In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the culmination of Christmastide is celebrated at last during the arrival of the Magi. Gifts aren’t exchanged among families until the Christ-Child would have received gifts Himself—by uninvited and savvy star-gazers anxious to arrive where the newborn King could be found. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. // Matthew 2: 10-12 The Recurrence + Importance of Uninvited Guests Scripture abounds with stories of uninvited guests who seemingly pop up out of nowhere! The wedding feast where people are invited from the highway and hedgerows. // Luke 14:23 The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive oil at table. // John 12:3 Dinner at Matthew, the tax collector's house. // Matthew 9:10 Abram and Sarai’s/Elizabeth and Zechariah’s reception of their long-awaited sons—guests that arrived in unexpected circumstances. // Genesis 18:1-15, -Luke 1:5-25 Jesus Himself arrived in the least likely way and surprised,Mary, Joseph, and the whole weary world along with them! // Luke 1: 26-38 It is noteworthy that those who do not fall within the parameters of those on the "guest list" so frequently have something to teach us about ourselves and about the nature of Who God is. So often they are met with similar responses by other guests. Namely, that the God of the universe is not nearly as limited as we might allow ourselves to believe... and that perhaps we are. Examining Our Guest Lists I wonder if Epiphany isn’t an opportunity to evaluate our guest lists a bit. Do we include room to be surprised by others? By God? Do our encounters with others spark "a-ha moments" that invite us to love and serve God better, or do they serve to keep us comfortable in our echo chambers? I know which camp I am likely to fall into most days. Good thing Advent ushered in the Church’s New Year, and there is still plenty of time to add to our resolutions. Epiphany to the rescue! Our Own Epiphany One of my favorite details about the feast of Epiphany is that it is a word that has been adopted into mainstream vernacular. It isn’t out of the question that we might hear about an "epiphany" in a class discussion, a business strategy meeting, or a spiritual direction session. All of them imply having made a discovery of significant importance, all stemming from this same root experience of the Magi themselves coming upon the Child Jesus. Each time I hear this word, I am jolted back to this awareness that God continues to be at work, weaving together the seemingly discombobulated aspects of daily life. Not only does Epiphany extend our Christmas-ing another week beyond the 25th, but I would suggest that it does more than that: it invites us to a vibrant and growing life of faith that allows us to be surprised by the substantial things that God reveals to us in unlikely places. Mangers, dinner tables, Sacraments, timelines, lavish hospitality, deep devotion, family life, business deals, charity work, and repentant hearts. By Another Way The feast of Christmas continues on this Three Kings Day and it is intended to give us room to arrive where we might not have expected to end up, to celebrate, and to be on our merry way, encouraged and inspired by the Good News of Emmanuel, God-with-us. Some would say this is where the "work of Christmas" takes hold. In some ways, the 12-day Christmas celebration is not one to lallygag and sit around waxing nostalgic, but a springboard into action: to follow the lead of the Magi who had been affirmed in their faithfulness, and returned to their home in a very different way. Would that we all re-enter Ordinary Time "by another way." In what way(s) do you hope to adopt the spirit of Epiphany at the close of the Christmas season?   [bctt tweet="Epiphany // Uninvited Guests + Savvy Star-Gazers #BISblog //" via="no"]

I love this feast day that honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under the aspect of her motherhood of Jesus. By virtue of her divine motherhood, Mary has become mother of us all. What an amazing gift that is. Mary has been referred to as the first Christian, since she was the first one who opened her life and heart to Jesus by giving him her perfect yes. I love that we can call her by so many different names, such as: Mother of Love, Mother of Sorrow, Mother of Mercy, Mother most Holy, just to name a few. Sometimes I like to call her simply Mama Mary! [bctt tweet="By virtue of her divine motherhood, Mary has become mother of us all. #BISblog //" via="no"] The Motherhood of Mary For as long as I can remember I have loved Mary. But I have to say that my love and appreciation for her has blossomed since becoming a mother to my oldest daughter almost 18 years ago. I suddenly realized that if I wanted to become the best mom to my children, I had to call on Mary to help me with my motherhood. There have been countless times when, not knowing how to proceed, I have turned to Mary to supply her wisdom for my poor human deficiencies. Entrusting my family to her on a daily basis has become one of my favorite prayers. Mary, who was conceived without the stain of Original Sin, did nothing to deserve this gift. She was simply chosen by God to merit this grace. God desires that His mercy triumphs through her as our mother. And just like a good Catholic mother, Mary desires to form all of us into another Christ. Her perfection and skills surpasses that of all earthly mothers. Measuring Up in Motherhood My own earthly mother, who has taught me so much of what I know, is someone I have a true admiration for as well as a stronger appreciation for now that I am a mother myself. My parents had all eleven of us in a fifteen-year span (that alone blows my mind). Growing up in Brazil, I remember hearing people ask my mom why she and dad had so many kids. She would answer them with a question: “And which one of the eleven do you think I should have said no to?” I have always seen my mom’s answer as a powerful testimony about children as a blessing and gift from God, each of us made in his likeness and for a special purpose. I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but in the depths of my heart I had many anxieties about not being able to be as good of a mom as my mother was to me. Sometimes I feel burdened by my own insecurities and shortcomings and will assume that any struggle my kids are having is a reflection of my parenting. By God’s grace and with Mary’s help, I have learned that is not from the Lord. The evil one, who is a master manipulator and the father of all lies, would like nothing less than for us to feel inadequate in pretty much everything we do, motherhood included. That’s not to say that I haven’t made and will continue to make plenty of mistakes in mothering my children. However, I have come to learn and accept that God is ultimately my children’s true Parent. He loves them more than I can ever come close to loving them in my human weakness. The Perfect Example of Holiness Mary is a sublime and perfect example of holiness. She can aid us in becoming more like her. Just like Mary, all of us women have an enormous capacity for compassion, sacrifice, and so much more. I believe we all have a special role in God’s plan, just like Mary did. Saint John Paul II said it beautifully in Redemptoris Mater: In the light of Mary, the Church sees in the face of women the reflections of a beauty which mirror the loftiest sentiments of which the human heart is capable: the self-offering totality of love; the strength that is capable of bearing the greatest sorrows; limitless fidelity and tireless devotion to work; the ability to combine penetrating intuition with words of support and encouragement. I am always awed and deeply-inspired by our Blessed Mother’s courage as we see in the Gospel of Luke. God used the angel Gabriel to deliver His risky ministry invitation. He asked if she would be willing to be the mother of the Savior of the world. The young Mary knew that her yes to the Lord would mean risk of harsh judgment from others and of personal scandal. Still this brave young woman responded with, “May it be done to me according to your will.” Following Mary’s Example It is Mary’s example that I was trying to emulate when I felt God calling me to establish Healed and Restored, a much-needed nonprofit program to help women from all over the country heal from the deep wounds from the trauma of all types of abuse, including sex trafficking. And as I have seen many times before, God never gives us more than we can handle with Him and through His help. When He calls us to a certain mission, He always provides all that is necessary for us to accomplish His mission. I have learned that just like with Mary, the only thing God is looking for is our yes. Once we have given Him our yes, He takes care of all the details. The fact that God invited me to be a part of his plan is both humbling and encouraging. I pray that 2022 will be the year that we will continue to learn how to best listen to God’s voice speaking to us in the midst of all the noise that surrounds us every day. May we, like Mary, open ourselves to say a confident yes to the Lord, even when what He’s asking is something completely different than what you thought He would ask of you. You will be amazed at all the beautiful things He will do in you and through you—all for His Glory and to bring other souls to Him. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!   [bctt tweet="The Motherhood of Mary #BISblog //" via="no"]

