I hate fasting. To be completely honest, I’ve felt a little bit grateful that I’ve gotten out of the Ash Wednesday and Good Friday fasts for the last two years due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Don’t get me wrong, I do a different kind of penance on those days, like abstaining from sweets or social media. But the two small meals that don’t equal a full meal and one regular sized meal fast...that’s a tough one. I’m a bit of a “grazer,” so on days when I have to forego my second and third breakfasts, my body echoes the words in Romans 7:24: “Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body?” Yet, as uncomfortable as fasting is, I do not want to be overcome by my fleshly desires, also known as concupiscence, and I try (sadly, I do not write this as an expert) to offer up my small suffering and unite it with Jesus on the Cross. As St. Alphonsus Ligouri said: He that gratifies the taste will readily indulge the other senses; for, having lost the spirit of recollection, he will easily commit faults. I want to have a strong back-bone. I want to grow in self-mastery. I do not want to be a slave to my passions. I want to embrace the attitude of Saint John Chrysostom who said: Fasting is wonderful, because it tramples our sins like a dirty weed, while it cultivates and raises truth like a flower. Biblical Roots of Fasting Again and again the Bible encourages the practice of fasting. Old Testament As early as the second book of the Bible, Exodus, (and the prophet Elijah in the book of Kings) we read about Moses’ fast in the desert. A time set apart in order to dwell in the midst of God’s glory on Mount Sinai as he wrote the Ten Commandments. Exodus 34:28 “So Moses was there with the Lord for forty days and forty nights, without eating any food or drinking any water, and he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten words.” We also know that the Jewish people in the nation of Israel kept fast on the Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur. Leviticus 16:30 “For on this day atonement is made for you to make you clean; of all your sins you will be cleansed before the Lord”." The temptation the Israelites experienced in the desert foreshadows the forty day fast of Jesus in the desert. Deuteronomy 8:2 “Remember how for these forty years the Lord, your God, has directed all your journeying in the wilderness, so as to test you by affliction, to know what was in your heart: to keep his commandments, or not.” New Testament It’s not that the things of the world, namely food and drink, are bad. Everything that God created is good simply because He created it. Therefore, when we fast, we are not giving something up because it is bad, but rather we are giving it up because it is good. By giving up something good, we are practicing self control so that we can more easily say no to temptation. We are strengthening our will. Matthew 4:2 “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.” Galatians 5:24 “Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires.” Romans 8:13 “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” 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 Spiritual Fruits of Fasting Fasting Brings Governance I recently heard a priest speak about fasting this way. He said that as humans, we have a rational soul which is made up of our intellect and our will. We also have freedom. We fast because by practicing looking at something we desire, like a piece of chocolate cake, and saying no to it, we are working out our spiritual muscles. We are using our God given intellect and will to say “no” to something good, so that when sin presents itself as something else we desire, we have the strength to say “no,” and to do so more easily. We are then bringing honor and glory to God by using our intellect and will to govern our desires, therefore overcoming concupiscence. Fasting Makes Room For me, a challenging but very tangible way for me to refocus my gaze on Jesus is by fasting from my phone. Have you ever forgotten your phone on your way to work or school and immediately panicked, but then later realized that not having your phone served as a kind of retreat? Too often I allow a little screen to suck me away from the beauty of the present. I look through a screen as an observer of someone else’s reality instead of seeing with my eyes the wonder of my own. In each moment when I notice the inclination to reach for my phone, I am reminded that I can use those few seconds to pray a Hail Mary or look out the window in gratitude for God's creation. When I turn to my phone I am left feeling scattered. When I turn to my Creator, I am left feeling more peaceful and at rest. Fasting from my phone makes room for more of my life and more of God’s life in my life. When To Fast? As Catholics, we are required to fast during the holy season of Lent. In addition, as she teaches us in the Code of Canon Law, we are also called to fast each Friday of the year. In Canon 1251 it reads: Abstinence from eating meat or some other food according to the prescripts of the conference of bishops is to be observed. While the practice of fasting during Lent and on Fridays is laid out for us by the Church, we can practice this spiritual disciple at any time of year. Fasting doesn’t always have to be an intense day of two small meals and one large meal. Fasting can include saying no to dessert or to adding cream to your coffee. The way I have been fasting lately is by choosing to shut the pantry door as I am about to pour myself a bowl of popcorn. At the moment of reaching to grab the snack, I am focused on how my taste buds are about to be delighted. But then I think of a prayer intention on my heart and choose to say “no” to my flesh and offer it up for that specific person or prayer request. Through these small acts of denying my passions, I notice I am calling my heart and mind to Jesus just a little more each time. Is the Lord asking you to say “no” to something? Through this practice of self-denial He is calling you to Himself. What is He inviting you to wonder in?   [bctt tweet="The Spiritual Practice of Fasting (+ Its Fruits) #BISblog //" via="no"]

Many of us are familiar with the story of The Prodigal Son. In fact, sometimes when people bring up the story of the Prodigal Son I find myself tempted to eye roll in a “been there, heard that'' kind of way. But Henri Nouwen changed that for me, just as his introduction to Rembrandt’s painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son, changed the trajectory of his life. The light shining on the Father and the Son on the cover of Nouwen’s book, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, also shone light on the desire of Nouwen’s heart. A desire to find a place that he could call home more permanently. A place of safety and peace. The Return of the Prodigal Son Two years after he encountered Rembrandt’s work of art, Nouwen gave up his teaching job at Harvard and dedicated his life to living and serving as a pastor in a mentally handicapped community. He admitted that, while it wasn’t an easy transition, it was one he needed to make. He wrote: It is the place where I will receive all I desire, all that I ever hoped for, all that I will ever need, but it is also the place where I have to let go of all I most want to hold on to. For him, it was the place which would teach him how to accept love and forgiveness, something which was much harder for him to receive than to give. He moved from just teaching others about love, to learning how to be loved as God’s beloved. At its core, the homecoming that he so deeply desired was a walking towards the One who would hold him eternally. Part I: The Younger Son Until reading Nouwen’s book, I did not know that, as a young man, Rembrandt’s lifestyle was similar to that of the prodigal son. Rembrandt was arrogant, flaunted luxury, and unwisely spent his money. After several of his family members died, his popularity waned, forcing him to sell his artwork to avoid becoming bankrupt. He died poor and lonely. No doubt he longed for the space of rest that he depicted in his painting of the prodigal son. As Nouwen writes: The father’s touching the son is an everlasting blessing; the son resting against his father’s breast is an eternal peace. The prodigal son looked to the world to provide his satisfaction and fulfillment, and his strategy for doing so was motivated by money. Yet as Nouwen writes, this way of life leads to “a struggle for survival… an anxious struggle resulting from the mistaken idea that it is the world that defines me.” Looking to the world for acceptance and praise leads to a life of exhaustion. Nouwen describes this endless search as an addiction. We are the prodigal son when we look for love in the wrong places. When we say “no” to accepting the Father’s love, we are imitating the same “no” that Adam gave to God in the garden. [bctt tweet="Looking to the world for acceptance and praise leads to a life of exhaustion #BISblog //" via="no"] Part II: The Elder Son Nouwen points out that Rembrandt mirrors both the prodigal son who loses all his wealth, and also the arrogant self-righteous elder son. The elder son’s inability to embrace the joy in his younger brother’s return points to the resentment he holds within his heart. Nouwen writes: Suddenly, there becomes glaringly visible a resentful, proud, unkind, selfish person, one that remained deeply hidden. Both sons were in need of conversion, but perhaps it is the elder son who is most in need of this change of heart. In the painting, there is a large empty space which separates the elder son from his father. A space filled with tension. Nouwen writes that the elder son “distances himself from his brother as well as from his father with the words ‘this son of yours’.” One of my favorite lines from the book is when Nouwen states, “The parable that Rembrandt painted might well be called ‘The Parable of the Lost Sons’.” Yet God the Father gives us the freedom to choose whether or not to receive his merciful love. We can fight the resentment of the elder son by having gratitude. By taking to heart the words that the father in the parable tells his son, that “all I have is yours,” that all is gift. Or, we can choose to find happiness our own way, inevitably resulting in our own demise. Part III: The Father This is also a story about the Father. During the darker period of Rembrandt’s life, he focused on painting blind people. Perhaps this is why Nouwen suggests that Rembrandt chose to paint a father who recognizes his son not just with his physical eyes, but with the eye of his heart. He desires not to cast judgment, but to offer mercy and even blessing. God loves us not with our own conditional human love, but with Divine love. Nouwen challenges us to have confidence that God truly desires to just be with us. He writes: Wouldn’t it be wonderful to make God smile by giving God the chance to find me and love me lavishly? He points out that God’s love existed before the possibility of rejection, and His love will remain even after any rejection takes place. When the prodigal son returns, the father lavishes him with a robe, a ring, and sandals. These are symbols of the sons belovedness and the Father is restoring his son from slavery to wealth. He invites his son into his joy. Nouwen writes: People who have come to know the joy of God do not deny the darkness, but they choose not to live in it. They claim that the light that shines in the darkness can be trusted more than the darkness itself and that a little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness. Are you tempted to trust in the darkness? Invite the Lord to erase this darkness with His light and with His truth over you. [bctt tweet="God’s love existed before the possibility of rejection, and His love will remain even after any rejection takes place. #BISblog //" via="no"] Epilogue: Living the Painting Nouwen concludes the book by opening up about his life of community shared with the mentally handicapped. Through their embrace, the reality of the Father’s embrace became evident. “By just simply being who they are, they break through my sophisticated defenses and demand that I be as open with them as they are with me. Their handicap unveils my own.” The Father loves you as you are, and He is running to you, hoping you will embrace Him in return. Will you open up your heart to him and let His love, His light, and His truth define you?   [bctt tweet="The Return of the Prodigal Son // Nouwen’s Conversion Through Art #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. 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Here on earth we dream of Heaven. But this Heaven kisses earth on a daily basis. Sometimes I forget that amazing reality and I need to be reminded of just how incredible our Catholic Faith is. If you're new to the Catholic Mass, and you'd like to follow along during Mass (or beforehand), click here to download our How to Go to Mass PDF we created just for you with responses as well as what is going on during the Mass. If you'd prefer a printable version, we made a pamphlet version right here. Best Books About the Mass Here are some books, (including a novel and children's books!) to remind us of what Pope Saint John Paul II said about the Eucharist, that it is “the source of our happiness and holiness.” Words and Actions A Biblical Walk Through The Mass: Understanding What We Say And Do In The Liturgy by Edward Sri In this book, Sri explains the biblical foundations of the Mass as well as the history and significance of the words and gestures we use. He breaks it down into a five part “tour” of the Mass. It reminds us of the importance of common phrases said during the Mass. For example, we recognize the role of the priest leading the congregation into the Mass when we say “and with your Spirit.” Then, in the Communion Rite, just as we asked for mercy in the beginning of the Mass, we do so again by begging the Lord’s mercy in the Agnus Dei. We start the Mass stating our unworthiness and move through the Mass being brought back to God. We are unworthy, but yet, Jesus still chooses to reside with us, and to enter under our own roof! The 7 Secrets of the Eucharist by Vinny Flynn If you want your life to be transformed by the Eucharist, this easy-to-read book could be just what you are looking for. Like his chapter titled “We Don’t Just Receive” where he talks about how Communion goes beyond simply receiving, but is something that we enter into and is a way of uniting ourselves to Him. This book will bring about an interior transformation of heart and of your daily life as you come to understand the power of the Eucharist. Foundations of what Flynn presents in this book come from writings of the Saints, Popes, and Scripture. Gift // A Study on the Eucharist In this Blessed Conversations study from Blessed is She, you'll encounter the rich tradition of the Church's devotion to the Eucharist. You will witness how the Saints relied on the Blessed Sacrament and how God's Word points to this greatest Gift. Perfect for individual study or group, consider bringing along a couple of friends to discover the depths of God's love for us showcased in the Blessed Sacrament. A Devotional Journey into the Mass: How Mass Can Become a Time of Grace, Nourishment, and Devotion by Christopher Carstens I know that I often take the Mass for granted, and can tend to recite the prayers out of rote memory rather than great devotion. Carstens lays out eight easy ways to approach the Mass with a more joyful and humble heart. This book will be a help to make your prayers at Mass not only less mundane, but transform them into a personal conversation with God. A list of action items can be found at the end of each chapter, to help foster a more intense devotion to the beautiful Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Mass in which we receive Him. Eucharist by Bishop Robert Barron For many Catholics today, the Eucharist is merely a symbol. But the truth of what is made present on the altar, and what the faithful dare to receive into their bodies and souls, is far more strange and beautiful. In Eucharist, Bishop Barron invites us not only to remember Jesus and imitate his moral example, but also to enter into the grace of communion by eating and drinking the very self that Christ offers in sacrifice. Scripture and Tradition The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn Dr. Scott Hahn is a theologian and former Presbyterian minister. In this best-selling book he writes about how the Book of Revelation was the early Christian’s way of coming to understand the Mass. He describes how the unusual and dramatic language we read in Revelation is also a reflection of the sacrifice and celebration of the Mass. Like in Revelation, when we read about the Lamb who was slain. This Lamb is Jesus Himself, the Lamb of God, who was slain to redeem us and who continues to pour out His Precious Blood for us at each Mass. This book will help you to pray through the liturgy with a renewed perspective. Understanding the Mass by Mike Aquilina Aquilina presents one hundred commonly asked questions about the Mass and provides one-hundred simply laid out answers. This book covers history, like the Jewish roots of the Mass, as well as pure curiosity like, why some people receive Communion in the hand and others on the tongue. This book will help you joyfully anticipate going to Mass while also making you better prepared for the beautiful celebration that it is. Rubrics The Spirit of the Liturgy by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is the author of this great work on the Liturgy which will lead you to worship rather than routine. Benedict promotes a movement to celebrate the sacramental liturgy properly, stemming from knowledge and understanding of the rites. His goal is to help us come to recognize that the Church is renewed by the celebration of the liturgy. The liturgy “is primarily concerned with reality, with the approach of a real creature to a real God” and this is constituted by the specific “forms of language, gesture, and instruments, their revelation, teaching, accomplishment and acceptance by the faithful.” He shows both how and why the Church rises and falls with the liturgy. General Instruction of the Roman Missal The General Instruction of the Roman Missal is the Church’s definitive document governing the norms of the Mass. The book provides in-depth information and guidance on an array of topics like the structure of the Mass, its elements and its parts, the different forms of celebrating Mass, and even the arrangement and ornamentation of churches for the celebration of the Eucharist. The Mass is the center of the Christian life and the General Instruction is provided in order to bring order to the liturgy so that both the sacred ministers and the lay faithful may draw more abundantly from its graces. Fiction Come Rack Come Rope by Robert Hugh Benson This one-hundred year-old novel is a page-turning love story which takes place during the persecution of English Catholics by Queen Elizabeth I. Robin Audrey and Marjorie Manners have promised one another that they would get married, yet they leave an openness to God’s will in the case that He has other plans. As the book progresses, Robin hears a call to the priesthood and Marjorie serves priests and Catholics by hiding them from the English authorities. While the story is fiction, it includes real life figures like Saint Edmund Campion and Mary, Queen of Scots. This book is an entertaining way to increase devotion to the Mass, because we see devout characters who are deprived of the Mass, and the lengths to which they are willing to go to attend it. In these pages, the characters ache for the Sacraments but the priests are not allowed to administer them, making this book evergreen and easy to relate to today. Books for the Kids We Go To Mass by George Brundage This sturdy board book has a “carry-me-along” handle and is perfect for standing up to heavy use. The colored illustrations and easy to understand text is a great way to start teaching little ones about the Mass. A Missal for Toddlers by Elen Lescoat This sweet little board book walks children step-by-step on how to follow along with the prayer and actions of the Mass by watching what a young sister and brother say and do as they participate in the Mass with their mom and dad. Whether you go daily or weekly, when you participate in the Mass, you are far from alone. You are accompanied by more than your neighbors in the pews or those you entered the Church with. When you go to Mass you enter into the Heavenly realm. What are some books that have helped you learn more about the Mass? THE GREATEST GIFT In this study on the Eucharist, we explore the truth that Jesus is the answer to your every need. Join us as we explore John chapter 6 to learn how the reality of the Holy Eucharist applies to our lives. Discover what a gift He is. GET THE GIFT STUDY

Saint Philip Neri, a prominent figure of the Counter Reformation, is best known for reaching out to the laity in Rome, both young and old. At the time, outreach to the laity was not considered as important as it is today as the universal call to holiness was not yet widely understood. Philip Neri dedicated his life to being in the world, teaching the laity how they could live a life of holiness, and showing them that such a life was not reserved only for those in religious life. His heart for catechizing the laity, including the poor and the homeless youth of Rome, earned him the title of “Apostle of Rome”. A Cheerful Heart Saint Philip Neri’s charity stems from a heart of joy and good humor, in fact, he is the patron Saint of both! He lived with the attitude that “cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in the good life,” and, “a joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one.” He was known for his practical jokes. Once, he showed up to one of his parishioner’s houses with a half-shaved beard. And when he knew he would be meeting with Cardinals he would put on his clothes inside out. He was also known to give penances which included a small act of humiliation, like telling someone to wear a hair shirt over their clothes when confessing the sin of pride. His lighthearted nature was due both to his innate carefreeness and his constant effort to maintain humility. Thoughtful Evangelization Neri was a man of great influence and he offered many gifts to the Church through his unique evangelization style. In addition to the events he organized like spiritual talks and gatherings to sing hymns, he also organized walking pilgrimages. The Seven Churches Pilgrimage Neri invited neighbors, friends, and strangers to join him for his daily afternoon walk. While this was a casual stroll, he also organized a more formalized walking pilgrimage. He started the Seven Churches Pilgrimage to divert attention away from the sinful behavior found at Rome’s Spring Carnivale. These pilgrimages were led with music and joviality and were an opportunity for the younger generation to encounter Christ more profoundly. Through this walk, pilgrims discovered the richness of the Church by visiting and praying at some of the most historical and beautiful churches in Rome. It began on the Wednesday of Holy Week and stopped at the four major basilicas and three minor basilicas. It covered a total distance of roughly fifteen miles, and included a break for lunch to re-energize. To this day, pilgrims continue retracing Neri’s footsteps, traditionally on Holy Thursday. Each stop of the pilgrimage represents one of the seven stations of the Via Dolorosa, the journey Jesus made on his way to Calvary. Congregation of the Oratory During his life, Neri also founded the Congregation of the Oratory. Oratorians are priests who live a life of prayer, teaching, and the Sacraments while also living and working in community. Their apostolates outside the parish include ministries like teaching, spiritual direction, or chaplaincies. Chiesa Nuova: The Heart of Saint Philip’s Ministry In the middle of the 16th century, Neri founded the Confraternity of Pilgrims and Convalescents as a way to provide help for the many pilgrims making their way to Rome. Pope Gregory XIII recognized this great work and, as a gift, he gave him the Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella (Our Lady in the Little Valley). Neri then reconstructed the church and it became known as Chiesa Nuova, meaning “New Church”. This church was the heart of Saint Philip Neri’s evangelization and it is located prominently on one of the most popular streets in Rome, the Corso Vittorio Emmanuele. Read on to find links for virtual tours of the style of his church, Chiesa Nuova, as well as works of art within the church. Building in Baroque