Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. Find more companionship with our sister Saintsand be inspired by their Works of Mercy in Misericordia! Saint Zélie Martin Zélie was born in France in 1831 and used her gifts to operate a highly successful lace-making business. When she married Louis, he assisted her in running the business and they were blessed with nine children, three of whom didn’t survive infancy and a fourth who died at age five. The remaining five all became nuns, most famous of all being the youngest, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Zélie was a clever and hard working business owner who treated her employees with fairness. She was an attentive and loving mother who educated her girls and brought them up in the Faith. She wrote that her goal was to raise children up for Heaven. They started their days with a morning offering and ended them with an examination of conscience. She died of breast cancer in 1877 when Thérèse was only four. She and her husband are the first married couple canonized together. Her ability to instruct her children and ultimately set them on a vocational path to holiness is a striking example for us all. [bctt tweet="Friends with Saints Series // Zelie Martin #BISblog //" via="no"]   Saint Zélie Martin, pray for us! 

Our lives are full of decisions. From the significant to the seemingly minor, living an intentional life means we pay attention to those decisions—being active participators rather than passive observers. Even more, as Catholic women who desire the Lord to be the center and King of our lives, and we entrust our decisions to Him. If you need a primer for making prayerful decisions, check out this podcast episode. Saint Ignatius of Loyola outlined fourteen rules for discernment that have been used for centuries. They're presented straight from him below. The Fourteen Rules for Discernment Rules for becoming aware and understanding to some extent the different movements which are caused in the soul, the good, to receive them, and the bad to reject them. First Rule // In the persons who go from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is commonly used to propose to them apparent pleasures, making them imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses the opposite method, pricking them and biting their consciences through the process of reason. Second Rule // In the persons who are going on intensely cleansing their sins and rising from good to better in the service of God our Lord, it is the method contrary to that in the first Rule, for then it is the way of the evil spirit to bite, sadden and put obstacles, disquieting with false reasons, that one may not go on; and it is proper to the good to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and quiet, easing, and putting away all obstacles, that one may go on in well doing. Third Rule // Of Spiritual Consolation. I call it consolation when some interior movement in the soul is caused, through which the soul comes to be inflamed with love of its Creator and Lord; and when it can in consequence love no created thing on the face of the earth in itself, but in the Creator of them all. Likewise, when it sheds tears that move to love of its Lord, whether out of sorrow for one’s sins, or for the Passion of Christ our Lord, or because of other things directly connected with His service and praise. Finally, I call consolation every increase of hope, faith and charity, and all interior joy which calls and attracts to heavenly things and to the salvation of one’s soul, quieting it and giving it peace in its Creator and Lord. Fourth Rule // Of Spiritual Desolation. I call desolation all the contrary of the third rule, such as darkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to things low and earthly, the unquiet of different agitations and temptations, moving to want of confidence, without hope, without love, when one finds oneself all lazy, tepid, sad, and as if separated from his Creator and Lord. Because, as consolation is contrary to desolation, in the same way the thoughts which come from consolation are contrary to the thoughts which come from desolation. Fifth Rule // In time of desolation never to make a change; but to be firm and constant in the resolutions and determination in which one was the day preceding such desolation, or in the determination in which he was in the preceding consolation. Because, as in consolation it is rather the good spirit who guides and counsels us, so in desolation it is the bad, with whose counsels we cannot take a course to decide rightly. Sixth Rule // Although in desolation we ought not to change our first resolutions, it is very helpful intensely to change ourselves against the same desolation, as by insisting more on prayer, meditation, on much examination, and by giving ourselves more scope in some suitable way of doing penance. Seventh Rule // Let him who is in desolation consider how the Lord has left him in trial in his natural powers, in order to resist the different agitations and temptations of the enemy; since he can with the Divine help, which always remains to him, though he does not clearly perceive it: because the Lord has taken from him his great fervor, great love and intense grace, leaving him, however, grace enough for eternal salvation. Eighth Rule // Let him who is in desolation labor to be in patience, which is contrary to the vexations which come to him: and let him think that he will soon be consoled, employing against the desolation the devices, as is said in the sixth Rule. Ninth Rule // There are three principal reasons why we find ourselves desolate. The first is, because of our being tepid, lazy or negligent in our spiritual exercises; and so through our faults, spiritual consolation withdraws from us. The second, to try us and see how much we are and how much we let ourselves out in His service and praise without such great pay of consolation and great graces. The third, to give us true acquaintance and knowledge, that we may interiorly feel that it is not ours to get or keep great devotion, intense love, tears, or any other spiritual consolation, but that all is the gift and grace of God our Lord, and that we may not build a nest in a thing not ours, raising our intellect into some pride or vainglory, attributing to us devotion or the other things of the spiritual consolation. Tenth Rule // Let him who is in consolation think how he will be in the desolation which will come after, taking new strength for then. Eleventh Rule // Let him who is consoled see to humbling himself and lowering himself as much as he can, thinking how little he is able for in the time of desolation without such grace or consolation. On the contrary, let him who is in desolation think that he can do much with the grace sufficient to resist all his enemies, taking strength in his Creator and Lord. Twelfth Rule // The enemy acts like a woman, in being weak against vigor and strong of will. Because, as it is the way of the woman when she is quarreling with some man to lose heart, taking flight when the man shows her much courage: and on the contrary, if the man, losing heart, begins to fly, the wrath, revenge, and ferocity of the woman is very great, and so without bounds; in the same manner, it is the way of the enemy to weaken and lose heart, his temptations taking flight, when the person who is exercising himself in spiritual things opposes a bold front against the temptations of the enemy, doing diametrically the opposite. And on the contrary, if the person who is exercising himself commences to have fear and lose heart in suffering the temptations, there is no beast so wild on the face of the earth as the enemy of human nature in following out his damnable intention with so great malice. Thirteenth Rule // Likewise, he acts as a licentious lover in wanting to be secret and not revealed. For, as the licentious man who, speaking for an evil purpose, solicits a daughter of a good father or a wife of a good husband, wants his words and persuasions to be secret, and the contrary displeases him much, when the daughter reveals to her father or the wife to her husband his licentious words and depraved intention, because he easily gathers that he will not be able to succeed with the undertaking begun: in the same way, when the enemy of human nature brings his wiles and persuasions to the just soul, he wants and desires that they be received and kept in secret; but when one reveals them to his good Confessor or to another spiritual person that knows his deceits and evil ends, it is very grievous to him, because he gathers, from his manifest deceits being discovered, that he will not be able to succeed with his wickedness begun. Fourteenth Rule // Likewise, he behaves as a chief bent on conquering and robbing what he desires: for, as a captain and chief of the army, pitching his camp, and looking at the forces or defences of a stronghold, attacks it on the weakest side, in like manner the enemy of human nature, roaming about, looks in turn at all our virtues, theological, cardinal and moral; and where he finds us weakest and most in need for our eternal salvation, there he attacks us and aims at taking us.   [bctt tweet="The Rules for Discernment from Saint Ignatius of Loyola" via="no"]

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. Find more companionship with our sister Saints and be inspired by their Works of Mercy in Misericordia! Blessed Natalia Tulasiewicz Natalia was born in 1906 in Poland and was a martyr in the Ravensbruck gas chamber in Germany during World War II. She was a single woman, a teacher, and an active leader in the lay apostolate. She was a member of the Polish Underground and volunteered to go along with the prisoners of work camps, intent on bringing them spiritual comfort. She taught them religion, singing, and music! After a period of time, she was arrested, tortured, and condemned to death when they discovered her mission. Even while enduring torture, she did not feel humiliated by the Germans or tempted to give up her co-conspirators. Her love of God deepened in this unthinkably dark time. One Good Friday in the camp she stood on a stool in the barracks, extolling the Gospel truths of Jesus dying and rising. On Easter Sunday, she was put to death in the inhumane gas chamber. Ravensbruck was liberated two days later. Her suffering did not make her bitter, instead, she experienced an increase in her love for God. Would that we could channel His grace and love in times of stress and suffering. [bctt tweet="Friends with Saints Series // Natalia Tulasiewicz #BISblog //" via="no"] [elementor-template id="546630"] Blessed Natalia Tulasiewicz, pray for us! Enjoying this litany of new friends? We have them here on the perfect ceramic mug for you!

