I am in second grade. I breathe in the crisp, fall air and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with my classmates: "...one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Day after day, each of us eagerly awaits our chance to pull the rope which enables the American flag to wave proudly in the schoolyard. But today, the American flag is sometimes viewed as an exclusive and offensive symbol. Anti-Americanism is popular. So what are we to make of the virtue of patriotism? Patriotism vs. Nationalism When it comes to our duties as citizens across the globe, the Catechism speaks of contributing to society through “truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom” (see CCC 2239). No matter our country of origin, we are to love and serve our country with a spirit of gratitude. To be patriotic is to live out the theological virtue of charity and then strive to make each of our countries better. What it doesn’t speak of is nationalism, which would be a disordered love of one’s country paired with hostility towards other cultures and countries. To be truly patriotic means to help one’s country uphold its ideals while also recognizing the dignity of every human person no matter their culture. Nationalism backs the government, even when it goes against morality, while also harboring animosity towards people from different backgrounds. The Founding of an Ideal It is true that there has been a devastating amount of violence and riots in the U.S. over the past couple of years. Our mainstream American culture often stands in opposition to what we believe as Christians. Our government seems broken, petty, and ineffective. Social phenomena like cancel culture, wokeness, and censorship can sometimes make it feel like our freedom of speech and religious liberty are being stolen from us. In light of all of the division, it is natural to ask whether our country is still worthy of admiration and loyalty. Most of us learned about the founding of our nation in school, and with that the the simple yet radical idea upon which it was founded: ...that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. // Declaration of Independence We learned that both at our nation’s founding as well as throughout her history, many Americans have given their very lives in defense of that ideal. What are we to make of this unabashed patriotism of our forefathers? Were they mistaken all along? Is it an idea which was once noble and necessary, but whose time has passed? Or is there more for us to learn? The Keeping of an Ideal I believe the most important thing the Founding Fathers would have to say about the present state of our union would not be the basic ideas of equality, liberty, and God-given rights which they enshrined in our country’s founding documents. I say that not because these ideas are no longer relevant (quite the contrary), but simply because these ideals have more or less won. These principles now sit at the foundation of not only America, but effectively all of the West, as well as many other parts of the world. I believe in our modern world, the trait we need to learn from our Founding Fathers is not the ideal itself, but a willingness to fight to keep that ideal. Benjamin Franklin was once asked by a woman after a session of the Constitutional Convention, “What kind of a government have you given us?” “A republic,” he replied, “if you can keep it.” He knew that, as we can clearly see now, our nation is only as strong as our willingness to remain committed to its ideals. Similarly, John Adams warned that without virtue, “there can be no Republican Government, nor any real liberty.” These men were not merely critics, they were men of action. They didn’t just talk about what our nation ought to be, they debated, argued, fought, and even dueled with each other as they hammered out the details of the United States. The Man in the Arena Just as in every generation, it is easy to be critical. America has flaws. But she has never and will never need citizens who only want to criticize her. In this light, the words of Theodore Roosevelt’s famous “Man in the Arena” speech ring as clear and as true as ever: It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. America needs citizens who will fight for the ideals upon which she was founded, Christians who understand the dignity of every human person to raise their voices, and patriots who are not discouraged by her flaws but enamored by the promise of what she can be. Love of Country C.S. Lewis writes that patriotism is a “love of country.” Hopefully, this love of country pushes us to help her be better. The United States is a nation founded with great ideals. As Americans and as Christians we are charged with upholding these ideals and being worthy of them. In celebration of our country, we can take guidance from John Adams who suggested in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that the day “ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty,” a day celebrated with “Pomp and Parade… Games, Sports,” and “Bonfires.” How will you celebrate the founding of this great nation?   [bctt tweet="The Virtue of Patriotism: Are We in the Arena? #BISblog //" via="no"]

Last summer, I had an opportunity for renewal for three weeks away from mission. My time of retreat and renewal overlapped with one of my very first spiritual directors. In the passing years, I had entered the convent and he had gone on to become “Catholic famous.” After a brief, “We’ll visit soon,” the days began to speed by. By the second week, I was worried and fretting that the visit wouldn’t happen. By the last week, the worry had spiraled into thoughts of not being significant enough to be worth his time. Longing for Fatherly Love Taking it to prayer, I began to pray through the why. Why was I obsessing, worrying, and worse, doubting my worth in the eyes of someone I trusted, who knew my heart? It was because “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:32). God the Father knew my heart was hurting in ways that I had not yet acknowledged. I had lost my own dad to cancer a few years before. My most recent spiritual director had recently left the priesthood. Grief had become a constant friend that made me both grateful and sad. And hesitant. The Father's Love Remains The Lord began to show me that in all that change and upheaval of the past years, God had remained the same. His love for me had not changed. He had always provided for me, was providing for me in these moments of doubt of my own significance, and He would always provide. I began to turn these thoughts of my own insignificance and lack of trust over to the Lord. When thoughts would arise about my self-worth, the Lord reminded me of the truth of being Beloved to the Father, and that He remained my constant friend and Father through it all. I began to believe it and even have peace that if I didn’t get a chance to visit with my spiritual father, it was not a reflection on me, but a reflection on the busy-ness of life. So when I got a message for an invite for coffee a few days before I left, I laughed at the Providential, nothing-accidental timing. During coffee, we celebrated all the Lord was doing in our lives. And I wished my heavenly Father Happy Father’s Day, too. How has the Heavenly Father used someone else to remind you of His steadfast love? Consider reaching out to someone who has lost a parent and remind them that they are still a beloved child of God. Who are you in the eyes of your heavenly Father? Consider thanking a spiritual father today and name a specific way they reflect the Father’s love for you.   [bctt tweet="Favored by the Father #BISblog //" via="no"]

When my daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade, she was already fighting an uphill battle with reading. The way in which she was being taught at school was not working. And by the time she entered tutoring, she essentially had to start over. She was an extremely hard worker, so the progress she made over the next few years was astounding. It was inspiring to watch. Thankfully, she had a wonderful support system that enabled her to believe in her ability to succeed. But as I watched my daughter grow in her reading skills and in the virtues of diligence and industriousness, I also saw weariness creep in from time to time. She often asked, “Mom, why is something that is so easy for others so hard for me?” A Holy Card Introduction One day, I found a lovely holy card of Saint Joan of Arc. I admit, I knew very little about Joan, but I was drawn to the image on the front. Then, I read the prayer on the back, and I knew I had just met the perfect intercessor for my daughter. I purchased the holy card and gave it to my daughter, introducing her to this warrior Saint who would pray for her and fight alongside her. My daughter quickly latched on to Saint Joan, and she has remained her saintly friend ever since. That was six years ago. This year, my daughter chose Joan to be her Confirmation Saint, and they continue to have a close connection. A Warrior Saint Saint Joan of Arc is well known for her bravery. Just as she fought for the Church and her country of France, she now fights for my daughter and for anyone facing a personal battle. All of us could use a little bit of Joan’s warrior prayers, couldn’t we? She remains a beautiful example of someone who stands up for what she believes in, yet abides perfectly in God’s Divine Will. Unfortunately, there is a long history of misconceptions about Joan. While French Catholics adopted her as their patroness, along with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, she has remained controversial in the political realm. Yes, the French love her, but the English do not (Shakespeare even portrayed her as a witch and whore in his play Henry VI). Due to her courage and willingness to fight for something she truly believed in, she has been dubbed a hero by radical feminist groups that fail to understand the fulness of Saint Joan of Arc. Yes, women need to “Joan up” from time to time—to speak our minds and raise our voices over injustice and the reality that the world is fallen and sinful. But there is a context in which to do it. And that context is known and pursued in the Truth of our Catholic Faith. Saint Joan knew this well. The Life of Saint Joan of Arc Joan was born into the peasant class of France in 1412. She could not read or write. Yet she knew her Catholic Faith well and her relationship with Jesus was profoundly deep and personal. Before any heroic activity she accomplished in her teens, she was first and foremost a daughter of God. Her love for Jesus came first, and out of this love came gifts of deep faith and incredible strength. It was her relationship with the Lord that fueled everything she did. In fact, Pope Benedict XVI likened Joan to “the holy women who stayed on Calvary, close to the Crucified Jesus and to Mary his Mother.” From a young age, she had visions of Saints Michael the Archangel, Catherine of Alexandria, and Margaret of Antioch. At first, the messages were personal, but when she was 13 years old, the Saints asked her to fight the English army from French territory and bring the Dauphin to Reims for his coronation. The image mentioned above depicts Joan during one of these heavenly visits. As Benedict describes, “her immediate response, her ‘yes’, was her vow of virginity, with a new commitment to sacramental life and to prayer: daily participation in Mass, frequent Confession and Communion and long periods of silent prayer before the Crucified One or the image of Our Lady.” This interior preparation led her to two intense years of public mission. She petitioned to visit the French Royal Court and she convinced the army to let her be by the king’s side as it was the Lord’s will. She predicted outcomes of the war and continued to persuade officials that she was necessary for the war’s success. Facing False Accusations Ultimately, during the Hundred Years War, Joan led French troops against the English. Her recapturing of Orleans and Troyes allowed Charles VII to be crowned king in Reims. Joan was captured the following year and sold to the English. Later, she was placed on trial and falsely accused of heresy and witchcraft. She was condemned for wearing men’s clothing, yet her only reason for wearing it was to protect her virginity. The judges were French clerics, who were on the politically opposite Joan. She attempted to make an appeal to the pope, but it was denied. According to Benedict, “this Trial is a distressing page in the history of holiness.” On May 30th, 1431, at the age 19, she was burned at the stake. She asked that a cross be held high, that she “may see it through the flames.” As she was being burned, one English soldier heard Joan’s screams and her repeated invocation of Jesus’ holy Name and he later lamented: God forgive us: we have burned a saint. Twenty-five years later, her verdict was nullified, and her innocence and perfect fidelity to the Church were restored. She was beautified in 1909 by Pope Saint Pius X, and on May 16th, 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized her. A Saint Who Keeps Them Guessing Saint Joan of Arc invites us to a high standard of Christian living: to make prayer the guiding motive of our days; to have full trust in doing God’s will, whatever it may be; to live charity without favoritism, without limits and drawing, like her, from the Love of Jesus a profound love for the Church. // Pope Benedict As Saint Joan becomes increasingly popular, it is important to know who she truly was. We need to understand what it truly means to “Joan up”: Joan was illiterate. But she knew God and her Faith exceptionally well. She was strong. But went to extreme measures to protect her virginity and remain pure of heart. She was brave. But she was also respectful. She was a warrior. But she was also obedient to the teachings and tenets of the Catholic Faith. She took action. But only after listening to the voice of God. Saint Joan of Arc did amazing things. She saw through the confusion and chaos of her times, making her a perfect role model, intercessor, and advocate for our times. But before she did anything, she first and foremost loved the Lord. Only out of that love could she know the Faith and see the Truth with a purity of heart. This is why she was victorious and why she will always fight for those who seek her intercession according to the Will of God. A Prayer to Saint Joan of Arc Saint Joan of Arc, patron of France, my patron Saint, I ask you now to fight this battle with me by prayer, just as you led your troops to victory in battle. You, who were filled with the Holy Spirit and chosen by God, help me this day with the favor I ask [say intention]. Grant me by your divine and powerful intercession, the courage and strength I need to endure this constant fight. Oh Saint Joan, help me to be victorious in the tasks God presents to me. Amen.   [bctt tweet="Saint Joan of Arc // Humble Maiden, Courageous Warrior #BISblog //" via="no"]

Tolkien’s short but poignant work "Leaf by Niggle" offers fascinating insights into the intersection of our personal and professional lives. Niggle’s vocation involves painting leaves. But he battles against his own inertia as various chores and inconveniences keep him from finishing the painting to his satisfaction. When Niggle passes from this life, he discovers that the leaves he was painting are, in fact, embedded in lush forests, mountains and streams of Heaven. Tolkien's theory of vocation concludes fittingly: a worthy vocation contributes not only to financial well-being but ultimately to new creation. How might this change the way we see our work as spiritual calling? The Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker The feast of Saint Joseph the Worker is a powerful reminder of the real purpose of our work. In response to “May Day,” Pope Pius XII instituted the feast in the 1950s to encourage devotion to Saint Joseph, in whom he saw a perfect model for dignifying human work. When God created Adam and Eve, He made them imago dei (in the image of God). Being image-bearers means reflecting what God is like. Throughout the creation account, we see God at work: cultivating, creating, caring, and forming. When Adam sinned, the ground was cursed. But it was a curse eventually seasoned with grace. Our carnal nature looks to work to fulfill us but grace rescues us from the logic of profit, from the fever of consuming. Grace allows work to form us, mold us, and mature us. Grace fuels communal love. By cultivating the garden, Adam fed and clothed his family. The produce of the land was to be shared with the poor, the orphan, and the widow. From Saint Joseph, we learn how the ultimate act of our labor is love. And love gives, it suffers, it sanctifies work. The Dignity of Labor Labor Day is a much-needed break from what we refer to as our "jobs." We take time to recuperate and recreate. We sleep a little longer. And while that is all good, for Christians, Labor Day invites us to deepen our understanding of labor in light of the Gospel. Work has changed considerably since the Industrial Revolution. With much advancement in technology, it is no secret that the next generation describes a time when machines will completely take over man’s brains... possibly also their hands. Man will act as a substitute machine and life will be no more than humanoid... unless we know what man (woman) is... unless we know where the dignity of our work comes from. During World War II, the future Pope Saint John Paul II worked in a limestone quarry. In his poem titled “The Quarry” he speaks deeply of his anguish, his daily struggles, and how the temptation to give in to anger, resentment, and despair lurks within our workplaces each day. By the sweat of his brow and tears down his cheeks, this heroic worker taught us why we labor and where our dignity comes from: not in the size of our paychecks or the weight of our accolades, but simply as children of God. The dignity of our labor flows from our innate humanness, from the command of God to join Him in His creative endeavors. In his encyclical Laborem Exercens (On Human Work) he wrote: …the basis for determining the value of human work is not primarily the kind of work being done but the fact that the one who is doing it is a person… Think about how many people worldwide are victims of slave labor or trapped under work that enslaves? How many have turned this great gift into a seductive and merciless idol? The Heart of Our Labor In choosing Saint Joseph as the patron Saint of workers, the Church draws us to the heart of our labor. It is never self-serving or self-protecting. It is always outpouring and overflowing. Work united to Christ is redemptive (see CCC 2427) and Saint Joseph shows us how. The humble carpenter of Nazareth was dedicated, not addicted. He did not seek an identity through his work. He was not a workaholic. He sweated, got dirty, and even experienced tedium at times; but because He was in communion with Christ, His work became an expression of worship, a channel of love, and a window through which the Light of the World could shine. When Mundane is Meaningful A close friend recently gave birth to twins. Her typical day now includes waking up at dawn, diapering and feeding one child while clothing another, doing loads of laundry, cooking and putting the kids to bed all before plunging into bed herself, exhausted. Beneath that exhaustion is deep lament. She gave up a high paying job. Her work now is difficult and repetitive and, in some ways, unrewarding. She lives in a cycle of mundane tasks. She feels trapped. She suffers silently. Perhaps you are in a place where the word "ordinary" immediately indicates purposelessness, a sense of being undone? Perhaps work for you feels like punishment, something you cannot escape, a necessary evil you must endure to gain something you desire? In her book, Glimpses of Grace, Gloria Furman writes, “Theology is for homemakers who need to know who God is, who they are, and what this mundane life is all about.” Isn’t our biggest fear as homemakers found in feelings of not being relevant? We need faith like Saint Joseph to trust that God doesn’t merely “know what’s best for us,” but that He is what’s best for us no matter what our circumstances are. The One for Whom We Work God is present as we unload the dishwasher or balance the budget. God sees little things like changing diapers or cooking meals. God uses our hands, our feet, and our homes as spheres of His influence. God chisels us through ordinary moments to conform us into Christ likeness. We exist in the "already, but not yet" time in God's redemptive history. We desperately need the Holy Spirit to see with new eyes and hearts for the monotonous aspects of our daily work. We need new vision to embrace work not just as a means for money, but as a mission to ask: In my daily interaction with my work, how can I emerge a better person? How can I become more attentive to my family, my next door neighbor? In Christ Alone Isn’t it remarkable that there are no written words about the daily ins-and-outs of Saint Joseph’s carpentry business? Yet we know that Saint Joseph was a good steward of the earth, family, and neighbor. He sacrificed. He persevered. He labored in love. Together with Mary, he shared a single common center of attention: Christ. Outside of Christ all our impressive labors, careers, bank accounts, reputations, and legacies are grand nothings. But in Christ, even the most tedious toil is reversed and redeemed. In Christ, there is hope for those who are unrecognized, those battling daily chores, those abused at work, those for whom no room is given for advancement or opportunity to learn. In Christ alone is true rest. And while we, with creation, groan for a world that’s coming, we live in the knowledge that we don’t have to labor and overcome by our own strength. What Niggle discovered after his life, we discover now: that Christ has redeemed work for all humanity. He is alive and making all things new. In His Resurrection we can live in the eternal now. We can turn to Saint Joseph, under whose patronage and intercession we are being renewed, being made a "new creation."   [bctt tweet="Saint Joseph the Worker + the Meaningful Mundane #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Every Divine Mercy Sunday, I am filled with gratitude for the Gospel that is read at Mass. I have always deeply loved the Apostle Thomas. His exclamation to the other eleven (see John 11:26) after they questioned Jesus’ willingness to return to Judea where He had almost been stoned to death, paired with Thomas’ bold prayers in the Resurrection account (see John 20:24,28) won me over. My fondness for Thomas is also due to the fact that I identify with him. What’s There to Say about Thomas? He was devoted. He was maybe a bit fiery in his statements and quick to show his passion, but a chicken when it came down to the moment of standing by Christ on the Cross. During the first years of my conversion, I was on fire. I wanted to serve the Lord for the rest of my life–but it was my way or the highway! My prayers were often filled with great desires and big proclamations but I fell short when it came to fleeing from sin and bowing low in humility or handing over my plans to the Lord and trusting Him. When I think of Thomas, who had been more or less faithful to the similar degree of the others and yet was not accounted for when Jesus showed up to the party, I can almost feel the sting! I can understand and empathize with his prayer made in passion; he also likely felt sadness as his friends were blessed with Christ’s presence once more but he somehow missed the call. Why them and not me? Jesus Showed Up... But Where was Thomas? After the massive, history-changing, divine life-restoring ordeal of the Cross, the disciples–most of whom did not yet understand the immense mercy that had just been poured out on the whole world–met in fear, locked away somewhere (see John 20:19). Thomas was out and about. Maybe he was “hangry” and went out for a bite to eat or really needed to get some fresh air after being locked up in that room all day. All we know is that Thomas missed it. The Risen Lord showed up and he was not there. I know how much I would have stomped my feet and pouted if Jesus would have come into that room without me being there! Thomas then makes the bold statement: Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. // John 20:24 It was a request and a prayer as much as it was a glaring declaration. Was Thomas just being stubborn or entitled? Could he really be so incredulous after seeing so many miracles? Could he doubt, even now, after hearing the declaration of truth made by his brothers: “We have seen the Lord!” (John 20:24). These very same brothers who were once filled with fear now confirmed the proclamation of the Magdalene (see John 20:18). I wonder if there was not more to this request. What was Thomas Really Seeking? I do not think Thomas was demanding a sign for the sign’s sake. I believe he was really seeking intimacy; demanding to be remembered, to be seen. His act of faith, “My Lord and my God!” arose immediately after Jesus came in their midst and addressed to Thomas a unique invitation. Our Lord used almost word for word the tri-fold prayer Thomas made just a week before (see John 20:27). The Gospel account does not relate that Thomas actually put his hands in the side of Christ, although the Carvaggio depiction is beautiful. One could infer, then, that Thomas’ act of profound faith came as a result of an experience. In that moment–in that exchange of words and silence–Thomas knew that Jesus knew him, saw him, heard his prayer and remembered him. What are We Seeking? This Divine Mercy Sunday, as we hear about the message of Our Lord to the polish Saint, Faustina, let us put ourselves in Thomas’ shoes (well, more like sandals). What would we demand of Jesus in order to believe that He is truly alive and well? Would it be about seeing Him and placing our hands in His wounds? Or, rather, would it be to know that He has heard every prayer we have ever prayed and that He has not forgotten about us? That one prayer that you have not even managed to say out loud but have kept as a hidden thought in your heart? He knows it and He remembers. Return to the rooms of fear, betrayal, and distrust in your life. Go to those places where you feel that the Lord has forgotten you, does not care for you, or does not know you in your depths. Go there and ask Jesus, Risen and Glorious in His Wounds, to speak to you the very same words of intimacy and invitation that He made to Thomas. From Doubt to Faith on this Divine Mercy Feast Thomas was dubbed “doubtful” but, in fact, he was filled with faith after this encounter with “Love and Mercy Itself” (Diary of St. Faustina, 1074). As we welcome Our Risen Lord into these places in our hearts, may we be ready to be astounded and to be transformed by His mercy. When we speak of mercy, we speak of a help that cannot be earned but is generously given; a gesture that is extravagant in its fruit and expansive in its scope. It is also immensely personal. The Lord, Who is all “tenderness and compassion” (see Joel 2:13), full of mercy and endless love, sees you. He knows you. May this encounter with the Risen Lord free us more deeply and bring us to greater faith. I invite you to take time this weekend to pray with this Gospel and discover the ways in which the Lord abounds in mercy towards you. Perhaps you may even consider availing yourself of the plenary indulgence that has become bound with this holy day. Take in all of His mercy today and always–it is for you!   [bctt tweet="On Thomas + Divine Mercy #BISblog //" via="no"]

Throughout the centuries, many arguments disregarding the validity of the Resurrection have emerged. In fact, the various explanations began on the very day in history that Christ rose (see Matthew 28:13). Since then, Apostles, Evangelists, Saints, and the faithful have given beautiful rebuttals to every argument insisting the Resurrection was made up by Jesus’ followers who—in non-believers’ eyes—were mortified they had been so wrong about Him. The Witness of Women One of my favorite pieces of evidence in support of the Resurrection is the inclusion of the narrative about the women at the tomb. At that point in history, women were not considered credible witnesses. They could not even testify in a court of law! Yet the Evangelists share the detail that it was women who were the first to encounter the empty tomb. If the Apostles had made up the story about Jesus’ Resurrection, they never would have based their story on the experience of a group of females. No one would consider it credible! However, the Apostles and Evangelists include these details because it is the truth—and it is the truth to which the Apostles are testifying (see 1 John 1:13). Although the rest of the world may not have considered women worthy witnesses, God sure did! The Women at the Tomb + Their Backstories While the male disciples hid in fear, these women approached Jesus’ tomb with a love that casts out all fear. Because Jesus died so close to the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath (which begins at sundown on Friday), the burial process was rushed and only included the bare minimum. Thus, these women returned to Christ’s resting place, wishing to anoint the Body grandiosely, in the manner they felt He deserved. God rewarded this act of love with one of His own by allowing them to be the first to see the effects of the most glorious event in human history! Please note: The Evangelists do not share identical lists in regards to the women present. However, this is not a contradiction in facts. The Evangelists were writing for different audiences and thus had different persuasive goals in mind. The names of some women may be included in one Gospel, but not in another. This may be because the Evangelist’s audience knew that woman and thus could go and speak in person with her about what she saw. In addition, each Evangelist included details pertinent to their specific story. So while John only mentions Mary Magdalene by name in his Gospel, it does not mean other women were not there. Rather, that Mary Magdalene is a protagonist from whom he does not wish to detract. No matter the differing details, explanations exist for all of them. Mary Magdalene (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) The most prevalent of these women is Mary Magdalene. Across the Gospels, she is mentioned by name twelve times (more than most of the Apostles)! Two major contributing factors led to a misunderstanding that Mary Magdalene was either a prostitute, the woman caught in adultery, or the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. The first is her surname, which is indicative of her hometown. Magdala was a small city on the shores of the Galilean sea. Its land was fertile, its fishing exemplary, and its location a major crossroads for travelers no matter which direction they were headed. It is possible that the fertility of the city of Magdala itself played a role in her own financial wellness which she in turn used to financially support Jesus and the Twelve. However, Magdala was also a city of immorality and prostitution was prevalent in the area. This may have contributed to the notion that Mary Magdalene was quite immoral herself. The second major factor which contributed to this misinformation was a homily given by Saint Gregory the Great. While trying to inspire the faithful to repent with great hope during a trying time in human history, he muddled the lines between Mary Magdalene and the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet. The message of his homily was impactful. The faithful found immense hope in the story of a great sinner who became notably holy. Consequently, the message spread and reverberated. Mary Magdalene has been portrayed inaccurately in homilies and Hollywood for centuries since. Who She Truly Was In reality, Mary Magdalene was a wealthy woman with unnamed weaknesses. She was deeply afflicted by seven demons, and was restored to full physical and spiritual health by the touch of Jesus. Consequently her reciprocal love and devotion was incredibly strong. She became a disciple of prominence, always mentioned first (with one exception) in the lists of women followers (much like Peter is listed before all the men). A leader, Mary Magdalene was continuously a part of Jesus' traveling entourage, using her wealth to support the group. Her unwavering devotion conjured the necessary courage to be present at Christ’s crucifixion and burial, in addition to returning to the tomb twice. Although her distress led to her misidentification of the Resurrected Jesus as the gardener, her intensity in this moment is astounding: “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away” (see John 20:15). Such a bold and fearless assertion! Mary Magdalene is the only woman included in all four Resurrection accounts, another indication of her prominence in Jesus’ ministry. It was she who ran to tell the hiding male disciples that the tomb was empty, and then informed them again after encountering the Risen Lord, making her the Apostle to the Apostles. When you think about it, the whole belief of Christianity is dependent upon her initial testimony!     Mary, The Mother of James (Mark, Luke) This Mary was the aunt of Jesus. Married to Clopas (also known as Cleopas and Alpheus), she was the mother of the Apostle James the Lesser. A silent character in the Gospels, she is mentioned various times and in various ways. She was a disciple of her Nephew throughout His ministry and also present for His crucifixion and burial. Surely, she was a source of emotional support for her sister-in-law, the Blessed Virgin, who was a widow and had lost her only Child. Mary's husband, Clopas, was the brother of Saint Joseph. He was a main character in Luke’s Emmaus narrative and it is possible that Mary was the second unnamed disciple in the story. In these small details, it is apparent that Mary was devout in her relationship with the Divine, passing that on to her children. Mother to at least four sons, two of them served as the first and second bishops of Jerusalem within the early Church (the first being Saint James the Lesser). Salome (Mark) During this point in history, the prominence of the name “Salome” for Jewish girls was second only to the name “Mary.” Thus, it is debated which Salome from the early Church was the one present on Easter Sunday. The most accepted stance is that she was Salome, mother of the thunderous Apostles James and John. Her husband was Zebedee, a fisherman with such a successful business it allotted them the finances to afford servants. It is speculated that she had ties to the Jewish High Priest, either familial or social, which is why John was able to get inside his home for Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin (see John 18:15-17). Salome was captivated by Jesus from the start, allowing the sons she raised to leave home and follow Him. A disciple herself, she must have felt familiar with Christ as she asked for seats of honor for James and John in the coming Kingdom. Jesus kindly corrected her, assuring that they would share in His suffering, but not sit at His side. God built upon this spiritual moment, and Salome went on to witness Jesus’ suffering firsthand at the foot of the Cross. Her sons went on to serve as bookends for the Apostles’ martyrdoms, the first and the last of the group to die, suffering for the Kingdom as promised by Jesus. Joanna (Luke) Only included in the Gospel of Luke, Joanna was an upper class woman who had been on the receiving end of a healing miracle (see Luke 8:1-3). Her husband, Chuza, was a steward of King Herod. As such, they were significantly wealthy and able to live a lavish life. Despite the goodness of her wealth, Joanna found greater satisfaction in Jesus. Out of gratitude, she became a financial backer of His ministry. Joanna was a devoted disciple, at times even traveling with Jesus and the Twelve proclaiming the arrival of the Kingdom of God. No doubt she brought incredible stories of Jesus back to the palace. Perhaps she was even present for Jesus’s brief trial before Herod since she likely lived there full time (Scripture makes no mention that she was). The Other Mary (Matthew) "Mary" was the most common name for Jewish females at the time of Jesus. This is why there are so many “Marys” needing to be distinguished from one another in the Bible. Though it is possible Matthew was referring to Mary of Bethany, the absence of Martha being named specifically alongside her makes this unlikely. In all probability, this was simply Matthew’s way of alluding to Mary, the Mother of James, who is mentioned in the narrative by the other Synoptic Gospels. The Other Women (Luke) Luke, who was writing to give an ordered account, shares that other women were present besides those mentioned specifically. We cannot know with certainty who these women were, but we can allow our imaginations to insert the possibility of female disciples named earlier in the Gospel. Perhaps Mary, Martha, and Susanna (another known financial support and recipient of healing) were among them. What about the Blessed Virgin? There is no one who loved Jesus more than His Mother, Mary. Why did she not return to the tomb to finish burying her Son? The explanation is simple. Mary was perfect in love and perfect in discipleship. She had listened and adhered to her Son’s teachings all along. Thus, when He predicted His Death and Resurrection and everyone else was somewhat confused, Mary understood and believed. She did not return to the tomb on Sunday morning, because she knew the tomb was only temporary! Although Scripture does not share these details, tradition provides insight into Mary’s whereabouts on that day. Saint Vincent Ferrer writes that Mary, believing in the Resurrection, kept vigil all night on Holy Saturday, waiting for the return of her Son and King. Saint Vincent, Saint Bridget of Sweden, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Pope Saint John Paul II, and many other Saints all agree that the first thing Jesus did when His soul reunited with His body was to rejoice in God’s mercy with His Mother. This is, in fact, why the tomb was empty when the rest of the disciples approached it! Crucial to the Cause Luke gives one mention of these beautiful women in the book of Acts when he includes them collectively in the list of the 120 disciples gathered prayerfully in the Upper Room (see Acts 1:14). This means that these ladies were also witnesses to the ordination of Matthias, attendants at Pentecost, and contributors to the early Church community. Their presence and testimonies were surely imperative to the Apostles, Evangelists, and converts. Who knows... if not for the details these women were able to provide about the Passion, the climax of the Gospels could look different on paper! Which woman at the tomb are you most fascinated by or interested in?   [bctt tweet="Which woman at the tomb are you most fascinated by or interested in? #BISblog //" via="no"] MARY SHOWS US THE WAY Just as a mother might pass on a beloved family tradition to her daughters, Mary shares the recipe for growing in virtue with us. This study on Mary's Virtues will breathe new life into your everyday, beginning right in Mary's home. GET HOME STUDY

“ …About to hand Himself over to death, [He] entrusted to the Church a sacrifice new for all eternity, the banquet of His love…” The opening prayer for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday sums up what the holy days of the Triduum are all about. The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper is the beginning of the sacred days of the Triduum, which conclude with the joyful celebration of the Easter Vigil. At Holy Thursday Mass, we remember that this banquet of love—new for all eternity—is the Eucharist, and our hearts respond in thanksgiving. The Church even provides a tradition for us to be able to offer our gratitude. The Seven Churches Pilgrimage for Holy Thursday At the end of the Holy Thursday liturgy, instead of the closing prayer (which we will not actually hear until the Easter Vigil) there is a procession to the altar of repose. This is where Jesus in the Eucharist will be in reserve for the faithful to spend time in prayer and adoration until midnight. It’s an extension of the invitation the Lord gave His disciples in the agony in the garden to "watch and pray" (see Matthew 26: 40-41). The altar of repose is usually beautiful, dark, and quiet. It is filled with many adorers who are remembering the gifts Jesus gave us that first Holy Thursday night (the gifts of the Eucharist and priesthood) and what was coming (the agony in the Garden, betrayal, and arrest of Jesus). It is my favorite tradition during the Triduum. A few years ago, a priest was visiting the convent for our “last supper” before we entered into the silence of the Triduum. He brought up the tradition of the seven churches pilgrimage, something I had never heard of but was intrigued by. Essentially, it’s visiting seven local altars of repose on Holy Thursday night. Spiritually, it’s a deep expression of keeping watch with the Lord in the Garden, and an experience of the "catholicity," universality, of the Church. Pilgrimage Among the Saints The original pilgrimage dates back to Saint Philip Neri in the 1500s. Known as the second apostle of Rome, He would lead a pilgrimage to the four major basilicas and three other minor basilicas on Wednesday of Holy Week. You can follow in his footsteps today. Covering about 12 miles, it’s a pilgrimage among the Saints. It winds through the heart of Rome, visiting the churches where Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Sebastian, Saint Justin, and Saint Lawrence are buried. That pilgrimage has expanded in Rome during Lent, with the tradition of the “Station Churches.” Each day of Lent there is a church to visit and pray in. The churches of the pilgrimage were established by Saint Gregory the Great as a way to honor the early Church martyrs. Falling out of tradition when the Pope moved from Rome during the Avignon papacy, it has experienced a revival of sorts since the 1970s. You can read more about it here and here. I love pilgrimages. Pilgrimages are important in both the Old and New Testaments. There are countless traditions of pilgrimages—to the Holy Land, Lourdes, the Camino—to name a few. Long or short, messy or easy (99.9% of the time it's messy) they can be a powerful encounter with God’s grace and gifts. We have a chance to find refuge in the Lord and pray among the Saints on Holy Thursday night as we participate in the altar of repose. So when the priest shared about the seven churches pilgrimage during the time of the altar of repose, this added the opportunity for a concrete expression of the pilgrim road in my heart. I was hooked. How to Participate in the Seven Churches Pilgrimage for Holy Thursday How do we participate in the seven Church pilgrimage? First, check with your diocese and see if there is an official list of churches participating and the times of the altars of repose. Or, you can build your own pilgrimage from your parish to other nearby parishes. Be sure to check the times of the altars of repose, some close earlier than others. At each altar, you can spend time meditating on Jesus’ experience in the Garden (here is a booklet to help). However, in my experience, I spend my time in thanksgiving and awe. I gave thanks for the great gift of the Eucharist and priesthood instituted on Holy Thursday night. I marvel in awe of the beauty of the universal Church. Last year, our pilgrimage included the Cathedral, two Hispanic parishes, a Polish parish, an Irish parish, a Traditional Latin Mass parish, and a downtown young adult parish. Talk about an experience of the Catholic Church! Each parish, as different as they were, were universal in the reverence and honor given to Jesus in the Eucharist. I hope you have a chance to participate in this tradition. If not, I hope at least you can visit your parish altar of repose. May it renew your love of the Eucharist and awe at His coming to us and staying with us. Have you ever made the seven churches pilgrimage on Holy Thursday? What was your experience like?   [bctt tweet="The Seven Churches Pilgrimage for Holy Thursday #BISblog //" via="no"]

Growing up, my Easter basket was filled solely with candy. I loved it! After fasting from candy and sweets for almost six weeks, a basket of candy was a welcomed treat Easter Sunday morning. It wasn’t until I started dating my husband, Mike, that I realized that some families put gifts other than candy in their Easter baskets. The first Easter I celebrated with Mike’s family—after a long night shift working as a nurse—is so memorable. I was given an Easter basket from his family with different gifts, each incredibly meaningful and beautiful. It was the beginning of a new tradition for me, one Mike and I would implement in our own family. Now, one of my favorite things to do is to pick out one or two gifts for the Easter baskets I prepare. Children Love Simplicity The more I learn and grow as a mother, the more I realize how children love simplicity. They find joy in the smallest gifts and treasure our presence more than anything else. The greatest gift we can give our children—whether it is our spiritual children, children we teach, godchildren, adopted, or biological—is our love and presence. If you decide to gift your child with an Easter basket this year, keep it simple. Like Christ teaches us on the Cross and within the tomb, the greatest gift we can give our families is ourselves, who we are, our presence, our joy, and our love. Catholic Easter Basket Ideas for Kids Here are some Catholic-themed gift ideas to consider including in your child’s Easter basket this year. May you have a blessed Easter season! Into the Deep Mass Unit Study Saint Anna Want Paper Doll Camino Socks * Mother Teresa Bib Marian Stole and Chasuble Scapular Saint Thérèse Doll Mass Magnet Play Set * Catholic WordsCard Matching Game * The Adventures of Loupio, Volume * use code CLAIRE for discount What are some of YOUR favorite gifts to include in Easter baskets? [bctt tweet="Catholic Easter Basket Ideas for Kids #BISblog // " via="no"]

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. // Luke 1:38 "Whenever an angel of the Lord comes to you and tells you not to be afraid–get ready for a big assignment!" A dear priest friend of mine used to include this wry bit of wisdom in any reading that included the words "do not be afraid." This encounter is no exception. Mary's Posture During the Annunciation Nothing about the Annunciation is particularly new, it’s a well-known Scriptural story for many of us. What I like about it is that Mary models a beautiful posture with which to receive prophetic, even startling news about the uncanny way God chooses to move in our lives. I can’t help but wonder what the world might begin to look like if we would respond to even one percent of our collaboration and discernment in the same way. The angel appeared to deliver a significant announcement. And just like that, in ten short verses, the course of human history is forever altered. God was to become man and arrive from the womb of a woman—the new Eve, Mary. 5 Key Moments in the Annunciation Exchange This weekend. our family will welcome our littlest into the Church through Baptism. Fitting, as a year ago, after many years of infertility, we unexpectedly found that we would be welcoming a child again (our own experience of God presenting seemingly impossible news). In this way, God’s providence through the Annunciation to Mary and her fiat resonate deep in my bones and I am loving the chance to delve deeper. Hail A greeting that communicates joy and peace. When Gabriel appears to Mary, he greets her with the words, “Hail, favored one.” Despite the wild meaning of his words, Gabriel uses a greeting of peace and assurance. Isn’t this the nature of our loving God to calm our anxious hearts, even in delivering unbelievably difficult or confusing news, knowing our limited understanding and offering solace from the beginning? Behold Translated: What I’m about to tell you is pretty remarkable. It is more than anyone could have ever dreamed up or imagined in terms of how God is willing to demonstrate His perfect love. I’m asking you to take it in, in all of its unimaginable goodness before you say anything in response. The angel’s gentle coaxing offers good guidance to us as to a posture of receiving information–whether expected or unexpected, good news or bad. How? We do not know the span of time this encounter lasted. Five minutes... two hours? What we do know is that when Mary does respond, she asks, “How?” We can almost imagine her stammering, eyes wide. Not with the self-assurance of Abram or Zechariah who have each reached their own conclusions about the limits of God’s desire and ability to show up in their lives. No, Mary’s question is far from doubt, but more of a bewildered, humble, hopeful plea for clarity. Overshadow All Mary receives for an explanation is the angel’s response that the Holy Spirit will "overshadow" her, which is deeply significant (and hardly clarifying). What we do know about other experiences of the Holy Spirit overshadowing can be found in the creation account when the "mighty wind swept over the waters," or Adam was cast into a deep sleep while God fashioned a helpmate for him. The disciples experienced an overshadowing of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Jesus’ own Baptism illuminates the Person of the Holy Spirit descending as a dove, accompanied by the voice of God from Heaven. In other words: have confidence. God is going to show up in a big way; likely one you cannot comprehend, but simultaneously one you will not miss. Behold As the angel prepares to depart, Mary responds with the same greeting of peace and joy with which the conversation began: Behold! She seems to have integrated this message in a way that bolstered her courage and resolve to actively sign on for the wild ride Gabriel had described. It is a beautiful exchange between Gabriel and Mary, and especially Mary and the Lord. In a very particular way, God offers Mary a tiny glimpse at the hope for salvation and proceeds with the Incarnation after Mary’s "yes," her fiat. Our Response Likely the major life changes we experience won’t be heralded in by celestial beings. And, there are plenty of times when our calling finds us before we are ready, before we have offered our own "yes." The Annunciation offers a touching reminder of the love and intentionality with which our God invites us to roles of active participation in an unfolding plan much larger than ourselves. We may not see it, let alone understand the invitations we receive, but would that our response be as full of confidence as Mary’s. When have you been invited to respond with a quaking "yes" to the Lord’s invitation in the past? What response is being asked of you by the Lord today?   [bctt tweet="Behold // The Feast of the Annunciation #BISblog //" via="no"]

Our devotion for the spouse of Mother Mary should not have ended with the conclusion of the Year of Saint Joseph. Rather, it should continue to blossom and unfold each day of every year. Saint Joseph is a powerful intercessor, a strong heavenly friend, and a witness to holiness. Ways to Show Devotion to Saint Joseph Here are some ways that we can foster our relationship with the head of the Holy Family. Consecration to Saint Joseph One of the most spiritually transformative experiences that I have had is consecrating myself, my family, and all of my belongings to Jesus through the intercession of Saint Joseph. I did this through Father Donald H. Calloway’s book, Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father. It was a powerful experience and I continue to see many fruits of this consecration in my life today. This book is a more formal consecration, consisting of thirty-three days of prayerful preparation prior to your consecration day. Though I strongly recommend Father Calloway’s book due to its spiritual benefits, you don’t need to practice something so ceremonious prior to consecration. A simple prayer, like this one from Saint Bernardine of Siena, also consecrates you to Jesus through Saint Joseph: O my beloved Saint Joseph, adopt me as thy child. Take charge of my salvation; watch over me day and night; preserve me from occasions of sin; obtain for me purity of body. Through thy intercession with Jesus, grant me a spirit of sacrifice, humility, self-denial, burning love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and a sweet and tender love for Mary, my mother. Saint Joseph, be with me living, be with me dying, and obtain for me a favorable judgment from Jesus, my merciful Savior. Amen. Whatever form of consecration you choose, remember, you are entrusting yourself and all you own to Jesus through the protection of Saint Joseph. Jesus did just that as He lived in Nazareth, and it would do our souls well to do the same! Honor Our Lady Whenever I am honored, my husband is honored. Whenever my husband is honored, I am, too. It is a beautiful mystery that when spouses are married, they become one. We draw closer to Saint Joseph when we show his spouse love. We can do this through: Pondering Scripture about Mother Mary. Praying a Rosary. Wearing a Scapular. Going on a Marian Pilgrimage. Consecrating ourselves to Jesus through Mary. Going to Mass on Saturday mornings in honor of her weekly Feast. Teaching children the Hail Mary. Images in Our Home After consecrating my family to Saint Joseph, we put a large image up of the Holy Family in our home. As I walk by it each day, this picture reminds me of the virtues of Saint Joseph and beckons me to strive for holiness. This image of the Holy Family also serves as a witness to those who enter into our home. Recently, when a repairman came into our home, he saw the image and shared with me that he had not been to church in a long time. I told him that he is always welcome to come back. Holy images in our homes bless our own families, and all those who we welcome into our space. Here are some of my favorite images of Saint Joseph to put in the place where you dwell: This Holy Family Candle St. Joseph, Patron of the Church Image Three Hearts Holy Family Framed Print (use code CLAIRE for discount!) The Sleeping St. Joseph Statue Pray There are many beautiful prayers composed in honor of Saint Joseph. His litany is a powerful one to pray, as is my favorite, the Holy Cloak Novena. This novena is a Carmelite tradition and is prayed for thirty days. This prayer of protection and intercession is powerful: O Glorious Patriarch St. Joseph, you who were chosen by God above all men to be the earthly head of the most holy of families, I beseech you to accept me within the folds of your holy cloak, that you may become the guardian and custodian of my soul. From this moment on, I choose you as my father, my protector, my counselor, my patron, and I beseech you to place in your custody my body, my soul, all that I am, all that I possess, my life, and my death. Look upon me as one of your children; defend me from the treachery of my enemies, invisible or otherwise, assist me at all times in all my necessities; console me in the bitterness of my life, and especially at the hour of my death. Say but one word for me to the Divine Redeemer whom you were deemed worthy to hold in your arms, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, your most chaste spouse. Request for me those blessings which will lead me to salvation. Include me amongst those who are most dear to you and I shall set forth to prove myself worthy of your special patronage. Amen. Learn From the School of Saints Throughout Church history, God raised up men and women who found favor through their devotion to Saint Joseph. Researching their stories, learning about them, and imitating how they practiced devotion to Jesus’ earthly father will help us grow in holiness. Here are some Saints who had a strong devotion to Saint Joseph: Saint André Bessette Saint Teresa of Avila Saint Thérèse of Lisieux Blessed William Joseph Chaminade Saint Francis de Sales Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich Saint Josemaría Escrivá Pope Saint John Paul II What are some of your favorite ways to show your devotion to Saint Joseph? Do you have an image of Saint Joseph in your living space? Let us know in the comments below! Saint Joseph, pray for us!   [bctt tweet="Ways to Show Devotion to Saint Joseph #BISblog //" via="no"]

I was a bit skeptical when learning about a girl who is just 10 years old and on the way to canonization, but then I remembered about others who were canonized Saints at young ages. For example, there are siblings Jacinta and Francisco Marto who saw the vision of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal. Both are canonized Saints who died at the ages of 10 and 11, respectively. Then there is Saint Maria Goretti who was violently martyred at age 11 after resisting and then forgiving her attacker and murderer. I recently just learned of another young Saint-on-the-way in Elizabeth Kelly’s book, Love Like a Saint: Cultivating Virtue with Holy Women. Her name is Anne de Guigne and she was declared venerable on March 3, 1990 by Pope Saint John Paul II. “The Little Tyrant” Anne was born to a wealthy family on April 25th, 1911 in their beautiful home in Savoy, France which overlooked the pristine Lake of Annency. Her family wintered in Cannes on the French Riviera. Her parents were not only well educated, but also well-learned in the Faith. The firstborn of four children, she was not thrilled with the addition of her first sibling. While on her way to sainthood now, she didn’t always exemplify holiness. As a toddler she was known to be bossy (as the oldest child can tend to be) and mischievous, even attempting to rub sand into her little brother’s eyes. In addition to her nickname of "Nenette," she also was sometimes called “the little tyrant.” The Little Nurse A pivotal point in Anne’s life and demeanor came during World War I. While Anne’s father had retired from military service when he was married, he joined again at the start of the war. After suffering many injuries, he had to return home to convalesce. Four-year-old Anne would then act as his little nurse, caring for him in whatever way she could find. Each time her father recovered, he always returned to the service. He was killed in battle after his fourth return back to the war. In Love Like A Saint, Liz Kelly includes a quotation by Anne’s biographer who wrote: She set to work first of all to comfort her mother in every way she could. All day long she tried to be thoughtful and to remember the things she had been told to do-and tried to make the others remember too… If she herself had started on the way of perfection, she meant to carry them all along with her. Sanctity Through Obedience Just weeks after her father’s death, Anne’s prayer life grew deeply and noticeably. She had a deep awareness of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist and loved talking with him while visiting the Blessed Sacrament. She gained such a thorough knowledge of catechesis that her formators recommended that she receive her First Communion at age six. The local bishop gave his approval, but only after having seen her pass a lengthy interview full of questions regarding the Faith and testing her preparedness. After gaining his consent, she prepared even further during her communion retreat where the motto was, “Obedience is the sanctity of children.” Little Anne took this motto to heart. After her communion day she wrote: My Jesus, I love You, and to please You, I resolve to obey You always. Her life’s goal was to be obedient in everything, just as Jesus was obedient to His Father. She wanted to prevent anything that would wound the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Loving Through Sacrifice She practiced virtue by being quick to forgive her siblings when they made mistakes, finishing her siblings prayers when they fell asleep, and encouraging them to make their own sacrifices to Jesus. In her words: We have many joys on earth, but they don’t last; the one that lasts is to have made a sacrifice. When Anne was eight years old she began suffering from a weak spine and constant headaches. Her pain was so great that she was unable to focus on schoolwork. Two years later she was diagnosed with meningitis, an infection of the fluid which surrounds both the brain and spinal cord, often causing swelling. The pain could be so intense that it sometimes disfigured her face. During the final weeks of her life, her lungs became so deteriorated that she struggled to breathe, yet Anne considered each additional suffering as an opportunity to offer it up for the souls who needed her prayers the most. She said: We ourselves have to love the Lord even more, for those who do not love Him. She trusted Jesus had a plan for her suffering. A Young Saint for Those Who are Stubborn She passed away on January 14, 1922 at just ten years old. Shortly after she died, her little brother ran around the house and started creating relics by touching religious objects to her hands. For me, stubbornness is not easy to overcome. This is why I find Anne to be a very fitting intercessor. If a young child has the grace and open heart to put others before herself, then surely I, an adult, should be quick to do the same and adhere to the Scripture: Be doers of the word and not only hearers. // James 1:22 How does Venerable Anne prompt you to be a doer?   [bctt tweet="Venerable Anne de Guigne // The Power of Obedience #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

At the imposition of ashes, I looked everywhere for signs and symbols. Big ones, that might say something loud. I talked to the cross, the person hanging there. Asked questions, asked for favors. Later, behind the monstrance, light through the cracked door was soft blue. Door said Cloister. Top of the door was not straight, but arched like the sky. I thought it might be nice to slide through, receive, ascend. Then I thought of how some things endure longer than the sun, the moon. The Familiarity of Ash Wednesday As I looked at the manger scene this past Christmas season, I remember feeling astounded that the sweet baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes is the same Person hanging on the Cross. Likewise, with Ash Wednesday. This is a holy day grounded in the Truth of life, death, and the journeying of Lent. Essentially, there is dirt on our foreheads in the shape of a cross, symbolic of so much meaning. As a Catholic revert, coming back into the Church from a Protestant tradition started with sitting in churches. Specifically, sitting in Adoration at a cloistered monastery. I was encouraged by my writing teacher at the time to find a third place—somewhere to go, reflect, and write. She was not Catholic, but had chosen a monastery for her place. I decided that would be my place, too. I didn’t fully know then what I now know about the Faith, particularly hidden gems like the role of Mary and who she is. What I did know was that Ash Wednesday was familiar to me and I wanted to sit with that idea. I was learning to look in detail and use language to express things so easily unseen with just a passing glance. Drawing Me Closer I remember noting the color of soft blue as the sun fell through the window and illuminated the space, the monstrance, the arch of the doorway, and the cross. This led me to consider things that endure and last. Essentially, to consider eternity in bite size chunks I could understand. Also the concrete and tangible that I need to hold, see, and smell to grasp harder concepts. Ash Wednesday, I thought. How strange, how lovely, how much more I want to know. The echoes of the above poem ring with such ordinary things but invite me to go deeper: ashes - eternity - cross - enduring - monstrance - receive - door - ascend. And so with you this Lent. What are the ordinary things you notice that allow your heart to leap to something more Jesus wants to show you? You don’t have to write a poem to note it but maybe a prayer or a few sentences on your impression of the moment. He gladly meets us where we are. May Ash Wednesday be invitational to you in this Lenten season.   Jenny Richeson is a Catholic writer who is a lover of language and its mysteries. By day she provides speech pathology and cognitive intervention services to kids. Her main goal in life is to be a speaking stargazer caught up in wonder whenever possible. She makes her home in Kentucky with her husband, Matt. Together they find God in gardening and all manner of outdoor activities whenever they can. Stargazing is a favorite pastime too. You can find out more about her here.   [bctt tweet="A Poem for Ash Wednesday #BISblog #lent //" via="no"]

If you have had the opportunity to watch the first seasons of The Chosen, you too might have extra appreciation for the figure of Peter. In the series, Simon (Peter) is depicted as a hot-tempered, authentic man, experiencing the pressures of daily life and doing his best to follow the Messiah and become what he’s been invited to be: a "fisher of men." Plenty of creative license is taken as the show imagines the personalities and circumstances of the characters and it is a hopeful glimpse at the imperfections and humanity that the Lord chose to work with amidst His followers. Time and again throughout Scripture (and throughout the show), Simon Peter demonstrates our very real dependence upon Christ to follow the will of the Father as opposed to our own desires and tendencies, even when our intentions are good. What's with the Chair? The feast we celebrate today—the feast of the Chair of Saint Peter—may give you reason to scroll through that mental rolodex of Catholic lingo and solemnities and come up blank. Peter we know. But his chair?! Did we miss something? It is a feast worth celebrating, and in order to do so, one that may need a bit of context. Upon This Rock Today’s feast is unique in that, like an icon, Saint Peter’s chair points to a larger reality. Namely, it signifies the papacy and its succession throughout history. Instead of celebrating the chair itself (the symbolic chair which is housed in Saint Peter’s Basilica), it points to the larger significance of to whom the chair belongs and the responsibilities and the spiritual significance of the leadership given to the Vicar of Christ since the time of Jesus. While it gives a nod to Peter, our first Pope who would come to lead and guide the Church on earth, it also recognizes all who have followed in the same role: When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Messiah. // Matthew 16: 13-20 (emphasis added) The Role and Responsibilities Again, after the Resurrection, Jesus tasks Peter with the responsibility to "feed my lambs," and "feed my sheep" (see John 21: 15-17), a responsibility that has been passed to every Apostolic successor since. The Pope should lead in a way that unifies and governs rather than fracturing the Body of Christ. A good analogy might be that of a throne, a specific seat upon which a particular leader guides and governs. A throne highlights the guidance and leadership expected from the office of the person who occupies that seat. However, the throne itself does not command respect, but highlights the position of the one who occupies it. So, in the same way we venerate the wood of the Cross on Good Friday, or the Immaculate Conception of Mary before Christmas, we celebrate today the Chair of Saint Peter, joining our prayer with the whole of the Mystical Body for our Pope, and those whose leadership have brought us to today. I follow no leader but Christ and join in communion with none but Your Blessedness, that is, with the chair of Peter. I know that this is the rock on which the Church has been built. // Saint Jerome to Pope Damasus   [bctt tweet="Rocks, Chairs, and Popes #BISblog //" via="no"]

I had the privilege and gift to co-lead a pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima a few years ago in honor of the 100th anniversary of the apparitions in Fatima. In planning the pilgrimage to Fatima, we also decided to add on Our Lady of Pilar and Lourdes, since, geographically, they are not that far away. It would be a truly Marian pilgrimage. Lourdes was the first part of our pilgrimage, and I had been there once before when I was in college. Frankly, I was holding out for Fatima. I was content to revel in the enthusiasm of the other pilgrims. Watching their joy and excitement was enough for me. Not that I didn’t think Mary would or could give me grace... I just wasn’t convinced she should. I had been there before. I wasn’t suffering like so many who were making their way to Lourdes. I was leading the group, so I thought I should already have it together or that I was somehow exempt from the healing graces that flow through Lourdes. I was happy to be there, but I thought if Our Lady was going to give special graces, she should give them to the ones I was with: the ones who had never been there or seemingly needed grace more than me, as if there was not enough to go around. Mary Shows Herself as Mother On our first night, a small group of us decided to go to the grotto where Our Lady had appeared to Bernadette. Spirits were high, the lights over the Gave River were beautiful, and the city was relatively quiet compared to the Catholic Disneyland-feel of the town during daytime hours. Peace settled over us as we walked through the square while small groups of pilgrims wandered about at the late hour. We stopped for a picture in front of a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, a picture that would later be the image of our trip. The statue itself is completely white. But in this particular picture Our Lady was wearing her blue belt and gold roses on her shoes. A small crowd gathered in attempts to replicate the picture on their own cameras, but to no avail. To our particular group it was as if Our Lady was saying, “I am here.” Spiritual Reunion Spirits even higher, we walked from there to the grotto itself. This is where Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette and asked her to pray the Rosary. This is where I promptly burst into tears. Tears I was not prepared for, had not anticipated, and definitely did not want to be crying in front of the tour company leader, our pastor, and friends. These were ugly-cry tears, seemingly out of nowhere. However, they were tears of peace, tears of healing. As I stood there beneath the little outcropping where Our Lady had appeared, she gently reminded me of how much she had done in my life since I had stood there as a 20-year-old college student. It was as if she was saying to me, “I am here, I am close.” Pilgrims United The next day, we had Mass in a small chapel adjacent to the main Church. It is so tiny you would miss it walking by, but it is the oldest chapel at the shrine. Saint Bernadette’s father even helped build it. I was particularly excited about it because I had just finished a book about Leonie, one of Saint Therese of Liseux’s older sisters. She had come to Lourdes with the two eldest Martin sisters and her mother, Saint Zelie, to pray that Saint Zelie would be healed of breast cancer. While that particular prayer for Zelie was not answered in the way her daughters’ desired, Saint Zelie’s prayer was. She poured Lourdes water on Leonie and prayed that she might become a saint. Leonie had many mental health struggles throughout her life, but her mother’s prayer at Lourdes was answered, and Leonie's cause for canonization is open. As I prepared for Mass, I imagined Saint Zelie, Leonie, Marie, and Pauline having Mass in this same chapel. That is what I pondered throughout that Mass. Always Answered Prayers The walls of the chapel were covered, floor to ceiling, with ex voto plaques: thank you’s for prayers answered. Many of the plaques in this particular chapel date to just after the apparitions, when Saint Bernadette would have still been alive. Countless prayers answered for countless pilgrims in the almost 170 years since the apparitions. Our Lady was showing me her care for each one of her children and her continual prayer for us. Mostly, she was showing me her tender, motherly heart that is only expansive, never limiting. She spoke to my heart, “I am here, I am close, I am yours.” I had placed limits on our Mother’s love and care. I had limited Our Lady to only giving me a gift at one place, and I figured it would be Fatima. I didn’t think I had anything worth healing at Lourdes (not that I didn’t need healing, but that those things weren’t worth Our Lady’s time or attention). I had anticipated the countless petitions she was hearing there would mean mine would go uncounted. Instead, Our Lady decided to heal my heart in a way I didn’t even recognize needed healing. That little chapel, with countless prayers answered. The lines for the baths, with hundreds of pilgrims. The countless candles marking prayer requests. Instead of feeling small or unseen, I visited a tender Mother who cares about every detail of our hearts. She healed the deepest desires that I didn’t ask for, but she knew I wanted. She saw me. Have you ever been to Lourdes? What was your experience like?   [bctt tweet="Visiting Our Lady in Lourdes #BISblog //" via="no"]

We visited our new neighbors recently. Among other things that adorned their living room, a large card table filled with tiny puzzle pieces occupying a dainty corner as children beamed with ecstatic eagerness. Apparently assembling complicated jigsaw puzzles was winter tradition. As candid conversations waltzed their way through salty savories, a sudden sigh erupted. Three puzzle pieces had gone missing. Until those were found, the puzzle remained merely a puzzle, not the picture promised on the face of the box. Emphatically we joined in the search, traversing floors underneath tables and checking crowded corners—finally concluding that the puzzle company had produced a defective product. That evening, I remembered how accurately the Gospel describes our human condition. We are meant to be "complete," like a magnificent picture displaying God’s glory to the world; but something has happened, leaving us with missing pieces and lots of holes. Missing Pieces, Unmistakable Grace In the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, we are awakened to one of the most remarkable revelations Paul had: the razor-sharp recognition of his own missing pieces. For a long time, Paul was trained to live as if nothing was missing in his life—nothing, until he encountered the irresistible Risen Christ. “The Conversion on the Way to Damascus”, an extraordinary painting by Caravaggio, poignantly captures that moment. Paul, then Saul, is breathing murderous threats and is on his way to Damascus to carry out violent campaigns against Christians (see Acts 9). But he is interrupted, almost bedazzled by heavenly light, overtaking his steps, knocking him to the ground. Caravaggio emphasizes Saul’s helplessness. He has dropped his sword and is groping upwards, blind, vulnerable, defenseless. The horse’s body blocks our vision, protecting us from surrounding distractions, inviting us to the centre of the moment as it unfolds. The light falls on Saul and we see him fully: a man beyond picking, a man "beyond conversion." Who will deliver me? Paul would cry out recalling that apocalyptic moment. It was not a still small voice. It was a roar from the Hound of Heaven. In a single moment, all the missing pieces of his life were exposed. In a single moment, they were unmistakably held by Grace. The Language of Love It is interesting to know that Paul had no reason to hate Christians before he became one. No Christian had ever slandered him or seized his possessions. Paul’s loathing of Christianity was a war within, a stronghold of doctrine, a religious fortress he had to overcome through the school of love. Zeal is good, but zeal in the absence of love is fruitless. Think about how many wars have been waged for the glory of God, how many bloody crusades have been committed under the guise of religious reformation. How many people have left our churches because we have not labored in love? How often we forget that conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit (see CCC 1989). The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace, which are the very wealth we bring to our communities. In his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis warned us of being less worried about the enemies “out there” than the enemies within—vices and vicarious habits that have turned into idols, thirst for knowledge and power that threaten our faith. He defines conversion as “openness to a constant self-renewal born of fidelity to Jesus Christ.” How we need His Spirit daily. How we need conversion again and again. Death and Life A couple of years ago, we lost a dear member of our team because we were quick to discipline with truth. While I do not condone what happened, I learned how easy it is to be gracious over our own missing pieces; but fail in charity towards others or those who meet our evangelical fervor with reluctance and resistance. The acid test of faith is love. And love is patient. Love forgives. Love endures. Unless I surrender all the pieces of my heart to this love, unless I die daily, pride will dominate my zeal and derail my witness. I am called to reach the lost, but only through the language of love. Saint Paul died in a love that nothing could break or exhaust. He forgave men their heinous deeds, speaking truth, loving them to the very end. He died in a victory, sealed and heralded by Christ’s Resurrection, this victory which offers us the glorious opportunity to rise to new life daily. Thorns, Thistles, + Triumph God moved powerfully in Paul’s life and, as C.S. Lewis said, surprised him with joy... and with suffering. Despite his qualifications, Saint Paul was self righteous and self-reliant. He had given his brilliant mind and persuasive talents to the blasphemy and persecution of Christians. But Paul met Christ in His post-Resurrection glory and was radically transformed. He would then recount all his credentials as complete garbage in exchange for knowing Christ. Saint Paul had a complete change of heart. He became utterly dependent on grace. He learnt to be content with weakness. In one of his autobiographical passages, after relaying great visions and revelations, including an experience of rapture to a third heaven, Paul speaks of a certain "thorn" in the flesh. He prayed three times for God to remove it but was answered with: My Grace is sufficient for you; my power is made perfect in weakness. // 1 Corinthians 12:8 Some theologians suggest that this thorn was some physical ailment or moral struggle. Others imply spiritual wounds or stigmata. Still others like Saint Chrysostom refers to it as a "personal" enemy, perhaps someone he trusted, who sought to slander and discredit him (see Timothy 4:14). The amazing claim Paul makes is that God gave him his thorn. And God gives us ours. Henri Nouwen says: Christ, the source of our peace, is found in our weakest places, when we feel most broken, most helpless and most vulnerable. Think about this: God loves us. Not some imaginary version of us. God loves us especially in our weakness. Purposeful Pruning God allows the weeds, thorns and thistles to persistently pop up and prick us, for His purposes, for our growth as disciples. Thorns are gateways for compassion and community. And these thorns remind us of His brow, sweat and blood mingled, falling to the earth for our salvation. On days when "thorns" bleed deep, and scars remind me of defeated moments, I remember the triumph of the Cross and turn to Jesus, who crucifies my shortcomings and replaces them with Himself. I learned to love the "thorns" God places; to embrace the redemptive pain they bring. I realize these are lessons I can learn only in the deep trenches of life. Complete in His Image Is there a piece missing in you today? Remember, nothing can separate you from His love, He who chose you before the world began. How kind is our redeeming God whose heavenly light exposes our missing pieces, whose mercy recovers and renews them, whose love intends nothing but to "re-complete" us so that one day we shall no longer be a puzzle but a splendid, perfected, glorious masterpiece reflecting His image. No missing pieces. Only grace. This is why we press on. This is how we overcome!   [bctt tweet="Saint Paul's Missing Pieces #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Until this year, I had never heard of the “Sunday of the Word of God.” I suppose I can give myself a bit of a break since it was only established a couple of years ago in 2020. But this year, I plan to be prepared for what we are celebrating. By papal decree, Pope Francis established the third Sunday in Ordinary Time as a day set aside especially for “the celebration, study, and dissemination of the Word of God.” His hope is that, as Christians, we take up our baptismal call to profess our Faith, and specifically do so by using the gift and tool of Holy Scripture. The Institution of the Sunday of the Word of God I don’t think it is a coincidence that Pope Francis issued his Apostolic Letter Aperuit Illis on the Memorial of Saint Jerome. This letter instituting the Sunday of the Word of God was given on the 1,600th anniversary of Jerome’s death. Jerome is a Saint known for translating the Old Testament from Hebrew into Latin, as well as for his quotation: Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. Opened Minds to Understanding Francis opened his letter by quoting Luke 24:25 when Jesus was with the disciples and “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Jesus helped them to understand the Paschal Mystery and He did so with the promise that they would be accompanied by the help and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Francis wrote: Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world. Through relationship with God, through His word, we experience the words of love He speaks to his Bride, the Church. Sitting with Him in this way better equips us to bring His Truth out into the world. Church Unity Another goal of Pope Francis is that this Sunday will complement the Church’s desire to strengthen the bond with our Jewish brothers and sisters and move towards greater Christian unity. He writes, “The Bible is the book of the Lord’s people, who, in listening to it, move from dispersion and division towards unity.” Through the Holy Spirit, Scripture has the power to unite us. The Body of Christ In Pope Paul VI's Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation titled Dei Verbum, he emphasized how the Church venerates the divine Scriptures and Jesus’ Body simultaneously, “since, especially in the sacred liturgy, she unceasingly receives and offers to the faithful the bread of life from the table both of God’s word and of Christ’s body.” When we come together at the table of the Lord, we are reminded of the community we are journeying along with, that we are all part of the Body of Christ. How to Celebrate If you are hoping to dive deeper into putting the Word before the World this year, here are a few ideas! In Your Prayer Time Lectio Divina // Just ten minutes is enough time to soak in God’s Word through lectio divina. You can start with a Scripture passage of your choosing. The four steps include: reading meditation prayer contemplation Spend a few minutes paying attention to what stands out to you in your first reading of the passage. Read through the passage again, slower this time, meditating on what Jesus is speaking to you through Scripture. Then, spend a few minutes asking Jesus how He wants you to use what He has shown you, offer a prayer of thanksgiving, and finally, just bask in His love, perhaps journaling what Jesus shared with you. While Driving, Cleaning, or Cooking Bible In A Year Podcast // There isn’t a rule saying that you have to start the Bible In A Year Podcast on the first of the new year. These twenty to twenty-five minute episodes are led by Father Mike Schmitz. He provides commentary, a reflection, and prayer for each of the three hundred and sixty-five episodes. Sprinkled Throughout Your Day Decorate With Scripture // My mom was always taping up Scriptures she had written on index cards all around our house, whether it be right above the clock in our kitchen or on our bathroom mirror. Now I follow in her footsteps with my favorite words of encouragement stuck to my family’s refrigerator or our own bathroom mirror. Placing Scripture around your home is a great way to immerse yourself in God’s Word! Salvation and Tradition The Bible is not meant to be a large volume of books collecting dust on our bookshelves or in the nightstand of a hotel room. The primary goal of the Bible is our salvation. The Lord has provided the Holy Spirit to help keep the truths of His Word intact, and sacred Tradition has preserved it. Pope Francis wrote: ...before becoming a written text, the word of God was handed down orally and kept alive by the faith of a people who, in the midst of many others, acknowledged it as their own history and the source of their identity. Do you consider God’s Word to be the source of your identity?   [bctt tweet="Awakening Understanding // Word of God Sunday #BISblog // " via="no"]

During this colder month, it can be difficult to imagine days in the desert. But give it a try. Lent will be here before we know it; and in Lent, we enter the desert. The desert is a place in which we can no longer run from reality. What is in front of us simply is. We may grow weary in the desert from heat and thirst. We may feel alone. But the desert is also a place in which deep soul-shaping takes place. As Catholics during Lent, we don't go into the desert alone. Jesus is with us. And what is promised on the other side is redemption, mission, and discipleship. Why Do I Need a Devotional for Lent? During the Lenten season, we are invited into greater intimacy with the Lord who spared not Himself in order to save us. And as He entered the desert for us, He walks in the desert now with us. He is the Water of Life, the wellspring that never runs dry. And He is the One Who truly satisfies. As you journey through the desert with Jesus, we would love to be your companion. As you contemplate what it means to have nothing but Jesus, would you pray with us through our new Lent devotional, All She Had? This Lent devotional for Catholic women is all about poverty. The title is inspired by the story of the widow's mite in Mark 12:33-34: Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Why Should I Contemplate Poverty During Lent? As we live the season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we meditate on the humility of God. He became one of us, vulnerable like us, and went to the Cross for us. He overcame sin death for us. It began with His embrace of poverty. He was born of a poor girl in a small town. His earthly life was simple and hidden. All He had was the Father's. This is our call in Lent and always, too. What Can I Expect from All She Had? In this year's Lent devotional, we will walk through the six weeks as we always do: soaking in Scripture, sharing our stories, being purposeful in prayer, and seeking the Lord's Heart. Practically So what will our journey look like? On Sundays, we will pray through the Praise of God by Saint Francis, a Saint whose life exemplified poverty. Throughout the week, we will reflect on various themes of poverty, sharing stories, Bible verses, and deep questions. Here's what we will pray through during the week: Week 1 // Poverty Of Desire Week 2 // Poverty Of Security Week 3 // Poverty Of Hope Week 4 // Poverty Of Control Week 5 // Poverty Of Intimacy Holy Week // Poverty Of Everything The Commitment This Lent devotional is written to be used by both individuals and in groups. You can pray through this with your best friend, your sister, or your small group from church. And of course, you can use this on your own. And don't worry about "falling behind." If you miss a day or two, it's not a big deal. Simply pick up where you left off and continue on in prayer. Part of poverty of heart is perseverance, and this can be great practice! Spiritually Our prayer for this Lent is that we would all be poured out more for the Lord so that we can be filled more with Him. This devotional will call you to contemplate the ways in which Jesus is asking us to become poorer like Him so that we can reflect His Heart more and more. We can do nothing without our Lord. He is our everything. And the sooner we realize our utter dependence on our Father, the sooner we can be at peace because He holds it all together. He holds our lives, our experiences, our past, our present, and our future. [elementor-template id="568520"] Something We've Never Done Before In addition to All She Had, we are thrilled to bring you something we've never done before: a devotional for men. Born of Fire acts as a guide through seven identities to learn from Jesus: son, brother, man, spouse, father, mystic, and ‘new man’ this Lent. It includes witness accounts of postulants on their desert journey in the wilderness, invitations into prayer, and reflections on our new life in Christ by Father Innocent Montgomery, CFR. This book meets a man’s need for challenge, adventure, introspection, and formation of his heart after the Heart of Jesus. Want More Poverty for Less? See what we did there? ;) You know it wouldn't be a Blessed is She liturgical devotional without some add-on options for those who love to go big or go home. The Kids' Book We didn't forget about the kids in your life! All You Have is the kids' companion devotional for this year. Using the same Scripture verses you'll be meditating on, All You Have includes coloring pages, questions, and other activities. Guys + Gals Bundle Finally, pick up something for yourself and a man in your life with the bundle of All She Had and Born of Fire! This winter, prepare to enter the desert for Lent and pray with us, embracing a greater poverty and giving all we have.   [bctt tweet="All She Had // The 2022 Lent Devotional for Catholic Women #BISblog //" via="no"] HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY