Mary Undoer of Knots

Christ came to bring JOY;

Joy to children, joy to parents,

Joy to families and friends,

Joy to the sick and elderly,

Joy to all humanity.

In a true sense, JOY is the keynote message of Christianity,

And the recurring motif of the Gospels.

Go, therefore, and become Messengers of Joy!

~ Pope John Paul II

Friday, March 25, 2011

The Annunciation - Happy Feast Day!


This video is veeeerrrrry POWERFUL.
Thank you, Blessed Mother.  Thank you for saying YES.

Let it be done according to Your Word.

Fiat!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

JOY not OY! :-)

Peace.  Pax.  Pacem.  No matter what you call it, I am feelin' it and sooooo happy to have a respite from the struggle!

I was on team for the Diocese of Scranton Women's Cursillo last weekend and it was absolutely a gift from God for me.  The very moment I arrived at St Gabriel's monastery, I could feel the tangible presence of Christ.  I went immediately to the chapel to say hello to Him and spend some time in front of the tabernacle before the weekend festivities began, and I was instantly filled with an intense peace and feeling of great love.  It was clearly a gift of divine grace, as I had been so stressed that I did not think I would have anything at all to offer to the team and candidates. 

God gave me respite.  He gave me strength.  He gave me everything I needed to be able to do His will for the weekend.  Isn't He just like that?  Always giving us exactly what we need?  The key is to trust and to conform my will to His will.

He gives me whatever I want, because I want whatever He gives
                   ~ St. Therese 

Persevere. 
Trust. 
Decrease so that He may increase.

Fiat! 

The Power of the Sacraments by Sister Briege

I just finished reading a little book by Sister Briege McKenna called The Power of the Sacraments.  It is only 64 pages long and not really meant for someone who has an understanding of the sacraments already.  The length of it precludes any in depth theological discourse.  It is, however, perfect for someone who may be sitting in the pews, unaware of the basic meanings and power that the sacraments have in the lives of those who receive them with faith.

Sr. Briege devotes a few pages to each and every sacrament, sharing common insights and a few of her own thoughts.  She shares stories of her own encouters with people in the sacraments and the healing they bring.  The story she told in the chapter on marriage was especially poignant and brought me to tears, thankful for the tremendous grace God continues to shower on His children through these supernatural treasures.

I think that people who don't even know what they are missing are not likely to pick up a regular book on a topic such as sacraments, but if given a little one like this, might be more apt to take a peek. 

I think I will put this little book somewhere it will get picked up and peeked at.  My hope is that this little taste of the truth will inspire a greater desire for more knowledge and further study.

P.S.  As many of you know, I enjoy reviewing books for The Catholic Company in exchange for free books.  They have asked me to share with you that Catholic Company is also a great source for serenity prayer and baptism gifts.  If you are interested in signing up for the reviewer program, let me know, and I will give you the information.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Padre Pio to Padre Agostino

I am oppressed by the uncertainty of my future, but I cherish the lively hope of seeing my dreams fulfilled, because the Lord cannot place thoughts and desires in a person's soul if he does not really intend to fulfill them, to gratify these longings, which he alone has caused.

~ Letter to P. Agostino from P. Pio
October 4, 1915

Oh, how I pray that this is true!

oy.  fiat.