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

We are now more than half way through 2020. In light of the many surprising ways the year has unfolded up until this point, I imagine we have all learned a thing or two about ourselves that we hadn’t given much thought to when we were naively setting new year’s resolutions and making plans in our crisp, new, planners last January. I know I have. Simple Lessons Some of these lessons have been simple enough: learning to be creative with the canned goods in my cabinets, logging in to my (now) virtual meetings, or the ability to pivot, scrapping long-anticipated plans. Others lessons have highlighted my tremendous gratitude for teachers, grocers, healthcare workers, social service providers, delivery truck drivers, and postal workers that have maintained a semblance of normalcy in times that were anything but. In hindsight, these "lessons" look a bit more like elementary assignments preparing me for the work of the rest of the year. Bigger Revelations Other lessons have been more complex, moving quickly away from simple routine and adaptations into a new and unfamiliar terrain. For example, in this wilderness of a year, I have learned that I can quickly react out of fear and selfishness when my assumption has always been that I would do just the opposite. I have learned in newer, far-reaching ways that my experience has been one of privilege, and not just during the pandemic. Stepping back long enough to examine this truth has been the most recent, most important revelation that has come to pass during this time of isolation and it deserves some attention, not to mention, guidance. It can be difficult to notice things about ourselves that we don’t like, and often we feel at a loss to address them, so we don’t. Gratefully, the man whose feast we celebrate today has a great deal to share in terms of discernment and self-reflection: two habits that would serve us well as we continue in this place of wilderness. Finding God in All Things Saint Ignatius of Loyola helped to form the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1539. Saint Ignatius had a tremendous conversion to faith while recovering from an injury from a cannon ball received in battle, where he had only two books to read: One on Jesus, one on the Saints. He was captivated by the idea of being a knight, but his concept of whom he would serve had completely shifted. After his recovery, Ignatius began study for religious life. His instruction to early Jesuits was to go out and “find God in all things.” Jesuits are known for their long history of missionary work and education, but most especially for spiritual direction and retreats. Saint Ignatius’ well-known work, The Spiritual Exercises, has guided the faithful through retreats and discernment for hundreds of years. Included in the text is a daily practice of examination known simply as the Examen. It can be used anywhere and by anyone, but it is intended to be implemented each day in an effort to reflect on the ways that an individual was able to find God in all things/may have missed opportunities to find God in all things. The Examen: Crossroads of Opportunity and Need for Self-Reflection In honor of his feast today, and because we have never been at a better crossroad of opportunity for prayer (postponed summer plans) and need for self-reflection, here is the basic process of praying the Examen: 1.Place yourself in the presence of God. Give thanks for God's great love for you. For many of us, we have a good sense in our heads that God loves us, but when was the last time you experienced that in your heart? The practice of allowing ourselves to be loved and to revel in being beloved is its own gift in prayer. Begin here. 2. Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life. Sometimes the hand of God is evident in the day-to-day of your vocation, but not always. Particularly if you find yourself in a time of confusion or frustration, asking for the grace to see God’s action in our lives can provide much solace. 3. Review your day—recall specific moments and your feelings at the time. This can look a little bit like "roses and thorns" of summer camp fame: what were 1-2 great things about the day? What moments/opportunities do you now understand could have gone differently? How did each make you feel? 4. Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Were you drawing closer to God, or further away? Focusing on the way you experienced the interaction is a big part of discernment. Asking ourselves whether our response moved us nearer or further from God is a helpful way to navigate moving forward and how God is calling us to act. 5. Look toward tomorrow—think of how you might collaborate more effectively with God's plan. Be specific, and conclude with the "Our Father." Notice your awareness of God in your day, today. In the circumstances that are coming in the day ahead, what are a couple of concrete ways that you can already commit to that might provide greater opportunity for collaboration in God’s plan? Finally, close in prayer. For this and other Ignatian prayer resources, click here. Fresh Take This prayer practice might be familiar to you, or a fresh take on daily reflection. Many appreciate the accountability as well as the guidance through circumstances that feel unsurmountable or isolating—whether swamped with kiddos underfoot, making tough, corporate decisions, or caring for an ailing family member, utilizing the Examen is a great reminder that we can seek (and find) God in all things. Since the object of our love is infinite, we can always love more and more perfectly. -Saint Ignatius of Loyola How have you been/might you be surprised to find God at work in situations that you hadn’t previously considered?   [bctt tweet="Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Examen #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

"Your Daily Screen Time This Week Averaged..." The notification popped up on my smartphone and my pulse accelerated. I looked at the hourly average of the time my eyeballs were locked onto my handheld computer. The number was always higher than I thought it would be...higher than I wanted it to be. As much as I tried to justify the time spent on my phone, I was disappointed by how much of my life was spent scrolling and tapping. I was disappointed in myself for allowing the allure of social media and mindless reading suck me in. Maybe you've felt that way, too. A Willingness to Change Eventually, I became fed up with those notification reports and decided I needed to Marie Kondo my smartphone. There wasn't much that was sparking joy in the abode of "Olivia's iPhone," so I started to purge, rearrange, and reframe. By decluttering my smartphone and organizing the remaining apps strategically, I began to spend much less time looking at my phone, and much more time encountering my reality. Instead of treating my phone like a place to check out, I began to approach it as a tool to help me check in. How to Organize Phone Apps to Keep Priorities Straight In case you're in need of a phone + priority refresh, here are three easy steps toward a simplified home screen and more intentional time spent there. 