Why I Veil

A scarf I sometimes use as a veil.

A few years ago, maybe 4, I felt a longing in my heart to veil during Mass.

I didn't know anything about the practice,

nor did I know anyone who veiled.

I didn't understand why I was feeling this at the time,

but I did know God was calling me to take up this practice.

It was the exact same way He called me to receive the Holy Eucharist on the tongue.

It was something I felt in my heart was the right thing to do,

even though (at the time) I didn't know the concrete reasons.

In both instances, I was afraid, a coward.

No one in my Parish veiled and I really didn't want to stand out or be thought of as a holy rolling weirdo (though I'm pretty sure I already was.)

Still, my pride held me back.

Year after year,

I felt the longing in my soul every time I was in a Sacred place to be veiled.

It just wouldn't quit.

When I worked at my local Catholic Store (before Dominic was born)

someone came in and asked if we carried chapel veils.

We didn't, but I knew we should.

First I decided to do some research on the practice and read stuff like this,

which spoke to my tradition loving self

but didn't really convince me that I "needed to" veil.

I looked online at some pretty veils to order for the store and decided,

why don't I ask my Grandma?

After work I went to her house and asked if she used to veil,

and is so, if she still had her veil.

I knew she would, us Meisinger women don't throw good things out.

She gave it to me let me borrow it to help pick veils for the store

and it did help.

I never gave it back.

Sorry Grandma!

Every Sunday before going to Mass, I would look at this beautiful vintage white lace Spanish veil and dream of taking it with me and wearing it.

My lame excuse was I just didn't want to be a distraction.

But God kept calling me. Asking me. Pleading with me.

I needed to veil.

Two years ago I took a job at a Parish a couple towns over as a Director of Youth Ministry.

At this beautiful Parish, which I know call home,

I attended my first Extraordinary Form of the Mass.

I wore my (Grandma's) veil for the first time.

There I didn't stand out as there were plenty of veiled women.

It felt right.

I felt, beautiful.

I felt like a woman.

A woman acknowledging God's creation.

When I next attended the Ordinary Form,
I knew it would be hypocritical not to veil,

so I did.

And have ever since.

I love it.

It does not make me more modest, or reverent than women who don't veil,

but it does make ME more modest and reverent than when I didn't.

At Mass, the Earthly veil is lifted and we are literally IN HEAVEN.

All the Saint and all the Angels are present,

and Jesus our Lord and Saviour is physically present.

Call me weak, but I need to veil myself to remember this.

I think some women look at veiling as demeaning.

I think nothing could be farther from the truth.
What is a veil if not something that honors the beauty underneath?

We veil what is Holy.

Traditionally the tabernacle is veiled because in it is the Holy of Holies.

Women, is holy because she carries life, 
a new soul, in her womb.
Which is why contraception is such a sin,

it is denying who God created us to be.

The Theology of the veil reveals much to us.

It reveals to me that

God made me.

He made me for Him.

He made me for my husband.

All of God's good creation echos and honors Him.

When I veil, it reminds me that my body is in fact,

a veil.

A veil honoring true beauty I am,

that of my soul.

On Blessings During Communion

I just read this post by Bonnie and thought it a great opportunity to share something I've been thinking about over the past few years, and that is the whole idea of crossing our arms in the communion line to receive a blessing if unable to receive the Blessed Sacrament. First of all, I'd like to say this is in no way an attack on this blogger who is an amazing mom and Catholic (and whose blog I love to read) nor on anyone who does this practice. Her blog post was merely the catalyst for the follwing post by yours truly. And just because we do something and consider it a standard practice, doesn't mean we shouldn't question it. Afterall nowhere in the liturgical guides does it say this should be done and it is NOT part of the rite.

Let me start with this grave abuse: extraordinary ministers cannot and should not be giving blessings. Ever. They are not priests. It happens all the time and is terribly wrong. If it happens in your Parish, it needs to be addressed and corrected. Now that I got that off my chest, I can continue.

I know I learned to cross my arms to get a blessing before I could receive the Eucharist in Catholic school. Priests even teach it, and now my generation is teaching our children that it is proper practice. But I've been praying a lot about this now that I have my own little one and am having serious doubts it is a good thing. I could be wrong, but let me entertain the thought for a second. A blessing from a priest is never a bad thing of course, but the priest gives the final blessing at the end of Mass, therefore it is unneccessary and maybe even liturgically inappropriate to receive one in the Communion line. Furthermore, receiving a blessing is not equal to receiving the Eucharist, we all know this, but to a child or adult who is just learning, I think it might be confusing. I think this practice is something that started because we didn't want our children and non catholics (at weddings and funerals) to feel left out; but does that really foster a belief in the true presence? By just getting the blessing are we ignoring that Jesus is in fact TRULY and FULLY present in the Eucharist? Certainly that is no one's intention but the question we need to ask ourselves is not what is most inclusive, but what is most reverent to the God of the universe, our Lord and Savior. Please don't think I am questioning the reverence of numerous children and adults who receive a blessing each week or day in the Communion line. Like I said, so many priests and teachers have taught us that it is okay. But is it best? Remember Mass is not about us, but about proper and due worship of God.

So what do I propose? Well I think with our little Dominic, we are going to teach him to kneel next to Geoffrey or me and while we receive, and to make a gesture of love and adoration (prostrate, bow his head, blow a kiss, etc.) This way it keeps the focus on the true presence of Jesus and not what we get out of it. Certainly we do get something out of receiving the Eucharist in good faith, but that should not be why we receive Him.

As parents we know how important it is to foster a deep desire for the Eucharist in the hearts of our children. May St Gemma, St Dominic Savio, and St Therese pray for us!

Well I suppose that is all I have to say about this for now. Thank you for reading my thoughts. Before you might get upset, please pray about this for a moment. If you think I am still dumb, forget all about it; but if you feel I might be onto something, ask your priest what he honestly thinks about this practice, and as always through prayerful discernment decide what is best for you and your family. 

Guardian Angel

Yesterday was the feast of the Guardian Angel.

Words cannot describe how loving God is to gives us our Heavenly Guardians.

They keep a constant vigil at our side, from conception until death.

Then if we go to Heaven, we get to meet our sweet Angel

and praise God with them for all eternity.

My Angel has done so much to protect and guide me.

I could never say thank you enough.

Stories for another day.

In the mean time, hear is an old Catholic prayer/hymn

that I put a new melody to.

Prayer:

Guardian Angel From Heaven So Bright
Watching beside me to lead me aright
Fold thy wings round me O guard me with love
Softly sing songs to me Of heav'n above

Chorus

Beautiful angel My guardian so mild
Tenderly guide me For I am thy Child

Oh may I never forget thou art near

Keeping me ever in love and in fear

Waking and sleeping In labor and rest
In thy sweet keeping my life shall be blest

So long thy power hath blest me

Sure it still will lead me on

'Or more and fen, 'or craig and torrent till the night is gone

And in the morning those angels smile

which I have loved long since and lost awhile

7 Quick Takes: Food and Fall

As always, check Jen out!
**1**
In Rockford, IL which is about 45 mins from my home, there is a horrific abortion mill. It isn't just a women's clinic or a place where babies are killed, it is truly a den of evil. For years now us pro-lifers in the area have been praying and fasting for it's closing. Priests in the area have also been saying prayers of exorcism over the place. The owner is a man filled with hate and anger for God and His people. My parish in Lent did a 40 Days for Life for the closing of this clinic and many wonderful people are always there praying. Well tonight, there is some great news. The state has shut down this clinic due to many health violations. Hopefully it is permanent, but only time will tell. I wanted to share this news with all of you because so often we don't see the fruits of our prayers. Praise God!

**2**
In lighter news, I finally used my bread machine for the first time! We got it as a wedding gift and I always wanted to use it, but I had to run it empty first and just never did that. Well my wonderful husband cleaned and ran it empty for me last week (while I napped with babykins!!) I just cut up our first loaf of whole wheat bread and it smelt and tasted AMAZING.

**3**
I'm never buying bread in the store again! It always bothers me when I look at the list of ingredients and it contains a bunch of stuff I've never heard of before. This way I know exactly what I am eating and giving to my husband and child. Plus I save money and it is much tastier! Bi-Winning.