While Saint Philip Neri had intended for Chiesa Nuova to have simple, whitewashed walls, it’s patrons decorated the church in full on Baroque style. This style was widely popular during the Counter Reformation as artists worked fiercely to draw the congregation back to the Catholic Church by creating art that helped them move towards God through their senses, to show them that they really are a part of the story shown in the sacred art they see. Architecture, paintings, and sculptures emphasized drama and movement, never afraid to use bold, elegant, and golden embellishments. Caravaggio’s Entombment of Christ Examples of Baroque architecture include Bernini’s marble statue, the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa (click here for a virtual tour of the statue) as well as the Chair of Saint Peter (click here for a virtual tour of the chair) which is located at the forefront of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Inside Chiesa Nuova is a chapel with Caravaggio’s Entombment of Christ, a beautiful example of employing Baroque style in painting. This image depicts the removal of Christ’s body from the Cross. Caravaggio painted using the chiaroscuro technique which is used to accentuate light and shadow. The background of this image is total darkness. But the characters appear to be lit with a spotlight, giving it a dramatic effect. Closing the gap between space and making you feel a part of the scene is key to the Baroque style. Caravaggio achieves this by painting the figures in a way that makes them look close enough to touch. Cortona’s Clouds A few fun places to look around in this Church include the breathtaking frescoes by Pietro da Cortona. Cortona was commissioned to paint the ceilings of Chiesa Nuova. He had a gift for creating movement and harmony in his work. In the apse (above the altar) he painted the Assumption of the Virgin Mary between Angels and Saints which shows the Blessed Mother supported by a cloud which is held up by angels. It makes it appear as though she is being flown up to the dome of the church. In the dome, he painted the Triumph of the Trinity, with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit directly in the middle of the dome. This breathtaking use of movement in his paintings helps to “teach in pictures” what Mary alway does: leads us closer to God. Reni’s Rendering of Neri’s Vision Saint Philip Neri is buried in the Blessed Sacrament chapel of Chiesa Nuova, the church where he spent the final twelve years of his life. He passed away on the Feast of Corpus Christi, but only after hearing confessions and celebrating Mass. Above his tomb is a painting by Guido Reni, The Virgin Appearing to St. Philip Neri, which depicts the alleged vision Neri received from the Blessed Mother. Taking On The Attitude of Saint Philip Neri In these ever-changing days, Saint Philip Neri is a great person to turn to when trying to live life with a more joyful heart. A sense of humor is a breath of fresh air during these hard times. Pope Francis said that “a bit of good humor is very good for us!” and suggests that we pray Saint Thomas More’s prayer, a prayer that he frequently prays with. So with the attitude of Saint Philip Neri, let us pray Saint Thomas More’s Prayer for Good Humor: Grant me, O Lord, good digestion, and also something to digest. Grant me a healthy body, and the necessary good humor to maintain it. Grant me a simple soul that knows to treasure all that is good and that doesn’t frighten easily at the sight of evil, but rather finds the means to put things back in their place. Give me a soul that knows not boredom, grumblings, sighs and laments, nor excess of stress, because of that obstructing thing called “I.” Grant me, O Lord, a sense of good humor. Allow me the grace to be able to take a joke to discover in life a bit of joy, and to be able to share it with others. What is a simple joy that you have noticed in your life lately? Take time today to share that joy with a friend or family member.   [bctt tweet="A Tour of Chiesa Nuova in Rome #BISblog //" via="no"]

I was in a crowd of thousands of young people, listening to a talk on being transformed as a disciple of Christ by the author and theologian, Dr. Edward Sri. His words hit me. A good father warmly welcomes the scribbles of a toddler, but as we grow we are to improve and get better. These words challenged me to spend time reflecting on what “scribbles” I have been giving to the Lord. (Re)Discovering Catholicism As a cradle Catholic, I know that I sometimes take for granted the true awe-someness of our Faith. I am grateful that there are resources out there for people like me, who need to be reminded of the beauty of Catholicism, as well as those who are discovering it for the first time. Here are a few worth mentioning. A Memoir and Letters My Sisters the Saints by Colleen Carroll Campbell Campbell, a former presidential speechwriter, shares her spiritual memoir by telling the stories of how six female Saints profoundly and positively impacted her life (specifically the lives of Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, Saint Faustina, Edith Stein, Mother Teresa, and of course, the Blessed Mother). Campbell pulls from both the writing and lived examples of these women to show how they are relevant in our lives today. Letters To A Young Catholic by George Weigel This papal biographer and internationally-known author compiled a collection of letters for all those who are wondering what it really means to be a Catholic. He walks the reader through Catholic landmarks including Chartres Cathedral in France to the favorite pub of G.K. Chesterton in Oxford. In these pages, you will find an uplifting perspective on what it means to be Christian and what history, literature, theology, and music have to do with it. Catechesis A Biblical Walk Through The Mass: Understanding What We Say And Do In The Liturgy by Edward Sri Sri walks the reader through a “tour” of the Mass by explaining the history and significance of the words and gestures we use in the liturgy. For example, the Sanctus. Sri writes that when we pray Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts, “we are preparing to encounter the King of Kings, the all-holy divine Lord, who will become present on the altar. No wonder we fall to our knees in reverence after singing this hymn.” We are joining our voices in the heavenly hymn of praise. Catechism of the Catholic Church I get it. Sometimes even looking at the Catechism can seem overwhelming. It is a thick book, and based on the cover, it looks pretty dry. But the Catechism is a font of knowledge on essential Christian truths and it was written in a way that anyone could pick it up and understand it’s teaching. While it was intended to be a resource for those who are teaching catechesis, it was also written for the universal church and includes references from church fathers, writings of the Saints, papal documents, and liturgical texts. The book is divided into four major parts: The Creed ( What the Church believes) The Sacraments (What the Church celebrates) The Commandments (What the Church lives) The Our Father (What the Church prays) Pope Saint John Paul II, who promulgated the writing of the Catechism, said that it “is offered to all the faithful who want to understand better the inexhaustible riches of salvation”. Hint: At the end of each section, there is a short summary of the teaching titled “In Brief”. This can be helpful if you’re searching for a topic, or need help summarizing what you just read. Fiction Brideshead Revisited by Eveyln Waugh Time magazine included this novel in their top 100 list of English language novels of the 20th century. The protagonist, Charles Ryder, goes to Oxford in the 1930s. Here he becomes good friends with an upper-class, but imperfect Catholic family who own a home called Brideshead. The more he gets to know them, the more he contemplates the different personalities of each member and how they respond to things like depression, addiction, and suffering. This is a beautiful novel on grace and what it looks like when grace is rejected and accepted. On Air and Online Relevant Radio The mission of Relevant Radio is to use media to bring Christ to the world. They are known for helping “people bridge the gap between faith and everyday life.” I had the opportunity to interview the executive director/CEO of Relevant Radio, Father Rocky Hoffman, about why he thinks the radio is still relevant in the world today. He had some really good answers which you can read here. Catholics Come Home This website dedicates an entire section of their site to commonly asked questions by both Catholics and non-Catholics. One area has thorough answers for questions on “The Eucharist and the Mass,” “The Church and the Papacy,” “Mary and the Saints,” etc., as well as an option to simply read two-minute answers to your questions. Discovering Catholicism Personal Life Stories Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism by Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn Presbyterian minister and biblical scholar, Scott Hahn, and his wife thought that the Catholic Church had everything wrong. Yet the more Scott Hahn learned, the more he realized that the Church provided answers to his questions. This book tells the conversion story of not only Scott, but also his wife Kimberly, who initially struggled with Scott’s newfound love for the Church. Crossing The Tiber by Stephen Ray He is known for his biblical teachings and leading pilgrimages with his wife, Janet, both of whom were previously Evangelical Protestants. However, when he began studying the early Church Fathers he was convinced of the authenticity of the Catholic Church. In this book, Steve goes into detail in his teaching about both Baptism and the Eucharist as well as the ancient Church while also taking a close look at sola Scriptura and Tradition. Why We’re Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love by Trent Horn How do you explain the Catholic Faith to those who don’t believe in God, are “spiritual” but not religious, or are Christian but think Catholics have it all wrong, or even Catholics who don’t buy into all the teachings of the Church? Trent Horn has spent a lot of time sharing about why he is Catholic with each one of these demographics. In his book he provides clear, charitable, and helpful answers for both skeptics and seekers alike. Online The Augustine Institute and Lighthouse Talks The Augustine Institute has amazing and engaging resources like study programs, books, videos, and talks, all created to help us better understand the Catholic Faith and equip us to live it and share it. One of their offerings are Lighthouse Talks, which are about one hour in length and cover dozens of topics. One of these topics include Apologetics, with titles like Confessions From A Mega-Church Pastor, as well as the conversion story of a Jehovah’s Witness and a Mormon Missionary. For Kids Rise Up: Shining with Virtue Devotional from Blessed is She This is a beautiful collection of our Catholic Faith brought together by over a dozen Blessed is She writers. This devotional was created specifically for children ages 8-12 and is focused on the virtues taught by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Summa. It received the imprimatur from Bishop Olmsted in the Diocese of Phoenix, which means that it is free from doctrinal error. Our House We are all in need of constant conversion. As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said, Jesus came into the world “to speak to us of the Father; to make him known to us lost children, and to resurrect in our hearts the joy of belonging to him, the hope of being forgiven and restored to our full dignity, the desire of always dwelling in his house, which is also our house.” God’s house is your house. What joy is God the Father trying to resurrect in your heart?   [bctt tweet="Resources for (Re)Discovering Catholicism #BISblog //" via="no"]