1. Purge the Completely Useless Time Sucks (and Occasions of Sin) First, get rid of the junk. What apps are purely for distraction or useless entertainment purposes? We will all have varying answers here! What is useless to one might actually be useful to another. So here's where we have to be honest with ourselves. What serves merely as distraction? In the midst of a hard parenting day, do you pull up a game to play in order to numb yourself? Do you waste time at work by checking news apps every half hour? Consider what is purely a drain on your time, and let it go. Then dig deeper. Are there any apps that are actually occasions of sin for you? Of course, social media comes to mind. Does scrolling through a social app leave you feeling inordinately angry, envious, discouraged, or judgmental? Maybe it needs to go—at least for now. Does scrolling through realty apps leave you discontent with your current home? Do comment threads lead you down trails of gossip and slander? Do you lie in bed watching hours of Prime and wake up cranky? Take the time to look at each app on your phone and ask yourself those difficult questions. Have the courage to purge what doesn't serve your call to holiness. 2. Consider Which Apps You Rely Upon Most Once you've gotten rid of the apps that just waste your time and energy, consider the apps that are most useful to you. These are the apps that you want to put in a spot that is easy to navigate and access. For example, I use the Weather app each day to make plans for our family. I need to be able to get to that quickly. The same goes for the Podcasts app and Calendar app. Maybe you travel for business and need your Maps or Uber apps handy at all times. Maybe you're a writer and you rely on your Notes app to quickly jot down ideas. Name the apps that get the most meaningful mileage. These all stay front, center, and on their own. 3. Categorize the Remaining Apps In order to clear the visual clutter of my home screen, the remaining apps get grouped together by category. For example, all the apps I have for prayer and devotion are grouped together and put toward the top of my phone (so my attention is drawn there first!). My banking and budgeting apps go together. The ebooks and library apps go together. My visual entertainment apps like YouTube and Netflix go together. My work apps like Evernote, Trello, and Hangouts go together. See if you can find threads of similarity in your remaining apps and group them together. Quick Tip: I group all my social media apps together, name the group "Why are you here?", and put them on the last screen possible. So I have to swipe in order to get to them. There's work involved! And then, I see the question. Why am I there? Am I meant to be checking into something for work? Then I need to make sure that that is all I do (rather than doing the task for work, and then becoming distracted and wasting time). Was I thinking of a friend and wanted to message them my love and prayers? I need to make sure I actually do that. Ultimately, It Comes Down to Discipline Of course, organizing your phone apps to help you keep your priorities straight is only half the battle. Ultimately, refusing to allow our phone to rule over us requires self-discipline. Let's ask Jesus for it! Ask Him to help you order your phone to give Him glory. Ask Him to give you the grace of attention and intention. Have you found a way to organize your phone apps to help you steward your time better?   [bctt tweet="How to Organize Your Phone Apps to Keep Your Priorities Straight #BISblog //" via="no"]

Preparing for your first semester of college comes with all the feels and emotions. Whether you are flying across the country or commuting a few miles away, there is a lot to consider and prepare for long before you make your dorm room your new home. Once you step foot on campus, it can feel like you are starting a half-marathon, trying to keep pace with the crowd around you. Well, I'm here to tell you that you have to find your own pace long before you arrive at your dream school. And a significant part of the speed you need to set in college involves making your relationship with God primary. Freshmen Spiritual Training Program If you have ever run (or in my case, walked) a half-marathon, you know training is necessary. You don't start the first day of training running 13.1 miles, that would kill you! No, you start by running three miles. Then, day-by-day and week-by-week, you add miles until you can run 10, and eventually 13.1 on race day. The same is true for all freshmen creating a spiritual training program; start with the basics and build up from there. The key is consistency! If you are serious about being active in your Catholic Faith and wanting to grow in your relationship with God, let me help you with a training schedule that I think will allow you to do both. What is Your Three Mile? If three miles is the minimum in a half-marathon training program, what is the spiritual training program equivalent to make your Catholic Faith primary? For most of us, our three-mile is going to be attending Sunday Mass and daily prayer. So, start there and be consistent. Put prayer time on your regular calendar, in your weekly calendar include the Sunday Mass you will attend. If you need a form of accountability, serve as a lector, usher, or Eucharistic Minister. If friends ask you to go away for the weekend, say you need to get back for the last chance Mass (typically at 9 or 10 p.m. on most campuses) and do not apologize. If your new friends do not support you attending Mass, maybe you're running in the wrong-sized running shoe. Find the fit that makes training a bit easier. via GIPHY 30-Minute Cross-Training During the week, you will break up your three-mile runs with 30-minute cross-training to keep your body active but at a lesser risk of injury. During college, you will find that your schedule will be more massive on certain days, but there are days when you have a lighter load. This is when you can do, what I call, 30-minute cross training prayer times: Stop into the Church for 20 minutes Pray a Rosary in between classes Listen to a Catholic podcast Read the daily readings and journal what God is speaking to you Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet Go to Confession (most Newman Centers offer regular Confession before daily Mass) Attend Daily Mass (they are typically 30 minutes) No one expects you to do this every day; your schedule will not always allow for it. However, the fastest way to grow during college is with small additions such as these. via GIPHY Adding a Mile When you train for a half-marathon, you typically will add one or two miles during the week to build up your stamina and strength. We need to do the same in our spiritual walk if we want our relationship with God to grow. What are some ways to add a mile during college? Weekly Bible Study or Small Group through your Campus Ministry Social justice ministry opportunities such as homeless ministry, tutoring, Habitat for Humanity, etc. Liturgical ministries such as being in a choir, hospitality, lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion One-on-one monthly Spiritual Direction (many Campus Ministries provide you the opportunity to do individual spiritual direction with priests, lay ministers, and religious sisters) Calendar in a weekly Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament Starting a weekly Blessed Conversation study or a monthly Blessed Brunch in your dorm via GIPHY Weekend Runs Typically, on Saturdays, your half-marathon training will increase to longer runs that will ask more time from your schedule. If your campus ministry offers weekend retreats during the year, I encourage you to attend. Connecting with a community who desires to grow in their Faith and running from the stress of studies—all while learning something new about Catholic doctrine—is a great way to prepare for the race God has for your life. This is a sacrifice of your time; however, the sacrifice is worth it in the end. via GIPHY Ten-Mile the Week Before The week before your half-marathon, you will run (or walk) ten miles. This is by far the most you will run before the 13.1 on the day of the race, and trust me, adrenaline kicks in for those miles you feel ill-equipped to run. Most colleges offer incredible opportunities to challenge you in your Faith, such as: alternative spring break mission trips leadership positions that help coordinate everything from special masses to retreats leading Bible studies and small groups come-and-see weekends for discerning religious life or the priesthood There is a reason you only run a 10-mile once before race day: you don't want to injure your body and risk the chance of not completing the race. The same is true in your faith life. You don't want to burn out or risk the possibility of not completing the race God has before you. These "Ten-Mile" opportunities happen few and far between to help foster a more significant understanding of Church, so if you can make them happen even once during your collegiate years, go for it. via GIPHY Rest and Stretch Sundays are typically a day to rest during half-marathon training. I guess even the best health trainers know how to keep the Sabbath day holy. Take a day to be still, rest, and allow yourself to hear the Lord. It would help if you found some sense of balance in college, which is not always easy. Balancing classes, sleep, exercise, health, mental health, work, study, and time with friends makes it hard to stay true to who God has created you to be, His beloved daughter. Part of stretching in college is finding the right community who sees you as God sees you. Rather than so-called friends who challenge you to stray from God entirely, you need friends who challenge you to grow in your Faith, hold you accountable, and call you out when you are not caring well for yourself. Make sure you find a community of sisters who will ask you about your prayer life, offer to help you when things are too hard, who will bring you coffee during midterms, and who will be by your side during a break-up. via GIPHY Race Day Your entire four or five years (or more if you are going for your masters or Ph.D.) is a marathon, not a sprint. However, the years will go fast. Take time to enjoy the race on the track that God has you running. Appreciate the people cheering you on from the sidelines like your parents, family, friends, priests, professors, and campus ministers. Count your blessings daily, because gratitude is one of the easiest ways to find college happiness. Stay hydrated by recalling the waters of Baptism that made you a daughter of God. Frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The night before a race, most runners will carb up so what better way is there to carb up spiritually than by feasting on the Bread of Life as often as you can. via GIPHY After the Race Take it from someone who, the week after her first half marathon, stopped training altogether and stopped running my minimum three miles. My body was tired and I just wanted to relax and let it recover (that's what I told myself). But once I stopped, I didn’t go back to the basic three miles for months. And once I stopped running, it was harder to get back on track physically. Spiritually, if you stop your three miles, you will find yourself growing distant from God and entering into relationships and habits that lead to sin. Living a virtuous life is not the goal when you cannot make the time to pray daily or go to Mass. So do yourself a favor, even when you are tired from classes, studying, working, and having a social life: make time for your spiritual three miles. Do not view this as a "have to" dictated by Catholic guilt or your parents. View your three miles as a “want to,” as in, I want to have a relationship with God, I want to grow in my understanding of the Church's teachings, I want to live a virtuous life, I want to have a community that will hold me accountable and point me to Heaven. via GIPHY College will provide endless opportunities to grow personally, professionally, socially, and spiritually. Remember, you don't have to do everything all at once; pace yourself and create a plan of life that will allow you to serve, learn, and pray like you never have before. Remember who you are and ask God who He has created you to be. Discern God's will as much as your own, and maybe, just maybe, by creating a spiritual training program before stepping foot on campus, your will might merge with His and lead you to a heavenly finishing line come graduation day. Will you be a freshman this year? We are praying for you! [bctt tweet="Freshmen Spiritual Training Program #BISblog //" via="no"]

The variety of female Saints we have in the Church are like the many ice cream flavors in Baskin Robbins. Hold tight with me, friend! But seriously, doesn’t ice cream always sound good, especially in the summertime? Like the many types of ice cream flavors, there are so many unique and different expressions of vibrancy and holiness in the female Saints. We have authors, philosophers, mothers, and working women. There are artists, musicians, single women, and religious sisters. There are so many beautiful expressions of holiness through the varied experiences of our sisters the Saints. While you’re enjoying a bowl of your favorite ice cream, perhaps consider some various books by and about our many incredible female Saints. Books By Female Saints Essays on Woman by Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Edith Stein perhaps one of my favorite female Saints. If she were alive, I could easily see us discussing all things faith and reason over a delicious latte. This book is one of Edith’s most well-known and loved writings. It is a compilation of different essays she wrote during her time as a lay Catholic and academic professor and thinker. Edith’s vibrant voice is one that is so needed in the Church today, especially when secular feminism downplays the importance of women in the world. This is a good place to start if you are new to the writings of Edith Stein, as they present a summary of her teachings on woman’s nature, unique challenges, and opportunities. These essays include thought on female education, professional opportunities, spirituality, the Church, and women’s involvement in politics. Interior Castle by Saint Teresa of Avila I often use the words "feisty" and "spirited" to describe how Teresa of Avila lived her life. An ardent and passionate Carmelite reformer, she was also a gifted writer and had deep spiritual experiences with Jesus. Her spiritual classic Interior Castle is based on a mystical vision she had with Jesus in prayer. Saint Teresa’s vision was of a beautiful, striking castle composed of seven chambers, or “mansions,” each representing a different stage in the spiritual life and development of a soul. As a Christian enters the castle through prayer and meditation, the human needs to work through different attachments and vices as it moves from room to room. Her work is one of the most well-known spiritual classics and is often used to describe the spiritual journey and continues to speak to the modern heart to this day. Books About Female Saints My Badass Book of Saints: Courageous Women Who Showed Me How to Live by Maria Morera Johnson Forgive me if you’re sensitive to language, but if you can get past the salty title, this is a well-composed, thoughtful book on many Saints or holy women I was unfamiliar with before reading it. Catholic blogger and podcaster Maria Morera Johnson looks at the unique lives of twenty-four women who lived heroic lives of virtue in many different ways. A book like this is so perfect for summer because you can learn about lots of new women without reading a