The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity/Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Ch 7:1-34 Humility

All His words are trustworthy.

MARY, VIRGIN MOST PRUDENT,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, SON OF THE ETERNAL FATHER,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Blest be God the Father, and the Only Begotten Son of God, and also the Holy Spirit, 

for He has shown us His merciful love.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

Attenzione! Listen to the words of our holy father Saint Benedict: "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" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 9:7). Welcome to the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. So, rise from your seats in honor and reverence and sign yourself BIG: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen! And as things go smoothly and not so smoothly this week, remember what Jesus tells us in today's Gospel: And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age (Mt 28:20). Not sometimes, rather, always. Jesus is always with us.  Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten our words and deeds so that we cry with gratitude, "Abba, Father!" May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our faith in you (Ps 33). 

Monday is Memorial Day, a day when our country honors those who have died in military service for the United States. It also happens to be the unofficial start to summer. As we honor the Americans who gave their lives in military service, and get busy this summer, we remember three American priests who not only lost their lives as they served as military chaplains but are also candidates for sainthood! So important were chaplains, that in 1915, British field marshal Sir Douglas Haig (1861-1928) had this to say, "A good chaplain is as valuable as a good general."

SERVANT OF GOD EMIL KAPAUN (India, Burma, and Korea),

SERVANT OF GOD VINCENT CAPODANNO (Vietnam War),

SERVANT OF GOD JOSEPH VERBIS LAFLEUR (World War II in the Philippines),

PRAY FOR US.

As we celebrate today's Solemnity and travel through the last days of May 2024, some of our voices have something to say about the Holy Trinity, others speak of Mary, Our Lady, and one speaks of both. 

The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in Himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the "hierarchy of truths of faith."

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 234)

The Virgin Mary, in her docile humility, became the handmaid of divine Love: she accepted the Father's will and conceived the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. In her the Almighty built a temple worthy of Him and made her the model and image of the Church, mystery and house of communion for all human beings. May Mary, mirror of the Blessed Trinity help us to grow in faith of the Trinitarian mystery.

(Pope Bendict XVI, Angelus Address, Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2009)

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, Angelus Address, Trinity Sunday, May 27, 2018)

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)

The Blessed Virgin Mary can do more than all the physicians in the world ...

true veneration of the Blessed Virgin consists in not offending her divine Son in any way.

(Saint Crispin of Viterbo, 1668-1750)

There is no surer or easier way than Mary for uniting all persons with Christ.

(Pope Saint Pius X, 1835-1914)

We pray Mary most holy to obtain for us the grace of lives oriented completely toward God. Mary the Virgin knew how to reply: Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word. May her disposition be ours also. May she who was conceived without sin help us all, poor sinners, to seek only God, to do penance, and to live always for righteousness (1 Pt 2:14) ...

Mary is the "Morning Star" that announces the arrival of the Rising sun, the Sun of Justice, Jesus the Savior. May she bring us to Jesus, she who is the first to believe.

(Francis Cardinal Arinze)

And as we go forth this week, we hear once more from dear Saint Crispin of Viterbo. Just when you feel all dried up and ready to take a breather remember something Saint Crispin said: "Paradise is not for lazybones."! So, as we hear what the Lord God said to the Prophet Ezekiel, "Prophesy over these bones and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: See! I will bring spirit into you, that you may come to life” (Ezk 37:4-5). Then ask yourself a question from the psalmist included in Saint Benedict's Holy Rule: "Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days?" (RB Prologue 15). What will it be then? Keep going.

SAINT PHILIP NERI, "PIPPO BUONO"

SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY,

BLESSED ANDREW FRANCHI OP,

BLESSED MARGARET POLE, COUNTENSS OF SALISBURY,

BLESSED BARTHOLOMEW BAGNESI OP,

BLESSED ANTONI JULIAN NOWOWIEJSKI,

POPE SAINT PAUL VI,

BLESSED RICHARD THIRKELD,

BLESSED JOSEPH GERARD,

BLESSED ELIA OF SAINT CLEMENT,

BLESSED WILLIAM ARNAUD OP AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT ZDZISLAWA OF LEMBERK OP,

SAINT LUKE KIRBY,

THE YORKSHIRE MARTYRS,

SAINT JOAN OF ARC,

SAINT WALSTAN,

BLESSED JAMES SALOMONIO OP,

SAINT JUSTIN MARTYR,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This beauty bows in honor and reverence for the Most Holy Trinity. For He spoke and it was made.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Pentecost Sunday/Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Ch 4 The Tools for Good Works - Ch 6 Restraint of Speech

Lord, send forth your Spirit.

