possible the suffering of the innocent; to soothe pain; to give assistance in overcoming mental suffering. These are obligations both in justice and in love, and they are included among the fundamental requirements of the Christian life and every truly human life.

(Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi On Christian Hope, 36)

It is not by sidestepping or fleeing from suffering that we are healed, but rather by our capacity for accepting it, maturing through it and finding meaning through union with Christ, who suffered with infinite love.

(Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi On Christian Hope, 37)

The glory of the living God is made manifest to the eyes of faith and hope in the frail flesh of a child, In baptism we have been made the temple of the living God. Let us welcome the Lord of glory in whatever guise He comes to us in, receiving Him in joyful prayer, in purity of heart, and in charity toward all.

(Magnificat, February 2, 2025, commentary of Psalm 24, p. 37)

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do ... but how much love we put in that action.

(Venerable Fulton Sheen, 1895-1979)

Charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity.

(Fruits of the Holy Spirit)

God loves a cheerful giver.

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

We conclude with a doozy we've heard before. Shout it out, Sister. Let your light shine for all to see. 

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 focused merely 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., the Sisters of Life)

SAINT ANSGAR, BISHOP,

SAINT BLAISE, BISHOP, MARTYR,

SAINT AGATHA, VIRGIN, MARYTR,

SAINTS PAUL MIKI AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTRYS,

SAINT JEROME EMILIANI,

SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITI, VIRGIN,

SAINT SCHOLASTICA, VIRGIN,

SAINT TEILO,

OUR LADY OF LOURDES,

SAINT GOBNAIT,

SAINT JULIAN THE HOSPITALLER,

BLESSED REGINALD OF ORLEANS,

SAINT HUMBELINE OF JULLY,

SAINT CYRIL, MONK,

SAINT METHODIUS, BISHOP,

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER,

SAINT PETER,

SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK, ABBOT, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH,

PRAY FOR US.

*Pope Francis, Prayer for Those Who are Sick.

Today's photo: From the Joyful Mystery of the Birth of Jesus to the Joyful Mystery of the Presentation of Jesus. May we bear the fruits of Love of God and Sacrifice. A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel. 

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 33:11 Monks and Private Ownership- Ch 41 The Times for the Brothers' Meals

Truth shall spring out of the earth.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, RELIEF OF THE BURDENED,

SAVE US.

MARY, MOTHER OF COMPASSION AND MERCY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before Him. 

(Ephesians 1:3-4)

Welcome to the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, in the midst of a HOT July dedicated to the Precious Blood of Our Lord. Thank you for being there with this posting of late in the day.

I am most often attracted to the second reading for Mass on Sunday's, and this week's powerful, once again, words from Saint Paul. In short, let what Saint Paul writes to us sink in. He chose you; He chose me, to be holy and without blemish before Him, yes, He who loves us with an everlasting love. To the praise of His glory then, we keep going, with Saint Rafael Arnaiz who wrote to his Aunt: "The Lord asks me to keep going and not stop. What am I to do: look up, up high ... and keep going and not stop ... You ought to do the same." United in faith and prayer, may we do the same. Jesus and Mary, please help us. 

For our voices of the week, I turn to a book I reviewed, Mark O'Keefe and Maria Gonzalo-Garcia, To Live for God Alone: The Life and Spirit of Saint Rafael Arnaiz (Cistercian, 2023). There is no end to the number of quotations to be collected. So, all voices this week come from wisdom to be found in the book, both from Rafael and others as well. 

I enjoy flowers and birds and children. Everything is a reason to praise God: stars, nighttime, fields covered in light.

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

Once you understand the purpose of life, which is to live for God and for Him alone, there is nothing in the world that can trouble your soul.

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

The interior life ... the spiritual life, a life of prayer. "My God! that must be difficult!" But it's not at all. Get rid of everything in your heart that's in the way. And you'll find God there ... Behold the life of prayer. We don't need to add to something that's already there. Rather, we need to get rid of what's in the way.

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

We human beings can do nothing more than trust in His divine providence, knowing that what He does is well done, even if at first glance it might go against our desires. But I believe that true perfection is to have no other desire other than "may His will be done in us."

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

Forgetfulness of created things,

remembrance of the Creator,

attention toward inward things,

and loving the Beloved.

(Saint John of the Cross, "The Sum of Perfection")

If you take little account of yourself, you will have peace, wherever you live.

(Abba Poemen, 4th century desert father, in The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection)

The specific value that draws a Christian into the 'desert' and 'solitude' (whether or not he remains physically 'in the world') is a deep sense that God alone suffices.

(Thomas Merton, in Contemplation in a World of Action)

SAINT CAMILLUS OF LELLIS,

SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA,

SAINT BONAVENTURE, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT SWITHUN,

SAINT OSMUND OF SALISBURY,

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL,

SAINT HELIER,

SAINT KENELM,

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

BLESSED INACIO DE AZEVEDO,

BLESSED THERESE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE AND COMPANIONS,

POPE SAINT LEO IV,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF SCHONAU,

SAINT JOHN PLESSINGTON,

SAINT ARSENIUS,

SAINT APOLLINARIS, BISHOP, MARTYR,

BLESSED VIRGIN MARTYRS OF ORANGE, 

SAINT MARGARET OF ANTIOCH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: And justice shall look down from heaven.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Tuesday before Epiphany

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

The Most Holy Name of Jesus

Other saints: Saint Munchin (7th century); Saint Genevieve (c.420-c.510); Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805-1871); Blessed Stephana Quinzani OP (1457-1530)

150th Birthday of Saint Therese of Lisieux (January 2, 1873-September 30, 1897)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 14-20 

Mass: 1 Jn 2:29-3:6; Resp Ps 98; Jn 1:29-34

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, LAMB OF GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.

(1 Jn 3:1)

Happy Birthday Saint Therese of Lisieux, O she of many monikers. In this month of January dedicated to the Most Holy Name of Jesus, and on the day specifically dedicated to the Most Holy Name of Jesus, we look to Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face and exclaim, "O Jesus, my Love"!* With the Little Flower we may be called children of God, and so we are. 

Write what you will, I shall not relish it unless it tells of Jesus. Talk or argue what you will, I shall not relish it if you exclude the name of Jesus. Jesus to me is honey in the mouth, music in the ear, a song in the heart.

Again, it is medicine. Does one feel sad? Let the name of Jesus come into his heart, from there let is spring to his mouth, so that shining like the dawn it may dispel all darkness and make a cloudless sky. Does someone fall into sin? Does his despair urge him to suicide? Let him invoke this life-giving name and his will to live will be at once renewed.

(Bernard of Clairvaux, On the Song of Songs, Sermon 15, III,6-IV)

JESUS, MEEK AND HUMBLE OF HEART,

JESUS, LOVER OF US,

JESUS, OUR WAY AND OUR LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX,

SAINT MUNCHIN,

SAINT GENEVIEVE,

SAINT KURIAKOS ELIAS CHAVARA,

BLESSED STEPHANA QUINZANI,

PRAY FOR US.

*"O Jesus, my Love ... my vocation, at last I have found it ... MY VOCATION IS LOVE!" (Saint Therese of Lisieux, The Story of a Soul, Manuscript B, Chapter IX).

Today's photo: Yesterday afternoon around 4:30 p.m., after the rain down had subsided. He has done wondrous deeds.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Monday before Epiphany

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Saints: Saint Basil the Great (330-379) and Saint Gregory Nazianzen (330-389), Bishops and Doctors

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 8-13

Mass: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Resp Ps 98; Jn 1:19-28

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF DOCTORS,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, BRIGHTNESS OF ETERNAL LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Remain in Him.

(1 Jn 2:27)

Welcome to Monday and the second day of 2023. How is it going so far? We continue in this dawning new year and look to John the Baptist in today's Gospel who is busy preparing the way for the Lord. We reflect on how we just might go about doing the same, even if we are a little groggy from all the celebrations. For Saint Benedict tells us that it is time to "get up then, at long last, for the Scriptures rouse us when they say: It is high 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 Prol. 8-10). We run then, while we have the light of life so that the darkness of death may not overcome us (see RB Prol. 13), and join our great saints of day, the friends Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzen. The latter preached this: "Different men have different names, which they owe to their parents or to themselves, that is to their own pursuits and achievements. But our great pursuit, the great name we wanted, was to be Christians, to be called Christians" (From a sermon by Saint Gregory Nazianzen, bishop, in Office of Readings, January 2).

We conclude with words from Cardinal Vincent Nichols about Pope Benedict XVI, words that inspire us to follow the lead of the Pontiff and urge others to pray. Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Aloysius Ratzinger), rest in peace.

He had this great desire to urge people into prayer into the search for holiness because that - he knew - is where happiness lies.

SAINT BASIL THE GREAT,

SAINT GREGORY NAZIANZEN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This was yesterday after several days of glorious rain refreshed the earth and plain. It is a beautiful time of year around here. First, and foremost, we have celebrated well the liturgical feasts and we aren't finished yet ... Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord are soon to come. In other news, the Mattole River is pregnant and there has even been a salmon sighting. The river runneth. For now, we keep going and break into song; sing praise.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

The Nativity of the Lord

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saints: Saint Anastasia of Sirmium (b. 281); Blessed Mary of the Apostles, Virgin, Foundress of the Salvatorian Sisters (b. 1833)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 67 Brothers Sent on a Journey

Mass: Vigil Mass: Is 62:1-5; Resp Ps 89; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25/Mass During the Night: Is 9:1-6; Resp Ps 96; Titus 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14/Mass at Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Resp Ps 97; Titus 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20/Mass During the Day: Is 52:7-10; Resp Ps 98; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18

A light will shine on us this day; the Lord is born to us.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND EARTH,

SAINT JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF THE REDEEMER,

PRAY FOR US.

Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

(Mt 1:16)

Virgin and mother.

Astounding and unique.

(Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153) 

Never

since the world began 

has it been heard

that a virgin has given birth,

that a mother has remained a virgin.

Never

in the ordinary course of events

is there virginity

where fruitfulness is mentioned

nor fruitfulness

where virginity is maintained with integrity.

She is the only person

in whom virginity and fruitfulness have met.

Here

-just once-

something happened

which never happened before

and never will again.

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.

(Lk 2:14)

Merry Christmas, dear faithful readers. United in faith and prayer, we go forth and rejoice for to us a child is born, to us a son is given. Thank you for being there. 

SAINT ANASTASIA OF SIRMIUM,

BLESSED MARY OF THE APOSTLES,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's image: The Nativity, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. Light dawns for the just.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last, Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin, Martyr (d. 305); Saint Colman of Cloyne (522-600)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 46 Faults Committed in Other Matters

Mass: Rev 20:1-4, 11:21:2; Resp Ps 84; Lk 21:29-33

Consider the fig tree.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

(Lk 21:33)

With Jesus' words above, we are comforted and strengthened. There is no need to let our hearts be troubled, as Jesus tells us, You have faith in God; have faith also in me (Jn 14:1).

We are also comforted by Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who covers us in her protective veil. Yesterday I wrote about beginning a novena to Our Lady of Vailankanni, Our Lady of Good Health. A shrine dedicated to her is found in Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, India. Unable to include the prayer yesterday, I include it today, day two of the novena. It's never too late to pray for the sick and infirmed, for health of mind and body. Mary, mother of health and our heavenly queen, pray for us. 

O Mary! Our Mother of Health and Our Heavenly Queen, we praise and honor you to be our refuge and relief. Relying on your power and goodness, we fly to you and implore you to heal infirmities and to obtain for us health of body and soul. At all times you have been the help and consolation of the sick. You obtain for them health, when it is conducive to their salvation. You assist them at time of their death. Help them O most amiable Mother and obtain for us cure from all sufferings, or patience to endure them in the spirit of resignation agreeable to God's holy will, so that all our trials and sufferings may help to purify our souls and help us to one day enter into eternal joy with you and your Divine Son who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

SAINT CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINT COLMAN OF CLOYNE,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: About our fig tree, it has shed its leaves for the season. My king and my God!

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Jerome, Priest, Doctor (340-420)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:31-33 Humility

Mass: Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5; Resp Ps 139; Lk 10:13-16

O Lord, you have probed me and you know me.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, COMPANION OF THE SORROWFUL,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to Friday and the last day of September 2022. On this day we conclude our month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother. We look especially to Mary, most sorrowful mother, and ask her to pray for us. We remember too something Saint Rafael Arnaiz wrote: "You often say, 'All for Jesus.' Why not add, 'All for Jesus, and to Jesus through Mary?'" What are your favorite invocations to Mary from the Litany of the Sorrowful Mother? My favorites include, Mary, rock of constancy, and Mary, protectress of all who fight. On the other hand, all of the invocations will do just fine. ☺

We have another great saint to commemorate today, Saint Jerome*.  Among other things, he, with the help of Saint Paula and company, founded a monastery, a hospice, and a school in Bethlehem. Saint Jerome was also busy translating the Bible into Latin, the translation we know as the Vulgate, a translation “with some revisions” still in use today. This project took 15 years or so. All in a day's work. And Saint Jerome is regarded as the patron saint of those with difficult personalities. Apparently, he had one. lol. We turn to Saint Jerome then, and to one of his commentaries on the Book of Isaiah. You will find this in the Prologue (included in Office of Readings, September 30).

I interpret as I should, following the command of Christ: Search the Scriptures, and Seek and you shall find ...For is, as Paul says, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, and if the man who does not know Scripture does not know the power and the wisdom of God, then ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.

United in faith and prayer, we seek the power of God and the wisdom of God through our reading and study of and reflection on Scripture. Blessed indeed is he who ponders the law of the Lord day and night: he will yield fruit in due season (Entrance Antiphon, Mass). What is your favorite Book of the Bible? This was a question posed to me and my classmates some years ago in a course, Introduction to the Bible. At the time, I did not know my favorite Book, but I did know some of my favorite stories. Then I found myself teaching the course years later and I asked the students the same question. In any case, go to your favorite Book in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament too, or at least to a favorite story or passage. What is God saying to you?

Here are a few of my favorite stories/passages from the Bible, the first three favorites since childhood. 

Make yourself an ark of gopherwood, put various compartments in it, and cover it inside and out with pitch ...

"Go into the ark, you and your household, for you alone in this age I have found to be truly just. Of every clean animal, take with you seven pairs ...

(Genesis 5:14; 7:1-2)

Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons, for he was the child of his old age; and he had made him a long tunic ...

(Genesis 37:3)

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord swept the sea with a strong east wind throughout the night and so it turned into dry land. When the water was thus divided, the Israelites marched into the midst of the sea on dry land, with water like a wall to their right and to their left ...

(Exodus, 14:21-22)

But Ruth said, "Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you! for wherever you will go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there be buried ...

(Ruth 1:15-17)

Judith threw herself down prostrate, with ashes strewn upon her head, and wearing nothing but sackcloth ...

(Judith 9:1)

Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, likewise had recourse to the Lord. Taking off her splendid garments, she put on garments of distress and mourning. In place of her precious ointments she covered herself with dirt and ashes ...

(Esther C:12-13) 

Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.

(Matt 1:16)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

(Ph 4:4-7)

SAINT JEROME,

SAINT PAULA,

PRAY FOR US.

*NB. Saint Jerome is one of the four great Doctors of the Western Church. Saint Jerome joins Saint Ambrose of Milan (339-397), Saint Augustine (354-430), and Pope Saint Gregory the Great (540-604). The four great Doctors of the Eastern Church are Saint Athanasius (296/8-373), Saint Basil of Caesarea (330-379), Saint John Chrysostom (347-407), and Saint Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390). 

Today's photo: From a September camping trip to the Metolius River, Central Oregon. Thank you, Catherine. Wonderful are your works.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop (283-371); Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868); Saint Peter Faber (1506-1546)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 51 Brothers on a Short Journey

Mass: Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22; Resp Ps 101; Mt 14:22-36 or Mt 15:1-2, 10-14

The Lord looked down from His holy height.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

You shall be my people, and I will be your God.

(Jer 30:22)

In one of today's Gospel scenes, Jesus and His disciples arrive at Gennesaret. The men of that place recognize Jesus and essentially alert the media. With the news, people bring to Jesus all those who were sick, and they begged Him that they might touch only the tassel on His cloak. As many as touched it were healed (Mt 14:34-36). Today may be a good day to pay closer attention and recognize Jesus in our midst. He is present in myriad ways. We can touch the tassel on His cloak and be healed. We go forth, united in faith and prayer, with wisdom from the beloved Persian poet Hafiz (c. 1320-1389), who may help us to recognize Jesus in our midst.

Where is the Door to the Tavern?

Where is the door to God?

In the sound of a barking dog,

In the ring of a hammer,

In a drop of rain,

In the face of

Everyone

I see.

Dear beloved, I rejoice in your faith, in the salvation that comes from faith, in your good works, which are not confined to your own surroundings but spread far and wide ...

So I beg you to keep the faith with all vigilance, to preserve harmony, to be earnest in prayer, to remember me always, so that the Lord may grant freedom to His Church which is suffering throughout the world, and that I may be set free form the sufferings that weigh upon me, and so be able to rejoice with you.

(From a letter by Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop, in Office of Readings, August 2)

SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI,

SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD,

SAINT PETER FABER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another view from last Saturday's "Beauty of the Lost Coast: Layers of History" hike. Look at the sea, great and wide.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Sixth Sunday of Easter

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

In other years: Saint Rita of Cascia, Patron Saint of Impossible or Lost Causes (1377-1437); Saint Joachina de Vedruna de Mas (1783-1854) 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:63-78 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Resp Ps 67; Rev 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn 14:23-29

May God let His face shine upon us.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

(Jn 14:27)

Place your hope in God alone ... Never lose hope in God's mercy.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:41,74)

Some faithful readers may have read this: "Christ's promise at the Last Supper -'Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father and I will our dwelling with Him' - is all that we need to be happy" (Magnificat, May 2022, p. 329). It is all we need. With that in mind and heart we turn to Paul and Barnabas, much loved by the church in Jerusalem, who dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:26). It may be a good day to reflect on our dedication to the name of Jesus. A song comes to mind, "At the Name of Jesus". At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, every tongue confess Him, King of glory now. Jesus is Lord, King of glory now! It could be a matter of rededicating our lives, in one way or another to the name of Jesus. We are meant to keep His word and proclaim His name in word and deed so as to sing with the psalmist, May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you (Ps 67). Jesus gives us His peace (Jn 14:27). In this, He is the strength and comfort we need to keep us going. Without Him, we do nothing (Jn 15:5). 

Jesus, brightness of eternal light,

Jesus, God of peace,

have mercy on us.

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA,

SAINT JOACHINA DE VEDRUNA DE MAS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This beauty is fitting for a Sunday. Another delight found in our midst. May the peoples praise you, O God.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

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

Saint: Pope Saint Sylvester I (-335)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 73 This Rule Only a Beginning of Perfection

Mass: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Resp Ps 96; Jn 1:1-18

Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the Lord.

JESUS, FATHER OF THE WORLD TO COME,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Dear faithful readers, thank you for being there. There is so much in today's Gospel to reflect upon. In a sense, I am speechless. There is one line among others that is plenty to embrace this day: All things came to be through Him, and without Him nothing came to be (Jn 1:2). All things, not some, and nothing, absolutely nothing. May we rejoice and be glad, united as we are in faith and prayer, for From His fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace (Jn 1:16).

If that's enough, then how about this beauty, itself a commentary on today's Gospel, from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1, that answers the question, "What is the plan of God for man?"

God, infinitely perfect and blessed in Himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in His own blessed life. In the fullness of time, God the Father sent His Son as Redeemer and Savior of mankind, fallen into sin, thus calling all into His Church and, through the work of the Holy Spirit, making them adopted children and heirs of His eternal happiness. 

And as we prepare to embark upon another calendar year, one prayer can come for Eusebius of Caesarea (265-339), bishop, from his Ecclesiastical History, included in today's Office of Readings.

Glory to God the almighty, the King of the universe, for all His gifts, and gratitude to Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of our souls, through whom we pray that this peace may be preserved for us stable and unshaken for ever: a peace that will keep us safe from troubles outside as well as from all anxieties and disturbances of soul.

So much for being speechless. 😎

POPE SAINT SYLVESTER I,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I remain thankful for these contributions from dear friends, here d in West Linn once again.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

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

Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

20th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the United States

Other saints: Saint Deiniol (-584); Blessed Mary of Jesus (1560-1640)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:11-16 The Qualities of the Abbot 

Mass: 1 Tim 1:15-17; Resp Ps 113; Lk 6:43-49 

Above the heavens is God's glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

On this 20th Anniversary of 9/11, may we bear good fruit and out of goodness in our hearts, produce only good. For all those who died, may they rest in peace. And for all those who grieve the loss of loved ones, dear Jesus, give them comfort and peace. We go forth, with Jesus Christ, the Rock, as our foundation. As Pope Saint John Paul said at his General Audience on the day following the terrorist attacks, "Even if the forces of darkness appear to prevail, those who believe in God know that evil and death do not have the final say." And in the words of Pope Benedict XVI on the first papal visit to Ground Zero in New York, may the Lord "give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and the hearts of all" (April 20, 2008). 

In honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary who helps us, the following is from French Cistercian Adam of Perseigne (1145-1241), from Letter Three, in Mary, Most Holy: Meditating With the Early Cistercians, pp. 350-353.

How happy is she

who is both mother and spouse of God

the gate of heaven

the loveliness of paradise

lady of angels

queen of the universe

joy of the saints

advocate of believers

courage of those who fight

recaller of those who wander

medicine of the penitent.

O sure salvation!

Short path of life!

Sole hope of pardon

sweetness unique.

You, my Lady,

are my all.

In your hands

has been stored for me

the fulness of good.

With you

have been hidden the unfailing treasures

 of truth and grace

 of peace and pity

of salvation and wisdom

of glory and honor.

You are my anchor amid the billows

my port in shipwreck

my support in tribulation

my comfort in grief.

For those who are yours

you are

aid in oppression

help in time of crisis

temperance in prosperity

joy in time of waiting

refreshment in toil.

Whatsoever I can stammer

in your praise

is less

than your praise

for you are worthy of all praise.

SAINT DEINIOL,

BLESSED MARY OF JESUS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one from Wednesday, when the sky was Mary's blue. We had a repeat performance yesterday.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: Saint Pachomius, Desert Father (292-348); Saint Isidore the Farmer, Patron Saint of Madrid (1070-1130); Saint Carthage (c.555-637): Saint Giles of Vaozela OP (c.1184-1265); Bl Andrew Abellon OP (1375-1450)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:30-32

Mass: Acts 18:23-28; Resp Ps 47; Jn 16:23b-28

For king of all the earth is God; sing hymns of praise.

JESUS, OUR WAY AND OUR LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us this: Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete (Jn 16:23b-28). Our Catechism teaches us this: "There is no other way of Christian prayer than Christ. Whether our prayer is communal or personal, vocal or interior, it has access to the Father only if we pray 'in the name' of Jesus. The sacred humanity of Jesus is therefore the way by which the Holy Spirit teaches us to pray to God our Father" (2664). Yes, the Spirit will come "to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings" (Rm 8:26) So why not call on the name of Jesus today with the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus. You can find it on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website, among other places. What invocation in the Litany is your favorite? Let it be in your heart and on your lips today. 😊 Ask in the name of Jesus. Receive. May our joy be complete. Come, Holy Spirit, come!

SAINT PACHOMIUS,

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER,

SAINT CARTHAGE,

SAINT GILES OF VAOZELA,

BLESSED ANDREW ABELLON,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: In honor of Saint Isidore the Farmer, Patron Saint of Farmers, a close-up look at some greens, from our garden of delights. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021