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. Find more companionship with our sister Saints and be inspired by their Works of Mercy in Misericordia! Blessed Victoria Rasoamanarivo Victoria was born in 1848 in the capital city of Antananarivo, Madagascar. Her grandfather was the prime minister as was her brother. She was baptized Catholic at fifteen despite her family objecting. From her position of authority and power, she worked tirelessly to keep the Church alive as Protestantism took hold in Madagascar throughout her lifetime. She kept schools and churches open, comforted the persecuted Catholics throughout the country, and worked hard to reinstate the missionaries who had been ejected. They came back to minister to their 21,000 faithful! She spent countless hours a day in prayer and passed away in 1894. Her staunch support of, and then ultimately success in bringing back, missionary priests shows the depth of devotion to her fellow suffering Catholics. May we comfort and act as we are able to bring joy to the sorrowful! [bctt tweet="Friends with Saints Series // Victoria Rasoamanarivo #BISBlog //" via="no"] [elementor-template id="546630"] Blessed Victoria Rasoamanarivo , pray for us! Enjoying this litany of new friends? We have them here on the perfect ceramic mug for you!

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. Find more companionship with our sister Saints and be inspired by their Works of Mercy in Misericordia! Saint Anna Schaeffer Anna was born in 1882 in Bavaria, Germany, into a poor family. From a young age, she was unusual in her private prayer life. As an eleven year old, she prayed that Jesus would accept her offer to atone for all the injuries against Him. She dropped out of school at fourteen to work to help support her family, giving up dreams to pursue a religious vocation. At sixteen, she dedicated herself to the Blessed Mother, and Jesus appeared to her in a vision that she would suffer greatly but not die. It was in 1901 that she fell into a vat of boiling laundry water when trying to fix a damaged stovepipe working as a servant. Her legs were so badly burned and damaged that ultimately the doctors couldn’t offer her any further help. Her wounds never healed and she suffered horrific pain, affirmed by Jesus in another vision that she would receive the gift of suffering for Him in the Blessed Sacrament. A daily communicant, she offered up her suffering for the living and the dead, showing us how to embrace even the worst suffering and let it unite us to Christ. She died in 1925. [bctt tweet="Friends with Saints Series // Anna Schaeffer #BISblog //" via="no"] [elementor-template id="546630"] Saint Anna Schaeffer, pray for us! Enjoying this litany of new friends? We have them here on the perfect ceramic mug for you!

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. A Study on the Works of Mercy Misericordia Walk with the saints, including Saint Teresa of Calcutta, and discover practical ways to live the Works of Mercy. Explore Misericordia → Saint Teresa of Calcutta Mother Teresa is a world-famous Saint. She was born in Skopje, Macedonia, in 1910. She responded to a “call within a call” when she asked permission to found a new order of sisters, leaving behind the Sisters of Loretto, and instead leading the Missionaries of Charity in 1948. Jesus revealed to her His great pain at the abandonment of the poorest and the sickest. She answered His call to “Come be My light” and after receiving permission, she opened the first house for her new order. Calcutta, India, was replete with people living on the streets—abandoned, sick, and dying. Each day she would walk out, rosary in hand, to serve the “unwanted, unloved, uncared for.” After her death, a stunning revelation came to light that for the majority of her life, she suffered from a “dark night of the soul” wherein she didn’t feel or experience communication from God, but rather separation and rejection. Nevertheless, she counseled the doubtful and served the poorest of the poor while herself feeling abandoned. She is such an example of being steadfast in our Faith regardless of the struggles and dryness we inevitably will face. [bctt tweet="Friends with Saints Series // Saint Teresa of Calcutta #BISblog //" via="no"]   Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us! Enjoying this litany of new friends? We have them here on the perfect ceramic mug for you!

