Our Lady of the Rosary

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Today is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary,

and my last full day at home.

Here is a quote from a Benedictine monk, which a friend sent me a few years ago on the Rosary and which I have never quite forgotten (my emphasis in bold): 

"Be not afraid of distractions, provided you are willing to struggle against them.  Our heavenly Mother understands so well our weakness, our tired feelings, our weariness at times.  Hail Mary's multiplied never displease her. She appreciates your murmurings of faith, hope, and love. Do your best. But, never give up your beads. To carry them on your person . . . is that not as if you were saying them all day, all night secretly? 

 Keep them, at times, especially in time of trial, in the hollow of your hand. That is to clasp Mary's hand."

out of curiosity, I just googled the first line, and (as I suspected) found a longer version on Vultus Christi. 

Go there for the rest of it!

P.S. The Dominican Friars have redesigned their website (I thought I was lost for a minute!), and just posted a brief note for today's feast here.

Your prayer intentions?

As a nun once said to me, recalling her own entrance into the convent and Profession days,
"Jesus can't refuse the prayers of a soul when she gives herself completely to Him."

This may not be my last post here, but today I want to say thank you, dear readers,
for taking the time to stop by to read my poor words.
On Saturday, I am entering the convent to begin my postulancy.
My vocation is to pray for all souls: my family, priests, seminarians, and all my friends
--that includes you, whoever, wherever you are.

On Saturday morning, I will receive Holy Communion for all of your intentions,
and in the afternoon I will carry you all in my heart
as I cross the threshold of the door that can only be opened by love.

If you have any specific intentions you would like me to bring to prayer,
please leave them in the comment box,
or just leave your name/nickname and I will remember your intentions....

Thank you again for everything, and please pray for me, too!

In Christ,

Mary

update: doing some housekeeping type stuff, the comment boxes are now closed. Sorry. But I will pray for all you readers of my blog and your intentions anyway. 

Michaelmas

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Today is the Feast of the Holy Archangels:
Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

There are just nine days left until my Entrance Day,
perfect for a Novena for the following intentions

That I might be faithful to prayer and to God's will at every moment
Healing and grace for friends in pain and need
Grace for my family and friends, especially priests and seminarians
All the intentions entrusted to my prayers

~a prayer just for today~

God our Father, 
in a wonderful way you guide the work of angels and men.
May those who serve you constantly in heaven
keep our lives safe from all harm on earth.


Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever amen!
(-Closing prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours for today)


Blessed be God forever, for ages unending, amen!

Home again

As I unpack my bags,

I pause for a moment to look at the crucifix hanging above my bed

and I sigh, “Home.”

My heart and soul are at peace

after a beautiful trip to the mountain country

where I was born.

Grace upon grace showers down on me in these last few weeks

as I finally realize how dear they all are,

my family far and near,

only when it’s time to say goodbye.

And prayers fall from my heart,

through my lips,

on my breath as I have learned from holy people.

I pray calmly, quietly,

as I unpack my bags,

at home only for a time.

“Lord, help me to live these last few weeks—days!

one day at a time, in the moment.

Thank you for all the precious moments!”

11 days left, and I give thanks for:


-those mountains surrounding me for the last time : : homecoming over and over again
-American Cassinise Benedictines : : Mass with seminarians 
-The Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, looking after everyone in that house
-knowing that Sara is at peace : : and it's not too late to get to know her better
-this post, making me even more grateful for the rich correspondences I have enjoyed over the last few years

Joining the Gratitude Community at A Holy Experience today and every Monday 
(but there is only one Monday left until E-Day!)
 

 

Blessed be God forever!

One day at a time...