Sunday, December 26, 2010

An Epiphany Card for You!

Merry Christmas!

For many years now, I've eschewed sending Christmas cards, opting instead for Epiphany greetings. For one thing, it frees me up from some o' the pre-Christmas activities, allowing me to concentrate on Advent.

Want one?

Just drop me a line using the "email Kelly" link (under the "About Kelly" stuff) and receive a .PDF file, ready to print. The card features a color image of the Magi's visit to the Holy Family on the cover, with the Antiphon for the Canticle of Mary sung at Vespers on The Feast of the Epiphany. When folded, it fits into a standard invitation-sized envelope (4-3/8 x 5-3/4). Even if you've send traditional cards, I find these make wonderful thank you notes for gifts received.

Designed by my husband (and business partner), it's my Christmas gift to you.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Once again, Xerox helps us thank our troops!

The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women.

The postcards, depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images, were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country.

It only takes a minute, but has got to mean a whole lot. Thanks for saying thanks!


Thursday, December 09, 2010

Why is Obama the lead player in the Roxbury Christmas display?

I wish I could take a picture of the display at Warren Street and Walnut Avenue in Roxbury, Massachusetts...but I can't. At least at night, and that's when it counts, because the Christmas display is all lit up then. The star? Not Jesus. Not even Santa. Nope. In letters a gillion feet high blaze the words:

OBAMA IN THE HOUSE

No kidding.

I mean, there's a small creche, the words "Peace on Earth," a few reindeer, you know, the usual. But OBAMA IN THE HOUSE trumps the whole display. Why? What the bleep does the president have to do with Christmas?

'Course it was a bit different last year. Equally bewildering, but different. Last Christmas, we were treated to a manger scene but not topped with a star...no, topping the stable, the Infant Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and, if I recall, a few shepherds, was the brightly shining word:

OBAMA

What gives, I wonder?

Monday, December 06, 2010

Ho-ho no: Hanukkah’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas - The Boston Globe

Alison Lobron, in yesterday's Boston Globe Magazine, offers an amazingly sensible look at what "inclusion" can mean during the "holidays," from a Jewish perspective. Read the whole thing if you can, but here's the money quote:

The problem is, the more we pretend the two holidays are interchangeable, the more the meaning drains out of both. Hanukkah, which commemorates an ancient military victory, is supposed to symbolize Jewish resistance to assimilation, but it is now often treated as Christmas in blue. And Christians see their symbols and traditions repackaged as a generic holiday. What we’re left with is the lowest common denominator: shopping.
Amen.

Joy Battista: My Hope Pregnancy

A remarkable pro-life lady describes her "molar pregnancy" -- and her inspiring hope.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Joe Scheidler's Home Vandalized by Anti-Life Activists

Here's something you probably won't read in your local paper.

You can read the story linked above, and you might want to check out Jill Stanek's more personalized post, complete with pictures.

(Before you ask, the reference in the note accompanying the brick to "Queen Anne's Lace" refers to the apparent use of the weed as a contraceptive. Or something like that.)

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Pope Changes Catholic Faith Completely!

You gotta love Mark Shea!

ROME -- In a startling change to the Catholic Faith, Pope Benedict XVI announced today that tossing people down elevator shafts could represent a first step in assuming moral responsibility "in the intention of reducing the risk of having your own son electrocuted to death before your very eyes."

The Imperial Mainstream Media Center has taken this as a signal that the Church intends to canonize Darth Vader for his saintly courage in tossing Emperor Palpatine down an elevator shaft as the latter was torturing Darth Vader's son to death with huge bolts of electric Force energy.


Read the whole thing, and enjoy! (You might want to share this with your friends who still don't get it.)

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Holy Face of Manoppello

I was privileged to meet Paul Badde today at Saint Francis Chapel. Mr. Badde, a journalist, wrote a book titled "The Face of God, the Rediscovery of the True Face of Jesus on the Holy Face of Manoppello."

The documentary accompanying his presentation was...how can I explain it? I can't. I only know that I left the chapel in tears. Tears of joy.

I'm very eager to read the book. If any of you have read it, please let me know!

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Elections, and obsessing about the wrong kingdom

Good grief, what the bleep is wrong with me? (Be kind and limit your answers to 3 or 4, thank-you-very-much.)

Last evening, and throughout this morning, being your typical Bostonian in one way (i.e. we tend to think of ourselves as the "hub o' the universe") and, being your untypical Bostonian in another (i.e., I'm a pro-life pretty much Republican), I subjected those unfortunate to be around me to a morbid, moody, moping, morose monster.

The Dems won in Massachusetts. Ergo, the sky is falling.

Later this day...

...I finally woke up and realized that the Other Side hadn't done too shabbily in the rest o' the country. Not at all. And so, those unfortunate enough to be around me were subjected to a crowing, callous, cold-blooded cootie bug, whose only aim seemed to be to stomp on the bones of a dying political philosophy.

Where was God in all my shenanigans?