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. Find more companionship with our sister Saints and be inspired by their Works of Mercy in Misericordia! Saint Lucy Yi Zhenmei Saint Lucy was born in Mianyang, China, in 1815. A devout girl from a young age, she made a chastity vow at twelve. She grew in her faith and discipline of prayer after she became very ill at age twenty. She taught children about the faith in various capacities, not accepting payment but delighted to share her love of it. It was when her mother died that she moved to do missionary work in a country that was strongly anti-Christian. She was forced to return home once again when she fell ill, but in her recovery once more she returned to her missionary work, despite her family’s objections. When she was forty-seven, she went with a priest to build a new mission in Jiashanlong, but faced terrible persecution. She and four others were murdered because they refused to renounce their faith in 1862. She believed in the Truth and lived it, even in the face of death. May her example of living without fear of offending sinners inspire us as we gently but honestly share our Faith. [bctt tweet="Friends with Saints Series // Lucy Yi Zhenmei #BISblog //" via="no"]   Saint Lucy Yi Zhenmei, pray for us! Enjoying this litany of new friends? We have them here on the perfect ceramic mug for you!

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. Find more companionship with our sister Saints and be inspired by their Works of Mercy in Misericordia! Servant of God Maria de la Luz Maria was born in 1907 in Mexico. Her mother passed away when she was a baby and her education was in a religious run school. Her nickname was “Lucha” which means “a fight,” and yet her temperament was cheery and sweet. She was a third order Franciscan. When she was in her 20s, she lived through the Cristero War where the anti-Catholic government was intent on stamping out the faith. The Marxist governor expelled priests and religious and closed churches, and she witnessed much of the carnage to the Faith. When she learned that violent government thugs planned to burn down her parish, she rushed to it during a children’s Mass and tried to protect them by stalling the enemy outside. She was shot dead, arms outstretched, shouting Viva Cristo Rey! (Long live Christ the King!). She died in 1934. Under these dangerous circumstances, she offered her brave heart to Our Lord, knowing she would be killed. Let us take comfort in the face of death. [bctt tweet="Friends with Saints Series // Maria de la Luz #BISblog //" via="no"]   Servant of God Maria de la Luz, pray for us! Enjoying this litany of new friends? We have them here on the perfect ceramic mug for you!

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. Find more companionship with our sister Saints and be inspired by their Works of Mercy in Misericordia! Saint Maria Goretti Maria was a farm girl born into an Italian family in 1890 and is one of the youngest canonized Saints. Her father died when she was nine, and her poor family shared a farm and living quarters with another family. When she was twelve, the son of the other family Alessandro who was eighteen, attempted to rape her. She fought back, shouting that it was a mortal sin and that she’d rather die than submit to him. He stabbed her nearly fifteen times, and she ultimately died from her wounds. Before she died, she forgave him and wished he would be in Heaven with her. The year was 1902. This was a man who was unrepentant and uncommunicative for the first three years of his sentence until she appeared to him in a dream, handing him lilies. When he was released twenty-seven years later, he begged forgiveness from her mother. He lived a changed life, one of devotion to the faith and prayer. As he stood there at her canonization surrounded by her mother, siblings, and hundreds of thousands of people, he wept for joy. It was her forgiving heart that visited his jail cell and brought him healing. May we bring love and healing to those imprisoned in our lives. [bctt tweet="Friends with Saints Series // Maria Goretti #BISblog //" via="no"]   Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us. Enjoying this litany of new friends? We have them here on the perfect ceramic mug for you!

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. Find more companionship with our sister Saints and be inspired by their Works of Mercy in Misericordia! Venerable Edel Quinn Edel Quinn was born in County Cork, Ireland in 1907. Her early life was filled with daily Mass, music, sports, and a joyful family. She learned about the lay movement called the Legion of Mary, intent on outreach and works of mercy to the community. She became involved and tended to women in their darkest times, reaching out to women working as prostitutes while keeping up daily Adoration and all fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. Despite tuberculosis, she went on to answer the call to evangelize in Africa. She traveled all throughout East Africa to form lay leaders so they could minister to their communities. Stories are told of her creaky old car sounding out into the still African night, en route to a mission station. She believed in showing up, repeatedly, despite her weakened health, to nurture and tend to those who needed to hear the healing balm of the Gospel. Her devotion to Our Lord and Lady was evidenced by her generous yes to sharing the kingdom. She died in Africa in 1944. Not only did she visit the sick while being sick herself, but she brought the Gospel truth to those who needed spiritual birth. May we be unafraid to be generous in our “yes” to Our Lord and His Mother as they ask us to visit the sick in our lives. [bctt tweet="Friends with Saints Series // Edel Quinn #BISblog //" via="no"]   Venerable Edel Quinn, pray for us! Enjoying this litany of new friends? We have them here on the perfect ceramic mug for you!

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. Find more companionship with our sister Saints and be inspired by their Works of Mercy in Misericordia! Servant of God Julia Greeley Julia was born into slavery in Missouri sometime in the 1830s-50s. Her early life exposed her to the worst in people, the deep evil of slavery and abject poverty. She was half-blind from a whip catching her eye while her mother was beaten. She was freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and worked for various families. When she worked in Colorado, she found her home in the Catholic Church. For the remainder of her life, she let Jesus’ Good News shine out in all aspects of her life. She was a third order Franciscan who shared parish leaflets with every fireman and firehouse. If anyone was in need, she would give all she had, and then go on to beg on their behalf. A daily communicant, she fasted regularly and sought out others who needed anything: food, wood, coal, mattresses, a baby stroller, or a doll. Not simply content to share her meager monies, she sought out specifically what poor white people needed and delivered them at night to avoid their embarrassment due to racism. She died in 1918. She’s the first person (and first lay woman) to be interred at the Denver cathedral. Reading about her life reminds us that we can always give to others in need, even if we are giving from our own poverty. Learn more about her remarkable life here. Servant of God Julia Greeley, pray for us! Enjoying this litany of new friends? We have them here on the perfect ceramic mug for you!

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. Find more companionship with our sister Saints and be inspired by their Works of Mercy in Misericordia! Servant of God Dorothy Day Dorothy Day is a household name for many American Catholics. She was born in Brooklyn in 1897. Her journey in her faith was a winding road. She described her first twenty-five years as her “searching” era, her middle years as her “natural happiness” when she birthed her daughter, completed her conversion to Catholicism, and then her later years “love is the measure” when she co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement. During those searching years, she had an abortion. During those middle years, she and her common-law husband had a surprise pregnancy and a daughter. As she grew in her faith journey, he could not accept that she and their daughter chose to be baptized as Catholics. She ultimately ended the relationship. Later she co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement, working to bring the poor and suffering and homeless into the public eye for Catholics. The Catholic Worker Movement opened houses where hospitality reigned and where meeting people where they were mattered. Donations for food and clothing poured in. The communities tending to the poor and offering them a safe place still exist today. Dorothy believed that lay people should strive to be saints by suffering for justice, acting in charity, living in community, regular spiritual reading and writing, and desiring to share Christ’s love with those in need. She passed in 1980. She provided literal shelter for the homeless but also outreach to those who needed to hear from a loving faith-filled woman who understood their sins and struggles. [bctt tweet="Friends with Saints Series // Dorothy Day #BISblog //" via="no"]   Servant of God Dorothy Day, pray for us! Enjoying this litany of new friends? We have them here on the perfect ceramic mug for you!

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good. -Pope Saint John Paul II Friendships feed our souls in a very particular way. During these times of social distancing, fall out from a global pandemic, and the ensuring separation we've experienced from our friends and family, we have a special place to turn to for friendship. The holy women of our Catholic Faith: the Saints, the venerables, the servants of God. We have reason to believe through the Church's guidance that these multitude of unique, relatable, remarkable women are worshipping before the throne of God, taking our intentions before Him. They want us to join them in Heaven, after all. The Saints, Our Friends We've assembled a grouping of a dozen women who fit this description, lived in the last century or so, and span all walks of life from vocation to nearly every continent, to a plethora of challenges they faced. Eleven are lay women! The complete discussion of their lives and reflections on how they lived the Works of Mercy out is available in our Misericordia study. Let's get to know our heavenly friends better and allow a beautiful friendship (or friendships!) to blossom. Find more companionship with our sister Saints and be inspired by their Works of Mercy in Misericordia! Venerable Elisabeth Maria She was born Satoko Kitahara in 1929 in Japan from a line of aristocrats and samurai warriors. She loved piano and movies. She converted when she was twenty years old after working in an airplane factory during World War II and took the name ‘Elisabeth Maria.’ She renounced her wealth and status in society to tend to the innocent victims whose lives were devastated by the war. She fed the impoverished and orphaned, and cared for the sick and poor in a riverbank settlement called “Ant Town.” She became a member of Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s worldwide evangelization effort called “Militia Immaculatae.” She died in 1958 from tuberculosis and her mother entered the Church a few years later, inspired by her daughter’s giving heart. She paid attention to the needs of the poorest, giving up her comfort to do so. What an example for us to do likewise, even in our day-to-day! [bctt tweet="Friends with Saints Series // Elisabeth Maria #BISblog //" via="no"]   Venerable Elisabeth Maria, pray for us. Enjoying this litany of new friends? We have them here on the perfect ceramic mug for you!

