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

One time, I snapped at my husband about the day’s Gospel reading. We didn’t hold opposing beliefs. We didn’t interpret a fundamental teaching differently. We simply read the words uttered by Saint Martha in the Gospel of Luke in practically opposite ways. “As they continued their journey, he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary [who] sat beside the Lord at His feet listening to Him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to Him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.’” // Luke 10:38-40 Dave and I were in the midst of our morning routine, adding steaming water to the pourover coffee maker in between getting breakfast for our kids and packing our son’s school snack. He filled two mugs and passed one to me as we started chatting about the day’s readings. That’s when he said, “I think Martha just said that offhandedly and everyone made a bigger deal of it than she meant it to be.” My jaw dropped. Anxious and Worried About Many Things “You are so wrong!” I exclaimed (speaking far less delicately than I would to anyone else on the planet). “You don’t understand her at all!” I continued, “She was trying so hard to do a good job and get everything done that needed to get done and make sure everyone was taken care of! She must have been so frustrated seeing Mary sitting there because that’s what she wanted to do! But if everyone just sits there, nothing gets done! She finally asked for help because she was at her breaking point!” Dave looked at me curiously. Compassionately. Then, he softly said, “Are you sure you’re talking about Martha?” That caught me off-guard. Falling Short of What? Around the time I became a mother, I grew more obsessed than ever with being productive. As my “free” time dwindled to the minutes stolen between feedings or during naps, it felt as though there was never enough time to accomplish everything I wanted to do. Every chore was left half-finished. Every writing session was interrupted. Every workout was cut short. I felt resentful if I saw my husband sit down when there were still unchecked items on my to-do list. I am sure, looking back, that I did occasionally finish things, but it never felt like enough. Everything felt essential, time-sensitive, and, most of all, like a direct reflection on my worth. I knew I needed help, but my pride insisted that asking for help meant I had failed. So, day after day, I swallowed those sinking feelings of overwhelm and frustration, went to bed disappointed, and felt my anxiety levels slowly climb out of my control. The Better Part Later that day, I opened the words of the Gospel again. The Lord said to her in reply, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.’ // Luke 10:41-42 My tender heart could not bear to read these words as a scolding. I closed my eyes and tried to imagine what else Jesus might have said to his dear friend Martha, or what He might have expressed to her through his loving gaze and gentle tone. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. I see you. I see how hard you are working. But right now, I don’t need food or drink or for your kitchen to be clean—I just want your presence. I just want you near to Me. I want to speak with you and laugh with you and listen to what is on your heart. I want to give you peace and contentment in My presence. I want to speak life and truth over you. I want you to find your identity in Me, not in your work or your productivity. I call you by name. I love you. I see you. Cast all your worries and anxieties on Me. Let Me give you rest.” As I imagined Him saying these words to Martha, I let Him say them to me as well. The One Jesus Loves We don’t know very much about Saint Martha, other than the three references to her across the Gospels of Luke and John. The first is the above exchange at Martha and Mary’s home. The second is when the sisters send word to Jesus about their brother Lazarus’ serious illness. In the midst of that chapter is John 11:5, which says simply, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” It blew my mind when I realized that every reference in John’s Gospel to “the disciple Jesus loved” was John referring to himself. I can only imagine that his perfect confidence in Christ’s deep and abiding love for him came from his place at the foot of the Cross. What if I too could find that assurance at the feet of Jesus, sitting beside these sisters that Jesus loved? It took years of prayer and months of therapy to break free from the anxiety that had determined my thoughts and actions for most of my life. To recognize and embrace that I, like Saint Martha, Saint Mary, Saint Lazarus, and Saint John, am one that Jesus loves. That He invites me, too, to set down all of my work and be near to Him. [bctt tweet="I, like Saint Martha, Saint Mary, and Saint Lazarus, am one that Jesus loves. #BISblog //" username="lisajanelkirk"] Jesus, You know me. You know when I sit and when I stand. You understand my thoughts from afar. You sift through my travels and my rest. With all my ways, you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, You know it all (Psalm 139). Help me to lay everything down. Give me the strength to let things wait or to let go of them altogether so that I can rest in Your presence. Reorder the priorities in my heart to align with Yours. Amen. Do you relate to Saint Martha? How do you answer Jesus’ invitation to sit at His feet?   [bctt tweet="Martha, Martha... // Anxious and Worried #BISblog //" username="lisajanelkirk"]

“What does worthy of wearing mean to you? Almost five years ago, my friend-via-Instagram, Nicole Caruso, posed this question. It was the first time I recall hearing the phrase “worthy of wearing” and it immediately gave me pause. I was less than two years into motherhood at the time. In my case, that included a rocky transition from working in an office to staying at home with my son, and often feeling a little bit lost in the process. I had always loved fashion and personal style, but time and time again, I found myself reaching for workout clothes over the floral tops, statement earrings, and tailored dresses that made me feel most like myself. Day by day, my confidence steadily decreased, as did my sense of contentment with my season of life. Nicole’s thought-provoking question felt like a much-needed wake-up call. Did I feel worthy of wearing clothes that made me feel good? Did I feel worthy at all? I brought these questions to the Lord and found so much comfort uncovering His gentle answer: yes, I was worthy. Over the next few years, Nicole’s reminder to women that they were worth dressing in a way that upheld their dignity and brought them joy caught on like wildfire. It went from a popular hashtag to, now, a beautiful coffee table book. The Heart Behind Worthy of Wearing Worthy of Wearing, releasing on May 25, is divided into three sections: We are Worthy of Wearing Personal Style in a Catholic Context How to Curate a Worthy Wardrobe This progression leads the reader from the heart behind the movement, to why it should matter to Catholic women, to the practical, step-by-step tools to bring a “worthy wardrobe” to life. Nicole says: Worthy of Wearing is a movement to teach you how to show up for yourself so you can carry out the mission God put on your heart at your Baptism…[it] is a mindset that gives you permission to embrace and celebrate your inherent beauty. Throughout the first section, she brings us alongside her journey to uncovering this mission. From her preteen attempts to fit in, to the thrill and inspiration she found working in New York City, to the way early motherhood challenged her feelings of self-worth, anyone could find something to relate to in her experiences. Applying It to Your Own Style Thoughtful questions at the end of each chapter encourage you to apply the wisdom Nicole shares to your own life. As you reflect on them, you’ll uncover not only an updated and practical view of your style in your current season of life, but also, most importantly, a reminder of your worth as a beloved daughter of God. Nicole shares how to own your story, invite God into this process, and identify how your clothes truly reflect (or don’t reflect) the best, most authentic version of yourself. What This Means for Catholics As modern Catholic women, we experience a tension that we each have to discern: how can I live my Faith while also being an active and relevant member of society? I appreciated the way Nicole dedicated a whole section of Worthy of Wearing to this topic—one I sometimes feel I wrestle with daily. She goes right to the heart of the question: can I be a faithful Catholic and care about fashion and style? Her bold and resounding answer: yes. Nicole says, “Our role as Catholic Christian women is to save souls by representing Christ in our calling and making our devout life look attractive...When you embrace certain aspects of modernity (within the bounds of Catholic teaching), you make the Gospel attractive. You demonstrate that anyone can turn his or her life to Christ and still make a difference in the world.” In the World, Not of It Through her experiences of witnessing vibrant women—from the members of a Bible study in New York City, to the founders of Verily magazine she worked alongside as Beauty Editor—Nicole provides vivid examples of women who are “in the world, but not of it.” Complementing this idea perfectly are the joyful, beautifully styled, full-color images of women throughout the book—all Nicole’s real family members and friends. Nicole also addresses true beauty, the difference between style and fashion, a refreshing perspective on modesty, and the importance of first impressions in evangelization. This section of the book was admittedly my favorite. It challenged me to consider the way I present myself as part of my witness (remember how Saint Perpetua pinned up her hair before her martyrdom?). Practical Tips for Curating Your Wardrobe A lifelong magazine enthusiast, I will never shy away from a fun list of closet must-haves. When it comes to her practical tips for curating your own “worthy wardrobe,” though, Nicole takes an entirely different approach. You won’t find a list of must-haves anywhere in this book. Instead, Nicole guides you through the challenging work of identifying what is not working about your wardrobe, identifying the aesthetic that is truly “you,” curating a collection of clothes like a stylist, and much more. Before diving into her wealth of styling knowledge and advice, she gently invites you to consider the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs you may have in your season of life. While the continual shifting between topics like clothing and beauty to prayer and the Sacraments may sound jarring, Nicole brings them together seamlessly. I appreciated the way faith never feels like an afterthought throughout the book—it is always the core of the conversation. Editing Your Wardrobe This section dives deep into the practical, nitty-gritty information that can help you curate a wardrobe that truly reflects your style and works for your season of life. Nicole covers everything from measurement ratios to clothing categories, and textiles to makeup. With this information at your fingertips, you’re invited to follow Nicole’s steps to editing your wardrobe and then participate in a 30-day action plan, building the habit of dressing intentionally. Embracing Your Worthiness Even though I’ve been encouraged by Nicole’s ministry for years now, I closed her book with a renewed sense of excitement. From the approachable and joy-filled photos, to the practical tips I knew I could apply immediately, Worthy of Wearing delivered inspiration on so many different levels. I know it is a book I’ll return to again and again. What does worthy of wearing mean to you? To dig into this question, find Worthy of Wearing at Sophia Institute Press and follow along with @worthyofwearing on Instagram.   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: Worthy of Wearing #BISblog //" via="no"]

When I was pregnant with my son, my first child, I stumbled upon a quote by C.S. Lewis: Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. These words resonated with me so deeply that I had them written in calligraphy and framed for the nursery. It has hung in my son’s room ever since, a gentle reminder to me every time I pull a book from his shelf or snuggle up to tell him a story. One of my deepest desires as a mother is to protect my children. Right now, it is usually easy enough to protect my four-year-old and one-year-old from harm or any person who might cause them pain. But I know that will not always be the case. I may not always be able to physically protect them the way that I can now. I can, however, begin laying the groundwork so that my children will grow up to be courageous, faithful, and good. Teaching Children About Courage Through the Lives of the Saints As a Catholic, finding the stories to inspire my children in this way is easy. Right at our fingertips, we have a wealth of powerful, inspiring, true tales of bravery in the lives of the Saints. Here are a few of the Saints we turn to whenever we want to live out the encouragement of C.S. Lewis in our home. Saint George, the Saint who Slayed the Dragon As soon as he was old enough to voice his opinion, my son Charlie proclaimed Saint George his favorite Saint. It’s easy to see why: the legends surrounding this fourth-century martyr’s life rival any fairy tale. Despite how little we know for sure about Saint George, he is beloved around the world as a patron of soldiers, Boy Scouts, Palestine, England, and many other countries. We know that Saint George was born to a military family. His father was a Roman officer and his mother was Greek. When he came of age, he followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the army, where he became a successful, highly-ranked officer. In the year 303, the emperor, Diocletian, ordered a mass persecution of Christians, requiring them to make sacrifices to the Roman gods. Saint George refused, and is said to have been tortured and beheaded. God's Presence in the Face of Fear When sharing stories of Saint George with little ones, however, the legends about him become especially handy. Fantastical as they may be, they highlight his faith and bravery in a way that is easier for children to grasp. The most popular legend of Saint George, spread through The Golden Legend, a book from the year 1256, goes like this: In Libya, there was a lake guarded by a ferocious dragon. To keep their village safe, people sent sheep to the dragon to appease it and keep it fed. Eventually, the sheep proved insufficient; the villagers soon realized they would need to send people to the dragon instead. One day, the king’s daughter’s name was drawn. Just as she was approaching the dragon, Saint George rode by on horseback and saw her crying and trembling in fear. He made the Sign of the Cross and slayed the dragon with one strike of his lance. We love using this story to illustrate God’s protection over us, and that, with faith, we can bravely face anything we’re afraid of. Saint Joseph, Protector of Jesus To give life to someone is the greatest of all gifts. To save a life is the next. Who gave life to Jesus? It was Mary. Who saved his life? It was Joseph. Ask St. Paul who persecuted him. Ask St. Peter who denied him. Ask all the saints who put him to death. But if we ask, ‘Who saved his life?’ Be silent, patriarchs, be silent, prophets, be silent, apostles, confessors, and martyrs. Let St. Joseph speak, for this honor is his alone; he alone is the savior of his Savior. // Blessed William Joseph Chaminade In most children’s books I have come across that reference Saint Joseph, he is usually pictured with the child Jesus. In the sweet scene, they are often surrounded by wood and tools, perhaps working on a carpentry project together. Yes, Saint Joseph surely taught Jesus his trade and watched over Him from his workshop. But that is not all Saint Joseph did. He is, after all, the one who packed up his young family and protected them during their journey to Egypt. As they walked a minimum of 40 miles (the distance from Bethlehem to the nearest Egyptian-controlled territory), starting in the dead of night, who knows what they might have come across? Beyond that harrowing journey, Saint Joseph remained the protector of the two most precious people who have ever walked the earth. We know so little about Jesus’ childhood and young adulthood, but we do know that the world in the first century was not always a safe or comfortable place. How many other times might Saint Joseph have saved the lives of our Savior and His Mother? All Catholic children learn about Saint Joseph at some point; I love the idea of emphasizing this aspect of who he was as part of that education. Saint Joan of Arc, the Unlikely Battle Commander Saint Joan of Arc is frequently quoted as having said, “I am not afraid; I was born to do this.” To be honest, this has always rubbed me in the wrong way. I am afraid of a lot, especially many of the difficult things that I believe are part of my vocation—things I was “born” to do. Besides, how could a 14-year-old girl possibly be unafraid as she rode into battle? For a long time, I put Saint Joan of Arc firmly in the “too unrelatable” category of Saints in my mind. That was, until I learned that the words above are not exactly what she said. Here is the real quote: I do not fear the soldiers, for my road is made open to me; and if the soldiers come, I have God, my Lord, who will know how to clear the route that leads to messire the Dauphin. It was for this that I was born! Key phrase? “I have God, my Lord.” That I can work with. In my short four-and-a-half years as a parent so far, I have quickly been reminded of the many things children can find scary. With the help of Saint Joan of Arc, my husband and I try to remind Charlie that it’s okay to feel scared, but if he remembers that God is with him, bravery will come so much more easily. Seeing the Fruits A few weeks ago, Charlie padded downstairs in his pajamas just before 7, his beloved stuffed lion flopping under his arm. “How did you sleep?” I asked him as I kissed the top of his head. “Well, I had a bad dream that there were scary monsters. But then Saint Michael the Archangel came and he had a sharp sword so he stabbed them. And then I said a prayer: thank you, God, for sending Saint Michael the Archangel to protect me. Amen.” My husband and I glanced at each other, our eyes both wide. “God will always send angels and Saints to protect you, bud. He loves you so much,” I finally said. “I know,” he answered nonchalantly, turning toward the pantry. “Can I have some oatmeal?” In the life of any Saint who has ever lived, we can find beautiful examples of their courage. Whether they faced persecution, temptation, simple daily frustrations, or even death, they bravely carried on, clinging to their Faith and hope in Christ. May we always do the same, and may we teach our children to do the same too. All brave and holy men and women, pray for us! Looking for a few more courageous Saints to turn to? Check out these posts from the blog archives about Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Saint Josephine Bakhita and other Black Saints, and princess Saints.   [bctt tweet="Teaching Children About Courage with the Saints #BISblog //" username="lisajanelkirk"]

On March 27, 2020, a rainy evening in Rome, Pope Francis stood overlooking an eerily-empty Saint Peter’s Square. Around the entire world, Catholics set aside their work and woke from their sleep to join the Holy Father from their homes. Mere weeks into the pandemic that forced people from practically every country to stay behind their closed doors, the Pope offered us an Urbi et Orbi message and a blessing. This month marks one year since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the United States, with some countries affected a few weeks prior, still others following soon after. For Americans, though, this is the month when everything changed. We had no idea at the time that we were looking at anything more than two weeks’ worth of canceled school and remote work. One step at a time, though, more pieces of our daily lives were chipped away at, and before we knew it, the virus had reached our own doorsteps. Whether that looked like our own illness, the illnesses of people we know, grief for lost loved ones, or grief for missed moments or dreams that we may never get back, this pandemic has affected us all. We are a year in, sisters—and while I wish those were words I never had to say, here we are. As we approach this milestone, I turned back to the encouragement and wisdom that our Holy Father shared with us last March. In the Eye of the Storm His message was based on the Gospel of Mark, chapter 4, in which Jesus and the Apostles loaded into a boat after a long day of preaching and serving. As Our Lord slept, a violent storm began. Violent winds whipped around them. Waves crashed over the edge of the boat, threatening to fill it with water. Remember, four of the Apostles were experienced fishermen. A few waves would not be enough to strike the fear of death into their hearts—this storm must have been truly terrifying. Finally, they ran to the Lord. They woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ // Mark 4:38 How familiar their cries sound! At this time last year, our prayers, too, were frantic, panicked. It felt as though we could sink at any moment. Pope Francis offered us this encouragement: It is easy to recognize ourselves in this story. What is harder to understand is Jesus’ attitude. While his disciples are quite naturally alarmed and desperate, he stands in the stern, in the part of the boat that sinks first. And what does he do? In spite of the tempest, he sleeps on soundly, trusting in the Father; this is the only time in the Gospels we see Jesus sleeping. When he wakes up, after calming the wind and the waters, he turns to the disciples in a reproaching voice: ‘Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?’ (Mark 4:40). Because He does respond—immediately. At the Apostles’ cry, Jesus rises and quite literally makes the storm that was threatening their lives only moments before disappear. When you think of that instant response now, a year into the pandemic, do you feel a little envious? I have to admit that I do.   We Are Still in the Boat In many ways, our storm has changed. If you've finally reached a rhythm of working remotely or being back in your office in a safe manner, perhaps it feels like a break in the rain, though the thunder is still rolling in the distance. Maybe you’re a year into homeschooling or overseeing virtual school for your children, doing your best to care for their hearts alongside their minds and bodies. In that case, it may feel more like a persistent drizzle that is manageable on most days, but won’t let up, no matter how many days you peer out the window hoping for sunshine. It may not be over yet, but maybe that means God isn’t quite finished with all that He has in store for us through this experience. “They were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?’” (Mark 4:41). Are we there yet? In awe of our powerful God, trusting that yes, even still, this is all in His loving hands? The storm may have changed, passed in some ways and howling on in others. Regardless of how the pandemic is currently affecting each of us, there is no denying that we are still in the boat. The comfort and familiarity of the shore remains a ways away. That means the water still surrounds us; so much could still change at a moment’s notice. Above all else, we must trust Him. We must pray for such deep faith in God’s care for us that we, too, can sleep in the stern, no matter what wind and waves rage around us. Let Him in the Boat, Too Let us invite Jesus into the boats of our lives. Let us hand over our fears to him so that He can conquer them. Like the disciples, we will experience that with Him on board there will be no shipwreck. Because this is God’s strength: turning to the good everything that happens to us, even the bad things. He brings serenity into our storms, because with God life never dies (Pope Francis). [bctt tweet="“They were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?’” (Mark 4:41). Are we there yet? In awe of our powerful God, trusting that yes, even still, this is all in His loving hands? #BISblog //" via="no"] Embracing This Cross Especially at this one-year mark, falling, again, so appropriately during the season of Lent, take the time to pray about how you are going through your day-to-day life. Color-coded schedules and grand plans for how to fill the time at home are long behind us, but those things aren’t what matter to God. Have you been letting your frustrations with our situation affect the peace inside your home lately? How long has it been since you checked in on an elderly loved one, a friend or family member who lives alone, an acquaintance who works on the frontlines? Have you been skipping Mass because you’re tired of experiencing it through a screen? Are you putting off returning to church if it’s offered to you because staying home is “more convenient” for whatever reason? Are you using the pandemic as an excuse to not tithe any of your time, talents, or money? Pope Francis said, “Embracing his cross means finding the courage to embrace all the hardships of the present time, abandoning for a moment our eagerness for power and possessions in order to make room for the creativity that only the Spirit is capable of inspiring.” We’ve been carrying this cross for a long time now, sister. He knows our weary hearts. But He still calls us to embrace it. Offer whatever areas of your life you currently lack courage, focus, or creativity to Him. For Such a Time As This I pray that by the time March 2022 arrives, there will be no need for another post like this one. But no matter how long the effects of the pandemic linger on, we can carry on with the confidence that we were made for a time such as this. We can carry on with endurance, bravery, and, most of all, faith. We have an anchor: by his cross, we have been saved. We have a rudder: by his cross, we have been redeemed. We have a hope: by his cross, we have been healed and embraced so that nothing and no one can separate us from his redeeming love. // Pope Francis   [bctt tweet="One Year In #BISblog //" via="no"] WANT TO DEEPEN YOUR PRAYER? Get ready to be radically changed by the Lord and His presence. Be drawn into intimacy with the Lord by way of weekly videos, a community within the Blessed is She app, and invitations into reading scripture in a whole new way. BEGIN THE WELL: ABIDE

Welcome to our Blessed Chats series! Each month, we will dedicate an entire week of blog posts to a topic that affects many of us. These conversations often come up in our Facebook groups and in our real life friendships. We want to share a variety of perspectives on the topic at hand, so we've asked women to share their stories and how the teachings of the Church have guided and comforted them. In this series, we're talking about college. We'd love for you to join the conversation! Here is my full disclosure: I attended three different universities in my five years of undergraduate education. While that may make it sound as though I’m very unskilled at college discernment, I prefer to look at my experience through a more positive lens. It gave me more practice than most with discerning a school! If you are hoping for a perfect formula to tell you what to do if you’re feeling stuck or undecided, you will not find that here. What you will find, however, are the tips I gathered through my unique college journey, as well as some wisdom I’ve gained about discernment in the decade-plus since then. Where to go to college is a big decision; there is no doubt about that. In many cases, it may be the first major life decision that you have made on your own, or that you have the final say about. That responsibility may feel invigorating, or it may feel paralyzing. No matter which side of the spectrum you fall on, here is my greatest encouragement to you, sister: God can work in your life and use you for His purpose at any college. There may be a “best” option, but there is no “wrong” option. Narrowing Down Your Choices This video by Father Mike Schmitz contains one of my favorite teachings on discernment. In it, Father Mike shares how to discern a path by considering the following: is this a good door, is this an open door, is this a wise door, and finally, is this a door that I want? When it comes to choosing a college to attend, the last three questions tend to be the most relevant. An “open” door may refer to a variety of factors. Does a school have the major you want to pursue? Could you afford to attend? And, of course, when it comes time to actually decide on a school, were you accepted? If the answer to the last question is no, it may not mean you are never supposed to go there, but it does mean that the door is closed to you for now. Identifying a “wise” door is more challenging. Pray for the gift of wisdom—to know yourself, to recall the struggles or temptations you’ve faced throughout your high school career, and to clearly see the areas in which you have thrived. With that knowledge, try to assess each school on your list. For example, if partying has been a source of temptation or sin over the past four years, it may be wise to steer clear of schools with a wild reputation. If you are very close to your family and anxious about being too far from home, consider sticking to a school within a few hours’ driving distance, even if all of your friends are applying across the country. You have grown so much over the past four years. Now is the time to take what you have learned, what you have experienced, and what God has taught you, and use that wisdom to guide this decision. When He Makes His Will Clear I spent most of high school perusing liberal arts colleges with strong writing programs up and down the East Coast. It wasn’t until the summer before my senior year that God made it very clear, very quickly that He wanted me at a small Catholic university—the same one I had told myself I would never consider. I honestly had not even prayed about it before that day. Quite literally, I woke up one morning, felt deep in my heart that I had to go there, and submitted my application within the week. I was accepted before my first day of my senior year. Done and done (or so I thought). I wish it was this easy for every student. In fact, I wish it was this easy with more of the decisions I’ve had to make in my life since then. Looking back, I knew it was God’s prompting because it was the total opposite of my own plan, and yet, I felt complete clarity, peace, and conviction about it. The door was good, open, and wise, and as I prayed about the school, my desire to go there grew exponentially. 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 The Grace of Seasons If you are struggling with this decision, I would love to offer you this lesson from my experience. Once you choose a school, you are not stuck there. I never imagined, when I set foot on campus for the first time as a freshman, that this wouldn’t be the same campus I would leave in a cap and gown, diploma in hand. God had made it so clear that I was supposed to be there! Why would I ever need to leave? As it turns out, God was calling me to that school for a season and a purpose. But then, He wanted me elsewhere. On your first day of college, you have no idea how the next four-plus years will play out. You may end up changing or refining your field of study and need to go somewhere else to pursue that (the case for me). You may realize you want or need things from a school that you hadn’t considered before. You may find yourself convicted about being closer to home or to your best friends....or further away from them so that you can forge your own path in a new way. If any of these situations is the case, it does not mean that the time you spent at the first school you chose was a waste. Perhaps you’ll meet a lifelong friend, your future spouse, or a professor who will change your life (again, all the case for me!). You may create sweet memories, or be drawn closer to the Lord if the season turns out to be a painful one. No matter what happens, He uses us wherever we are. He is present to us wherever we are. Where Do You Want to Go? Between my sophomore and junior years, I transferred from the small Catholic school to a large public university in the next state over. I had discovered a passion for magazine journalism and was eager to immerse myself in a nonfiction writing curriculum and as many internships as I could get my hands on. And although both of those aspects of school #2 were wonderful, there was something missing. Community. I went from living in a dorm surrounded by household sisters to living a public bus ride away from campus in a sketchy little apartment that I had never seen before my move-in day. My packed class and internship schedule quickly filled my calendar, leaving little space for finding, let alone making, friends. I joined clubs, went to church, and talked to people after class, but six months in, I still hadn’t found my place. This wasn’t what I wanted from my college experience. Here is where Father Mike’s fourth question about discernment came into play for me. “Is this a door that I want?” No matter how many check marks in the “pros” column this school had, I was unhappy there. Through many prayers, tears, and some embarassment, I decided to transfer again, this time to one of my reach schools. Looking back, I now see the beautiful purpose that God had for me at school #2. He has redeemed so much of that experience since then and I am grateful for what He did in my life during that challenging year. He had not made a mistake by prompting me there, and I did not make a mistake by going. But what I wanted at the time mattered too. School #3, my beloved alma mater, is where I received my magazine journalism degree, where I joined a Catholic sorority and lived with three sweet friends, where I completed dream-come-true internships, and where I made so many wonderful memories. It was worth the journey, even with as many twists and turns as it had. Stay Open Sisters headed to college, you are so dear to Our Lord! He cares so much about this next season of your life. No matter which school you choose, stay close to Him in prayer and the Sacraments. Stay open to His promptings, even (especially) if they look different from your plans. He is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9)!   This is just one of many stories about college life and discernment. We want to hear YOUR story. Please share in the comments below! And if you want more help with finding your own story, our popular Write + Pray course offers 9 topics, nearly an hour of guided video, and almost 50 Scripture verses and questions for you featuring Managing Editor Nell O'Leary. Find your story today.   [bctt tweet="Blessed Chats: College // School Discernment #BISblog #blessedchats //" via="no"]

By December 31st each year, I set a few intentional goals and choose a word to focus on throughout the coming year. My word for 2020 was joy.

Last summer, my husband and I loaded our preschooler son and baby daughter into the car to make the short drive to the beach. We could hardly wait to see family members and soak in a beautiful new environment after months of quarantine. 

Sharing my children doesn’t come easily to me. Perhaps it’s because we live far away from our family members and go about our day-to-day lives pretty independently, or perhaps it’s because of my own pride or selfishness. It’s probably a little bit of both.

My mom collects nativity scenes. Through over a decade of living and traveling abroad, she has amassed quite the collection, each one more unique than the last.

Not five minutes after I hit “publish†on my pregnancy announcement Instagram post, two of my dearest college friends texted me almost identical messages. “Congratulations!!! I’m pregnant too!†So began a group text thread between the three of us former roommates, spread out across the country and all due with our first babies within a few weeks of one another.

If there is someone who knows what it feels like when plans are completely turned upside down, it’s Mary.

This week, we begin our annual Prayer Pledge by reflecting on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Stepping into this new year, I desire few things more deeply than joy—heart-filling, head thrown back in laughter, completely in-the-moment joy.

From Cinderella to Sara Crewe, stories of princesses colored my childhood. I was enchanted by their sparkling tiaras and twirling gowns, fascinated by their adventures, and inspired by their examples of kindness, honor, and generosity. Not all princess stories offer the same value, I readily admit, but to me, the good far outweighed the bad. In my imagination, princesses were beautiful, strong, brave, and kind. It was no surprise, then, that the page I remember best from my first Saints book is the page that depicted Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. She was elegantly dressed in a blue veil with a gold tiara balanced over it, a serene expression on her face. Loaves of bread, which she was passing out to the poor, filled her arms. She was a princess, I learned on the opposing page, which quickly made her my six-year-old self’s favorite Saint. Saints Who Were Princesses Now that I have a daughter, I know my days of sharing princess tales are not far away. While I eagerly look forward to sharing many of the stories I loved as a little girl, I would love to share the lives of the many real-life princess Saints with her alongside them. Here are just a few princess Saints to know, learn from, and be inspired by. Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Despite her royal birth, Saint Elizabeth demonstrated holiness and a preference for a life of simplicity from an early age. At 14, she was married to a nobleman, Ludwig of Thuringia. Although the marriage had been arranged for a decade at that point, she sincerely loved him. The marriage was a happy one, and the couple had three children. Ludwig is said to have fully supported Elizabeth’s generous and charitable way of life. She was well-known and beloved for distributing bread to hundreds of the poor daily (the reason she is now the patron Saint of bakers!) and caring for lepers. Marital Miracles During their marriage, two miracles took place between Elizabeth and Ludwig. The first was when he approached her while she was distributing bread in order to quell any public suspicions that she was stealing from the palace to give to the poor. When he asked her to reveal what was in her cloak, he saw a vision of red and white roses pouring out of it. The other miracle occurred when Elizabeth’s mother-in-law was appalled to find that Elizabeth had laid a leper she was caring for in her and Ludwig’s bed. When Ludwig found out and went to see for himself, he pulled back the blanket to see a vision of Christ on the Cross. Following her husband’s tragic death during the Crusades, Elizabeth left the royal court and embraced a life of poverty, chastity, and penance. She died at the young age of 24. Saint Margaret of Scotland The daughter of a prince and princess, Saint Margaret grew up in the English court while her great-uncle was king of England. In 1066, Margaret’s family fled from William the Conqueror and were shipwrecked off the coast of Scotland. King Malcolm befriended them and quickly fell in love with the beautiful and holy princess. Margaret was a caring wife, a devoted mother and catechist to their eight children, an active queen, and a devout Catholic. She slept very little, spending her days tending to her family, the poor, and affairs of the country, and her nights in prayer. Saint Jadwiga of Poland Saint Jadwiga was the third daughter of King Louis of Hungary and Poland. After his death (as well as the death of the oldest daughter), the middle daughter was chosen as queen of Hungary and Jadwiga was named queen of Poland. She was only nine years old. At 12, she married Jagiellon, the duke of Lithuania, and a pagan who converted before their marriage. In discernment, Jadwiga spent hours before the crucifix in Krakow’s Wawel Cathedral. Jesus spoke to her from that cross, saying, “Do what you see.” Jadwiga and Jagiellon spent much of their marriage defending Poland and Lithuania from the Teutonic Knights. She was passionate about promoting religious formation and education—so much so that she funded the restoration of what is now known as Jagiellonian University in Krakow, one of the oldest surviving universities in the world. Perhaps its most famous alum, Pope Saint John Paul II, canonized Saint Jadwiga in 1997. Saint Adelaide Not only was Saint Adelaide a princess, but she is also now the patron Saint of princesses! Her life was filled with the drama of royal politics. She was married to the king of Italy at 15. Three years later, the king was poisoned by his successor, who then insisted that Adelaide marry his son. She refused and fled but was caught and thrown in prison. About four months later, she escaped to Northern Italy and implored Otto of Germany for help. He, in turn, conquered Italy and then asked for her hand in marriage. Otto and Adelaide reined for 20 years before he passed away. Within a few years, her daughter-in-law tried to turn her son, the new king, against Adelaide, and she was driven from court. Back in her home country of Burgundy, where she went to live with her brother, she dedicated herself to founding and restoring religious houses and evangelizing to the Slavic people. She ultimately reconciled with her son, and after his death, she returned to Italy as regent until her grandson came of age. Throughout her fascinating life, Adelaide remained close to God. Even though she was the most powerful woman in the world as Empress of the Roman Empire, she remained humble and dedicated to the service of Christ. Saint Dymphna Saint Dymphna’s story was passed down from her lifetime in the seventh century through oral tradition, with the first records appearing some-500 years later. Born into Irish royalty, her mother was a Christian and her father was a pagan. Dymphna was baptized, raised Christian, and made a vow of chastity. After her mother’s death, her father went mad with grief. Seeing his late wife in his daughter, he tried to force Dymphna to marry him. Appalled, she refused and fled, along with her confessor, the now-Saint Gerebran. They sought refuge in Geel, Belgium, where Dymphna spent her time and wealth serving the poor. The king ultimately tracked them down. After Dymphna continued to refuse him, he had Saint Gerebran killed and cut off Dymphna’s head himself. Legend has it that that evening, a group of mentally ill people slept in the place where she had been murdered and woke up miraculously cured. Ever since, even to this day, the city of Geel has been a site of pilgrimage and care for the mentally ill. Worshipping the King of Kings These five examples merely scratch the surface of the many royal Saints throughout history. May their lives inspire us to embrace our own identities as daughters of the King of Kings!   [bctt tweet="Saints Who Were Real-Life Princesses #BISblog //" username="lisajanelkirk"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Eight inches or so high, simply crafted of wood and silver, the crucifix was worn from years of doing much more than hanging on a wall. It rested in his left hand as he preached. He kissed it at the end of each homily and each Sign of the Cross. He shifted it from one hand to the other as he greeted people after Mass. And one day, he passed it to me. Somehow, even after years at this parish, it was the first time I had ended up in the confessional with my favorite priest. He had encouraged me profoundly week after week, officiated my wedding, and baptized my son. On this day, he listened to me pour out my sins with compassion in his eyes. He offered brief counsel and wisdom in his ever-gentle, but challenging way. “And now,” he said, holding his cherished crucifix out to me, “please make your Act of Contrition.” I hesitated. My hands trembled as I tentatively reached out, wrapping my fingers around the crucifix. Tears filled my eyes as I gazed onto this figure of Christ on the Cross. For all the crucifixes I have seen and touched throughout my entire life as a Catholic, this one meant the most. I had witnessed firsthand the deep love that this holy priest had for Christ Crucified. How his love for Jesus in His Passion defined who he was and how he lived. The weight of my sins suddenly felt so heavy. This is what they had done, but this is what He did for me. “O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee…” A Few of My Favorite Passionist Saints It may come as no surprise that this holy priest—so deeply in love with Jesus that the Cross was never far from his mind or heart—is a Passionist. The order was founded in 1725 by Saint Paul of the Cross, so named because he, likewise, was rarely without a crucifix in hand. Passionists are most easily recognized by their black wool habits, simply adorned with the Passionist symbol: a white Sacred Heart and the words “Jesu XPI Passio” (the Passion of Jesus Christ). Between the two incredible Passionist priests who served at my home church during a few formative years of my life and my Confirmation Saint, this order holds a special place in my heart. In honor of Saint Paul of the Cross’ feast day, which we celebrate today, get to know a few of the Saints this order has instructed and inspired. Saint Paul of the Cross The founder of the Passionists, Saint Paul of the Cross, was born in Italy in 1694. A series of visions—first of himself clothed in a black habit, and later, of the Blessed Mother in a similar black tunic and the Passionist sign—inspired him to form a community dedicated to the Passion of Jesus. He fervently believed there was no greater indication of Christ’s love for us than His Passion. He once said: The world lives unmindful of the sufferings of Jesus which are the miracle of miracles of the love of God. His life’s work was bringing the Passion, and therefore, God’s infinite love, to the forefront of people’s minds. It took 21 years to found The Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ. During that time, Saint Paul served as a hospital chaplain, ministering to the sick and suffering, and as a traveling preacher, encouraging the faithful in devotions to Jesus’ Passion. Along with his poignant preaching and deep love for Jesus and the Blessed Mother, he was best known for his frequent sacrifices and penance for the conversion of sinners. Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows Saint Gabriel Possenti, also known as Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, grew up in a large family in Italy. Throughout his youth, he endured the deaths of his mother and multiple siblings. Despite these family tragedies, he was exceptionally sociable and well-liked amongst his peers. Twice during his youth, Saint Gabriel (then known as Francesco) fell seriously ill. During both illnesses, he promised God he would enter religious life if his life was spared...and both times, upon his recovery, he forgot about his promise. Soon after, at a church procession, He encountered the Blessed Mother. Her eyes, as shown in a banner of Our Lady, Help of Christians, turned right toward him and he heard the words “Keep your promise.” Finally, he did, entering the Passionisit novitiate as soon as he completed school. While Saint Gabriel hoped to become a missionary priest, he died of tuberculosis at the age of 24, before he could reach ordination. Along with Saint Aloysius, he is one of the patron Saints of young people. Saint Gemma Galgani Although she was never accepted to the Passionist Convent she deeply desired to join, Saint Gemma Galgani is one of the most beloved Saints that the Passionists claim as their own. Intensely devout from her childhood, Saint Gemma was an ardent follower of Saint Paul of the Cross’ teachings. In particular, she shared Saint Paul’s deep devotion for Jesus in His Passion and his commitment to making sacrifices for the conversion of sinners. Saint Gemma’s life was filled with suffering, from losing both of her parents, to experiencing debilitating illnesses, to being turned away from the convent due to her poor health. However, it was also marked with miracles. She communicated freely with her guardian angel (even sending messages through him to her spiritual director), experienced miraculous cures, saw visions of Jesus, Mary, and other Saints (including Saint Gabriel Possenti), and bore the wounds of Christ in the stigmata. After her death, she was finally clothed in the Passionist habit. Saint Charles of Mount Argus Most Passionist priests are known for their preaching, an essential part of their commitment to spreading devotion to Christ in His Passion. Saint Charles of Mount Argus, however, was not a very good preacher. The Dutch priest spent most of his life at a Passionist monastery in the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland. The fact that he never fully mastered the English language further hindered his preaching, but what he may have lacked in his homilies, he more than made up for in the Confessional. Known for his holiness, compassion, and devotion to the suffering, he was a highly sought-after spiritual director. He also had the gift of healing, which furthered his popularity with people across the country. Following his death in 1835, the Superior of his monastery wrote to his family, "The people have already declared him a saint." Pope Benedict XVI made it official in 2007. Hope in His Mercy While these Saints—just a few of the many associated with the Passionists—vary in age, vocation, and personality, they clearly shared in this belief of Saint Paul of the Cross: I hope that God will save me through the merits of the Passion of Jesus. The more difficulties in life, the more I hope in God. By God's grace I will not lose my soul, but I hope in His mercy. Do you have a favorite Passionist Saint? Let us know who in the comments below!   [bctt tweet="An Introduction to Passionist Saints #BISblog //" username="lisajanelkirk"]

Then Peter approaching asked him, 'Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.’ -Matthew 18:21-22 What sin do you think Peter was thinking of when he approached the Lord with this question? Perhaps it was a recent conflict and he came to Jesus right away, his heart stinging with the pain of a recent offense. Or maybe it was an older wound, one numbed by the passage of time, but still gnawing at him, no matter how hard he tried to move forward. Surely, he had already tried to forgive, but now, seven times later, he had grown weary. “I don’t want to forgive anymore,” he must have thought. A Merciful Heart I have felt the same way. I am quickly offended. I hold tightly to grudges. I avoid conflict, but when it finds me, I am painfully slow to forgive. I, with Saint Peter, often wish Jesus has responded with, “Yes, seven times is more than enough.” But that is not Who our Lord is. That is not how He forgives us, and so that is not how He asks us to forgive others. Love and Mercy Itself Jesus revealed to Saint Faustina: My daughter, do you think you have written enough about My mercy? What you have written is but a drop compared to the ocean. I am Love and Mercy Itself. There is no misery that could be a match for My mercy, neither will mercy exhaust it, because as it is being granted—it increases. The soul that trusts in My mercy is most fortunate, because I Myself take care of it. Just as we turn to Jesus, Love Incarnate, with our needs to love more completely, we turn to Him Who is Mercy Itself to cultivate more merciful hearts. Here are a few ways we might increase our devotion to His mercy, and, in turn, ask Him to help us reflect that mercy to the world. Learn about His Mercy Showing mercy is impossible if we do not know what mercy is. Along with praying, asking God for the grace to understand His mercy more deeply, explore the resources of the Church. Saint Faustina’s diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, is a perfect starting point. Don’t let the page count intimidate you; since the book is divided into numbered paragraphs, it’s incredibly easy to digest piece by piece, meditating on just a paragraph or two at a time. Pope Saint John Paul II has also written and preached extensively about Divine Mercy, including in his encyclical Dives in Misericordia. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet My favorite thing about the Rosary is that it gives me a prayer to say when words fail me. It may be because I am too tired, too overwhelmed, too anxious, or even simply too distracted to speak to the Lord from my heart, in my own words. The Rosary gives me exactly what I need and what I can never pray for enough. Likewise, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is a gift from God, revealed to Saint Faustina, to give us a prayer for mercy—on us and on the whole world. I believe this encompasses the mercy we show to others as Jesus’ disciples, His hands and feet on earth. The Chaplet is short, easy to remember, and beautifully meditative. Find instructions on how to pray it in this post. 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 Practice Forgiveness for Small Offenses Mercy is like a muscle. We can hardly expect to be merciful in the face of big, painful moments when we struggle to show it in small annoyances or inconveniences. To strengthen your ability to show mercy, make a point to practice it often. When we open our eyes to look for them, we quickly realize that opportunities abound in our daily lives! Take a deep breath and offer a prayer when you’re cut off on the highway. Complete an undone chore in your house with joy, giving the person who neglected to do it the benefit of the doubt. Let go of an overly harsh word, a sarcastic remark, a mean-spirited comment. Working this muscle means that when a situation that is truly difficult to forgive occurs, your mind and heart are better poised to handle it well. [bctt tweet="Mercy is like a muscle. We can hardly expect to be merciful in the face of big, painful moments when we struggle to show it in small annoyances or inconveniences. #BISblog //" username="lisajanelkirk"] Consecrate Ourselves to Divine Mercy To truly immerse yourself in the message and promises of Jesus’ mercy, consider making an act of consecration to Divine Mercy. Father Michael Gaitley authored a beautiful devotional entitled 33 Days to Merciful Love as an easy way for people to do exactly that. In a few brief pages per day, he walks the reader through a preparation for consecration to Divine Mercy, inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux’s Offering to Merciful Love. Each time I’ve completed a “do-it-yourself retreat” by praying through the book, I have come away with a deeper understanding of Christ and what it means to both accept His mercy and show it to others. Go to Confession Have you ever felt as though there was a physical roadblock keeping you from full forgiveness? There very well may be: our own sin. We can best show mercy when we ourselves are filled with it. Carefully examine your conscience and make a good Confession. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift to us. It exists so that we can be freed from the chains of our sins through grace, and go forth into our lives with greater virtue—including that of mercy. Endless Mercy Showing mercy and forgiveness can truly be one of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life. If it is something you’re struggling with right now, do not be discouraged. Human mercy may run dry, but Divine Mercy never does. Jesus will not refuse our prayers when we ask Him to help us be more merciful. [bctt tweet="Human mercy may run dry, but Divine Mercy never does. #BISblog //" username="lisajanelkirk"]   Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.   [bctt tweet="Cultivating a Merciful Heart #BISblog //" username="lisajanelkirk"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

“It sounds like prayer is something you do just so you can check a box.” Her voice was gentle, but direct. A wise friend had asked me about my prayer life, and I had responded honestly: I do the daily readings, reflect on the Blessed is She devotional in my inbox, say the Litany of Trust, pray over my kids...check, check, check. There may not be literal checkmarks involved, but I could not deny it. Right now, my prayer life looks more like a list than a conversation or a relationship. For that reason, part of me feels terribly unqualified to write about making time to pray. It is something I struggle with daily. I feel tempted to start naming my reasons, the countless demands on my time and energy; but deep down, I know I have nothing and no one to blame but myself. Without prayer at the center, even the holiest work can become a crutch we use to politely excuse ourselves from time with the Lord. What’s more, our schedules are constantly changing, our priorities ever-shifting. What works in one season may fail miserably in another. Even if we don’t know when to pray, we do need to pray. Not just to check “pray” off of our mental or physical to-do list, but, to grow closer to the One who deserves to be the center of everything in our lives. Thankfully, He is patient. He extends infinite grace and mercy to us. He is always there waiting when we come to Him. [bctt tweet="Without prayer at the center, even the holiest work can become a crutch we use to politely excuse ourselves from time with the Lord. #BISblog //" username="lisajanelkirk"] How to Make Time for Prayer in Every Season Below, I’ve listed a few practical options that may fit well into different seasons of life. Of course, there are far more of both seasons and ways to pray than I have listed here. Read through them all to see which suggestions may work for you given your unique situation, or which types of prayer you may not have considered before. Making Time to Pray in College For perhaps the first time in your life, you have the freedom to set your own schedule (so much so that my sister used to joke that she would change her major if she was ever required to take a class before 10 A.M.). While you’ll quickly fill that blank planner with classes, study groups, clubs, and intramural sports, consider also setting aside an hour for the Lord by signing up for a weekly Holy Hour. The beauty of signing up, rather than simply saying you’ll go weekly, is that it makes that time an obligation that is much easier to stick to. Your unconventional schedule means that a time slot the church struggles to fill works perfectly for you—maybe smackdab in the middle of the workday or late at night. I had never done a Holy Hour before my freshman year of college. In the midst of a fast-paced schedule and a noisy dorm, that hour became my guaranteed opportunity to connect with God in an intentional way. Sometimes I brought a Rosary or some spiritual reading (I loved reflecting on passages from Divine Mercy in My Soul while in adoration). But often, I simply sat and tried my best to listen. This quote from Saint John Vianney continues to inspire me any time I’m before the Blessed Sacrament: When I first came to Ars, there was a man who never passed the church without going in. In the morning on his way to work, and in the evening on his way home, he left his spade and pick-ax in the porch, and he spent a long time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Oh! how I loved to see that! I asked him once what he said to Our Lord during the long visits he made Him. Do you know what he told me? ‘Eh, Monsieur le Curé I say nothing to Him, I look at Him and He looks at me!’ How beautiful, my children, how beautiful! Making Time to Pray After College I have never craved community as much as I did in my first few years after college. I had followed a job opportunity to a new city where I knew no one outside of work. I ached for the deep friendships I had experienced in college and was not sure where to start looking for them. I complained to my long-distance fiancé about how hard it was to find Catholic friends in this new place. A few months later, he finally joined me in Raleigh. He attended a men’s Rosary meeting within a week of moving...and met someone who has been one of our best friends ever since. Even if you return to your hometown or move somewhere familiar after graduation, the post-college years form a unique season that deserves fresh eyes. That makes it the perfect opportunity to seek out opportunities to pray in community. Join (or start!) a Bible study, Rosary group, small group, spiritual book club, or ministry you’re passionate about—anything that will open up the doors for fellowship and growth. Find people you can be honest with and commit to keeping one another accountable in both your group prayer and your individual prayer. Making Time to Pray When You Have Young Kids From pregnancy nausea and fatigue, to postpartum healing and around-the-clock nursing, to nap schedules and potty training, I imagine that this season involves the most frequent transitions. No two months, let alone years, look the same. We must continually pivot and adjust to changing routines and children’s needs, fighting for time to pray in the midst of it all. While I am a big proponent of waking up before your kids for a few quiet moments and at least half a cup of hot coffee, I also admit that this is not always practical (hand raised for me right now!). What I have found more reliable is designating different prayers to different times of day. That might look like a Morning Offering while you brush your teeth, an Angelus before lunch, the Divine Mercy Chaplet (or a decade of it, which only takes two minutes to say) at 3 P.M., and a Rosary (or, again, just a decade or two) before bed. I love the grace I can extend to myself with this method. Even if I miss one of my go-to prayers in the chaos of the day, I always know another is coming soon. 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 Making Time to Pray When You Have Older Kids When I look at the lives of my friends who are a few years ahead of me, one theme often sticks out: many hours of that season are spent on the road. Whether you’re commuting, juggling school drop-offs and pick-ups, and/or shuttling kids to extracurriculars, many women with school-aged kids log miles in the car every day. I love the idea of embracing that time for prayer. That might look like turning up your favorite worship music, tuning into a Rosary podcast, or doing some journaling in the carpool line. It will inevitably vary depending on the day and, ahem, the mood of your young passengers, but it is worth a try if it can turn a routine drive into something so much more. Try looping a Rosary around your rearview mirror or propping up a favorite Saint’s holy card on the center console as a reminder. Making Time to Pray in Retirement While your obligations are far from few, a beautiful aspect of the empty nesting/retirement season is more control over your schedule than you have probably had in a while. This may make it the ideal time to attend daily Mass more frequently, whether that means adding it in once a week for the first time or simply ramping up your attendance. To get the most out of your time at Mass, consider praying with the daily readings ahead of time and journaling about what the Lord is revealing to you. How do you make time to pray in your current season? We would love to hear and be inspired by you! This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She! LITURGICAL PLANNERS Our Liturgical Planners are based on the Litany of Humility. Enter into prayer every day alongside this beautiful Litany. Order your days in His peace. GET YOUR PLANNER