It was a beautiful day in May. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and all the flowers and trees were bursting with the beauty of spring. Upstairs in my daughter’s bedroom, a white dress and sweet little veil hung at the ready. It was the day of my oldest daughter’s First Holy Communion! Mass was to be at 5:30 that evening with a little party for friends and family earlier in the afternoon. Everything was perfect! Except one little thing. Our little communicant had a nasty cold. Our poor girl had a low fever, some watery eyes, and serious sneezes. When we told her that her party was going to be cancelled, she understood. We’d still celebrate her big day with cake and presents and lots of prayers and good wishes. We just couldn’t expose our friends to whatever germs she had. A Day She Wouldn't Miss But when it came to whether or not she would wear her godmother’s dress and finally, finally be able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, she simply wouldn’t hear of missing out. “Just give me some Tylenol, Mommy. I’ll take a nap before we go to church. I will be fine, I promise!” And she was! When it came time to leave for Mass, she had not even a touch of fever and more energy than she’d had for days. It made me realize, not just how much she wanted to be with Jesus, but how much He wanted to be with her, as well. What a gift that was to us as her parents and to her! And as for the gifts she would have received at her party? Well, our sweet family and friends showered her with them whenever they saw her over the next week or so. It was a lovely way to continue to celebrate her blessed day. First Communion Gift Ideas It’s such a marvelous day in any family’s life when a child makes their First Holy Communion. What grace we obtain when we see the faith and foundation of our Church pass on to the next generation! Oftentimes, we like to give presents or mementos. But sometimes, it can be difficult to find just the right gift to commemorate the occasion. In addition to the prayers you will certainly be offering, maybe you can find something on our specially curated gift list here to help! Gifts for Boys Little boys can be tough on Rosaries, but Rugged Rosaries makes theirs out of paracord and they’re nearly indestructible. Rough and tumble Rosaries for your rough and tumble boy! This St. Michael Rosary box serves double duty as it holds your guy’s new Rosary and looks really cool sitting on his dresser. This olive wood jewelry box and wooden Rosary by Bethlehem Gifts also provides a special Rosary for your loved one’s day. The olive wood is from carved from trees in Bethlehem in the Holy Land. For the little man who is a snappy dresser, this silver chalice tie/lapel pin is a must. Gifts for Girls First Communion is often a time when little girls get their first piece of “real” jewelry. A necklace or earrings in the shape of a cross are always lovely. If you want a legacy gift, consider the gorgeous vintage medals and necklaces from Trésor Bleu. Your favorite First Communicant could wear the necklace for First Communion, Confirmation, and even on her wedding day (if you select a blue medal, it could be her something-blue!). For a girl who loves to craft, check out these stamps and stickers she could use in her journal or Bible! Marzipantz and Marekmade are both make beautiful dolls of Our Lady and various Saints. Take a look early, though, because these are often custom-made items! These beautiful prayer cards of the Visitation would be perfect for entering into prayer time as a young lady! The Blessed is She Scripture lined notebooks are great for prayer journaling, list making, note-taking, or even writing letters! Gifts for Both Rise Up, in additional to the Rise Up Saint and Scripture cards, are ideal for your First Communicant! We also offer these little stickers, perfect for water bottles and folders! Printable Prayers offers a customizable First Holy Communion keepsake/invitation for your loved one’s special day and memory book. Someday Saints Design has these beautiful Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart gold foil prints. Perfect for framing and hanging in your home or for gifting! The Little Book of Prayers is a beautiful compilation of prayers of the Church and is a wonderful book as they continue their faith journey! Arma Dei offers this Holy Communion: Sacraments with the Saints craft kit with writing prompts and fill-in-the-blank spaces for the child to record what they experienced and learned on their holy day. Catholic Curio’s engraved pencils are a useful reminder to always keep their faith close at hand. Just Love Prints can personalize these great host and chalice or lamb prints as a special remembrance. And for some hands-on fun, you can’t go wrong with Fr. Leopold celebrating the Mass with LEGO! However you celebrate your First Communicant’s special day, know that we as a community are holding them and their growing faith in our prayers! [bctt tweet="First Communion Gift Guide #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Recently, my husband and I meandered into a Catholic shop we had never been to before. We slowly made our way through the aisles taking inventory of what was offered. I was in the back corner of the shop when I came upon a statue of a man peacefully sleeping on his side, his haloed head on a pillow. He wore a green tunic that enfolded his reclining body. His top arm rested on his side, his bottom arm was bent and cradled by the pillow, and his bare feet were laid out beneath him. Next to the statue was a flyer with a short explanation titled, “Pope Francis’ message about the devotion to sleeping St. Joseph.” The Goodness of St. Joseph St. Joseph came into my life almost two decades ago. I felt drawn to his faithfulness, obedience, and protection of Jesus and Mary. I also was drawn to his silence and the influence of his example. So I began turning to him in prayer. Since then, St. Joseph has interceded for me, guided me, and protected me. My husband and I pray novenas to him every year, and the results have born fruit through job opportunities, wisdom in parenting, and even the opportunity to purchase our current home (though we’ve never buried his statue anywhere). As a sign of gratitude for his patronage, we named our youngest daughter after him—Josephine. A New Image of St. Joseph This image of the sleeping St. Joseph was new to me, but I was intrigued. The flyer next to the display shelf explained that Pope Francis keeps an image of sleeping St. Joseph in his desk. When he has a problem, he writes it down and places it under the image, and he knows St. Joseph is working it out in his dreams. The first thing I thought after reading the explanation was, “That’s adorable.” I loved the idea immediately. However, as I’ve reflected on this devotion, I have realized that there are powerful connotations to the image of St. Joseph sleeping. The Power of the Sleeping St. Joseph The Lord spoke to Joseph three times through dreams. First, when Joseph had decided to quietly divorce Mary after learning of her pregnancy—itself a merciful decision that defied custom—an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She is to bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. -Matthew 1:20-21   The scripture emphasizes, “When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home” (Matthew 1:24). Two more times “the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.” Once, when God told Joseph to flee to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from Herod (Matthew 2:13-14). Another time was when the Lord called Joseph to bring Jesus back to the land of Israel (Matthew 2:19-21). Immediately after God spoke to Joseph, he responded exactly as he was told. St. Joseph Teaches Us to Rest One thing I have often overlooked is the fact that the Lord spoke to Joseph when he was in a state of complete rest. This realization struck me particularly hard because this year the “word of the year” I received from Jen Fulwiler’s word generator was rest. The past few years of my life have been rife with intense undertakings. I also struggle with insomnia, so the word "rest" has both physical and spiritual implications for me. Once again, St. Joseph is nurturing me, teaching me, and giving me a silent example of the disposition to assume before the Lord. When Joseph was faced with the dilemma of an inexplicably pregnant wife, we can assume he worked out the solution of a quiet divorce with great care and discernment, for Scripture reveals that he “was a righteous man” (Matthew 1:19). Yet God penetrated Joseph in a vulnerable moment, in a period of rest, to show him another way. No matter how carefully Joseph strove to find a solution while he was awake and alert, God revealed to him the wonderful plan of salvation while he was resting. Sleep Implies Trust Not only was Joseph able to receive God’s astonishing plan, but he received God’s plan through the precarious means of a dream. He trusted the message, and he trusted the means in which God gave him direction. Joseph’s trust indicates his strong faith and his deep intimacy with the Lord. Joseph knew it was the Lord speaking to him. He was familiar with God’s voice in his life, which means he must have had a deep, consistent prayer life. It’s not enough to just rest, either spiritually or physically. We must know who we are resting with, or rather who we are resting in. While I’ve never received a message from the Lord in a dream, when I do sense God speaking to me, I often wonder if I am just imagining things. Or I question whether the prompting is true. I doubt the Spirit and hesitate to act. Yet Joseph awoke assured, ready to respond. He showed a holy animation, inspired and generated during a period of rest, that only comes from deep communion with God. Intimacy with God For me, the sleeping St. Joseph image is a model of the trusting, familial, vulnerable attitude I am called to have before the Lord. My prayer, under the tutelage of St. Joseph, is that I can develop a deep intimacy with God along with the ability to rest, so that when God speaks to me in my rest, I can trust His word and readily respond. I pray to follow Joseph’s example upon awakening, allowing the Spirit to animate me into holy action that realizes God’s divine plan in my life. St. Joseph, pray for us. Want to learn more about Saint Joseph, patron of the Universal Church? Check out this incredible video series with our own Beth Davis!   [bctt tweet="Resting with Sleeping St. Joseph #BISblog //" via="no"]   Jacqueline Hollcraft lives in central California with her husband and seven vibrant children. She is a lecturer in the English department at Stanislaus State, and she is an editor and contributor for The Daughters of Mary Blog. In her free time, she enjoys serving with her husband in their parish’s hospital ministry, hiking (especially in Yosemite), drinking craft beer, and reading or watching murder mysteries.

Who is this man we celebrate today? In the 4th century, Maewyn Succat was born in Britain to a family with Roman citizenship. At just sixteen years old, he was captured by Irish raiders during a raid on his family's estate. He endured six years of captivity in Ireland before managing to escape and return to his native land. When this boy grew up and became a priest, he took the name "Patrick," which had the Latin root "pater,” meaning "father.”. After years of studying the faith, he was ordained a deacon in 418 and a bishop in 432. It was then that he felt it was his mission to return to the place of his captivity in order to share the gospel. The years he spent in slavery there had provided him with an understanding of Irish culture, which helped him communicate the faith in a very relatable way. For example, he used the symbol of the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. He died about thirty years after his return to Ireland. At the time of his death, he had converted almost the entire island to Christianity, increasing the number of churches, monasteries, and Christian schools. In 2011, the Irish bishop’s conference remembered him as a “pioneer in an inhospitable climate”. The St. Patrick’s Day Tradition Irish immigrants to America brought their Irish tradition of celebrating St. Patrick’s feast day with the first recorded parade, not taking place in Ireland but New York City in 1762. With the increase of immigrants in the 19th century, this celebration became popular. Today, it brings in about two million observers, and that doesn’t include the one-hundred and fifty thousand parade participants! History of the Parade This celebration, honoring both Ireland and the patron saint of the Archdiocese of New York, was organized by Irish expatriates and Irish soldiers stationed in the New York colonies while serving in the British army. Fun fact: this parade took place fourteen years earlier than the signing of the Declaration of Independence! At the time when the parade began, the wearing of the color green was banned in Ireland. This was not so in the United States of America, so those in the parade showed off their freedom by wearing the color green and honoring their culture with song and dance. Following the War of 1812, Irish fraternal and benevolent societies assumed the responsibility of organizing the parade. You may have heard of “The Fighting Irish.” It is the name that the 69th Regiment (a National Guard Army unit) earned during the American Civil War. This 69th Regiment started to lead the parade in 1851 and have continued to do so to this day. Following them in the parade lineup are a number of Irish societies, including schools and colleges. Around 1851, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) became the official parade sponsor. The AOH is the oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization in America and there are over 46,000 members in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. It’s goals are to support the reunification of Ireland and the Church’s mission, as well as Irish culture. Overcoming, Just Like St. Patrick In the 1990, the parade was attacked for being too “traditional”. After 150 years of the parade being organized by the AOH, the control of the parade was transferred in 1993 to a separate, independent committee due to a controversy over religious beliefs. This controversy, however, did not have to do with redirecting the route of the parade. From the beginning, it’s been customary to march past St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The only difference today is that this brings the marchers up 5th avenue, whereas the original St. Patrick’s Cathedral (now the Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral) is located on Mulberry Street. St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral This cathedral was the first church of the Diocese, established by Pope Pius VII in 1808. Joseph Francois Mangin, the architect behind the iconic New York City Hall, is celebrated for his role in shaping the city's architectural heritage. His design of the City Hall, completed in 1811 and still in use today, stands as a testament to his vision and skill. When the cathedral was completed in 1815, it was the largest Catholic church in the United States. The interior suffered extensive damage from a fire in 1866, yet it was reconstructed and reopened on St. Patrick's Day two years later. Only eleven years after its replacement by the new Cathedral of St. Patrick on Fifth Avenue, the old cathedral was not left behind in memory. On March 17, 2010, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI honored the Old Cathedral by elevating it to the status of a basilica. St. Patrick’s “New” Cathedral While this Cathedral is no longer the largest Catholic Church in the United States (this honor goes to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.), it is the largest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral in the country. The church covers an entire city block and it can seat 2,400 people. The new cathedral was built by Archbishop John Hughes, who announced at a ceremony in Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral that he wanted “to erect a Cathedral in the City of New York that may be worthy of our increasing numbers, intelligence, and wealth as a religious community, and at all events, worthy as a public architectural monument, of the present and prospective crowns of this metropolis of the American continent.” The church stands across the street from the Rockefeller Center and today is considered one of the most apparent symbols of Roman Catholicism both in New York City and the United States. I think this would make St. Patrick proud, as he wrote in one of his letters: I pray to God to give me perseverance and to deign that I be a faithful witness to Him to the end of my life for my God. With the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City being celebrated over fifteen hundred years after his death, I’d say he is still very much a faithful witness. Have you ever been to the St. Patrick's Day Parade? [bctt tweet="The History + Meaning Behind the St. Patrick's Day Parade #BISblog //" via="no"]

When I was really little, sometimes my Mom would sing us this little tune to remind us of the big liturgical season coming upon us: “Lent, Lent, it's time to repent!” I giggle thinking about it, because at that tender age, I am fairly certain I didn’t really know what the term "repentance" meant. Growing up, my family always celebrated the season of Lent. We would go to the fish fry at our parish each week, and often wander across the parking lot afterwards to pray the Stations of the Cross. We would all give up something as a family and would try to make more time for family prayer. But as I grew up in a more mature faith, so did my understanding change of the sacredness of this season. If you glance at your calendar, you'll see that Lent is right around the corner (beginning on March 6th). Does Lent sometimes stress you out? It does for me! Lent is Not a Personal Improvement Program I think sometimes I get caught up in this lie that Lent is some spiritual improvement plan where I have to “get my act together” and do Lent like I am some type of spiritual ninja. I grab my Rosary beads, gather up all my will and might, and put on a cape and mask to become super-duper holy. Sometimes I make it more about "doing Lent well," rather than asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to me where I need to grow and be challenged, to ask Jesus what He wants me to do for Lent. Lent is the most sacred season of the year for Catholics because we prepare to remember and celebrate the greatest mysteries of our faith: the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. In this season, in order to prepare our hearts and minds, the Church offers us different ways to turn away from sin and towards Jesus through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY What to Give Up and Take Up This Lent I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed this Lent, friend. I do not want you to feel like you have to come to Jesus perfectly and get it all right. Start right where you are and let Him lead. Here is a list of ideas to get you thinking on how to keep prayer, fasting, and almsgiving wherever you are on your walk with the Lord. Prayer Prayer is our conversation with God, both our speaking to Him and listening. When we develop a lifestyle of prayer in our daily life, we develop a closer relationship to each person of the Trinity. There is no right or wrong way to pray, and your prayer style will change over your stage in life and vocation. Jesus just wants us to be with Him! So let’s just start there. Ideas for Prayer Count your daily gratefuls in the shower or on the drive to work Go to daily Mass an extra day or two outside of Sunday Pray the Angelus at 12 p.m. Pray the Rosary as a family, or Pray the Rosary in your car by yourself Attend Mass in a different Catholic Rite or in another language other than English Pray the Examen at the end of your day Read the Gospel of Mark for ten minutes each day Fasting Fasting is one of the most ancient practices associated with Lent. Many of the early Desert Fathers and Mothers imposed very strict fasts upon themselves as a way to fight temptation, strengthen their will, and rely on Jesus in a deeper way. When talking about fasting, it is important to remember that there are many different ways to fast other than eating less food, though that is a common route. The prophet Isaiah insisted that fasting without changing our behavior is not pleasing to God. This shows us the goal of fasting is very closely linked to prayer and a right disposition of heart. An empty belly or a connected person on social media reminds us of our hunger for God, and prayer and fasting together bring us to what Lent is all about: a deeper conversion to Jesus Christ. Ideas for Fasting Do not eat meat on an additional weekday Take the worst parking spot you can find Eat one less meal Read this book on intermittent fasting and consider trying it this Lent Set a daily timer for Facebook or your favorite social media fix Wake up an hour earlier than you normally do Don’t buy anything extra except food Don’t watch TV (or Hulu, Netflix, or Amazon Prime) Turn off the radio in the car Eat more simply Give up caffeine or limit yourself to one cup of coffee each day Do not swear or gossip Almsgiving The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us a basic definition of almsgiving: to provide for the material needs of the Church according to their ability (CCC 2041-2043). Giving money to the poor is one of the most concrete acts of charity to our brothers and sisters. But just as with fasting, almsgiving is more than just giving money. Almsgiving is an act of justice that pleases the heart of God when we care for our neighbor in need, whomever it is or whatever the situation is. The hope when we give alms is that we will learn to be generous and more dependent on God to meet our needs, rather than providing for ourselves while forgetting the needs of others less fortunate than us. Ideas for Almsgiving Do not use your credit card during Lent, only pay with cash Each day of Lent, write an affirmation note to someone special in your life Give up downloading apps, games, or music to your phone If you like texting or talking on the phone, write more letters Make a meal for an elderly neighbor Show an act of kindness to a family member each day Participate in the 40 bags in 40 days challenge Show an act of kindness to someone who difficult to like Give up complaining, take up gratitude instead Give up online shopping Raise funds for organizations like Heifer International to help low-income farmers secure livelihood How are you preparing your heart and mind for Lent this season? Preparing Our Hearts Remember, Lent is not about getting it perfectly right. Ask the Holy Spirit how He wants to make you more like Jesus, and then follow that prompting in your Lenten practices. How will you keep the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving these forty days? [bctt tweet="What to Give Up and Take Up this Lent #BISblog #BISlent //" username="amoderngrace"]

Several years ago, as an eager Confirmation student, I remember paging through The Book of Saints. I attempted to get a snapshot of several Saints to help me determine who I wanted to pick for my Confirmation name. This was a responsibility I did not take lightly. I wanted to pick someone to whom I not only felt drawn, but also someone who was drawing me to them. I wanted my namesake to be someone I could place my confidence in to intercede for me. Someone in Heaven who would remain my spiritual warrior. I found what I was hoping for in the Apostle Peter. He is the rock of our Church, and the man we celebrate today on this Feast of Saint Peter’s Chair. Peter’s Humanity As I learned more about St. Peter, I was in awe of his great humility. He made a few mistakes along the way and often ended up in some pretty embarrassing and regretful situations. For example, the doubt that caused him to sink when Jesus invited him to walk on water. Or maybe his naivete when Peter recommended to Jesus that they build three tents when Moses and Elijah appeared to them on the mountain. In his human weakness and yes, cowardice, he even denied knowing his friend, Jesus. He did this not once, but three times. It wasn’t Peter’s mistakes that made me feel drawn to him. It was the fact that Jesus loved him in spite of his mistakes. What I admire in this great Saint is that, after all of his mistakes, he continued to repent and pursue virtue. His humility is the quality which I am most in awe of. The virtuous humility that grabbed my attention most was what took place right before his martyrdom. Peter’s Humility St. Peter did not think himself worthy of being killed in the same manner as His Lord. So instead of being crucified as Jesus was, he begged his persecutors to crucify him upside-down. Italian painter Caravaggio portrayed this scene so beautifully in his piece, The Crucifixion of Saint Peter. Here, Peter is portrayed with a sense of longing in his eyes, a longing to be reunited with his friend Jesus. He remains unshaken by the terror all around him. But rather, he was a symbol of what his name in Greek represents, Petros, or “rock.” Jesus said to him, “...you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Despite all of Peter’s shortcomings, Jesus made him the rock upon which he built His Church. This is a great encouragement to me. If Peter can deny Christ, but later refuse to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord, I hope that Christ will redeem me in my own sinfulness, no matter the gravity of my sin, and approach the Lord with the same humility that Peter did. Today, the obelisk that stands in the center of St. Peter’s Square in Rome is likely the very last thing that Peter laid his eyes on before dying. It stood in the Vatican Circus where he was martyred. The obelisk originally stood as a monument to draw people to watch persecutions. Now it stands as a beacon in St. Peter’s Square, where it draws people to the heart of the Church. The Altar of St. Peter's Chair Today, in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, you can visit the Altar of the Chair, in which you will see the beautiful alabaster Holy Spirit window. Here in this chapel is a twenty-three foot tall gilded bronze throne which was made by Bernini in the seventeenth century. Encased in this throne is an old wooden frame of what is believed to be St. Peter’s own chair (or “cathedra” which means the official throne of a bishop). It was later embellished with oak and ivory in order to help hold the chair together and to decorate it. What the Chair Represents This chair appears to be supported by four Doctors of the Church. There are two Western doctors, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine, and two Eastern doctors, St. John Chrysostom and St. Athanasius. These figures show the universality of the Church as well as how consistent the theologians’ teaching is with the doctrine of the Apostles. Although the chair seems to be supported by the four Doctors, it is actually supported by the clouds which surround it. The Clouds, the Angels, and the Mission What I love about this image is that the clouds represent God’s glory. They show that the Church is dependent not on men, but on the Holy Spirit. The clouds which surround the chair show that although the Doctors support the Church by passing it on from generation to generation, it is through the Holy Spirit that the doctrine of the Church is passed on. Above the chair are angels which bear a tiara and keys which symbolize the Pope’s teaching as well as his spiritual and moral authority. On the golden background of the altar is the Latin inscription: “O Pastor Ecclesiae, tu omnes Christi pascis agnos et over.” This means, “O Pastor of the Church, you feed all Christ’s lambs and sheep.” Pointed to Prayer On this Feast of St. Peter’s Chair we are reminded not only of our first pope and his humility, but also of his successors. Today let us ask for St. Peter’s intercession as we pray for our priests so that they, like St. Peter, will be open to the movement and direction of the Holy Spirit in their lives to continue building up our Church. [bctt tweet="The Feast of St. Peter's Chair #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Today marks a feast day in the Church that gives much solace and hope to my heart. It is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, which is the day we commemorate the Virgin Mary’s first appearance to young Bernadette Soubirous in the village of Lourdes, France in 1858. St. Bernadette’s Special Mission of Healing The story goes that young Bernadette was the eldest of nine children. Her family was very poor—so poor, in fact, that their only housing was the cellar of the former jail in Lourdes. It is believed that the Virgin Mary first appeared to Bernadette while she was out gathering firewood for her family on February 11th, 1858. The Blessed Mother was clothed in a white gown and blue sash with yellow roses at her feet. She continued her appearances to the young girl for a number of days, only confirming her identity during the sixteenth visit. Our Lady prayed the Rosary with Bernadette, implored her to tell the clergy to build a chapel there at the Grotto of Massabielle, and to pray and make sacrifices for the sake of all sinners. In one conversation, Our Lady implored Bernadette to scratch into the soil near the river, and from that place a spring of water flowed. Since the first apparitions, close to 70 instances of healing have been meticulously documented by those who bathed in the water of that same spring. On that Same Riverbank A century and a half after the first vision, I was one of those pilgrims who came seeking healing. At the time of my pilgrimage, my heart was filled with brokenness: a romantic relationship had just ended and my father was in the end stages of Alzheimer’s. I felt an acute ache for healing in my heart like I had never felt before. I was not like the usual Lourdes seekers—those with cancers, paralysis, or or other physical infirmities—but I needed healing, too. And so, outside the grotto and on the banks of St. Bernadette’s river, I prayed for myself and my fellow pilgrims. Over, and over, and over again. Waiting for a miracle. We Don't Get to Choose Our Healing Timeline When I look back on that time in Lourdes, I can’t say that I was healed of those things that very day. In fact, I didn’t have any say in the timeline of my heart’s healing. I came back to the U.S. with my still-broken heart and had to continue to move forward with my work, home, and family life. But I do know that during my time at Lourdes and after, I was heard, loved, and cherished. I know that Our Lady was there as my Mother. She was tending to my broken heart and reminding me of the hope that her Son promised. I know that she came alongside me and held me close, just as she did for St. Bernadette. In time, I found the healing I so desired. Finding Joy in the Healing He Chooses Yes, Our Lord healed me, but in far greater and better ways than I ever could have hoped for myself. Through much prayer and counsel, I’ve found deeper relationship wounds in need of healing and have made the space in my life to work through them. I’ve grieved the death of my dad and know that this, too, is being worked out in my heart. I smile because I know I am not one of the “official” 66 miracles at Lourdes, but I still count myself among them! I’ve found peace in the love He has for me as a Father and in my identity as His beloved. Healing is daily work, and I trust that it is being done, even though I’m no longer on those riverbanks. “I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in the next...” On the third appearance of Our Lady to St. Bernadette on February 18th, she uttered a promise that gives me much hope. She said: I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in the next.   Our Lady’s words remind our hearts that our earthly lives can be hard. Sometimes we have to really be on the lookout for joy, don’t we? Even St. Bernadette suffered great rejection at the hands of those who did not believe in the apparitions. She was never cured of the tuberculosis of the bone that eventually took her life at the age of 34. She wasn’t healed in the way that perhaps most would have wanted, but in a much deeper way. St. Bernadette knew the Lord loved her and that she was a precious, chosen sheep. Her healing and her joy was found in her beautiful unity with the Father in Heaven. Our Lady of Lourdes Gives Me Healing and Hope When my life is hard, or when those in my family struggle, I remember the story of St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes. I take comfort that Mary intercedes for me whenever I ask her to do so, knowing that she desires healing for you just as she does for me. Have you ever been to Lourdes? What was your experience like? [bctt tweet="Our Lady of Lourdes and Her Love of Healing #BISblog //" via="no"]

Right before His Ascension, Jesus tells His Apostles, to “...make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18). After an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles went and did just that. Based on the popularity of well-known Saints, we may have fallen into the line of thinking that Christianity spread firstly across Europe. In reality, Christianity’s presence in Europe came after its prevalence in Africa. This truth is even illustrated in Scripture, when Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Philip explains the fulfillment of the man’s reading choice. The eunuch rejoices enthusiastically about the Gospel, asking to be baptized right then and there. Philip obliges, the eunuch returns home, and Christianity spreads to Africa. Early African Martyrs and Saints Christianity dispersed across the Northern parts of the continent rapidly. Hundreds of Africans were some of the earliest Christian martyrs, including Sts. Perpetua and Felicity. Other notable African Saints include St. Augustine of Hippo and his mother, St. Monica. These may be some of the most well-known Saints from the region, but there are many more men and women of African descent who lived holy lives, contributed impactful work and service to the Catholic Church, and who intercede for us now in Heaven. Let's take a look at Catholic history and draw inspiration from these seven black Saints who built up the Body of Christ. St. Josephine Bakhita This gem of a woman has been gaining lots of popularity among Catholic circles in recent years. Perhaps this is because of the fight against human trafficking and the fact that she herself was a victim of this horror. Kidnapped as a girl, she was sold and resold multiple times. She experienced beatings and mutilations before being sold to a family that instead used her to watch their daughter. Josephine accompanied the girl to school in Venice where she was introduced to Christ by the Sisters who ran the school. When her owners decided to return home to Africa, Josephine refused to go. When a judge declared her to be free since slavery was illegal in Italy, Josephine joined the religious order that had brought her to Christ. She lived a life of “unnoticed holiness,” completing simple tasks for the rest of her life. [bctt tweet="Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. What a great grace it is to know God! // Saint Josephine Bakhita" via="no"] St. Maurice of Aganaum Maurice was born less than 250 years after Jesus, near Egypt. As a young man, he entered the Roman army and moved his way up the ranks, eventually becoming a general. He took command of a legion in modern-day France right before being given orders to stamp out a rebellion against the empire. When Maurice and his 6,000 African soldiers discovered the rebels were fellow Christians, they refused to fight. Their disobedience earned (most of) them martyrdom. Their relics are housed in the Basilica in Aganaum, Switzerland. Venerable Mother Henriette Delille Born in 1812 in New Orleans, Henriette lived a part of her life as a mistress in a placage, whereby wealthy white men entered relationships with free women of color, circumventing the laws against interracial marriage. Two children were born from this relationship, but after their deaths at a young age, Henriette expericienced a conversion and rejected placage altogether. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she and two friends formed a religious order for women of color: the Sisters of the Holy Family. Only the second religious community in the United States specifically for women of color, their mission was to care for the poor and elderly and to teach the uneducated of Creole society. Her cause for canonization is currently open. If canonized, she will become the first New Orleanian, and the first United States-born black person, to be recognized as a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church. St. Severus There is not much known about this fifth century Saint. Because Severus was of royal blood, his conversion to Christianity was not taken lightly. At the hands of his torturers, he was thrown airborne before being jerked back down towards the pavement. His wrists were bound with ropes and the executioners drug him throughout the city streets until his bones were exposed. Somehow, this did not kill him immediately. It is believed that he died as a result of his tortures, and thus he is remembered among the early Church martyrs. Venerable Pierre Toussaint Pierre was born into slavery in Haiti. When an uprising threatened the safety of his owners, they fled to New York, taking Pierre, his younger sister, his aunt, and two other house slaves with them. In New York, Pierre became an apprentice under one of the city’s leading hairdressers, eventually earning large sums of money doing the hair of many renowned women in the city. After his owner died, Pierre financially supported the widow and the rest of the slaves with his earnings. He treated those who enslaved him as if he was a dedicated member of their family. Moved by his goodness and generosity, the widow granted Pierre his freedom shortly before her death. He became a philanthropist for the black community, opening his home to many and purchasing the freedom of others (including the woman who became his wife). At his death, he was one of the most well-known and respected Catholics in New York City. Servant of God Thea Bowman Bertha Bowman was born in Mississippi in 1937. Although her father was a doctor and her mother a teacher, her grandfather had been a slave before the emancipation. Her family were devout Methodists, and at age 9, Bertha converted to Catholicism. When she was just fifteen years old, she answered the call from the Lord and entered religious life. Sister Thea Bowman was passionate about evangelizing Black Catholics in the United States. Wounded by the horrific history of slavery, abuse, and segregation, many Black Americans didn't see a place for them in the Church. Sister made it her mission to highlight their contribution and belonging. The joy of Christ in her heart radiated throughout the United States and Central America, and her work bore fruits of peace and unity. [bctt tweet="I’m content to do my little bit. Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make change. But if each one would light a candle we’d have a tremendous light. // Servant of God Thea Bowman" via="no"] St. Martin de Porres Martin was born in Peru, the illegitimate son of a Spanish soldier and a freed slave. His father was so unhappy that Martin had inherited his mother’s dark complexion that he refused to acknowledge him for years. After the birth of a baby girl, Martin’s father abandoned the family altogether, leaving them in dire poverty. Despite having almost nothing himself, Martin gave generously to those who had less than he. When he was mocked for his illegitimacy and race, he responded by doing nice things for the very people who made fun of him. As a man, Martin wanted to join the Dominican Order. Peruvian law did not allow people of color to enter religious life, but the Dominicans allowed him to work as a servant, sweeping the floors and answering the door. He did so joyfully, and after years of good works and miraculous cures at his hands, the Dominicans worked around the law, allowing him to become a lay brother. Martin eventually founded orphanages for homeless children and cared for lonely African slaves who had been forced to come to Lima. When he died, everyone in Lima mourned him, even bishops and members of the royal court. He is the patron Saint of persons of mixed race and of those who suffer from discrimination. St. Moses the Black Moses was a slave to an Ethiopian government official during the 4th century. When he was accused of thievery and murder, he was disowned (protection of his master being withdrawn) and started a gang. After one particular act of terrorizing, Moses fled to the desert to escape authorities. He found shelter in a colony of monks. Their dedication, peace, and contentment was like nothing Moses had ever seen before. Affected deeply, Moses gave up everything to become a Christian. He then joined the monastic community permanently and lived a life of prayer and fasting. Model Catholics One of the most beautiful aspects of our Catholic Faith is its universality. Every member of the Body of Christ plays a vital role, and the steadfastness and perseverance of these men and women prove that each of us has an important role to play within the Church. Somehow, despite betrayal and mistreatment, these black Saints showed deep and personal faith in Christ. St. Josephine Bakhita even once remarked that if she ever met the people who kidnapped her as a child, she would sincerely thank them. If it hadn’t been for that injustice, she never would have come to know her Redeemer, Christ. Every Catholic can learn from her example. Let us all pray for the intercession of these Saints today. We ask that their humility, fidelity, and bravery may take root in our own hearts. If you want to learn more about Saints of African descent, check out the The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. [bctt tweet="St. Josephine Bakhita #BISblog //" via="no"]

Although any farm-kid will tell you that there are limitations to being tied to the land, I have always romanticized it. I love the stability and commitment to a particular place and community, the wonder of dark nights, without the nearest town encroaching on a view of the stars. Barn cats, chickens, and all manner of pets I didn’t have growing up. The sense of stewardship and neighbor, when convenience might be far away, is compelling. It makes me wish for a time when we are simultaneously more connected and less connected. Farms and Feast Days The best memory I have on a farm and of this feast day was on a trip to my friend’s family dairy farm one weekend during college. It was a delightful visit to her small hometown, to be with her family, and to have a glimpse of the daily rituals of a life dependent upon the rhythms of the season. Obviously this meant being at work, early, having some downtime until midday chores, and then going out again in the evening as they put the farm and animals to bed. Having company on the farm, unaccustomed to these rituals, is probably equal parts comical, fun, and possibly even helpful. I imagine that’s the case anyway, when a child comes home from college and brings a fellow social work student. My friend gave me a tour of the farm she’d known since childhood. Her dad pulled us around farm-fields on an inner-tube behind their snowmobile. She tried to wake me for 4 a.m. chores (this visitor turned out not to be much help, a sleepy choice I regret). It also meant the blessing of the throats that Sunday. The Feast of St. Blaise I hadn’t remembered participating in this tradition prior to my visit to Miesville in their beautiful, white, high-steepled country church. It was a small congregation of course, but they were committed to receiving the grace of this blessing, snow and farm chores be darned. I observed the priest makes a cross with two candles—blessed on the Feast of the Presentation—over the neck of each recipient. In some cases, the candles may be secured in a candelabra, tied with a red ribbon (symbolizing martyrdom), or simply held to form a cross. May Almighty God at the intercession of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, preserve you from infections of the throat and from all other afflictions. So, I joined the faithful who’d arrived that February morning, baring their throats between lighted candles to receive the blessing. Stepping Up When Called Out There is, after all, some grace in being called out of ourselves into something we never imagined we might take part in. Public speaking, living in a cold climate, caring for a loved one who is ill, advocating for a child with special needs, leading Vacation Bible School, performing car maintenance, or morning chores on a dairy farm. One day, circumstances call for it and our invitation stands before us, beckoning that we might know ourselves in a broader sense than we might ever have expected. I suspect God takes some delight in this. Likely all of us know this experience of becoming the teacher/confidant/nurse/advocate/pastoral presence that a situation calls for whether or not we were “ready” for it, or when our calendar prepared us for a U-turn. We rally, generally, for those we love. But on our best days, we rally for those we may not even know. And in a sense, this is the story of St. Blaise. [bctt tweet="We rally, generally, for those we love. But on our best days, we rally for those we may not even know. And in a sense, this is the story of St. Blaise. #BISblog //" via="no"] The Life of St. Blaise Blaise was a physician early in his life. His particular calling was to provide physical healing for those in his community. Because of his devout faith and holistic nurturing of those in his care, he became known as a healer of many kinds—including spiritual. After the local bishop died, Blaise was chosen to be his successor. Rather than living out his days in a role he had practiced, perfected, and likely felt comfortable in, the Holy Spirit seemed to have a more imaginative take on the gifts Blaise would offer this particular community. In this light, the blessing of the throats makes heaps more sense. St. Blaise was martyred in 316 after being arrested for his Christian Faith. Legend holds that even on his journey to prison, he was asked to intercede on behalf of a woman whose child was choking on a bone, and the child’s life was saved. Blaise’s gift of bringing healing to those afflicted in a variety of ways—particularly afflictions of the throat—is helpful imagery in the unique and tactile blessing Catholics receive today. Bearing His Image, Bearing His Light All of this points to the nature of our Creator who is actively participating in the daily lives and callings we experience; re-making the faithful into images that bear the imago dei, image of Christ, to the world. With confidence, and in the company of St. Blaise, would that our ‘yeses’ be bold (not sleepy), and our illusions of the shapes our lives might take, be colored by the One posing the invitation who is Ever Ancient, Ever New. So it is with You and how You make me new With every season's change And so it will be as You are re-creating me Summer, autumn, winter, spring. -Nichole Nordeman, Every Season Have you ever received the blessing of the throats on the feast of St. Blaise? Will you receive it this year? [bctt tweet="The Feast of St. Blaise + the Blessing of the Throats #BISblog //" via="no"]

For a brief period of time in my young adult life I explored a vocation as a high school science teacher. As I immersed myself in the day-to-day joys and challenges of classroom life, I found myself developing a fond devotion for the Italian saint we celebrate today: Saint John Bosco. The beloved “Don Bosco”, as he preferred to be called, turned out to be my intercessor for every single kid who was struggling with home life, with a particular sin, or with memorizing the minutiae of some tough concept in biology or anatomy. In a special way I asked for his intercession whenever I knew one of my students felt unloved, unwanted, or unseen. Don Bosco held a particular love for such young people. What St. John Bosco Would Want Us to Know about the Youth If you’ve never read any books on this mid-19th century Italian priest with a love for youth, this little one is a gem. Whether you work with youth as an educator or youth minister, or whether you are simply a parent, godparent, aunt, or big sister, you know that the challenges facing our youth today are many. I often wonder, if dear Don Bosco were alive today, what wisdom he might offer for bringing the hearts of today’s youth to the heart of Christ. Our hearts form their hearts. St. John was born impoverished into the little village of Becchi, Italy, in the summer of 1815. By the age of two, he has already lost his father to pneumonia. He began his discernment toward the priesthood as a young boy, and would often find that Our Lady would visit him in his dreams, encouraging him as he steadfastly saved the money necessary to attend seminary. I find it striking that Don Bosco, fatherless from such a young age, would go on to become a spiritual father to hundreds of orphan boys. It was as if the Lord was preparing his heart to be attentive to the needs of young men and boys who were grieving similar losses. It reminds me that the Lord continually uses the crosses of our own lives to connect with the hearts of our youth. Confidence and love. “You can do nothing with young people unless you have their confidence and love,” St. John was known for saying. At an early age, St. John connected with a traveling circus, and learned from them the arts of juggling and acrobatics. He’d later use those skills to attract school children to a performance, only to follow it with a preaching of the homily he had heard earlier in the day! Good Don Bosco knew that souls come to Christ through relationship. His playful, unassuming character meant that youth were drawn to him and trusted him. This formed the foundation for their relationship. Our Sacraments become their Sacraments. Don Bosco’s approach wasn’t all fun and games, though. Fiercely devoted to the sacramental life, to prayer, and to the study of Scripture, he continually availed himself of the Sacraments and encouraged his boys to do the same. An afternoon of soccer in an Italian field, for example, would always be followed by Mass and Confession. St. John’s love of Christ and His mother couldn’t help but rub off on the boys, who desired to emulate their spiritual father in all things. At one time one of Don Bosco’s younger boys had his heart set on making a good Confession. According to author F.A. Forbes, the story goes something like this: Boy writes his sins down on a piece of paper. Boy promptly loses them. Boy is found in tears by Don Bosco. “What’s the matter?” he asks. “I have lost my sins.” “Good business!” says Don Bosco encouragingly. “You will go straight to heaven if you have no sins.” “It’s the paper where I’d written them,” the boy persists, “I can’t find it!” The boys face lights up as Don Bosco pulls the list of sins out of his pocket and he quips, “If I’d known it was you who had them, Father, I should just have said, ‘Father, I accuse myself of all the sins you have in your pocket.’” The tenderhearted approach that Don Bosco had with his youth is a reminder that our young people will find a home in the Church when they know that they are first, loved, and second, forgiven. But it must start with ourselves. Are we also finding mercy in the Sacraments and inviting our youth along for the same? We could learn so much by Don Bosco’s example. "Always leave something with Providence.” While Don Bosco’s imprint on the hearts of Italian youth was impressive, his pocketbook was not. He was born poor and died poor. Between birth and death he was always begging for one thing or another—money for a new church or school or other program for his growing Oratory for boys. “Leave something with Providence,” he would often say. By that he meant that in spite of the most magnificent plans we can make, God is always the one who meets our needs. Perhaps we can be mindful of that wisdom in our own work with youth. We may pour in hours of sacrificial time and energy but ultimately, our children’s hearts are in the hand of Providence. Don Bosco entrusted everything to the Lord, and we can, too. “A largeness of heart as the sand on the seashore.” John Bosco died on January 31st, 1888. His last message for his many dear spiritual sons was this: Live together as brothers, love each other and bear with each other. The protection of Our Lady, Help of Christians, will always be with you. At the time of Don Bosco’s death, close to 800 boys were living at the Oratory that he had built. Forty-six years later, over 80,000 people gathered in Rome for his canonization, and since then his order has gone on to serve young people throughout the world. Wrote Pope Pius XI of the beloved saint, “God gave him largeness of heart as the sand on the seashore.” That, I think, is the heart of Don Bosco that we can emulate today in serving our youth. Whether we are classroom educators or mothers or simply the woman leading Wednesday night Bible Study for the local 8th graders, may our hearts always be enlarged as good Don Bosco’s was. St. John Bosco, pray for us and pray for our youth, today and always. [bctt tweet="Loving the Hearts of Our Youth (al la St. John Bosco) #BISblog //" via="no"]

It’s important to start a piece on chastity by pointing out that sex is a very good thing. It’s mysterious, making a union of man and woman while also allowing them to remain distinct persons—evocative of the Blessed Trinity. Also similar to the Trinity, this union is creative, bringing life into the world. Lastly, the pleasure experienced during the sexual act was not some random happenstance; it also isn’t just to preserve the survival of the human race by enticing individuals to procreate. God wanted us to understand the electric and sublime goodness of being united to others. Not just physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. He also wanted us to experience a taste of the same pleasure that He did in creating us. Sex between a man and woman united with one another for life in the Sacrament of Marriage is one of the many ways God gives us a glimpse of the ecstasy we are meant to experience forever in Heaven. And you know who hates that? Satan... Twisted from the Start Unlike God and humans, angels cannot create. This obviously includes fallen angels. Satan cannot create anything, even evil. All he can do is to “twist” the good, making it unrecognizable and harder to see the truth it transmits. Sex is one of these things. In fact, one of the first manifestations of sin that is seen running rampant after the Fall in Genesis is lust (Genesis 6:1-2). This isn’t a coincidence. When used correctly, sex leads to greater communion within our families, within our communities, and within our world. This is something Satan clearly doesn’t want for us. So he attacked our understanding of sex early on in Salvation History, and he hasn’t let up since. Rather than allowing us to see that it’s loving unity that brings about satisfaction, he clouds our senses to make us think it is pleasure alone which achieves this. The more he can twist and tangle, the more he can cause us to stumble and keep us from achieving greatness. Just look at St. Thomas Aquinas. Fighting Fire with Fire St. Thomas Aquinas belonged to a wealthy, noble family. As the youngest son, he was expected to join a monastery. But he threw everyone a curveball when he joined the Dominican order while he was off at school. Embarrassed to have their son be a part of this “begging” order, St. Thomas’ parents had him kidnapped and imprisoned in a family castle. They hoped to dissuade him from his lifestyle. As time passed and Thomas remained committed to the Dominicans, his brothers did the most desperate thing they could think of to try and get their brother to recant his vows: they hired a prostitute. The woman was sent into St. Thomas’ room dressed scantily clad with the directive to get their brother to abandon his vow of chastity. St. Thomas was only able to avoid the temptation by chasing her out of the room with a hot log from the fireplace! After she left, St. Thomas used the log’s ashes to draw a cross upon the wall. He knelt down in front of the image, giving thanks that he was able to resist the charming seductress. At that moment, two angels appeared in the room with a gift they placed around his waist. This gift was an angelic girdle which protected Thomas and saved him from having any lustful thoughts or actions for the rest of his life.[/vc_column_text] The Difference Grace Makes Let’s think about the effects of this occurrence for a moment. Because St. Thomas was able to resist that temptation and remain faithful to his vows, he went on to write (and write and write and write and write) about a plethora of theological and philosophical issues. All of these have drastically served and shaped the Catholic Church and millions of individuals. Pope Pius XI even wrote: If St. Thomas had not been victorious when his chastity was in peril, it is very probable that the Church would never have had her Angelic Doctor. What would have happened if Thomas had given into lust? How different would each and every single one of our lives be today? How different could our own lives be—as well as the lives of others—if we were to live chaste lives? Doctor Aquinas One of the Doctors of the Church, St. Thomas has been called both the “common doctor” as well as the “angelic doctor.” He was an ordinary man who understood ordinary life and common problems (like sexual temptations). He also had the ability to see and explain how virtuous living transforms ordinary endeavors, allowing us to reach spiritual understandings of celestial heights. When it comes to the wounds of lust, Aquinas can have a healing hand there, too. Due to his “raging” success in his quest for chastity, his intercession is often requested by those who battle with unchaste thoughts and habits. After his death, the angelic girdle (a simple cord he wore around his waist) was secured by the Dominican order. Eventually, it was publically displayed for veneration by the faithful. Pilgrims began to visit the cord and pray for Aquinas’ help in their battles for purity. Some even started bringing cords to touch to the holy relic that they would then wear themselves. This devotion developed into an official Confraternity of the Dominican Order. Members of this Angelic Warfare Confraternity wear the same type cord and are united in prayer throughout the globe. There are even Saints who belonged to this group while they were alive. “Famous” members include St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati. and Bl. Columba Rieti. Bl. Stephana Quinzani was not only a member, but also actively promoted the Confraternity among women; she knew that lust does not limit itself to a specific gender. “... A Long and Exacting Work…” After his encounter with the prostitute, Aquinas never struggled to be chaste again. This fact is sure to inspire a twinge of jealousy for those who find themselves in the ongoing battle for purity. For the majority of the faithful, “self-mastery is a long and exacting work” (CCC 2342). It makes great demands on one's skill and attention. Often, we have to seek out other resources, like the wisdom and accountability of others, as well as the Sacraments, fasting, and intense prayer. Even during those times when the struggle seems to have diminished, we can never consider it to be defeated once and for all. Just as our bodies require food and exercise, and our souls require the constancy of grace, the virtue of chastity involves renewed effort at all stages of life. [bctt tweet="Just as our bodies require food and exercise, and our souls require the constancy of grace, the virtue of chastity involves renewed effort at all stages of life. #BISblog //" username="grace_swap"] A Little Boost For all our sisters who find themselves dealing with this particular strife, we offer the following thoughts as encouragement… You are not alone in this struggle and you should not feel disgraced. Countless Saints, including Aquinas, Augustine, Mary Magdalene, Francis of Assisi, Mary of Egypt, Catherine of Siena, and many others experienced intense periods of lust. You can overcome this too! Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more (Romans 5:20). The more you struggle with this sin, the more grace is made readily available to you. All you have to do is remember that it’s there! Some wounds and scars are deeper than others. If you find yourself repeatedly falling, even after the help of Confession, consider seeking spiritual direction and a consistent confessor. Remember, God made you to accomplish great things. Don’t let this struggle keep you captive. Interested in learning more about St. Thomas Aquinas? Watch this video! [bctt tweet="Give Chase to Chastity with the Help of St. Thomas Aquinas #BISblog //" username="grace_swap"]

Happy Feast Day of St. Francis de Sales! For the past two years, I have called upon St. Francis de Sales’ intercession often. St. Francis de Sales is responsible for my blog’s namesake, Finding Philothea. When my husband and I started our blog two years ago, we had the idea of writing and sharing love letters to each other, something that has always been a key part of our relationship. We thought about famous love letters, and the many letters of Saint Francis de Sales came to mind! He would address his letters to Philothea, or, “the one who loves God,” as a general address to all of the faithful. We decided to take Saint Francis de Sales as our patron and name our blog Finding Philothea as inspiration to always find the “one who loves God” in one another and others, challenging each other to grow. The Saints are in the Details God sends us Saints to accompany us on our journey of faith here on earth and to help us reach our heavenly home. The Saints are yearning to be part of the little details of our daily life. Whether that is creating a blog, doing the dishes, driving to work, studying for an exam, or visiting a friend in need–our Church teaches us that we are not alone. We are able to call upon the hosts of Heaven to be spiritually present with us. While Saint Francis de Sales was alive here on earth, his passion was to help ordinary men and woman reach heaven and the heights of holiness through their everyday tasks. That is what he continues to do as a Saint in Heaven. He is interceding for us as we strive for the Kingdom of God each day. The “Gentleman Saint” Francis de Sales is known as “the Gentleman Saint” due to his patience and gentleness. He truly heeded Jesus’ call in the Gospel to live life fully and abundantly (John 10:10) through incorporating prayer into his daily life. He loved horseback riding, dancing, and fencing. After receiving his doctorate in law and theology, Francis became the Bishop of Geneva in 1602. Francis was filled with love for God and for the men, women, and children he was surrounded by. He devoted his time to spiritual direction of lay people, which was extremely unusual for the time. His way of teaching Catholic spirituality is known as the “Way of Divine Love,” or the “Devout Life.” This is reflected in the title of one of his most famous works, Philothea, or An Introduction to the Devout Life. Francis’ love for God and others was so deep that he once developed a sign language in order to teach a deaf man about God! Because of this, he is known as the patron saint of the deaf. St. Francis is also the patron saint of writers and journalists. 3 Ways To Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis de Sales Here are three simple ways to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis de Sales. 1. Read an excerpt from An Introduction to the Devout Life. I remember hearing a story about another great Francis in heaven, St. Francis of Assisi. He and his brothers would often say a prayer to the Holy Spirit and then open the Bible, trusting that God would reveal to them in that moment exactly what they needed to read. For the past few weeks, I have been doing this with the Diary of Saint Faustina. I place myself in the presence of God by invoking the Holy Spirit, asking Him to show me what my heart needs. I then open Faustina’s Diary and read a paragraph or two, spending a few minutes afterwards reflecting and praying with the words that I read. This is a beautifully simple way to honor St. Francis de Sales today on his Feast. Say a prayer, ask his intercession, and open his book, reading a paragraph or two. If you don’t have a copy you can research some of his famous quotes and spend a few minutes reflecting on his words. 2. Write a letter. St. Francis de Sales counseled and directed many men and women through his correspondence with them. His letters are full of love, gentle instruction, and God’s tender mercy. Francis would even write out copies of his sermons, slipping them under people’s doors. The beauty of his written word converted thousands, (some say up to 72,000 in the Swiss countryside alone!). Francis teaches us that written words—especially words that proclaim the beauty, truth, and goodness of God—hold power and are meant to be shared! A way we can celebrate his Feast is to write a letter to someone. It is such a joy to receive a letter in the mail! It feels like a special treat during this time of e-mails and texting. When we write a letter, we take the time to physically share our hearts with another person. It is a slow process, one that gives us time to reflect and think of the person whom we are sharing our heart with, pondering their dignity and beauty. Letters are Worth a Thousand Words When my husband and I began dating five years ago, he started writing me letters. At the end of every month he would hand me an envelope with all the letters he wrote to me that month. He did that for the entirety of our dating and engagement period. On our wedding day, he handed me a journal of love letters he had been writing. I treasure those letters, the words that helped reveal my husband’s heart to me. You don’t have to write a love letter today (although you can!). But consider taking time to think of someone in your life who needs the message of God’s joy. Even if it is a small note, share your heart with someone, spreading your unique light and love! 3. Ponder the Immaculate Heart of Mary. St. Francis de Sales had a great devotion to the Mother of God’s heart. He wrote to many men and women about the importance of pondering the life of Mary, who is our model for loving God. St. Francis’ writings about Mary and her love of God influenced another Saint, St. John Eudes, to develop his famous devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. I love this story! Saints influencing other Saints! It teaches us never to be afraid to speak about our personal love for God, Mary, the Angels, and the Saints! We never know the deep impact that our words may have. Because St. Francis de Sales shared his love for Mary, he influenced another Saint to love Mary too, who in turn has affected thousands of men and women over the centuries. Ponder Mary’s heart today. Pray a Hail Mary in the silence of your heart, recite the Rosary with a friend, or look at your favorite image of Our Lady for a few minutes. Don’t be afraid to share your love of Mary with others! Happy Feast Day! Happy Feast of St. Francis de Sales! May this Gentleman Saint lead and guide you towards Heaven. May we always follow his example of sharing our love of God with others and entrusting our hearts to Him through Our Lady. Do you have a devotion to St. Francis de Sales? What do you love most about him? [bctt tweet="3 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis de Sales #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"]

When St. John the Baptist baptized his cousin in the Jordan River, the heavens opened above Jesus and God the Father proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13-17). Here we are given the privilege to enter into the love of the Holy Trinity and see Jesus’ identity as the beloved Son. As Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He began with the words, “Our Father.” These words are so familiar to us today, but let’s listen to them more closely. Here, Jesus is not only teaching us how to pray, He is teaching us how to live our baptismal identity. The Our Father and Our Baptismal Identity Yes, we dare to pray His words, “Our Father.” So, what does this mean? First and foremost, we are not alone. We have been chosen to be part of His family. Our Father is good and will provide for all of our needs. We are beloved. We are daughters. Baptism “is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” (CCC 1213). Gifts We Receive at Baptism Here are some of the gifts you received at your baptism: The washing away of original and actual sin An indelible mark on your soul, consecrating you to belong entirely to God New life in Christ Membership in the Mystical Body of Christ Adoption Sanctifying grace Theological and Cardinal Virtues The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Body becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit The offices of priest, prophet, and king The light of Christ (represented by the candle) A home in Heaven A Home for Him Isn’t it incredible that God desires to dwell in us? St. Therese of Lisieux describes it beautifully in her poem, "To Our Lady of Victories": Through Him, the holy waters of Baptism Will make of the tiny little newborn babe The temple where God Himself Deigns to dwell in his love.   You can dive deeper into learning about this Sacrament of Initiation in our Blessed Conversation Series. Celebrating Your Baptismal Day Another way to live your baptismal identity is to celebrate your Baptismal Day. Think of it as your spiritual birthday. Remembering our Baptism will help our baptismal identity to grow. Here are a few ideas: Look at pictures or watch a video of your Baptism. Thank your parents and godparents. Visit the Church and the font where you were baptized. Renew your Baptismal promises and renounce Satan. Profess your Faith by reciting the Creed. Use holy water and have a font in your home. Frame and display your Baptismal certificate. Light your Baptism candle on your Baptismal Day. Make the sign of the Cross and read about Jesus’ death and Resurrection in your Catholic Journaling Bible. Grow in devotion to your Baptismal Saint. If your parents did not give you a Saint name, look up the Saint of the day you were baptized. The Universal Call to Holiness Each one of us receives a call to holiness when we receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Every Baptized Catholic is called to be a Saint! And you are called to help your siblings, parents, spouse, children, godchildren, roommates, colleagues, and priests get to Heaven. How our days would be transformed if we had this at the front of our minds! You can read more about the universal call to holiness in chapter 5 of Lumen Gentium, a Dogmatic Constitution on the Church from Second Vatican Council. One Call, Many Ways You can also see the diversity in the universal call to holiness by reading the lives of the Saints. Let the courage of St. Joan of Arc, the sacrifice of St. Gianna, the purity of Maria Goretti, the devotion of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the fidelity of St. Faustina, the poverty of St. Clare, the trust of St. Teresa of Calcutta, the simplicity of St. Bernadette, the perseverance of St. Monica, the zeal of St. Catherine of Siena, the humility of St. Josephine Bahkita, the obedience of St. Rose of Lima, the prayer of St. Teresa of Avila, and the generosity of St. Elizabeth of Hungary call you to deeper holiness! Living Purely from Within St. Edith Stein is another Saint who lived her baptismal identity and call to holiness so beautifully. Edith was born to a Jewish family in Breslau, Germany in 1891. She abandoned her Jewish faith, became an atheist, and went on to study philosophy. After reading St. Teresa of Avila’s autobiography on night, she experienced a deep encounter with Truth and asked to be baptized. She became a very gifted teacher and then felt a calling to the Consecrated Life. She became a Carmelite nun in Germany, taking the religious name Sr. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. During the Nazi occupation, she fled to the Netherlands. The Nazis eventually found her, arrested her, and sent her to the concentration camp in Auchwitz. Confident in Her Identity in Christ Although Sr. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was stripped of her religious habit, taken from her religious community, and did not have access to the Mass, she still remembered her baptismal identity and radiated holiness to those around her. Witnesses remember her motherly care, especially to the women and children around her. A few of her letters from those barracks survived and she described: We are very calm and cheerful. Of course, so far there has been no Mass and Communion; maybe that will come later. Now we have a chance to experience a little how to live purely from within. -Letter 340, Self Portrait in Letters   Sr. Teresa Benedicta lived purely from within by knowing she was a Beloved daughter of the Father. She trusted that God would remain with her, even in the horrible conditions of Auchwitz. Dear St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, please pray that we might also live purely from within. May we know our Baptismal Identity and grow in holiness even amid our suffering. Help us to pray gloriously, from our identity as beloved daughters of the Father. [bctt tweet="Living Our Baptismal Identity and the Universal Call to Holiness #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Did you know that Catholics officially celebrate Christmas through the beginning of January? The feast day which marks the end of this season is the Epiphany, which takes place on January 6. In fact, the early Christians celebrated Epiphany long before the celebration of Christmas was formalized on December 25 in the fourth century. The History of Epiphany Epiphany comes from the Greek word epiphaneia which means “appearance” or “manifestation.” Historically, this feast day celebrated not only the revelation to the Magi, but also Jesus’ baptism and the miracle at the wedding at Cana. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that: The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with the baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. -CCC 528 Insights from Pope Benedict XVI In one of his homilies on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord, Pope Benedict XVI started out by saying: Epiphany, the ‘manifestation’ of Our Lord Jesus Christ, is a many facetted mystery...The Eastern tradition...gives priority to the moment of Jesus’ Baptism in the River Jordan when he manifested himself as the Only-Begotten Son...John’s Gospel, however, also invites us to consider as an ‘epiphany’ the Wedding at Cana, during which, by changing the water into wine, Jesus ‘manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him’ (Jn 2:11).   At the wedding at Cana, Mary believed that Jesus could multiply the wine. This points to the Last Supper when Jesus turns the wine into His most Precious Blood. The Gifts Given to Jesus Matthew 2:10-11 reads that the Magi “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.” Gold was the customary gift for royalty. The giving of this gift shows that the magi understood that Jesus was King of all. In Old Testament times, frankincense was considered to be very precious. It was used both medicinally and in the worship of God, as it was used to make incense. Though always mentioned last, at the time of Jesus’ birth, myrrh was prized more than gold. It was used to relieve pain. It was also as an embalming agent, symbolizing suffering, death, and life after death. This gift was prophetic for the great suffering and death that Jesus would endure. Cultural Celebrations In various countries like Italy, the nations of Latin America, and Spain, some families choose to give their children gifts on Epiphany rather than Christmas. You may also recognize the Polish tradition of using blessed chalk to mark the main entryway to your home. I’ve been in homes where either on January 1st or the Feast of the Epiphany, someone will write with chalk the first two numbers of the year followed by either “K+M+B” or “C+M+B” and then the last two numbers of the year. The CMB combination stands for the latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat” meaning “Christ blesses this house.” The KMB version is after the three magi, Kaspar or (Caspar), Melchior, and Balthazar. Others celebrate Epiphany with “Majorcan Roscon” or a King’s Cake. Every year, where I work, there is an office which buys a beautiful sweet bread to celebrate Dia de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day. This colorfully green and red pastry has mini plastic Baby Jesus baked into the cake. In Mexican culture, the person who finds the Baby Jesus is responsible for hosting a dinner or providing tamales and atole to their guests. At our office, it just means you have to bring in a snack on February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. In the Christian world, this feast traditionally marks the last day of Christmas. What This Feast Calls Us To ...what should we say, dear brothers and sisters...who are every day witnesses and ministers of the ‘epiphany’ of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist? The Church celebrates all the mysteries of the Lord in this most holy and most humble Sacrament in which he both reveals and conceals his glory. ‘Adoro te devote, latens Deitas’ in adoration, thus we pray. -Pope Benedict XVI   Benedict continues to talk about how Dante describes God as “the Love which moves the sun and the other stars.” The galaxy and the universe are governed by God, not by an unknown force. In this we can rejoice. We can rejoice because we live in a creation which is held in the protection of God our Father, a God of Love. Let us, with the magi, be “overjoyed” by what the star represents. Let's soak in the mystery and never fail to give God the adoration that is His due. Also consider what you can do—yourself or in your family—to celebrate Epiphany. Let us believe with the same confidence that Mary had when she entrusted Jesus with her request at the Wedding at Cana. Do you have any special traditions surrounding the Feast of the Epiphany? [bctt tweet="Witnesses of the Epiphany #BISblog //" via="no"]

I will never forget the moment I first heard about secondary infertility. It was earlier this summer when I was lying next to my two-year-old son, Peter, during his nap. I was looking at my Instagram messages, and read one from a woman asking for prayers. She wrote that she had secondary infertility and no treatment was helping her. My heart began pounding, and my mind began tracing back to the pain of the past two years: the heaviness of trying to conceive, yearning to conceive, yet being unable to conceive. I knew I had just read the name of the diagnosis I was experiencing, one that I later found out affects more than 3 million women in the United States alone. The Diagnosis Secondary infertility is defined as being unable to become pregnant, or to carry a full term pregnancy, following the birth of one or more children. You can read more about it here and what you can do about it here. I don’t remember learning about secondary infertility in nursing school. If I had, like most, I passed by it without a thought. Yet after months of physical tests and exams, it became my diagnosis. For a few weeks, it was a diagnosis that totally and painfully consumed my heart, mind, and soul. Through God’s miraculous grace, and in particular His gift of the Holy Family, I have found peace and joy. The Pain of Secondary Infertility Ever since I was young, I always dreamt of having a big family. I have five siblings, and they are counted among my greatest joys. I became pregnant with my son just two months after marrying my husband Mike. The thought of possibly being infertile was the last thing on my mind. When I found out from my doctor that I was experiencing secondary infertility, my entire being filled with sorrow and anger. Why was this happening to me? I felt foolish for all the pregnancy tests I had purchased over the past two years. I felt like I had wasted time each day wondering when I would be pregnant, keeping a room open for a nursery, and daydreaming about Peter as an older brother. The diagnosis sounded cold and harsh. I told God that I knew it is completely in His power to allow me to become pregnant. It is a good and beautiful thing that I want to become pregnant. So why, why God, wasn’t it happening? The Miraculous Peace of the Holy Family It took me a few months to share with others what I was experiencing. Yet I began to see how important it was to share. Vulnerability always brings connection and healing, to both the speaker and the listener. I spoke with a friend about my diagnosis and the sorrow I was feeling. Her response was beautiful: “The Holy Family is a small, yet powerful family of three. Look to them for peace.” As soon as she spoke these words I immediately felt the beginning of healing taking place within my heart. [bctt tweet="The Holy Family is a small, yet powerful family of three. Look to them for peace. #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"] The Joy I Found In Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Healing continued as I reflected on the lives of each person within the Holy Family. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—a small family, yet one full of love for God and for one another. God calls me to imitate them in their love for Him and love of my own family. I am called to rejoice in gratitude for the gifts right in front of me, the gifts of my husband and son. I am called to live abundantly and flourish in the present moment, where grace is found. Incredible joy fills my life as I continue to reflect each day on the Holy Family, on their lives and their love for one another. A family of three, like my family, ready and open to do the Father’s will. I think of Mary, not only a physical mother to Jesus, but also a spiritual mother to many and ask her to intercede for me when I feel weak. I call upon Carpenter Joseph to help chisel away at this cross for me with his tools of mercy and love, a cross that his Son lovingly placed in my life and is asking me to carry it just as lovingly as it was given to me. And I ask the Child Jesus to walk with me and to fill my own heart with the same joy that He and Mother Mary experienced when they first gazed in wonder at each other Christmas night. A Constant Struggle Even still, even now, I struggle. Each day I know I must call upon the help of the Holy Family. The reality of my diagnosis hits my heart unexpectedly. It showed me my need to trust in God’s merciful love and plan for my life. Just a few weeks ago I wrote this post on my Instagram page: Secondary infertility is a constant struggle of telling myself I’m okay and at peace if I don’t have any more children one day, then up crying in the middle of the night because I want so many more the next. A struggle between trying not to feel guilty that I want more children when I already have a child and many are unable to have one. Soaking up every single second with my son because I know it may be the last time I experience any of it again. Praising God that I can enter into His suffering in this little way, and trusting that He will bring His glory, because He always does. [bctt tweet="Secondary infertility is a constant struggle of being at peace if I don’t have any more children one day, then crying in the middle of the night because I want so many more the next. #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"] The Holy Family is with You Sisters, know that if you are experiencing infertility, if you are struggling to conceive, or if you are single and yearning to be married and have children...the Holy Family is with you. My heart is with you. I am praying for you. Be at peace and never give up hope, fully trusting in God’s promise that, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45) We are praying for you as you bear this cross. Christ is with you! [bctt tweet="Secondary Infertility: Finding Peace through the Holy Family #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"]

One of my favorite times of the year is Christmas and New Year’s. The celebration of a new year is rich with hope and new possibilities. There is a sense of anticipation and excitement for me as I look ahead to a new year. New Year's Eve Traditions I Grew Up With In my family of origin, we celebrated New Year’s Eve in different ways over the years. When we were really little, my parents took my siblings and I to my aunt and uncle’s house. We had a New Year’s Eve party, complete with noisemakers, party hats, and yummy treats! We often fell asleep before midnight but always had fun playing games or watching movies together. When I was in junior high and high school, our parish had a special holy hour of Eucharistic Adoration from 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. We closed the old year in prayer, and rang in a new one with Jesus. Looking back I do not think I always appreciated this prayerful way of ringing in the New Year. A Fun and Holy New Year's Eve It can sometimes be frustrating for young adults trying to authentically live their Faith in the world. All too often, New Year’s Eve parties are about partying or drinking too much. I think it can be helpful to have a variety of ideas to have a fun and holy New Year’s celebration...without drinking to excess. If you are unsure on what your plans for New Year’s Eve will look like, here are a few ideas to get you thinking. Vigil Mass for Mary Mother of God + a Dinner Party We know that January 1st is a Holy Day of Obligation: the feast of Mary, Mother of God. Many parishes have an early vigil Mass. Go to Mass and then host a dinner party with your close friends. Maybe have the food be cuisine from lots of different countries and cultures around the globe. Or make the evening a costume party! Have prizes for things like the most original or funniest costume. If you want to add some flair, have a simple photo booth with some basic props. Look at Pinterest to give you some ideas! Have a Christmas Movie Marathon! Remember it is still the celebration of Christmas even after December 25th! So why not have a reason to watch some of your favorite Christmas movies. Vote ahead of time on what movies will be featured at the marathon. Make it extra festive with Christmas cookies or a homemade hot chocolate bar. There is something so homey and cozy to me about holiday and Christmas movies. Spend extra time enjoying all your favorites as you ring in 2022! Make a Visit to Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration I think the New Year is a great way to look back over the past year and reflect on it with the Lord. Why not make a visit with Jesus and just review the past year with Him? What were the biggest blessings or struggles? How did He stretch you? Where have you grown the most? Thank the Lord for all that the past year brought you, and offer Him all that will come in 2022. Find Something Fun to Do in Your Own Hometown You don’t need to have these grand, expansive plans to ring in 2022. Look for simple, fun things to do in your own hometown. You might be surprised to find out what is going on! Maybe there’s a winter festival in your community. Or maybe your town has speciality movies playing. Or maybe the local community center or your church has something you could participate in. Research your hometown and see if there are any local activities going on you can check out. Do Something to Bless Other People I had a friend in college who, on New Year’s Eve, handed out blessings bags to the homeless in her local community. She spent time blessing the lives of other people as a way to celebrate and give back to other people. Maybe you can write letters to ten people who have blessed you this past year and share how they were a gift in your life. Maybe you and a group of friends can serve at a local soup kitchen or community outreach center on December 31st or January 1st. Or maybe you can visit a local senior center, especially when those folks often do not have many visitors around the holidays. Use your time to bless the lives of other people. How Do You Really Want the Year to End? Yes, have fun however you celebrate and ring in 2022. But consider the following... Are there ways you can have both a fun and holy New Year’s Eve? Could you do something to bless or serve other people? [bctt tweet="How to Have a Fun and Holy New Year's Eve #BISblog //" username="amoderngrace"] Patty Breen is a regular contributor to the BIS blog and a devotion writer. She is a full-time lay minister who finds joy in running, strong cups of coffee, and all things Ignatian spirituality. A Midwestern gal from the mitten state, she is constantly learning to find grace in all things. She is passionate about ministry to divorced Catholics and women whose relationships have been impacted by sexual addiction. You can find out more about her here.

I learned about St. John of the Cross over a three-month course while studying abroad in Rome. Fr. Paul Murray was our Irish Dominican Professor, who also happened to be a poet, a professor, and a writer. For three hours each week I eagerly opened my mind to all he taught us about St. John of the Cross. One of the phrases which is commonly associated with St. John of the Cross is “the dark night of the soul.” This is a stage where we are so closely united to Christ that we long to be with Him, and to be separated from Him brings us pain. Thinking about the pain of this separation makes me grateful for Fr. Paul Murray’s words, “It is enough to want Heaven and it is enough to want to want Heaven.” Of course, this doesn’t let us off the hook. In order to grow in holiness we need to overcome our own ego and conform our wills to God’s. Thankfully, we have St. John of the Cross to lead the way. [bctt tweet="It is enough to want Heaven and it is enough to want to want Heaven. -Fr. Paul Murray #BISblog //" via="no"] St. John’s Formation Saint John of the Cross was born in the mid-sixteenth century in a small village near Avila, Spain. His family was very poor and his father died when he was just a young boy. At 18 years old he entered college and towards the end of his college education, he sensed a clear calling to the religious life. At 21 he entered the Carmelite monastery in his hometown. He continued studying humanities and philosophy for three years at the prestigious University of Salamanca. Four years later he was ordained a priest and celebrated his first Mass in his hometown. It is here that he met his soon-to-be good friend, St. Teresa of Avila. Friends and Reformers Shortly after they first met, St. Teresa shared with John her hopes to reform the Carmelite order to its original rule with the hopes of helping the order embrace the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience. She asked St. John for his help and support in this mission. Just five years after their initial meeting, and at St. Teresa’s request, John became the confessor and vicar of the Monastery where St. Teresa was the prioress. Not only did the two share a great friendship, but together they were also reformers and later became Doctors of the Church. One of his major works, The Ascent of Mount Carmel, closely resembles St. Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle. Both of these literary masterpieces shed light on the slow, but vital purification of the soul towards Christian perfection. Imprisonment St. John’s work to reform the Carmelites did not come with ease. In fact, he received orders from his own superiors telling him to depart from Avila and return home. However, John stood his ground and refused to leave because he had already received approval from the nuncio, a greater authority within his order. The Carmelites, who did not respect the authority of the nuncio, then kidnapped John and imprisoned him in the monastery in Toledo. He lived for nine months in a tiny cell that was hardly big enough for him to lie down in. His diet consisted of bread and water, and every week he was brought out to be lashed in front of the community. One friar had mercy on John’s soul and would kindly smuggle paper to him which John used to write poetry. He did not let the darkness of the cell stifle the light of Christ in his soul. [bctt tweet="St. John of thee Cross did not let the darkness of the cell stifle the light of Christ in his soul. #BISblog //" via="no"] The Three Ways St. John wrote about the three stages of the spiritual life, including, the dark night of the soul. 1. The Purgative Way (Spiritual Childhood) This is when one begins to break bad habits, overcome temptation, and grow in virtue. At the end of this stage one can experience something called the “dark night of the senses.” It is a stage when God calls us to detachment not only from material things, but also from spiritual consolations. Here God purges sin from our heart in order to make more room for Him to reign. 2. The Illuminative Way (Spiritual Adolescence) This is a time of continued growth in virtue, charity, and prayer. One may still experience the “dark night of the senses,” but in this time of detachment we are growing in the life of virtue and God is further revealing Himself to us. 3. The Unitive Way (Spiritual Adulthood) In this stage, one has fallen so deeply in love with God that their desire is for Him alone. One has moved beyond the “dark night of the senses," but may then experience the “dark night of the soul.” This stage is one which can cause what St. Teresa of Avila calls a “wound” of love, a “delightful pain.” She writes: This action of love is so powerful that the soul dissolves with desire...This pain reaches to the soul’s very depths and that when He who wounds it draws out the arrow, it indeed seems, in accord with the deep love the soul feels, that God is drawing these very depths after Him. Let’s remember that like St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa was also a mystic. Her words may seem beyond us, but they do still give us a glimpse of how deep her love for Christ was. The deepness is mysterious. Getting There In the Ascent of Mount Carmel St. John of the Cross writes about how to achieve this Divine Union and ascent to the top of the mountain. He writes: In this detachment the spiritual soul finds its quiet and repose; for since it covets nothing, nothing wearies it when it is lifted up, and nothing oppresses it when it is cast down, because it is in the centre of its humility. He speaks of uniting our sufferings with Christ and clinging to the Cross. He sketched an image which shows Jesus at the moment He surrendered His spirit to the Father. When we surrender our own Spirit to the Father we allow ourselves permission to be removed from the noise of the world. Then, in the “quiet and repose” which St. John speaks of, we find freedom. Just think of the Our Father prayer, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done....deliver us from evil.” In our surrender, we are given the grace to be freed from the bondage of sin. Reaching the Summit Someone once told me that it is not that our will ought to be conformed to Christ, but rather that it should be united with Christ. To conform means to be obedient to, but to unite means to become one with. When our wills have become united with Christ’s, we do not have to put so much effort forth in fulfilling His will, because already we are walking in-step with Him. What spiritual stage do you find yourself in? What things do you think God is asking you to detach from in order to make more room for Him to dwell in your heart? [bctt tweet="St. John of the Cross: Reaching the Summit #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

A pilgrimage is more than just a trip to a place of religious interest. It is a physical journey that coincides with a spiritual journey to deeper union, surrender, and trust in God. In July 2018, I had the privilege of making a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Mexico. I was on my way home from the Holy Land, and through Divine Providence, the most reasonable flight had a layover in Mexico City. I decided to extend my layover and stay for 48 hours. While I have traveled to many Catholic pilgrimage locations throughout the world, there is something very special about the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Listen to these words that she spoke to Juan Diego of December 9, 1531: Juanito, the humblest of my children, know and understand that I am the ever virgin Mary, Mother of the true God through whom all things live. It is my ardent desire that a church be erected here so that in it I can show and bestow my love, compassion, help, and protection to all who inhabit this land and to those others who love me, that they might call upon me and confide in me. Places Matter to Catholics Places are important, especially to Catholics. We can kneel at the spot where Mary gave her fiat in Nazareth, touch the place where Jesus was born in Bethlehem, swim in the Sea of Galilee, stand at the foot of the Cross on Calvary, go to Mass in the empty tomb in Jerusalem, pray at the tombs of our favorite Saints, venerate first, second, and third class relics, and walk the Camino in Spain. When Mary appeared to Juan Diego, she requested a Church to be built. She wanted there to be a place in the New World where she could pour out her generous love. She desired for there to be a place where we could bring our intentions to her. Her final words to Juan Diego on December 12, 1531 are so beautiful: Listen and understand, my humblest son. There is nothing to frighten and distress you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and let nothing upset you. Is it not I, your Mother, who is here? Are you not under my protection? Are you not, fortunately, in my care? Mary wants to protect us. She is here for us. She cares for us. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe Today, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City receives around 20 million visitors every year, many who have traveled for days on foot. Traveling by foot to Catholic shrines adds an Incarnational dimension to our journey to union with God. Inside the shrine, the sacraments of Confession and Eucharist and the celebration of liturgy are moments of incredible grace. At the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, there are over 30 Masses throughout the day. There are also several priests hearing confessions (in multiple languages) every day of the year from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. What to Expect The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is located six miles from Mexico City International Airport. I felt safe in the neighborhood, but watch out for pickpockets, especially if you take the subway or bus. Uber is another safe option for getting there. Mexico City is ranked number one in the world for traffic congestion, so give yourself extra travel time. A friend described the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe as “Catholic Disney Land.” It’s not quite that big, but there’s a lot to see! The tilma is displayed above the main altar in the Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe. But I would also recommend visiting the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Chapel of Saint Joseph, Guadalupana Crypt, Chapel of San Miguel (where the Virgin of Guadalupe first met Juan Diego and gave him the Castilian roses), Parish of Santa María de Guadalupe, Capilla del Pocito, Baptistry, Chapel of Blessings, Crypt in Mariana Square, San Juan Sanctuary, the Carillon, Museum, Library, and Historical Archives. There are free tours available every day, but I preferred walking around at my own pace. Get Your Souvenirs Blessed! Don’t be surprised by all the vendors selling gadgets and gizmos aplenty. Maybe you’ll want to put on a sombrero and take a photo riding a fake donkey. Apparently, these photos are very popular, because there are photographers around every corner. Religious souvenirs are a beautiful way to remember and renew your encounter with God during the pilgrimage. Many people purchase images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and have the priest bless the image with Holy Water after the Mass. Acts of Devotion There are roses everywhere! In the little marketplace near the entrance, there are several florists who arrange and sell roses to bring to Our Lady. Pilgrims often make their pilgrimage by moving forward on their knees across the piazza all the way up to the communion rail in the sanctuary of the Church. The devotion of the pilgrims is so beautiful! The tilma is about 5.5 x 3.5 feet tall and it is framed in bullet proof glass. It is visible from the sanctuary of the Basilica, but you can get closer by walking down to the crypt. There are four moving walkways where pilgrims pass beneath the image. There wasn’t a line when I was there, so I may have passed back and forth a few dozen times! This is a place of incredible celebration: baptisms, quinceañeras, wedding anniversaries, family reunions. Mary brings everyone together here under her starry mantle of protection. And so many people wear the miraculous image on their clothing. My favorite was the little two-year-old girl wearing a tilma dress with the image on the front. In the seven years after the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, nine million conversions took place in Mexico. Conversions and healing are still happening there today. Today, you can submit your prayer requests directly to the Basilica here. Tidbits about the Tilma The image of Mary has no brush strokes nor animal or mineral elements in the pigment. The tilma maintains a constant temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the same as that of a living person. When viewed under magnification, Mary’s eyes contain the image of 13 individuals in the scene of Juan Diego unfurling the tilma before the archbishop. In 1785, a worker accidentally spilled strong nitric acid solvent onto a large portion of the image itself. The image should have deteriorated immediately, but instead it self-restored over the next 30 days. On November 14, 1921, an fanatic offered a large bouquet of roses under the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and camouflaged 29 sticks of dynamite inside. The explosion crumbled a marble rail, twisted a brass crucifix and shattered windows nearby. Miraculously, the image of Our Lady was unharmed. The stars on Our Lady's mantle are in the exact position as the stars before dawn on the morning of December 12, 1531. The black ribbon around Mary’s waist shows that she is expecting a child. When scientists placed a stethoscope below the black band at the waist of Our Lady, they heard rhythmic repeating heartbeats at 115 beats per minute. The same as that of a baby in womb. Want to Learn More about Our Lady of Guadalupe? Here are a few resources to help you learn more about Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Lady of Guadalupe by Tomie dePaola The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe by Pat Mora Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Civilization of Love First by Carl Anderson and Eduardo Chavez A Handbook on Guadalupe by Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate Guadalupe Mysteries: Deciphering the Code by Grzegorz Gorny and Janusz Rosikon Movie: Guadalupe: The Miracle and the Message, narrated by Jim Caviezel Do you have a devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe? Have you ever visited the shrine? How are you celebrating her feast day? [bctt tweet="The Feast and Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe #BISblog //" via="no"] Rose Coleman is a regular contributor to the BIS blog and a devotion writer. She is a contemplative in action who delights in all things beautiful. Her adventurous heart has traveled many places—from circumnavigating the globe on a ship during college to some years in the convent as a religious sister. Exuberant from her childhood, she is an elementary school teacher who learns so much from her students. You can find out more about her here.   This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!