Ordination

Bishop: Do you know them to be worthy?

Abbot: After inquiry among the Christian people and upon the recommendation of those responsible, I testify that they have been found worthy.

Bishop: Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose these, our brothers, for the Order of the Diaconate.

May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.

Saint Augustine, pray for us!
Saint Philip Neri, pray for us!
I love this picture with the walker in the background while a novice prepares the vestments for the newly ordained!

Waiting in the wings

The newly ordained deacons receive the stole and dalmatic, symbolic of their office.

Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.

Smiling, happy Abbot shaking hands.

Feast of St. Monica

This is a post I did for Catholic Cuisine last year and it looks like I'll be making the same thing for St. Monica's feast day this year. St. Monica was born in Algeria and this dish, while not Algerian in origin, is very similar to one I found online and my kids seem to tolerate it. I know Husband really enjoys it!

Here is the recipe again and I'll update with a picture once it's made:

Chicken and CousCous
2 pkg. boneless chicken thighs

2 zucchini, chopped into bite size pieces
1-2 cans Italian style tomatoes, undrained
olive oil
garlic salt and pepper

couscous (we love Near East Parmesan Couscous)

Season chicken thighs with garlic salt and pepper and brown in olive oil. Remove from pan. Saute zucchini in remaining oil and pan drippings. Add tomatoes (use two cans if you want more tomato in the tomato/zucchini ratio, I prefer more zucchini) and bring to a boil. Return chicken, cover and simmer until chicken is done. Serve over couscous.

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Parents’ Prayer to St. Monica

St. Monica, patron of Christian parents, we entrust to your protection the children whose names you can read in our hearts. Pray for them that they may be granted strength to combat weakness, victory over temptation, guidance to resolve their doubts and success in all their undertakings. May they enjoy good health of mind and body, see beauty and worth in all created things and serve the Lord with firm faith, joyful hope and enduring love. Amen.

Reminder: St. Monica Coloring Page and St. Augustine Coloring Page (for tomorrow)

Solemn Profession

"What a beautiful Mass that was, the Mass of my sister's profession! The music was simply glorious, the prayers moving, the whole ceremony awe-inspiring. My sister's happiness was palpable, as was the joy of her whole community..."

Here are some pictures to go with her words.

Pretty princesses in waiting

The lovely cake my MIL had made with holy cards of the patron saints of all of the sisters and the order's patrons.

Every room in the retreat center has a beautiful religious picture like this. If you are looking for a quiet, comfortable place to hideaway from the world, please consider one of the Sister Servants inspiring retreats.

Dying to self and to the world.

My favorite picture from the whole day. Sister Joan giving Mother Gabriel a big hug.Sister Joan Marie of the Merciful Redeemer

Queenship of Mary Coloring Page

Father, You have given us the mother of Your Son to be our queen and mother. With the support of her prayers may we come to share the glory of your children in the kingdom of heaven. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

All, according to their state, should strive to bring alive the wondrous virtues of our heavenly Queen and most loving Mother through constant effort of mind and manner. Thus will it come about that all Christians, in honoring and imitating their sublime Queen and Mother, will realize they are truly brothers, and with all envy and avarice thrust aside, will promote love among classes, respect the rights of the weak, cherish peace. Given at Rome, from St. Peter's, on the feast of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the eleventh day of October, 1954, in the sixteenth year of our Pontificate. PIUS XII

Queenship of Mary Coloring Page

Feast of St. Pius X

Father, to defend the Catholic faith and to make all things new in Christ, you filled Saint Pius X with heavenly wisdom and apostolic courage. May his example and teaching lead us to the reward of eternal life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reminder: Pope St. Pius X Coloring Page

Please pray...

For Fr. Robert, O. Cist. who is in surgery today and who we hope will be resting as comfortably as he can, back home tonight. Tomorrow is the feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, one of the Cistercian founders and it will also be the day Br. Augustine, BigBoy's favorite brother, makes his final profession of vows. Could you spare a Hail Mary or two for some Cistercians? Thanks!

A Coloring Page Poll

Over on the sidebar, I have a poll for you. Please take a second to click an answer. I have always been curious as to what form people prefer. Since I am now reposting pages that have already been made, it wouldn't be that hard to offer a different version.

Also, feel free to leave me comments below if you want to expound on your answer.
Thanks!

Feast of St. Jane De Chantal

Lord, you chose Saint Jane Frances to serve you both in marriage and in religious life. By her prayers help us to be faithful in our vocation and always to be the light of the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reminder: St. Jane de Chantal Coloring Page

*Well, now I'm confused again. I have seen 12 different calendars both online and in-print and half of them list her feast day as today and the other half list her on August 12th. Anyone know for sure?

Firsts and Lasts

As we headed out for Mass yesterday morning, I carried in my heart the intention to pray for the repose of the soul of Ryan Barrett and also the comfort of his family. We arrived at Mass at the monastery at our usual time but were surprised to find both parking lots already overflowing. My usual inclination is to turn and run to find a less crowded Mass closer to home when I see crowds like this, usually assuming that there is something special happening at the Prep School or University across the street, but our hearts were full of intentions today and we had a meeting with our dear friend which could not be postponed so we parked in the grass and climbed the steep steps to the white limestone church at the top of the hill.

The unfamiliar missals in the entrance way explained the flood of vehicles down below. A new Cistercian priest was offering his first Mass in thanksgiving for his ordination and the fulfillment of his vocation. This was truly a special occasion to be shared with friends and family far and near. (And how exciting for Fr. Joseph to be celebrating this special day in the Year for Priests!)

As I realized how special this Mass was, I was reminded of the loving tributes written by Ryan's mother in the past and of his desire to be a priest. How much was his mother looking forward to this day for him? I couldn't help thinking of the simultaneous heartache and consolation to be found in the plans they were probably in the midst of making for celebrating their last Mass with Ryan here on earth.

I was also mentally transported back twelve years ago to the last First Mass this community celebrated for a young former Brother, now Father Paul who invited everyone to receive from him a special blessing. I remembered exactly what I was wearing and Husband's protective presence beside me thanks to the picture our dear friend, Fr. Placid, took of us on that day. However, I needed no photographic reminder to remember the leaps and jumps I felt inside my body when Fr. Paul stretched his hands over me and the tiny Professor inside me made his participation in this celebration known. Yesterday, these thoughts of grief and memories and feelings were too much to contain and so they overflowed down my cheeks in a much less orderly fashion than the cars in the parking lot.

I was able to speak with Fr. Joseph after Mass and ask for his special blessing, the absence of any leaps of joy painfully noticeable to this mother's heart. I also asked him to pray for Ryan's family and for this young man who would never know his own special day such as this one but who we hope will know of greater delights, will know the glory of holding Our Lord in his hands and of being held by Him, and will know the comfort of being in the presence of the Holy Trinity, always and forever.I know that his family has many good friends to support and strengthen them during this time of weakness and pain. I hope that in days to come, they will find even more comfort in the legacy Ryan left behind and the lives he touched.

St. Max's Candy

No one in the world can change Truth. What we can do and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it. The real conflict is the inner conflict. Beyond armies of occupation and the hecatombs of extermination camps, there are two irreconcilable enemies in the depth of every soul: good and evil, sin and love. And what use are the victories on the battlefield if we ourselves are defeated in our innermost personal selves? - Saint Maximilian Kolbe in the last issue of the Knight

Our version of Ptasie Mleczko, or Bird's Milk, a Polish candy that we have been enjoying for a few years now in honor of one of our favorite Polish saints. We simply call it St. Max's Candy.
This year, we opted for coffee ice cream. It was cooler this morning but the rain that trickled down only made it muggier and more humid which, in turn, only encouraged our desire for something cool and creamy. We were also inspired by a sweet friend to try white chocolate this year and some left over sliced almonds from the pantry. Yum!
And don't forget, the one that started it all: St. Maximilian Kolbe Coloring Page

So much sadness...

We received an urgent prayer request this morning right before we left for Mass and were heartbroken to return and see this tragic update:

We are so very sorry to have to share the devastating news that Ryan Barrett has drowned. Our heartfelt love and prayers are extended to Mary Ellen and Dave and all the Barrett family. Words cannot convey the depth of this sadness. We pray that God will grant them strength and peace in this horrible time of loss.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Ryan Barrett and for the family and friends who mourn his death. May God comfort you in your grief.

What I saw...

First, my anxious eyes heavy with sleepless fatigue saw the alarm beep at what some would consider an ungodly hour but on this day, was a God-filled hour.

I saw my children rise to the occasion and rise before the sun without grumps or complaints, but with resolute faithfulness in their tired eyes, unwavering in their desire to fulfill my difficult request.

I saw the sunrise in the east through their eyes as they described to me the shapes in the clouds and the colors painted on a clear blue canvas while I was staring at a muted gray slab adorned with white stripes heading south.

I saw the tears of my daughters flow freely for the love of a little one they never got a chance to meet in person, but in person were honoring his precious little life.

I saw my son act like the young man he is growing into with care and concern, but also with collected calm and strength.

I saw the soothing waters of grace flow from the work of unseen prayer warriors. It washed over all of us present comforting our sorrowful hearts.

I saw a family say goodbye and shed tears of grief for the little one who blessed all of our lives so briefly but who’s presence they will miss most. United in their suffering, they leaned on each other and found the strength to soldier on.