**4**
I'm one step closer to never buying any foods in the store that I could easily make myself. I partly blame my farm upbringing and partly blame Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship. Love, Love, Love her site. If you haven't checked it out, do it! There is so much to read so you may want to pencil a few weeks in you calendar to absorb everything.

**5**
I also made cinnamon pumkin pancakes for dinner tonight. Yum Yum! I love this time of year. Though I have to say I am mourning the end of my garden. But I think I'm ready to embrace Fall.

**6**
Yesterday my family made homemade apple cider with homegrown apples and the ole cider press.

It is so tasty, and always brings back great childhood memories. Thanks to my grandpa and siblings for picking up all the apples!

**7**
As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I'm in the midst of some intense spiritual warfare. I'm doing my best to keep the evil one at bay and am clining tight to sweet Jesus.  I've been going to adoration at least once a week and even made it to daily Mass today, where Dominic did great! I didn't have to take him out once and it was awesome. The battle rages on and St Michael, and my guardian angel are staying close.

Have a great weekend!

My Battle Plan

Today was a good day. Since Sparky (the evil one) has been attacking, I knew it was time to start fighting back with avengance. I always pray the St. Michael prayer multiple times a day, call on my guardian angel's intersession, and pray daily rosary (all great weapons in spiritual warfare) but today I pulled out the big guns. My MIL watched Doc so I could go to confession and daily Mass. These two things I know need to be done with much more frequency. I mentioned in my last post that I have had quite some attacks in years past (stories for another time perhaps), but during my pregnancies and new mommyhood, God gave me a break while I adjusted. I'm so grateful for that!! Now I suppose I'm adjusted and I am seeing the attacks again. I just need to fight hard and do my part and give it back to Him anyway.

Before Dominic was born I went to at least monthly confession, sometimes weekly, and daily Mass. I think I received the Eucharist almost every single day Doc was in my womb. I do miss daily Mass a lot, and I think it is time to start going on the days Dominic and I are home. The local Newman Center has Mass at noon which is awesome for us late sleepers. It used to always be during Dominic's nap time, but now he only naps once around two pm so I should be able to swing it. The only semi problem is this college Church (which actually is also a Parish) is so child unfriendly. There is no crying room. There is a Narthax but there aren't speakers so I don't really feel like I am attending Mass. Like I said before Dominic is quite the talker (and the occassional screamer), and I don't want to ruin Mass for anyone else. I suppose I'll give it a try and maybe he will suprise me with his good behavior!

As far as confession goes, there is no excuse to not be going at least monthly right now; I owe it to my husband and son! Every two or three months just won't do. Fr. Gabrielle Armorth, the head Exorcist for the Vatican says that one confession is more powerful that a hundred exorcisms. WOW! What better defense in spiritual warfare?

Adoration is the other BIG thing I need to start going to with much more frequency. I love spending time with dear sweet Jesus, who sits and waits in the Little White Host for love of us. Again at least weekly and I think this too is possible. The best thing about this, is it is something we can do as a family. I will never forget a couple days before Dominic was born, Geoffrey and I went to adoration together and prayed hard for our little one and for a safe and healthy birth. What an answer to prayers we had! Then the week after we had him my wonderful husband went to adoration to say thank you for this incredible gift. Dominic was only a few weeks old when we went as a family, the three of us on earth. It was...overwhelming. I guess what I am trying to say is, I LOVE adoration and need to go more often.

There are many other things on my battle plan, like fasting (again something I don't do nearly as often as I should), acts of penance, daily examinations of conscience, and more spiritual reading.

I'm feeling refreshed today after Mass and confession, I just need to stick to the battle plan.

A Call to Arms

There is so much I want to blog about right now...

I have so many half written posts and half formed ideas,

but this week has left me exhausted.

I am so blessed and life is great

but the evil one is prowling.

I can hear his breath.

He is trying to break me.

I am so weak

and so I must cling tight

to the Eucharist in adoration,

to confession,

to my rosary,

to Mass,

to prayer.

Because dear sweet Jesus is strong,

my guardian angel is by my side,

St. Michael is waiting for the word to strike

and the devil doesn't stand a chance.

I am no novice to this battle,

I carry the scars of years.

It's been quiet for a few

and God has kept the evil one at bay

whist I adjusted to my new role as a mother.

But now, now the honeymoon has ended.