MARY, MOTHER OF HOPE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 

gentleness, self-control.

(Galatians 5:22-23)

Welcome to Pentecost Sunday in the month of May dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. And we are certainly going to need mercy as we move this week with Saint Benedict's Chapter 4 on the Tools for Good Works. So, let us "never lose hope in God's mercy" (RB 4:74). 

On this Pentecost Sunday and entrance into Ordinary Time once again, allow the Holy Spirit to stir you, rouse you, inspire you to turn from evil and do good, as, in the words of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, "The Holy Spirit must teach us how to carry out in action, the good that is inspired, or grace in us shall remain void." The Holy Spirit will change your heart and mind if you let Him in. Uncomfortable, antsy, not particularly enjoying the Spirit-filled ride? Well, feel the breath of God and receive the Holy Spirit (see John 20:22). As we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit (see Gal 5:25). Yes, "Jesus is Lord" (see 12:3b).

 

Our voices this week are varied as we go forth and profess with all the faithful, "I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life" (The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed). 

The Holy Spirit is the one who moves us forward, who helps us progress, who enables us to develop Christian life ... The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to live the Christian life, and for this reason, with this courage, it changes our lives. Listen to the Spirit, pray to the Spirit, and if it's Him changing your life, trust the Spirit.

(Pope Francis, Vigil Mass of Pentecost, Verona, Italy, May 18, 2024)

When the Spirit has been sent, the face of the earth is created and renewed: this means that our earthly will becomes heavenly, ready at a nod to obey more quickly than a nod. Blessed are people like this, for not only do they perceive no evil, but they abide in a certain marvelous expansion of heart.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153)

We say that we must seek God, go to Him to 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)

Pour into our hearts your Holy Spirit, that you may keep us in unity of spirit and the bond of peace.

(Aelred of Rievaulx, 1110-1167)

Let the dove, I say, come with the olive branch, 

proclaiming peace with this branch that speaks of renewal and light.

(William of St. Thierry, 1075/80/85-1148, On Contemplating God)

Everyone has his or her own personality, and this can make it very difficult to live together. But "difficult" does not me "impossible"; otherwise Jesus never would have prayed: 

That they all may be one! ...

In the face of difficulties, I will not break, I will imitate the rushes and reeds, each one leaning toward the other-heart to heart, united in love; mind to mind, united in intelligence-so as to be able to reflect together and find the truth. 

(Venerable Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, 1928-2002)

O Spirit of truth, make me know your Word; teach me to remember all He has said; enlighten me, guide me, make me conformable to Jesus as an alter Christus, another Christ, by giving me His virtues, especially His patience, humility, and obedience; let me take part in his redemptive work by making me understand and love the cross.

(Sister Carmela of the Holy Spirit, O.C.D., 1910-1949)

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

SAINT BERNADINO OF SIENA,

BLESSED COLUMBA RIETI OP,

SAINT CHRISTOPHER MAGALLENES AND HIS COMPANIONS, 

SAINT EUGENE DE MAZENOD,

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA,

SAINT JOACHINA DE VEDRUNA DE MAS,

OUR LADY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

BLESSED LOUIS-ZEPHERIN MOREAU,

SAINT ALDHELM,

SAINT DOMINIC,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

SAINT MARY MAGDALEN DE'PAZZI,

SAINT EUPHROSYNE OF POLATSK,

SAINT JANE ANTIDE THOURET,

SAINTS DONATIAN AND ROGATION, MARTYRS,

SAINT BEDE THE VENERABLE,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

SAINT CUTHBERT,

SAINT MARY MAGDALENE DE PAZZI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: And renew the face of the earth.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Seventh Sunday of Easter/The Ascension of the Lord

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mother's Day

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 2:16 Qualities of the Abbot - Ch 3 Summoning the Brothers for Counsel

For the Lord, the Most High, the awesome.

