June 2026

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

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High.

OUR LADY, QUEEN OF ALL HEARTS,

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, HOLY TEMPLE OF GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF JESUS, WELL-SPRING OF ALL VIRTUE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

We confess you, we praise you, and we bless you, God the Father, the unbegotten, God the Son, the Only Begotten, and God the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, all holy and undivided Trinity.

(Traditional Antiphon)

Welcome to June dear faithful readers. Oh what a glorious month it is, one dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Go to the HEART of JESUS; there you will find the fullness of God. Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts, have mercy on us. And what is it that Jesus to said to one of Gertrude of Helfta's (1256-1301/2) sisters? You will find me in the heart of Gertrude. Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints, have mercy on us! Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta, pray for us. 

There is so much to celebrate this month, including, June 7 with The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Corpus Christi.

Full and clear ring out your chanting,

Joy nor sweetest grace be wanting,

From you heart let praises burst:

For today the feast is holden,

When the institution olden

Of that supper was rehearsed.

(The Sequence Laud, O Zion, Lauda Sion)

Then on June 12, we are gifted with The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus; for June 13, The Immaculate Heart of Mary; for June 24, The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, and wrapping up the month with the June 29 celebration of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. Celebriamo tutti!

So, what might be about this month ... hmmm. In addition to continual invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary using one of your favorite titles for her, or two or three of your favorites, like Mary, cause of our joy, or Mary, Health of the sick, it may be good for us to remember that Jesus is in the heart of each and every one of us. Sadly, we sometimes forget that gift, or maybe just imprison Him in our hearts when His love for us, and His love for all those we encounter is begging us to let His LOVE shine forth. Let LOVE and JOY abound dear faithful readers; spread LOVE and JOY throughout the earth ... let LOVE and JOY shine on those near and far ... let HIM shine, let HIM shine, let HIM shine.

With encouragement from not a few voices, we go forth!

To serve God is to reign.

(Saint Antonius of Florence OP, 1389-1459)

I have always something to repent of after having talked, 

but have never been sorry for having been silent.

(Saint Arsenius the Great, d. 450)

In moments when fever, agony, and pain make it hard to pray, the suggestion of prayer that comes from merely holding the rosary-or better still, from caressing the Crucifix at the end of it-it is tremendous!

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1979)

Let us live hour by hour, day by day, and leave the future to God.

(Blessed Hendrina Stenmanns, 1852-1903)

He who trusts himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things.

(Saint Alphonsus Liguori, 1696-1787)

Those who want to find the right way to eternal well-being should not walk with the majority of people who are usually timid about making sacrifices ... Authentic spirituality comes about not by talking about God, but living according to God's command. Without this obedience, even wonderful acts mean nothing.

(Blessed Franz Jagerstatter, 1907-1943)

The Interior Master is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus ...

Loyalty to the Interior Master requires a life that is habitually recollected enough to enable us to hear and obey Him, a life of habitual and voluntary docility to the good as we see it, so that we shall not resister the voice of the Master once we recognize it.

(Father Leonce de Grandmaison, S.J., 1868-1927)

Do your little bit of good where you are; 

it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.

(Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 1931-2021)

Mr. James Ponder to Theo:

People like you renew my hope in humanity.

Theo's reply:

Yes, we can be such a terrible race at times, but, at the same time, terribly wonderful. All capable of saintliness. You, too, James. You too.

(in Allen Levi, Theo of Golden)

Love is a vital sap; if it fails or if it is not sufficiently abundant, 

everything grows weak, especially faith.

(Venerable Louise Margaret Claret de la Touche, 1868-1915)

He who truly loves, and loves with his heart, must of necessity live in harmony with all. We do not wish to do as the ass; when you shove away the ass it will push itself towards you; and if you draw it to you, it draws itself backwards. Do not so when you see that a certain thing is needed for the good of your neighbor; see to it that you always help him.

(Saint Bernardine of Siena, 1380-1444)

I figure you have to make a bet. You can't go through this life and just be a spectator without ever laying it on the line. I'm betting on God to win, not to show.

