Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed. // Isaiah 58:8 I have suffered some painful wounds in these last ten years. These physical, psychological, and spiritual wounds have sometimes been confusing, frustrating, embarrassing, and overwhelming. Some of the wounds were visible, but many were very hidden. There is a deepening of the intimacy of love when Jesus invites His beloved to be united with Him on the Cross. The night can feel unbearable and endless, but Christ gently leads and guides a soul through the darkness. There is a fierce temptation to remain stuck in the pain, wallowing in self pity and cowering in terror. This is where the words of Isaiah penetrate the wounds of the heart and enlighten it with joyful hope: “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn.” At our Baptism, we each received a precious gift represented in our baptismal candle. The words spoken: “Receive the Light of Christ” are a truth we can experience every day. We are united to this Light and are radiant in Him. And what happens when this light breaks forth like the dawn? We are healed quickly! A few months ago, the Gospel at Mass was one of Jesus’ miracles of healing. I sensed a very tiny nudge in my heart that Jesus wanted me to ask for healing of a particular wound. There was a glimmer of hope in my darkness that Jesus might actually want to heal me this time. I took this desire directly to prayer in Adoration. I shared my heart with Jesus and to my great surprise, He healed me right then and there! It was as if He said: “You are healed. I want to renew your hope and joy. Receive my Light.” The Divine Physician works with each individual in His perfect time. Christ remains with you in your suffering and brings healing to you according to the Father’s will. Do not be afraid to ask for healing and live each day with trust in the Light of Christ that will break forth like the dawn. [bctt tweet="Do not be afraid. // Rose Coleman" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” // Mark 6:31 In today’s Gospel, we hear the desire of Jesus’ Sacred Heart. Sister, Christ wants us to peacefully rest. Let Him gently lead you in prayer and be attentive to the way He responds to the questions of your precious heart. Jesus, where do You want me go? “Come away.” Come away from your work. Come away from rushing. Come away from your anxiety. Come away from distractions. Come away from toxic relationships. Come away from procrastination. Come away from your fear. Come away from guilt. Come away from shame. Come away from the lies of the enemy. Jesus, how do You want me to come? “By yourselves.” You are good enough. You are lovely. You are pure. You are My delight. You are My joy. Jesus, where do You want me to go? “To a deserted place.” Full of peace. Full of stillness. Full of silence. Full of solitude. Full of intimacy. Full of beauty. Full of thirst for God. Jesus, what do You want me to do? “Rest a while.” Receive My love. Receive new life. Receive My strength. Receive wisdom. Receive hope. Receive an abundance of grace. Sister, let's answer Jesus’ invitation: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Can you carve out some time for Mass, Confession, Adoration, a Rosary, or spiritual reading? Is there a way to cultivate silence on a walk, in your car, or rocking the baby to sleep? Will you prioritize time for making a retreat this year? Jesus longs to be generous to our hearts! How will you receive Him today? [bctt tweet="Christ wants us to peacefully rest. // Rose Coleman" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

“Rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!” // Nehemiah 8:10 I will never forget the day when my spiritual director looked me straight in the eyes and gently reminded me, “Rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!” I was in the midst of intense suffering, and these words both convicted me and consoled my heart. While the crosses in life help us grow in holiness, a subtle bitterness and self-reliance can creep into our hearts. It is easy to fall into the dangerous trap of complaining and grumbling. And while it is important to acknowledge our very real feelings, it is crucial to fight discouragement. We are not alone in this battle. Our hope is in the Lord! Sisters, we are united as the Body of Christ. In today’s Gospel, Jesus returns to His synagogue in Nazareth and reads Isaiah’s prophecy. We hear how the anointed Body of Christ brings gladness, proclaims freedom, heals blindness, and removes oppression. Jesus knew what He was about, and we are invited into His mission as members of the mystical Body of Christ. Jesus wants to give us the gift of His joy today. Christ desires that this joy will be our strength, that this joy will bring glorious freedom and profound healing. Jesus longs to strengthen our weary hearts. I have found that the more this gladness takes deep root in my heart, the more I am strengthened to endure suffering. I am not afraid of the cross. Even on the darkest days, the light of Christ is the joy of my heart. Let us pray with hope for each other, sister. May the joy of the Lord be our strength for every cross we will encounter today! [bctt tweet="Jesus longs to strengthen our weary hearts. // Rose Coleman" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

“Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”// Luke 2:49 Today we are invited into the mystery of familial love on this beautiful Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. We prayerfully journeyed with Mary and Joseph this Advent and heartily rejoiced with them on Christmas. Yes, the sweet baby Jesus is a delight to our eyes! But today, we zip forward and receive this privileged glimpse of the twelve-year-old Christ. Can you picture Jesus traveling with His parents on their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover? I wonder if the Holy Family prayed the words of Psalm 84 that we sang at Mass today? “Happy they who dwell in your house! Continually they praise you. Happy the men whose strength you are! Their hearts are set upon the pilgrimage.” When I journeyed to Jerusalem a few years ago, my heart was set upon the pilgrimage. I placed my hand on the Western Wall, so close to the temple where Jesus sat in the midst of the teachers. I pondered these words of Jesus that Mary kept deep in her heart: “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” As I stood on that holy ground, I experienced deep consolation. I remembered the many times in prayer that I have taken refuge in the Father’s House. It is a place of security, provision, and peace. It is a place where my heavenly Father delights in me, His beloved daughter. It is a place where I experience deep union with Jesus. Sister, Our Father has prepared His heavenly home for each one of us. He is faithful and ready to provide for our every need. When we are surrounded with great anxiety like Mary and Joseph, remain with Jesus. Pray these words with Him: “I must be in my Father’s house.” [bctt tweet="He is faithful and ready to provide for our every need. // Rose Coleman " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

In today’s Gospel reading from Saint Luke, Jesus says, “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones” (16:10). I often use this Scripture passage with my students. When I begin the school year with my third graders, certain children quickly emerge as being trustworthy. In my substitute teacher plans, I name these children as reliable students who can help when I am away. While I strive to be equitable to every child in my classroom, I am less likely to give extra responsibilities to students who are consistently mischievous. The students who have lost my trust must intentionally work throughout the year to regain it. It is humbling to think about the trust that God has in each one of us. Our Heavenly Father finds us trustworthy in great things. As Saint John Henry Newman so eloquently said, “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.” So how do I figure out this definite service that God has created me to do? How do I know what work He has committed to only me? How do I discover the mission that He has given to me? God uniquely works with each soul with His providential timing. We must remain with Him in prayer, deeply rooted in the sacramental life of the Church. As we grow in our relationship with the Holy Trinity, we will discover our identity before God in prayer. Then our mission will flow from this identity. As women, God entrusts souls to our motherly care. The Church is strengthened through this gift of our spiritual and physical motherhood. And the Church needs generous women who will say yes to the gifts God bestows upon them. Today, let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us to grow in this virtue of trustworthiness. [bctt tweet="Our Heavenly Father finds us trustworthy in great things. // Rose Coleman " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

My Beloved, Never forget that you exist within a physical and spiritual world. You are made in the image and likeness of God—your body and soul radiate immense beauty. As you explore the length and width and height and depth of the Kingdom of God, your life is a gift of glory to His Kingdom. You are the Father’s delight. As you labor in His Kingdom today, pause to contemplate this Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels. I have always remained near you with attentive care. The hiddenness of my silent presence is a gift of comfort to your weary heart. The Father has chosen me to guide you to your home in Heaven. Do not be afraid as you encounter the spiritual battle between good and evil. Remember that Christ has conquered sin and death and you dwell under the protection of my watchful care. The evil one desires to trap you while I desire to defend you. Call to me when you are tempted. The enemy flees at my sight. I have protected you from occasions of sin, and I am here to help you do the will of God. I dissipate darkness with my light. I shepherd you with devotion and give you counsel. I am a witness to all of your actions and help you in every undertaking. I am kneeling beside you in prayer and will teach you to look upon the face of the Father. It is my joy to be at your side, to light, to guard, to rule, and to guide. With love, Your Guardian Angel [bctt tweet="Your life is a gift of glory to His Kingdom. // Rose Coleman " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion:

Saint Paul gave the Colossians some very helpful advice in our reading today. As you get ready for your day, dear sister, follow these top ten tips from our wise spiritual guide. They have helped me immensely, and I hope they inspire you to grow in holiness today. 1) Put on heartfelt compassion. Compassion literally means “to suffer with.” Jesus will be with you as you suffer today. And Christ may invite you to suffer with someone else in a particular way. How will your heart show them compassion? 2) Put on kindness. Show kindness to yourself and all those you will encounter today. Your friendly smile, generous heart, and considerate words will help someone encounter Jesus today. 3) Put on humility. Have you heard this version of the Litany of Humilty? Choose one line of the prayer to focus on today. 4) Put on gentleness. Remember to first be gentle with yourself and then extend that gentleness to others. 5) Put on patience. Again, be patient with yourself first, and then to those you will encounter today. Offer forgiveness as you bear with the weaknesses of others. 6) Put on love, the bond of perfection. Gaze at your crucifix and learn from the Heart of Jesus. If you are able, receive Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar at Mass today. 7) Let the peace of Christ control your heart. Jesus is the Prince of Peace Who dwells within you. He wants to pour out this gift of peace on you today. 8) Be thankful. Cultivate gratitude by writing in your journal, mailing a thank-you card, and thanking those who serve you today. 9) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Physically crack open your Bible today, even if it is dusty. Let the Word of God penetrate your thoughts, words, and actions. 10) Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Let Him accompany you in the ordinary and extraordinary events of your day. Jesus is with you and wants you to do everything in His Most Holy Name. Which of these resonates most strongly with you today? [bctt tweet="Jesus is with you. // Rose Coleman" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

Three years ago today, I attended Mass with the Sisters of Life, and a dear friend of mine joyfully professed her perpetual vows as a religious sister. The Sisters of Life had chosen today’s Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord very intentionally for this glorious celebration. As I watched this radiant Bride of Christ process down the aisle towards her Bridegroom, I noticed a subtle sting in my heart. A decade earlier, we had lived together in a discernment house. Jesus lead us along a similar path as we both discerned our vocations. We shared life as we visited convents, perceived a call to religious life, gave away our belongings, and entered different communities within days of each other. We wrote letters to each other from our convents and visited each other as novices. It was an incredible gift to accompany each other. In God’s mysterious will, I peacefully discerned out of my community, and she “persevered” in her vocation. Jesus had chosen her to follow Him more closely in a life consecrated solely to Him. And that meant I was faced again with the feeling of rejection that Christ had not chosen me for Religious Life. In today’s Gospel, Saint Mark describes that “Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves” (Mark 9:2). I wonder why Jesus chose these three men. And how did the other disciples feel? Left out? Jealous? Impatient? Angry? There is a mysterious Gospel truth that Jesus calls some to follow Him more closely. Christ leads certain individuals up a high mountain to a place of deeper intimacy with Him. Regardless of where we find ourselves on the mountain with Jesus today, in every vocation we are called to inspire our friends to deeper holiness. As I rejoiced with my “transfigured” friend on the day of her perpetual vows, I am grateful that I noticed that subtle feeling of rejection. I offered it to Jesus during the Mass as my friend offered her whole life in religious vows. My heart was healed as I heard our Father’s words: “This is my Beloved Son, listen to Him” (Mark 9:7). Christ renewed my identity as a beloved daughter of the Father. And the Holy Spirit filled me with deep joy as I celebrated with the Church that day. How can you rejoice with the Spirit as He moves in your friends' lives today? [bctt tweet="Offer it to Jesus. // Rose Coleman " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

If you have the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to France, be sure to go to Alençon. There, you can follow the footsteps of the Saints we are celebrating today, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin. These married Saints were canonized together in 2015. Saints Louie and Zélie both felt called to religious life, but the Lord called them to marriage. Their wedding was on July 12, 1858, and they had nine children. Four of these children died very young, and the remaining five daughters all pursued religious life. Their youngest child was Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. During my pilgrimage, I prayed in a beautiful small chapel in the Martin home that overlooked the bedroom where two Saints were born. This bedroom is where Saint Thérèse was born into earthly life in 1873 and Saint Zélie was born into eternal life in 1877. On the doorway it says, “Here, life and death have come together. The Martin family learned to love each other and to surrender to providence.” I was quite moved by this and prayed that they might help me surrender more deeply to the Father’s providential care. The Martin family lived today’s Gospel (Matthew 10:34-11:1) so powerfully. The lacemaker and watchmaker were known in their community as exemplars of generosity who joyfully received the poor who frequently begged at their home for food and work. Together, they grieved the death of their four young children. Then Saint Zélie suffered and died from breast cancer. Saint Louis became a widow when Thérèse was only four years old. Louis took up the cross of raising five daughters on his own, along with the sorrow of them entering the convent and the humiliation of his mental illness. These married Saints lost their lives for the sake of Jesus and found eternal reward in Heaven. Sisters, Jesus wants to help you take up your cross and follow Him. Do not be afraid to ask for help in whatever you are suffering today. And remember that Saints Louis and Zélie Martin are interceding for you right now. You are not alone as you surrender to God’s Providence with great trust. [bctt tweet="You are not alone. // Rose Coleman " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion  