MARY, GATE OF HEAVEN,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, 

give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of Him.

(Ephesians 1:17)

Welcome to the Ascension of the Lord, in the month of May dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Mother's Day too. May our souls magnify the Lord and our spirits rejoice in God our Savior, then, for as Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote:

May is Mary's month, and I

Muse at that and wonder why: 

Her feasts follow reason,

Dated due to season ...

All things rising, all things sizing

Mary sees, sympathizing

With that world of good,

Nature's motherhood.

Their magnifying of each its kind

With delight calls to mind

How she did in her stored

Magnify the Lord.

Well but there was more than this

Spring's universal bliss

Much, had much to say

To offering Mary May ...

This ecstasy all through mothering earth

Tells Mary her mirth till Christ's birth

To remember and exultation

In God who was her salvation.

For all mothers, then, we pray with heartfelt gratitude, respect, and deep admiration. Mary, Mother of God, please cover all mothers in your protective veil.

I am still with yesterday's (May 11, 2023) first reading at Mass taken from the Acts of the Apostles 18:23-28, which just happens to be related to today's second reading for Mass, one verse quoted above, from Saint Paul's Letter to the Ephesians. In the account from the Acts of Apostles, we heard about a Jew called Apollos who was an eloquent speaker. He was an authority on Scriptures, had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus. However, Apollos knew only the baptism of John. When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos speak boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. There are many things to learn from this story. I focus though on the importance of helping one another grow in understanding of the faith. It is one of the spiritual works of mercy, that is, instructing the ignorant. Apollos certainly wasn't ignorant. Still, he needed to go further and learn more. We are all called to grow in our understanding of the faith. So, we spend time in prayer, listening and asking God to help us understand, we open the Bible and spend time with a verse, phrase, or word, and reflect on how God is speaking to us. We look for books, like the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Ratzinger's classic, Introduction to Christianity, or Romano Guardini's classic, The Lord, for example, and courses and people to help us. We are united as theologians on our knees, and theologians at the desk. After all, it was Saint John Henry Newman who said that we need an educated laity. We need an educated Church, no matter our state in life. So, in our desire to grow in wisdom and knowledge, we ask the God of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory to give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of Him. As we have the humility and courage to grow in our own understanding of the faith, and then instruct others, the Lord is with us. At the same time, we might remember something Saint John Damascene said of Mary: 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."

Our voices this week all speak of women in general, and mothers and Mary, Mother of God, more specifically.  We begin with something we heard from Alice von Hildebrand some time ago. Her voice echoes.

A woman by her very nature is maternal - for every woman, either married or unmarried, is called upon to be a biological, psychological, or spiritual mother - she knows intuitively that to give, to nurture, to care for others, to suffer with and for them - for maternity implies suffering - is infinitely more powerful in God's sight than to conquer nations and fly to the moon.

(Alice von Hildebrand, 1923-2022)

Thank you, every woman, for the simple fact of being a woman! Through the insight that is so much of your womanhood, you enrich the world's understanding and help to make human relations more honest and authentic.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, "Letter to Women," 2, June 29, 1995)

I am at peace in the midst of fifty children. I am as a Mother encompassed by many children of different dispositions ... bound to love, instruct, and provide for the happiness of all, to give the example of cheerfulness.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

Good Mistress, graciously look down on us; direct and guide our destinies wheresoever you will. Pacify the storm of our wicked passions, guide us into the quiet port of the divine will, and grant us the blessedness to come.

(Saint John Damascene, 675/6-749, Priest, Doctor of the Church)

Our Lady of Faith, Mother of all the lonely and the frightened of all the ages, help us to keep faith through the long days and the longer nights: faith in God who does not desert us, who is with us all the days, even unto the consummation of the world (Mt 28:20). Mother of all, you whose faith did not falter because your love was so great, make our hearts large, that God may fill them with His love forever.

