Merry Christmas

 O Sapientia, quæ ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiæ.


Wisdom that comest out of the mouth of the Most High, that reachest from one end to another, and orderest all things mightily and sweetly, come to teach us the way of prudence!

Advent

Today is the first Sunday in Advent.  We begin our wait for the coming of Christ.  It's a good time to do a mini retreat -check out these sermons on Audio Sancto

. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

From the readings for today:

 

Sirach 50: 22 - 24

2 And now bless the God of all, who in every way does great things; who exalts our days from birth, and deals with us according to his mercy. 23 May he give us gladness of heart, and grant that peace may be in our days in Israel, as in the days of old. 24 May he entrust to us his mercy! And let him deliver us in our days!

 

 

Pro Orantibus Day

From the Cloistered Life website:
On November 21 (the Memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple), the Church will celebrate Pro Orantibus Day ("For Those Who Pray"), an ecclesial event established by Pope John Paul II for all Catholics worldwide to commemorate the hidden lives of cloistered and contemplative religious. We celebrate this day because the contemplative life is a gift from God to us all, because these men and women lay down their lives to pray for the needs of the world, and because we all benefit from the graces obtained by their prayers, even when we do not know it. All vocations need one another, and so, on this day, the faithful are encouraged to reach out to the cloistered and contemplative communities in their diocese, through prayer, encouragement, and material support.
Some concrete ways to do this are: participating in a novena and offering up Masses, writing letters to contemplative communities, visiting them, and making a special point to teach families, religious education classes, youth groups, etc., about the tremendous value of the contemplative life. In Pope Benedict XVI’s words, "Let us thank the Lord for the sisters and brothers who have embraced this mission, dedicating themselves entirely to prayer and living on what they receive from Providence. Let us pray in our turn for them and for new vocations, and let us work to support monasteries in their material needs."
For more information visit CloisteredLife.com.

This Thursday, November 21 (the Memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple), the Church will celebrate Pro Orantibus Day ("For Those Who Pray"), an ecclesial event established by Pope John Paul II for all Catholics worldwide to commemorate the hidden lives of cloistered and contemplative religious. Ways to honor the event include prayer (participating in a novena, offering up Masses, etc.), encouragement (writing letters to contemplative communities, visiting them, calling them to thank them, etc.), and material support.

Pope Benedict XVI spoke often of the tremendous value of the cloistered, contemplative life. Addressing a group of cloistered Dominican nuns in Rome, he referred to such religious as the "heart" which provides the blood to the rest of the Body of Christ. Pope Francis also made a point to meet with and show his appreciation to contemplative nuns while in Brazil for World Youth Day.
Special promotion of this annual celebration is being coordinated in the United States by the
Institute on Religious Life.For more information visit CloisteredLife.com.

Check out the vocation resources in the Diocese of Fargo.

Armistice Day

In Flanders Fields

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.

Valkyrie Flashmob

Miraculous Medal

O Mary, conceived without sin.. Pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Read about the Miraculous Medal

St Teresa

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

Our Lady of the Rosary

Feast Day is today - pray with me.

Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin Spice by amyj-685 on Polyvore

Free Scrapbooking Software Templates Embellishments Backgrounds
scrapbookflair.com

Four Seasons Trees Clipart Clip Art, Spring Summer Winter Fall Autumn...
etsy.com

St Francis of Assisi

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor vexation. Where there is poverty and joy, there is neither greed nor avarice. Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt.

St Francis of Assisi

One Rose Campaign

Ok, I am late in the game on this one.   Today is the day for the One Rose Campaign from the Imagine Sisters.  Know a young (or old) woman who might be considering a religious vocation? Here are some things you can do to encourage them.

• Pray and reflect on the women of God in your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer.
• Ask yourself, “Who do I know that would make a great sister? Who radiates the joy of Christ?” You may know more than one woman and that’s okay, invite as many as you feel called to invite.
• Give a single rose to that person on October 1st, affirming the gifts you see in her. Be bold, joyful, and supportive! Let her know about the Imagine Sisters site, and thank her for being awesome! You can even send the rose to the young woman if you will be unable to see her that day.
• Pray in thanksgiving, and ask God to water the seeds if it is His will for her to discern the religious life.

For more information, visit the One Rose Campaign

Saint Vincent DePaul

The works of God are not accomplished when we wish them, but whenever it pleases Him

St Vincent DePaul

 Check out the Society of Saint Vincent DePaul

Pray With Me

I have been a member of the Blue Army for about six years. I received this notice from them - will you join me in praying this novena?


The Vatican recently announced that on October 13, 2013, Pope Francis will consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father is having the statue of Our Lady that stands on the site of the apparitions in Fatima shipped to Rome. You can read the entire story at http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=18797. In support of the Holy Father, all members and friends of the World Apostolate of Fatima USA and people throughout the world are invited to participate in a 54-day Rosary Novena, beginning on September 16th and ending on November 8th. The first 27 days of the novena will serve as a time to petition Our Lady leading up to the consecration. The following 27 days will be days of thanksgiving for all the blessings given to us through Her intercession. Stay tuned next week for another email with the full details of the novena, including links to the prayers, on the home page of www.bluearmy.com. In the meantime, please continue to pray for the apostolate, for the intentions of Pope Francis and for the conversion of all souls to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts. And don’t forget to share this with as many people as you can through your address book and social channels!

Feast of the Assumption

 

 

 

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

No. 52 Pall Mall

If you are a Jane Austen fan, you will like this website.  What Jane Saw is an online replica of an art exhibit dating to 1813.  The site details what Miss Austen would have seen on her visit in May of 1813. 

Saturday Morning Funnies

Ok, I know it's Monday, and a manic one.  What could make that better?  How about pretending that we are ten and it's Saturday Morning?

The Road Not Taken

Robert Frost reading his poem.  Lovely!

 

 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Slightly belated, but Happy Feast Day!

Flos Carmeli

Flos Carmeli, vitis florigera, splendor caeli, virgo puerpera singularis.

Mater mitis sed viri nescia Carmelitis esto propitia stella maris.

Radix Iesse germinans flosculum nos ad esse tecum in saeculum patiaris.

Inter spinas quae crescis lilium serva puras mentes fragilium tutelaris.

Armatura fortis pugnantium furunt bella tende praesidium scapularis.

Per incerta prudens consilium per adversa iuge solatium largiaris.

Mater dulcis Carmeli domina, plebem tuam reple laetitia qua bearis.

Paradisi clavis et ianua, fac nos duci quo, Mater, gloria coronaris. Amen

Flos Carmeli (English Translation)

Flower of Carmel, Tall vine blossom laden;

Splendor of heaven, Childbearing yet maiden.

None equals thee. Mother so tender, Who no man didst know,

On Carmel's children Thy favours bestow.

Star of the Sea. Strong stem of Jesse, Who bore one bright flower, Be ever near us

And guard us each hour, who serve thee here.

Purest of lilies, That flowers among thorns, Bring help to the true heart

That in weakness turns and trusts in thee.

Strongest of armour, We trust in thy might:

Under thy mantle, Hard press'd in the fight, we call to thee

Our way uncertain, Surrounded by foes,

Unfailing counsel You give to those who turn to thee.

O gentle Mother Who in Carmel reigns, Share with your servants

That gladness you gained and now enjoy.

Hail, Gate of Heaven, With glory now crowned,

Bring us to safety Where thy Son is found, true joy to see. Amen.

Rejoice!

Psalm 66:1,21 Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; 2 sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!

A Little Night Music

Meet Bob

I would like to introduce the newest addition to my family.  Meet Bob the Beta Fish.



A Little Motown

We Have a Bishop!!

Bishop John Folda was named by Pope Francis as the 8th Bishop of Fargo on April 8, 2013.  The Mass of Ordination and Installation is being held today at the Cathedral of Saint Mary in Fargo.  To watch the  Mass, please visit EWTN or Valley News Live .  

Welcome Bishop Folda!

Source

Pentecost Sunday



All Creatures Great and Small

This image is from Father Z's blog.  St Francis must be smiling.

Ave Maria

Ave Maria

I've posted this rendition of Ave Maria before.  It is my favorite version and seeing that it is May - Enjoy!!

Feast of the Ascension

Luke 24:46-52 ⁴⁶ And he said to them: Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead, the third day:⁴⁷ And that penance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, unto all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ And you are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ And I send the promise of my Father upon you: but stay you in the city till you be endued with power from on high. ⁵⁰ And he led them out as far as Bethania: and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. ⁵¹ And it came to pass, whilst he blessed them, he departed from them, and was carried up to heaven. ⁵² And they adoring went back into Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they were always in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen

May Crowning

Bring flow'rs of the fairest,
Bring flow'rs of the rarest,
From garden and woodland
And hillside and vale;
Our full hearts are swelling,
Our Glad voices telling
The praise of the loveliest
Rose of the vale.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.
Source

The Invisible Woman

I might have to repost this one on Mother's Day.  Good stuff. 

Welcome!!!

Pope Francis has named Monsignor John Thomas Folda (of the Diocese of Lincoln, NE) as our next Bishop.  Welcome Bishop Elect Folda!!!

Easter

Vigil

Via Dolorosa

Watch and Pray

Matthew 26:40 40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

A Little Night Music

Feast Day of St Patrick

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.


Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/patrick.htm#ixzz2NojLxWJ3

 

 

 

 

3.14159265

Happy Pi day!!!!!

Habemus Papam

O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, mercifully look upon Thy servant Francis., whom Thou hast chosen as the chief Shepherd to preside over Thy Church. We beg Thee to help him edify, both by word and example, those over whom he has charge, that he may reach everlasting life together with the flock entrusted to him. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Listen Along

Saturday Night Radio

A Clean Heart

Happy Valentine's Day

Ash Wednesday

God calls us to "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning."  (Joel 2:12)  Have you been to mass today? 

Prayers and Reminders

With the news coming out of Rome today, I felt the need to remind myself of a few things and to offer up a few prayers.


St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in our hour of conflict; Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God restrain Him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast Satan into Hell, and with him all the other evil spirits, who wander through the world, for the ruin of souls. Amen.


O MY GOD, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in Three Divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I believe that Thy Divine Son became Man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.



O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all Your faithful people, mercifully look upon Your servant Benedict, whom You have chosen as the chief Shepherd to preside over Your Church. We beg You to help him edify, both by word and example, those over whom he has charge, that he may reach everlasting life together with the flock entrusted to him. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray for Our Holy Father

Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation effective 2/28/13. 


I am speechless - what can be said except a prayer to our Blessed Mother?

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Snow and More Snow

I know it's February.  I know that Valentine's Day is coming soon.  But the East Coast is buried with snow and my forecast is for 6-10 inches tomorrow. 

Ergo... Perry Como and White Christmas.

Interview with Archbishop Cordileone

Mary O'Regan from The Path Less Taken has an interview with Archbishop Cordileone. 

The Path Less Taken: "The fight for marriage is the particular gift that God has given our generation"

Vocations Awareness Week

From The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

National Vocation Awareness Week will be celebrated in our country January 13-19, 2013.  Please ask Our Lord for more dedicated, holy priests, deacons and consecrated men and women.  May they be inspired by Jesus Christ, supported by our faith community, and respond generously to God’s gift of a vocation.

Please pray for an increased response to God's call. 

O loving and gracious God, Father of all, you
bless your people in every time and season and
provide for their needs through your providential
care. Your Church is continually in need of priests,
sisters and brothers to offer themselves in the service
of the gospel by lives of dedicated love. Open the
hearts of your sons and daughters to listen to your
call in their lives. Give them the gift of understanding
to discern your invitation to serve you and your
Church. Give them the gift of courage to follow your
call. May they have the spirit of young Samuel who
found fulfillment in his life when he said to you,
"Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." We ask
this through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer.
Amen.

From the USCCB website.

Saturday Night Singalong

A little Perry Como for your Saturday evening listening pleasure.

Epiphany

@Pontifex Project

Via Father Z ... Let's show our support of the Holy Father.  Every Tuesday will be a different tweet in support of Pope Benedict. 

For today - tweet

@Pontifex Holy Father, I prayed for you today. Happy New Year of the Lord 2013!


See Father Z's post at @Pontifex Tuesday Project: Week 1 | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?