It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. // Matthew 13:32 Download these beautiful free wallpapers from Lauren Thomas from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.// Romans 8:18 Download these beautiful free wallpapers from Zelie and Lou from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Restlessness is exhaustive and depletes the profoundness of the soul when we rely solely on productivity and efficiency to fill the voids in our hearts. We may feel an instant sense of achievement, but a more lasting false sense of security. Without knowing when to rest, reflect, and celebrate, we will never truly be satisfied. Overcoming Restlessness in Modern Day Culture According to Philosopher Blaise Pascal, “all of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” This is prevalent in today’s culture: humans either preoccupy themselves with work or distract themselves with something stimulating in order to gain a sense of accomplishment and external validation. Not doing anything or accomplishing tasks makes us feel guilty, unimportant, and undesirable. This fear or insecurity consumes us and drives us to hustle and bustle. This chaotic lifestyle leaves our hearts weary. There is yearning in this kind of suffering because we are missing God. It does not take intelligence to know that there is something missing in our lives. Transactional Encounters Moreover, being in the present and wrestling with important questions alone can be very intimidating and unappealing to those who are used to speed and fast connection. In modern day culture, we often approach prayer transactionally as opposed to relationally. Now, that is problematic because we end up using and taking from God whenever we feel like it. Practice Relationality, Not Transactionality Today, it is critical that we ask ourselves if we are busy with the right things or clinging on to and distracted by false comforts of the mind. How do we disengage ourselves from work and aimless distractions? The only way to find out is to seek truth from Our Creator, God the Father, who knows us best. If we ask, we will receive. So, isn’t it about time we give God a chance to fill our hearts with grace and truth? The first step is to unplug and call on Him as we contemplate in silence. That means turning off our devices and setting aside quiet time with God, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour of prayer and devotion everyday. In order to grow closer to God, we must get to know Him. One of the best ways is to study Scripture, and through prayer, share our questions and thoughts with Him. God speaks loudest in the silence of our hearts. Without silence, there would be no room for Him to step in and communicate. And listening is the beginning of prayer, which requires patient silence with the Lord Our God. Surrendering to Him is a gesture of accepting, trusting, and communing. In Relationship, He Gives Mission For example, I made a promise to Him and declared that I would devote the rest of my life to sharing my Faith once I graduate by reaching out to and serving Catholic media companies and publications. In this way, I am giving my whole self to the Lord and letting Him make use of my talents and skills to execute His plan of salvation through writing for a community. I am literally a vessel. I put my heart in His Hands each and every day, and this act of love swells my heart with fear and wonder. Although I know it won’t be an easy life task, as there will be unknown waters to tread and doubts hurled at me for taking on evangelization for a living, I still choose to prioritize and trust God. It is an honor and privilege to be able to partake in and expand His Kingdom. So, despite the risks, I am comforted by truth — that God will gladly take this spiritual walk with me. If we remain vulnerable and docile, God will be able to clear out our murky visions of rest and work. Admit Weakness, Experience Mercy Prayer is meant to be an intimate moment with the Lord as we get to know Him. It is an attempt to see ourselves as God sees us: He will help us discover who we are meant to be. He will lovingly present what has been insatiable, irresistible, enduring, and good in the desires of our hearts. So, we must let God act and give Him room. Letting God have space in our hearts means calling on Him regularly and asking Him to reveal how He sees us, and how He wants us to respond with the gifts that He placed in our hearts. It is making sense of the past and creating that narrative, which leads up to the present in conjunction with God’s Plan. Ask Him: what are Your hopes and dreams for me? And how can I make the most of my future decisions and actions now that I am where I am? It is no longer about what we do anymore, but who we are. It is showing up even if there is nothing to say. Conversion is a process, not a single event, after all. It