Jesus is teaching me how to be strong in Him. The Father has purified my tendency towards self-reliance with a complete and utter dependence on His Divine Providence. This interior reality is God’s work of grace in my heart. Today is my baptismal anniversary, and this powerful Sacrament is an abundant wellspring of grace. I am also convinced of the powerful intercession of the little-known Saint we honor today: Saint Romuald, the founder of the Camaldolese Order. Saint Romuald wrote a concise rule of life for his hermits. I have found his wisdom especially helpful for growing in trust that God’s grace is sufficient. Here are three gems from his rule: 1. Sit in the cell as in paradise. I desire for my home (a little one-bedroom artist loft) to be a peaceful oasis. Beautiful religious artwork and lovely plants create a peaceful environment where I easily enter into an interior life with Christ. 2. Cautiously watch your thoughts. Do your thoughts wander all over the place and sometimes lead to sin? This line from the Confiteor prayer at Mass can be a powerful examination of conscience: “I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do.” So many people have helped me combat my sinful thoughts: the Saints, my friends and family, therapists, priests in the confessional, and my spiritual director. 3. Sit like a chick, content with the grace of God. I am still learning how to be content with my weaknesses. As we read in today’s Gospel, Jesus does not want us to worry (see Matthew 6:25). This can be difficult, but when we take the time to be still in His presence, we receive an outpouring of His grace. Sister, we are called to receive the rich inheritance of our Baptisms. Jesus wants us to live with abundant confidence in His gift of grace. Let us pray that we can unwrap this gift today! [bctt tweet="Jesus does not want us to worry. // Rose Coleman " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

Do you have maps in your Bible? One of the most fascinating maps to me highlights the journeys of Saint Paul throughout the Roman Empire. This Apostle courageously traveled over ten thousand miles, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. Saint Paul was truly a man on a mission. Sister, have you received clarity in prayer about your mission? Who has God made you to be? How will our Lord use your personality and gifts to bear fruit in our Church today, May 18, 2021? The lives of the Saints distinctly demonstrate that our personalities are not a hindrance to God. One of my favorite ways to get to know the personalities of the Saints is to read their letters. Saint Paul’s letters are filled with his courageous, influential, and persistent zeal. Saint Paul says in today’s reading: “But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem. What will happen to me there I do not know, except that in one city after another the Holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me” (Acts 20:22-23). Did you know that the word "Jerusalem" means “City of Peace”? Sister, in prayer today, let us journey with Saint Paul to the City of Peace. Let us invite the Holy Spirit to compel us towards Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Our heavenly Father is ready to generously provide for us in the hardships that await. There is nothing to fear. When the hardships come, remember who our Father has created you to be. In the hiddenness of your life, simply be faithful to the unique mission God has entrusted to you. Your life is a beautiful witness to the “Gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24). Someday, there might be a map in the back of a book, displaying how your journeys brought great glory to God! [bctt tweet="There is nothing to fear. // Rose Coleman" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion Lord God, reveal my mission to me, guide me through the map of my heart with Your grace.  

The conversion of Saint Paul is one of the most epic plot twists in the Bible. If you combined the beginning and final sentence of today’s reading, it would say, “Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord . . . began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues” (Acts 9:1, 20). For truly, nothing is impossible for God! (see Luke 1:37) Sister, today, let us pray together for all the “Sauls” in our lives: our family members, coworkers, friends, and enemies. Let us tenderly bring each soul to Jesus in the Eucharist and entrust them with hope to His Divine Mercy. Can you imagine the beauty of these “Sauls” receiving new life in Christ? And as we patiently wait together, let us look with Jesus inside of our hearts. Without losing sight of our glory, let us bring Christ to our deepest wounds, ugliest scars, biggest messes, and darkest sins. Invite Him to heal the shame that remains. Christ wants to convert our hearts anew. Deep conversions lead to an even deeper love. While it sometimes feels like life has fallen into shambles, Jesus delights in pouring out His mercy from His Pierced Heart. He desires a deep intimacy with us in prayer so that He may be our true consolation. Draw near to Him, especially in the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confession. Let Him fill your beautiful heart with His joy. The Risen Christ wants to do a new work in our hearts today, sister. And He desires the conversion of all those in our world today who are breathing murderous threats against the Church. Let's pray together, through the powerful intercession of Saint Paul, for this grace of conversion! listen to today’s devotion [bctt tweet="Draw near to Him. // Rose Coleman" username="blessedisshe__"] Lord Jesus, let me experience a deeper conversion.  

