Names

Terése Rose2 Comments

Today, September 12th is the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary.

I’m taking a break from the Lourdes Series to write about something connected to this day: names.

I’ve recently become interested in this topic. (So much so that I keep an ongoing list of names that I like, and there are enough on the list for a small army!)

I enjoy learning the meaning of names. I also enjoy hearing about how they are chosen.

First, I’ll briefly explain the feast.

Then, I’ll share an explanation of the importance of names.

Finally, I’ll provide personal tips for choosing names.

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Lourdes Part II: Called

Terése Rose4 Comments

God calls each of us in different ways.

He may speak words that we hear in our minds or words that we hear through another person.

He may place a deep feeling within our heart or allow us to receive a revelation through Scripture or prayer.

We may experience His call in a dramatic or sudden way. More often, the encounter is gentle or gradual.

A call from God is both personal and specific. Each person’s experience is unique, and it can be hard to explain or put into words.

In this post, I’d like to share more about my call to Lourdes.

“Would you do me the kindness of coming here for fifteen days?” ~ Blessed Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous, February 18, 1858

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Lourdes Part I: Our Prayer Intentions

Terése Rose8 Comments

I arrived in Lourdes, France on July 31st and left on August 6th.

(I learned that Lourdes is pronounced “Lourd” in French.)

It was a special experience that I’m grateful for. It still seems surreal that God permitted us to go!

Lourdes is a beautiful place, and I hope to return someday.

I’ve been reflecting on my time there, and I’m sure I’ll continue this process for a while…

Since so much occurred during the pilgrimage — and so much is continuing to unfold — I plan to write about it in pieces.

In this post, I’ll share how my friend and I presented our prayer intentions (both your intentions and mine).

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The Queenship of Mary

Terése Rose

Today, August 22nd the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

From the earliest ages of the catholic church a Christian people, whether in time of triumph or more especially in time of crisis, has addressed prayers of petition and hymns of praise and veneration to the Queen of Heaven. And never has that hope wavered which they placed in the Mother of the Divine King, Jesus Christ; nor has that faith ever failed by which we are taught that Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, reigns with a mother’s solicitude over the entire world, just as she is crowned in heavenly blessedness with the glory of a Queen (Venerable Pius XII, Ad Caeli Reginam 1).

During my recent pilgrimage in Lourdes, I witnessed Mary’s Queenship being honored in a number of ways.

One event stood out to me the most. I’d like to share it with you because it connects to today’s feast.

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The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Terése Rose2 Comments

Today, August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This is a Holy Day of Obligation, which means that Catholics must attend Mass.

In 1950, Pope Pius XII wrote on the teaching of the Assumption:

The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory (Munificentissimus Deus 44).

The Solemnity of the Assumption — known as the Dormition of Mary in the Eastern Churches — is a special day for me and an important day for all Christians.

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