(Sister Mary Jean Dorcy, O.P, 1914-1988, author, illustrator, especially of children's literature)

Mother Teresa's words follow, words many mothers might agree with.

May God break my heart so completely that the world falls in.

(Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

And as we go forth this week, united in faith and prayer,

Let us ask for grace

and let us ask through Mary

because she has found what she sought

and she cannot be disappointed.

Let us ask for grace

but grace with God.

For with human beings

 grace is a delusion.

Let others ask for merit

let us eagerly ask for grace.

Why?

Is it not by grace 

that we are here?

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Sermon for the Feast of the Nativity of Mary)

 

SAINTS NEREUS AND ACHILLES, MARTYRS,

SAINT PANCRAS, MARTYR,

THE CARHTUSIAN MARTYRS,

BLESSED JANE OF PORTUGAL OP,

OUR LADY OF FATIMA,

SAINT ERCONWALD,

BLESSED IMELDA LAMBERTINI OP, PATRON OF FIRST COMMUNICANTS, 

SAINT MATTHIAS, APOSTLE,

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER, PATRON OF MADRID, 

SAINT CARTHAGE,

BLESSED ANDREW ABELLON OP,

BLESSED GILES OF VAOZELA OP,

SAINT SIMON STOCK,

SAINT BRENDAN,

SAINT JOHN STONE,

SAINT ERIK OF SWEDEN,

SAINT PACHOMIUS,

POPE SAINT JOHN I,

BLESSED ANTONIA MESINA,

SAINT PASCAL BAYLON, HEAVENLY PROTECTOR OF EUCHARISTIC CONGRESSES AND ASSOCIATIONS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Sing hymns of praise.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Sixth Sunday of Easter

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Prologue 21 - Ch 2:10 Qualities of the Abbot

Sing to the Lord a new song.

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

In this is love: not that we have loved God, 

but that He loves us and sent His Son as expiation for our sins.

(1 John 4:10)

Welcome to the Sixth Sunday of Easter fully immersed in the glorious month of May, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. What is written about the word in the Letter to the Hebrews certainly rings true today, namely, "the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart" (Heb 4:12). Our readings are packed with wisdom to take to lectio divina, that is, divine reading. What is the word of God saying to you today? Stop. Take inventory. Whether in a moment of gratitude, sorrow, joy, anxiety, restlessness, warmth or cold, listen. Remain in my love, says the Lord.  As the Father loves me, so I also love you, yes, you. It is through Our Lord that we have life. We have life and light to love Him, ourselves and one another. We say with Saint Paul, "I myself am also a human being." Yes, "by God's grace I am what I am" (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 31/1 Cor 15:10). I grow in virtue; I stumble and fall along the path to holiness. No matter, we are all acceptable to the Lord, for He shows no partiality. Our Lord loves saint and sinner alike. He wants His joy to be in us so that our joy might be complete. Complete to share with whoever we encounter on the road to glory. Make God the center of your life, and as Saint Julian of Norwich says, "All will be well." "Only if God exists," writes Pope Benedict XVI, "only if He becomes the center of my life, is this love my neighbor as myself possible. But if He exists, if He becomes the center of my life, then it is also possible to reach this inward freedom of love." Love one another, commands the Lord. I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give you. Whatever. Absorb His words that penetrate between soul and spirit. 

All our voices this week speak of the Blessed Virgin Mary, dear Mary, who will help us in this way of love so that we bear fruit, fruit that will remain. Indeed, "we must run and do now what will profit us forever" (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 44). And, as Saint Rafael Arnaiz Baron wrote to his Uncle Leopoldo in 1937, "Given Mary, how could you not love God!!!"  "Not to us, Lord, not to us give the glory, but to your name alone" (RB Prologue 30).

First, we listen to Romano Guardini (1885-1968), from his classic work, The Lord. Chapter II, The Mother, begins in this way:

Anyone who would understand the nature of a tree, should examine the earth that encloses its roots, the soil from which its sap climbs into branch, blossom, and fruit. Similarly, to understand the person of Jesus Christ, one would do well to look to the soil that brought Him forth: Mary, His mother.