God is calling me to battle

I must grow in humility, obedience, and gentleness.

They are my shield.

I must return to fasting, penance, and mortification.

They are my sword.

St. Gemma, show me the way.

"Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace: In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. And take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit; and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints..." Ephesians 6



Thrift Thursday: Art Edition

Tonight I had a youth group meeting with the jr. high kids.

For a craft we made shrine pictures,

something I've been wanting to do for a long time.

Years ago on Ebay I bought a huge pack of old Italian prayercards for cheap.

They are beautiful.

I always had this idea to decorate and hang them in some way,

but never could quite put the pen to paper so to speak.

Last week I bought some neat frames at a garage sale

and this set everything in motion.

I've only done one so far and can't wait to make more!

I started with St. Cecilia, one of my patrons.

For the background I reused old cards that I've received for my birthday and baby shower.

The music is from an old Missalette.

So from there I got the idea to do the same type of thing,

but with a family photograph I printed out but never did anything with.

It's super cheesy and I love it!

Again I used baby shower cards and even part of a baby shower decoration that my SIL Chris made.

Again I am excited to make more of these.

I'm sad that garage sale season is almost over,

but we have a lot of awesome thrift shops in the area

and I don't think my sil and partner in thrifty crime, Robyn is worn out yet.

Happy Thriftin'!

7 Quick Takes Friday: WYD Edition

Thanks Jen for hosting!

**1**

My last post was my 100th blog! Huzzah!

**2**

As I've been blabbing about all week, World Youth Day is going on in Madrid right now. On the official WYD homepage you can watch the Pope Benedict XVI driving around in the Pope-Mobile greeting the millions of young people who flocked to see him. It is awesome! I sure it is very humbling for this old German Shepard. We love him so much!

**3**

If you keep watching the video on the WYD homepage, you can pray the Stations of the Cross with Pope Benedict. It is absolutely beautiful. Even though it isn't all in English, you certianly understand it all. The depictions of Christ are breathtaking and the music, moving. It is long, but worth the time.

**4**

Our Pope led the youth in prayer at the stations saying: "When faith’s gaze is pure and authentic, beauty places itself at its service and is able to depict the mysteries of our salvation in such a way as to move us profoundly and transform our hearts, as Saint Teresa of Jesus herself experienced while contemplating an image of the wounded Christ. Let us look upon Christ, hanging on the harsh wood of the Cross, and let us ask him to teach us this mysterious wisdom of the Cross, by which man lives. The Cross was not a sign of failure, but an expression of self-giving in love that extends even to the supreme sacrifice of one’s life. The Father wanted to show his love for us through the embrace of his crucified Son: crucified out of love. The Cross, by its shape and its meaning, represents this love of both the Father and the Son for men. Here we recognize the icon of supreme love, which teaches us to love what God loves and in the way that he loves: this is the Good News that gives hope to the world."

**5**

There was 1.5 MILLION people gathered for the Stations of the Cross with the Pope.

**6**

In a short reflection after the stations Pope Benedict XVI told the young people gathered for the celebration, “you are open to the idea of sharing your lives with others, so be sure not to pass by on the other side in the face of human suffering, for it is here that God expects you to give the best of yourself: your capacity for love and compassion.” -From the WYD website.

**7**

As I write this the husband and I are watching one of the best eps of Star Trek: Next Gen ever. "THERE ARE FOUR LIGHTS!!" Yes you can nerd alert me.

WYD Moment #1

Through most of our fundraising and prep we were expecting to see Pope John Paul II at World Youth Day, and we were so very excited. As you know, in April 2005 Pope John Paul II rose into eternal life and we were left a bunch of sad pilgrims. We were going to WYD for many reasons, one main one being to see him. However when Pope Benedict XVI was elected Pope, we knew seeing him, He is the successor of Peter and the vicar of Christ after all, would be just as amazing. We were right. 

On Day two of WYD in 2005 we woke up super early to get front row grass along the Rhine River for our Holy Father, Pope Benedict's arrival. We spent at least 6 hrs meeting other young Catholics, playing hacki sack, watching priests from all over the world play soccer in their cassocks, and praying. Finally the moment arrived.

Can you see him??

How about now??

And there he goes.

 

 I know it may not seem like much, especially looking at the pictures, but it was simply...breathtaking. I was suprised how truly overwhelmed I was, and it is a feeling I will never ever forget. I got to see the Pope! He gave us many blessings on his ride up the river. Tears whelled in my eyes and streamed down my face. This is the man God chose to lead his Church during a very trying time and he has took time out of his very busy schedule to spend with us young people. What a blessing.

Pope Benedict arrives in Madrid in 7.5 hrs. I'm so excited for the youth that are waiting right now to see him.

WYD

Today, August 16th began World Youth Day 2011. This is a big deal. Our Holy Father called young people from all over the world to journey to Madrid for the week. Even more importantly, he is calling all of us to be "planted and built in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith." 

In 2005, I went to Cologne, Germany on my own WYD pilgrimage. I was blessed enough to go as a chaperone at the age of 22. This was certainly a turning point in my life. I had already realized that I wanted to spend my life serving God and doing something for the Church, I just didn't know what that "something" was. Pope John Paul II said as we were preparing for the pilgrimage "turn to Christ and He won't let you down." Okay, that is a challenge I can take. I went on the pilgrimage with a open heart and listening to what direction God had for my life. Instead of the loud voices and lightning strikes I was expecting, God instead worked on me interiorly. He spent the trip making me painfully aware of my many vices and where I lacked of virtue. Throughout the week He tested me over and over again, and called me to significant spiritual growth. It honestly wasn't what I expected. I was was ready to serve, to do, to rock things out, but God didn't agree. He knew I needed work and lots of it; a continuing proccess to be sure.

As the week went on, my desire for Him grew. My love of His bride, the Church grew. The call to put Him first, something which I thought I had been doing, also was ringing in my heart. I returned home with a renewed faith and firm resolve to advance in holiness; to root out my many vices and increase in virtue. Like I said before, a continuing proccess.

I received so many graces on that pilgrimage and consider myself so very blessed to have gone. Please pray for the young people now on their own WYD pilgrimage from the 16th-21st. Throughout this week I'm going to share some of my favorite WYD moments and memories. I hope you join me!

A pic I took at the Cologne Cathedral right after we arrived at WYD. So many young Catholics. So awesome!



The Real Feminist Revolution

It's NFP (Natural Family Planning) Awareness Week

so how I could I resist talking about it just a little.

I've talked before about why we don't use birth control.

You know, the carcinogens.

NFP has liberated many women from the chains of the pill,

but there are many like me, who through no grace of my own,

thankfully never started.

I am so grateful to be Catholic and have a Church who in Her wisdom spoke about this topic way before it was ever a widespread issue.

Because the Church says so, is really why I used NFP to start.

It was the only reason I needed.

The cost and the safety, though no small thing, were just happy side effects.

One thing I really didn't anticipate though, was how aware of my body I became.

For a culture that is all about the women's body, we are so clueless.

When I started learning how to use NFP I couldn't believe that I hadn't heard all this stuff before.

I mean, I attended public high school where we spent a whole semester in health class.

Sex ed at it's best right?

Why hadn't I learned about the fertility cycle and its signs?

Seems pretty basic.

We certainly learned about artificial contraception.

My only conclusion is the teachers and/or the people who make the curriculum either simply don't know, or don't care and are trying to push their agenda.

But I fear the problem is worse than this.

People in the medical field don't even know this stuff.

I will never forget when I realized I was pregnant (the second time).

I called the  women's clinic I was going to, to schedule an appointment.

 The conversation with the nurse went something like this:

"Hi I would like to make an appointment. I am pregnant!"

Nurse: "Okay when did you take your pregnancy test?"

Me: "I haven't taken one."

Nurse: "Well then how do you know you are pregnant?"

Me: "Well we practice NFP and after my fertile time my temperature stayed elevated for two weeks which of course means I am pregnant and also I am never late, actually my cycles are always 28 days and..."

Nurse: "Um, perhaps you should go get a pregnancy test."

Me: "No thanks, I know my body and I know I'm pregnant."

Nurse: "Okay I guess we can just do a pregnancy test when you come in."

Really?

Have we really come so far in medicine and technology that the most basic human functions and instincts don't matter any more? It's the same with childbirth (stay on topic Dacia, that's a rant for another day).

The truth of the matter is, the women's body is AWESOME.

The way everything works, the fertility cycle, hormones, labor and childbirth, breastfeeding, etc simply make me marvel

at the magnificence of the Divine Creator.

So my question is, why don't know people know about NFP?

If our society's teachers and doctors don't know (or care)

how are people going to learn?

For me, it was a Church crying out in the wilderness.

For others, it is an effort to "go green"

and remove harmful chemicals from their lives.

But one thing I do know, is that those of us who NFP need to speak about it.

Yes it is personal, but it is literally a matter of life and death here.

If you haven't heard of NFP before, look it up.

It may seem daunting, but it really is quite easy if you are dedicated.

Trust me, there is even an app for it.



A Pilgrimage

Tuesday I went on a pilgrimage with my Parish family

to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

No, not in Mexico.

Subtract the drug cartels and add a whole lot of cheese!

Just a few short years ago Archbishop Burke,
when he was in the Diocese of LaCrosse, WI
felt the calling to build a Marian Shrine in his Diocese.
Originally the Shrine was going to be to Our Lady of Fatima,
but years went by without any movement.
Then Archbishop Burke heard Blessed Pope John Paul II in Mexico
saying that Our Lady of Guadalupe was not just for that country,
but for all the Americas.
He then knew just what Shrine we needed here in North America.
All of a sudden, things began to happen.
Someone donated 93 acres in LaCrosse, WI to the Diocese,
unknowing about the Archbishop Burke's plans.
Over the next few years money came flooding in for the building of this Shrine,
given credence to the will of God,
and despite the opposition he was facing in his own Diocese
for the building of this beautiful sanctuary-
you know the classic money could have been given to the poor (see John 12).
In 2004 the construction began, and was completed in 2008.
It was simply Heavenly and stunning, hidden amidst the rolling hills.

Archbishop Burke

in front of the Church

At the base of the hill is the visitor center, gift shop, and restaurant.
The Church is about a 15 minute walk up hill.
It is a delightful walk, bringing to light that we were on a pilgrimage.
The path was paved and not too steep,
all the way surrounded by the breathtaking woods and hill.

On the journey up to the Church you come across a few statues.

Blessed Kateri

St. Joseph the Worker

Also on the journey up is a candle chapel,
where you can make a donation to have a candle lit,
and people pray for your intention.
Upon walking in, I was in awe.
The chapel glowed blue and was simply resplendent.
The glistening stained glass depicted the Blessed Mother at various apparitions.

My candle is to the right. :)



Our Lady of Fatima

It is hard to do it justice in pictures.

Finally, just when your calf muscles are really starting to hurt, (especially when you are pushing a stroller) there it is.

Nice on the outside, but even more amazing on the inside!

So traditional I love it!

The angels flanking the altar up top were awesome.

Right away I got to go to confession.

The confessional always has a priest in it while pilgrims are there.

And a good soul cleansing was just what I needed!

Mass followed, and it just happened to be the Feast of the Visitation.

Perfect!

Father L. gave a great homily, as always.

One thing that really stuck out about the Church, was the acoustics.

As a musician, oh man, I would give anything to be alone in that Church,

just my voice and guitar.  

When we sang, you could hear the angels singing along.

On either side of the Church were gorgeous paintings of various Saints,

along with a first class relic!

There was also a kneeler and candles for you to say a prayer and pay your respects.

The painting of Blessed Miguel Pro
"Viva Cristo Rey!"

My favorite was probably this painting of St. Maria Goretti. There were also paintings and relics of St. Faustina, St Gianna Mola, and St. Terese of Liseux, and St. Peregrine.

Dominic was so fascinated by the relics
and kept going over to look and them.
So was I.

We heard stories from our tour guide and a nun about the many miracles that have happened from people coming to the Shrine and asking for these Saints' intercession.

St. Gianna Mola especially (more to come on that).

After spending ample time in the Church,

we hiked outside to the Stations of the Cross and the Rosary.

There were 4 of these sculptures, one for each set of mysteries.

The Shrine to the unborn was also stunning.

Many people don't know that in the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe,

Mary is with-child.
We know this because of the sash she is wearing around her waist.
This is why Blessed John Paul II declared her to be
patroness of families and the unborn.
This is also why this shrine is so needed in our country today as families and the unborn are dying in droves, by the choices we make.

