Thursday, July 31, 2008

Eucharistic Prayer of St. Catherine of Siena

O boundless charity!
Just as you gave us yourself,
wholly God and wholly man,
so you left us all of yourself as food
so that while we are pilgrims in this life
we might not collapse in our weariness
but be strengthened by you, heavenly food.
O mercenary people!
And what has you God left you?

He has left you himself,
wholly God and wholly man,
hidden under the whiteness of this bread.
O fire of love!
Was it not enough to gift us
with creation in your image and likeness,
and to create us anew to grace in your Son’s blood,
without giving us yourself as food
the whole of divine being,
the whole of God?
What drove you?
Nothing but your charity,
mad with love as you are!


St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
Third Order Dominican and Doctor of the Church

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Can You Give Two Hours to Make a Difference?

Do you live in South Dakota? Near Sioux Falls? Perhaps, you have friends living near there who you could tell about this, too?

If so, you and/or your friends could be part of making a mark on the fabric of our country.

Throughout the month of August, many events have been planned across South Dakota where Vote Yes For Life will be promoting the message of LIFE. With only 97 days until the November 4th vote, time is of the essence.

Although everyone is busy during these summer months, too much is at stake not to get involved!

The next event that Vote Yes For Life has a need for volunteers is in Sioux Falls. They need 30 people who can work one 2-hr shift at the Sioux Empire Fair which runs from August 5-10.

That isn't much of a committment to help a vital cause. Why not take this opportunity to help save lives? South Dakota is currently the front line. Wonderful things are underway. South Dakota's election will be a matter of losing or gaining ground in the pro-life cause. The impact will be felt throughout our country.

Only two hours to make a difference. Please prayerfully consider helping - and let your friends in South Dakota know of this need.

Contact Vote Yes For Life at:

3500 S Louise Avenue •
PO Box 461 •
Sioux Falls, SD 57101 •
(605)271-7581

www.voteyesforlife.com

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine Dedication


The Catholic hot spot this week - the place all the sacramentally inclined will see and be seen - is the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This Thursday, on the sixth anniversary of the canonization of St. Juan Diego, the shrine will be dedicated. The dedication is a ticket event that has left pilgrims scrambling for tickets. At this point, the only way to get a ticket is if a reserved one is left unclaimed on the day of the event.
The shrine complex, a 103 acre site, is expecting roughly 200 priests, along with bishops, archbishops and cardinals at the dedication Mass. EWTN's news director, Raymond Arroyo, will be part of the network's coverage of the event beginning at 1 P.M. Two other known notable expected to be in attendance are authors Ann Ball and "Bella" star Eduardo Verastegui.
Raymond Arroyo, Eduardo Verástegui and Ann Ball will be have a signing - DVD for Verastegui, books for Arroyo and Ball - from 9 until 10:30 that morning.
During the construction phase, the shrine was visited by 50, 000 pilgrims from the upper Midwest portion of the United States last year. Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine spokesman Jack Socha anticipates the shrine to be more than a spiritual epicenter for the area. He feels the volume of visitors will cause economic development in the region.
If you live in this part of the world or just want to check-out more about this shrine, here are some sites to visit:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine Website -

Monday, July 28, 2008

Stations of the Cross

These Stations are from
Corpus Christi Church
Chambersburg, PA
God of power and mercy,
in love you sent your only Son
that we might be cleansed of sin
and live with you forever.
Bless me as I reflect on his suffering and death
that I may learn from his example the way I should go.
I humbly ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Jesus is Condemned
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.

Jesus Accepts the Cross
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.

The First Fall
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.


Jesus Meets His Mother
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.


Simon Helps Jesus
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.

Veronica Comforts Jesus
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.

The Second Fall
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.

Jesus Comforts the Women
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.

The Third Fall
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.

The Stripping of Jesus
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.

Jesus Nailed to the Cross
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.

Jesus Dies
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.


The Sorrowful Mother
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.


Jesus is Buried
Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.


My sweet Lord Jesus,

As your most precious blood dripped upon the ground

Your passion and death united earth and heaven;

All were reconciled to you.

Grant that I may I faithfully walk in your steps.

Permit me to gain heaven so that I might join the angels and saints

In their eternal chorus sung in praise of your glory

Amen.

Presidential Candidates' Abortion Stand

The National Right to Life Political Action Committee has put together an easy to view comparison of John McCain and Barack Obama's statements and voting records with relation to abortion. Studies/Polls have found that, on the whole, Americans have erroneous ideas of where the candidates stand on this issue of protecting the most innocent and defenseless of our society.

Do you have an accurate understanding?

Click HERE to check out this PDF file directly comparing them.

May Our Lady of Guadalupe pray for us and our nation as we decide upon our next president.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

The Order of the Mass


USCCB News Release, 07.25.08:

Vatican Approves New English Translation For The Order Of Mass
WASHINGTON— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has received approval (recognitio) from the Holy See’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments for the new English-language translation of the Order of Mass (Ordo Missae).

This is the first section of the translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal. It includes most of the texts used in every celebration of the Mass, including the responses that will be said by the people.

Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation, explained the reasons for providing the text at this time. The purpose is to provide “time for the pastoral preparation of priests, deacons and for appropriate catechesis of the lay faithful. It will likewise facilitate the devising of musical settings for parts of the Mass.”

The more significant changes of the people’s parts are:

  • et cum spiritu tuo is rendered as “And with your spirit” [Instead of "And also with you," this will be the response of the people when the priest says, "Peace be with you."]
  • In the Confiteor, the text “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault” has been added [In the Penitential Rite "through my own fault'' will be replaced.]
  • The Gloria has been translated differently and the structure is different from the present text [“Peace to his people on earth” becomes “Peace on earth to people of good will.”]
  • In the Preface dialogue the translation of “Dignum et justum est” is “It is right and just” [Instead of the current "It is right to give him thanks and praise,"]
  • The first line of the Sanctus now reads “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts” [Instead of "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of power and might."]
  • The response of the people at the Ecce Agnus Dei is “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed” [Instead of "I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed."]

At this time, no date is available as to when the entire translation of the Roman Missal will be released.

For more information, click HERE to see the Catholic News Service's article about the changes.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Christi Matri Prayer

With today being the 40th anniversary of Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI's encyclical on life which defined the Church's stand on birth control, I offer you a prayer written by Paul VI slightly less than two years before Humanae Vitae.

Christi Matri

Look down with maternal clemency, Most Blessed Virgin, upon all your children.
Consider the anxiety of bishops who fear that their flocks will be tormented by a terrible storm of evils.
Heed the anguish of so many people, fathers and mothers of families who are uncertain about their future and beset by hardships and cares.
Soothe the minds of those at war and inspire them with "thoughts of peace."
Through your intercession, may God, the avenger of injuries, turn to mercy.
May He give back to nations the tranquility they seek and bring them to a lasting age of genuine prosperity.


May we all come to realize that God's ways lead to peace. The disorder and discord of the world are not the result of faithfulness to God. Hedonism, to any degree, is a negation of God.
To turn away from the doctrine of life is to embrace death.

Bishop Jumoad Receives Extortion Demand

Did you know that Bishop Martin Jumoad of the Basilan province in the Philippines has received a threat of violence if he doesn't convert to Islam?

The bishop received a letter written by persons calling themselves “Muslim warriors.” They said of they “don't follow any laws other than the Qur'an.” The letter instructed Bishop Jumoad to convert to Islam or pay “jizya.” A jizya is an Islamic tax generally assessed from non-believers being protected in Islamic states; however, it does not come into play in non-Muslim countries. The letter writing "Muslim warriors" said the jizya will afford the bishop protection “in the place of Muslims.”

The letter stated that if the Bishop did not comply, “force, weapons or war may be used” against him.

In other words, these thugs are solely seeking protection money - there is no way they, in their wildest dreams, are imagining a letter is going to cause Bishop Jumoad to convert. Absurdly, they are trying to legitimize the extortion by citing a taxation that is part of the social order in governments under Islamic rule. In those countries the tax is used to support the needy. I'm thinking that is not the case with these people.

Unfortunately, this is yet another volatile area of Muslim extremism. Other Catholics have received such threats. Just this past Monday five Catholics were abducted in Basilan. The three adults and two children were abducted from a public jeep.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

HUGE Yard Sale - Palomino Rd - Dover, PA

You could say this is a posting by my son, even though I'm the one who took the pictures and am currently typing these words. The reason it could be said to be Scott's posting is because he is the one who thought the pictures should be taken and the words typed.You see, we stopped at a yard sale today --- a HUGE yard sale for Human Life Services.Human Life Services of York, PA provides what their name says. If there is something that is needed to help a woman carry a pregnancy to term or to help a family parent, they are there to do what is needed.Well, once a year - around this time of year - a family in Dover, PA has a yard sale to support Human Life Services. The yard sale items are donated from a multitude of people. All money earned goes to support this pro-life group. I was told this is the fourth year of this annual event.So, if you are looking for incredible bargains, this is the place to go. I found the diversity of things available to be beyond any yard sale I've attended. Scott said the food is great. We both think it benefits a great cause!
To get to the yard sale, please mapquest 2001 Palomino Rd, Dover, PA 17315. This is only a two day sale. Tomorrow, Friday, July 25th, is the last day of this year's sale. There are signs as to where to turn for the sale. I can't imagine anyone driving on the main route that runs through the Dover area and not coming across one of the signs for it. We weren't looking for yard sales, but certainly found ourselves there - and were glad of it!

Yes, I know that most people who happen upon this will not be from the York/Harrisburg area, but I posted this mainly because I liked that Scott wanted to help Human Life Services. If you're a mom, you know what I mean. Good price, lots of items (even a computer came in while we were there!), yummy food - all for a good cause - yet my main motive is da kid.

I'm guessing that's okay though. After all, Human Life Services about moms focusing on their kids and doing what it takes to mother them, right?

Catholics for Obama

By Catholic cartoonist Paul Nichols (who is belongs to the Harrisburg Diocese):

Oh, How Unique. Really!

Just when you thought your neighbors had succeeded in calling their newborn the most "unique" (you may substitute "odd" for unique here) name yet, I'm here to tell you that it is nothing compared to what some little girl from New Zealand has been strapped with for nine year. Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii. That is not a sentence, that was a little girl's name.

The girl's name became known to Judge Rob Murfitt during a custody battle for the girl. It was at that time that he made her a ward of the state so that her name could be changed. Of the matter Judge Murfitt said, "The court is profoundly concerned about the very poor judgment which this child's parents have shown in choosing this name. It makes a fool of the child and sets her up with a social disability and handicap, unnecessarily."

Her new name has not been made public.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Adoration

Adoration is the looking
of your being with new seeing
--Fr. Stan Fortuna, CFR


Abstinence Education

Do you have an opinion about whether abstinence education should be taught in school? If so, click:


and let your opinion be known.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Anti-Abortion Terrorism?

This an, "Oh, my gosh!" sort of thing. I just don't know how wise it is to release the names of abortion clinic workers, yet that is what one pro-life group has decided to do with staff names of Kansas' late-term abortionist George "The Killer" Tiller.

Yes, it might push an employee or two of the clinic to quit - and it might disincline others to want to work there, but the reason would be out of fear. So, the release of that information is to create fear; therefore, it can be seen as a terroristic act. I'm serious.

I know that it is to save babies - the most innocent of innocents - but causing someone to fear for their lives or the lives of their loved ones is wrong, too. Another wrong is that we aren't talking about a baseless fear. The employees really should be be concerned about this. Really.

This information might be the final straw to break in the mind of a nut who is just waiting for instructions from his dog. Instructions to save babies by killing the killers. An especially unfortunate possibility is that in his crazed state he misreads a mailbox or is even in the wrong town, but he ends up "slaying the evil one" that Sparky told him to take out with a bow knife.

Click here if you want to see the article on LifeNews about this.

Communists in the Market for Priests

BEIJING, July 22 (Reuters) - Catholic churches in Beijing will hire foreign priests to conduct masses to meet the demands of Games visitors from overseas, state media reported on Tuesday, citing church officials.
Masses held in French, Italian and German would be increased at the city's major Catholic churches, Xinhua said, citing the foreign affairs office of the Beijing Catholic Diocese.

"Although Chinese priests (can) speak some different languages, foreign priests (are) likely to preside over the masses in foreign languages during the Games," the agency quoted Beijing Catholic Diocese official Yu Shuqin as saying.

The China Christian Council would also print 100,000 copies of the Bible and New Testament with the Olympic logo on the cover. Some had already been shipped to the Olympic Village and churches in Beijing and other co-host cities, Xinhua said.

Beijing organisers said last year that an Olympic Village ban on "pamphlets and materials used for any religious or political activity or display" did not include personal copies of the Bible.
China, whose ruling Communist Party regards religious and other groups as potential threats to its power, demands its faithful attend state-sanctioned churches, and regularly detains pastors and priests.

Hong Kong media last week said prominent Beijing-based pastor Zhang Mingxuan, president of the China House Church Alliance, and his wife had been removed from the capital after a week of harassment to prevent him from meeting with foreigners.

China has about 40 million active Christians, with their numbers evenly divided between state-run and underground churches, according to expert estimates.(Reporter, Ian Ransom; Editor, Paul Tait)
There are estimated to be between 8 and 12 million Catholics in China, half of which are members of Catholic churches operating covertly. For those of you who have never heard of "state-run" churches in China - those are the permitted churches. There are Catholic churches that are run by the state in that they try to determine how, when and what is said. The government wishes to control these churches to the point of trying to have authority to even select bishops. The state-run Catholic churches in China do recognize the pope but diplomatic relations with the Vatican have not existed with the Chinese government since 1951. These things are obvious reasons for underground churches even though there is supposedly allowable practice of religions. Currently there are two Chinese priests imprisoned by the government since late May without formally being charged of any offense.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Catholicism Cool


The following was the lead into an article in the Australian secular press today:

YOU'VE got to hand it to the Catholics.

Until World Youth Day came along I was sure the local priest was only good for getting hammered at your wedding reception or polishing off Mum's Christmas cake.

Who would have thought the daggy Catholic folk many of us grew up with could pull off such a cool event. And cool it has been. Woodstock met the Olympics in Sydney last week, only no bongs and no beers. Just a good few bongo drums played by nuns in funky sunnies and sneakers, and the unreserved faith of hundreds of thousands of cheerful young people. And miraculously, Catholicism actually became cool.

Imagine that. Catholicism cool.

I could have told you that.
I guess we "cool" people just instinctively know stuff like that. ;-)

Death Takes a Holiday


Abortion Center Closes Instead of Following Law

Sioux Falls, SD (LifeNews.com) -
Monday was the first day that Planned Parenthood, which operates the only abortion business in South Dakota, had to comply with a new state law telling women the truth about abortion. Rather than tell women abortion kills children and has numerous risks, Planned Parenthood closed its doors.

The state law, which the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld last week, required abortion practitioners to inform every woman that she is terminating the life of a human being. It requires giving her information about the mental health complications such as a high risk of depression and suicide and physical problems like hemorrhage infection, premature births of subsequent pregnancies, and infertility.

Dr. Allen Unruh, a leading pro-life advocate who works with Alpha Pregnancy Center, told LifeNews.com that Monday was a historic day. "Time will tell if Planned Parenthood plans to re-open it’s doors, but as for now, the regular abortions were canceled today as the abortionist refused to show up," he explained. "We will see if any other abortionists plan to take the risks involved with full disclosure of what they do to women and their unborn children." Full story at LifeNews.com.

Death Departed - Life Flourished

The citizens of South Dakota should be very proud. I'm not from South Dakota, but sure am gratified to live in a country that has a state willing to be sure people are truly informed about this, literally, life or death decision.
Yes, yes...
It shouldn't be an option -- and I don't think people could see it as an option if they are truly informed -- but this is a beautiful step in a positive direction for this country.
Vote Yes For Life, a South Dakota organization, sent out the folowing in an e-mail about the news:
It appears to us that abortions were suspended at the Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood today. It also appears that they are in disarray as decisions are being made on how to abide by the Informed Consent Law. It is now more important than ever that we pass Measure 11 and halt future abortions in South Dakota. When the opposition reorganizes, they are likely to be stronger than ever. We have to be ready when they resume the business of aborting babies and harming women.
I'll surely be praying for the passage of Measure 11.
In the mean time, for today's good news I say, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you!!!"

To God goes the Glory - E-mail from Gina

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like that she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.

"Leave me alone," he growled.

The woman continued to stand before him. She was smiling -- her even white teeth were dazzling. "Are you hungry?" she asked.

"No," he answered sarcastically, "I've just come from a state dinner with the President. Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?," the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone."

Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked.

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for years. What do you want with him?''

"See that cafeteria over there?," she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."

"Are you crazy, lady?," the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!"

Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything.''

"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it.."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table.

"What's going on here, officer?," he asked. "What is all this. Is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!," the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?'

'Of course, I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?,'' the manager sneered.

"I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh," was the quiet reply.

The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference."

She glanced at the police officer who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

No thanks, ma'am,' the officer replied. "I'm on duty."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."

Penelope Eddy sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?"

Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."

"I'm a bit older than when we last met," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?," the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally, I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register I knew then that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?," Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually, I started my own business, that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.

"When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. 'I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?," he said.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus. He led me to you, twice."

Outside of the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw something today that I will never forget. And... and thank you for the coffee."


If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in the world.

Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always. And don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters" you never know how it will be returned to you.

God is so big He can cover the whole world with His Love, and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

What do I want you to do with this? Nothing!!! Having read it is simply enough to make you think of my GOD, whom I just want you to know. However, if you want to add a thought of God to the lives of people you love, why not copy this into an e-mail for them, or send them a link to this web address?

Peace.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Look what I got Today

Okay, Okay...
That may be a stinky title for this posting.

What I hope to do here is simply share some of the things from today's Mass.

We were running late today. So late that we wouldn't have made it to our church until 10 minutes into the last Mass. Knowing that, we went to the noon Mass at Mount St. Mary's Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg.

At Mass, Fr. Jack spoke of our need to discern when and what we do in life.

We need to have a holy fear of God. Ours should be a reverential love for our God. "Give Him your heart and let Him flow through you. Give God your essence, He will give you His presence."

It is never acceptable to do bad to accomplish good.
In Jesus' parable about the weeds in the wheat, the bad weeds were left to grow amidst the wheat for fear of destroying the wheat if the weeds were destroyed.

The way to the Kingdom is here. The planter, God, plants good on Earth. God has given us personal freedom. As the planter in the parable goes to sleep, God allows for bad; God allows for free choice. Unfortunately, within that field of free choice, the devil plants evil, the weeds of this world.

This is where the discernment comes into play.

We can't be impetuous and start yanking at things that seem disordered. Apostles of Christ may want to pull the weeds the devil has planted amid the field of good grain, but must realize that the Good Grower will sort things out in the end.

Yes, there are darknesses we can't remove.

Of course, on whatever level, we know aren't to participate in the darknesses. There are things with which only God can and should deal. Somethings must simply left in the hands of God. We must realize that we must never do bad to bring about good.

Father Jack ended his homily with the Serenity Prayer. Before he did so, he noted that he was giving us the whole prayer - generally, it is only the first part which people know.


Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

After Mass, Fr. Jack and Fr. Reed gave Miraculous Medals to the children. The priests blessed the medals as the children held them.
If you look, you can see the medal the mother of this little one holds for him.

Once the medals were distributed, the Eucharist was placed on exposition.


Father Jack processed around the chapel with the Blessed Sacrament.
In particular, I love that this exposes children to adoration who might not otherwise have such interaction with our Lord. As our Eucharist Lord moved about the chapel, some heads were bowed, some eyes transfixed. Today, many of the pilgrims rushed forward to touch or kiss the monstrance.It may sound odd to hear that people "rushed forward" but it was done out of a reverent desire - and it wasn't a thundering herd sort of thing. Our Lord was passing by and they wanted to draw near.

























After the procession, individuals in the congregation were able to come forward for a priestly blessing. Fr. Jack and Fr. Reed blessed the pilgrims with relics of St. John Neumann and St. Bernadette.

Saturday, July 19, 2008