Let us look to Mary, His mother, then, especially this month: Our Lady's month.

Our Mother in heaven deserves all the love our poor hearts are capable of. Our Lady never forgets us ... Ask yourself: Do I try to put new love each day into my effort to stay close to Our Lady?

(Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, 1914-1994, to members of Opus Dei)

The first thing which kindles ardor in learning is the greatness of the teacher. What is greater than the Mother of God? What more glorious than she whom Glory Itself chose?

(Saint Ambrose, 340-397, Bishop of Milan, Doctor of the Church)

Every great man in the Church has been most devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary ...

Virgin most innocent of any stain or fault, make me more worthy of God.

(Saint Robert Bellarmine, 1542-1621)

The knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin Eve has bound fast through unbelief, this did the virgin Mary set free through faith.

(Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, Doctor of the Church, 130-202)

Mary

has been exalted

above the choirs of angels.

The Mother can contemplate

nothing above herself

but her Son alone.

The Queen

can gaze in wonder

as nothing above herself

but the King.

The Mediatrix

can venerate

nothing above herself

but the Mediator.

May she

by her prayers

represent

reconcile

and commend us

to her Only begotten Son

Jesus Christ

to whom be honor and glory

for endless ages.

(Guerric of Igny, 1070-80-1157)

And as we, united as we are in faith and prayer, go forth this week, we take with us comforting words from Pope Francis, words His Holiness gave to members of the Spanish Confraternity of Our Lady of Montserrat on the 800th anniversary of its foundation (2023). Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us.

To celebrate Mary is to celebrate the closeness and tenderness of God who is with His people, who does not leave us alone, who has given us a Mother who cares for us and accompanies us.

SAINT ASAPH,

BLESSED EDMUND RICE,

SAINT RICHARD REYNOLDS,

SAINT ANGELUS,

SAINT FRANCOIS DE LAVAL,

SAINT EVODIUS,

SAINT JOHN OF BEVERLEY,

SAINT ALBERT OF BERGAMO, OP,

SAINT DOMINIC,

SAINT HILDA OF WHITBY,

SAINT PETER OF TARANTAISE,

BLESSED CATHERINE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE,

BLESSED JOHN SULLIVAN,

BLESSED ALOYSIUS RABATA,

SAINT GEORGE PRECA, MALTA'S SECOND FATHER IN FAITH,

SAINT COMGALL,

SAINT ANTONINUS OF FLORENCE, OP,

THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS,

SAINT PAUL,

BLESSED CHRISTIAN DE CHERGE AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS OF ATLAS,

SAINT JOHN OF AVILA,

SAINT DAMIEN DE VEUSTER,

HOLY ABBOTS OF CLUNY,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LACONI,

PRAY FOR US

Today's photo: I managed this one while teetering on a ladder. With God, all things are possible. For He has done wondrous things. Alleluia.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Fifth Sunday of Easter

April is the month dedicated to the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Spirit

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Ch 70 Mutual Obedience - Prologue 20

They who seek the Lord shall praise Him.

JESUS, DWELLING IN THE TABERNACLES OF THE WORLD,

SPIRIT OF BENIGNITY AND GOODNESS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, QUEEN OF ALL THINGS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.

(1 John 3:20)

Welcome, dear faithful readers, to the Fifth Sunday of Easter, still in the month of April dedicated to the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Spirit. I am sorry that today's offering is late. However, it is still Sunday and time to start thinking about the great Doctor of the Church who we commemorate tomorrow; she is Saint Catherine of Siena, another one of my favorites. For now, though, let's be about bearing much fruit this week. Attached to Jesus the vine, we are the branches. Without the vine, we are nothing. As Jesus tells us, "Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit." So we might think about one fruit of the Holy Spirit that we especially want to cultivate this week. What will it be ... charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity. Those who keep His commandments remain in Him, and He in them, and the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit He gave us (1 John 3:24). 