(James Farl Powers, 1917-1999)

The gift of life is no less beautiful if it is accompanied by illness or weakness, hunger or poverty, mental of physical handicaps, loneliness or old age. Indeed, at these times, human life gains extra splendor as it requires our special care, concern and reverence. It is in and through the weakness of human vessels that the Lord continues to reveal the power of His love.

(Servant of God Terence Cooke, 1921-1983)

SAINT JUSTIN, MARTYR,

SAINTS MARCELLINUS AND PETER, MARTYRS,

SAINT POTHINUS AND BLANDINA,

SAINTS CHARLES LWANGA AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT KEVIN,

SAINT CLOTILDE,

SAINT FRANCIS CARACCIOLO,

SAINT BONIFACE, BISHOP, MARTYR,

SAINT NORBERT, BISHOP,

SAINT MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT,

SAINT JARLATH,

SAINT COLMAN OF DROMORE,

SAINT ROBERT OF NEWMINSTER,

BLESSED ANNED OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW,

SAINT JAMES BERTHIEU,

SAINT WILLIAM OF YORK,

SAINT EPHREM, DEACON, DOCTOR,

SAINT LANDRY OF PARIS,

SAINT COLUMBA,

SAINT JOSE DE ANCHIETA,

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGEL OF PORTUGAL,

SAINT BARNABAS, APOSTLE,

SAINT ONUPHRIUS,

SAINT LUTGARD,

SAINT JOHN FRANCIS REGIS,

BLESSED ALPHONSUS MAZUREK AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED HILARY JANUSZEWSKI,

SAINT ALBERT CHMIELOWSKI,

SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST, DOCTOR,

BLESSED MARIA CANDIDA OF THE EUCHARIST,

SAINT DAVNET,

SAINT LIDWINA,

SAINT ELISHA,

BLESSED PETER SNOW AND RALPH CRIMSTON,

SAINT GERMAINE COUSIN,

SAINT RICHARD OF CHICHESTER,

ALL SAINTS OF SCOTLAND,

SAINT BOLTOLPH,

SAINT ROMAULD, ABBOT,

SAINTS ALBAN, JULIUS AND AARON,

THE IRISH MARTYRS,

BLESSED SANCHA, BLESSED MAFALDA, VIRGINS,

BLESSED TERESA, RELIGIOUS,

SAINT ALOYIUS GONZAGA,

SAINT JOHN RIGBY,

SAINTS JOHN FISHER, BISHOP, AND THOMAS MORE, MARTYRS,

SAINT PAULINUS OF NOLA, BISHOP,

SAINT ETHELDREDA,

SAINT THOMAS GARNET,

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

SAINT GREGORY BARIGO,

SAINT LUAN,

BLESSED MARY JOSEPHINE CATANEA,

SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT JOHN SOUTHWORTH,

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR,

BLESSED NYKYTA BUDKA,

BLESSED VASYL VELYCHKOVSKY,

SAINT IRENAEUS,

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES,

THE FIRSTS MARTYRS OF THE SEE OF ROME, 

PRAY FOR US.

This month's photo: Who abide in the shadow of the Almighty. It was Lord Byron (1788-1824) who wrote, "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods." There is, however, also a pleasure in the woods with paths. From a walk in the woods at the Fetzer Institute, Kalamazoo, Michigan. 

© Gertrude Feick 2026

May 2026

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

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Praise the Lord from the heavens. 

OUR LADY, QUEEN AND MOTHER,

OUR LADY, STAR OF THE SEA,

MOTHER ADMIRABLE,

MOTHER OF HOPE,

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to May, the month dedicated to Our Lady. Still in the Easter Season, here's to hoping you are still singing your favorite Easter hymn, or mine, "Jesus Christ is Risen Today, Alleluia ..." 🎵 

It's a big month, dear faithful readers. What can be better than kicking off the festivities with today, May 1, when we commemorate Saint Joseph the Worker. Saint Joseph, model of workers, man of strength, man of courage, pray for us! Thank you. We celebrate Mother's Day on May 10 so let us rejoice. Thank a mother today for all she is and for all she does. Give God the praise for mothers! Our Lady, Queen of mothers, pray for us! Thank you. 