whole book on just one of them. You’ll meet interesting women like the gun-slinging Servant of God Sr. Blandina Segale and Irena Sendler who helped smuggle children out of the Warsaw Ghetto. The book also includes a discussion which could make it a good fit for your next church book club. Real Women, Real Saints: Friends for Your Spiritual Journey by Gina Loehr One of the best things about being Catholic is the Communion of Saints and the message that there are so many unique ways to live the call of holiness in your life. This gem of a book is similar to the previous one I mentioned: a compilation of all different types of unique holy women and Saints. Gina features real women who became Saints from the quiet to boisterous, single, married, divorced, post-abortive, hermits, doctors, teachers, great thinkers, and more. I guarantee you will meet women you have heard of before and women you may discover for the very first time and find you have more in common than you realize. There is no formula to sanctity and the author does a wonderful job presenting lots of different types of stories to the reader. Spend Some Time with Your Sisters, the Saints As the summer season warms up wherever you live, take some time to cool off (I usually will choose ice cream to help me with this!). Spend some time reacquainting yourself with holy women and Saints you know, but also take advantage of getting to know some you’re not as familiar with. What are some of your favorite books by and about our female Saints?   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: Books By and About Female Saints #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. // Romans 8:28 Download these beautiful free wallpapers from Kelsey Dassance from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

When my husband Mike and I got married, we knew that we would be open to life within our marriage. In fact, we both wanted children right away. Though we took Natural Family Planning (NFP) classes together during our engagement, once we were married, we didn’t track my cycles right away. Difficulty With Natural Family Planning A reason I didn’t record my menstrual cycles was because I didn’t like charting. Though dislike for charting seems like a petty reason not to, my cycle had always been irregular and I felt very disconnected from my body—especially my reproductive system—because of the irregularity. I questioned what I observed and charting became a stressor within our marriage. NFP was a challenge for me. My cycles were different every single month, ranging from thirty to sixty-five days. The classes we took focused on the Creighton Model Fertility Care System, an NFP system that utilizes different biological markers to track cycles, something extremely difficult to pinpoint with irregular cycles. A Gift and A Cross Thankfully, even without tracking my cycles, I became pregnant two months after we got married. Once my son Peter was born, we started trying to have another child. Yet, a child never came. Instead, my irregular cycles returned, coupled with mid-cycle bleeding and a lot of pain. Time to Re-Learn I went to my OB/GYN and she said I should start tracking my cycles again, something I hadn’t done since Mike and I were engaged. She would be able to better understand what my body was going through and how she could help. Mike and I resolved to start tracking my cycles and we are so thankful that we did. A Diagnosis of PCOS Fully practicing NFP with the Creighton Method allowed my doctor to diagnose me with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, PCOS. Using my chart as a baseline, my doctor was able to tell me when to get bloodwork and ultrasounds done that confirmed PCOS. NaPro Technology It was during that time I was introduced to Natural Procreative Technology (NaPro Technology), a natural and pro-creative approach to fertility. NaPro helps discover the “why” behind fertility issues offering hope not only in a diagnosis but also with treatment. How NFP Helped Me While Trying To Conceive After my diagnosis, conception was my goal and I worked closely with my doctor who practiced NaPro techniques. Though my goal has shifted more towards health this past year, I am thankful that NFP allowed me to properly take the different medications that I was prescribed to help me conceive. The ovulation medications and the hCG shots I took were very time0-sensitive, meaning I had to take them on certain days of my cycle for them to properly work. I truly could not have done that without my NFP charts. Focusing On Health After two years of trying to conceive and taking medications to help ovulate and hcG shots to raise my low progesterone and estrogen levels, I decided to have an ovarian wedge resection (OWR). Though there is no cure for PCOS, an OWR is the closest thing to it. An OWR removes a section of the ovaries so that there are essentially less cysts to cause issues and side effects. During my OWR, my NaPro surgeon, Dr. Kyle Beiter, also found Stage I Endometriosis that he removed. Recovery was about six weeks and I have never felt better in my life! I keep telling my husband that I didn’t know it was possible to feel this good (I really did feel made new!). The most exciting part for me is that immediately after surgery, I started having a normal twenty-eight day cycle for the first time in my life! Other NFP Benefits Practicing NFP led me to discover the underlying reasons for my infertility. Yet there have been so many other benefits of practicing NFP. NFP has allowed Mike and me to be completely vulnerable with one another, which has led to the strengthening of our trust and love. It’s helped us to communicate more clearly. It’s shown us, especially through our journey of secondary infertility, that we are completely and totally dependent on God. Not only are we communicating better with one another, we are communicating with God more, too! PCOS and NFP Though there are many methods of NFP, I really recommend the Creighton Method and NaPro Technology if you have PCOS, infertility, irregular, or painful cycles. The most common medication prescribed in mainstream medicine for PCOS is birth control. Birth control is a carcinogen that leaves women with PCOS feeling disconnected from their bodies and not knowing where their cycles are to get proper treatment. NaPro technology is natural and gets to the root of the problem instead of covering it up with artificial hormones. Keep Trying! If you are struggling with the idea of NFP or having difficulty practicing it, I would encourage you to keep trying, even for a few months. Meet with someone who is certified and can clearly explain the method you choose to use and answer your questions. NFP methods are the safest, clearest, and most comprehensive way of gaining knowledge about our reproductive health. [bctt tweet="NFP methods are the safest, clearest, and most comprehensive way of gaining knowledge about our reproductive health. #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"] Working With Our Bodies NFP is such a beautiful way to uphold our dignity and worth as women as it naturally guards against the objectification of women. With NFP you are working with your body instead of against it. No matter what state of life we are in, it’s vital for our reproductive health to track our cycles. I wish I had remained faithful to it years before I got married! Even if you aren’t married, your fertility health is of utmost importance. Helpful Links Here are some links that may help you. Creighton Method Billings Method NaPro Technology How to Find a CrMS/NaPro Consultant Catholic Women with PCOS Facebook Group Fertility Care Creighton & NaPro Support Facebook Group The Privilege of Being a Woman by Alice von Hildebrand Please share any links you have found helpful in the comments. Also, if you practice NFP, please share what method you use and what has helped you to practice NFP successfully!   [bctt tweet="How NFP Helped Me Diagnose PCOS #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"] This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Do you ever find yourself wanting to get to the Blessed is She devotions, blog posts, or Q&A videos immediately? Tired of typing in the URL on your phone's internet app every time you want to catch up with the BIS Sisterhood? Well, friends, you can add the Blessed is She website right on your homescreen with the Blessed is She app! And it will take you less than one minute! How to Add a Blessed is She App to Your Home Screen Grab your phone (or, more, likely, it's already in your hand and you're ready to go!) and let's do it. Open Safari on your phone. Go to our brand new Community Platform / app. Login with an email & password. Go through the steps upon entering the community platform. Download the app in your App or Play Store! See? Told You It Was Easy!   We hope having a Blessed is She app on your phone helps you turn your attention to the Lord (instead of scrolling mindlessly, like we're all tempted to do!). We can't wait for you to be able to pray with us throughout the day. Want More Catholic Media? We love using media for good and to grow closer to Jesus. Here's more if you're looking: Our favorite Catholic apps Our favorite Catholic podcasts for women How to organize your phone apps to help keep your priorities straight Do you have the Blessed is She app on your phone? [bctt tweet="How to Add a Blessed is She App to Your Home Screen #BISblog //" via="no"]

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

Four months into the monotony of working from home, I find myself asking the question at least once every twenty-four hours, “What day is it again?” My confusion is probably exacerbated by the fact that my husband and I are both teachers with side hustles, so work follows us home and piles up. Add a bored toddler who is desperate for socialization to the mix and our family is juggling distracted work six days a week from the time we awaken until the moment heads hit their pillows. Our weeks are a blur of sunrises, kiddy shows, laptops, the backyard, cooking, cleanup, sunsets, and bedtimes. While most days seem to blend, the one day that has differentiated itself during this global pandemic is Sunday. Perhaps because of utter exhaustion, we surrendered and acknowledged that we absolutely need to fully observe the Sabbath as a day of rest. It is the one day of the week on which our laptops are not opened, emails go unchecked, and our daughter’s beloved animated friends “stay home.” Though much needed, the stark contrast from “overload” to “nothing” can be glaring and leaves us feeling a little antsy, unable to fully enter into the restfulness for which the day is intended. Cue Katie Cassady and her new digital resource, Sunday Fun for Faith-Filled Families: Ideas, Prayers and Activities to Celebrate the Lord’s Day. The Help We All Need When I opened Katie’s resource and began reading, I felt an immediate sense of reprieve. In the very beginning of the booklet, she states her hope that the activities will allow the reader to be nourished by the intentional incorporation of rest. I am guessing that as a mom of young children herself, Katie naturally recognizes the problem many of us face. Though we desire to set Sundays apart and enter into rest—a lot of the time we do not actually know how to do so, and we lack the energy and the ingenuity to figure it out. It is hard to feel “nourished” when the task that lies ahead seems depleting. Thus, Katie has done all the hard work for us, providing us with ten distinct and familiar areas of focus from which to choose. The best part is that every “feature” is something that could be done at home and for free. To give you an idea of what you will find among the pages, the foci range from faith-filled themes like “fire” and “water” to “create” and “listen” . The Structure + Layout The booklet is short, well-organized, and a very easy read. A brief twenty-five pages, one could give it a quick read all at once before putting the ideas into practice. However, one could just as easily only read one section at a time, either a couple days before, or even on Sunday itself! The beauty of the layout is that the activities are easy to incorporate, whether you are a notorious planner or an infamous procrastinator. Both personality types can utilize and benefit from this resource! In addition, the layout of each section is systematic, making it incredibly easy to gage a personal ebb-and-flow as one reads. Not only that, it allows for the flexibility of skipping ahead or flipping back to easily find the information for which one is looking. Each installment looks like this: A brief explanation of the focus through the lens of our Catholic Faith. Scripture verses that highlight the focus (which could easily be used to facilitate meditative prayer, casual conversations, or deep discussions). A “Sabbath in Action” section (which provides age-appropriate questions and activities categorized for both adults and children). A prayer highlighting the focus to blanket the household in grace. Combining creativity with simplicity, Katie’s ideas inspire a sense of ease and can-do attitude when it comes to celebrating the Sabbath. Ways to Utilize It It is obvious the resource was intentionally designed to provide both structure and flexibility. One family could pick it up and move through each section chronologically in the order in which they appear. Another person may prefer to jump around a bit depending on the plans they already have for that day. For example, an individual who plans to wander the shelves of the local used bookstore may decide to flip to the section of the resource entitled “Read.” Still another may combine two or three of the focuses. A family that always meets with extended family for Sunday dinner may utilize the ideas found under “Connect,” “Feed,” and “Unplug.” One could even choose their focus based on the themes found in the Mass readings. If the Gospel for the day is the Parable of the Sower and the Seed, a family could jump to the section entitled, “Grow” and spend the day reflecting on all things green, or looking through family photo albums to see the ways in which everyone has changed over time. Not Just for Now The possibilities for utilization are truly endless! And what I believe to be the best part, is that this booklet would be of benefit for longer than just 10 weeks. It can be used over and over again, inside the home and outside the home, during a global pandemic and after it goes away. The ideas are concrete, but also naturally inspire because of their foundation on reflection. Thus a reader may find themselves celebrating the same theme in different ways for years and years. I envision my own family always utilizing the “Feed” focus, in feeding ourselves, in celebrating friends, in taking care of pets or feeding the ducks in the pond; and I see my daughter naturally growing in a spiritual understanding of what it means to be fed through all our simple Sunday fun. For Everyone Though the title indicates the resource was written with families in mind, I truly believe that this is a resource that Catholics in all stages of life could benefit from. I even found the sections that were designed more with the kiddos in mind to be insightful for my own spiritual life —and I have a degree in Theology! Katie’s resource is straight-forward, uncomplicated, and refreshingly manageable. It’s sheer simplicity allows for utility, and because of that I am sure it will leave an impact on any individual or family who puts her ideas into practice and intentionally invests in a restful Sabbath in their home. Will you be using this resource? Let me know which section you're most excited about!   [bctt tweet="Sunday Fun for Faith-Filled Families #BISblog //" via="no"]

I have vivid memories of our family gathering at my Abuela’s house to dress the Infant Jesus (Santo Niño). Everyone would gather around the Christmas tree to pray, sing hymns, and witness the chosen “Godparents” of that year dress the little babe of Bethlehem. This is a tradition Mexican households participate in, especially during the Christmas season. Devotion to the Infant Jesus is centuries old. In Spain, He is known as Santo Niño de Atocha, (click here for a little more background). In the Philippines, He is known as Santo Niño de Cebu. Although each culture has its own rich traditions and celebrations, at the heart of the Devotion is the opportunity to increase our relationship with the Father with humbled hearts. Devotion to the Infant Jesus is widespread, but the most promulgated in Western Culture is the Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague. History and Origin of Devotion to the Infant Jesus Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague is devotion to the Child Jesus. It is veneration of the Son of God, who in the form of an infant chose a stable for a palace, manger for a cradle, and shepherds for worshippers. Our Savior grants special graces to all who venerate His sacred Infancy. -Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague According to sources, the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague originates in Spain. It was probably made in Spain sometime in the second half of the 16th century or earlier. Legend says that the Infant Jesus miraculously appeared to the monk who molded the statue based on his vision. A different legend tells us that the statue was owned by Saint Teresa of Jesus who greatly venerated Jesus' childhood and spread the veneration of the Infant Jesus throughout Spain. She is said to have given the statue to a friend whose daughter was getting married in Prague. The statue of the Infant Jesus was brought to Prague by the Spanish Duchess Marie Manriquez de Lcara, who married Vrastislav of Pernstejn in 1556. She gave the statue to her daughter Polyxena of Lobkovic as a wedding gift. She greatly venerated the statue and received consolation and help from it many times. Polyxena of Lobkowicz donated the statue as a precious gift to the monastery of Discalced Carmelites at the Church of Our Lady of Victory. She presented her beloved statue to the religious with these prophetic words: “I hereby give you what I prize most highly in this world. As long as you venerate this image you will not be in want” (Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague). Blessings poured forth in the community, but once the devotion became relaxed, the abundant blessings went away. Restoration Father Cyrillus a Matre Dei was very devoted to The Infant Jesus because of the consolation he had received from Him. Suddenly the devotion ceased altogether because the Carmelites fled the monastery as Prague was seized from the Saxons. The Infant Jesus was damaged and discarded as junk. When the Carmelites were able to return to Prague, Father Cyrillus remembered the powerful intercession of The Infant Jesus and found the statue. With great sorrow he discovered that both its arms had been broken off. During prayer he heard the Infant Jesus say: “Have mercy on me and I will have mercy on you. Give me my arms and I will give you my peace. I will bless you as much as you will venerate me!” It is in this repair of the statue that the real story takes place. Father Cyrillus had to persevere in finding a way to acquire the funds for it to be restored. When he had the funds, his superior suggested purchasing a new statue all together. For a more in depth history and timeline of events visit The History and Veneration of the Prague Infant Jesus. Today, the statue is enshrined on a side altar in the church of Our Lady of Victory in Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. Description of the Statue The statue is made of wax and is about nineteen inches high. The Infant Jesus is clothed in a royal mantle, and has a beautiful jeweled crown on His head. The Infant Jesus’ right hand is raised in blessing; His left hand holds a globe signifying sovereignty. This website offers a great description about the appearance of the statue. How the Infant Jesus is Dressed The Infant Jesus, like the priests at the altar, is dressed in robes in accordance to the color of the liturgical season. The robes change accordingly for special feast days as well. Follow this interactive link to see the robe changes on The Infant Jesus. The Carmelite Sisters of the Child Jesus are in charge of dressing the Infant Jesus. The Sisters help the Discalced Carmelite Brothers to look after the pilgrimage site of the Infant Jesus. Heart of the Devotion The heart of this devotion is a humbled heart. A heart with confidence such as that of a child. It's knowing that whatever we ask of Jesus, as long as it benefits us, He will grant to us. Just like when our own children come to us we do what they ask of us out of love. This littleness in prayer helps us grow in our spiritual lives and helps us to see just how much we depend on having a steady relationship with the Lord. The Infant of Prague is pictured wearing a crown, with a globe in one small hand, and this is not without meaning. “The government is on His shoulder,” we sing in the Introit of the third Mass for Christmas day. The Child of Bethlehem was born with a mission of salvation. Being a flower of Christ demands courage, decisive action, maturity., But coupled with these must always be humility candor, confidence - those virtues of childhood. It is these virtues that Jesus is recommending. A child accepts himself for what he is. Undismayed by falls and setbacks, he gets up again and begins over. -Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague Devotions and Prayers to The Infant Jesus Powerful Novena in Urgent Need (In cases of great urgency, a novena of hours may be made instead of days. The prayers should, if possible, be repeated at the same time every hour for nine consecutive hours). O Jesus, who said, “ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you,” through the intercession of Mary, Your Most holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted. (Mention your request) O Jesus, who said, “All that you ask of the Father in My Name He will grant you,” through the intercession of Mary, Your most holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask Your Father in Your name that my prayer be granted. (Mention your request) O Jesus, who said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass,” through the intercession of Mary, Your most holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted. (Mention your request) Prayer of Thanksgiving for Graces Received from the Infant Jesus I prostrate myself before Your most holy image, O most gracious Infant Jesus, to offer You my most fervent thanks for the blessings You have bestowed on me. I shall incessantly praise Your ineffable mercy and confess that You alone are my God, my helper, and my protector. Henceforth my entire confidence shall be placed in You! Everywhere I will proclaim aloud Your mercy and generosity, so that Your great love and the great deeds which you perform through this miraculous image may be acknowledged by all. May devotion to Your holy infancy increase more and more in the hearts of all Christians, and may all who experience your assistance persevere with me in showing unceasing gratitude to Your most holy infancy, to which be praise and glory forever. Amen. The above prayer is from the Devotion To The Infant Jesus of Prague published by TAN books. More Resources For other online prayers, devotions, and pilgrimage sites, check out the following: Prayers to The Infant Jesus from the church of Our Lady of Victory. Novena to The Infant Jesus from the National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague. Pray More Novenas also has a novena to The Infant Jesus. The United States also has a National Shrine of The Infant Jesus in Prague, Oklahoma that is worthy of putting on the list of churches to visit. Mother Angelica, the foundress of EWTN, received inspiration from the Divino Niño to build a chapel in His Name (but that’s another story!). Do you have a devotion to the Infant Jesus? If so, what title? How has the littleness of heart in this devotion increased your trust in the Lord?   [bctt tweet="Devotion to the Infant Jesus #BISblog //" via="no"]

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

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

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

Summer is like a right of passage that marks each passing year. Bugs abound, dandelions, too, and everyone spends a little more time participating in activities that have a certain feel to them. The word itself illicites thoughts of sunbeams, water adventures, and escapades to new landmarks both near and far. Even for those who work year round, there is still a delight and anticipation in the change of pace this sultry season brings. The Patron Saints of Summer As we’re currently in the midst of the season’s warmth, I find myself coming across countless summer-y stories concerning the Saints. Being the theology nerd that I am, my brain naturally compiled these stories into a neat list that has become a personal litany with which I begin my day. Their stories themselves have that same feeling of warmth and light that the season brings to mind. Saint Augustine of Hippo Once, Augustine went for a walk on the beach as he was trying to comprehend the mystery of the Trinity. During this stroll, he encountered a young boy who was running back and forth between the ocean and a hole in the sand. On each trip, the boy would carry water from the ocean in a seashell and pour it into the hole he had created. When Augustine questioned his intentions, the boy admitted he was attempting to acquiesce the entire ocean within his little chasm. Augustine pointed out the absurdity of this notion, only to have the boy retort that it was more probable for him to complete his task than it was for Augustine to believe he could completely comprehend the infinite being of God within his tiny human intellect. Saint Jane Frances de Chantel A mother who suffered much anxiety, depression, and doubt after the death of her husband, Saint Jane established a habit of meditation that helped her to grow in trust of God. At the beginning of each day, she would enter into prayer and imagine herself wading into the ocean until it was deep enough for her to float on her back. Then she’d identify every single worry, fear, and anxiety and picture them as individual buoys on to which she held. One by one, she’d release each buoy, allow it to float away, and visualize God taking them into His hand. Every morning, the buoys returned, but Saint Jane was persistent, hoping that maybe one day, a single buoy would never return. Saint Francis de Sales A priest and spiritual director to many (including Saint Jane), Francis had great respect for a summertime staple, the bee. In one of his many writings to a spiritual directee named “Philothea,” he remarks at the purity of their work stating: the bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them, and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them...Moreover, just as every sort of gem, cast in honey, becomes brighter and more sparkling, each according to its color, so each person becomes more acceptable and fitting in his vocation when he sets his vocation in the context of devotion [to Christ]. Our Lady of the Highways Since Summer results in all sorts of vacations, weekend getaways, and day trips, why not call on the Madonna who offers protection during any type of journey? The prayer is a beautiful reminder of her constant presence and a great way to start any trip! Saint Lawrence One of the most prominent Roman martyrs in the Early Church, Lawrence was put to death by being roasted on a gridiron. Legend has it that as he was being burned alive, he joked with the executioners saying, “Turn me over, I’m done on this side!” Inspired by his sense of humor, the Church declared him the patron Saint of cooks. Since he died on a grill, and summer naturally brings with it an abundance of outdoor grilling, it would be extremely appropriate to ask for his intercession every time you fire up the grill! Saint Fiacre Backyard gardens are a staple of summer. Though not all of us possess green thumbs, almost everyone appreciates farm fresh or home-grown fruits and veggies. Thankfully, the patron Saint of gardening is helpful no matter your skill level of gardening. The Irish St. Fiacre apparently only had to drag a shovel against the ground to get a garden to sprout! Saint Bartholomew The Apostle of Christ who was martyred by being skinned alive, Bartholomew is the patron Saint of skin issues. Since sunburns abound in the summer, this is the Saint one can call upon while applying the aloe vera. Saint Columbanus An Irish missionary whose journeys and love of winding, back-country roads appealed to bikers who adopted him as the patron Saint of motorcycles. Madonna Del Ghisallo A local count in the Italian region near Lake Como had a vision of this Lady as he was being attacked by bandits during a journey. He ran towards her and was saved from the robbery. He built a shrine on the hill in her honor, which later became a part of the famous Giro di Lombardia bicycle race. To this day, the church houses numerous jerseys of professional cyclists donated in gratitude to Our Lady. It was Pope Pius XII who declared her to be the patroness of cyclists. Saint Barbara One thing that is always certain to be a part of summer is fireworks—at least in the United States where we celebrate our Independence Day at the beginning of July. The patroness of fireworks probably never actually saw them herself. Barbara’s simple conversion occurred after being kept in a tower for most of her life. Upon meeting Christians, she converted and refused to marry. Furious, her father and the prefect of the city beat her mercilessly, injuring her with rakes and hooks, and then shamed her by walking her through the streets naked. They finally ended her torture with beheading. At the end of the day, both men went home where they were supposedly struck dead by lightning. Understandably, Barbara is the patroness of lightning and thunderstorms. The connection to fireworks was made because of the similarity for lights flashing in the sky. Saint Adjutor of Vernon What is summer without some swimming? This Christian soldier escaped his captors by swimming from a coastal island to the mainland. He is the patron Saint of swimmers and boaters. Saint Peter Though not the official patron saint of either of these pastimes, Peter was a fisherman who also “rode the waves” that one time when he stepped out of the boat and tried to walk on water. His intercession could be requested when fishing and surfing. Saints in the Making This list is by no means an exhaustive. There are dozens of more men and women who lived holy lives, set apart for God who could easily be added to this group. Not to mention that there are so many more unique summertime activities that people participate in that have yet to have a patron Saint declared! That is the beauty of the universality of our Faith. No matter the activity in which we delight, there are saints to walk alongside us. And when there is no official patron for a favorite activity, it simply means there is room for one of us to (hopefully) stand guard over it from Heaven. Of what summer fun could you be deemed the patron Saint?   [bctt tweet="Patron Saints of Summer #BISblog //" username="grace_swap"]