"Sister. That was a mic-drop class." That's about as high of a compliment as it gets from middle schoolers. It was the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and we spent the class going over the story hidden in the tilma. Since the majority of my students were Hispanic, they were very familiar with the story of the apparition of Our Lady to Saint Juan Diego and faithfully participated in Las Mananitas. Many had an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in their homes and lockers, and it was that image we spent the class discussing. Mary Tells a Story Then There were more than twenty languages and more than fifty dialects spoken in Mexico; however, when Mary left her image on the tilma, she left it in a language she knew everyone at the time would understand: symbols and cultural imagery. On the miraculous tilma, Mary is shown as a young native woman—not Spanish or European. Her dress—with jasmine, a fur-trimmed neck and cuffs, and a gold border on her cape—would have told the Aztec people that this woman was an Aztec princess or queen. Yet the greenish-blue color of the mantle would have spoken to the people of divinity. The angel holding the hem of her dress would have also told them she came from Heaven. So simply from her dress, they would have gathered that this woman was a Queen from Heaven. The Woman from Revelation The stars surrounding Mary on the tilma would have alerted the people of a beginning of a new civilization, and the winter solstice of 1531 is displayed in the arrangement of stars. The winter solstice symbolized the day of the sun’s birth to the Aztec people. A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon at her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars. // Revelation 12:1 We know this refers to Mary, but for the Aztec people, they would come to that knowledge through the image. The woman stands in front of the sun, signifying she is greater than the sun god, who was the greatest among the native gods. She stands on the moon, again showing she is greater than the god of night. The crescent moon was also a symbol of the Aztec serpent god, and Our Lady's stance upon it shows she will crush its head (see Genesis 3:15). This had even deeper meaning for the Aztec people, as the stone serpent demanded human sacrifice, and they would have recognized that this woman had power over human sacrifice. So where she was standing told the people this queen from heaven was more powerful than all of their gods. With Child The black band around Mary's waist alerted the Aztec people that the woman was pregnant. Over her womb was a jasmine flower in the shape of an Indian cross, which proclaimed in rich symbolism that the baby in her womb is Divine and the center of the universe. Mary’s hands are folded in prayer with her head inclined toward her womb, showing reverence to the one in her womb, not bringing glory to herself. She shows the people that she is not God, but belongs to and is worshiping God, the God who is in her womb and Who must then be Man. Mary’s fingers are three together, and one farther apart, hinting at the Trinity, three in one. The Aztec people would have connected this God-Man to the brooch at her neck. It has a black cross, which they would have recognized as the Cross Cortez had on his ships which brought the Catholic Faith to Mexico. So through the image on the tilma, the people would know that this queen from Heaven, mightier than all of their gods, worshipped the Man-God in her womb, and so must they. Mary Tells a Story Today Not only did Mary speak to the Aztec people then, but through science, she is still speaking to us today. The tilma is made of cactus fiber and would have lasted about 15 years. Yet, it is still here, almost 500 years later. It has faced smoke from fires and candles, water from downpours, candle wax, and oils from fingers touching it. The image shows no signs of decay, cracking, or deterioration. It even survived a bomb in 1921. The brass cross next to the tilma was bent completely and the altar rail was heavily damaged, but the tilma remained untouched! Scientists studying the tilma using infrared photography found no sketching lines or outlines to suggest an artist painted it. Nor can they find any paintbrush strokes! The biophysicist who studied it said it appeared to have been produced in a single moment. Scientists who have studied the pigments have no explanation for them. There were no synthetic paints in the 1500s, and the pigments do not come from any natural source. One of the most striking things that speak to us today but would not have been able to be seen due to the lack of technology during the time of the Aztecs are Our Lady’s eyes. An engineer magnified her eyes over 2,500 times. In her eyes can be seen the reflection of the Bishop and several other onlookers. Probably even more amazing is that Mary’s eyes follow the reflections and curves of what our eyes normally do when we gaze upon something. Our Lady Draws Us Then and Now to Her Son In 1541, ten years after the apparition, it is said nine million people had converted to Catholicism- practically the whole nation of Mexico. This massive religious and cultural conversion brought an end to the human sacrifice that was part of the Aztec culture. She is working today to bring about the conversion of our culture today, and this is why she is a patroness for the pro-life movement. Every year when I taught this lesson on December 12th, I remained just as awed as my students. Our Lady’s loves us enough to speak to us in a language we can understand. Saint Louis de Montfort said: She is more mother than queen. Our Lady of Guadalupe shows us she is mighty as both mother and queen and is willing to go to great lengths to speak to our hearts. May Our Lady of Guadalupe work this miracle of deeper conversion in our hearts this Advent.   [bctt tweet="Our Lady of Guadalupe's Miraculous Tilma #BISblog // " via="no"]

The beloved hymn, Joy to the World, invites the world to “receive her King” on Christmas Day. In order to receive Him, the song implies that our hearts must first “prepare Him room.” But how do we truly ready ourselves for the Nativity of Jesus? How do we prepare Him room? How do we create space in the manger of our hearts for the Newborn King to rest His sweet head? Choose Advent The season of Advent has only just begun, and before we get caught up in the swirling frenzy of the holiday rush, let’s choose to live Advent the way it is intended: … slow … quiet … prayerful … penitential Traditionally, Advent includes an element of penance, a fast before the feast of Christmas. This gives us the opportunity to release the physical, mental, and emotional clutter in our lives in order to arrive on that Holy Night ready to receive the Newborn King. If we pause to think of the Nativity scene and the simple manger, open and ready to receive the miracle of the Incarnation, we want our hearts to mirror that manger. We want our souls to be free and welcoming so we can enter Christmas wholly devoted to adoring Baby Jesus. Advent’s Ember Days offer a simple, practical, and spiritual plan to clear the clutter of our hearts, minds, and homes, in order to renew our focus on Christ’s coming this Christmas. What are the Ember Days? The Ember Days are a time-honored practice of penitential prayer that take place four times per year, in conjunction with the four natural seasons. Ember Days are rooted in the Old Testament tradition of fasting four times per year: Thus says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be seasons of joy and gladness, and cheerful festivals for the house of Judah: therefore love truth and peace. // Zechariah 8:19 From the Latin quatuor tempora, which means "four times," Ember Days date back to the third century when Pope Callixtus instituted a Church-wide fast for plentiful harvests three times per year. By the fourth century, a fourth fast was added. And the current format for Ember Days was prescribed by Pope Gregory VII, in the 11th century. Winter // between the third and fourth Sundays of Advent Spring // between the first and second Sundays of Lent Summer // between Pentecost and Trinity Sundays Fall // after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Three Days of Fasting, Four Times Per Year Each set of Ember Days includes three days of fasting—Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday—in remembrance of Christ’s Passion. Wednesday // Christ’s betrayal by Judas Friday // Christ’s crucifixion Saturday // Christ’s entombment A Joyful Fasting Similar to Lent, but on a smaller scale, the Ember Days offer us a time of spiritual renewal, a chance to reset and refocus our priorities. Like fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Ember Days allow one primary meal and two snacks, which when combined do not equal a full meal. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, meat is permitted in the primary meal, but on Fridays, abstaining from meat is required. However, unlike the solemnness of Lenten fasting, Ember Days’ fasting is joyful and thankful. The Church counts her blessings and rejoices in the gifts of nature, especially crops that contribute to the administration of the Sacraments. Winter // olives and oil, used for anointing the sick Spring // flowers and bees, used for altar and Baptismal candles Summer // wheat, used for the Holy Eucharist Spring // grapes, used for the Precious Blood Pray for Priests, Vocations Because of the link between the harvests and the Sacraments, the prayer intentions of Ember Days focus on priestly and religious vocations. This correlates with the apostolic tradition of ordaining new priests after a period of prayer and fasting: Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. // Acts 13:3 As a result, for centuries, priestly ordinations took place during Ember Days, in addition to the Easter season. Keep the Ember Days All Catholics observed the Ember Days until they were removed from the liturgical calendar in 1966. While they are no longer mandatory, many Catholics continue to keep them, because they assist in bringing fasting into our prayer. The Ember Days remind us that Jesus taught that some petitions can only be answered by prayer and fasting (see Mark 9:28). Advent’s Ember Days As noted above, Advent Embertide begins the Wednesday after Gaudete Sunday. (In 2021, the Advent Ember Days are December 15th, 17th, and 18th.) The rose candle is already lit, reminding us that Christ is coming very soon. Hopefully, by this point in Advent, our busy preparations of shopping, wrapping, baking, and decorating are nearly complete. And we can settle into deeper preparation within our hearts. Even within the liturgical calendar, we notice that more feast days occur at the beginning of Advent than toward the end. As we near Christ’s birth, even the Church grows more silent and still, as if she is holding her breath, waiting for the miracle about to take place. Thus, Advent Embertide invites us to slow down and turn interiorly toward preparing Him room. Advent’s Ember Days do not require a lot. They are much more about being present, still, and prayerful. Ways to Observe the Advent Ember Days Here are a few simple ways to enter into the Ember Days of Advent. Prayer Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just: let the earth open and bud forth a Savior. // Isaiah 45:80 Lectio divina Wednesday: Luke 1:26-38 Friday: Luke 1:37-47 Saturday: Luke 3:1-6 Fasting Prepare simple, nourishing, and meatless meals Abstain from sugary treats Log off of social media Refrain from listening to Christmas music; settle into silence Make donations to a local food shelf or homeless shelter Go to Confession Additional Resources for Ember Days Ways to Observe the Ember Days Advent Music The historical roots of fasting for vocations Prayers for the Ember Days As we embark on this new liturgical season of Advent, the world seems evermore chaotic, and all of the holiday hype can make us feel frenzied. Let’s resist what the world offers. Instead, let’s choose to slow down, enter into the quiet and stillness of Advent, and truly prepare Him room. Three simple days of prayer and fasting will guide the way.   [bctt tweet="Need an Advent Penance? Meet the Ember Days #BISblog //" via="no"]