Jetlagged from traveling five thousand miles and exhausted from standing on cobblestones from 6pm to 6am, we finally made it into Saint Peter’s Square. The Vatican estimated over 800,000 people had gathered in Rome for Mass that Divine Mercy Sunday seven years ago. We came from all over the world because our lives had been deeply touched by these two new Saints. Young and old, priests and religious, families, students, and friends waited together all night in vigil, rejoicing and praying. Choirs from Poland serenaded us with beautiful hymns from their rich musical heritage. And we celebrated together with joy at Mass that morning as Pope Francis canonized Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II. Our Holy Father emphasized in his homily how “the glorious wounds of the risen Jesus” are the heart of Divine Mercy Sunday. Jesus’ wounds remained after the Resurrection, a glorious sign of God’s love and desire for our healing. The heart of Jesus has been opened to us! Christ invites us to be like Saint Thomas in today’s Gospel and put our hand in His side. When we draw near to Jesus’ wounds, we may notice some of our own woundedness. In prayer, share these painful wounds with Jesus and unite them to His glorious wounds. Let Christ transform the pain to glory. What will this look like? Imagine a mother recovering from a caesarean delivery of her baby; the incision in her abdomen needs time to heal, and it leaves a permanent scar. But this wound is a life-giving wound. It is a glorious wound. It is evidence of new life. In a similar way, any of our wounds, emotional or physical, united to Christ’s suffering become evidence of His new resurrected life. Today, on this Divine Mercy Sunday, draw near to the glorious wounds of our Risen Lord. Let God’s merciful love fill your heart with hope. He can make your wounds glorious! Jesus, I trust in You! listen to today’s devotion [bctt tweet="Jesus, I trust in You! // Rose Coleman " username="blessedisshe__"] Saint Faustina, pray for us! Pope Saint John Paul II, pray for us!  

As we continue to journey with the Church through this beautiful Year of Saint Joseph, we celebrate today the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The famous Latin phrase Ite Ad Joseph means, “Go to Joseph.” Do you go to Saint Joseph like Mary and Jesus did? My personal devotion to Saint Joseph began in my twenties while I was discerning my vocation. My heart desired to say yes to wherever God would lead. I desired to grow deeper in my faith, but I did not know where to go. Where do I go to help me grow in holiness? How will I find my way? Who will be my guide? Who will encourage me along the way? And as I walked forward in faith, I began to notice Saint Joseph more. He showed up in homilies, religious art, conversations, and spiritual reading. And I noticed how Saint Joseph always seemed to be on the go. Joseph walked with Mary and Jesus from Nazareth to Bethlehem, then Bethlehem to Egypt, and then back home from Egypt to Nazareth. Joseph also walked three times a year from Nazareth to Jerusalem. And as he walked with the Holy Family, he guarded, protected, and cared for his beloved Spouse and Son. Saint Joseph knew how to love Mary and Jesus. Saint Joseph invites us into the intimacy of the Holy Family. He wants to include us in his family life to teach us how to love Mary and Jesus. He wants to help guide us along our personal, unique path to holiness. Saint Joseph is not afraid to take us into his home and into his heart. Saint Joseph is still on the go today, and there are special graces available to us during this Year of Saint Joseph. Will you “Go to Saint Joe”? Sister, Saint Joseph wants to help you grow in holiness. He wants to help you find your way. He wants to be your guide. He wants to encourage you along the way. Invite Saint Joseph into your prayer today and receive, with Mary and Jesus, the gift of his loving protection. listen to today’s devotion [bctt tweet="Saint Joseph, pray for us! " username="blessedisshe__"] Looking for a Saint Joseph novena? Here's a great one.  

“Wait for the dawn. Let’s wait together for the dawn.” These are the words I felt Jesus speaking to my heart in prayer. Like poor Job in our First Reading today (Job 7:1-4. 6-7), I was feeling pretty miserable. The drudgery of my life caused me to feel very stuck. And I hate being stuck. During that familiar experience of another restless night, I began to pray. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I related to Jesus what I was experiencing in my heart. Jesus, I feel so confused. I know that You are with me, I know that You love me, I know that You see clearly in this darkness that I am experiencing. But, I don’t understand where You are leading. You have placed desires deep in my heart, Yet, I remain here, crying out to You. I trust that You have a plan. Please help me, Please remember me, Please remain with me. And in the stillness and silence of that starry summer night five years ago, my broken heart listened to the consoling words of Christ: “Wait for the dawn. Let’s wait together for the dawn.” And so we remained together in expectant hope. Jesus was with me in the solitude of that night. Our Lord did not suddenly reveal His plan for our future, nor fix every broken part of my heart. Instead, Jesus chose to remain with me in the darkness of my mess. I received Christ’s abiding presence and found rest in Him. I felt completely safe in His care. Saint Mark shares in today’s Gospel how, “Jesus, rising very early before the dawn, went to a deserted place” (Mark 1:35). Maybe our hearts are this deserted place? Sister, maybe Jesus rises before dawn to bring consolation to your troubled nights? Christ longs to bring healing to our hearts. Will you wait with Jesus for the dawn? I did, and my life will never be the same. [bctt tweet="Christ longs to bring healing to our hearts. // Rose Coleman " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion The Lord is in even our most deserted places. Who in your life needs this reminder right now?

“I wish I had a dramatic conversion story like Saint Paul.” This jealous thought would often creep into my mind during college while listening to others share their testimony. You see, I had grown up in a safe little bubble. My home was comfortable, my parish was full of life, my schools were places of virtuous friendships, and I had memories of encounters with God in prayer as a child. Yes, I still sinned every day, but it was nothing like the sins of my friend, Saint Paul (or Mary Magdalene, Saint Augustine, Saint Josephine Bakhita, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint John Henry Newman, that girl in my choir, that boy in my history class, my cousin who turned his whole life around). But for some reason, these little subtle lies occasionally popped up in my heart. I don’t have a conversion story. My life is not a witness. No one wants to hear about my life. My goodness has prevented me from experiencing the depth of God’s mercy. These lies are straight from the pit of hell. I have slowly learned that God creates each life for the praise of His glory. The indispensable, irreplaceable, unrepeatable gift of every human life is called to an individual relationship with God. Each one of us walks our own path toward holiness. We walk our unique path with a particular family, with friends, and with our vocation. I laugh as I think about myself in college, wishing I had a dramatic story to tell. Never could I have predicted the winding path of my vocational discernment, teaching career, global travels, health challenges, and inner healing. And while I still might not have the most dramatic story, I have experienced conversion like Saint Paul: I have heard Jesus call my name. I have been blinded by His light and walked through the darkness of confusion. I have been healed. I have been sent out on mission. This is my unique path to holiness. Let us ask Saint Paul to intercede for us today that we may hear Jesus’ voice calling us to a radically personal conversion. [bctt tweet="God creates each life for the praise of His glory. // Rose Coleman" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion Enjoy this keen poem on this struggle.

During my pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, I experienced Mary’s love so deeply. Devoted pilgrims prayerfully moved across the piazza on their knees towards the miraculous tilma enshrined in the Basilica. I was magnetically drawn to the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The beautiful image of Our Lady is visible throughout the sanctuary of the Basilica. You can get closer by walking down to the crypt and getting onto a moving walkway which carries pilgrims slowly beneath the image. There wasn’t a line when I was there, so I may have passed back and forth a few dozen times! I simply wanted to remain there with Mary, our Mother who lives in the heart of the Church. But like a good mother, Mary always leads us to her Son, Jesus. Amidst the joyful celebrations of Baptisms, Quinceañeras, and wedding anniversaries, priests faithfully stand in Persona Christi administering the Sacraments of Confession and Eucharist. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe offers over thirty Masses throughout the day. Dozens of priests hear confessions (in multiple languages) every day of the year from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. And in the hiddenness of that confessional and the quietness of receiving the Most Holy Eucharist, I encountered the infinite love of the Holy Trinity in such peace. Yes, this is the Heart of the Church: encountering the mercy and love of God in the Sacraments. And this is where Mary wraps us under her loving mantle of protection. On this beautiful feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, listen to her final words to Saint Juan Diego on December 12, 1531. She speaks her words of comfort and hope to our weary hearts today: “There is nothing to frighten and distress you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and let nothing upset you. Is it not I, your Mother, who is here? Are you not under my protection? Are you not, fortunately, in my care?” (source) [bctt tweet="Mary always leads us to her Son, Jesus. // Rose Coleman " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion Consider sharing your prayer request to the Basilica in Mexico City here.