I recently finished the book Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly by Father Gregory Pine O.P. The subtitle is what initially drew me to read this book. In a world with millions of possibilities, I want to make decisions with confidence and, even more so, I desire to live with bold courage. When I first began reading, the virtue of prudence was an afterthought. Now, prudence—the cardinal virtue that “disposes the practical reason to discern, in every circumstance, our true good and to choose the right means for achieving it” (CCC 1835—is something I think about each day throughout the day. In order choose confidently and to live boldly, I need to cultivate the virtue of prudence. This book is a must read (or at the very least, read this review about it). I learned an incredible amount and fell in love with the virtues. I could have underlined every sentence of this book, yet one thing in particular stood out for me. I continue to apply it in my life since reading it, namely: the importance of memory in making prudent decisions. The Importance of Memory Quoting Saint Thomas Aquinas, Father Gregory explains that there are eight “perfections” of prudence, eight integral parts that work together in making a prudent action. They are: memory docility understanding shrewdness reason foresight caution circumspection Most of us just focus on the perfection of caution when we think of prudence, but this aspect is only one part of the beauty that makes up this virtue. The perfection that really has transformed my life is memory. Using the gift of our memory helps us make prudent decisions. The Gift of Our Past So often we focus on the present moment. This is incredibly important because God is in the present moment, the time for grace is now! However, memory is also a gift from God. It helps us make bold, virtuous decisions. Father Gregory writes: Memory recalls experiences of the past. In matters of prudence, experience goes a long way… the prudent person weighs his or her experience of the past and uses that memory to account best for present circumstances... While it may be helpful for the prudent person to have a vast memory, it’s more important that he or she have a profound memory. Cultivating a Truthful Memory An important facet to creating a profound memory is cultivating a truthful memory. To do this, we need to ask God to purify our memories. It is tempting (especially with painful memories, moments we are embarrassed about, or past experiences that we just want to forget) to redefine history or change our memory of what actually happened so we are the hero. This is incredibly detrimental and can hinder our faith, and it can hinder our future. A pure memory helps us make decisions because we can reflect on our memory and use the lessons we learned from the past and make a virtuous decision boldly. Four Ways to Purify Our Memories Here are four ways that Father Gregory Pine instructs us on how to cultivate a true, pure, profound memory: Retain memory (so it doesn’t slip away) by frequent recalling or journaling. (I need to do this!) Organize memory. (If you have any ideas for this one, please share in the comments below!) Return to it often because God is teaching us through our memory. Pray. Here is a little prayer we can offer: Lord, please help purity my past, and help me to remember things as they truly happened so that I may learn and make virtuous and prudent decisions so as to glorify You! Do you cultivate a profound memory or do you try to push your past away? What are some ways to cultivate a profound memory? Please share below!   [bctt tweet="The Importance of Memory #BISblog //" via="no"]

After the creation of the world, God gave to Adam the notable task of naming the animals. Typically, the right of naming is reserved for the creator of said thing, but God’s inclusion of man in this role was further indication of His adoption of mankind as sons and daughters. To this day, the task of naming anything (children, businesses, inventions, etc.) is a process that brings about immense satisfaction and joy once completed. In His Omnipotence, God knew we would enjoy the process and in His generosity shared the privilege with us. Unsurprisingly, many faithful followers find inspiration in their Faith when it comes to naming the animal members of their households. Clever Catholic Names for Pets Catholic websites and Facebook groups are full of posts and threads dedicated to Catholic baby names. These are often places of heavy traffic and engagement. However, there are very few places discussing names of pets owned by Catholics and Christians. Below are names of present and past pets belonging to various members of the Body of Christ… with a few ideas thrown in the mix! Samson // A King poodle who was quite notable in size Pup Francis // The canine companion of a parish priest Gregory // Perfect for a Great Dane after Saint Gregory the Great (or any other Saint who shares the title) Puddleglum // A gray goldfish named for the character from C.S. Lewis' The Silver Chair Bethlehem, aka “Beth” // For a donkey whose species has obvious connections to the town Reverend Fulton Sheen, aka “Rev” // A black cat Turtullian & Aristotle // Two baby turtles hatched on the feast of Saint Teresa of Avila with a fun connection to the “ter/tur” connection. As a unit they were referred to as, “Ter” and “Tle.” Gabriel & Michael // Two German shepherds, a breed notable as guard dogs Tenebrae // A black dog named after the traditional Holy Wednesday custom that leaves the whole church in darkness Dominic // A Boston terrier with black and white markings (similar to the colors of a Dominican habit) Leviticus // One of many cats belonging to a little girl Pangur Ban // A cat named after the poem whose author is unknown but thought to originate from a Benedictine abbey Cateri // Another cat; named for Saint Kateri with a “punny” spelling Dog Bosco // A dog named after the beloved Don Bosco Simon & Peter // Twin calves born on feast of the Chair of Saint Peter 1 & 2 Timothy // Brother cats whose names were inspired both by Scripture and the Anne of Green Gables series Bishop // A dog who was rescued with the name Hole-in-One aka, “Holy” // The dog of a priest/avid golfer Padre // A black cat with a white patch on the front of his neck resembling a priest’s collar Deacon // The emotional support dog of a parish priest Pied Beauty aka “Beauty” // For any dappled or brindle-coated animal; inspired by the work of Gerard Manly Hopkins Polycarp // Appropriate for any pet fish Rocco // A dog with patterns like red granite, but also with ties to Saint Rocco Caspian // A guinea pig named after the character from the Narnia series Damascus // A bold name for a horse inspired by Carvaggio’s famous painting Conversion on the Way to Damascus Linus, Cletus, Clement, Agatha, Lucy, & Cecilia // Chicks who hatched around the same time and named after the martyrs in the Eucharistic prayer Saint // A dog who is anything but (though helping his owners to grow in virtue) Cupertino aka “Cooper” // Another beloved canine Aquinas // A bull whose name was inspired by the “dumb ox” nickname given to the Saint by his classmates Clairvaux // An idea for a Saint Bernard Moses // The wavy-haired emotional support dog of a Catholic high school Patrick // Appropriate for an Irish setter Hound of Heaven, aka “Hound” or “Howie”// An idea for a dog named for the poem; the real Hound of Heaven is, of course, God’s Love which never stops seeking us What other names have you heard for Catholic pets? Share with us in the comments!   [bctt tweet="Clever Catholic Names for Pets #BISblog //" via="no"]