Nowhere. Because once again I forgot that the real Kingdom isn't blue, red, or tea-colored. The real Kingdom, won with the Blood of the Lamb, has been, and will be, victorious forever and ever, Amen.

I was concentrating on one state. Then, on one country. Meanwhile, completely missing the most important part: "Under God!"

May He forgive me. May He accept my humble prayers for all of our earthly leaders...and never let me forget Who the Real Leader really is.

Monday, November 01, 2010

Murky Message

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Monday, Saturday, Holy Days...NOT. But why?

You might think that November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, is a Holy Day of Obligation.

It isn't. And why is that?

Well, duh, it falls on a Monday!

From the good bishops of the good ol' US of A:

On December 13, 1991 the members of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States of American made the following general decree concerning holy days of obligation for Latin rite Catholics:

In addition to Sunday, the days to be observed as holy days of obligation in the Latin Rite dioceses of the United States of America, in conformity with canon 1246, are as follows:

January 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter, the solemnity of the Ascension
August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
November 1, the solemnity of All Saints
December 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
December 25, the solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Except...

Whenever January 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, or August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption, or November 1, the solemnity of All Saints, falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated.
(For those o' you like me, "abrogated" is a word not used in everyday chit chat. I looked it up. It means "abolished.")

My question is simple: why?

And please don't tell me it's because the good bishops don't want to place on their flocks the "burden" of participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass [gasp] two days in a row.

Seriously. Anybody able to explain the logic of this?

Monday, October 25, 2010

Boston Catholic Insider

As I recently posted on their blog, I appreciate the work these folks are doing. I wish they didn't have to do it, but I'm grateful that they do.

Obamacare: "The biggest expansion of abortion funding in U.S. history"

It's not that long of a video...that's what's so scary. It's so darned simple.

I don't see how this is troubling...didn't I learn about the spiritual works of mercy as a child?

Love the sinner, hate the sin. As a sinner myself, I endorse this message. :-)

Here's the story I'm musing on.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Happy Birthday, Bill! Thank you, Lord!

William Lee Clark
October 22, 1946 — January 27, 1986

I thank God for the birth of William Lee Clark, and for allowing me to share his life for thirteen wonderful years. I thank Bill for his devotion, and I thank Father Tom Mahoney for offering Mass today for him.

Pray for us, Bill. I pray for you every day.

"In Baptism, he died with Christ. May he share in the glory of His Resurrection."

Congratulations to a pro-life hero

On Tuesday, October 19, Pope Benedict XVI named Raymond Burke, archbishop emeritus of St. Louis and current Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, as one of 24 archbishops who will be made a cardinal of the Catholic Church during the consistory in November.

All faithful Catholics and pro-life and pro-family individuals around the world have joyfully greeted the news of this great honor.


Go to the link and congratulate Archbishop Burke right now!


Monday, October 18, 2010

Catholic Politicians Who Support Abortion or Same-Sex "Marriage" Must Publicly Repent

From CNSNews.com:

Catholic politicians who publicly support abortion or homosexual marriage and then seek to turn away from such “gravely sinful acts” must perform “public” actions of “repentance,” said Raymond Burke, the archbishop emeritus of St. Louis and the current head of the highest court at the Vatican, the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.


...

“We find self-professed Catholics, for example, who sustain and support the right of a woman to procure the death of the infant in her womb, or the right of two persons of the same sex to the recognition which the State gives to a man and a woman who have entered into marriage,” said the archbishop. “It is not possible to be a practicing Catholic and to conduct oneself publicly in this manner.”

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Fr. David Mullen's report: Meeting with Cardinal O'Malley re: "Talking about Touching"

In Father Mullen's own words:

I had a very positive meeting with His Eminence Cardinal O’Malley last Saturday, September 18th. We spoke for over an hour regarding St. Brendan Parish and the "safe environment programs" offered by the Archdiocese of Boston. He was open to all of my comments and observations and allowed me to express fully all my concerns. At the same time he responded to many of my points, which meant he was truly engaged in the discussion. Also involved was Fr. Bryan Parrish, Special Assistant to the Vicar General, who helped to prepare His Eminence and myself for this very productive meeting.

The meeting had originally been scheduled for Saturday morning at 10:00 A.M., but was changed to 2:00 P.M. I did not inform people of this change because a Holy Hour had already been planned for 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. and I did not want people to think that they would have to come back at 2:00! I am thankful to all who attended the Mass; I understand that the church was "packed". I am thankful to Fr. Bill Scanlon for celebrating the Mass and for hearing confessions for two hours! I am also thankful to Deacon Hackett for conducting the Holy Hour. I was able to inform His Eminence that there were many people praying for the meeting.

I first shared with the Cardinal my vocation story and a short description of my parish experiences. Then I pleaded with him that he would not ask me to do anything against my conscience. He said that he would never ask anyone to do anything against his conscience. I spoke of the value of a program like that of the Diocese of Baker, Oregon, entitled "Healthy Families: Safe Children". Bishop Vasa, ordinary of the Diocese of Baker, is also Episcopal Advisor to the Catholic Medical Association. Their report of a few years ago, entitled "To Protect and to Prevent" is one of the main sources for "Healthy Families: Safe Children". His Eminence pointed out that this program was not approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB), which indeed it is not. I encouraged His Eminence to think about how the bishops of the United States should re-visit the issue of "safe environment" programs and the report of the Catholic Medical Association so that they could approve Bishop Vasa’s program.

His Eminence holds it as a great responsibility of his to abide by all the standards put forth by the NCCB for the protection of children in all parishes and archdiocesan institutions. He wants all Catholics to know that he is very diligent in pursuing this matter. My concerns have always been threefold: 1) to do all things in a straight-forward manner; 2) to protect the innocence of the children of St. Brendan’s in their "latency period"; and 3) to respect the rights of parents regarding their position as primary teachers in the matters of life and love. I believe that he and I were able to come to an agreement so that his concerns and mine were both shared and met. I am happy to submit the Cardinal’s wishes in this way.

It was the Cardinal who pointed out that parents can always withdraw their children from a program they don’t like. This shows that he is certainly in accord with the rights of parents as the primary teachers of their children. Granted that, it was his wish that an approved program be presented at St. Brendan’s.

I asked the Cardinal if he would allow me to present a program from Ireland entitled “Stay Safe” according to the innocence of the children of St. Brendan’s parish, the rights of their parents, and my conscience as a pastor. With the suggestion of Fr. Parrish, this would include supplementations that I thought were necessary. I mentioned that what is really needed is that parents be aware of the sensitive time of a child’s "latency period" and the affirmation that the church has consistently made regarding parents' duties to give their children sexual information in a time, method, and manner that they judge to be appropriate. I said that such matters would certainly be part of the supplementations I would make. His Eminence said that he would be happy if I would present the "Stay Safe" program in this way. He knew that I thought that there were some difficulties with that program and so that I would present it in a way that would seem to solve those difficulties. It was clear that we were in agreement.

I had been told beforehand by some in the know that my concerns that my tenure as pastor was in danger were exaggerated. The Cardinal certainly did not want me to think that I was a problem priest! He was very gracious and complimentary to me regarding the vibrancy of the life at St. Brendan Parish. And I bragged about some of the good things going on here.

I am grateful to His Eminence for his kindness to me and for his concern for the children and families of the Archdiocese of Boston. I am also grateful to Fr. Parrish for facilitating this meeting and to others – you know who you are! – for helping me to put my thoughts in order prior to the meeting. I am uplifted by the prayer that was offered and the notes of encouragement that were sent. And for those who might have a question, these are my words, approved only by me.

Thanks to all!

(Recipients of this e-mail are free to copy and forward it as they wish.)

Friday, September 17, 2010

Father David Mullen asks for prayers (or, the epitome of the classy Catholic priest)

As I wrote in my last post, I've never met Father David Mullen. Pray God, I hope to do so someday. Meantime I was honored to be among those whom he asked for prayers for a good result with his meeting with Cardinal Sean O'Malley tomorrow. I'm posting this letter from Father Mullen in its entirety. All emphases are his. All admiration for this servant of God are mine, and, I hope, yours.

Dear Friends,

I am sending this to my entire e-mail list, so some of you may not remember who I am. Please feel no qualms of conscience if you delete this message!

I am asking everyone to pray for me tomorrow (Saturday) when I will meet with Cardinal O'Malley to talk over the safe environment programs that the Archdiocese wants me to implement in St. Brendan's parish. If you want to brush up on the controversy then you can visit my parish website: saintbrendansparish.org and look for the tab that says "TAT Dossier". You will find there all that you need to know, and perhaps some things you would rather not know!

I am hopeful that tomorrow's meeting will be successful. It will be so if God's will is done by myself and His Eminence. His goal is that my parish implement a "safe environment" program so that the Archdiocese is 100% compliant with the child protection goals set by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. My goal is to protect the innocence of the children of my parents and respect the rights of their parents (and, of course, not go to Hell at the end of my life because I knowingly did something to the children of my parish that I knew was gravely objectionable). I see no reason why the goals of the eminent ordinary and the country pastor cannot be achieved together.

The best result would be for His Eminence to allow St. Brendan's to implement the program of the Diocese of Baker, Oregon, called "Healthy Families: Safe Children". Bp. Robert F. Vasa, the ordinary of Baker, only this evening sent me a very gracious message of personal support (without presuming to tread on the authority of His Eminence in Boston). The program that he has developed in his diocese is derived from the Catholic Medical Association's wonderful report on safe environment programs and child development entitled "To Protect and to Prevent" (2006).

I asked for the meeting with His Eminence and am gratified that he so quickly said "yes". Some are claiming that I said that I was told that if I did not implement a "safe environment" program that I would be dismissed from the parish. I was told no such thing. I came to the conclusion on my own. I have been assured by honorable priests that such a move has not been discussed in the meetings of His Eminence and his advisers. I believe that I have been told the truth in this matter.

Perhaps I have allowed my fears to get to me! The last seven or eight years have been filled with various levels of fear, anger and anxiety. I am not fearful tonight - nor anxious - nor angry. Please pray tomorrow - and tonight! - that my meeting with His Eminence go well tomorrow.

God bless,

Fr. David J. Mullen
St. Brendan Parish
Bellingham, Massachusetts

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Saint Brendan Parish, Bellingham, MA: Holy Hour this Saturday for the parish and Father David Mullen


I've never met Father David Mullen, but if I had children I'd seriously consider moving to Bellingham in order to join his parish. All you have to do is explore the parish website to understand why.

This Saturday, September 18, the parish plans a special Holy Hour at 10:00 AM. (This is in addition to the parish's regular Saturday Exposition, Adoration, Confessions and Benediction from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.)


Why the additional Holy Hour?


To pray for the parish and Father Mullen during his scheduled meeting with Sean Cardinal O'Malley.
The meeting appears to be the culmination of the parish's eight year old struggle with the Archdiocese of Boston over the latter's so called "Safe Environment" programs, particularly one called "Talking About Touching." (TAT)

This point of this post isn't to elaborate on the intrinsic evil of the "TAT" program. Others have done that far more thoroughly than I have—including Father David Mullen and his parishioners.
My request is simple. Please join the Saint Brendan's parishioners in their prayers. Thank you.

To get an idea of Father Mullen's efforts in protecting his parish—particularly the kids in it—go
here.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Planned Parenthood, Boston, rendered powerless!


From Bill Cotter, Operation Rescue, Boston, September 11:
Pro-lifers were greeted by a glorious sight this morning at Planned Parenthood in Boston. NSTAR Electric trucks were parked on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood: the electric power was out and the abortion mill was out of commission!! [Maybe it's a sign from God?]

The facility's doors remained open for the morning, but security guards turned customers away as soon as they arrived. That gave sidewalk counselors a double opportunity -- coming and going. In addition, abortion-bound women now are compelled to at least delay their abortions. No guarantee they will finally choose Life, of course.


The Rosary vigil was held today as it usually is on the second Saturday. From the clock on the adjacent building, the power had evidently been out since at least 1:50am Saturday, and possibly 1:50pm Friday -- a pro-lifer who was present Friday said NSTAR trucks arrived at about 10:30am. The NSTAR people were still at work when we left. If this goes on into next week, it could cause an epidemic of panic attacks on the Left. 9/11/2001 was awful, but nothing compares with losing "access" to "choice"!!

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Holy Land Contemplatives: E-mail Us Your Petitions

ZENIT - Holy Land Contemplatives: E-mail Us Your Petitions

Super opportunity...God is good.

Please pray daily for all who have consecrated their lives to Jesus and Mary through work and prayer...and all those discerning and/or struggling with a vocation to do so.

Thanks!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

It's Time You People Confronted Your Obesophobia!

From Mark Shea. He's jolly. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) ;-)

InsideCatholic.com | It's Time You People Confronted Your Obesophobia | Feature | Articles

Monday, August 23, 2010

New blog: "The Next Loving Thing"

Corey Huber, president of The Mater Ecclesiae Fund for Vocations is blogging! Follow Corey and Katherine Huber as they travel about, visiting religious orders and their grant recipients.

Visit them here. And do remember their important work in your prayers.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Evil lays an egg: Relic of the True Cross Welcomed Back to the Cathedral of the Holy Crosss


At an incredibly joyous, solemn, wonderful service this evening, folks from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and throughout the Archdiocese of Boston praised and thanked God, and all His angels and saints, for the return of the Relic of the True Cross of Christ, and for the the forgiveness of those responsible for its theft.

What was planned as a service imploring the Relic's return evolved into—following the Relic's return last Monday—an hour of heartfelt thanksgiving and adoration.
God is good. Good is good.

Evil, once again, missed the mark.


We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless You! Because by Thy Holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world!

Monday, August 16, 2010

According to Shariah Law, homosexuals must be killed?



These guys seem to think so. You know, I'm getting more than a little nervous when folks speak about "moderate Islam."

(H/T Lisa Graas)

Relic of The True Cross FOUND! Praise God!

From the Archdiocese of Boston:

Our prayers have been answered as the Relic of the True Cross has been recovered. We are grateful for the great work of the Boston Police Department in their search for the relic. Their professional and diligent work made this effort successful. We also extend our appreciation to the Vermont State Police who assisted in the recovery effort. God has blessed us with His love and capacity to forgive. We prayerfully carry on His call for forgiveness for those responsible.


More here.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Graphic images at anti-abortion rally disturb passersby


It was (and remains) appalling to see, in the TV saga "Roots," the depiction of Africans brutally kidnapped by slave traders. And it was appalling to see how their American owners treated them. It was (and remains) appalling to see, in documentary after documentary, the treatment of Southern blacks in the films first released in the 1960s. It was (and remains) appalling to see the slaughter of Jews in Germany in documentary after documentary. It was, and remains appalling. That's what these graphic images are supposed to do...appall. Wake up, folks. We're talking about slaughtering babies. It's appalling.