Sometimes I feel like I need a spiritual boost in order to re-ignite my prayer life. I feel like I know all the things I should know in order not to get lax in prayer, but there are times when I feel myself getting lazy. There are a lot of things I could try to do in this state. I could read the hottest new book on the Catholic bookshelf or find a religious talk to go to—both are very good ways to try to grow in my Faith. Yet, I find that I often receive inspiration in the things which I too frequently take for granted and look past. To put it simply, I find Jesus when I am being more childlike. Recognizing Your Identity There is one short story that always builds a hunger in me to sit with the Father, and this is the book You Are Special by Max Lucado. This childhood favorite of mine reads like a love letter from God the Father to me His child. Now, when I read this book to my daughter, I love that I am both teaching her about God’s love while also being reminded of how precious I am in His sight. When I turn the last page over, my heart longs to run to the Father and sit at His feet, listening to His words of truth over my life. One way I’ve learned to sit with the Father more intentionally (or Eli, as He is named in the book) is by praying with Scripture through Lectio Divina. Praying With Scripture Lectio Divina is Latin for “Divine Reading” and it is a great way to dive more deeply into the Word of God. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI emphasized the power of Lectio Divina in his Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini. Here he mentioned Lectio Divina as a way to “be struck by the inexhaustible freshness of God’s word which never grows old.” He quoted the early Christian scholar, Origen, who said to never give up praying with Scripture: If during the lectio you encounter a closed door, knock and it will be opened to you...By applying yourself in his way to lectio divina, search diligently and with unshakable trust in God for the meaning of the divine Scriptures, which is hidden in great fullness within. God’s Word is always new and alive. The Simple Steps of Lectio Divina To enter into the “inexhaustible freshness ofGod’s word”, set aside a minimum of ten minutes to pray with Lectio Divina. This will allow you to really soak up the words you are praying with in Scripture. You can start by choosing a passage that intrigues you, or you could start with the Gospel of the day. The Gospels are a great place to start because it is where we hear Jesus’ words directly. Daily Mass readings can be found here. 1. Lectio (Reading) First read through the passage and try to understand what the text is saying. What word or phrase stands out to you? 2. Meditatio (Meditation/Reflection) Read through the passage a second time, but this time more slowly. Pay close attention to the word or phrase which stood out to you during your first reading of the passage. Then, meditate on what Jesus is saying to you. Read through the passage a third and final time and at an even slower pace. Really place yourself in the scene of the Scripture passage. 3. Oratio (Prayer) This time is for praying with the passage you chose to read, specifically with the word or phrase that jumped out at you. Ask the Lord how He wants you to use what He has shown you, and offer Him a prayer of thanksgiving. 4. Contemplatio (Contemplation) Use your final few minutes to contemplate what the Lord revealed to you and spend this time basking in His love. Perhaps use this time to journal. 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 Additional Resources for Daily Spiritual Inspiration The Magnificat One of my favorite guides for prayer is the Magnificat. This monthly publication guides the reader along the liturgical seasons by providing daily content applying to the daily Mass readings and feast days. The portions of the Magnificat which I read each day include the daily Mass readings and the daily meditation. The daily meditations are written by Saints, great spiritual writers, and contemporary authors ranging from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to a mother who lost her daughter in a school shooting. It also offers morning and evening prayers which draw from the Liturgy of the Hours, essays on the lives of the Saints, and commentaries on sacred art. Blessed is She’s Rooted Study This study book on the Catechism includes seven separate studies written by seven different authors. These studies range from three to eight sessions and each session is intended to be one meeting. Sessions include a summary of the Catechism’s teaching on the topic, Scripture passages, a short reflection from the author, and questions for reflection. The Scripture passages would be a great place to start with Lectio Divina! Topics include the Virtues, Ways to Pray, and the Seven Sacraments. You could go through the study on your own, or gather a group of friends or parishioners to join you. We All Need Spiritual Inspiration Saint Ignatius of Loyola frequently speaks of the reality of both consolation and desolation. He says that we can all expect to experience times of desolation. Yet in these times we must resist the temptation of the devil who is using such times to try his best to lure us into despair. In times of spiritual dryness, know that you are not alone. In such a time, call on the intercession of Saint Teresa of Calcutta who experienced spiritual desolation for much of her life. Despite her struggle, she reminds us that Jesus is near to us. She writes: Just keep the lamp burning and you will always see him. Keep on filling the lamp with all these little drops of love, and you will see how sweet is the Lord you love. No matter where you are on your journey, the Lord wants to bring you in deeper. He is near to you. How do you find spiritual inspiration?   [bctt tweet="How to Find Spiritual Inspiration When You Feel Like You've Seen and Heard It All #BISblog //" via="no"]

Every year, the Holy Father puts forth a specific intention for each month. During the month of April 2020, Pope Francis is asking people worldwide to pray for those who suffer from addiction, that they may find help, accompaniment, and freedom. Addiction Defined A compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects upon withdrawal or abstinence. In short, addiction is destructive. The Addicted Life // Life in a Distant Country In Henri Nouwen’s book Return of the Prodigal Son, he writes that we live in a world that fosters addiction because what the world offers can never satisfy the deepest desires of our heart. This results in a culture that is lost and anxiously grasping at money, power, reputation, and sexual gratification, which results in lust rather than love. He writes: In these days of increasing addictions, we have wandered far away from our Father’s home. The addicted life can aptly be designated a life lived in a ‘distant country.’ It is from there that our cry for deliverance rises up. We are the prodigal son when we look to the world to find love, a vast emptiness which will never fulfill what our heart longs for most. Ultimately, we can only be fulfilled by God Himself. Yet as Henri Nouwen noted, we often look for this fulfillment in other ways. Secrecy and Shame While it is not spoken about very often, one common way that women search for this fulfillment is through pornography and masturbation. In The Gathering Place podcast, Beth Davis and Jenna Guizar speak about a very specific addiction: the addiction to porn. In their episode titled Shame, Porn and Spoonfuls of Grace, they speak about the reality of spiritual warfare and the devil’s desire to keep us in our shame. They also share about how the struggle with porn can be an isolating one. If you are struggling with this, know that you are not alone, and freedom is possible! Resources are out there, and the Lord wants to free you. He is longing for you to run into His arms, not the arms of the world. God is stronger than the evil one and our minds and souls can be restored through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Pornography and Masturbation Let’s talk about porn. The so-called “free drug”. A 2019 story on Fox News titled "Porn Addiction: Why Americans are in more danger than ever" stated that people are watching porn “at the expense of their loved ones and religious beliefs.” And it’s not just men. In order to give into the temptation, you don't always need to be viewing explicit porn. The temptation could arise from a soft sex scene in a romantic movie. The Deep Consequences Unfortunately, giving into these temptations results in a host of negative consequences. In addition to sin, these include the downfalls of losing romantic interest in one’s partner, feelings of shame and isolation, and the tendency to view others as objects for our own pleasure. Fight The New Drug speaks about how porn damages consumers’ sex lives, stating that “study after study has shown that porn is directly related to problems with arousal, attraction, and sexual performance. Porn leads to less sex and to less sexual satisfaction within a relationship.” After these habits are built, arousal is connected to porn, not to one's significant other. When this happens, one no longer needs to see or touch their partner in order to get aroused, making it harder to get turned on unless porn is being used. Not only this, but a 2010 study showed that nearly 90% of best-selling porn included violence. This, in turn, results in men desiring to bring violence into the bedroom in order for them to climax; and the same goes for women. "But That's Not Porn" ... Or Is It? Over the past few years, the popularity of the 50 Shades of Grey book and movie franchise has shown just how widespread this problem is. This is only one example of several romance novels and T.V. shows that are really soft porn normalized by society. Their deceitful message—that these violent desires are normal, healthy, and even sexy—has a particular appeal to those enslaved by pornography. While, deep down, many know this to be false, they do not think it is possible to be free of their chains, and therefore desperately want to believe that their enslavement to these desires is “normal.” The fact that 50 Shades of Grey was in vogue shows just how many people in our society struggle with some sort of addiction to porn. We are left with a Blockbuster hit peddling a message which is so false. The fact that, as a society, we cannot condemn the disordered violence in these movies speaks to how many people are held down by the chains of pornography. Porn addiction has dire consequences. But there is a way out. The way out requires courage, and it requires asking for help. [bctt tweet="Porn addiction has dire consequences. But there is a way out. The way out requires courage, and it requires asking for help. #BISblog //" via="no"] A Real-Life Experience Of Addiction On The Catholic Feminist podcast episode Overcoming Pornography to Find Uncompromising Purity, Claire Swinarski interviewed author and speaker Kelsey Skoch about her past addiction to pornography and masturbation. Their conversation shed light on how isolated a woman can feel if she struggles with this addiction. There is a stigma that this is only a "male problem", which then causes a lot of shame and embarrassment when women struggle with the same thing. While men can more easily find community to help them overcome this struggle, women aren’t so lucky. But women, you are not alone. According to a Barna Group survey, 76% of women ages 18-30 years old have viewed pornography at least once a month. Kelsey pointed out that Priests say that about 50% of women confess porn or masturbation in the confessional. And that’s only the women who have the courage to confess it. Kelsey admitted that it took her eight years before she brought it before the Lord in Confession. The Way To Freedom from Addiction Overcoming an addiction doesn’t just take willpower, it takes accountability. It also takes grace. Remember, temptations happen, and a temptation is not a sin. It is an opportunity to fight the evil one and choose the good. God has given us free will and the power to choose right instead of wrong, and we deserve to eat the banquet, not the scraps thrown to the dogs on the dirty floor. Here are some words of encouragement that Kelsey gives to those struggling to overcome temptation, specifically to porn and masturbation. Pray Bring God into your struggle. Addictions are a result of looking for fulfillment and love in the wrong places, so run to the One who is Ultimate Love. Evaluate Your Triggers These could be sex scenes in a movie or making out intensely with your boyfriend. Some women are triggered by the comparison brought on by social media. Comparison feeds the feeling of isolation, which can lead to giving into temptation in order to receive a temporary high. For others, a trigger is ovulation. During this time, make sure you surround yourself with a strong support network to both distract you from temptation but also to build you up. If having your phone by your bedside is a trigger, leave it in a different room and buy an alarm clock. Seek Spiritual and Professional Healing Porn addiction and masturbation are often symptoms of something deeper, and a counselor or spiritual director can help you discover and heal from the root trauma or experience. Bring Your Sin to the Confessional There is healing in naming your sin, renouncing it in Jesus' Name, being reconciled to Christ and His Church, and receiving the grace to resist the temptation in the future! Don’t Despair Keep striving to pursue the good and fight temptation. The enemy wants you to surrender hope. Hold fast. His Grace is Sufficient The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote a Pastoral Response for those who struggle with pornography and in it they wrote: Freedom from pornography is possible! No one needs to fight this battle alone...Certainly, none of us is free from weakness and concupiscence, which remains after Baptism...But the Lord invites us with all our weaknesses to trust and abide in him. His grace is sufficient, but we need to implore Him for it and work with Him in it. He is waiting for us to return from the “distant country.” As Henri Nouwen puts it, let us “look not with the eyes of my own low self-esteem, but with the eyes of God’s love.” He eagerly awaits our return so that we can sit with Him at the banquet table. [bctt tweet="Finding and Fighting for Freedom from Addictions #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. Thank you so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

We're often asked whether we are introverted or extroverted. Well, being quarantined at home all for several days has confirmed that I am an extrovert. Because of “social distancing,” I’m learning how important it is to creatively find ways to maintain connection and community with those I love most. Thankfully, on the day the President declared a national emergency due to the coronavirus, my older brother organized a group chat for our family to check in on each other and to provide support. This included my parents, my siblings, and their spouses. Every day, someone is sending a positive word or a funny meme to help keep our spirits high. Some have shared prayers for a time of quarantine, and others have shared links to view the Mass on YouTube. All of this sharing sparked an idea... A Change of Sunday Community Last Sunday, while public Masses were still taking place in my Archdiocese, my family chose to stay home. Both my husband and daughter had coughs, and even though the Archbishop had lifted the Sunday obligation to attend Mass and encouraged those who were showing symptoms to stay home, it was not a decision we took lightly. This upcoming Sunday, however, most of us will not even have the opportunity to go to our local parishes and celebrate the Mass with our communities, as most dioceses have cancelled public masses. Besides the obvious absence of receiving the Eucharist sacramentally, this is also sad communally, and my husband and I miss our weekly pew neighbors already. However, this unique time is opening a door to praying the Sunday readings with my extended family. A Rare Opportunity My husband and I live a state away from both of our families, so getting together with them is always a cherished time for us. I have three brothers and three sisters, which makes having my entire side of the family together at one time a feat. So while social distancing makes it nearly impossible for me to see my siblings and my parents, I am somewhat used to not seeing them regularly. The fact that we are all now living quarantined in our homes has provided a rare opportunity, and in some ways, a more feasible way for my extended family to virtually come together both in daily communication and in prayer. This Sunday, technology is allowing my family to pray through the Sunday readings together. Skyping on the Sabbath On the homepage of Skype’s video chat page it reads, “In today’s always-on-the-go world, it can be difficult to get groups of friends, family members or coworkers together in one place.” The first half of that sentence now seems almost comical: our “always-on-the-go world” has come to a screeching halt. But the second half has never been more true: for many of us it is impossible to get groups of friends, family members, or coworkers together in one place. Maybe now more than ever, Skype provides a great and free opportunity to video chat using a phone, tablet, or computer. Here are the steps my family plans to take in order to use this resource to pray through the Mass together. Invite + Find Out Who is Available Based on where all of my siblings live, a group chat with everyone would require at least six different devices to be used. Because we want each participating family unit to have a part assigned, I am asking each of them to let me know if they are available at the set time on Sunday morning. Assign Parts Based on how many people you have participating, you can be flexible with who leads what prayer. If there are six different groups joining together, here is an example of how you could separate it out: Have one family choose an opening hymn to lead and sing as a family. This is something that could be e-mailed out ahead of time so that each member of the family can read the lyrics. Have one family choose someone to read the First Reading and the Psalm. Have one family choose someone to read the Second Reading and the verse before the Gospel. Have one family choose someone to read the Gospel. Have one family write general intercessions and pray them aloud. Have one family lead the Our Father prayer and choose and lead a closing hymn. At the end, you could all pray the St. Michael Prayer together. This is a powerful prayer of protection, but it is also extremely appropriate as St. Michael the Archangel is the Saint you can go to in times of sickness, and specifically to pray for our grocers, doctors, and police force. God is Near! Skyping on the sabbath and praying through the Mass readings from the day together is a powerful addition to your attendance of Mass from your home. Use this time of isolation to grow closer to the ones you hold most dear. Sister Miriam James Heidland recently quoted St. John Paul II who said: For people of faith, there are no coincidences, only aspects of God’s providence that we have not yet fully understood. In this time of waiting and uncertainty, let us find comfort in the Lord’s promise in Psalm 91:4, that “His faithfulness is a protecting shield.” You are in my prayers! Persevere! How are you connecting with family and friends during this time of quarantine? Let us know how you're deepening relationships despite the distance! [bctt tweet="Skyping on the Sabbath #BISblog //" via="no"]

The feast of St. Claude de la Colombiere is very timely, as it lands on the day after Valentine’s Day. A day marked with hearts galore. Up until this year, all I knew about the man is that he was the confessor to the mystic, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and played a big role in promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These are two very important responsibilities, and yet there is still so much more to know and admire about him! St. Claude de la Colombiere's Early Life Claude was born in France on February 2nd, 1641. His family eventually moved to Vienne where he began his early education and later he studied rhetoric and philosophy in Lyon. He loved the arts, literature, and was considered a social butterfly. While he was studying in Lyon, he felt a call to religious life, specifically to the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, a religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola. He entered the Jesuit Novitiate at Avignon when he was just seventeen years old. Here he made his first vows with the order and became a professor of both grammar and literature. He eventually traveled to Paris to study theology and returned to Lyon as a priest. A Passion for Preaching Claude dedicated himself to meditating on the life of Jesus, so as to belong to Him fully. He wrote in his journal, “I see that I absolutely must belong to him...I have a free heart.” He accepted trials with the mindset “that God only expects these things of us out of friendship.” It was Claude’s friendship with Christ which gave him joy and perseverance to passionately and effectively preach the Gospel. A man of confidence and conviction, he was known for his great homiletics. He knew his target audience, enabling him to speak directly and in a way which caught people’s attention. His published sermons continue to bear fruit today. A Friend and Supporter On his 34th birthday he was appointed rector of the Jesuit community at Paray-le-Monial as well as the spiritual director of the Monastery next door, the Monastery of the Visitation Sisters. Margaret Mary Alacoque was at this Monastery, and was waiting for the Lord to provide her a friend who would help to promote the message which Jesus was revealing to her, the message to promote devotion to His Sacred Heart. Upon meeting Father Colombiere, it became apparent that he was the friend she was looking for. Father Colombiere believed that the apparitions which she was receiving were authentic and he strongly encouraged her to write down everything she could about the messages the Lord was giving to her. Father Colombiere was devoted to helping Margaret Mary in her mission to bring others into the love of Jesus’ Most Sacred Heart and played a big part in making this devotion more well known. Travels and Tribulation Claude spent less than two years in Paray, and in 1676 he was sent to be the preacher to the Duchess of York and moved to St. James Palace in London. During his time there, he witnessed many people become reconciled with the Church, writing, “I could write a book about the mercy of God I’ve seen Him exercise since I arrived here!” He worked vigorously in London, but before long he showed signs of a serious pulmonary disease. His health continued to decline when in 1678 he spent three weeks in prison due to being falsely accused of being involved in a plot to kill the King. The allegations were made by Anglican clergyman Titus Oates and this conspiracy is known as the “Popish Plot.” This plot claimed that the Jesuits were planning to kill King Charles II in order to bring his Catholic brother James to the throne. Fortunately, one of Claude’s assignments included tutoring the sons of the finance minister to King Louis XI, and so Louis was able to negotiate his release. While this saved him from martyrdom, he was still expelled from England and returned to France where his health deteriorated quickly. On February 15th of 1682, the first Sunday of Lent, he died of a hemorrhage at the age of forty-two. Pope John Paul II canonized him a Saint in 1992. His relics are venerated near the Monastery of the Visitation in Paray-le-Monial. Tender Care and a Wild Run I pray that we heed the prompting of JPII in his closing homily for the canonization Mass of St. Claude, and remember that the canonization of this man is meant to “be for the whole Church an appeal to live the consecration to the Heart of Christ, a consecration which is a self-giving that allows the charity of Christ to inspire us, pardon us and lead us in his ardent desire to open the ways of truth and life to all our brothers and sister!” In the words of Laura Kelly Fanucci: The Sacred Heart...loves foolishly by the world’s standards. It cares tenderly for the small and sick that the world ignores. It runs wildly after one lost sheep. It rejoices lavishly over a single repentant sinner. It rescues each of us from where we were scattered when it was cloudy and dark.   [bctt tweet="On the Feast of St. Claude de la Colombière #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting Blessed is She!

One year on my birthday, my husband had to work. He works the night shift, so there was not going to be any birthday dinner or fancy dessert. I was on the hook for the kids’ dinner, bath, and bedtime, like usual. I tried to keep my chin up, but I was pretty disappointed. I know it’s just a day, but I love my birthday...

I have heard the names Andre and Bessette in my life lately, as friends have used them as names for their children. I know in at least one case that this was to honor the Saint Andre Bessette, whose feast we celebrate today. This man’s virtue and example led to his beatification in 1982 by Pope John Paul II and his canonization in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI. The Early Life of Andre Bessette In 1845, Alfred Bessette was born to a large family in the province of Quebec, Canada. Orphaned and adopted at the age of twelve, he began his work in a diverse area of trades including work as a shoemaker, baker, blacksmith, and factory worker. Due to his frail health, he was unable to hold a job for very long. Finally, when he was twenty-five, he submitted his application to the Congregation of the Holy Cross, whose motto is Ave Crux, Spes Unica meaning “Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope”. This motto calls on those in the community to bear the cross as a gift and share the hope of the Gospel with others. Despite his desire and willingness to bear this cross, his entrance did not come with ease. While Alfred’s childhood pastor sent a note of recommendation, saying, “I am sending you a saint” the community initially denied him entrance due to his poor health. Eventually, after the prompting of the Archbishop of Montreal, he was admitted into the community. He took the name Andre, in honor of his childhood pastor. A Shared Simplicity Andre Bessette’s example reminds me of the humility of St. Joseph. He received the simple tasks he was given with meekness. He served diligently as a doorkeeper, sacristan, and laundry worker. French Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet wrote, “It is only an extreme simplicity that can render the heart obedient and accommodating.” Bossuet makes the point that it is only in striving to fully surrender ourselves to God that we can come to complete unity with Him. It is this surrender and union to God that enabled Andre to serve so obediently and humbly with his community. He approached his everyday, menial tasks with the same attitude that St. Joseph would, with obedience and positivity. In Andre’s words: My only ambition is to serve God in the most humble tasks. Mundane to Majestic His joyful spirit in these mundane duties proved his faithfulness and perseverance. It would prelude the great mission that God had in store for him. A mission to fundraise for what would become the world’s largest shrine, dedicated to a man with whom he shared much in common: the humble and simple St. Joseph. While Brother Andre only stood five feet tall, the monument that he helped to found stands at the highest point in Montreal. It is taller than even Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London or Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. His Great Mission Brother Andre was given permission to start fundraising in 1900 and the original chapel officially opened in 1904. This basilica, called St. Joseph’s Oratory, began in 1924, on the fiftieth Jubilee of Brother Andre’s Final Vows. The cornerstone of the basilica was blessed before a crowd of over thirty-thousand people. Unfortunately, Brother Andre passed away before the basilica was completed. Yet after his passing, construction continued. But not without the help of thousands of workers. Finally, on March 19, 1955 , the Feast of St. Joseph, it was inaugurated as a Minor Basilica. A Peek Inside A friend and I made a pilgrimage to Saint Joseph’s Oratory a few summers ago, we dubbed the road trip “The Great Canadian Adventure.” My arrival to the destination was met with a deep sense of St. Joseph’s presence. I felt him most closely not in the basilica itself, but rather at the end of the votive chapel downstairs, which is near both the crypt church and the tomb of Brother Andre. This art-deco votive chapel was designed in the late 1940’s and it holds objects like canes and crutches which were left behind by grateful pilgrims showing off the graces and healings which have been granted through St. Joseph’s intercession. A Candle Glowing Imagine 10,000 candles lit all around you. This chapel glows with the light of them and you can even feel the heat of these small flames as you walk past. The flickering lights led me to an unassuming hallway at the end of the chapel where there stood a small statue of St. Joseph. In contrast to the votive chapel, one solitary wick floats on the surface of a basin containing vegetable oil in front of the statue of St. Joseph. I knelt down to pray with him there and I felt such peace. I felt like he was praying there right beside me. It was only later that I learned that it was the statue where Brother Andre took a bit of oil from a lamp that was burning in front of it, and he offered that oil to those who were sick, telling them to rub it on their body and to ask for St. Joseph’s intercession for their healing. This oil is not meant to be used as a treatment, but rather a form of faith. This candle burns day and night and the oil is given to pilgrims as they entrust their petitions into St. Joseph’s fatherly intercession. Great Humility The location of this statue of St. Joseph was not fixed in a place of great prominence, reflecting his great humility, the same humility he shared with Andre. Now, nine years after Brother Andre’s canonization, I have a canister of this oil in my home, a wedding gift from friends of mine, two Holy Cross Priests. This oil is a reminder to follow Saint Andre’s example and more fully surrender my heart to God. We can trust in His plan, because even if our everyday life looks like a routine of mundane tasks like Brother Andre’s, God will bear fruit out of our everyday yesses. [bctt tweet="St. Andre Bessette #BISblog //" via="no"]

Last December I felt I was entering in to the season of Advent in a deeper way than previous years. It was a time for me in which I intentionally focused on the waiting. A phrase that stood out to me in the beginning of Advent was a quotation by Sister Miriam James Heidland, who said: Mary let go and did not grasp or make a plan B. We ought to wait with God rather than for God to make things happen. My tendency is to always have a back up plan. I’m not so good at the waiting “with God” part. Instead, I twiddle my fingers waiting for God to show me how He is going to answer my prayer. If that means not answering my prayer in the way that I had hoped, then I expect Him to show me how He is going to answer my prayer in another concrete way. The ability to wait patiently in the unknown is not a gift that I have. But it ought to be. Another reminder I received in the beginning of Advent was that waiting can be a gift that helps us to live in the present moment. I knew that if I better embraced the waiting I would naturally feel more at peace and more relaxed. In embracing the waiting, my surrender would be more full. Nothing Would Again Be Casual or Small As I began the Advent weeks of embracing the waiting, a friend sent me a poem by Fr. John Duffy titled “I Sing of a Maiden”. It was a favorite poem of the founder of the Sisters of Life, John Cardinal O’Connor, and each Sister wears a medal with a portion of the poem etched on to it. A few of the lines from the poem are as follows: Never again would she awake And in herself the buoyant Galilean lass,... A new awareness in her body when she stirred, A sense of Light within her virgin gloom: She was the Mother of the wandering Word, Little and terrifying in her laboring womb. And nothing would again be casual and small, But everything with light invested and overspilled With terror and divinity, the dawn, the first bird's call, The silhouetted pitcher waiting to be filled. These words became the focal point of my Advent meditation. I wanted my “silhouetted pitcher” to be filled, and I wanted to live life as if “nothing would again be casual and small.” I invited Mary to walk with me in the waiting, just as she had walked with Joseph from their home in Nazareth to the place of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. The History of the Basilica of the Nativity Just over five miles south of Jerusalem sits Bethlehem, the place where “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). This holy site, which has been recognized as Jesus’ birthplace since the 2nd century, is housed within the Basilica of the Nativity. It is the oldest major church in the Holy Land. It is even included on the Unesco World Heritage List. The church was originally commissioned by Saint Helena, a woman we have to thank for many of the important churches built in the 4th century. Her son, Emperor Constantine, legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire. In order to enter the fortress-like Basilica of the Nativity which holds within it the cave where Mary gave birth to Jesus, you must bow low underneath a door which is just under four feet high. It is aptly named the door of humility because it reminds us to bow low and humble ourselves before we enter the place where God humbled Himself to become man. The Status Quo Today, the church is managed under the provision of what is called the Status Quo, which gives ownership to the Greek Orthodox, Armenian, and Franciscan Churches. The Status Quo is a decree which was imposed in 1757 by the Ottoman Turks, giving a variety of religious communities both the ownership and responsibility of tending to different sections of sites within the Holy Land. Inside the Church of the Nativity, a majority of the building and furnishings belong to the Greek Orthodox. The northern transept of the church is owned by the Armenians. Both the Greek Orthodox and the Armenians are responsible for the Altar of the Nativity. The Roman Catholics have possession of this church’s centerpiece, namely, the Grotto of the Manger, the cave where Mary gave birth to Jesus. The specific location where Jesus was born is shown by a 14-pointed star. The fourteen points on the star give honor to the three different sets of fourteen generations of Jesus’ ancestry. We read in Matthew 1:17: Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations. “Hic” There are two places in the Holy Land where the Latin word “hic” is inscribed upon a very significant place. In case your Latin is a little rusty, “hic” in these instances means “here.” It is a little word which carries a profound weight when standing in the places where Jesus walked. The first place I read this was in the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, at the site where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and she gave her fiat. In that place it reads: Verbum caro HIC factum est transforming the familiar phrase from John 1:14, “the Word was made flesh,” into: the Word was made flesh HERE. The other place I saw this word inscribed was on the 14-pointed star in the Basilica of the Nativity, where at the place Jesus was born it reads: Hic De Virgine Maria Jesus Christus Natus Est meaning: HERE Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary. Jesus did humble Himself before us by taking on human flesh. And as powerful as it was seeing the word “hic” at these sacred places in the Holy Land, Jesus is also here with us today. And He wants to wait with us. [bctt tweet="The Basilica at Bethlehem #BISblog //" via="no"]

Today is the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran! So why do we care so much about a building in Rome that we dedicate an entire feast to it on the Roman calendar? History and Architecture of the Basilica of St. John Lateran Upon looking back at the dedication of the St. John Lateran in Rome, Rome’s Cathedral, we owe our attention to the Emperor Constantine, the son of Saint Helen. In 313, when the Emperor Constantine granted Christians freedom to practice their religion, he had the first church built in Rome: the Church of St. John Lateran. Constantine donated the land for this church, as the land was a gift to him from him from the Lateran family. This is where the Pope lived up until the Avignon Era and today it is the Pope’s Cathedral Church. As such an important church, St. John Lateran is given several different distinctions: cathedral, archbasilica, and major basilica. A cathedral is where the bishop's seat, or cathedra, is located and it symbolizes their teaching authority. It is also granted the name “archbasilica” for its spiritual, historical, and architectural significance. Finally, it is one of the four major basilicas in Rome, a distinction given to the city’s most highly ranked churches. What You'll See On the facade of St. John Lateran you will find inscribed in Latin: omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput. This translates to “the mother of all churches of Rome and the world.” This church is our mother church, the head of all the churches in the world, making it the church and spiritual home of all Catholics. The dedication of St. John Lateran was celebrated in 324, and at that time it was dedicated to the Most Holy Saviour. It was not until the 6th century that the names of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, the current namesakes, were added. Inside, along the nave, you will find giant depictions of the twelve Apostles who appear to be supporting the ceiling of the Church and each is holding the symbol of his martyrdom. Above the high altar you will also see reliquaries of ... wait for it ... the bones of the heads of Saints Peter and Paul! We are “God’s Building” The readings for this feast day invite us to reflect on the meaning and importance of church buildings. For the Jews, their life revolved around the temple. The greatest tragedies they ever experienced were the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians, and then again in 70 A.D. by the Romans. The Jews could only hope and pray that one day the temple would be restored to its pure state, and their prayer was answered by Yahweh Himself. Churches today are meant to be that new temple. We are that temple. In today’s Gospel of John we hear how Jesus went up to the temple in Jerusalem and overturned the tables of the money-changers, angry with them for desecrating the temple with their sales. When they asked Him what sign he could show them to prove the authority with which He spoke, He said He would, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). He fulfilled this prophecy through His bodily temple. In the Second Reading today, Paul says, “You are God’s building...Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:9,16). Jesus foreshadowed the coming of the temple of the body of Christ, the Church, the place where divinity and humanity meet. Every church building represents this temple which reveals to us the body of Christ. This is what we are celebrating today! The Importance of Buildings in the Life of a Christian Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said that today’s feast: reminds us of the importance of the concrete buildings in which the community gathers together to celebrate God’s praises. Every community therefore has the duty to carefully guard their holy structures, which constitute a precious religious and historical patrimony. For this we invoke the intercession of Mary Most Holy, so that she might help us to become, like her, a ‘house of God’, living temple of his love.   We can do this through answering our baptismal anointing as priest, prophet and king. What it Means To Act as Priest, Prophet, and King Bishop Robert Barron has spoken about how the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran honors St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. John and in so doing it encapsulates the three-fold offices of priest, prophet, and king. We see the priestly office in St. John, as he was very contemplative and mystical. It it is our priestly responsibility to live a life of prayer and going to Mass. St. Paul’s office is the prophetic office, as he teaches and preaches and goes out to all nations. We can exercise this role by sharing our Faith with others and proclaiming the love of Jesus Christ. The third, kingly, office we see in St. Peter, as it represents rule and governance in the Church. We practice the kingly office when we practice self-mastery and self-control in our lives. Bishop Barron speaks of our kingly responsibility as one which requires us to help lead others to the Kingdom of God. We can start to live these three offices today by simply praying and asking the Blessed Mother to help us become a “house of God,” evangelizing through being a “living temple of His love” which will therefore help us to lead others to experience God’s love and hopefully, in turn, they too will direct their lives towards the Kingdom. Have you ever been to the Basilica of St. John Lateran? 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This Sunday, on October 13, Cardinal John Henry Newman will be canonized a Saint. Newman is one of the most well-known converts to the Catholic Church from Anglicanism. Before his conversion, he was a renowned Anglican theologian who led the Oxford Movement, a movement with the goal of returning the Church of England to the Catholic roots founded before the English Reformation. He wrote forty books and over twenty-thousand letters, with his most famous books being an Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, Apologia Pro Vita Sua, and Essay on the Grammar of Assent. One of the miracles attributed to Newman is from an American law school graduate who was healed after asking for his intercession while suffering from a life-threatening pregnancy. How I Came To Know Newman John Henry Newman is not a man that I became familiar with until I enrolled in a college course on him taught by world-renowned Newman scholar Dr. Don Briel. I bring up this beloved professor because of his particularly lucid explanation of Newman’s vision. In Dr. Briel’s words, in order “to think deeply about the truth of things, requires that a student thinks about his purpose or her purpose in life.” This requires attentiveness and leads us to the fullness of life, which is Christian joy. Dr. Briel was diagnosed with cancer just over one year ago and has since passed away. When his students learned of his illness they flocked to him to ask for his advice. What he shared with them was Newman’s vision: Newman’s vision is that we have a great dignity and are meant for a purpose which we can’t fully grasp. If that’s true, then the main purpose in life is to be attentive. Attentive to the working of grace that invites us to understand that work more deeply and participate in it more fully...that’s the real key...God is inviting a transformation of life and its purpose, not simply a work to be done.   Transformation Requires Change One of Newman’s most famous quotations is “To live is to change and to be perfect is to change often.” Prayer can lead us to this change. Newman wrote “prayer, I say, has what may be called a natural effect in spiritualizing and elevating the soul. A man is no longer what he was before; gradually … he has imbibed a new set of ideas, and become imbued with fresh principles”. All living things are in the process of change, it is an essential part of life and what enables us to be transformed more fully into the image of God. [bctt tweet="“To live is to change and to be perfect is to change often.” -Bl. John Henry Newman #BISblog //" via="no"] So Who is This John Henry Newman? Newman went to Trinity College in Oxford, England. During Newman’s time there, it was known for its “gentleman-commoners,” men who attended elite colleges, not in order to delve into their studies, but rather to prove their high status. Most of the men at this school were ones who abused their freedom and lived their college years as though they were entitled to behave however they pleased. Newman was of a much different character than these men. Unlike many of the others, he placed his priorities on his studies. While he also found time to enjoy his hobbies of playing music, learning to dance, and writing plays, these pursuits were always secondary to his studies. His diligence paid off, and just four years after he finished his undergraduate at Trinity, he was made a tutor at Oxford’s Oriel College. Newman’s Habit of Mind Newman noticed that the goal of liberal education in a university was becoming disordered. Students were not being challenged beyond their comfort zone and failed to look beyond themselves. Newman aimed to make possible an education which combines intellectual learning, moral discipline and religious devotion. According to Newman, the primary goal of a liberal arts education should be to form a philosophical habit of mind. In his well-known book, Idea of a University, Newman describes this habit of mind. He talks about how a man who is properly liberally educated is one who will customarily see things in their right order and balanced connectedness to the world around them. Newman wrote, “not to know the relative disposition of things is the state of slaves or children; to have mapped out the universe is the boast, or at least the ambition of Philosophy.” The endeavor of liberal education should not be the mere acquisition of knowledge, but rather knowledge permeated with reason. Reason is what fleshes out and makes sense of simple facts, allowing us to find our purpose. Finding Purpose If you are looking to find more purpose in your life, pray this prayer written by our new Saint, John Henry Newman. God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.   Rest in the knowledge that God knows what He is about. And if you are attentive, you will fulfill the mission He has for you. [bctt tweet="The Canonization of John Henry Newman #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting Blessed is She!

Everyone works. Animals work, humans work. But freedom can only be found in the work of a human because through it we become who we are meant to be. Human Work As An Expression Of Man’s Dignity In Laborem Exercens Pope St. John Paul II wrote specifically on human work. From the beginning, as we read in Genesis, man was placed on earth to order and subdue it. It is in his very nature. John Paul even describes work as something worthy of man—it expresses man’s dignity. He tells us about the ethical meaning of work, writing that: Work is a good thing for man-a good thing for his humanity-because through work man not only transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves fulfilment as a human being and indeed, in a sense, becomes ‘more a human being.'   When one works, they are thinking of others. First, one may be thinking of their own family. But they should also consider the society they belong to, their country of origin, as well as their entire human family both present and those to come in the future. For as John Paul said, “he is the heir to the work of generations and at the same time a sharer in building the future of those who will come after him in the succession of history.” John Paul’s Experience Of Work The definition of “labor” means “expenditure of physical or mental effort especially when difficult or compulsory.'' Labor Day is a much appreciated day of rest from this physical and mental exertion. I appreciate that, while recognizing the good of work, John Paul does not diminish the hardship it entails. He notes that the bread man produces he does by the work of his hands and by the sweat of his brow. As he writes in Laborem Exercens, man works "in the midst of many tensions, conflicts and crises, which, in relationship with the reality of work, disturb the life of individual societies and also of all humanity." John Paul has shared with us about his first hand experience of this. Poetry Within The Quarry During World War II, Wojtyla experienced forced labor in a limestone quarry. He wrote about this in his poem titled “The Quarry”. Here he speaks of a man who, although deeply engrossed in an environment which would easily trigger one to feel anger and resentment, does not fall prey to despair. While this worker observed the blood, sweat, and tears around him, he kept his sight on Christ. John Paul wrote that rather then let evil corrode his soul, “the man has taken with him the world’s inner structure, where the greater the anger, the higher the explosion of love.” This quarry worker viewed the constant smashing of the hammer against stone as a meditation for chiseling away at his own imperfections in order to become a more perfect reflection of Christ. To be an explosion of His love. The Fruitfulness of the Work of the Laity Though I doubt that many of us reading this have experienced the manual labor of work in a quarry, this poem can be a reminder to us as we labor in our own work day, be this in the home or out in the world. Pope Paul VI wrote in Lumen Gentium that: the laity, dedicated to Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit, are marvelously called and wonderfully prepared so that ever more abundant fruits of the Spirit may be produced in them. For all their works, prayers and apostolic endeavors, their ordinary married and family life, their daily occupations, their physical and mental relaxation, if carried out in the Spirit, and even the hardships of life, if patiently borne-all these become ‘spiritual sacrifices' acceptable to God through Jesus Christ...the laity consecrate the world itself to God.   One tangible way we can dedicate our day to Christ is by praying a daily offering. Though at times, we may find human work less of a joy and more of an invitation to embrace Jesus’ Cross, it is also a sign of hope, or as John Paul says, “a glimmer of new life,” for through it we participate in God’s divine plan. A Day Worthy of Rest Of course, the knowledge of the goodness of work should not keep us from enjoying the wonderful day of leisure that Labor Day offers us. After all, John Paul advises that we imitate God not only in working, but also in resting, especially on the Sabbath. He says that man’s work “cannot consist in the mere exercise of human strength in external action; it must leave room for man to prepare himself, by becoming more and more what in the will of God he ought to be.” Find rest today, in the confidence that by doing so you are preparing to be the person God has created you to be. [bctt tweet="The Dignity of Human Work #BISblog //" via="no"]

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Pope St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos: On the Person and Mission of Saint Joseph in the Life of Christ and of the Church. He has a lot to say about Joseph’s vocation as father and spouse to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose Feast of the Assumption we celebrate today. John Paul fleshes out what it looks like to build a domestic church. He shows how the Holy Family modeled this. The Virtue of St. Joseph Because of his hiddenness and simplicity, Joseph is often overlooked. Matthew 1:19 shows this when Joseph learns that Mary is pregnant. We read that: Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly”. After the angel Gabriel appeared to him in the slumber of a dream, Joseph gave his own fiat to the Lord, just as Mary did and “when Joseph awoke, he did as the angel had commanded him and took his wife into his home. -Matthew 1:24   John Paul writes about how, after the angel appeared to St. Joseph, he took Mary in, embracing the mystery of her motherhood. In doing so, he exemplifies a purity and readiness of will, just like Mary’s. Joseph’s faith was united to that of Mary’s and he was obedient to God. In his masculinity and great self control, Joseph respected Mary’s call to give herself wholeheartedly to God. He knew that his vocation and path to Heaven was to love and care for Mary. He did this with great virtue and selflessness in his vocation as husband. St. Joseph’s Fatherhood St. Joseph served Jesus in his fatherhood. In his vocation as father, he gave his whole life to his family. Joseph raised Jesus. His life’s work provided for Jesus’ food, clothing, and education. Joseph brought sanctification to the Holy Family’s life though his daily work because it is through the work that we do that we become more human, and more dignified. Pope Pius IX declared Joseph the Patron of the Catholic Church. John Paul writes that: Besides trusting in Joseph’s sure protection, the Church also trusts in his noble example, which transcends all individual states of life and serves as a model for the entire Christian community, whatever the condition and duties of each of its members may be.   He urges us to look to St. Joseph as a model for each and every one of us, no matter our state in life. The Holy Family and the Domestic Church John Paul II said in Redemptoris Custos that: ...it is in the Holy Family, the original ‘Church in miniature (Ecclesia domestica), that every Christian family must be reflected. Through God’s mysterious design, it was in that family that the Son of God spent long years of a hidden life. It is therefore the prototype and example for all Christian families.   Mary and Joseph’s relationship was focused on Jesus. Their witness is one we can look to as we aim to better love those in our lives, be they our spouse, children, parents, siblings, friends or co-workers. It is through Mary and Joseph’s marriage that the spousal gift of self is realized. John Paul describes them as being the summit from where holiness spreads over all the earth and where we can learn to be a sanctuary of love. He writes: The essence and role of the family are in the final analysis specified by love. Hence the family has the mission to guard, reveal and communicate love, and this is a living reflection of and a real sharing in God’s love for humanity and the love of Christ the Lord for the Church His bride. Role of Singles, Married Couples, and Families Whether or not we are single or married, we are all part of a family, be it dysfunctional or not. All families are called to be an image of Christ’s love for the Church. If we are still living with our parents, we can strengthen this “Church in miniature” by practicing selflessness in a variety of ways. For example, by preparing a home-cooked meal for dinner and leading your family in grace, intentionally inviting a parent or sibling out for a coffee date, spending extra time tidying up the house, or simply being more present when someone in our family shares a story with us. If you are married, building up the domestic church can include starting you and your spouses’ day with prayer, planting your roots firmly in Jesus’ love and truth. It can mean being more attentive to your spouse’s needs and desires. Aim to serve them in this way, despite the inconvenience and uncomfortability it may call for (full disclosure: this is one I am far from perfecting). If you are blessed with children, building up the domestic church within your home could mean a daily family prayer time, keeping Christ at the center. There are so many small and simple ways in which you can live out the Church in your home. You can hang up religious art, place holy water fonts in your children’s rooms, volunteer as a family, and frequent the Sacraments. Resources for the Family If you are looking to cultivate the domestic church within your own home, here are a few resources to get you started. Books The Little Oratory - Bring the Eucharistic worship of the Mass into your home with this book! Learn how your family life can transform the world. Around the Year with the Von Trapp Family - Make your earthly home a reflection of our Eternal Home with the help of Maria von Trapp. She shares about her favorite Christian traditions, including songs, personal recipes, and games to celebrate both traditional and holy days. The Catholic All Year Compedium: Liturgical Living for Real Life - This book is written by one of Blessed is She’s very own writers, Kendra Tierney. She offers her ideas on how to incorporate the liturgical year into your family’s life. Pray With Me: Seven Simple Ways to Pray with Your Children - Former director of Children’s Ministry for the Apostleship of Prayer shares how to incorporate spontaneous prayer into your family’s everyday life through simple opportunities like hearing an ambulance siren or preparing for a test. Websites Teachingcatholickids.com - This online tool comes from Our Sunday Visitor. They provide free downloadable activities and weekly articles. Catholicicing.com - Here is your site for creating fun Catholic projects and crafts! The Holy Family as a Model for Our Families and Homes Regardless of your current state in life, Pope Francis wrote a beautiful and simple prayer which everyone can use to pray for the grace to live out the domestic church in their own family. [bctt tweet="How (+ Why) to Build Your Domestic Church #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting Blessed is She!

You, or someone you know, may have walked The Camino de Santiago. This is the very pilgrimage which leads to the tomb of St. James the Apostle. Or maybe you have seen the movie The Way, starring Martin Sheen, which follows one man's journey on the Camino. The Camino is a compilation of routes from major cities in Europe that lead to this pilgrimage site in Northern Spain. After Jerusalem and Rome, it is considered the next most important Christian pilgrimage. Over two and a half million people visit Santiago de Compostela every year. Today the route is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Who is St. James the Apostle? Son of Thunder. Son of Zebedee. St. James the Greater. The Apostle James goes by a few different names and is not to be confused of James the Less, another of the Twelve Apostles. He was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. As Jesus walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were mending the nets of their boat. Upon Jesus’ call to James and his brother, they both left their father and followed Him. When Jesus summoned the Apostles up to the mountain with Him, He appointed, “James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom He named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17). These two sons of thunder were reproached by Jesus in Mark 10 when they sought authority above the other Apostles saying, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” When Jesus asked them what this was, they answered, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus replied, “...to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” Jesus then used this as an opportunity to teach the Apostles about true humility. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. -Mark 10:43-35   The Innermost Circle Despite St. James’ need for correction, we refer to him as James “the Greater” because he, along with St. John and St. Peter, shared in an especially close relationship with Christ. These three men were the only ones with Jesus when He raised Jarius’ daughter from the dead, when He cured St. Peter’s mother-in-law, and who witnessed the Transfiguration. These three also accompanied Jesus during His Agony in the Garden (albeit sleeping). I love the fact that Jesus’ closest friends were so real, so human! St. Peter doubted Jesus when He walked on water, yet Jesus still made him the rock of our Church. James ignorantly told Jesus that He should do whatever James asked of Him, and yet Jesus continued to love him and remain close friends with him. This should give us great hope! St. James’ Life After Jesus’ Ascension After Jesus’ Ascension, St. James traveled to the Iberian Peninsula to share the Good News of Jesus. When he returned to Judea in 44 AD, he was martyred by King Herod Agrippa I who had James beheaded. He is considered to be the first of Jesus’ Apostles to be martyred. Powerful Patron After his death, St. James' followers brought his remains back to the Iberian Peninsula, or what is now known as Galicia in Spain. These remains are believed to be buried in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. He is considered the patron Saint of Spain and also of pilgrims. Not only did St. James make pilgrimage to Spain to spread the Gospel, but his followers made the same pilgrimage to Spain to put his body to rest. This site is now venerated by millions of people every year. St. James is also considered a patron of arthritis. Legend tells us that when James was being led to his execution, he heard a man call out to him who had been suffering from this crippling disease. In his deep faith, this man pleaded with the Apostle to pray for his cure. St. James then said to him in reply, “In the name of Jesus Christ, for Whom I am being led to execution, stand up and bless your Creator.” Upon his words, the man was healed, stood up, and praised God. How to Find Him In Christian art, the Saints are often depicted with a symbol that is closely connected to the person’s life. If you are trying to spot St. James in Christian art, keep your eye out for the attire of a pilgrim. He is often depicted with either a staff, a gourd (for drinking water), riding on a horse, or a scalloped shell. Why a Scalloped Shell? Why is a scalloped shell a symbol of pilgrimage? In the Middle Ages, it was common for priests to require pilgrimages as a form of penance. Upon completion, the pilgrim would have to prove his penance was fulfilled by providing a local souvenir. Scalloped shells can be naturally found near St. James' tomb on the coast of Galicia, making it a fitting (and free) souvenir. Shells have also been used in the Sacrament of Baptism. As Baptism is the beginning of one’s Christian journey, the symbolism of the shell as pilgrimage is very fitting. Keep your eye out for shells when you see baptismal fonts, as they are sometimes used to decorate the font, or may be used to hold the holy water poured over the one being baptized. A Festive Celebration The feast of St. James is a festive celebration, specifically in Santiago de Compostela, where they celebrate his life with a two-week long celebration concluded by fireworks. Perhaps you could join in celebrating his life by lighting up a few sparklers with your family and friends! Do you have a devotion to St. James the Apostle? 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