Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent for Christians.
During the next forty days, the Lord calls us to increased prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Have you reflected on what you’re being called to do this Lent?
My Grandpa: a Devoted Child of God and the Blessed Mother
“All the true children of God, the predestinate, have God for their Father, and Mary for their Mother.” ~ St. Louis de Montfort
A Special Photo
My paternal grandfather loved photography and was a photographer by trade. There’s one photo in particular that’s very special to him and my family.
Grandpa and Grandma used to visit a Marian shrine near their home. During one visit, Grandpa photographed a statue of Mary.
The statue was positioned near the doorway of the chapel, which made it difficult to photograph.
He said there was no way to capture the photo without getting “hot spots” — shiny glares — on the statue’s face. (In those days, photography wasn’t digital and couldn’t be edited the way it is today.)
He tried his best, assuming hot spots would be visible when the film was developed…
One Year of One Small Rose
Dear Readers,
I started One Small Rose on February 16, 2018. Since the one year anniversary just passed, I decided to reflect on the journey…
I learned a lot over the past twelve months. (One thing I learned is there’s so much to learn!)
Here are two lessons. These lessons are not only relevant for me and blogging. They are relevant for each of us in all aspects of our lives.
St. Valentine: Christian Love Means Death to Self
St. Valentine was tortured and beheaded by Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century for marrying Christian couples in secret.
I don’t think I ever heard that factoid growing up in school. Candy, cards, and flowers seemed to dominate the conversation that day.
Then I got older and it seemed like I had to do something romantic because Hallmark told me to. But when I learned the origin of this holiday (a term that comes from “holy day”) I remember being confronted with the demands of what love truly means.
As a Christian, it means death to yourself. Perhaps that is in small ways, like letting your wife sleep in while you manage the kids, or giving up a listening ear to the coworker who interrupts you. Maybe it’s speaking the truth when it’s unpopular to do so. Or maybe it is the demand of your very life.
God is…
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Abortion: Truth, Hope and Help
Thus says the LORD:
In Ramah is heard the sound of sobbing,
bitter weeping!
Rachel mourns for her children,
she refuses to be consoled
for her children—they are no more! (Jeremiah 31:15 NABRE)
A Day to Mourn
As you probably know, the “Reproductive Health Act” (RHA) was passed in New York State on January 22, 2019.
The law permits “late-stage” abortions, which could be performed up to the moment of birth in some cases. It also allows abortions to be performed by any licensed health practitioners, rather than full doctors. The law removes all legal protection for unborn children and those born alive after attempted abortions.
It was passed on the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion in the United States.
I believe the NY vote took place on this anniversary intentionally. I believe it was meant to be a slap in the face to those of us who are pro-life.
When I heard about the law, I felt extremely angry and upset; and I wasn’t the only one.
Four February Saints
Saints are men and women whose souls have reached heaven. The Catholic Church has a specific process for declaring men and women as saints and over 10,000 have been canonized! There are also many holy men and women who have not been officially canonized.
Below is information about four saints with feast days in February: Blaise, Agatha, Amata, and Thalelaeus. You may have heard of all, some or none of these saints.
Each has a unique story and personality, just like you and me. Each has something valuable to teach us about being a faithful disciple of Christ.
Thank You, Saint Francis de Sales!
Today, January 24th is the feast day of St. Francis de Sales.
In my first post — First Post, First Blog! — I mentioned this saint. Those who have been following from the beginning may remember that I prayed a Novena to him for guidance, and the fruit of that prayer was this blog.