Money quote:
Thompson said he had spoken with Operation Rescue members last week to make sure they understood the state laws about buffer zones and how far they had to stay from the clinic.

Thompson said police continue to examine local ordinances to determine whether the protesters can use imagery like that displayed Thursday morning or whether they can say the rosary and pray aloud during protests outside the clinic on Groveland Street.

"Realistically, we're not going to stop people from praying," he said.

Graphic images at anti-abortion rally disturb passersby; police say protesters lacked permit (They didn't need one...duh, there's the First Amendment.)

Friday, August 06, 2010

Praying for the return of the Relic of the True Cross, Holy Cross Cathedral, Boston


Date: Wednesday, August 18 (Feast of Saint Helena, finder of the True Cross)
Time: 7:30 - 8:30 PM
Place
: The Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Cathedral of the Holy Cross, 75 Union Park Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
Purpose
: To implore Divine Assistance in recovering the stolen Relic of the True Cross, and for the conversion of the hearts of those involved with its disappearance.

The service will include Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the conversion of the hearts of those involved, Benediction, and a closing prayer of supplication.


Free parking is available in the lot behind the Cathedral at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Monsignor Reynolds Way. For information about the theft of the relic, please see this Boston Globe story.

Please plan to join us. If you're out of town, join us in spirit.
May Jesus Christ, nailed to The Cross to obtain our salvation, continue to bless you!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Mass Citizens for Life, Tim Cahill, and still another SNAFU

In the Massachusetts gubernatorial race, the PAC behind Massachusetts Citizens for Life enthusiastically endorsed independent Tim Cahill.

"Tim Cahill will be an outstanding advocate for the unborn, the disabled, and the elderly," ran the MCFL PAC press release received a few days ago. "Cahill holds pro-life positions on all aspects of the issue," the statement said.

Uh...not exactly true, as today's Boston Globe and Fox News report.

But while Cahill's website makes no mention of his abortion views in the "issues" section, a version of the site from late May posted by the blog Red Mass Group showed that he previously stated: "I believe in and support a (woman's) right to choose. I also believe that abortion should be safe, legal and rare."

Which, I'll wager, most active pro-lifers already knew, for bleep's sake.

Here's a money quote:

Cahill spokeswoman Amy Birmingham said the campaign fully expects to retain the Citizens for Life PAC's support, comparing the endorsement to the group's backing for Republican Sen. Scott Brown, "who is openly pro-choice but in terms of his positions on other alternative methods, the restrictions were more along the lines of what they felt."
Oy.

Here's the thing. It's called "truth."

Cahill may be Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm compared to his two opponents. But, duh! That doesn't make him "pro-life positions on all aspects of the issue." Ya know?

What I don't understand is why MCFL doesn't seem to master the art of truth-telling, even when the truth hurts. What the bleep is wrong with saying something like:

"Look folks. All three candidates are, let's say, less than perfect. None is pro-life. Our best shot at saving babies in Massachusetts is electing Tim Cahill. Not that he's what we'd want him to be...but his opponents are much worse. Sorry for the bad news, but let's try at least to make some lemonade out of the lemons we've been dealt."

Okay, maybe MCFL won't hire me as a PR writer, but you get what I mean.

Telling lies—or, to be more charitable, screwing up by screwing up the truth—gets nobody anywhere. It sure as bleep doesn't add a whole lot of credibility to the pro-life movement.

More commentary—and far better than mine—from Carol McKinley.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

The "Catholic Tea Party," Saul Alinsky, and the US Bishops

Lisa Graas, reluctantly perhaps but with no holds barred, takes 'em on. Intelligently, which is no surprise to me.

Check it out.

Papal Children's Book Talks of "Jesus' Friends"

I'm looking forward to the English translation!

ZENIT - Papal Children's Book Talks of "Jesus' Friends"

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Relic of The True Cross disappears from Holy Cross Cathedral, Boston

These images show the Crucifix as it was prior to its apparent desecration. As of today, the Crucifix still hangs in the Cathedral's Blessed Sacrament Chapel, but the relic has been torn away.

Please pray for its return.

Fellow parishioner Christopher Muldoon adds:

"And we must do PENANCE. Traditionally, relics of the True Cross are reverenced with genuflection—the same reverence shown to the Blessed Sacrament—because the True Cross was drenched in our Saviour's True Blood.

"After the Blessed Sacrament was profaned by the Know-Nothings in Charlestown in the 1830's, the Bishop of Boston ordered that after every Low Mass, the Divine Praises would be said in reparation. This practice continues after Low Masses in the Archdiocese today. We need to follow the example of our fathers and do penance.

"This is the relic that Father Cheverus brought with him when he first landed in Boston. This is the relic that was reverenced every Good Friday at Holy Cross Parish by the first generations of the faithful in our city from 1788 until this past April. It is why our Cathedral has its name. We must storm Heaven for its return, privately and publicly."
(Images courtesy Cardinal Sean's Blog.)

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Lay ministers of Holy Communion!

Please listen up. I realize your pastors may be convincing you that your service at Sunday Mass is needed. Perhaps this is true. I find it debatable in far too many circumstances, but that may be just me.