The discovery of a new pregnancy is one of the most exciting things that can happen to a woman. At the same time, it can also be incredibly fear-inducing. After all, having a baby is one of the most life-altering events a woman can experience, even when all the circumstances are perfect. But we live in a fallen world, and most pregnancies and their circumstances cannot be categorized as "perfect." A marriage might be on the rocks. Employment status might be unstable. Personal safety could be an issue. 4 Saints Who Were Encouraged to Have Abortions In these instances (and any of the many others), there are four Saints to whom we can turn when we experience difficulties surrounding pregnancies. Their own pregnancies were so fraught that the medical professionals who cared for them all recommended abortion. As you'll see, choosing life made all the difference. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla A physician herself, Gianna understood the complications of the fibroid (benign tumor) discovered growing in her uterus while she was pregnant with her fourth child. In many cases, fibroids of this kind are so small and harmless that they can be left alone during a woman’s pregnancy. However, in Gianna’s case, the size and position of the fibroid posed a threat to her life, as well as the life of her child. Gianna’s doctors presented her with three options of treatment available in the 1960s. A complete hysterectomy was the option which posed the least risk for Gianna. In this case, the removal of the uterus would include the removal of the fibroid, but also the unborn child who would (obviously) not survive the procedure. Ethically speaking, the Church recognizes this option as a moral choice as the intention is not to harm the fetus and no direct action is taken against it. Rather, treatment is given to the mother to save her life and the child dies as a result. This choice would not have been sinful. The second option presented to Gianna was not moral. In the proposed scenario, Gianna could have an abortion and have the fibroid surgically removed, but retain her uterus for potential future pregnancies. This option posed more risk to mother (and child) than the first, but allowed for the possibility of more children. Gianna rejected this option completely. The final option was a myomectomy, the surgical removal of just the fibroid, which would be difficult to perform on a pregnant uterus. This posed the greatest amount of risk for Gianna, but the lowest risk to her child and was its only chance of survival. Despite the good that could come as a result of the surgery, it could also result in various life-threatening scenarios for both Gianna and the child including miscarriage and excessive bleeding, during both pregnancy and delivery. Presented with two options for treatment that aligned with Catholic teaching, Gianna heroically chose the treatment which gave her child a chance at life, even though it posed the greatest risk to herself. In fact, she sensed that she was not going to survive the ordeal. To her brother she confided, “When the time comes, it will be either he or I,” and to her husband she insisted, “If you have to decide between me and the child, do not hesitate; I demand it, the child, save it.” Gianna underwent a successful myomectomy which allowed her fourth child, a little girl, to grow to a healthy ten pounds at the time of her delivery. Days later, Gianna passed away due to an infection in her abdomen, which may or may not have occurred because of her Cesarean section. It is possible, but not proven, that Gianna’s need for the C-section was tied to the stress the uterus underwent during the myomectomy. On May 16th, 2004, the daughter saved by Gianna’s generosity was able to attend the canonization of her own mother. The Saint’s namesake, Gianna Emmanuela is a physician like her mother and travels across the globe sharing stories of her “mommy Saint.” “I would not be here if I was not loved so much,” the joyful Dr. Molla has concluded. Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo A newlywed living in the 21st century, Chiara returned from her honeymoon to discover her first pregnancy. At fourteen weeks, it was detected that the baby had a genetic condition known as anencephaly (a neural tube defect which does not allow for proper brain or skull formation). Incompatible with life, most babies born with anencephaly die shortly after birth. As is the case with many medical professionals, Chiara’s doctors recommended abortion since the child was fated to die anyway. Lovingly, Chiara and her husband chose to carry the baby to term and love her in every way they could until her natural death. Maria Grazia Letizia lived for less than an hour outside her mother’s womb, but her life was cherished by her parents and they saw to it that she was baptized before her death. At Maria’s funeral, the memorial card prepared by Chiara and her husband read, “We are born never to die,” a profound reminder of the eternal life their daughter was already living. Months later, Chiara expected her second child. Once again, the ultrasound revealed a genetic defect incompatible with life, but one completely unrelated to the first. This baby was void of his legs and kidneys. Once more, the doctors recommended abortion to the young couple; they, in turn, refused. Davide Giovanni lived a total of thirty-eight minutes and, like his sister, was baptized before passing into eternal life. During Chiara’s third pregnancy, the baby was developing normally. However, Chiara noticed something strange about her tongue. Testing confirmed a rare cancer. Immediately she underwent surgery to have the mass removed. Chemotherapy and radiation would have been moral means of combating the cancer (although indirectly fatal for the baby). Desiring to protect the life of her son, Chiara delayed treatment until birth. During this time, she lost the ability to speak and swallow (and she didn’t even take pain medication in further attempts to protect her unborn son!). Thanks to the immense generosity of his mother’s love, Francesco was born healthy and strong. Tragically, during those final months of pregnancy, Chiara’s cancer spread rapidly throughout her body, affecting her lungs, liver, one breast, and an eye before doctors declared it to be terminal. Despite all her suffering, Chiara radiated joy. She died in June 2012 wearing her wedding dress, and her cause for canonization was opened five years later on the anniversary of her death. Servant of God Emilia Wojtyla Described by her saintly son—John Paul II—as the “soul of home,” Emilia Wojtyla was a deeply religious woman and a loving wife and mother. As is the case with many parents, Emilia loved her children more than herself, and it was evident especially during her third pregnancy. This particular pregnancy was taxing for Emilia and a threat to her life. Emilia’s doctor insisted she have an abortion as the labor could have resulted in Emilia’s death. This assertion left her depressed and down-hearted. Supported by her husband, they knew this baby was meant to be born. Emilia found another doctor, a man who acknowledged the immense risk but did not push for an abortion. She spent the last months of pregnancy on bedrest. When the time came for the baby to be delivered, Emilia’s husband and eldest son went to the parish across the street to pray. This brave woman survived the delivery and instructed the midwife to open the windows. Emilia wanted the first sounds heard by her healthy newborn to be the words of the Litany of Loreto sung every evening at the parish. Because of the suffering and grace experienced throughout the entire ordeal, Emilia predicted that her son, Karol Jr., would one day become a great man. She was right. The cause for the canonization of Emilia Wojtyla (and her husband Karol) was opened on October 10th, 2019. Blessed Maria Corsini Quattrocchi Maria was a renowned professor and mom of three young children when her fourth pregnancy brought with it an unexpected diagnosis. During her fourth month, Maria started hemorrhaging. She was experiencing placenta previa, a rare condition in which the placenta (a temporary organ providing nourishment to the baby) covers the cervix. Even for modern-day medicine, this diagnosis is considered life-threatening. So in the early 1900s when Maria was diagnosed, the condition was essentially considered a death sentence. The doctors advised Maria to abort the child and save her own life. They even tried to persuade her husband (who did not take his Faith as seriously as his wife) by assuring him of the difficulties of raising three young children on his own. Neither individual caved to the pressure. Instead, they took the matter to prayer and entrusted themselves to God through the process. They decided to allow the doctors to induce labor early and sure enough, both Maria and their daughter, Enrichetta survived. Maria lived a long, full, and happy life with her husband and four children. Her husband’s faith was strengthened by the experience, and he contributed unceasingly to the faith life within their home. As adults, their three oldest children became professed religious (a Benedictine priest, a Benedictine nun, and a Trappist monk). Their youngest, Enrichetta, held many positions in her life, including teacher and nurse. She served those around her boldly and unceasingly (including amazing things like helping Jews, refugees, and soldiers during World War II and adopting the son of a deceased cousin). In 2001, Maria and her husband became the first non-martyred married couple to be beatified together. An old woman, Enrichetta was alive and present at Saint Peter’s for the glorious event. She died eleven years later having followed whole-heartedly in the virtuous footsteps of her parents. Most recently, in August 2021, Pope Francis declared Enrichetta Quattrocchi a venerable. This baby who was given no chance of survival lived such a profound life of heroic virtue, her cause for canonization is well on its way! Portraits of Courage Saints are often misconstrued as people born with an innate ability to make moral choices without a second thought. The truth is, saints are people who struggled through life, brought everything before the Lord for His assistance, and thus formed their soul to eventually react in such an automatically virtuous way. Though these four women were faithful followers of Jesus at the time of their pregnancies, it does not mean they did not experience or struggle with negative emotions and thoughts regarding their pregnancies. Rather, in virtuous fashion, they “took up courage;” meaning they were not necessarily unafraid. Rather, courage is the virtue by which we move forward with the moral choice despite personal fear. May these women serve as models and heavenly friends to whom we can turn when we, or someone we know or love, is faced with a difficult decision regarding the life of the unborn.   [bctt tweet="4 Saints Who Were Encouraged to Have Abortions #BISblog //" via="no"]

