October 2026

Jubilee Year of Saint Francis on the 800th Anniversary of His Death: January 10, 2026-January 10, 2027

October is the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary

Wonderful are your works, O Lord.

OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY, 

SAINT FRANCIS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

It was for some time that a friend of happy memory, "Wills," who died at the age of 93 and left behind a huge brood, encouraged me to pray the rosary. Never a regular rosary pray-er, I switched gears the day dear Wills died, November 13, 2024. From then on, I became a regular rosary pray-er. Thank you, Wills. In this month of October, dedicated to the Holy Rosary, it may be time to start praying the rosary, or renew a practice that has been on hold for this reason or that. There is comfort too in keeping a rosary or two on your person. With Mary, all is well. So, with a decade here, and a decade there, or all at once as time permits, we remember Saint Pauline Jaricot (1799-1862, who said, "The rosary is not a devotion to the Blessed Virgin, it is the devotion to Mary!" After all, as Saint Rafael Arnaiz Baron (1911-1928) wrote, "Given Mary, how could you not love God!!" With Saint Rafael we let out a cheer: "All for God, and all through Mary."  Together, united in faith and prayer, Mary is our friend. This month, then, let us become closer friends with Mary! With one more "and," then, and please don't forget that kindness is free, so sprinkle it everywhere! Mary, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, please cover us in your protective veil! 

A few notables ... Things kick off early this month as we commemorate Saint Therese of Lisieux on the 1st. Put your hands together for the Little Flower and her little way of love. Joining Saint Therese, a Doctor of the Church, is another Doctor, Saint Teresa of Avila, set for the 15th. Another Doctor joins this dynamic duo on the 9th, namely, Saint John Henry Newman. During this Jubilee Year of Saint Francis, it is this month that we commemorate him on October 4. However, this year the 4th lands on the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, so official commemoration is "In other years." That said, one can always remember "Il poverello," especially this year. You will find quite a line-up of other heavy hitter saints below, including two of my favorite Pope Saints. It appears that we are getting warmed up for November, my favorite month of the year. For all the saints ...

For our voices this month, I've chosen a few favorites from my collection, and some new ones too. It appears, however, that there are many of my favorites, so I will try to limit myself. The first is one reason to become closer friends with Mary this month. ☺

Jesus is Our Lord, and Mary is Our Lady. She takes total care and responsibility for us; she happily exercises this dignity and responsibility.

During your prayer, go to Mary and have a heart-to-heart talk with her. If we put our life into her hands, if we really and truly ask for her help, we can be sure that we will never get into serious trouble because she will provide before we even know it. Only in heaven will we know how many mistakes we avoided, how many sins we did not commit because she was helping us, imploring for us, giving so much to us out of the goodness of her heart.

(Servant of God Ida Peterfy, 1922-2002)

Mary has "captivated my spirit ... day and night I see her in my imagination. It is she, the Mother of Virtue, who gives me eloquence.

(Saint John Damascene, 675/676-749)

Love is so powerful in deeds that it is able to draw good out of everything, both the good and the bad that it finds in me.

(Saint Therese of Lisieux, 1873-1897, Story of a Soul, Manuscript A)

The language that everyone understands is love.

(Saint Joseph Frienademetz, 1852-1908)

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)

It's Your Church, Lord. I'm going to bed. ☺

(Pope Saint John XXIII, 1881-1963, when turning in for the night)

The heart is commonly reached, not through the reason, but through the imagination. Persons influence us, voices melt us, looks subdue us, deeds inflame us. Many a man will live and die upon a dogma: no man will be a martyr for a conclusion.

(Saint John Henry Newman, 1801-1890)

Let the Christian be valiant.

(Saint Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle, Ch. I, 13.

The best and most wonderful thing that can happen to you in this life is that you should be silent and let God work and speak.

(Dag Hammarskjold, 1905-1961)

Listen.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 1)

You must speak to Jesus also with your heart, besides the lips; indeed, in certain cases you must speak to Him only with the heart.

(Saint Pio of Pietrelcina "Padre Pio," 1887-1968)

We've been dying since we got here and forgotten to enjoy the view - live fully.

(Anonymous)

Oh, what a good friend you make, O Lord! You proceed by favoring and enduring. You wait for others to adapt to Your nature, and in the meanwhile, You put up with theirs!

(Saint Teresa of Avila, 1515-1582, The Book of Her Life, Ch 8,6)

Each of us has a mission ...

each of us is called to change the world, to work for a culture of life, a culture forged by love, a culture forged by love and respect for the dignity of each human person.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

Honor everyone.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:8)

Something Saint Bede the Venerable (672/3-735) said about Jesus' words to a crowd, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it" (Luke 8:21).

When we hear the word of God and obey it, we become Jesus' "mother" by bringing Him forth into the world through words and actions.

If you wish to earn the glory and mercy of God, endure uncomplainingly the bitterness of this world.

(Saint Lawrence, 3rd century, in a vision to Brother John of Alverna, 1259-1322, in The Little Flowers of St Francis, trans. by Blaiklock & Keys, p. 134)

SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS "THE LITTLE FLOWER," VIRGIN, DOCTOR,

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF SUSSEX,

SAINT THOMAS CANTILUPE,

SAINTS ANDRE DE SOLVERAL AND AMBROSIO FRANCISCO FERRO,

SAINT FRANCIS BORGIA,

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

SAINT FAUSTINA KOWALSKA, RELIGIOUS,

BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS, PRIEST,

SAINT BRUNO, PRIEST,

BLESSED MARIE-ROSE DUROCHER,

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY,

SAINT DENIS, BISHOP AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT JOHN LEONARDI, PRIEST.

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, PRIEST, DOCTOR,

SAINT PAULINUS,

SAINT DANIEL COMBONI,

POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII,

SAINT KENNETH,

BLESSED WILLIAM HOWARD,

SAINT WILFRID,

BLESSED JAN BEYZYM,

OUR LADY OF APARECIDA,

SAINT CARLO ACUTIS,

SAINT EDWARD THE CONFESSOR,

POPE SAINT CALLISTUS I, MARTYR,

SAINT TERESA OF AVILA, VIRGIN, DOCTOR,

SAINT HEDWIG, RELIGIOUS,

SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE, VIRGIN,

SAINT MARGUERITE D'YOUVILLE,

SAINT RICHARD GWYN,

SAINT GALL,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP, MARTYR,

SAINT LUKE, EVANGELIST,

SAINT JOHN DE BREBEUF AND ISAAC JOGUES, PRIESTS, AND THEIR COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT PHILIP HOWARD,

SAINT FRIDESWIDE,

SAINT PETER OF ALCANTARA,

SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS, PRIEST,

BLESSED DAUDI OKELO AND JILDO IRWA,

SAINT JOHN OF BRIDLINGTON,

BLESSED DIEGO LUIS DE SAN VITORES, PRIEST, AND SAINT PEDRO CALUNGSOD,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT JOHN OF CAPISTRANO,

SAINT ETHELFLAEDA,

SAINT ANTONY MARY CLARET, BISHOP,

SAINT MAGLOIRE,

FREI GALVAO,

SAINT CHAD,

SAINT CEDD,

SAINT OTTERAN,

SAINT GONCALO OF LAGOS, PRIEST,

SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF DOUAI COLLEGE,

SAINT COLMAN MACDUAGH,

SAINT MARCELLUS,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF WINCHESTER,

SAINT THOGER,

BLESSED DOMINIC COLLINS,

BLESSED MARIA TERESA TAUSCHER,

SAINT ALFONSO RODRIGUEZ,

PRAY FOR US.

This month's photo: Butterfly on a little flower. Indianapolis, IN. "Just living is not enough, said the butterfly. One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower” (Hans Christian Anderson, 1805-1875).

© Gertrude Feick 2026

September 2026

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

September is the month dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows

Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord.

OUR LADY OF SORROWS,

MOTHER, ROCK OF CONSTANCY,

MOTHER, TREASURE OF THE FAITHFUL,

MOTHER, JOY OF ALL THE SAINTS,

SAINT FRANCIS, 

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

God is still writing your story. Quit trying to steal the pen.

Trust the author.

(Anonymous)

Welcome to September, dear faithful readers. Put your hands together for September, the month dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. Mother, strength of the weak, pray for us. It's another great month, and on September 8 we get to wish the Blessed Virgin Mary a happy birthday. Auguri, madre Maria, buon compleanno! At the same time, let's give a shout with the name of Mary, her most holy name commemorated September 12. And if that's not enough, we lift high the Cross, on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, set for September 14. And "rejoice in the Lord always'" let me say it again, "Rejoice!", for our beloved Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified on September 24 at the Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri, the Show Me State. Let's hear it for Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, who I like to call, "The Bullet," who said, among other notables, "This is the choice before us: either try to revolutionize the world and break under it or revolutionize ourselves and remake the world." Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, please intercede for us.

Speaking of bullets, how about the right on "bulls eye" anonymous quotation above? Give Him back the pen! Thank you, ME. 

As we enter the last month of the third quarter of the year, we may notice how the year 2026 has gone so quickly. Thinking how "time flies," it may be helpful to remember that we only have now to live life to the full, with joy, enthusiasm, and gratitude. We only have today to love Jesus, our brothers, and our sisters, and ourselves more fully. In a poem by Saint Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower reminds us that we have but today: "To love thee, O Jesus, I have but today" (Poesie PN5). We go forth then and live in the present moment. It is all we have. So, "place your hope in God alone" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:41)

Recently introduced to a gem of a book, Interior Freedom,* by Jacques Philippe, I thought to share some quotations from it, some from the author himself, others from some of the spiritual giants he quotes. These, then, are our voices for the month.

Where there is no love, put love, and you will harvest love.

(Saint John of the Cross, 1542-1591, Letter 26 to Madre Maria de la Encarnacion, 

discalced Carmelite in Segovia, July 6, 1591)

Love is a mystery that transforms everything it touches into beautiful things that are pleasing to God. The love of God sets the soul free. Then it is like a queen, knowing nothing of the constraints of slavery.

(Saint Faustina Kowalska, 1905-1938, Petit journal, English trans., Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul)

True peace will come only when every individual finds peace within himself; when we have all vanquished and transformed our hatred for our fellow human beings of whatever race - even into love one day, although perhaps that asking too much. It is, however, the only solution.

(Etty Hillesum, 1914-1943, An Interrupted Life: The Diaries and Letters of Etty Hillesum)

Peaceful suffering is no longer suffering.

(Saint John-Marie Vianney, 1786-1859)

I know realize, God, how much You have given me. So much that was beautiful and so much that was hard to bear. Yet whenever I showed myself ready to bear it, the hard was directly transformed into the beautiful.

(Etty Hillesum, 1914-1943, An Interrupted Life: The Diaries and Letters of Etty Hillesum)

If we understand holiness properly, as the possibility of growing indefinitely in love for God and our brothers and sisters, we can be certain that nothing will be beyond our reach. All we need to do is never get discouraged and never resist, but trust completely the action of God's grace.

(Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom)

The long-term consequences of inner attitudes are more important than they might seem. When faced with daily suffering, the "burden of the day and the heat," and tiredness, we should not spend time cursing interiorly or telling ourselves we can't wait till it's over or dreaming of a different life. We should accept things as they are. Life is good and beautiful just as it is, including its burden of suffering. When God created man and woman, He laid an immense blessing on every human life, and that blessing has never been withdrawn despite sin and all its consequences. "For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable" - especially the first gift and first call, that of life itself. Every life, even subject to pain, is infinitely blessed and valuable.

(Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom)

Man's greatest illusion is to want to have mastery over his life ... But life is a gift that by its very nature escapes every attempt to master it.

(Jean-Claude Sagne, 1936-2010, Viens vers le Pere)

Availability is fundamental in our relations with others. In every encounter with someone else, however long or short, we should make him feel we're one hundred percent there for him at that moment, with nothing else to do except be with him and do whatever needs doing for him. Good manners, yes, but also really, heartfelt availability.

(Jacques Philippe,Interior Freedom)

I choose to be interrupted.

(Saint Therese of Lisieux)

To live at peace, even when it is people around us who are causing us suffering, we must take a fresh, radical look at our frustration. It does not correspond to reality. Other people's faults do not deprive us of anything. We have no valid reason for resenting them or their actions.  

(Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom)

At the end of our lives, when we really come face to face with God, it would be childish to blame others for our lack of spiritual progress. 

(Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom)

Identity is not rooted in the sum of one's aptitudes. Individuals have a unique value and dignity, independently of what they can do. Someone who doesn't realize this is at risk of have a real "identity crisis" on the day he or she experiences failure, or of despising others when face with their limitations. Where is there room for the poor or handicapped in a world where people are measured by their efficiency and the profit they can produce?

(Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom)

Faith is the mother of love and hope, as well as trust and confidence.

(Catherine de Hueck Doherty, 1896-1985, Poustinia: Encountering God in Silence, Solitude, and Prayer)

Faith brings what seemed hopeless withing our reach ... A man of faith is not one who believes that God can do everything, but one who believes he can obtain everything from God.

(Saint John Climacus, 579-649)

We obtain from God as much as we hope for from Him.

(Saint John of the Cross, 1542-1591, The Dark Night of the Soul)

If one burdens the future with one's worries, it cannot grow organically. I am filled with confidence, not that I shall succeed in worldly things, but that even when things go badly for me I shall still find life good and worth living.

(Etty Hillesum, 1914-1943, An Interrupted Life: The Diaries and Letters of Etty Hillesum)

Above all, never despise yourself. It is difficult to despise ourselves without offending God in us.

(Georges Bernanos, 1888-1948, Dialogues des Carmelites)

What ruins our souls is not what happens outside, but the echo that it awakes within us.

(Christiane Singer, 1943-2007, Du bon usage des crises)

SAINT GILES,

SAINT TERESA MARGARET REDI OF THE SACRED HEART,

BLESSED ANDRE GRASSET,

JESUIT MARTRYS FOR THE NAME OF JESUS,

POPE SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT, DOCTOR,

SAINT CUTHBERT,

SAINT MAC NISSI,

BLESSED DINA BELANGER,

POPE SAINT BONIFACE I,

MOTHER SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA,

SAINT HERBERT,

SAINT PETER CLAVER,

SAINT CIARAN OF CLONMACNOISE,

SAINT OSBURG,

BLESSSED FREDERIC OZANAM,

SAINT AMBROSE BARLOW, OSB,

SAINT EGWIN, BISHOP,

BLESSED AGNELLUS OF PISA, PRIEST,

BLESSED FRANCIS GARATE,

SAINT DEINIOL,

BLESSED MARY OF JESUS,

SAINT JOHN GABRIEL PERBOYRE,

SAINT AILBE,

OUR LADY OF RESHUN,

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM,

SAINT MIRIN,

POPE SAINT CORNELIUS,

SAINT CYPRIAN,

SAINT NINIAN,

SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA,

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT HILDEGARD OF BINGEN, VIRGIN, DOCTOR,

SAINT ALBERT OF JERUSALEM,

SAINT STANSILAW KOSTKA,

SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO,

SAINT EDITH OF KEMSING,

SAINT JANURIUS, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT ANDREW KIM TAEGON, PAUL CHONGD HASSANG, AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST,

SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION,

SAINT PIUS OF PIETRELCINA "PADRE PIO,"

SAINT STEPHANIE,

OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM,

BLESSED EMILIE TAVERNIER-GAEMLIN,

SAINT PACIFICUS,

SAINT FINBARR,

SAINTS LOUIS MARTIN AND ZELIE GUERIN,

SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS,

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL,

SAINT WENCESLAUS, MARTRY,

SAINTS LAURENCE RUIZ AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTRYS,

SAINT LIOBA,

SAINT MICHAEL, SAINT GABRIEL, SAINT RAPHAEL,

SAINT JEROME, PRIEST, DOCTOR,

PRAY FOR US.

* J. Philippe, Interior Freedom, trans. H. Scott (Scepter 2007).

This month's photo: Last June's "this month's photo," featured wildflowers from a walk in Kalamazoo, MI. This month's feature comes from a walk on the White Lick Trail, Avon, Indiana, the Hoosier state. And let your faithful ones bless you.

© Gertrude Feick 2026

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

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

The Nativity of the Lord

December is the month dedicated to the Immaculate Conception 

January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Reading from the Rule of Saint Benedict for December 24 and 25: Chapter 66 The Porter of the Monastery and Chapter 67 Brothers Sent on a Journey

Light dawns for the just.

IMMACULATE MARY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

JESUS, BRIGHTNESS OF ETERNAL LIGHT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through Him,

and without Him nothing came to be.

What came to be through Him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race;

the light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

(John 1:1-5)

Merry Christmas! Buon natale! Frohe Weihnachten! Joyeux Noel! 

Always be a porter (See RB 66) at your door to let in the true light, which enlightens everyone, and let it shine throughout the world. So be ready, as Meister Eckhart (1260-1328) tells us: "When the human spirit is ready, God enters without hesitation or waiting. You need not look either here or there. God is no farther away than the door of heart." Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favors rests. 

Encouraged by a faithful reader (thank you, padre ☺), I am back. Rather, we are back. And thank you, faithful readers. We are about something new. Or at least you may notice a few new things. At the same time, other things will remain the same. We shall see. Let us call these offerings "occasional." You will see them on occasion then, with occasions to be determined. 

There is so much to ponder at this time where is one to begin ... There is the Vigil Mass where we began: Today you will know that the Lord will come, and He will save us, and in the morning you will see His glory (Entrance Antiphon). Joseph named Him Jesus (see Mt 1:25). Then the Mass during the night where we began: Let us all rejoice in the Lord, for our Savior has been born in the world. Today true peace has come down to us from heaven (Entrance Antiphon). Mass at Dawn takes off with: Today a light will shine upon us, for the Lord is born for us; and He will be called Wondrous God, Prince of Peace, Father of future ages: and His reign will be without end (Entrance Antiphon). And at Mass During the Day, we proclaim: A child is born for us, and a son is given to us, His scepter of power rests upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Messenger of great counsel (Entrance Antiphon). It is overwhelming; what a gift and privilege to accept Him; He who gave us power to become children of God. So, we believe in His name, for from His fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace (see (John 1:1-18). And in just what specific way will you behold the salvation of our God (see Isaiah 52:10), this day and throughout this holy Christmas season?

We go forth, then, with Mary, to keep all these things, and reflect on them in our hearts (See Luke 2:19).

We are encouraged by more than a few voices. 

She who conceived God by faith promises you the same if you have faith; if you will faithfully receive the Word from the mouth of the heavenly messenger, you too may conceive the God whom the whole world cannot contain.

(Guerric of Igny, 1070-1157)

With complete devotion

then let us think of Christ

in the swaddling clothes

with which His mother

wrapped Him, so that

with eternal happiness

we may see the glory and

beauty with which His

Father clothed Him.

(Guerric of Igny, 1070-1157)

Let Mary's soul be in each of you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Let her spirit be in each to rejoice in the Lord. Christ has only one mother in the flesh, but we all bring forth Christ in faith.

(Saint Ambrose of Milan, 339-397)

Let your goodness, Lord, appear to us, that we, made in Your image, may conform ourselves to it. In our own strength we cannot imitate Your majesty, power, and wonder nor is it fitting for us to try. But Your mercy reaches from the heavens through the clouds to the earth below ...

You have come to us as a small child, but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts, the gift of eternal love. Caress us with Your tiny hands, embrace us with Your tiny arms, and pierce our hearts with Your soft, sweet cries.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux "Troubador of Mary," 1090-1153)

Here is the holy crib of our dear Jesus; I will place everything in it, everything, everything. I believe that before long we shall see things we should never have dreamed of.

(Saint Julia Billiart, 1751-1816, during her final illness)

If the Redeemer had come to be feared and respected among men, He would have come as a full-grown man and with royal dignity: but because He came to gain our love, He chose to come to show Himself as an infant and the poorest of infants.

(Saint Faustina Kowalska, 1905-1938)

It requires faith to believe that Christ will be born in man this Christmas, but much more faith to believe that He will be born in our own heart, that He could fulfill His will of love in our own life, our life with so little radius for His light, so little journeying for His feet, so small a distance for both hands to reach.

(Caryll Houselander, 1901-1954)

By virtue of the creation, and still more, of the Incarnation, nothing here below is profane, for those who know how to see.

(Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, 1881-1955)

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 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 to his fellow men, to bring happiness to children, families, and the oppressed. Faith in the Incarnation promotes the salvation of mankind the implementation of human rights.

(Theodor Schnitzler, 1910-1982)

Charity is friendship with God.

(Saint Thomas Aquinas "Angelic Doctor," 1225-1274)

When one is filled with Jesus Christ, one is at the same time filled with charity, with a holy vivacity, and with lofty ideals, whose execution leaves no time for languishing ...

In all the visits we make, let us imitate Mary. Let us visit one another in charity, for under even a simple civility great mysteries may be hidden. Grace will grow where it is made known by humility and by the exercise of holy friendship.

(Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet, 1627-1704)

Quiet is born, not so much around us as within ourselves. To be quiet and concentrated does not mean that one has to be in a peaceful, cloister-like, deserted place, far from tumult. To say this would be an oversimplification ... To be quiet means to have quiet in one's soul.

(Blessed Stefan Wyszynski, 1901-1981)

Great is the amazement of this earth of ours that the Lord of all has come down to it: God has become man, the Ancient has become a child, the Master has become like His servants ...

Who is it who will not listen to this wonder, that God has come to be born? Who will not be amazed when he sees that the Lord of the angels has been born?

(Saint Ephrem the Syrian, 306-373)

Today our Savior is born;

let us rejoice.

Sadness should have no place

on the birthday of life.

No one is shut out from this joy.

(Pope Saint Leo the Great, 400-461)

SAINT JOHN OF KANTY,

SAINT STEPHEN, FIRST MARTYR,

SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST,

THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS,

SAINT THOMAS BECKET,

ELIJAH AND ELISHA, PROPHETS,

POPE SAINT SYLVESTER I,

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From the Jensen Botanical Garden, Carmichael, CA Break into song; sing praise.

© Gertrude Feick, 2024/2025