And once again, the moment we've been waiting for, that is, to hear from a voice here, there, and everywhere. Blessed as we are to enter the holy month of May this week, the glorious month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we hear first from now Venerable Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen, whose cause for canonization as a saint was officially opened under the leadership of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, in 2002 (see The Catholic University of America, "Cause for Canonization"). Not surprisingly, there have been a few bumps along the path for the Archbishop of happy memory. God is in charge, however. So, we will see. Secondly, we hear from Saint Louis Mary Grignion de Montfort, who was especially devoted to Mary, Virgin and Mother. You may be familiar with his True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

God, who made the sun, also made the moon. The moon does not take away from the brilliance of the sun. The moon would be only a burnt-out cinder floating in the immensity of space were it not for the sun. All its light is reflected from the sun. The Blessed Mother reflects her Divine Son; without Him, she is nothing. With Him, she is the Mother of Men.

(Fulton Sheen, 1895-1979, The World's First Love)

All the gifts, virtues and graces of the Holy Ghost are distributed by Mary, to whom she wishes, when she wishes, the way she wishes and as much as she wishes. It is by her that He applies His merits to His members, and that He communicates His virtues, and distributes His graces. She is His Mysterious canal; she is His aqueduct, through which He makes His mercies flow gently and abundantly ...

If then we are establishing sound devotion to Our Blessed Lady, it is only in order to establish devotion to Our Lord more perfectly, by providing a smooth but certain way of reaching Jesus Christ.

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

Following Jesus means nothing other than reproducing His virtues in ourselves, in order to do all things well. It is trying to assume His imprint on our bodies and our souls that we might be entirely transformed into Him.

(Blessed Concepcion Cabrera de Armida, 1862-1937)

If we have lost confidence, God reopens us to faith; if we are discouraged, God awakens hope in us; if our heart is hardened, God softens it with His love.

(Pope Francis, Wednesday General Audience, April 24, 2024)

What is it that today makes true followers of Christ cast luxuries aside, leave pleasures behind, and endure difficulties and pain? It is living faith that expresses itself through love. It is this that makes us put aside the goods of the present in the hope of future goods. It is because of faith that we exchange the present for the future.

(From a eulogy for Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr, in Office of Readings, April 24)

The essence of prayer is that I raise my mind to God. I turn my attention from every other thing. I empty my mind of every other thought. I give my whole mind wholly to God to be filled only by God, so that nothing, literally nothing, stands for the moment between my soul and Him.

(Monsignor Philip Hughes, 1895-1967)

Receive Holy Communion; put fire in your heart, which alone will do the work of conversion and your sanctification; warm up your cold hearts, and light them with love, and change the worldly man into a saint.

(Blessed Honoratus Kozminski, 1829-1916)

O Light of Truth, dispel these shadows from me today and drive away the fog! Feed me with the bread of life and understanding and give me the water of wisdom to drink.

(William of St. Thierry, 1075/80/85-1148)

SAINT PETER CHANEL,

SAINT LOUIS MARY GRIGNION DE MONTFORT,

BLESSED MARIA GUGGIARI ECHEVERRIA,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH,

POPE SAINT PIUS V,

SAINT MARIE OF THE INCARNATION,

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF AFRICA,

SAINT ATHANASIUS,

SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES,

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER,

THE ENGLISH MARTYRS,

BLESSED MARIE-LEONIE PARADIS,

SAINT CONLETH,

THE BEATIFIED MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES,

SAINT JOSE MARIE RUBIO,

BLESSED ANGEL PRAT HOSTENCH AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED EMILY BICCHIERI, OP,

SAINT FLORIAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: May your hearts live forever!

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Fourth Sunday of Easter

April is the month dedicated to the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Spirit

Good Shepherd Sunday

61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Ch 64 The Election of an Abbot - Ch 69 The Presumption of Defending Another in the Monastery

By the Lord has this been done.

SACRED HOST, IN WHICH THE SOUL IS FILLED WITH GRACE,

HOLY SPIRIT, INSPIRE IN US IN THE PRACTICE OF GOOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

All of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in His name this man stands before you healed. He is the stone which the builders rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given the human race by which we are saved.