I often get asked how I reconciled my dance career to my Faith. I simply say that, at the time, I didn’t. Like many young girls, I was put into twirling at three. Then, at my own request, I enrolled in ballet, tap, and jazz at the age of five. I found I had a natural ability as a little dancer and immediately felt like I had found my calling. Nothing mattered more to me than dance. I accepted any and all forms of critique and demanding training sessions to be the very best. The dance industry certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. If I wasn’t practicing in the studio, I was clearing the furniture in my bedroom for more space, practicing my leg extensions at the kitchen counter, or using the long grocery store aisles to develop the most graceful leaps. My mother still recounts those grocery store days to me. Now, my husband experiences them, too. What can I say? Once a dancer, always a dancer. Motivations and Morality As I matured as a young lady and a performer, I worked hard to be in the more notable classes at my studio. I spent the many following years in the competitive world of dance. Up to this point, there wasn’t anything that I tried out for, or set my mind and body to, that I didn’t achieve in one way or another. Committing myself to being a competitive dancer meant that weeknight rehearsals turned into weekends too, even Sundays. This didn’t bother my family much. While I had received my Sacraments, we weren’t a practicing Catholic family. Reconciling Catholic morals to my dance career was not a thought, even though there was much that could have been discussed about topics pertaining to modesty, body image, competitiveness, female comparison, and priorities. I was often encouraged by others with the motto, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!” A Possible Open Door Into my teen years I won many awards, appeared in different ensembles, danced across the country, and was the youngest girl in my high school’s history to have been made the highest-ranking lead dancer on our team. Yet my impending graduation made me feel absolutely lost thinking of a life without dance. I wasn’t sure what I would pursue. During the summer after high school graduation, a friend invited me to go with her to try out for the Texans Cheerleaders. Admittedly, I felt lackluster. As many in this arena know, classically-trained dancers and cheerleaders are seen as very different. From my experience, one is usually turning their nose up at the other. I went forward with this opportunity anyway, thinking this might give my college years the dose of dance that I was looking for. Not only that, but I had spent a brief period of time on a competitive team with a Texans Cheerleader that was on the squad during my audition. I thought I was a shoo in! The Tryout Process I arrived to the very intimidating practice tent (not having done any prior research) in a simple but little tryout number, dance sneakers, and my curls sprayed so tight I had to hammer them down at the end of the night. I was not at all prepared for the city camera crews, news photographers, or mass amounts of women there to try out. As one would expect, the women in the heeled boots and skimpy sequined outfits were the ones that drew the most attention. I knew I was going to have to step it up. So I danced like nobody’s business, flipped my hair with the best of them, and performed with the typical facial technique of mouthing your vowels. While there I began to feel like this was more about looks than about dancing (it turns out I was right). I made it through two of the three rounds when suddenly I saw a trail of Texans football players enter the tent. They sat down at a long table. They instructed us to dance across the field and act as if the players weren’t there. I was cut during this round and experienced my first dance team “failure,” if one could call it that. Not long after, I heard through the grapevine why I didn’t make it. Apparently, I looked too young at the time. They encouraged me to come back in a year or two when my look had matured. To me, this indicated a single standard: a member could not look that young and wear that little. I moved on quickly from not making the team, but struggled afterwards with the feeling of humiliation for putting myself on display like that. A Change of Position Several months later I sat discontentedly in my college freshman political science class doodling on a notebook. I heard God say in my heart, “You need to be a youth minister.” There have been three times in my life where I sincerely felt that I heard God clearly, and this was one of them. And all I could think was, “Have You seen my life, Lord?” This call intrigued and bewildered me. I had absolutely no qualifications and hardly had any relationship with God. In a leap of faith, no pun intended, I reached out to my youth minister to tell him what I had experienced and asked him to help me pursue God’s call. This became the first of many arduously purifying seasons in my life. After months of prayer, study, volunteering, and conversion I became a youth minister at the young age of 19 and I have worked for the Church ever since. Shortly after, I heard an internal phrase that stopped me in my tracks, “See, you can’t live both ways.” God was asking me for a complete surrender! A Singular Focus Things had never been so clear. It was not possible to carry on juggling two contradictory ways of life. One or the other must be true. And I would have never been a youth minister had I been hanging on the wall of some young man’s bedroom in a scantily-clad outfit. The door closed on my dance career, but God opened another! “You can’t live both ways,” became my new motto and was the catalyst for a laundry list of other personal conversions pertaining to modesty, comparison, self-worth, purity, and secularism. Looking back, I can see that my Texans Cheerleader tryout experience was the tipping point that gave way to divine providence. I would either believe what Christ has done for me is actually real and I would fully commit to living this Faith, or I would continue on in discord, picking and choosing whatever felt right in the moment. This didn’t come easily. I looked at almost 20 years of my life lived away from God as a rose bush that needed to be pruned. This was sometimes incredibly painful and isolating from my family. I had to end certain friendships. At times, it felt like I was losing the only self I knew. Old habits die hard, and parts of my secular worldview tried to carry on unfazed for years after I sought total surrender to a life with God. I didn’t completely change overnight. But I was dedicated to pursuing God no matter the cost. New Team, New Training To better the journey and find support in training myself in new habits, I surrounded myself with a phenomenal community of Catholic believers. These people lifted me up and exemplified a faithful lifestyle, including the Saints. I seek daily to approach my Faith as passionately as I did my dance career with intensity, focus, discipline, practice, and love. And when things get hard, I think of how good it is to rest in Christ and allow that to soothe my heart like a balm while I continue to grow and transform. And for those wondering, I still dance but perhaps in a different outfit and with a much healthier outlook on Who I belong to. Has God ever shifted the course of your life with closed and open doors? Take some time to reflect on that today!   Steffani Aquila is the Director of Liturgical Life for the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and the owner of His Girl Sunday, a business and blog that helps individuals, families, and parishes live liturgically and build long-lasting, authentic Catholic traditions. She has a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and has worked in Catholic high schools as a dean and an honors level Theology teacher. When she’s not doing those things, you can find her reading theological books, hosting feast day parties for family & friends, and dancing down the aisles of Hobby Lobby.   [bctt tweet="Texans Cheerleader Tryouts & Total Surrender #BISblog //" via="no"]