Depending on where you are in the world, we celebrate The Ascension of the Lord, either on Thursday, May 14, or Sunday, May 17. Next up is Pentecost Sunday set for May 24. And if that isn't enough, the next day, Monday, May 25, is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. It was Pope Saint Paul VI, who solemnly confirmed the title, Mother of the Church, in an address to the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council on November 21, 1964. The Pontiff decreed that the whole Christian people should, by the use of this beautiful title, give still greater honor to the Mother of God. And a beautiful title for Our Lady it is. Speaking of titles for Our Lady, why not take a look at the Litany to Mary and select a few of your favorite titles. Then, address Mary using the titles. As I say, go to Mary, she knows what to do. One of my favorite titles is Star of the Sea. Indeed, Our Lady is a star that will guide us, especially when we go astray. For never was it known that she left anyone unaided. 

In this glorious month of May when we turn our minds and hearts to blessed Mary, Our Lady, she, who said to the angel Gabriel, "Let it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38), and she, who "kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart" (Lk 2:19), we might also reflect on our particular vocations*  our call from the Lord, to love Him and serve Him. No matter our state in life, be it married, single, widow, religious or priest, we remember words from our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, given in his March 16, 2026, Message for the 63rd World Day of Prayer, celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2026:

A vocation is not a fixed point, but a dynamic process of maturation sustained by intimacy with our Lord. To grow in one's vocation means being with Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to act in our hearts and in the circumstances of life, and reinterpreting everything in light of this gift ...

a vocation, therefore, is not an immediate possession-something 'given' once and for all. Instead, it is a path that unfolds much like life itself. The gift we receive must not only be protected but also nourished by a daily relationship with God in order to grow and bear fruit. 'This is helpful, since it situates our whole life in relation to the God who loves us. It makes us realize that nothing is the result of pure chance but that everything in our lives can become a way of responding to the Lord, who has a wonderful plan for us.

One last thought, on May 30, we commemorate the great Saint Joan of Arc (d. 1431). With her in mind when you are looking for a parking place, turn to the Maid of Orleans and pray, "Saint Joan of Arc, show me a place to park." Joan knows what to do. And if for some reason or another, Joan is busy helping someone else, which is highly unlikely since she can manage quite a few things at once, you can turn to Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917) and pray, "Mother Cabrini, help me park the macchini." Keep going with inspiration from the following voices ...

Belief is certainty that God has shown Himself and has opened for us the view of truth itself.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

Jesus says to each one of us, no matter where we are, "The path I have for you is simple enough for a child to follow. When we know we are loved as His very own, the Lord's way is wholly uncomplicated.

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

Here we join Saint Faustina Kowalska in her words ...

I feel tremendous pain when I see the sufferings of my neighbors. All my neighbors' sufferings reverberate in my own heart; I carry their anguish in my heart is such a way that it even physically destroys me. I would like all their sorrows to fall upon me, on order to relieve my neighbor.

(Saint Faustina Kowalska, 1905-1938)

And then invoke Our Lady ...

Mother of Mercy,

pray for us.

We must contain ourselves in patience, remembering each morning that our main job is to love God and to serve Him and if we don't get things done due to interruptions, well, it cannot be helped, and God will take care of what we leave undone. Saint Teresa says that God cannot rest in an unquiet heart. I have to remember that many times during the day.

(Servant of God Dorothy Day, 1897-1980)

Humility is not self-contempt but the truth about ourselves couples with a reverence for others; it is self-surrender to the highest goal.

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)

Think ... of how we first came into being, of what we were at the first moment of our existence. Think of the dark tomb out of which our Creator brought us into His world where He had His gifts prepared for us even before we were born. All this we owe to Him and for everything we must give Him thanks. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(From a letter to the Corinthians by Saint Clement, pope, late 1st century)

We ought to be like the sunflower which follows all the 

movements of the sun and ever turns toward it.

(Saint Julie Billiart, 1751-1816)

Let us endure with courage the painful little experiences that Divine Providence allows to befall us. They are a necessary part of every life, and force us to place all our trust in God, for He alone can support and guide us.

(Saint Julie Billiart, 1751-1816)

The whole purpose of our lives is to be for others what Mary was for her Son on Calvary.

(Venerable Mary Potter, 1847-1913)

I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen-not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

(C.S. Lewis, 1898-1963)

Let us be inspired by the beauty of love; let us become witnesses to the love that Jesus has given us and taught us! Let us show every day that it is beautiful to love-that the greatest joys, in every situation, come from knowing how to give and from giving of ourselves, especially when we reach out to those most in need. The light of charity, nurtured in our homes and lived out in faith can truly transform the world.

(Pope Leo XIV, April 22, 2026, address to young people and families, Bata, Equatorial Guinea)

God has established as a law that His graces should flow to us through channels of prayer and the Sacraments; and they are so united that the performance of one is a preparation for the other. Prayer is a plant, the seed of which is sown in the heart of every Christian, but its growth depends entirely on the care we take to nourish and cultivate it; if neglected, it will die; if nourished by constant practice, it will blossom and produce fruit in abundance ...

(Venerable Catherine McAuley, R.S.M., 1778-1841)

I want creation to penetrate you with so admiration that everywhere, wherever you may be, the least plant may bring you to the clear remembrance of the Creator.

(Saint Basil the Great, 330-379)

Here are the last words of Blessed Maria Guggiari Echeverria (1925-1959), spoken at 4:10 am, April 28, 1959, as "she was dying, propped up on cushions, and surrounded by her siblings and parents, she sat up and spoke" them. They are fitting words to end each and every day ...

Jesus, I love you! What a sweet encounter! O Virgin Mary!

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER,

SERVANT OF GOD TAKASHI NAGAI,

SAINT ATHANASIUS, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES,

THE ENGLISH MARTYRS,

BLESSED MARIE-LEONIE PARADIS,

SAINT CONLETH,

THE BEATIFIED MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES,

SAINT JOSE MARIA RUBIO,

BLESSED ANGEL PRAT HOSTENCH AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED EMILY BICCHIERI, OP,

SAINT ASAPH,

SAINT HILARY OF ARLES,

BLESSED EDMUND RICE,

SAINT RICHARD REYNOLDS,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LACONI,

SAINT ROSE VENERINI,

SAINT ANGELUS,

SAINT FRANCOIS DE LAVAL,

SAINT JOHN OF BEVERLEY,

SAINT EPIPHANIUS OF SALAMIS,

BLESSED ALBERT OF BERGAMO, OP,

BLESSED CATHERINE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE,

SAINT PETER OF TARANTAISE,

THE ALGERIAN MARTYRS,

SAINT PACHOMIUS,

BLESSED FRANZ JAGERSTATTER, 

SAINT ANDREW BOBOLA,

BLESSED JOHN SULLIVAN,

BLESSED ALOYSIUS RABATA,

SAINT GEORGE PRECA,

SAINT DAMIEN OF MOLOKAI,

SAINT JOHN OF AVILA,

SAINT COMGALL,

SAINT ANTONIUS OF FLORENCE, OP,

THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS,

SAINT NEREUS AND ACHILLEUS, MARTYRS,

SAINT PANCRAS, MARTYR,

SAINT JOHN HOUGHTON AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED JANE OF PORTUGAL, OP,

BLESSED JOAN, PRINCESS OF PORTUGAL,

OUR LADY OF FATIMA,

SAINT ERCONWALD,

BLESSED IMELDA LAMBERTINI, OP,

SAINT MATTHIAS, APOSTLE,

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER,

SAINT CARTHAGE,

BLESSED ANDREW ABELLON, OP,

BLESSED GILES OF VAOZELA, OP,

SAINT SIMON STOCK,

SAINT BRENDAN,

SAINT JOHN STONE,

POPE SAINT JOHN I, MARTYR,

SAINT ERIK OF SWEDEN,

SAINT DUNSTAN,

POPE SAINT CELESTINE V,

SAINT MILBURGA,

SAINT IVO OR YVES,

SAINT RAPHAEL LOUIS RAFIRINGA,

SAINT FRANCIS COLL GUITART, OP,

SAINT BERNARDINE OF SIENA, PRIEST,

BLESSED COLUMBA OF RIETI, OP,

SAINT CHRISTOPHER MAGALLANES AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT EUGENE DE MAZENOD,

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

SAINT JANE ANTIDE THOURET,

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST DE ROSSI,

SAINT VINCENT OF LERINS,

SAINT JOACHINE DE VEDRUNA DE MAS,

OUR LADY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

BLESSED LOUIS-ZEPHIRIN MOREAU,

SAINT ALDHELM,

SAINT DOMINIC,

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

VENERABLE EMIL KAPAUN, 

SAINT MARY MAGDALAN OF PAZZI,

SAINT BEDE THE VENERABLE,

SAINT PHILIP NERI, PRIEST,

SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP,

BLESSED ANDREW FRANCHI, OP,

BLESSED MARGARET POLE, COUNTESS OF SALISBURY,

BLESSED MARY BARTHOLOMEW BAGNESI, OP,

BLESSED ANTONI JULIAN NOWOWIEJSKI,

POPE SAINT PAUL VI,

SAINT MAXIMINUS,

BLESSED JOSEPH GERARD,

SAINT URSULA LEDOCHOWSKA,

BLESSED ELIA OF SAINT CLEMENT,

BLESSED WILLIAM ARNAUD, OP, AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT ZDZISALAWA OF LEMBERK, OP,

SAINT LUKE KIRBY,

THE YORKSHIRE MARTRYS,

SAINT JOAN OF ARC,

SAINT WALSTAN,

PRAY FOR US.

* Vocation comes from the Latin vocare, "to call".

This month's photo: A major Ohhhh Ahhh. 😊

Praise Him in the heights. 

© Gertrude Feick 2026

September 2025

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

September is the month dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary 

Holy Mother, pierce me through,

in my heart each wound renew

Of my savior crucified.

SORROWFUL MOTHER, ROCK OF CONSTANCY,

SORROWFUL MOTHER, TREASURE OF THE FAITHFUL,

SORROWFUL MOTHER, MIRROR OF PATIENCE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT RAPAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother and His mother's sister, 

Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.

(John 19:25)

 A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, 

with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

(Revelation 12:1)

Dear Pilgrims of Hope, faithful readers all, welcome to September, the month dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. And on this first day of the month we celebrate Labor Day. Many will gather today, and have been these past weekend days, to celebrate the end of summer. At the same time, we remember to honor those who labor at home and away from home, with work of the mind, hands, and heart. We also remember to rest from our labors, with time for prayer and holy leisure, in things that refresh and renew us to build the Kingdom of God on earth. Bless the work of our hands and hearts. 

Unless the Lord build the house,

they labor in vain who build it.

(Psalm 127:1)

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

(Matthew 11:28-30)

Why not continue with a quiz? Tradition honors these as the Seven Sorrows of Mary ...  Can you hear the music from Jeopardy? 🎶 Bum bum bum bum, bum bum bum. Bum bum bum bum, bum bum bum bum bum bum. 🎵 Ready or not, here they come ... What are The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:35), The Flight into Egypt (Mt 2:13), Search for the Child in Jerusalem (Lk 2:46, 48), Mary Meets Jesus on His Way to the Cross (John 19:17/Luke 23:27), Standing at the Foot of the Cross (John 19:25-27), The Crucifixion and Descent from the Cross (John 19:38), Assisting at the Burial of Christ (Luke 23:55, 56). It occurs to me that any one of us, or a group if you have one, could invent a novena leading up to September 15 when we commemorate Our Lady of Sorrows. Since there are Seven Sorrows, that covers a Sorrow for seven days, the Seven Sorrows could be sandwiched with your favorite prayer to Mary, one on Day 1 (September 7) and one on Day 9 (September 15). Included in those days are September 8, when we celebrate The Birth of Mary, and September 12, when we celebrate The Most Holy Name of Mary. And there is always the Litany to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, a few invocations noted above. What is your favorite invocation? Faithful readers, it is going to be a busy month.

Even though I have been thinking about the Sorrowful Mother, Mary, so strong and courageous, Our Lady who Simeon told, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35), I have also been thinking about Mary, a Joyful Mother. Yes, Mary was sorrowful. Rightly. At the same time, she was a woman of joy. Otherwise, Mary would not have proclaimed, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior ..." (Luke 1:46-55). We can turn to Mary every day then, and at every moment, for help and guidance, especially as a human tendency is to focus on sorrows, or our troubles and problems. A Sorrowful Mother, Mary is also A Joyful Mother. Mary wept; Mary sang; Mary danced. After all, even babe in the womb John the Baptist leaped for joy when the sound of Mary's greeting reached the ears of her cousin Elizabeth (see Luke 1:41-45). And when I pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, before beginning the Second Mystery, the Visitation, I attempt to give a leap of joy, if not physically, then mentally and in my heart, and pray for Mary and Elizabeth, and little John too, to help me leap for joy. Every one of us has many sorrows: moments of pain, grief, sadness, loneliness, anxiety, fear, doubt. On the other hand, each of us has so much to be joyful about, first and foremost at how much Jesus loves each and every one of us. Yes, Jesus loves you; Jesus loves me. And so does Mary, His mother. There is no greater Love than Jesus. At the same time, there is no greater love than Mary. So, in our favor, we are privileged to have the greatest Love in Jesus, and the greatest love in Mary, His Mother, both sorrowful and joyful. In fact, it is overwhelming even to think about it. So much Love and love. And as I heard a minister preach at a wedding many years ago: "It's all aboot love." Yes, aboot. And it certainly is aboot Love and love. 

And before we hear from a number of voices this month, we also remember September 14, The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. So don't forget to lift high the cross and help others carry their crosses. And then there are the powerful Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, set for September 29. And an added bonus is that we begin the third "straight through" read of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict for 2025 (see Rule of Saint Benedict 58:9-16). So, we begin with "Listen carefully, my son, to the master's instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice" (RB Prologue 1). Did I mention the heavy line-up of saints to pray for us this month? You will see below ... 

First, speaking of dancing ...

Therefore, let all creation sing and dance and unite to make worthy contribution to the celebration of this day. Let there be a common festival for saints in heaven and men on earth. Let everything, mundane things and those above, join in festive celebration. Today this created world is raised to the dignity of a holy place for Him who made all things. The creature is newly prepared to be a divine dwelling place for the Creator.

(From a discourse by Saint Andrew of Crete, bishop, in Office of Readings, September 8, Birth of Mary)

In dangers,

in hardships

in every doubt

think of Mary

call out to Mary.

Keep her in your mouth

keep her in your heart ...

With your hand in hers

you will never stumble.

With her protecting you

you will not be afraid.

With her leading you

you will never tire.

Her kindness

will see you through to the end.

Then you will know 

by your own experience

how true it is that

the Virgin's Name was Mary.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153)

Although you have not seen Him you love Him;

even though you do not see Him now yet believe in Him,

you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy.

(1 Peter 1:8)

Many times, praying at odd hours of the night, the little birds would come to sing and I would bet with them who would praise God the most.

(Blessed John Macias, 1585-1645)

All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither.

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

(J.R.R. Tolkien, 1892-1973)

Jesus alone is my hope.

(Blessed Catherine of Racconigi, 1486-1547)

Manners or good behavior cannot be separated from Christian morals, since Christianity cannot succeed where ordinary humanity is absent.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

If I ever become a saint-I will surely be one of "darkness". I will continually be absent from heaven-to light the light of those in darkness on earth.

(Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

I forgive, I forgive, I forgive.

(Last words of Blessed Leonella Sgorbati, 1940-2006)

The melody of her life is played just as it was written. Mary was thought, conceived, and planned as the equal sign between ideal and history, thought and reality, hope and realization.

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)

Many acts of love for God ... although good and very desirable, are yet very suspect when they do not lead to the practice of effective love.

(Saint Vincent de Paul. 1580-1660)

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

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

In moments when fever, agony, and pain make it hard to pray, the suggestion of prayer that comes from merely holding the rosary-or better still, 

from caressing the Crucifix at the end of it-is tremendous!

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)

Let us love our neighbors, my friends, let us love the one who is near to us, so that we may be able to reach the love of the one who is above us. Then we shall reach the happiness of the heavenly multitude, the happiness of which we have received an assurance of the Holy Spirit. Let us move forward toward that goal where we shall be happy without end with all our love.

(Pope Saint Gregory the Great, 540-604)

If men only knew the power of love. which they often appreciate so little-the power of being able to love, to be sustained and defended by love, to grow in love at every instant. This, in spite of the imperfections of all my works, gives me the courage to labor ... My longings to love God are infinite, and only God can fill my emptiness with His infinite love ... I need all His love in order to love Him as I ought. I hope that He will give it to me, and I do not doubt that He will.

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

SAINT GILES,

SAINT TERESA MARGARET REDI OF THE SACRED HEART,

SAINT BEATRICE DA SILVA MENESES,

BLESSED ANDRE GRASSET DE SAINT SAUVER,

THE SEPTEMBER MARTRYS,

JESUIT MARTYRS FOR THE NAME OF JESUS,

POPE SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT,

POPE SAINT BONIFACE I,

SAINT CUTHBERT,

SAINT MAC NISSI,

BLESSED DINA BELANGER,

MOTHER SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA,

SAINT HERBERT,

BLESSED THOMAS TZUGI,

SAINT PETER CLAVER,

BLESSED FREDERIC OZANAM,

SAINT CIARAN OF GLONMACNOISE,

SAINT OSBURG,

SAINT AMBROSE BARLOW, OSB,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT EGWIN, BISHOP,

BLESSED AGNELLUS OF PISA, PRIEST,

BLESSED FRANCIS GARATE,

BLESSED OGLERIO OF LORELIO,

SAINT PETER II OF TARENTAISE,

SAINT DEINIOL,

SAINT JANE GABRIEL,

SERVANT OF GOD VINCENT CAPODANNO,

BLESSED MARY OF JESUS,

VENERABLE ALOYSIUS SCHWARTZ,

BLESSED APOLLINARIS FRANCO,

SAINT AILBE,

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

OUR LADY OF SORROWS,

SAINT MIRIN,

POPE SAINT CORNELIUS,

SAINT CYPRIAN,

SAINT NINIAN,

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE, 

SAINT HILDEGARD OF BINGEN,

SAINT ALBERT OF JERUSALEM,

SAINT EDITH OF KEMSING,

SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO,

SAINT STANISLAW KOSTKA,

SAINT JANUARIUS, BISHOP, MARTYR,

SAINT EMILY DE RODAT,

SAINT THEODORE OF TARSUS,

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

ALL KOREAN MARTYRS,

SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST,

SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION,

SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA,

SAINT PIUS OF PIETRELCINA "PADRE PIO", PRIEST,

SAINT ADOMNAN OF IONA,

SAINT STEPHANIE,

OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM,

BLESSED ANTON MARTIN SLOMSHEK,

BLESSED EMILIE TAVERNIER-GAMELIN,

SAINT FINBARR,

SAINT HERMANN CONTRACTUS,

SAINT COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYR,

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST,

SAINT WENCESLAUS,

SAINT LAWRENCE RUIZ AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT LIOBA,

SAINT MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS,

SAINT JEROME, PRIEST, DOCTOR,

PRAY FOR US.

NB. A new custom is to post a reflection at the commencement of each month of the calendar year, which turns out to be 12 months, each with a specific Catholic devotion. United in faith and prayer, we keep going. Until further notice.

This month's photo: Mother Do Not Mourn for Me, by the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso.

© Gertrude Feick 2025

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

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus 

O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth.

JOSEPH, FOSTER FATHER OF THE SON OF GOD,

SAINT JOSEPH, THE JUST,

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, 

DESIRE OF THE ETERNAL HILLS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible ...

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father ...

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

(The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed)

Welcome to the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One, One in Three. So important for us, this mystery of our faith, for as our Catechism teaches, "the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. It is therefore the source of all other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 234). It is no wonder that our holy father Saint Benedict tells us that "as soon as the cantor begins to sing, 'Glory be to the Father,' let all the monks rise from their seats in honor and reverence for the Holy Trinity" (RB 9:7). We pray with Saint Joannicus of Mount Olympus (d. 846): "My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my shelter is the Holy Spirit. O Holy Trinity, glory to you."

At the same time, we celebrate Father's Day, a day when we remember all fathers, biological, spiritual, foster, adoptive, all of them. May Saint Joseph, husband and father, intercede for them. Don't forget to pray for priests, and specifically thank the priest of your parish, for his faithful service as father and shepherd of his flock. Thank you to all priests. May Saint John Marie Baptiste Vianney intercede for you. We join Pope Saint John Paul II who prayed,

I would like to invoke the heavenly protection of Saint Joseph on all fathers and their duties in family life ... By concretely fulfilling their responsibilities, may each of them reflect God's provident and faithful love. May we obtain this through Saint Joseph and Blessed Mary, Queen of the family and Mother of the Church.

Amen.

And we hear from others, some with something to say about the Holy Trinity, others with something to say about fathers, and the priesthood too. Just remember to sign yourself big, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

When we cross ourselves, let it be with a real sign of the cross. Instead of a small, cramped gesture that gives no notion of its meaning, let us make a large unhurried sign, from forehead to breast, from shoulder to shoulder, consciously feeling how it includes the whole of us, our thoughts, our attitudes, our body and soul, every part of us at once. How it consecrates and sanctifies us.

(Romano Guardini, 1885-1968, Sacred Signs, p. 9)

The sign of the CROSS on me-deepest thoughts came with it-of I know not what earnest desires to be closely united with Him who died on it.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

O my Three, my all, my beatitude, infinite solitude, immensity in which I lose myself ... Bury yourself in me that I may bury myself in you until I depart to contemplate in your life the abyss of your greatness.

(Saint Elizabeth the Trinity, 1880-1906) 

The Feast of the most Holy Trinity leads us to contemplate the mystery of God who unceasingly creates, redeems and sanctifies, always with love and through love, and enables every creature that welcomes Him to reflect a ray of His beauty, goodness and truth.

(Pope Francis, 1936-2025, Angelus Address, May 27, 2018)

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on the faithful.

(Psalm 103:13)

Like a fruitful vine

 your wife within your home, 

Like olive plants

your children around your table.

Just so will they be blessed

who fear the Lord.

(Psalm 128:5-6)

Father of the fatherless, defender of widows-

this is the God whose abode is holy.

(Psalm 68:6)

See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.

(1 John 3:1)

If I were to become a priest, I would like to win many souls.

The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.

(Saint John Marie Baptiste Vianney, 1786-1589)

BLESSED PETER SNOW AND RALPH GRIMSTON,

SAINT RICHARD OF CHICHESTER,

ALL SAINTS OF SCOTLAND,

SAINT LUTGARD,

SAINT JOHN FRANCIS REGIS,

BLESSED JOSEPH-MARIE CASSANT,

SAINT BOTOLPH,

SAINT OSANNA ANDREASI,

SAINT ALBERT CHMIELOWSKI,

VENERABLE MATT TALBOT,

SAINT ROMUALD,

SAINTS ALBAN, JULIUS AND AARON,

THE IRISH MARTYRS,

SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA,

SAINT JOHN RIGBY,

SAINT JOHN FISHER,

SAINT THOMAS MORE,

SAINT PAULINUS OF NOLA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: These beauties are a gift from meine liebe Moni in Freiburg, Germany. Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come. Alleluia.

© Gertrude Feick, 2025