If there are any avid golfers in your life, you may have heard of the seaside town of St. Andrews on the coast of Scotland. Did you know that this iconic 15th century golf course, known to be the “Home of Golf,” is in some part thanks to St. Andrew’s Archbishop, John Hamilton? While the King of Scotland banned the sport in the mid 1400’s, claiming that it pulled young men away from practicing archery, the sport was reinstated by a later king in the early 1500s. Two years later, Hamilton established a charter stating that all of the the locals of St. Andrew should also be allowed to play the links. Caddies and Cathedrals So why all of this about the game of golf? Well for starters, because this town on the east coast of Scotland is named after Saint Andrew the Apostle, and was long ago a pilgrimage site to venerate his relics. The town began growing near St. Andrew’s Cathedral, a place which used to be the religious center of Scotland as well as being one of Europe’s largest buildings. Today however, you will find the Cathedral in ruins. It was built in 1158 but during the Scottish Reformation of the 15th century it was destroyed, the leftover rubble becoming a resource for new town buildings. If you stood there today you would still be able to see the cathedral foundation as well as the church’s twin spires, a round portal, part of the nave, and priory wall. The Saltire of Scotland Scotland’s national flag has a blue background with a white saltire (diagonal cross) which stretches to the corners of the flag. This image is known as the Cross of Saint Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint. Saint Andrew was martyred in Patras, Greece in 60 A.D. When he knew he would be martyred by crucifixion he asked to be crucified on an X-shaped cross because he felt unworthy of being crucified the same way that Jesus had been crucified. Legend says that his last words were: Cross, sanctified by the body of Christ. Good Cross, long desired always, I loved you and wished to embrace you. Welcome me and bring me to my master. There is a Scottish legend that King Angus of Scotland saw a white saltire across the blue sky during a battle in the 800’s and won victory through the intercession of Saint Andrew. This symbol was later used as part of a government seal in 1286. Nearly one hundred years later, the Scottish Parliament ordered that badges with the Cross of Saint Andrew should be worn by its soldiers. In the 17th century both Scotland and England were ruled by the same monarch. It was then that the flags of both countries were combined to form the “Union Jack”: a flag combining the blue and white saltire of Saint Andrew for the country of Scotland, and the red and white Cross of Saint George for England. While this remains the flag of the United Kingdom, Scotland still flies its traditional blue and white flag. First of the Apostles Saint Andrew was one of the first Apostles to be called by Jesus. In the Gospel of Mark, we read about how Jesus saw Simon and his brother, Andrew, fishing in the Sea of Galilee. Jesus said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men’. Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. // Mark 1:17-18 Before being a follower of Christ Himself, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist. He was clearly a man searching for the Messiah. He was also one of the three invited whom Jesus invited to join him on the Mount of Olives, a place where Jesus spoke to them about the end times: The Coming Persecution (Mark 13:13) // “You will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” The Great Tribulation (Mark 13: 22-23) // “False messiahs and false prophets will arise and will perform signs and wonders in order to mislead, if that were possible, the elect. Be watchful! I have told it all to you beforehand.” The Need for Watchfulness (Mark 13: 32-33) // “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” While we may not know the “day or hour” we can rest confidently in the words of this Apostle in John 1:41 that “we have found the Messiah.” Even before the Apostle Andrew had set his eyes on Jesus, he was seeking after Him intently. Now, in this season of Advent, we can look to Saint Andrew as our model as we await in anticipation of Jesus’ birth this Christmas. A Patron for Finding the Messiah While there may not be much to see of Saint Andrew’s Cathedral today, his relics can still be venerated throughout Europe in Patras, Greece, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and Edinburgh, Scotland, to name a few. If you are not a golfer, you can ask for his intercession next time you’re fishing, as he is the patron Saint of the sport! After all, he had his nets in the water when Jesus, the Messiah he was looking for, first called out to him. In what ways have you “found the Messiah” in your day-to-day life? What do you ask of Him this Advent season?   [bctt tweet="Saint Andrew's Town by the Sea #BISblog //" via="no"]

Blessed Miguel Pro is … overwhelming. There was a time in my life where he seemed to be everyone’s favorite Saint, except mine. I did all the things so he could be my favorite: read the books, watched his movie, prayed his prayer, yet we just didn’t seem to connect. I wanted to be friends with him but we simply weren’t. I think his intense personality and dramatic martyrdom overwhelmed my more natural, quiet temperament. An Impish Faith Even as a young child, Miguel was precocious, mischievous, and adventuresome. As a child he would read aloud to the family sermon notes from a book belonging to his mother. Then he would exclaim, “That is another matter! I do not understand it. Come, let us have a little music,” and reach for his guitar. He said of Heaven, “If I meet any long-faced saints there, I will cheer them up with a Mexican hat dance!” His sisters (two of whom later became religious sisters) were often the recipients of his pranks. He loved sweets, and secretly ran up the tab at the local shop until the bill was sent to his mother. A Greater Call After one of his beloved sisters entered the convent, he began to think about what God might want for his life (after consoling himself by eating the box of chocolates he meant to take to her when he visited). At the age of 20, he entered the Jesuit novitiate in his native Mexico. Because of the anti-Catholicism raging through Mexico, he and his novitiate class had to flee to the United States, and Miguel was sent to Spain and then Belgium for his seminary formation and ordination to the priesthood. His severe stomach issues did not allow him to stay in Belgium, and he returned to Mexico at the beginning of the Cristero War. War against the Church The Cristero War began when the government, intending to become a socialist state, closed all the Catholic churches in August of 1926. Baptisms and the celebration of Mass became a crime. Even dressing as a priest was outlawed. The war did not end until three years later, and by that time over 90,000 had died. Of those, thirty-five martyrs have been canonized and fifteen beatified. (Read more about it here and here.) Hero in disguise Blessed Miguel Pro, just 35 at the time the war started, would become one of those martyrs. He never lost hope and wrote at the height of the persecution: The Goliath will soon lose his head by means of the shepherd's staff...and then Christ alone will reign, Christ alone will conquer, Christ alone will command...already the splendor of the Resurrection can be discerned, for the darkness of the passion has reached its greatest intensity. He made his mark on the local church, basically becoming a secret agent for the Church. He would dress in disguises—often as a street sweeper, detective, or a wealthy businessman—to bring the sacraments to those in need. There is a great picture of him smiling almost smugly in his three-piece suit, hat, mustache (real or fake, I am not sure) and cigar, with a policeman strolling right past him. He once dressed as a mechanic to give a conference to cab and bus drivers. Another time he accompanied the police as they searched a house where he had been saying Mass. They were looking for the priest, not knowing that the man accompanying them as the "owner" was their priest. He said in one of his letters, “I assure you that I spin like a top from here to there with such luck as is the exclusive privilege of petty thieves.” He was bold and zealous, a heroic witness. Later he wrote: I see God’s hand so palpably in everything that almost—almost I fear they won’t kill me in these adventures. That will be a fiasco for me who sighs to go to heaven and start tossing off arpeggios on the guitar with my guardian angel. Forgiving Martyr In mid November 1927, Miguel and his brother were wrongly accused of plotting an assassination attempt. Caught and arrested, his brother requested to go to Confession. When he was refused by the authorities, Miguel boldly said, “Whether allowed or not, I shall hear him.” When called to his execution from his jail cell and the guard helped him with his coat, Miguel responded, “Goodbye brother, until we meet in heaven.” He forgave the policeman who apologized for his part in the arrest and execution, and then refused the blindfold that was offered to him. With arms outstretched in the shape of the Cross and a Rosary in his hand, he died with the words, “Viva Cristo Rey” (Long live Christ the King) on his lips. The government wanted his death to serve as a warning, and so had it widely documented with photographs. This ultimately backfired and instead it spurred hope among the people. His funeral brought tens of thousands witnesses in defiance of the law against public demonstrations. In my cloud of witnesses I think Blessed Miguel Pro's story is amazing and I love to use him when teaching about the Saints, particularly because there are pictures of him. Yet I just can’t seem to connect with him. It used to bother me, but now I realize that just as some human friendships are easier and more natural, the same thing happens with our spiritual friends. In both human and saintly friendships, we can have natural and supernatural friendships. Some may be particularly present for a season or a major life event, and some will be lifelong friends. Some friendships will be supernatural, taking a bit of work but are ultimately God-given and blessed. And although I may not have a natural, easy friendship with Miguel Pro, I know I have a supernatural one. I know he will be in my corner when I need him, encouraging me to be creative in my ministry, to pray, "Viva Cristo Rey” in difficulty. I know he is cheering me on in the pursuit of sanctity and will hopefully be in my long greeting line when I get to Heaven. I think this knowledge is even more comforting than if we had an easy natural friendship, because it’s our Christian life. It’s what we do: cheer each other on as we run this race to Heaven where Blessed Miguel will be waiting for us to sing arpeggios with him and his guardian angel. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. // Hebrews 12:1-2   [bctt tweet="My Friendship with Blessed Miguel Pro #BISblog //" via="no"]

We are moved to give during the Christmas season and may restrain from going overboard on the Christmas gifts because of our awareness of others going without. Our culture emphasizes the charity we give outside of our homes during the Christmas season but Thanksgiving offers us an invitation to offer that same charity to the person we sit next to and across from during the Thanksgiving meal. Thanksgiving is a feast for the heart and everything that fills it. A warm meal, connection, conversation, community, familiar faces, and a place to feel secured by the love of others is available to us on this day. We intentionally gather with family, friends, and loved ones to set time apart to share a meal while expressing gratitude for everyone and everything that surrounds the table. The Heart of the Family Look around the table. What do you see? Maybe the table decorations catch your eye and the fall colors of the table exude joy, warmth, and welcome. The table settings evoke hospitality as your eyes land on your plate and the shiny utensils that have been set out for you. Your seat is a reminder that you have a place of belonging here at this table. Perhaps it's been a while since you have sat at this table or have gathered for a meal with extended family. Take a minute to look around and give the thanks to the Lord for this moment to be present. To be there. Who Do You See? Last year's Thanksgiving celebration may have been outside the norm. Perhaps not everyone was able to gather together, some were constrained because of travel restrictions, or there was a desire to protect the elderly in your family and taking a meal versus sharing one was the most prudent decision for that time. Maybe there are family members who aren’t present this year. Take the time to remember them. It’s okay to feel the ache. Be present to the family members who are still overcome with grief. Fight the temptation that feeling the heartache or grief will sour the mood or make the gathering feel less like Thanksgiving. If anything, this kind of vulnerability with family leads to more openness, receptivity, love, and gratitude towards one another. In the world we may not be allowed to feel this ache, but under the same roof with our family it is where we find this type of refuge. If you are blessed with having everyone at the table praise the Lord for the gift of everyone's lives and to be able to share this meal together once again. Far too often we take these moments of togetherness for granted because we may experience them on a regular basis and the gratitude escapes us. Take the Time to Notice This is a good time to check in with the hearts of the people surrounding you. Has there been a significant source of suffering? Has there been immense joy? Is someone having a hard time with the season of life that they are currently in? You don’t have to get into family drama or past hurts to listen to the hearts of your loved ones. Sometimes relating to one another is all that is needed to allow Jesus’ permission to offer His healing grace. 1 Thessalonians 18 encourages us: In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. This is an opportunity for us to practice this with the people who need us the most and who we sometimes overlook precisely because they’re our family. The Heart of a Good Conversation This is an extraordinary moment to sit together with family to exchange stories, laugh, cry, reminisce, and share memories with everyone who is gathered. It’s nice to exchange pleasantries (“Oh the turkey is so moist!” ... “So-and-so makes the best stuffing, baked beans, green bean casserole"). It's easy to keep the conversation there, but that’s not what creates memories or drives fruitful conversation. Maybe there is a part of us that is apprehensive about the conversations that take place. Maybe we cringe when a certain family member shares the same story repeatedly like a broken record. Instead of cringing or allowing that agitation to rise up within us, maybe we can put aside how it makes us feel and turn our hearts towards this person with gratitude. We Get to Choose How We Respond While we cannot control other people’s behaviors at the table, we can choose to respond differently than the way we have responded at previous family gatherings. Often times in my own life I have noticed that when I change my attitude towards a certain family member about their favorite topic of conversation (that I may not share) and just allow myself to be grateful for them (not necessarily what they’re talking about) I am able to tolerate that conversation that I otherwise would have been annoyed about. For one day we can put our annoyances, frustrations, and reservations towards our family or individual family members aside and allow the gratitude for them to lead us to experience that joy which is far too often fleeting in our worldly lives. Lean into the Quiet Conversation Maybe you have the exact opposite problem at your family table as the forks clunking on the plates are a reminder of the lack of conversation. This lull during dinner may feel awkward, but it is good. We are so used to living with noise that we forget how necessary being still and quiet is for us. There may be an automatic response to fill that moment with dull conversation, but just remember you can do that any other day. This is a day of thanksgiving. Although the quiet can feel unsettling it is a good way to be thankful for the other and enjoy one another’s presence. We don’t always need to talk to experience that harmony and unity of a family. Savor the Meal The conversation should represent the feast itself. As you savor the meal, glance up from your plate and savor the moment. New memories are being created; ones that the little people around the table will grow up to share at their own table someday. This meal has taken time; maybe the collective time of the family as others contributed to the meal or the meal has rested on one person’s shoulders. Someone chopped the celery and carrots, baked the pies, carried the turkey from the store to the car, put it in the freezer, took it out to thaw, and then cooked it. This meal has taken several steps to get to the dinner table and the conversation should reflect that. The time table for conversation should equal the amount of time and intention it took for each meal that is on the dinner table. Maybe we should take a cue from our little ones and take our sweet time to eat our dinner. Typically chatty children are reminded to eat their dinner before it gets cold. That’s the kind of pace we need to adapt at the table on Thanksgiving. Taking our sweet time because we are lost in good meaningful conversation, are wrapped up in the moment, unguarded, and have lost track of time. Prayers for the Thanksgiving Table Before the feast, read this article and put these steps into action when you feel the anxiety creep in of having to get everything done. On the day of, download these prayer cards and place them at the table for everyone to look at. Pray the Thanksgiving service meal and lead the conversation with intention. Print out this PDF for a Thanksgiving table blessing. Being intentional about how the meal begins can create that space for a deeper sense of gratitude. Let’s take a note from St. Thérèse of Lisieux and approach this Thanksgiving with childlike love. Let’s embrace the moments when the house starts to look untidy, the floors start to become filled with crumbs, and a little pumpkin pie that fell off the table that was stepped on by tiny feet looks like the inside of a diaper. We know Thanksgiving isn’t about pretenses or putting up a false image of our ideal but when the temptation does arise look around at who is there. Let the laughter fill the house, let the memories that are being made shun the voice that says, “things aren’t going how you envisioned them.” Be present to all of it. Let your heart be grateful. That’s all you need.   [bctt tweet="Who's at Your Thanksgiving Table this Year? #BISblog //" via="no"]

2022 Liturgical Planner | Saintly Scents Candles | Emmanuel Christmas Devotional Miraculous Medal Earrings | BIS Water Bottle | Lined Journals Nunc Coepi: A Year of Prayer | Tiny Saints Mary + Elizabeth | Made New: 52 Week Devotional FOR COLLEGE GALS Miraculous Medal Earrings: The best dainty earrings ever, ever. 2022 Mini Liturgical Planner: Our favorite way to stay organized and focused on the Lord, but fun size. Spiral Bound Lined Journals: Go ahead; take ALL the notes. 8×10 Prints: The best way to decorate your dorm, your apartment, or your desk. Shine Hat: For the days you need to bring a little light to your lecture (or, let’s be honest, if you woke up too late to wash your hair). Stickers: These sweet little stickers are perfect for your laptop, water bottle, or notebook. Made New Shirt: Let the entire campus know that He has made you new! Restore Sweatshirt: Perfect for study sessions in chilly libraries. FOR MAMA GALS Saintly Scents Candles: Calming and sweet-smelling, our two favs for Mamas are Prayer Time and Dream Time. 2022 Full-Size Liturgical Planner: Hour-by-hour breakdowns of each day, meal-planning section, and daily prayers. Basically a mom’s best friend. Shine Hat: This hat + dry shampoo = the dream team. Restore Sweatshirt: Reminding you that He always restores, no matter how much sleep you don’t get. Spiral Bound Lined Journals: Great for prayer journaling, grocery lists, doodling… whatever! The perforated pages are perfect to take out and go! Grace Before Meals Poster: Bring a little peace to your dinner table. Rise, Let us be on our way Poster: Hit the ground running, Mama. FOR SPIRITUAL GALS Emmanuel: A Christmas Devotional: Christmas doesn't end on December 25th, it's only beginning. Catholic Journaling Bible: With lots of space in the margins to take notes, journal, or doodle. Blessed Conversations // Dwell: A study on the Eucharist. Can't beat that. Encourage Bible Verse Cards: Such a perfect way to memorize scripture. All of My Life Poster: A simple, but powerful reminder to put on your wall. Future with Hope Lined Prayer Journal: Pray every day, journal every day. FOR LITTLE GALS (& BOYS!) Rise Up Scripture or Saint Postcards: These are perfect for sending to family / friends, for Scripture memorization, or to use as art around kids' rooms! Jesus is the Balm Lip Balm: Protect little lips from getting dry and chapped! Rise Up Kids Devotional: Your kids will grow closer to the Lord and to the Saints with this sweet devotional just for them! Saint Prints: These sweet little saint prints are the perfect decor for any kids’ bedroom! Stickers: What kid doesn’t LOVE stickers? LITURGICAL PLANNERS Our Liturgical Planners are based on the Litany of Humility. Enter into prayer every day alongside this beautiful Litany. Order your days in His peace. GET YOUR PLANNER

A few years ago, a colleague at work asked, "Why does the Catholic Church spend so much money on expensive cathedrals when half of the world suffers in poverty?" I wasn’t surprised. As an atheist turned Catholic, I have been there and wonder how many find themselves in the same dilemma today. How can we witness the greatness and grandeur of our history in a secularized world? That afternoon, we spent some time over coffee, reasoning and relaying our hearts and I have never been more grateful for my conversion. Today, as we commemorate the Feast of the Dedication of two of the greatest churches in Catholicism—the Basilicas of Saint Peter and Saint Paul—we pause to remember why our churches are so ornate, exquisite, and transcendent. They point us toward Heaven and they remind us of our deepest identity as sons and daughters of an eternal God. Celebration of Life For you have made the whole world a temple of your glory, that your name might everywhere be extolled, yet you allow us to consecrate to you apt places for the divine mysteries. // from the Rite of the Dedication Throughout history, the church building has been understood as a sacramental image of Heaven which gives a foretaste of the heavenly liturgy. The Book of Revelation gives a mystical vision of Heaven, calling it the “New Jerusalem,” a radiant, jewel-like city filled with heavenly beings singing God’s praises in the eternal liturgy. This image provides the model for every earthly Church building which, as Vatican II reminds us, manifests the “signs and symbols of the heavenly realities” through the medium of the arts: architecture, paintings, statues, stained glass, and so on. But the church isn’t just a building. It is a place of divine encounter. It is a place of refuge. Here, we enter as thirsty pilgrims to drink from the Fount of Living Waters. Here we are transformed by the Eucharist, the “source and summit” of our Christian life. Here, we celebrate what it means to be "Catholic" as the Body of Christ. Here we are dismissed, as priests, prophets, and kings to change the world. A Standing Testimony The architecture, grandeur, and splendor of our churches are testimonials to history, faith, and sacrifice. They are reminders that we are "living stones" built into a spiritual house (see 1 Peter 2:5), reflecting God’s glory on earth, pointing people heavenward—His people, people like Peter and Paul, people like you and me! Fallen but Not Defeated It is hard to walk the streets of Rome and not be moved thinking about the tender love that beckoned these passionate followers of Jesus Christ. Peter, called the "rock," was known for his impetuous nature. How could an ordinary fisherman of Galilee—let alone someone who denied the Lord—find himself as Vicar of Rome? Likewise, Paul, formerly Saul, made his name as a persecutor of Christians who vehemently opposed the Church. Yet, all of the New Testament comes alive because of his prolific writings and witness. Peter and Paul are key witnesses to the reality and veracity of Jesus Christ. They remind us that the starting point of the Christian life is not our worthiness, it is grace. Despite their flawed past and abrasive personalities, Peter and Paul were not defeated. Both men went on to become key figures in early Christianity and great Saints. How many times might Peter have thought back to his denial? How many scruples might Paul have felt remembering how many he had hurt? Humanly, they had failed. Yet, they encountered a love greater than failure and so can we. Our Redeemer lives. In the economy of His Grace, nothing is wasted but all is redeemed and transformed, even our worst sins, even our most foolish mistakes. Unity in Diversity It is no secret that Peter and Paul were often at loggerheads with one another. When Peter’s lapse in judgment at Antioch separated him from Gentile believers “fearing the circumcision party” (see Galatians 2:12), Paul moved forward and “opposed him to his face” (see Galatians 2:11). But he didn’t do so to score points, he genuinely desired for Peter to know the truth. He desired his greater good. Pope Francis reminds us, “Unity is possible only when Christians are able to shift the focus from themselves, to the Word of God who demands to be heard, accepted, and witnessed in the world.” How different would our communities look like if we made unity our priority? How many today are wounded with pride and envy simply because they have elevated the "I" above the "we?" How often do we forget that God’s call for our life did not begin when we had all the answers? Isn’t it from this posture that we make room for people to be messy? There will Always Be Conflict Interpersonal conflict doesn’t go away with inattention. It festers. Our conflicted times are not meant to increase earthly comforts, they are meant to shake our self-righteous confidence and turn our gaze towards Heaven. Saint Peter and Saint Paul served the Lord in very different ways, yet they were united because of their encounter with redemptive love. This love propelled them toward one another, not away. Despite their differences, Paul specifically called out to Peter of all the Apostles (see 1 Corinthians 15:5), admiring him, and Peter referred to Paul as "our beloved brother"(see 2 Peter 3:15). The Church doesn’t need activists; she needs apostles. She needs witnesses. This doesn't mean we have to be great friends or agree with people who have contradictory views just so we avoid conflict. Rather, it means that we recognize the intrinsic value of the human person before us who demands our kindness and patience. Rather than gossip, we can choose dialogue. Rather than competition, we can choose cooperation. Rather than focusing on our differences, we can celebrate diversity. Rather than seeing theological and ecclesial differences as barriers to growth, we can use them as catalysts for engagement, enrichment, and empowerment. The Bond of Peace The Church in all its diversity is one because the Holy Spirit makes us one. Only the Holy Spirit can break barriers and build bridges. Only the Holy Spirit can heal our wrecking wounds. Only the Holy Spirit can give us power to be living stones. Where is God calling you to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace? Tombs of Triumph Peter and Paul were martyred about the same time (67 A.D.) during Nero’s persecution in Rome. Saint Peter’s Basilica is built over his tomb and Saint Paul’s Basilica, “outside the walls” of Rome, is built on the site where Paul was murdered. These are not just tombs, these are stories of triumph. Despite persecution, despite martyrdom, despite the fire and plague, the Church stands and God wins. Sister, regardless of your past, regardless of how your present looks, this is not the end of the story. Christ the cornerstone is not a dead stone! He is alive! And in Him, we come alive, we rise above our ashes, we triumph over our trials and we propel forward. Peter and Paul could not have known the future—but they knew Christ, their Hope and Resurrection. Nero thought he had won when Peter was crucified upside down and Paul was beheaded. Instead, he had crowned them with exquisite crowns of martyrdom and raised historical monuments over their remains. Why Our Churches are Beautiful It is these jewels that adorn our churches and make them beautiful. It is this sacrifice that gives purpose to our pilgrim journey. It is this "dedication" that reminds us that we are a work in progress—a grand masterpiece being built into a spiritual house, laden with exquisite stones of victory that far outweighs all the riches of the world.   [bctt tweet="Peter + Paul: Saintly Polar Opposites #BISblog //" via="no"]

Fresh flowers adorn the kitchen table. The morning sun streams through the slats on the shutters of the windows. Morning coffee and a baked treat fill the house with delicious aromas. These are some of my favorite homey things. The idea of “home” is so comforting. Some beloved authors have highlighted why. As Louisa May Alcott put it: The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely. Or, as Jane Austen observed: There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. Miss Austen also perceived, correctly, of course: Good apple pies are a considerable part of domestic happiness. Cultivating a Home Cultivating the domestic arts as a Catholic woman is a holy joy, I have found. But it encompasses so much more than just decor and good food, though those are important. The feminine genius is synonymous with “home”: cultivating care and comfort and creating a happy haven for souls. From incorporating Catholic elements such as a crucifix, a Marian statue, holy cards, and images of the Saints to making meals for family and friends, domestic life offers many opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Simple Joys are the Grandeur of Life I have been reading letters my paternal grandma wrote long ago, praying for her soul as I read about how much we have in common, including things so connected to all that is home: loving to bake and cook and enjoying the beauty of peonies and fall. Coffee always reminds me of my blessed chats with my maternal grandpa. So I sip and pray. These simple domestic joys have a special place in my heart. Blessed conversations mean so much, too, from discussing family history to sharing cherished memories of loved ones. The blessed things of home and hearth, in my view, are linked to the feminine genius and authentic femininity, and those we naturally care for, because of the One we serve as we serve our kin and neighbor alike. After all, “ … in the midst of our specific responsibilities in the here and now, we can find Christ” (Theology of Home II). Christ is Our Home As Catholic women, Christ is the center of our lives and our domestic dwellings. “Christ is already here among our homes and our souls” (Theology of Home). Christ is indeed the heart of home. The haven of home is a lovely concept—how we are nurtured and blessed in the confines within alongside those we love, with Jesus at the center. Love of Christ compels us to put that love into service of others. As Emily Malloy, food and floral design editor for Theology of Home, posted recently: “hospitality is also a charism and love in action.” Of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and Home Sweet memories of all things domestic are closer to my heart each year as Thanksgiving approaches and as the Church today celebrates the feast of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, a pious princess who lived in the 13th century. Saint Elizabeth of Hungary reminds me that the things of home and hearth are vital, with love as the foundation. Love … was the basis of her whole life. // The Greatest of These Is Love: The Life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Among her charitable endeavors, Saint Elizabeth brought bread to the poor daily, as illustrated in my favorite image of her, “The Charity of St. Elizabeth of Hungary” (1895). Feeding Body and Soul When I’m in my kitchen, I feel close to dear Saint Elizabeth. In fact, I received a special answer to prayer on her feast day a few years ago. Often when I am in the kitchen, I think of her and seek her intercession, contemplating how baking and charity are linked. So whether I am baking my paternal grandma’s banana bread (so good) or something pumpkin (bread and muffins are my preference) or making a tried-and-true creation, I focus on how feeding others extends to care for souls. As Thanksgiving approaches, this poignant quote about the holy witness of another dear Saint comes to mind, too—for it reflects the worthy witness of Saint Elizabeth: The more we live in an atmosphere of gratitude, the more open our hearts are, and the more God can lead us and visit us. Thérèse understood this thoroughly and tried to practice it all the time …” // The Way of Trust and Love: A Retreat Guide by St. Thérèse of Lisieux by Father Jacques Philippe Bread, Roses, and Sanctity The saints are such blessed company. Indeed, as Pope Benedict XVI reminded the faithful, “the saints are friends and models of life for us.” Did you know roses, such a beloved flower of love amid domestic life, connect Elizabeth and Thérèse? Once, when Elizabeth set off “secretly on an errand of mercy ... the bread she was trying to conceal was suddenly turned into roses.” Thérèse, of course, is known for sending down a shower of roses. Both holy women died at the young age of 24. But their loving legacy lives on in our hearts—and homes.   [bctt tweet="Saint Elizabeth of Hungary: Home and Hearth #BISblog //" via="no"]   Amy Smith is the associate editor of the National Catholic Register, a service of EWTN, and the author of The Plans God Has for You: Hopeful Lessons for Young Women. Amy spends her days drinking coffee while editing features; she likes to write about everything from hope and Saints (her favorites are Thérèse and Gianna) to Jane Austen. You can find out more about her here.   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Every year around around this time, I long to slow down, create space, quiet my heart, and find rest. Perhaps I am weary from the toll of this chaotic world. Perhaps I need to step back from the whirlwind of everyday life and realign my priorities. Perhaps my soul is ready to once again enter into the season of Advent—the season of prayer and penance, waiting and watching for the coming of Jesus. Advent is the perfect liturgical season for my longing. I wait for the light and warmth of Christ to illuminate the darkness of the world, which can weigh so heavily on my heart. For just as the dawn comes after the long, dark hours of night, Jesus comes to bring light and love, to dwell among us. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. // Luke 1:78-79 Perhaps you experience this longing, too? Advent Invites Us In Advent ushers in a new liturgical year, a new opportunity to return to the Lord. Advent invites us to encounter Christ in the simple manger in Bethlehem. It encourages us to recreate that manger scene in our own hearts, putting Christ at the center of our lives once again. But a Christ-centered Advent does not magically happen. Nor does slowing down and creating space. In order to truly experience the quiet, peaceful Advent that our hearts desire, we must be intentional. We must become still enough to set our gaze on the horizon and to wait and watch for the coming of Jesus. We need to remove anything that hinders our ability to remain in the quiet, especially as the holiday hype tempts us away from the real reason for the season.   6 Ways to Prepare for a Quiet Advent Now How do we experience Advent like we truly want to this year? Below are six ways to prepare for a quiet Advent season starting now: 1. Center on Christ The most necessary aspect of the Advent season is prayer. How do we want to pray this Advent? How do we want to grow in our worship of the newborn King? Do we want to: Use lectio divina to pray with the daily Gospel? Meditate more deeply on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary? Find one or two days during the week to attend Mass? Additionally, Found: An Advent Devotional is a beautiful way to help focus our prayer this season, as it is purely fixed on the coming of Jesus in the manger. Each week is focused on different groups that were invited to the manger in Bethlehem, and it reminds us that we are invited, too. 2. Stay Rooted in Tradition There are many rich liturgical traditions throughout the Advent season. One temptation can be to think we have to do them all. This can lead to overwhelm or busyness, and can distract us from our real desire for quiet and peace. May I suggest a simple plan? Set up an Advent Wreath to gather around for prayer. Pick two or three favorite feast days to celebrate. Consider only what is most meaningful to you personally or as a family. 3. Tackle To-Dos Often, we do not begin our Christmas to-dos until the Advent season. This creates unnecessary tension in our hearts, because our desire for quiet is confronted with a busy to-do list that seems impossible to complete in such a short amount of time. This year, let’s try something new. From now until the first Sunday of Advent, let’s work on accomplishing some (if not most) of our Christmas to-dos: Order Christmas cards Update address list Buy stamps and wrapping paper Make and freeze cookie dough Finish Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving 4. Steward the Schedule During Advent, there are many events vying for our attention: choir concerts, pageants, ugly sweater parties, and family obligations. If we say yes to it all, our schedule will not correspond with our heart’s desire for peace and quiet this Advent. So let’s consider a few helpful reminders when stewarding our Advent schedule: We don’t have to do it all. Focus on what is necessary; not what feels impossible. Do what will support our decision to have a quiet, prayerful Advent. Create space for wonder, awe, coziness, and togetherness. 5. Simplify Decor If we desire for all to be calm in our souls and in our schedules this Advent, we need that same quiet, restful, prayerful theme to be reflected in our living spaces. So, keep Christmas decor simple this year. Prominently display a Nativity scene. Wait to decorate the Christmas tree until Gaudete Sunday. Avoid too many Christmas tchotchkes, which can clutter our spaces, minds, and hearts. Incorporate seasonal touches (that can remain throughout winter) such as: Cozy blankets and throw pillows Quiet instrumental or sacred music Candles Cinnamon, orange, and clove scents 6. Practice Penance The penitential aspect of Advent has been somewhat forgotten, but a few liturgical customs remain that hint at the anticipatory penitence of Advent. For one, the color violet symbolizes penance and preparation. In addition, the Gloria is not sung at Mass during Advent. As in Lent, we consider Advent a season of preparation before a great feast, and this may include fasting. As we create a quiet Advent, incorporating some penance into the season supports the quiet simplicity we desire. Here are a few ways to embrace the penitential this Advent: Go to Confession once or twice before Christmas. Fast from social media. Abstain from Christmas cookies, peppermint mochas, and other treats. Look into abiding by the Ember Days of Advent. Be Present to the Advent Moment As we look ahead to Advent, let us acknowledge our longing to slow down, create space, quiet the heart, and find rest in Christ. Let us lean into Jesus’ invitation to pray and prepare, to wait and watch. Together, let’s prepare now for a quiet Advent so we can truly enter into the season of joyful anticipation for Christ’s coming this Christmas.   [bctt tweet="6 Ways to Prepare a Quiet Advent NOW #BISblog // " via="no"] HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY

In just a few short days, the Catholic Church will enter into a holy trifecta of days: All Hallows' Eve (October 31) All Saints' Day (November 1) All Souls' Day (November 2) All Saints' Day and All Souls 'Day are the obvious holy days. But what about All Hallows' Eve (or Halloween)? How does it fit into this trifecta? The Communion of Saints It helps to consider that, together, these three consecutive days illustrate the full Communion of Saints: the Church Triumphant, Suffering, and Militant. We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church … // Catechism of the Catholic Church 962 Each day within this upcoming trifecta of holy days emphasizes this reality. All Hallows' Eve This day looks to the Church Militant, those faithful Catholics living on earth and striving for Heaven. We have a unique role to play in the spiritual battle against sin and evil in the world. All Saints' Day The Solemnity of All Saints' celebrates the Church Triumphant, the saints (canonized and uncanonized) in Heaven. They fought the earthly battle against “the world, the flesh, and the devil,” and with God’s grace, they won. The Church celebrates all its holy ones on a feast with the rank of ‘solemnity’ and rightfully so. These after all, are the heroes and heroines of humanity. // Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.   All Souls' Day On All Souls' Day and throughout the month of November, we remember the Church Suffering. We pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, that they may enter Heaven soon. Collectively, this trifecta of fall holy days offers us a meditation on life, death, and resurrection. And this also invites us to embrace our Catholic heritage by incorporating tradition, prayer, and observance into our daily rhythm of liturgical living. Autumn Holy Days Invite Contemplation Halloween, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day arrive at the perfect time of year. They correlate beautifully with the autumn season, when nature grows barren, withers, and dies. The very landscape outside our windows inspires meditation. We remember that our earthly life is temporary, and we ponder where we want to be eternally. This concept of memento mori (or remembering your death) has a long tradition in Catholicism. The Saints encourage the importance of meditating on the unavoidable reality of death so we may live better on earth. In a homily dating back to the 1600s, Fr. Nathaniel Bacon encourages the Faithful to “examine what would become of you, were you to die this very day.” This contemplation is not meant to be morbid. Rather, it is to renew our passion for truly living the life of the Church Militant, so one day we may be among the Church Triumphant. Embracing Our Catholic Heritage Our meditation on life and death leads us to truly living out these liturgical days through tradition, prayer, and observance. With authentic joy, we embrace our Catholic heritage and the meaningful depth it brings to our lives. All Hallows' Eve (Halloween) The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. // Wisdom 3:1 Tradition Halloween comes from the English, where saints and holy people are called “hallowed.” In the Our Father, we pray, “hallowed be Thy name,” which proclaims God’s name as holy. While All Hallows' Eve is not on the liturgical calendar, it is the vigil of All Saints' Day, and vigil days are often reserved for fasting and preparation. Prayer Because the demonic is an aspect of secular Halloween, it is important to acknowledge the sinful and evil reality of this world. As the Church Militant, we are called to fight in the battle against evil, sin, and anything that does not proclaim Christ as King. Halloween is a good day to begin incorporating the Prayer to St. Michael into our prayer routine. This can easily be added to the end of the Rosary, at bedtime, or at any time you need this holy warrior’s intercession. Observance Begin with prayer, asking the Lord to keep this day hallowed. Carve and light jack-o-lanterns to remember that we are children of light, not darkness (Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5). Encourage children to dress up as Saints or something in God’s creation when they go trick-or-treating. Host a bonfire; serve s’mores and hot apple cider. All Saints' Day Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. // Matthew 5:8-9 Tradition All Saints' Day dates back to 609, as the Feast of All Martyrs, originally observed on May 13. In 840, the feast changed to All Saints', and in 844, Pope Gregory IV transferred the feast to November 1. All Saints' Day became a Holy Day of Obligation in 1484. Prayer The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the main prayer on the Solemnity of All Saints. In addition, there are additional ways to weave prayer into this day: Create and pray a personal (or family) litany of Saints. Sing (or listen to) traditional hymns, such as Holy God, We Praise Thy Name and For All the Saints. Observance Read excerpts from the lives of your favorite Saints. Bake a special dessert. Give your children (or friends) medals of their patron Saints. Have them blessed by a priest beforehand. All Souls' Day “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.” // 2 Maccabees 12:46 Tradition The Catholic Church acknowledges the importance of praying for the dead. It is recommended in Scripture and is mainly expressed in the offering of Mass for the repose of souls. We believe that when they enter Heaven, they will remember those who prayed for them and in turn pray for us. Prayer The primary prayer of All Souls' Day is Mass on behalf of the faithful departed. In addition, we can gain indulgences for the Poor Souls in Purgatory each day from November 1-8 by visiting a cemetery. Another beautiful prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory is the Eternal Rest prayer. This prayer also gains a partial indulgence and can be prayed throughout the year, especially at the end of the Rosary or family meals. Observance Visit the grave sites of deceased loved ones. Bring gardening supplies to spruce up the area around the grave. Bring flowers. Send a card of sympathy and encouragement to someone in mourning. The autumn trifecta of holy days—All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day—invites us to bring our faith into the world, and to be counter cultural, the salt and light Jesus calls us to be (Matthew 5:13-16). These days not only bring us deeper into Catholic tradition, they also draw us into meditation and prayer. How do you celebrate this trifecta of holy days?   [bctt tweet="The Coming Holy Days #BISblog //" via="no"] HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY

Many days in the liturgical calendar are rich with traditions. From having your pets blessed on Saint Francis of Assisi’s feast day to dressing up your oldest daughter for the feast of Saint Lucy, some liturgical living traditions date back centuries. But how to celebrate a more recent Saint—as recent, even, as our own lifetimes? The Legacy of Saint John Paul II October 22nd marks the feast day of Saint John Paul II, the beloved Pope from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was canonized less than a decade ago, in 2014. While many millennials remember at least glimpses of his papacy, his legacy only reverberated in the years that followed. His teachings on the theology of the body, the dignity of the human person, the feminine genius, and so much more have resonated deeply in the hearts of a generation that has, all too often, felt lost in our rapidly-changing world. Saint John Paul II saw us, knew us, and loved us. During his lifetime (and beyond, through his extensive writing and preaching), he pointed us to the Truth and adventure to be found in a life with Christ. Ways to Celebrate the Feast of Saint John Paul II I am a firm believer that the most profound and meaningful way to celebrate any feast day is to attend Mass, joining the Communion of Saints at the Eucharistic table. If you are unable to attend Mass, simply ask the Saint for his special intercession that day. Opting for an additional celebration outside of our normal routines, however, can be a powerful signifier—both in our own hearts and to our families—that this day is special and set apart. My husband and I named Saint John Paul II the patron Saint of our family when we were engaged. We have a deep desire to share his legacy with our children, and in these five-and-under little years, sometimes, the best way to start that conversation is with dessert! Below, find a few ideas for celebrating the feast of Saint John Paul II in unique ways. Celebrating Through Reflection Saint John Paul II left us with an astounding 11 books, 14 encyclicals, 15 apostolic exhortations, 11 apostolic constitutions, and 45 apostolic letters. That is in addition to the transcripts of the countless general audiences, lectures, and homilies he delivered during his 27-year papacy, his poetry, and his plays. On his feast day, pick up one of his writings that has been on your list, or browse his extensive work for a topic that captures your attention. Carve out some time during the day to cozy up with a favorite fall beverage, a journal, and your reading of choice. Take in his incredible wisdom, slowly and thoughtfully. Celebrating Through Beauty I find so much joy in curating beautiful, meaningful pieces for my home and my dinner table, especially to celebrate special days. I created a tablescape full of inspiration for celebrating Saint John Paul II here and would love to share a few of my favorite details. Whether you include just one on your own table or go all-out, I hope these ideas spark your own sense of creativity for creating visual representations of this feast day. Polish pottery A perfect nod to Saint John Paul II’s Polish nationality, Polish pottery comes in countless beautiful patterns and colorways to pop off of any tablescape. It originates in Southwestern Poland, just a few hours from where Saint John Paul II grew up. Find a fabulous selection on websites like Blue Rose Pottery or Polish Pottery Outlet, browse Etsy, or keep an eye on the china sections of your local HomeGoods (I have found gems there a handful of times!). White roses Did you know there is a Pope John Paul II rose? This fragrant, pure white hybrid tea rose is even part of the White House Rose Garden. While I love this idea of planting this exact rose variety in honor of Saint John Paul II, a simple bouquet of white roses from Trader Joe’s is an easy substitute for those of us who are less gardening-inclined. Wood details An avid hiker and skier from an early age, Saint John Paul II welcomed any opportunity to enjoy God’s creation in the mountains or woods throughout his life. Wooden details from chargers, to vases, to artfully arranged cutting boards evoke the idea of the outdoors and his favorite hobbies. White candles As an easy nod to the papacy, incorporate white candles into your tablescape to represent the white smoke released from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel when a new pope is chosen. Revisit this simple detail for any former pope’s feast day. Celebrating Through Community Saint John Paul II loved people. Over the course of his papacy, a half-billion people saw him in person through the 775,000 miles he traveled collectively. From the busiest cities to the smallest villages, he traversed the globe many times to spread the Gospel. Accounts of one-on-one interactions with him recall that he paid attention to individual people as if they were the only ones in the world, offering them his full attention at any given moment. In 1985, he founded World Youth Day, an opportunity for young Catholics from all over the world to gather in community and be called on in holiness. Especially after the last year-and-a-half, celebrating in community feels all the more significant and important. In honor of Saint John Paul II, consider inviting others to join you for one (or more) of the following: Attend Mass or Adoration together Go on a Rosary walk Do a reading of Saint John Paul II’s poems Host a Polish dinner If you live near a pilgrimage site, make a visit together Saint John Paul II, we love you! Pray for us! Read more about Saint John Paul II on the Blessed is She blog: What is the Feminine Genius? The Dignity of Human Work Finding Joy   [bctt tweet="Ways to Celebrate the Feast of John Paul II #BISblog //" via="no"]

It was just a few weeks into my pregnancy and my nervous self was concerned that I hadn’t yet started feeling pregnancy nausea. “How many weeks along was I when I first started feeling sick with my first?” I pondered and calculated. Just in time for my unhelpful and escalating worries, I received a relic of Saint Gerard from my mother-in-law. A relic she requested all the way from off the coast of Scotland by contacting the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer or “Transalpine Redemptorists.” These monks live on Golgotha Monastery Island and have a devotion to the Italian Saint Gerard. They send their prayers along to anyone who asks, along with a relic of Saint Gerard. Their website reads, “In this age, when the sanctity of life is attacked on all fronts, it is a privilege for the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer to provide the relic of Saint Gerard for any mother who requests one, or for whom one is requested.” The relics that they send are each touched to a First Class relic of Saint Gerard and made into a gold ribbon belt with a sewn on image of Our Mother of Perpetual Succour. The relic is also sent along with the prayers of these holy monks. Here is the story behind it. Patron of Expectant Mothers + Those Hoping to Conceive Born in April of 1726, Gerard is popular today in particular for his patronage over expectant mothers and those trying to conceive. His patronage may be due in part to his own poor health as an infant which persisted throughout his life. In fact, when he was older, two religious orders turned him away, claiming he was not strong enough. In time, he was accepted as a brother in the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as The Redemptorists. A congregation founded just years earlier by Saint Alphonsus Liguori (patron of arthritis sufferers). Gerard was known for his long hours of praying before the Blessed Sacrament. This made him a welcome companion to his brother monks who often invited him to join them when they made house calls to the sick. One evening, as Gerard was heading home after spending some time with his friends, a young girl ran out of the house because he had left his handkerchief inside. He replied to her by simply saying, “Keep it. It will be useful to you someday.” Years after this incident, as the girl grew into a young woman, she kept this handkerchief in safe-keeping. A relic which provided her a miracle as she was delivering her first child. During labor, both her and her unborn baby were in grave danger of death. It was then that she recalled the gift from Gerard and asked that the handkerchief be given to her. After placing the fabric upon her body, the danger miraculously disappeared and she gave birth to a healthy baby. Miracles of Saint Gerard After this first miracle, the devotion to Saint Gerard couldn’t help but be promoted in his small Italian town. Eventually the handkerchief was passed on from mother to niece, and then on throughout the generations. Generously, pieces of the cloth were cut and distributed to be shared with other mothers in the area. It was not only mothers who popularized this devotion, but also the Founder of the Redemptorists himself after Saint Gerard died from tuberculosis at the age of twenty-nine. After his death Saint Alphonsus began distributing his portraits and relics, encouraging his fellow Redemptorists to do the same. When his tomb was opened up just over one-hundred years later, a sweet, fragrant oil could be seen pouring out of his bones. Later that year two doctors and Ecclesiastical Authorities were called in to both witness and research this miracle. They then dried the bones and put them in a white-silk lined box. Just a few hours later they opened the box, finding again, the same fragrant oil pouring out from Gerard’s relics and atop the white silk. This miracle continued, spreading to other monasteries where his relics were being kept. A Community of Saints If you are looking for more Saints to intercede for you in your own fertility and motherhood, check out this amazing list that comes along with a downloadable litany. And don’t forget your Blessed Mother! The month of October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. She is just waiting to pray with you and for you! Who is your go-to Saint when it comes to pregnancy and motherhood?   [bctt tweet="Saint Gerard // Relics and Redemptorists #BISblog //" via="no"]

  If you’re like me, you may tend to keep the Rosary at a comfortable distance. For example, I have one inside my night stand, one inside the center console of my car, and one in my diaper bag. It’s always there if I want it. What I don’t do consistently is make the actual praying-of-the-Rosary a priority. Of course, a daily Rosary is not a requirement, it is a devotion. Yet every year, when the month of October rolls around (a month dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary), I am convicted that I need to again redouble my efforts and accept the invitation to intercede alongside my Blessed Mother. And here’s why. Devotion of the Rosary In Pope Leo XIII’s 1883 encyclical letter Supremi Apostolatus Officio, on the Devotion of the Rosary, he writes how it is a Catholic habit to run to Mary when in need. After all: it is her greatest pleasure to grant her help and comfort to those who seek her, it cannot be doubted that she would deign, and even be anxious, to receive the aspirations of the universal church. Thus, Pope Leo decreed the month of October to be consecrated to Our Lady of the Rosary, a month which also includes the Feast Of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7th. So what is the history of this devotion in the Church, and why did Leo see to it that there was an entire month dedicated to this prayer? The Battle of Lepanto The origin of this feast day comes, believe it or not, from a 16th century battle in Italy. Pope Pius V had formed a Holy (or Catholic) League which included a number of Catholic states in Italy as well as Spain. At the time, the Turks of the Ottoman Empire were attempting to dominate all of Europe. On their way they killed millions of people while also imposing their Islamic religion upon anyone who survived. In order to protect Italy from invasion, The Holy League entered into battle with the Turks on October 7th of 1571. A battle taking place just East of Italy on one of the gulf shores in Greece. In anticipation of this fight, Pope Pius V had the churches of Rome opened both day and night, urging Catholics to pray the Rosary and ask the Blessed Mother to intercede. Despite being small in number compared to the Ottomans, they did have the advantage of not only more firepower, but also of much more powerful prayer. Just what they needed to achieve victory over the Turks, in what is known as the Battle of Lepanto. When the Pope heard of the Holy League’s victory he declared October 7th as the feast of Our Lady of Victory, later renamed by Pope Gregory XIII who changed it to the feast of the Holy Rosary.   Entering Into the Mystery If you do desire to commit to this prayer more regularly just ask the Blessed Mother to inspire you! We have a helpful step-by-step guide on How to Pray the Rosary and a study specifically on this Marian prayer: Mystery. The study is intended to run for five months with a focus on each of the mysteries of the Rosary: Sorrowful, Glorious, Luminous, and Joyful. Each of the four mysteries is studied over the course of five chapters, making it a total of twenty chapters and includes a reflection, as well as questions for reflection and discussion. W hat’s great about this study is that it can be done with just you and another girlfriend, or a huge group from your parish or community! And bonus, there is an Imprimatur from Bishop Thomas Olmsted with the Diocese of Phoenix! In the words of Bishop Olmsted, “When we pray the Rosary and spend time in the presence of Jesus and Mary, we grow in freedom from selfishness and become freer”. What is your favorite Marian prayer?   Join us over in our app for a live weekday Rosary at 11am ET!  Our new Blessed Is She Rosaries have arrived! Get yours here!  [bctt tweet="Our Lady's Greatest Pleasure #BISblog //" via="no"]

In Catholic circles, the word "discernment" is often thrown around. And with good reason. Making decisions prayerfully and intentionally is one of the best ways we can honor God by our actions. And it remains one of the trickiest processes to define. What is discernment? How do I know if I’m making a discerning choice? Can I discern more than just my vocation? Must I? How do I discern major decisions with someone else? Discernment Begins with Trust Too often, I find that people with the best of intentions go about the work of discerning as though their lives depend on it (and it can absolutely feel that way!). However, I would encourage us to remember that it is the God of the universe with Whom we make decisions. To imagine that God can only work with the most agreeable and convenient of circumstances is to disregard the very nature of Whom God has consistently shown us to be throughout human history. For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—says the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. // Jeremiah 29:11 Thank God the Spirit isn’t limited by our imperfect understanding or lack of cooperation! How to Navigate Discernment as a Team I will not claim to have any particular expertise on the matter of discernment. But I have worked with spiritual directors for years, been married for more than a decade, moved cross-country (twice), and have spent years working with young adults trying to decide what’s next. I have learned over and again five consistent tools that make the process of discerning God’s will in my own life feel more tangible. Adding another person/group to the process certainly requires more conversation, but can look much the same. These are important questions and points to consider in discernment as a team. 1. Identify what is at stake. What is prompting the question at this time? This could mean anything, including: loss of income, desire to more faithfully follow God, dissatisfaction with current circumstances, invitation to something more exciting, and so on. Next, identify the risks of following through (or not). 2. Take these risks to prayer. Sometimes our desire not to change can pose as great a risk to our well-being as a giant leap of faith! Tell Jesus about your motivations, excitement, anxiety, and circumstances that have prompted you to come to this metaphorical crossroads. This can be done in a journal, in Adoration, or in your pajamas before bed. The essential piece is naming the desires of your heart before the Lord and being attentive to the response you receive. Very often you will experience peace and consolation, or the awareness of desolation at which point you will understand that “no” or “not yet” is the response to the change proposed. 3. Mention your plans to those who know you best. Obviously, if you are making a major life decision, you are going to include your significant other/fiancé/spouse/family. Beyond the basic details, mention your hopes, questions, and the deepest desires of your heart to your best friend, a parent, sibling, or spiritual director. Their response to our efforts can be especially enlightening. Are they delighted by your idea? Inspired and encouraging to proceed? Or are they confused, concerned, or discouraging of your venture? At the end of the day, they alone do not get final say in the decision (although their role in your life will carry varying weight of opinion and influence). But their read on who and how we are in the world, not to mention their desire for our well-being, is generally spot on. We are wise to pay attention. 4. Sit with it both ways. Allow yourself some time to sit with both outcomes. For a day or a week, allow yourself the idea of taking the job—how does that feel? For another day or a week, allow yourself the idea of not taking the job. How do you feel about that decision? Ask yourself which scenario brings greater peace. In discernment as a team, invite the other into this practice. 5. Compare notes. Lastly, come back to a place of honest conversation with one another. What are the gifts/challenges you foresee in either outcome? What consolation/desolation did you experience in prayer? What input did those closest to you have to offer? Finally, consider what is being asked of you personally. Courage? Patience? Trust? Compromise? Self-control? Prudence? Self-care? Moving forward Whether at this point you know with certainty, or whether moving forward with a decision at this point feels like an act of faith, you can trust that you have prayerfully and intentionally weighed your options and are capable of making a decision. “God draws straight with crooked lines,” is a phrase I re-visit often when I put mounting pressure on the outcome of a decision that I am ultimately putting in God’s hands. Trust in God’s goodness and regular practice of working "for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). Let's close, then, with a prayer for times of discernment: My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. // Thomas Merton   [bctt tweet="Discernment as a Team #BISblog //" via="no"]

October brims with the anticipation of all that fall brings. Nature begins to point us towards a slower shift in our routine as the leaves change colors, we change out our summer wardrobe for warmer clothes, and we prepare for a new season that will lead us to a new liturgical year. October is filled with wonderful Feast Days but it is also the month of the Rosary. Our Catholic Faith is full of traditions that give us an invitation to go deeper in the ways we live out our prayer filled lives. It is fitting that we have a whole month dedicated to praying and asking Our Blessed Mother to intercede for us before we dive into the busy-ness that November and December can bring. Ways to Honor Our Lady of the Rosary in October If it's been a while since you prayed the Rosary or found joy in praying it, we hope these liturgical ideas will spur some excitement in praying the Rosary with your family and friends. Outside with Mama Mary Enjoy the cooler temperatures without breaking a sweat and bring your Rosary along with you. You can pray as you go for an evening walk with your Rosary in one hand and your water bottle in the other. Kids love to be involved in the Rosary as well. Assign an older child the task of keeping track of the decades. The count does not have to be perfect—saying a few extra Hail Marys is always a good thing! Garden Flowers If you are in a creative mood, cut some flowers and place them in a vase for Our Blessed Mother before you pray the Rosary as a family. Make the month of October a time for your household to honor the Blessed Mother by your flower offering. It doesn’t matter what kind of flowers you have. Just like mothers delight when their children give them flowers off the sidewalk, our Blessed Mother is sure to love the gesture as well. Rosary Walk Find a Rosary garden at a nearby parish. Some parishes have gardens in the shape of a Rosary. Take time out of your day to change scenery by praying a decade or welcome others to pray the whole Rosary with you. Getting out of the house and onto church grounds can help support you in your intention of praying the Rosary. Outdoor Rosary Collect sticks, rocks, and leaves to create your own Rosary outside. Invite Godparents, grandparents, or friends to pray an outdoor Rosary with you. If it’s not a fire hazard, use votive candles as the Our Father beads. An evening Rosary will allow you to enjoy the sunset, candlelight, and cooler outdoor temperatures to pray together. If you have access to a fire pit, make s'mores to end the prayerful evening. Hike Go on a hike and take your beads with you. Experience the beauty of the world while praying the Rosary. Find a shaded spot to say the Hail Holy Queen and set up a picnic to refuel from the hike. Let your body rest and receive from the scenic view that surrounds you. Art Paint a picture that represents Our Blessed Mother. Do you know a friend who is an artist? Grab the necessary supplies and have him/her lead you in a painting of the Immaculate Heart of Mary or a flower that represents Our Blessed Mother. This can be done via Zoom or in-person. Some paint businesses offer the option to paint something besides the paintings that are normally available. Send them the painting you have in mind and see if you can turn it into a BIS night out! Scroll to the plant section of this blog post to give you some flower inspiration! Draw There are so many benefits to drawing and you do not have to be a kid to partake. Draw our Blessed Mother a picture or find one on the Internet to print out and color alongside your children, friends, or family while you pray the Rosary. On the Go Pray the Rosary on the road. Keep a prayer card of Our Blessed Mother with you in the car. When you are dropping off the kids to school, going to the grocery store, Church, the gas station, or the gym, pray a decade from when you leave until you arrive at your destination. Pick up where you left off on the drive to your next errand. By the end of the day you have done a whole Rosary without evening knowing it! Sing Sing hymns to Our Blessed Mother. You don’t have to be a singer to lift up your prayers! Singing is a great way to lift up our hearts and honor Our Blessed Mother. Sing along to these ten Marian hymns. Or listen to the Salve Regina in Gregorian chant as a way to quiet your heart and mind before praying the Rosary. The Ave Maria in Latin is another beautiful song that can accompany the ending of a Rosary as well. Extra Rosaries Do you have too many Rosaries in your house? Give them away to a friend who does not have one. It is easy to assume that every Catholic household is inundated with Rosaries, but reach out to your inner circle and see if anyone needs one or two. The gift of giving someone a Rosary is a grace to the recipient and to you as well. Food It's not a month of liturgical activities without food! Invite your extended family over for a meal and decorate the table with accents that represent Our Blessed Mother. Place a statue of Our Lady at the center of the table and take turns sharing all the ways Our Blessed Mother has interceded for your intentions in your family. Invite grandparents to share their fondness of the Blessed Mother as well. End the evening with a Rosary in thanksgiving for the lovely meal and opportunity to gather together. Learn about a Different Title of Our Blessed Mother Our Blessed Mother has so many titles. Do you know them all? I certainly don’t! This is a good time to research a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary that you aren’t familiar with and share your knowledge with your family. Godparents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles can benefit from what you learn as well. Maybe there is an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary that has always intrigued you but you have never researched. Include your children and Godchildren and have fun creating a mini-presentation on the chosen title of Our Blessed Mother. Gather with family and share your findings. Make Rosaries Make Rosaries at your local parish and learn how to make them! Join your parish Rosary makers group to learn how to make Rosaries. We don’t always need an exclusive invitation to ministry life if there is something that piques our interest. Learn the Rosary in Latin or another Language Do you have a love for learning different languages? YouTube offers the Rosary in several languages. Maybe you feel most drawn to pray the Rosary in Latin or Spanish. Regardless what language you say it in, Our Blessed Mother hears us and learning a new language offers us an opportunity to lift up our voices in the diversity that makes up the Catholic Church. Consecration Renew your consecration to Our Blessed mother or find out more about it here as well as other books about Mary. Growing in Your Love for Mary and the Rosary There are a variety of ways to incorporate praying the Rosary throughout the month of October. We can use any of these practices long after October and include them in our family life as we see fit. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!   [bctt tweet="Ways to Honor Our Lady in October #BISblog //" via="no"]