Anywhere can be a place of prayer. We can have a solemn and meaningful time with God wherever we may be. It need not be an elaborate space, as long as we can spend a few quiet moments being closer to Him. But having a small space in our own homes where we can pray and reflect allows our families, our friends, and guests to come together and have a prayer time without the distractions. Ideas for Decorating a Prayer Room Setting the stage for a space that allows contemplation is helpful when forming a habit of deep prayer. Here are some ideas for decorating a prayer room or space in your own home. 1. Decide on Your Color Scheme You may opt for vibrant or pastel colors for your prayer room to resemble the joy and lightness of being with God, or more neutral, earthy tones to create a cozy prayer room with a sense of quiet and peace. Spandex four-way stretch drape curtains are perfect if you want shade for windows but also want natural light and fresh air inside your praying room. If you want more coverage, you can choose velvet curtain drapes. If you don’t have curtain rods installed in your house, you can use sturdy pipe and drape sets to hang the curtains. Use the same fabrics or complement drape colors for the altar backdrop. Create a double draping design for the windows and the altar using valence hangers with chiffon curtain drapes to add a color accent to the room. For a more joyous and vibrant prayer room design, you may use a flower panel backdrop for the altar to surround framed pictures of Jesus and Holy Mother Mary. 2. Place the Altar at the Center The altar is the centerpiece of your prayer room. If you have a rectangular wooden table for the altar, you can just put a table runner on top based on your color theme. If you want full coverage for a plastic table, you may also use a linen tablecloth topped with a table overlay. You may also want to add skirting on the altar table using table clips. Arrange your altarpieces at the center of the table, including spiritual figurines and the Bible. For candles, you may use these candelabras for the altar, or on a separate smaller table. Affordable charger plates can also be used as a candle holder. 3. Add Chairs and Other Furniture You may want to add a couch or just a few chairs lined facing the altar. Some also put personal pews in the prayer room, but these aren’t always available. For kneeling, you may put pillows or you may opt for a carpeted prayer room. For minimal chair decorations, add a white or ivory chair cap to your Chiavari chairs. If you have limited space, use foldable chairs so you can put them away when you have fewer people in the prayer room. Add other furniture such as a wooden or glass prayer closet or even a small container to keep other spiritual materials such as prayer books, prayer journals, candles, etc. You may add other small home decors such as flower vases or figurines. 4. Use Wall Decorations Wall decorations for prayer spaces will be sure to add a personal touch. You may add a wood sign for reminders or a prayer board. Bible verses wall art can also be a beautiful prayer room decor. You may also use vinyl wall floral decorations for the walls. These prayer room ideas are just some of the ways that you can make your daily prayers a little more special. In the end, the goal of a prayer room is to create a beautiful place of worship in your home, a place where your family and loved ones can come together in comfort, without distraction, and with grateful hearts and souls.   Wendilyn Adams is a freelance event stylist for private, corporate small, and huge crowd gatherings. Her eye for putting together decorative pieces, and linens make every event remarkable. She's been in the events industry for 6 years.   [bctt tweet="Practical Decoration Ideas for a Prayer Room at Home #BISblog //" via="no"]

I was having a particularly rough month and was feeling lost. I had recently shared about my broken family history (something I hadn’t done in a long time). Revisiting all of those memories left me feeling insecure. My wounds and scars opened up again, exposing all the parts of me that feel ugly and in need of healing. I wished I could go back and change things, feeling bitter and angry that it still affects me to this day. I thought about how whole I could be if things had turned out differently, how unfair it was that I had constantly questioned my worth, how hard it was for me to trust the people I love most. I knew I needed time with Our Lord but I kept putting it off. I had so many words that were jumbled in my head and were hard to put together. I was emotionally drained. It was overwhelming to even scratch the surface of all the pain and hurt that consumed me. I had an opportunity to visit Jesus in Adoration and thought this would be a perfect time to lay out all my frustrations. But when I knelt before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to say or where to even begin. Would He understand? Would He chastise me for complaining too much? Would He tell me to chin up and move on and stop dwelling in the past? As I was trying to pray and explain all of these things, I felt moved to simply sit in silence and remain in His presence. I stared at Jesus, looking for the words, when I heard Him say in my heart, “I know.” And I wept. [elementor-template id="707561"] He knows it all. Jesus was there with me and He understood everything. There was no need for me to explain. All I needed was to remain in Him, even when I didn’t know what to say or what to do next. I simply sat there and let His presence console me. He acknowledged the pain in my heart and my need for His healing. He allowed me the space to cry and grieve for the things of my past. So much was communicated simply by being in His presence, just like so much can be communicated with one look between spouses or two best friends. It really was simple. I tried to fill the silence with words and instead I was reminded of the depth of His intimate love. And as long as I remain in Him and He remains in me, I can ask Him for anything and it will be done (see John 15:7). Oftentimes, the ache feels too much to handle and that causes us to turn away or give up. But God is the One Who can handle it all. He knows you, dear sisters, and He looks upon you with love so deep it is beyond words. // What areas of your life do you lack peace? What are the things that overwhelm you? // As we close this series today, reflect: How can you remain with the Lord in the present moment? What has He stirred in your heart over the last week? What is the Holy Spirit trying to show you?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // Lost for Words #BISblog //" via="no"]

“If you really wanted to confess something, why not just talk to an empty chair and pretend Jesus is in it? Why would you put yourself through that when you can see you’re talking to another flawed human,” asked my indignant high school friend. Fair point, I had to admit. Why trouble myself with the humiliation of naming my sins and shortcomings to anyone else, when I could just speak them into the void and call it good? Is Catholicism worth the hassle? There are so many seeming add-ons that other traditions don’t ask of them. Growing up I was surrounded by friends who deeply loved Jesus, who knew Scripture and wanted the same for me. They just didn’t seem to imagine I could find that in the Catholic Church and challenged me on it frequently. It turns out I was a bit of a late bloomer in terms of coming to an intimate understanding of the Liturgy, the Sacraments, and the Tradition present therein, so naturally I wondered if they might be right. Their questions and promptings came from a good place and didn’t allow for me to become stagnant. Ultimately, their curiosity and prompting led to a place of discernment. Was the Faith I’d been Baptized into my own? Did I want it to be? I remember my mom encouraging me to give a final fair chance before I let it go completely. [elementor-template id="707561"] I scheduled a time with my parish priest for Confession and to talk over my questions and the inherent struggles in deciding whether or not to stay Catholic. “Shouldn’t the Faith I’m choosing serve to comfort me? Why choose a Faith that asks so much of me?” I demanded indignantly. He listened to me lovingly and patiently. The conversation was a beautiful one, one in which he shared his own deep need for Sacraments–specifically Confession–and the grace that comes with self-awareness, humility, and a contrite heart. I was so touched by his sharing that I knew an empty chair (for starters) could never replace the grace promised for bringing myself, warts and all, to the Redeemer who knows my heart better than any. The invitation to be on a journey with the Lord (rather than inviting the Lord along for my journeying) served to help me come to the decision to remain on the days when choosing faithfulness means choosing to be refined by the struggle. // What has challenged you/challenges you about your Catholic Faith? What has inspired you to remain and make it your own in the past? Now? // Is your faith experience one where you invite Jesus along from time to time, or one in which the Lord is ever present, even amidst the struggles?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // Staying Catholic #BISblog //" via="no"]

By the time I thought of her, my pillow was soaked. The darkness disguised my tears but I worried my unbridled sobs would wake the household. In just a few weeks, my entire life had turned upside down. There wasn't an aspect of my mind, heart, or day that was not burdened by the new crosses that were gifted to us. But perhaps the most heart-wrenching cross was that, in the turmoil and uprootedness, I couldn't see the Lord. I was blinded and deafened by the tornado of circumstances that arrived in an instant, requiring my focus on the survival of those placed under my care. I railed against Him in grief, wondering why He had withdrawn the grace of His consolation at such a disastrous time. As the storms raged, I grabbed onto whatever I could and boarded up the windows of my heart. In those days, I longed for the past: times when things were easier, more normal, and less tumultuous. I longed for the comfort of the world, for a false sense of security, for "taking matters into my own hands." I longed to go back. Those unrealistic and unhealthy desires bore the kind of fruit you can imagine. [elementor-template id="707561"] Despite the lack of consolation, I knew the Lord was present and attentive to me. I also knew that standing before Him raw was better than not standing before Him at all. So as I lay in bed, shrouded in the darkness of room and heart, I cried out to Him. Then, in prayer, I thought of her. I first thought of the Israelites in the desert, wandering toward the Promised Land after being set free from slavery. I thought of how they railed against Moses because they were thirsty, hungry, tired and unsure. "Surely, Lord," I wept that night, "surely there was an Israelite woman who longed to go back. Surely there was one woman who had a decent life in Egypt, who enjoyed the produce of the land and the predictability of the days. Yet, she stayed. She chose to remain with You in the desert, in the discomfort, and in the unknown all for love of You and trust in Your promise. Surely she wept in her tent at night, longing for Egypt but longing for You more. She's the one I need to befriend and pray for me." I don't know who that Israelite woman is, but I hope I get to thank her in Heaven someday. My external circumstances didn't change. My longing for the past didn't disappear. But with the example and prayer of my friend in the desert, I trusted that He was leading me somewhere beautiful. Choosing to remain with Him in the desert gave me strength, confidence, and peace to endure the elements of my environment. // Are you looking back to a time when things were "easier," more predictable, or more controllable? How is the Lord inviting you into a deeper trust and surrender in this new place? // How has the Lord brought you through the desert in the past? Remember those moments and hold fast to them as anchors. His promise is sure, and He does not lead into the desert without the plan of the Promised Land.   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // My Friend in the Desert #BISblog //" via="no"]

I was caught off guard by the surge of my heart when the prospect of returning to the classroom emerged. The four years I had previously taught were some of the most strenuous (albeit rewarding) of my entire life. Truth be told, I was somewhat relieved when my husband’s job took us to a remote town with no Catholic school in which I could teach. Three years in a 9 to 5 office job had been a reprieve—especially because there was no work to be completed outside those hours. Thus, when our next move took us to a city with a Catholic high school, I was taken aback by my own excitement when offered a position to teach Theology once again. Surprise struck again in the first few months of school, but not in a positive way. Everything was different, the biggest difficulty pertaining to the students. A generational shift had occurred, and I was struggling to connect. Suddenly, I was remembering my previous place of employment with rose-colored glasses. Making matters worse, COVID-19 arrived in America that spring giving an entire new meaning to the term “grueling.” Fast forward twelve months and public opinion of teachers shifted from “heroes” to “villains.” Between the piling demands and diminishing respect, I found myself anxious for days past or a way out. [elementor-template id="707561"] One day, while reading through the Scriptures pertaining to Jesus’ agony, I was transfixed by the mob which came to arrest Him. They were armed, angry, and looking for the Scapegoat. Faced with the darkness of the moment, the disciples turned and ran. That instant, God used my imagination. Abandoned, Jesus turned to me with a face longing for my faithfulness and asked, “Do you also wish to go away” (John 6:67)? Cut to the heart, I remained. “What was good about your last school was Me and your reliance upon Me,” God corrected my weary soul. Focusing on His Word, another passage of Scripture came to mind: Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually! // 1 Chronicles 16:11 For two years, I wasted time and energy longing for the past and pining for a future free of suffering. I did not encounter grace there. However, armed with this verse to ground me in the present moment, my assurance in His mission for me has been restored. // Have you ever doubted a decision you made prayerfully once faced with its difficulties? // Have you allowed public opinion of you or your profession to sway your focus on what you know to be God’s plans for you?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // Do You Also Wish to Go Away? #BISblog //" via="no"]

I gave her one last hug before she walked into the next chapter of her life. As I drove away, it finally hit me that my years of raising her were over and that a new phase of mothering an adult had begun. Over the next several weeks, I mourned my daughter’s absence from my daily life. There was one less place to set for dinner and one less child in the pew with us at Mass. I was excited for her and all that the Lord was doing in her life. But I also missed her. At one point, while reflecting on 18 years of motherhood, I began to think about all the things I would do differently if I could. I spiraled into regret, and I struggled to find my way back to the present moment. Thankfully, my annual silent retreat came about a month later. During a weekend of prayer and spiritual direction, the Lord showed me the error of spending too much time looking back, especially with regret. The reality is that no matter how much I dwell on the past, I cannot redo it. I can't take back my less-than-ideal mothering moments and the harsh words I spoke into my daughter’s tender heart. I cannot relive the good times either. And there were plenty of those to celebrate and praise God for, too. Moreover, focusing too much on the past (especially in a state of worry and regret) left me unable to appreciate the present moment. It hindered my ability to settle in and remain attentive to where God had led me, right here, right now. [elementor-template id="707561"] Returning to the present moment resulted in my ability to once again accept Christ’s invitation to remain and abide in Him. I renewed my prayer life. I became mindful of ways to love and support my adult daughter. I began talking to my husband about midlife and what that meant to us. [bctt tweet="Returning to the present moment resulted in my ability to once again accept Christ’s invitation to remain and abide in Him. #BISblog //" via="no"] The words of Jesus rang true in my ears: Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. // John 15:5 Remaining in the present moment meant I no longer glanced back or inward on myself. Rather, I lifted my gaze toward God, who took my regret and made “all things new” (see Revelation 21:5). He restored my motherhood by making “a way in the wilderness” (see Isaiah 43:19). Because mercy is deep and "He works all things together for those who love Him" (see Romans 8:28). This, my sisters, is what Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade calls the “sacrament of the present moment.” And today, I invite you to consider what that means in your own life. // How is God calling you and how will you respond to His invitation to remain in Him in the midst of a major life transition? // Are you clinging to past regrets or confessed sin and defining yourself by those things?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // What I Would Miss #BISblog //" via="no"]

As I sat in the back of the empty desert chapel, I remembered I was not alone, but with Jesus. I let my tears fall and with them, my grasping for the future. I had left the convent only some months before, accepting that I was not called to the religious life as I had thought and planned for years. My heart was brimming over with hopes for the future and a longing for marriage that had returned almost with a vengeance. So what in the world was I doing miles away from home, in a desert-village in southern Ethiopia? I didn’t have all of the answers but I knew He had called me to this mission, for this time. Yet, I was at a loss about what to do with this deep-heart longing. I was torn between surrender and a tantrum. Would I ever meet anyone? What was I supposed to do with all of this aching for love? Then I remembered some dramatically simple yet powerful words I heard from a retreat director. I was told to not be afraid of the ache and to make peace with it. In short, I was to reconcile myself with the immense longing in my heart for true intimacy and love. To the measure I could make peace with this longing, I would discover that ultimately it is the Lord alone who can satisfy—starting in this life and then fully in Heaven. [bctt tweet="To the measure I could make peace with this longing, I would discover that ultimately it is the Lord alone who can satisfy—starting in this life and then fully in Heaven. #BISblog //" via="no"] [elementor-template id="707561"] I could no longer only sit in my ache with my eyes on the future. I had to begin to live from the ache. Instead of throwing myself a pity party for not yet being married, having seemingly “lost” my religious vocation, and being far from any future dating prospect in a foreign country, I had to make a decision. If I died today, unmarried and sourly single, I reasoned, could I say that I still gave my best to Jesus? Would I give all of myself, here and now? I decided my answer would be a “yes.” I would not let myself run ahead with daydreams but, instead, remain right where the Lord is with me in the ache. And it was precisely in this season, as my two years in that beautiful country were coming to an end and I held onto a newfound trust in His timing for my life, that Peter showed up. As a Dominican from the U.S., meeting a German in Ethiopia was not what I had expected. But I would not change anything about the Lord’s generous providence and learning to remain with Him in the present. // Can you perceive how His faithfulness has been with you and is with you even now, in this present moment? // What longings is the Lord asking you to lean into and to surrender to His care?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // Living in the Longing #BISblog //" via="no"]

My family was invited to a celebration with some extended family members I had not seen in many years. I was uncertain about extending the olive branch. The hurt from the past started to surface like debris brought up by the ocean's waves. Hurts that belonged to other family members, hurts that I had heard of or witnessed, began to rupture the wounds I thought were healed years ago. I relegated myself to carrying the yoke of my past, acknowledging the weight but not knowing how to reduce it. Different scenarios played out in my head: How would I be perceived? How would my husband be received? What about my kids? Would they be warm towards my children or would they pay the price for the distance that had formed over the years? I grappled with additional anxiety because my mom, who often helps us navigate these particular family dynamics, was away in Mexico at my grandmother’s bedside. My siblings and I follow my mom’s lead when we interact with these family members. She shields us from the tension as we make our rounds with cordial greetings to family members. Now she was not here to buffer the tension. While my heart raced as I strategized worse-case scenarios, my kids were incredibly excited to meet family they had never met before. Their joy was no match for the unease I felt. Ignoring the invitation was not an option, even though the apprehension consumed me. I knew this offering of peace was from the Lord and I wanted to humbly obey. I felt Jesus ask me to trust Him and remain in His peace. [elementor-template id="707561"] There were not many words exchanged at the celebration, other than, "How have you been?" and, "I'm so happy you are here.” The kids played happily with dogs they had never met before. They giggled with delight as their faces were licked repeatedly. I imagined so much pain, yet none of it manifested in the worst-case scenarios I envisioned. My sleepless nights resulted from my refusal to acknowledge that I missed these family members and so deeply yearned for them to be in my life. My good name may have been swept up in the inheritance of family dysfunction, but in that moment, the past became a vibrant rainbow after a severe thunderstorm. I remained in the moment, which passed all too quickly. Jesus makes all things new, even the ruptures in our families that cause us intense pain. Today, I invite you to welcome the olive branches in your own life and families that will lead you to a greater freedom. [bctt tweet="Jesus makes all things new. #BISblog //" via="no"] // Are you being asked to foster familial bonds even though there has been pain in the past? // How is Jesus inviting you to surrender any wounds by remaining with Him in the pain, trusting Him to heal?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // An Olive Branch #BISblog //" via="no"]

I tend to keep a constant running checklist and I like to accomplish those tasks ASAP. Sweeping the floor (again), making returns, scheduling appointments… the list goes on. My last Lenten observance was aimed at being more present to my spouse and especially my children. For example, in those weekday morning hours when my to-do list threatens to turn my head away from the captivating eyes of my son and daughter and toward texts to reply to, events to plan, and emails to send. It didn’t come as a surprise on Ash Wednesday, then, when after putting my phone in a removed, designated spot, my morning was suddenly more peaceful. When I chose to be more intentionally present with my children and remain with them, I experienced the grace to let go of the list. Then, the day immediately following Easter Sunday, I justified having my phone beside me all day because I "just had too much that needed to get done." The day didn’t go well. Shocker. So today, I try again and again to focus more on my family than on my tasks. Phone or no phone, to-do list or not, being in the present moment can be hard. Duties do not disappear and they must be carried out responsibly; but I have learned that lists should not be checked off at the cost of losing patience. [bctt tweet="Duties do not disappear and they must be carried out responsibility; but I have learned that lists should not be checked off at the cost of losing patience. #BISblog //" via="no"] [elementor-template id="707561"] One of the blog posts I read regularly is Christy Wilken’s The Work of Motherhood. She speaks of motherhood as sanctifying, writing that “what matters is not how perfectly our days are going according to plan, but how perfectly we are surrendering our plans to Him.” God is God, and I am human. It should seem obvious to surrender my plans to Him. So while I am still working on it, I know that, when I choose to remain, He will bear much fruit, and the fruit will be good. Without me you can do nothing. // John 15:5 When I brush past God, it is as though I am grasping at the fruit on the tree to try to fill my basket before the rainstorm. It is like I am swatting Him away, refusing His help in an effort to pave my own way. In reality, the fruit that I pluck by myself is withered and bruised. // How has surrendering your plans to Jesus born fruit in our own life? // Do you find yourself distracted and fretful when your priorities are misaligned? Have you experienced the opposite, positive fruit?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // The Peaceful Present #BISblog //" via="no"]

Growing up with five siblings, I always envisioned raising a large family of my own. I pictured myself like my grandmother, surrounded by a dozen children and finding my vocation and joy in serving the little hands and hearts that would fill my home. Yet the reality of my life is much different. My husband and I have experienced secondary infertility for the past six years. I encountered every emotion possible as I mourned the loss of my dream of a large family. Over the past six years, there were many moments when I grieved the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental suffering that comes with infertility. I have also lamented over my family’s future, especially when I am asked when my son will “get a sibling” by curious family, friends, and strangers. [elementor-template id="707561"] In a breakthrough of God’s grace, I found peace and even joy through remaining with Jesus in the present moment of suffering. When I started praying for God’s perfect will to be done in my life instead of simply praying “for another baby,” peace and joy arrived. [bctt tweet="When I started praying for God’s perfect will to be done in my life, peace and joy arrived. #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"] There is freedom in that prayer. It compels me to absolute trust in His perfect will and the acknowledgement that His will for my life is what I truly desire, even more than a child. Painful at moments? Yes. Challenging? Absolutely. But knowing that even though I don’t have a child remaining in me, I do have the King of my heart remaining in me (see John 15:4). This is a life-giving reality. Though you may not experience secondary infertility, you may have experienced the mourning of a loss of a dream. Are you still clinging to that dream? I encourage you to surrender that dream over to Him. Give Him your broken heart, too. He wants it and only He can make it whole. Begin praying for His perfect will to be done in your life and you will find that His plan is better than any dream you could ever imagine. // What dreams have you had to surrender to the Lord? // How did handing them over give you the freedom to move forward in peace?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // Surrendering a Dream #BISblog //" via="no"]

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. // Proverbs 4:25-26 When I pray with this verse, I typically apply it to comparison of myself or my life with others, or to the moral life, or to God's plan for my life. All of these are appropriate applications, but lately, when I sit with this verse, I'm compelled to contemplate the sanctity of the present moment. My feet are quick to stray from the path of the present moment. Maybe yours are, too. But if we keep our eyes looking "directly forward," where is our focus? On Christ. If we remain fixated on His Holy Face and how He comes to us in the present moment, our path will be straight. Picking Apart the Past, Fearful of the Future So often we can become enraptured by both the past and the future. It's as though the enemy and/or our concupiscence would like us focused on anything but where grace is offered to us: in the present moment. We pluck through the past, reliving regrets or failures. We stay stuck in shame over confessed sin. Or perhaps we look to the past with longing, to times when things were easier, or made more sense, or we were “better.” The Israelites faced the same temptation when they wandered in the desert. To Moses they said, “Were there no burial places in Egypt that you brought us to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, bringing us out of Egypt? Did we not tell you this in Egypt, when we said, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? Far better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” // Exodus 14:11-12 The Israelites desired to turn back to the former life they knew in Egypt after Moses led them out of slavery. They perceived their lot was better there, even though their future full of hope was with God, even in the desert. And we fret over the future. We want to know how, when, and where. We lose sleep and confidence in the Lord by clinging to control and fracturing over fears. Jesus knew this about our human hearts and reassured us that there is nothing in the future that is not already foreseen and cared for by Him. So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. // Matthew 6:31-32 Neither of these directions bring us the peace of staying straight on the path with our eyes fixed on Him. Being obsessed with the past or the future turns our gaze inward and we become consumed with self. Now, understand this does not condemn reflection upon the past to glorify God, remember His faithfulness, or to learn from our mistakes and experiences (we dedicated an entire series to this sort of reflection). It also does not suggest that we forsake praying about and planning for our futures so we can be good stewards of the life and resources God has given us. These are good and holy practices. But you know when you reach the tipping point. We can feel the difference in our souls between calm contemplation that compels us to prayer and stomach-churning anxiousness that compels us to distraction. And it is this kind of preoccupation that deters us from receiving what God has for us in each and every moment. Holiness is in the Present Moment Countless Saints preached on the reality of the present moment. Perhaps so many emphasized the fact that grace is available for the present moment because our human condition easily betrays it. So we know that holiness lies in the present moment. In His presence. When we fix our eyes straight ahead and on Him, we stay aware of His presence. This is exactly what Jesus tells us during the Last Supper. Remain in me, as I remain in you. // John 15:4 Peace and purpose and power are found only when we remain by His side, next to His Heart. It is in this hope and call that we embark on this year's summer series, REMAIN. [bctt tweet="When we fix our eyes straight ahead and on Him, we stay aware of His presence. Peace and purpose and power are found only when we remain by His side. #BISblog //" via="no"] [elementor-template id="707561"] Remain Summer Series Over the course of the next ten days, our blog team will share stories from their own lives in which they were tempted to look back or look ahead and the heart-chaos that resulted from that. We will see how the choice to remain with the Lord instead brought about the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We invite you to join us for this special summer series on the Blessed is She blog. Whether you are in a season in which you are looking back or looking ahead rather than remaining in the present moment with Him, this series will provide you with empathy and encouragement, inviting you to turn to prayer instead turning inward. Together, let's look directly forward, not swaying to the right or the left—the past or the future—knowing that the One upon Whom we look will always make our way straight, straight to His Sacred Heart. Will you join us for this summer series? Do you find yourself in the throws of being tempted to stay stuck in the past or fretting over the future?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // An Introduction + Invitation #BISblog //" via="no"]

Many times, I run through a day with so much on my plate between homeschooling and errands and keeping the house afloat. I wonder why I don’t always feel His presence, or why I feel devoid of Him in my heart. It dawned on me that I do hear Him: He is that whisper when I catch my breath, the whisper when I hug my family and tell them “I love you,” the whisper in the silence while I’m washing dishes or folding laundry. He is the "small whisper" (see 1 Kings 19:12). He quiets my active mind with His gentle whisper, reminding me that He is there. God’s Whisper Just singing along With the same ol’ song Ain’t nothin’ wrong But it don’t feel right I felt fulfilled That was up until I stood still Day was silenced by the night God’s a whisper on a busy day Forgotten Word I need to say Yeah the Lord hits me that way Through a whisper on a busy day He’s there reminding me Of the overlooked beauty All that I fail to see In my blindness Gently He turns my head For my sins, He bled Died on the Cross in my stead In His merciful kindness God’s a whisper on a busy day Holy Word I need to pray Yeah the Lord hits me that way Through a whisper on a busy day Amidst the craziness of it all He reminds me to answer His call Through a whisper on a busy day His Spirit breathes the Word I need to pray Yeah the Lord guides me the right way Through a whisper on a busy day   Danielle Erwin is a Catholic wife and homeschooling mother of five. She has authored a book of poetry on miscarriage after she miscarried two of her own babies and is currently working on publishing her book of poetry on the Catholic Faith.   [bctt tweet="God's Whisper // A Poem #BISblog //" via="no"]

Ciabatta bread, fresh from the oven, is one of my family’s favorite foods. It transforms an average meal into a feast, especially when served with a small plate of olive oil and shredded parmesan, and, of course, a glass of wine. Our Family's "Rosary Ciabatta Bread" Recipe I wish I could remember where I found this particular recipe. The ingredients are ordinary ones, the rise times are fairly typical, but perhaps the biggest trick is in the knead, which takes a total of fifteen minutes. We’ve nicknamed this recipe "Rosary bread," for this reason. While the kitchen mixer is busy kneading the dough, there’s plenty of time to recollect your thoughts, to pray about what’s on your mind and heart, and yes, to slip a Rosary into the mix. (Not literally, of course.) How to Make Rosary Ciabatta Bread The essential steps to most any bread making are easy enough, but today I'm seeing a connection between the wholesomeness of homemade bread, and the holiness of a domestic soul. First of all, take a look at the ingredients. What do we put in the mix for the batch of bread? Common, readily-available ingredients such as yeast, water, sugar, flour, oil, and salt. And in the mix of ingredients that make up our everyday life, what ordinary things are tossed in? Rocking the baby, balancing the checkbook, preparing meals, running errands, and much more. The big responsibilities and mini must-dos that are required in fulfilling our domestic vocation are the ingredients added into our lives. These things, measured out and poured into our days, are part of our recipe for personal holiness. Second, the ingredients need to be kneaded. You want the yeast to reach every bit of dough. We need to be needed, too, but we also have needs. In our prayer times, we pray for ourselves, others that are closest to us and those faraway, and for the world at large. Our prayers spread throughout creation, and stretch to the heights of Heaven. Today’s woman—the homemaker, the mom with a mission, the woman in small business or high stress career—can she declare her “need time?” Just as the yeast permeates the batch, prayer penetrates our hearts, opens our minds, and causes our souls to rise. Thirdly, the dough requires a rest time. This enables the yeast to do its work, which in turn affects the overall quality and texture of the bread. And so it is for us: our rest time energizes us, opens our imagination, inspires us to soar. Do we take time to rest? To wonder and ponder, to pray and play? Find time to relax, to withdraw “from the crowds" as Christ did. When, where and how do we make time for that? A spontaneous visit to the Blessed Sacrament, a scheduled Eucharistic Adoration hour, or perhaps a silent Ignatian retreat are just a few options. Fourth, after being shaped into loaves, the bread dough is ready for the oven. And for us, after being shaped by prayer, things definitely heat up for us. We are asked to do more, to give more of ourselves. This is when our prayer is put into action. Committed to a goal, with purpose declared and defined, we schedule some type of time slot for things to be formed and finished. What challenges must we face in order to develop our personal talents and creative interests? What hard things must we endure in order to get the end product, whether tangible or intangible? B e patient, but work for the result. Trust God in the process. He asks us to invest our talents, to produce good fruit for his kingdom, all for his great glory and the salvation of souls, including our own. And finally, enjoy the feast! Fresh bread shared with others fosters community. There are so many groups and gatherings, Bible and book studies, podcasts and websites dedicated to bringing women together. These places, as well as our own circle of family and friends, provide support and encouragement. We are called to share our gifts, to be a source of heavenly leaven that makes souls rise, and to invite others to the feast. Are we celebrating in heart, rejoicing in God’s love by sharing the Gospel message? How are we bringing the bread of life to others? Rosary Ciabatta Bread Recipe Ciabatta, aka "Rosary Bread" Total time: approximately 2 hours 1.Dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant yeast in 1 1/2 cups of warm water. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over the yeast and let it rest until foamy. 2.Combine 3 ¼ cup of flour with ½ teaspoon of salt in a large mixer bowl. Add the yeast liquid. Knead at low speed for 10 minutes. 3. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and continue kneading for 5 minutes at low speed. 4. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes. 5 Shape into a rounded loaf and set on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Let it rise for 45 minutes. 6. Cut small slits into the top of the loaves. Optional: sprinkle with water and top with 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds. 7. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes Let us know if you make this Rosary ciabatta bread! How did it turn out? Did you get to pray your Rosary?   Laurie Schmitt, a veteran homeschooling mother of nine and grandmother of two grandprizes, is the author of Catholic historical fiction books for children, including Lepanto’s Lady (Our Lady of Victory and the Battle of Lepanto), Champions of the Rosary (Our Lady of Good Help and the Peshtigo Fire) and Giorgio’s Miracle (Eucharistic Miracle of Turin). In her writing, she aims to tell tales that weave truths of Catholic tradition and teaching, seeking to evangelize and catechize the next generation of saints. Picture books are coming soon! You can find out more about her here.   [bctt tweet="Rosary Ciabatta Bread Recipe #BISblog //" via="no"]