This pilgrimage was something I greatly needed
and was well worth the four hour bus ride; even with a very active 14 month old!
I received such graces and I know my family will be blessed because of it.
I am already looking forward to our pilgrimage this fall!
Where was your last pilgrimage?

Our Lady of Guadalupe,
Mystical Rose,
make intercession for the holy Church,
protect the Sovereign Pontiff,
help all those who invoke thee in their necessities,
and since thou art the ever Virgin Mary
and Mother of the true God,
obtain for us from thy most holy Son
the grace of keeping our faith,
sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life,
burning charity
and the precious gift of final perseverance.
Amen. (Pope Pius X)

On Account of the Rain

At work we've been praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3:00 in front of the Tabernacle. While I'm not at work everyday, when I am I really enjoy doing this.

Today Dominic was sound asleep in my arms when the 3:00 hour chimed.

We went over to the Church and sang the Chaplet.

When the we finished everyone else went back over to the office

and I stayed to pray a while.

Then it started to pour.

A sound, I have to admit, I love.

Since it was raining I was "stuck" in the Church, praying,

and holding my sweet sleeping boy.

Not a bad way to spend my time.

And what a beautiful place to be "stuck".

A Better Me: Day 7!

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
And behold, there was a great earthquake;
for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven,
approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.
His appearance was like lightning
and his clothing was white as snow.
The guards were shaken with fear of him
and became like dead men.
Then the angel said to the women in reply,
“Do not be afraid!
I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.
He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples,
‘He has been raised from the dead,
and he is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him.’
Behold, I have told you.”
Then they went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce this to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”

Matthew 28:1-10

Overjoyed, Yet Fearful

For day 7 I reflected on the Gospel for tonight's Easter Vigil Mass (above).

Oh how I love the Easter Vigil!

Fire. Darkness. Lights. Darkness.

Word. Prayer. Repeat.

GLORIA!!!

Everything about it is so Catholic and so Heaven.

Illness may have kept me home this time, but we will meet again Easter Vigil!

While reflecting on this Gospel, there was so much that awed me.

First to go on a little tangent before I get down to the meat and potatoes...

When I think of Angels, I think of fierce beings of light and sword.

They are so beautiful and powerful and if we saw one in all it's glory,

we would die right at that moment.

The description of the Angel in the Gospel, to me,

is better than any picture I've seen.

There was a great earthquake when the Angel descended. Awesome!

His appearance was "like lightning". Beautiful.

His clothes were "white as snow". Pure.

Okay, now looking inward...

When the Angel speaks, the first thing he says to the women,

"Do not be afraid."

What a great greeting.

So often I ignore, or try to hide from the promptings in my heart.

Simply because I am afraid.

Afraid of what is being asked of me.

The Angel tells them the good news, and knowing they will need proof,

invites them to go look for themselves. 

Again, something I would need.

Then he gives them the mission

and they go off "fearful, yet overjoyed."

The women had a joy in their heart at just the sound of Jesus' name,

at the very thought of seeing Him and embracing Him again

that any fear they felt was overcome by their joy.

When Heaven asks something of me,

I feel so humbled and blessed that I am even asked!

I worry though, that contrary to the "Marys", I am overjoyed, yet fearful.

When the women see Jesus they "embrace His feet" and "do Him homage."

This is such a beautiful picture.

I can just see them, prostrate on the dirt road before our Risen Lord

 who is glowing in snow white;

they, kissing His beautiful feet.

Adoration at it's finest.

And again He says "Do not be afraid."

So what is there to be afraid of?

Why do I feel overjoyed, yet fearful instead of the other way around?

I think, I fear that if I gave in, to all of Heaven's promptings,

to all of Jesus' wooing,

to all of His sweet Love,

that I would never come back.

The small tastes of His overwhelming Divine Love that I have felt...wow.

The times I have given into it, I wanted to stay forever.

Why should I fear that?

God will do with me what He wills and that is perfect.

No more can I let the fear win.

So today, and tomorrow,

as we celebrate the Resurrection of our beautiful and glorious Christ,

I am praying for the courage and desire

to let Heaven's joy overcome my fear.

On the other side, is something truly amazing.