I saw a community of indomitable women surround and console one of their own who was feeling weak. They helped her smile, helped her laugh, helped her heal.

I saw more than I could count small town strangers stop and let the solemn caravan pass by honoring the life that was no more. Some even stood by the side of the road with their hats over their hearts in a measure of respect that I thought died out with generations past. They didn’t know who’s mother was shedding bittersweet tears. Old or young, salesman or soldier. It didn’t matter. Still, they stood.

I saw a community of faith generously give to those who needed sustenance without asking for thanks or favor in return thereby nourishing the graces of charity and love for neighbor, not of self.

I saw my children play.

Frolicking and romping with friends they’d never met. Delighting in the joys of shared childhood games and speaking that language that children understand. I delighted in seeing them experience this joy after so much grief. It was but a little taste of what awaits us after our walk through this valley of tears. This dear child of God already knows that perfect joy and perhaps this glimpse was his gift to those left behind.

Calling All DFW Readers!!!

UPDATE:
Anyone who lives near Children's Hospital in Dallas who can offer a bed and a shower to the parents as they try to switch shifts with Baby Cecilia would be most appreciated. Please email me at the address in my sidebar.

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We know of a family in need. Their tiny baby was born a few weeks ago, has already undergone surgery and is needing to stay in the hospital for a longer than expected time. If you can offer any kind of assistance, please send me an email for more details. Anyone who lives outside of the DFW area who would like to contribute in a monetary way, please email me as well.

Your prayers are most important for baby Cecilia! Thank you!

Coloring Pages ~ Technical Difficulties

UPDATE: It appears that the problem has been resolved! Please let me know if there are any more complications!

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It has been brought to my attention that when you click on the links for the coloring pages Scribd tells you that they are password protected. I just heard from Scribd that this is a known issue that they are working on and hope to have corrected soon. Sorry if it has caused any problems.

Rest in Peace

Please unite your prayers today with everyone praying for Matthew's family as they celebrate his short life here on Earth and rejoice in his eternal life in Heaven.

7 Quick Takes

1.
How awesome is it to come out of the shower and be asked,"Are we going to Mass today?" by children who are already dressed in Church appropriate clothing? Why yes, yes we are!

2.
It's even more awesome when your 5 year old sees Father D. heading into the vestibule to get ready for Mass and pipes up with, "Oh no! I didn't check my vestments today! That's OK. I can just check Father's."

3.
The absolute best though is when you didn't plan on going to Mass, but you find yourself there anyway (through the grace of your children) listening to your favorite priest give the homily that you needed to hear most in your life right now. Heaven on earth!

4-7.
I had an interesting dream last night. I usually don't put much stock in dreams, but its hard not to pay attention to dreams about tornadoes because they are a recurring theme for me. Usually I find myself somewhere high above the ground, like the top floor of a skyscraper, the top of a moving 18 wheeler or the bell tower of a Church. It varies, but it is always a place high enough that I can look out at the horizon and see that I am surrounded on all sides by tornadoes. Some are close. Some are far away. Sometimes, I will just be trying to get us all to shelter and sometimes I will be looking for someone; a child, someone I know, usually not my husband. I always know where he is even if he isn't right there with me.

Well, last night, I was sitting in a new dorm building during a college reunion weekend and the weather is threatening twisters. Like always, I knew where Husband was and that he was safe. I had BigBoy on my lap, The Professor was calmly reading a book next to me, but I couldn't find the girls. A small twister passed over us and I held onto the door frame that was next to me. Everyone else thought it looked like the danger was over but I knew better and set out to find the girls. (There is never just one tornado in my dreams.) Shortcake came running up to me fairly quickly and I asked her where Sunshine was. She was playing in the jungle behind the baseball bleachers. Hey, I didn't write this story. Oh wait. I guess I did. Sorry.

So I ran to the baseball stadium and I'm screaming her name over and over when I notice a giant, white tornado swirling very slowly right on top of the pitcher's mound. It was very ominous looking. After jumping over some friends who were camped out on the bleachers in sleeping bags, I found Sunshine helping other little girls to safety in this overly landscaped area that did kind of look like a jungle.

Bless your heart if you are still reading. The reason why I thought this dream was odd was because I found at the end of the dream, that I had control over the tornado in the infield. I started thinking about where to look for Sunshine and began wishing the tornado away from the area I was headed and sure enough, it tilted the opposite way. So by the time I found her, it wasn't so threatening and I was pretty calm. I woke up shortly after coming to that realization and expected the dream to quickly fade from my mind. It hasn't.

So my question is... can you have a psychological breakthrough while you sleep?
What good does that do you?