It was mid-March. My six children just returned home from school indefinitely. Our parish was preparing to close its doors to public Masses. There was fear in the air as I went to the store to stock up on food and household goods. I recall talking with friends about new terminology like "social distancing". Changes to life were happening overnight, and it was hard to process it all in my mind. At the same time, I heard about a TV series called The Chosen. And I thought it could be just what we needed during these drastically changing circumstances. So, on one of the very first nights of being at home for an unknown period of time, my family settled in to watch Episode One of the first-ever, multi-season TV show on the life of Jesus. And we were instantly hooked. In the midst of such an uncertain time in our lives, The Chosen gave us renewed hope and assurance in Jesus. In a season when we could not receive the Eucharist, The Chosen gave us a tangible focal point that sustained us in a new way. Binge Jesus I know my family and I are not the only ones who have been deeply moved by The Chosen. Its success is due in large part to crowdfunding, which means everyday, ordinary people invested in this project in order for it to be created and produced. And in recent months, when families were stuck at home because of Covid-19, downloads of The Chosen’s mobile app exploded. It consistently ranks in the top 50 most downloaded entertainment apps. “We feel like if people can binge watch and have watch parties all over the world for shows like Game of Thrones and Stranger Things, there’s no reason not to binge watch a show about Jesus,” said director Dallas Jenkins, in an interview for the Chicago-Sun Times. The Chosen: Biblical Fiction at Its Finest Season One of The Chosen offers viewers eight 45-minute episodes about the life of Jesus (and Jenkins and his crew are currently working on Season Two). But what makes The Chosen unique is that it tells the story of Jesus through the men, women, and children who encountered Him personally. And as their unique narratives unfold on screen, we see, with fresh eyes and open hearts, how Jesus longs for an intimate relationship with each of us, too. In the first season of The Chosen, we meet familiar Biblical figures such as Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and six other Apostles, and Nicodemus. With intentional creative license, The Chosen invites viewers to glimpse into possible background stories of their lives, before Jesus transforms them. In other words, The Chosen fills in the Biblical narrative with Biblical fiction that is entirely plausible. And this allows the familiar to come to life in a fresh, new way. Frequently-read Bible stories suddenly become vibrant, rich experiences, including the following: the big catch of fish and the call of the first Apostles (Luke 5:1-11) the healing of the paralyzed man (Luke 5:17-26) the miracle at Cana (John 2:1-12) the story of the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42) Inspiring the Imagination Throughout the series, viewers are also able to imagine themselves in the story. For example, when I heard how Jesus speaks to Mary Magdalene, Peter’s wife (Eden), and Nicodemus, I could hear Him speaking gentle words to me. When I saw His eyes of love, looking affectionately at the children or giving a knowing wink, I could envision Him looking straight into my heart, too. The invitation to prayerfully imagine is very Catholic. It is how St. Ignatius of Loyola invites us to read and meditate on Scripture. Some people call this lectio divina (divine reading). In this form of prayer, we read a Scripture passage several times, and then we engage it with our imagination by placing ourselves in the scene. We consider who we are in the story. What do we hear, see, taste, smell, and touch? Watching The Chosen provides a similar opportunity for such prayerful imagination. In this case, it is called visio divina (divine seeing), or praying with art. Historically Accurate The Chosen also opens our eyes to the cultural, religious, and political realities of the time. Experts from three religious traditions (Judaism, Catholicism, and Protestantism) consulted on the show to offer a biblically, historically, and culturally accurate portrayal of the characters and circumstances. Because of this extensive research, there is a realistic feel to the show. Viewers see an authentic representation of what Jesus and the people around Him looked and sounded like. We also learn about various Jewish traditions, such as Shabbat (or Sabbath). In addition, we gain greater insight into the oppression the Jewish people experienced under Roman governance. Relatable and Deeply Human The Chosen reminds viewers of the relatable experiences we share as members of the human family. Moreover, we see how the Incarnation of Jesus meets us in our need and lifts us up into redemption. For example, in the story of Mary Magdalene, we perceive her enduring the hardship of past trauma. Then, when Jesus approaches, we see the miraculous transformation His healing brings her. We also recognize marital tension between Simon and his wife. But when Jesus enters both of their lives, His presence not only brings about personal conversion, but a renewal in their relationship. Throughout the series, we also witness the humanity of Jesus, which helps us relate to Him in a new way. We see Him working hard to light a fire and His need for sleep. Observing Jesus’ sense of humor, compassion, and good nature is refreshing to witness, especially as He interacts—verbally and nonverbally—with His mother, His new friends, and those He heals and teaches. There are several scenes that depict the very tender relationship between Jesus and Mother Mary, and their close relationship is eloquently portrayed. A Note to Parents For parents wondering if The Chosen is appropriate for children, I encourage them to screen it beforehand to make that personal decision for their family. Each episode lands at various points on the dramatic scale, with the first episode being the most intense for small children. The third episode, however, is all about the relationship Jesus has with children, and it will certainly capture their hearts and imaginations, as they ponder their own relationship with the Savior. Can’t Wait for More My husband, all six of my children (ages 17 to 9), and I were completely captivated by The Chosen. Every episode compelled us to watch the next one. We found The Chosen entertaining, powerful, funny, and deeply moving. And we look forward to many more seasons of this wonderful show. Have you watched The Chosen yet? What did you think?!   [bctt tweet="BIS Reviews: The Chosen #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"]