is constantly saying yes to God, allowing Him to stretch and extend us to be more, not do more. When we admit weakness, we receive mercy. It is a blessing to know what our weaknesses are because that is God calling on us and acknowledging our needs. When we are made aware, God is giving us the chance to be closer to Him, and grow in His Merciful Love, which will redeem and save us. All we have to do is return to Him, be honest about what made us depart from Him, and apologize wholeheartedly. Reveling in His Love, we are softened because of this merciful encounter with Him. From there, mercy will teach us forgiveness and love. Thus, this shifts the story from ourselves to God and a growing sense of community because love, joy, and hope are infectious. God’s Love will consume us and inevitably spread from person to person in the same way that we can’t help but be drawn to light. That’s what relational prayer does. It is shifting the story from me, myself, and I to God and, in effect, others. An honest relationship is what He wants from us: to argue with Him but learn to accept and practice His Word. It is living out His Truth and sharing His grace with the world as warriors of God. May we all turn away from our problems and ourselves, and turn to God, rightfully placing Him in the throne of our hearts. WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Receive Your Gift, Respond with it, and Commune with the Lord The moment I surrendered to God after graduation, He awakened the feminine genius and gifts that He placed in my heart, and immediately I was humbled and enlightened. I was pierced by His Fatherly love and was in awe of His spiritual creativity as the Divine Artist. He molded and fashioned my heart to be sensitive, vulnerable, and courageous so that I may share my story with the world, and encourage fellow women to embrace their distinctiveness. It is liberating the moment we let go and see how unique and relevant we each are in the eyes of God. Through dialoguing and writing, I want to be able to use the gifts God has given me to build up His Kingdom. The extension of myself to God and a larger community is absolutely life-giving and my purpose has never been clearer. Marveling at how good Our Father is, this made me trust Him even more and by the day, I grow in eagerness when it comes to responding with the gift that only I can give, which is my heart. Littleness Made for Greatness My prayer life has definitely evolved into complete surrender to God’s divine plan. It is no longer about what I want, but what He wills for me. It is not about saying no to myself, but saying yes to a higher call that’ll allow me to image God and step into the higher world by leading a life of love, which will hopefully bring those around me closer to God. Knowing how to rest wholeheartedly in God takes humility and littleness. We must remember that Our Lord reveals Himself and His Father to those who are childlike, open, and ready to choose wisdom over cleverness. Thus, we must tend and nurture our faith; it is a gift we can only pass on if we live it and share it. By pursuing the Lord, you will find your mission and vision to be aligned with His. Enrich and Increase Your Faith Ask yourselves: Do you dwell on God’s Word and pray everyday? If wisdom means making the most of one’s life, in what way are you able to do so? How do you reinvigorate your faith with the flame of Christ’s Merciful Heart? Relational Prayer Challenge Grab the Bible, open it up, and turn to the Gospel of John. Let’s read up on Christ’s Sonship to God, and reflect on what that means for us as children of God. How are you a daughter of God in the choices you make each day? Read a paragraph per day, and reflect on the following questions in your journal: Jesus, what does this show me about Your Heart? Jesus, what does this show me about my heart? Jesus, how are You asking me to respond? At the end of each week, look back at your responses, and name some of the patterns and trends that arise. What do they reveal about your identity as a beloved son or daughter of God? Enjoy getting to know yourself through the eyes of God and Scripture!   [bctt tweet="Relational Prayer: Listening to the Silence of Our Hearts #BISblog //" via="no"]   Kate Cabigao is from the Philippines. She is a graduate of NYU Steinhardt’s Education Studies program with a specialization in Global and Urban Education. She loves to write about her thoughts, feelings and experiences ranging from the silliest to the most serious moments. Her life goal is to inspire and empower those around her to make the most of their lives and to play to their strengths. Find out more about her here.

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. // Matthew 11:28 Download these free wallpapers from Mariana Pimiento of Big Apple Catholic. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper