Ember Days

BONUS GRACES:  Because today is the Friday following September 14th (the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross), it is part of one of the quarterly sets of Ember Days of the Church.  Click here for a detailed explanation.  Don't miss this special opportunity for efficacious prayer and fasting!

 (see also http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/p/Ember_Days.htm)

Ember Days

BONUS GRACES:  Because today is the Wednesday following September 14th (the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross), it is part of one of the quarterly sets of Ember Days of the Church.  Click here for a detailed explanation.  Don't miss this special opportunity for efficacious prayer and fasting!

 (see also http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/p/Ember_Days.htm)

Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.  Read all about it and be inspired here:

http://catholicinformation.aquinasandmore.com/2012/09/04/september-is-the-month-of-the-seven-sorrows/

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Novena Prayer

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).

We trust completely in Your Mercy.  Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.

(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)

Amen.

(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)

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This day also is called the Exaltation of the Cross, Elevation of the Cross, Holy Cross Day, Holy Rood Day, or Roodmas. The liturgy of the Cross is a triumphant liturgy. When Moses lifted up the bronze serpent over the people, it was a foreshadowing of the salvation through Jesus, when He was lifted up on the Cross. Our Mother Church sings of the triumph of the Cross, the instrument of our redemption. To follow Christ we must take up His cross, follow Him and become obedient until death, even if it means death on the cross. We identify with Christ on the Cross and share in His cross.

We make the Sign of the Cross before prayer, which helps to fix our minds and hearts to God. After prayer we make the Sign of the Cross to keep close to God. During trials and temptations, our strength and protection is the Sign of the Cross. At Baptism, we are sealed with the Sign of the Cross, signifying the fullness of redemption and that we belong to Christ.

Let us look to the cross frequently, and realize that when we make the Sign of the Cross we give our entire self to God — mind, soul, heart, body, will, thoughts.

BONUS ACTIVITY:  Tradition holds that sweet basil grew over the hill where St. Helena found the Holy Cross, so in Greece the faithful are given sprigs of basil by the priest. Cook a basil pesto, tomato basil salad (with the last of the summer tomatoes!) or some other type of recipe that includes basil, and explain to the tradition to your family.


BONUS GRACES:  The Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following September 14th (the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross) mark one of the quarterly sets of Ember Days of the Church.  Click here for a detailed explanation.  Don't miss this special opportunity for efficacious prayer and fasting!

(source: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-09-14)

Novena (Day 9): Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Novena (Day 9 of 9)

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).

We trust completely in Your Mercy.  Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.

(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)

Amen.

(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)

Novena (Day 8): Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Novena (Day 8 of 9)

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).

We trust completely in Your Mercy.  Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.

(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)

Amen.

(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)

Novena (Day 7): Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Novena (Day 7 of 9)

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).

We trust completely in Your Mercy.  Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.

(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)

Amen.

(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)

Novena (Day 6): Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Novena (Day 6 of 9)

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).

We trust completely in Your Mercy.  Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.

(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)

Amen.

(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)

Novena (Day 5): Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Novena (Day 5 of 9)

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).

We trust completely in Your Mercy.  Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.

(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)

Amen.

(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)

Novena (Day 4): Exalation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Novena (Day 4 of 9)

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).

We trust completely in Your Mercy.  Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.

(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)

Amen.

(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)

Novena (Day 3): Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Novena (Day 3 of 9)

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).

We trust completely in Your Mercy.  Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.

(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)

Amen.

(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)

Novena (Day 2): Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Novena (Day 2 of 9)

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).

We trust completely in Your Mercy.  Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.

(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)

Amen.

(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)

Novena (Day 1): Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Novena (Day 1 of 9)

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).

We trust completely in Your Mercy.  Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.

(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)

Amen.

(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)

You Only Get One Shot At Being Your Kid's Mom

I've struggled for a long time with how to articulate the importance of investing oneself FULLY as a mother during the years when our children are home with us.

It's exhausting.
It's rewarding.
It's frustrating.
It's exhilerating.

It's a vocation.

It's the most important thing you EVER will do in your life, with your life.  And Sarah Mae expresses this more eloquently than I ever could!

Read and be challenged.
Read and be inspired.
Read and be renewed in your vocation as a mom!

And be assured that my prayers are with you!

Here's the link:


http://sarahmae.com/2012/08/sometimes-we-are-failing/

Feast of the Visitation (Part 2 of 2)

 I've been agonizing over how to properly articulate the depth of Elizabeth's response to Mary during the Visitation, when I came across this writing from the last two pages of then Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger’s (now Pope Benedict XVI's) book, Daughter Zion:

“One more remark in conclusion: Luke recounts in the story of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth that when Mary’s greeting rang out John ‘leaped for joy in his mother’s womb’. To express that joy he employs the same word σκιρτᾶν (leap) that he used to express the joy of those to whom the beatitudes are addressed. (Lk 6:23).  This word also appears in one of the old Greek translations of the Old Testament to describe David’s dance before the Ark of the Covenant after it had returned home…something is expressed here that has been  almost entirely lost in our century and nonetheless belongs to the heart of faith; essential to it is the joy in the Word become man, the dance before the Ark of the Covenant, in self-forgetful happiness, by one who has recognized God’s salvific nearness. Only against this background can Marian devotion be comprehended. Transcending all problems, Marian devotion is the rapture of joy over the true, indestructible Israel; it is a blissful entering into the joy of the Magnificat and thereby it is the praise of him to whom the daughter Zion owes her whole self and whom she bears, the true, incorruptible, indestructible Ark of the Covenant.”

If you know me, you know I'm not advocating liturgical dance here.  But the saturating physical depths of the infant John's joy is pondered beautifully here.  That's why Benedict is the pope!

Thank you to Terri at, "At The Back Of The North Wind" ( http://www.backofthenorthwind.com/ ) for posting this excerpt, which was a text from her beloved son, Justin.