(Acts 4:10-12)

Welcome to the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, and the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations. First, then, let's hear from Pope Saint John Paul II, from his 1981 Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio, where, in this passage, he refers to the First Letter of Saint John (1 John 4:8) and Gaudium et spes the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (12):

God is love and in Himself He lives a mystery of personal loving communion. Creating the human race in His own image and continually keeping it in being, God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion. Love is therefore the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being (11).

Now I turn to the passage from the Acts of the Apostles above, from the first reading for today's Mass. Among other things, I keep repeating, "there is no other way, or under any other name." We go to the Name of Jesus. The only Name by which we are saved. If we go elsewhere, we are looking to idols. As Pope Francis has said, "Memory alone enables us to discover God's presence in our midst and makes us realize that every attempt to seek salvation apart from God is an idol." Look to last week. Remember. When are three specific times when you were aware that God was in your midst? Lord, Jesus Christ, thank you.

May we, like Saint Peter, be filled with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 4:8) in this month dedicated to the Holy Spirit. Together we pray, Holy Spirit, shed Thy light in our souls. Stop, look, be attentive, and listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd, the guardian of our souls. He knows us; let us follow Him, united in faith and prayer. 

Now the moment we've all being waiting for, namely, our voices for the week (as if we haven't heard from enough already), a shout from here and there over the course of the history of the Church. 

The hands should be at work, the heart with God.

(Saint Mary Joseph Rosello, 1811-1880)

Believing in Christ means loving Him ... So don't waste time wondering how to do what Christ commands; you cannot not do it if you love Christ. Love, and you do it.

(Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, Doctor of Grace, 354-430)

The world is more beautiful when we are reconciled with God, with ourselves, and with our brothers.

(Mother Elvira Petrozzi, foundress of the Comunita Cenacolo, 1927-2023)

The greatest kindness one can render to another is leading him to the truth.

(Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, Doctor of Grace, 354-430)

If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

(Jesus in John 8:31-32)

Faith is born from the personal encounter with the risen Christ and becomes an impulse of courage and freedom that makes one cry to the world: "Jesus is risen and alive forever."

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927- 2022)

Do only what you can offer to God.

(Saint John Vianney, 1786-1859)

What prevents you from being a saint?

(Saint Sharbel Makhluf, 1828-1898)

And a nice addition, added by my brother, Thomas Billard, on his birthday. Auguri, fratello.

Let all nations know that Thou art God alone, and that Jesus Christ is Thy Son, and that we are Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture.

(Saint Clement of Alexandria, 150-215)

POPE SAINTS CAIUS AND SOTER,

SAINT ANSELM OF CANTERBURY, MONK, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT MAELRUBHA,

SAINT GEORGE, MARTYR,

SAINT ADALBERT OF PRAGUE, BISHOP, MARTYR,

BLESSED MARIA OF THE CROSS,

SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST,

BLESSED ROBERT ANDERTON AND WILLIAM MARSDEN,

SAINT ASICUS,

SAINT MAUGHOLD,

BLESSED HOSANNA OF KOTOR, OP,

BLESSED MARIA GABRIELLA SAGHEDDU,

SAINT RAFAEL ARNAIZ BARON,

SAINT ZITA OF LUCA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: It is wonderful in our eyes.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Third Sunday of Easter

April is the month dedicated to the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Spirit

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 60 The Admission of Priests to the Monastery - 64 The Election of an Abbot

Lord, let your face shine on us.

SACRED HOST, GREATEST AID TO HOLINESS,

HOLY SPIRIT, TEACH US TO PRAY WELL,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, STAR OF THE SEA,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

Whoever keeps His word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.

(1 John 2:5a)

Welcome to the Third Sunday of Easter in the glorious month of April dedicated to the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Spirit. In other years, we commemorate Madagascan and Blessed Lucien Botovasoa (1908-1947). If you don't know his story, you might take a look at it. Wow! Husband, father, teacher, martyr ...what a man of faith. And not to be outdone is Dominican and Blessed Peter Gonzalez (1190-1246), invoked by sailors under the name "Saint Elmo." 

Something to do this week is STOP. Listen to His word. See. Recognize. No, it is not a ghost in your midst. So do not be troubled; do not be anxious. Look at Him; touch Him. Ahhh. Peace be with you, says the risen Lord. I am with you always. Let Him embrace you and open your mind to understand the Scriptures. 

We were blessed to have another nun from our Order with us for several days who delivered conferences on Cistercian father, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Our voice this week is Bernard of Clairvaux, then, in some texts from his sermons and letters that you might find inspiring. We turn things over to you Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church, and "last of the fathers," also called Doctor Mellifluus*, a voice so pleasant to hear that we might as well hear plenty of it! 

Faith is a good shadow; it tempers the light to the eye's weakness and prepares the eye for the light; for it is written: He cleansed their hearts by faith.

(Sermon 31 on the Song of Songs)

We therefore who walk by faith live in the shadow of Christ; we are fed with His flesh as the source of our life. For Christ's flesh is real food.

(Sermon 31 on the Song of Songs)

It is the Word who enters without a sound; who acts without speaking, who touches the affection without striking the ears.

(Sermon on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

In the midst of His temple is His mercy, not in a corner or some out of the way spot, because God shows no partiality. It stands there open, it is offered to all, and no one is beyond reach save whose who reject it ... So let us then embrace the mercy we have received in the midst of the temple and let us, with blessed Anna, never leave the temple.

(Sermon on the Feast of the Purification)

The soul must grow and expand that it may be roomy enough for God. Its width is its love, as the apostle says, "widen yourselves in love" ... The size of a person's soul is judged by the amount of love they possess.

(Sermon 27 on the Song of Songs)

Heartfelt compassion benefits many, for a generous soul will blush to grieve someone who they see has genuine concern for them.

(Sermon 44 on the Song of Songs)

So when an offence is committed against you ... do not immediately rush, as a worldly person would do, to retaliate dishonorably against your brother; nor, under the guise of administering correction, dare to pierce with sharp and searing words one for whom Christ was pleased to be crucified; nor make grunting, resentful noises at him, nor mutter or murmur complaints, nor adopt a sneering air, nor indulge the loud laugh of contempt, not knit the brow in menacing anger. Let your disturbance die within, where it was born; do not allow this carrier of death an exit or it will wreak destruction. Then you can say with the Prophet: "I was troubled and I spoke not."

(Sermon 29 on the Song of Songs)

Lord, I am content to see my own darkness in your light ... When the darkness has been put to flight, then in your light alone we see light.

(Letter 85/87 to William of St. Thierry)

It is the nature of this universal vanity which is in us to wish for praise when we deserve blame, and to be loath to praise others when we know them to be praiseworthy. And this also is a vain thing: in our ignorance we often commend what does not exist and are silent about what does.

(Letter 18/19 to William of St. Thierry)

And as we go forth this week, united in faith and prayer, may we "learn not be tardy or sluggish in offering thanks. Learn to offer thanks for each and every gift" (Sermon 51 on the Song of Songs).

SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX,

BLESSED LUCIEN BOTOVASOA,

BLESSED PETER GONZALEZ, OP, “SAINT ELMO”,

SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS,

SAINT DONAN,

BLESSED BAPTIST SPAGNOLLI OF MANTUA,

BLESSED CLARA GAMBACORTA, OP,

BLESSED MARIA MANCINI, OP,

SAINT LASERIAN OR MOLAISE,

SAINT ATHANASIA OF AEGINA,

BLESSED MARIE-ANNE BLONDIN,

BLESSED MARY OF THE INCARNATION,

SAINT ALPHEGE,

BLESSED JAMES ALDO,

BLESSED ISNARD OF CHIAMPO, OP,

BLESSED SIBYLLINA BISCOSSI, OP,

SAINTS MARCELLINUS, VINCENT AND DOMNINUS,

SAINT BEUNO,

SAINT AGNES OF MONTEPULICIANO, OP,

PRAY FOR US.

*From the May 24, 1953, encyclical from Pope Pius XII, Doctor Mellifluus, on Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, "the last of the fathers, but certainly not inferior to the earlier ones" (1).

Today's photo: One with "my" riding mower, I stood on it for this one. You put gladness into my heart.

© Gertrude Feick 2024