What is not debatable is that your service is needed in bringing Our Lord to the sick, in their homes and especially in hospitals.

Please consider this apostalate. Unless you have been "Jesus' donkey" and have brought Him to where He wants to go—to the sick and helpless among us—you're missing an extraordinary opportunity.

Thank you, and may the Author of Life continue to bless you.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Litany of The Most Precious Blood


July is the month dedicated to The Most Precious Blood of Jesus.

Litany:


V/ Lord, have mercy.
R/ Lord, have mercy.

V/ Christ, have mercy.
R/ Christ, have mercy.

V/ Lord, have mercy.
R/ Lord, have mercy.

V/ Jesus, hear us.
R/ Jesus, graciously hear us.

V/ God, the Father of Heaven,
R/ have mercy on us.

V/ God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
R/ have mercy on us.

V/ God, the Holy Spirit,
R/ have mercy on us.

V/ Holy Trinity, One God,
R/ have mercy on us.

R/ for the following: save us.

Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father,
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God,
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,
Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in Thy Agony,
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in Thy Scourging,
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in Thy Crowning with Thorns,
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,
Blood of Christ, price of our salvation,
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness.
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls,
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy,
Blood of Christ, victor over demons,
Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs,
Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors,
Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins,
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril,
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened,
Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow,
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent,
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying,
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts,
Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life,
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory,
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor,

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world.
R/ spare us, O Lord

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R/ graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R/ have mercy on us.

Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, in Thy Blood.
R/ And made us, for our God, a kingdom.

Let us pray:

Almighty and eternal God, Thou hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant we beseech Thee, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R/ Amen.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Barak the messiah: so says the Obama-Bag!


Our aunt lives in a nearby assisted living residence. On a recent visit, I noticed this shopping bag. (She loves shopping bags...when I confiscated it, I only obtained her forgiveness by promising another one. Without the, uh, message.) If you can't read the inscription, please let me enlighten you:
"Barack is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "flash of lightning." In the Bible (Judges 4:6)

"Barak is a valiant fighting man who cooperated with the prophetess Deborah to win victory in a battle against overwhelming odds.

"Hussein: is of Biblical meaning: good and handsome. So you see Barak was destined to be a good and handsome man that would rise like a flash of lightning to win victory in a battle against overwhelming odds.

"PROPHESY FULFILLED!"

Monday, June 28, 2010

Friday, June 18, 2010

Eucharist Is Not Understood, Laments Pope

ZENIT - Eucharist Is Not Understood, Laments Pope

"Says Well-Celebrated Mass Is Best Catechesis"

Monday, June 07, 2010

It's all Bush's fault

This article, written back in February, still cracks me up.

Because if I didn't laugh, I'd cry.


Saturday, May 29, 2010

Pray for priests. Pray *for* priests


Whenever I find myself doing something I wish there was a priest available to do -- such as bringing the Blessed Sacrament to the sick -- I find myself offering this prayer:

"Loving Father, please send more good priests to work in Your Son's Church...and bless those who already do so! Amen."

Here is a wonderful site with prayers for priests who already do so. And do check out my friend Easter's site.

May God bless you, and may He continue to bless our priests. (And send us more good ones!)

Saint John Vianney, pray for us.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Happy Death Day: The Pill turns 50

Please pray for the soul of Margaret Sanger and all involved with her organization. Thank you!


Saturday, May 22, 2010

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

President Obama: You don't scare me, exactly, but...

...I do think it prudent to keep a watchful eye on you and your supporters. Sad, but true. This guy articulated many of my reasons a year ago.

snopes.com: An Open Letter to President Obama - Lou Pritchett

Monday, May 10, 2010

The anniversary of my Baptism: May 10

By the grace of God, I'm celebrating with gratitude my Baptism into the Catholic Church, and wish to renew the vows made by my parents and godparents when I was a baby. Join me if you'd like to!

I reject Satan, and all his works, and all his empty promises.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

Amen and alleluia!

Friday, May 07, 2010

Monday, May 03, 2010

Monday moanin'

Some days, I'm a creepy, crabby, so-and-so. Be warned. Here's what ticked me off today:
  • Thinking about the fact that, despite the presence of a celebrant and two deacons, the sacred vessels at my parish were left in the sacristy after Communion...while the three just sat there during the post-Communion hymn. Am I wrong in thinking that maybe this trio could've actually purified the vessels during the FIVE TO SEVEN MINUTE TIME PERIOD?
  • Mulling over the news that the Neocatechumenal Way folks are evidently still, at my parish, ignoring the Holy Father's mandate...particularly regarding the dedicated altar and the reception of Holy Communion.
  • In response to Boston's "water catastrophe," the water cruet at the chapel I regularly attend during the week was replaced with—I promise I'm not making this up—with a large bottle of Poland Springs bottled water.

Ah, well...as a priest told me today: "The Lord understands." I'm sure He does. I don't, though. ;-)

This is Kelly Thatcher, and this is today's "Monday Moanin'"...pray for me. I can be rather scratchy at times.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

"Heaven Day" activities: and your ideas are...?

If you read my last post, then you know that every day is "Heaven Day." Welcome to the celebration!

Now, unlike the good "Earth Day" folk, our charge is not to "save" our Home. Indeed, Heaven needs no help from us—on the contrary, as the popular expression goes, "may Heaven help us!"

Still, there is work—activities—to be done.

Let's start with The Population.

Our job—and a joyous task it is!—is to get as many people into Heaven as possible. Starting with ourselves, naturally. So. From this day on, let's do what we can to make sure we arrive at our Heavenly Home.

Then, there are our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Know someone who hell-bent on avoiding Heaven? Ours is not to question why...ours is to change his or her path. Pray. It works. Our father in faith, Abraham, proved this to us a zillion years ago. So did Moses. So did all the patriarchs. Times change, but prayer doesn't. It works. And it's often fun. Moreover, it's a marvelous opportunity to communicate with God so for Heaven's sake, pray!

The saints are, of course, warmly invited to participate.

And no doubt already are! This "cloud of witnesses"—the Church Triumphant—are cheering us on. Ask them for help. Saints are our friends and want nothing more than to be united with us.

And how 'bout the Church Suffering?

Here we have a tit-for-tat situation...but one filled with Love. Although the souls in Purgatory can't help themselves, they can certainly help us. And we can help them! In our Morning Offerings, for example, why can't we offer our prayers, works, and sufferings of the day to benefit these souls? Surely, they will—and do!—pray for us.

What are you doing to celebrate "Heaven Day?"

Share your ideas. Be bold and revel in them. Remember: this is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Happy Heaven Day...may you enjoy this day every day of your life!

Make every day "Heaven Day"


Throughout it's 40-year history, there's been a great deal of finger-pointing by the proponents of "Earth Day." Some points are legitimate; much is not (the myth of the so-called "population explosion" comes immediately to mind).

But the truth is, all the blame-gaming in the world cannot cover up the essential truth: we are in exile in this "vale of tears" because of sin. God made the Earth and saw that it was good—He does not deal in evil. But then, through our own choice, we turned our backs on the Author of Life and will continue to do so, thereby not just despoiling the world but our eternal souls!

Unless
we follow Saint Paul's admonition:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry.
Colossians 3:14
So plant a tree, if you want to. Recycle your soda bottles. Whatever. But remember, no matter what you do, this place we live in has an expiration date that will not be extended. Heaven, on the other hand, lasts forever. Make every day "Heaven Day."

(H/T: Father Dennis Brown, O.M.V.)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Why don't they just call the show "American Moloch?"

Tonight's "American Idol" show is supposed to raise money for pro-abortion organizations.

[American] Idol star Simon Cowell is the chief executive officer of International Save the Children, an organization that has a working relationship with what it calls “prominent international organizations.” Several of these groups are actively pro-abortion, including Better World Fund, Center for Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Population Action International, and the U.S. Committee for UNICEF.

According to Save the Children, ”family planning” has been a “critical component” of its work for nearly 20 years. The group quoted a UNICEF document which stated that “family planning could bring more benefits to more people at less cost than any other single technology now available to the human race.” Save the Children noted that the report identified “access to family planning” as a “key factor contributing to maternal and child survival and well-being.”

The show is, in my opinion, not that great. Now I know why.

Congrats to Catholic TV!

Catholic Press and News Archive

"America's Catholic Network" wins Gabriel Award

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart!


One year ago today, I became Mrs. Kenneth Alden Thatcher. Praise God!

First Commnion and Mother's Day time: cool Catholic gifts from cool Catholic vendors

First Communion season is nearing, as is Mother's Day! Here are two sources, run by friends, to consider for your gift considerations. (Please note that I receive no compensation for publishing these links nor from any subsequent sales.)

Handcrafted Rosaries of all types (plus an altogether cool family gift site!) By Elizabeth Clare.

Books by Amy Welborn Dubruiel and the late, great, Michael Dubriel. For children, for adults, for teens—there's something here for everybody in the family.

Happy shopping!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Does the New York Times still think it's the New York Times? I think not.

Unlike the Roman papacy, in certain circles the New York Times still enjoys the presumption of authority. So when the front page carries a story headlined "Vatican Declined to Defrock U.S. Priest Who Abused Deaf Boys," people notice.

Written by Laurie Goodstein and published March 25, the thrust is twofold. First, that the Rev. Lawrence Murphy, a priest who abused children at St. John's School for the Deaf in Milwaukee from the 1950s to the 1970s, went unpunished. Father Murphy, she wrote categorically, "was never tried or disciplined by the church's own justice system."

This all feeds the kicker: "the effort to dismiss Father Murphy came to a sudden halt after the priest appealed to Cardinal Ratzinger for leniency." In other words, Murphy got off scot-free, and the cardinal looked the other way.

Ms. Goodstein cites internal church documents, which the Times posted online. The documents were provided by Jeff Anderson and Mike Finnegan. They are described as "lawyers for five men who have brought four lawsuits against the Archdiocese of Milwaukee."

What she did not tell readers is that Mr. Anderson isn't just any old lawyer. When it comes to suing the church, he is America's leading plaintiffs attorney. Back in 2002, he told the Associated Press that he'd won more than $60 million in settlements from the church, and he once boasted to a Twin Cities weekly that he's "suing the s--t out of them everywhere." Nor did the Times report another salient fact about Mr. Anderson: He's now trying to sue the Vatican in U.S. federal court.

Follow the money.

Saturday, April 03, 2010

Regina Caeli, Laetare, Alleluia!

V. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
R. For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.
V. Has risen, as he said, alleluia.
R. Pray for us to God, alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
R. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Latin)

Regina caeli

V. Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia.
R. Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia.
V. Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia.
R. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.

Oremus. Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus; ut per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

The Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

A blessed Triduum to you!

(Click on full screen for full effect...this is an amazing tour.)

h/t: Father Dennis Brown, OMV

Sunday, March 28, 2010

A Response to the New York Times' accusation against the Holy Father

A Response to the New York Times - Father Raymond J. de Souza - The Corner on National Review Online

The New York Times on March 25 accused Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, of intervening to prevent a priest, Father Lawrence Murphy, from facing penalties for cases of sexual abuse of minors.

The story is false. It is unsupported by its own documentation. Indeed, it gives every indication of being part of a coordinated campaign against Pope Benedict, rather than responsible journalism.

Before addressing the false substance of the story, the following circumstances are worthy of note:

• The New York Times story had two sources. First, lawyers who currently have a civil suit pending against the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. One of the lawyers, Jeffrey Anderson, also has cases in the United States Supreme Court pending against the Holy See. He has a direct financial interest in the matter being reported.

• The second source was Archbishop Rembert Weakland, retired archbishop of Milwaukee. He is the most discredited and disgraced bishop in the United States, widely known for mishandling sexual-abuse cases during his tenure, and guilty of using $450,000 of archdiocesan funds to pay hush money to a former homosexual lover who was blackmailing him. Archbishop Weakland had responsibility for the Father Murphy case between 1977 and 1998, when Father Murphy died.

Read more by following the link. The New York Times: all the news that's fit to debunk.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Annunciation: a note to the Holy Father

25 March 2010

His Holiness, Benedict XVI
Vatican City, 00817 Rome, Italy

Most Holy Father!

A blessed Annunciation to you! Which is why I'm writing, actually.

As you know, Lebanon has declared the Feast of the Annunciation a national holiday. That got me to thinking. (Yes, I know you've warned me against doing too much of that, but bear with me here.)

I was wondering...given the situation in the States, would you consider making this Feast a Holy Day of Obligation?

I've got some other ideas, too.

Maybe we—or rather you, Holiness—rename the Feast. Yes, I understand that "The Annunciation" is a great name, and I'm a terrific fan of the Angel Gabriel, but, Holiness, in the States I'm wondering if the name is a bit too subtle for us.

To put it bluntly, I don't think Catholics (and I don't want to mention any names but certain Catholic politicians come to mind) quite get the fact about this blessed day. I mean, they probably know about Gabriel and the Virgin Mary—I think—but I'm not sure they get the fact that God was conceived in the womb that day. Which, as you know, is why we celebrate it!

So, would you consider calling March 25 something like "The Conception of God" or "The Conception of Jesus" or even "Jesus Becomes an Unborn Baby?" (I'm kinda partial to the latter, but you're the boss.)

And another thing?

You might consider a chat with whomever is president of the U.S. when you get this and suggest that March 25 become a national holiday! I mean, think of it: people of all faiths can (A) get the day off, and more importantly (B) understand what and Whom we're celebrating. You know, a kind of "let's celebrate the conception of the Unborn Jesus" sort of thing. A Baby is conceived and that Baby just happens to be God! In the womb! I mean, imagine, Holiness, how many hearts might change if folks realize—I mean, really get the picture of Jesus in the womb like they do Jesus in the manger...it's so worth a try, I think. In all humility, of course.

(And I haven't even begun to address things like "Jesus Becomes an Unborn Baby" greeting cards, artwork, computer games...the possibilities are, as the Unborn Jesus Himself? Infinite.)

I guess you've figured out that the reason for this letter is that I'm trying like crazy to live in a country where, in my lifetime, over 50 million babies have been slaughtered in the womb, and that my country's leaders—many of them, anyway, and many of them Catholics—seem to be taking their cue from the Book of Herod rather than the Gospel of Life.

And so, Holy Father o' mine, I'm asking you to consider this. And to thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

Take good care of yourself, Holiness, and pray for me. I pray for you and your intentions all the time and not just for the indulgences. :-)

May the Author of Life continue to bless you!

In the Unborn Jesus,

Kelly

Friday, March 19, 2010

Turning the tables on sin and its source

To anyone who knows me, the fact that I'm a sinner should come as no surprise. Through the grace of God, I believe I'm at least discovering a way to turn the tables on sin...and to grasp God's mercy with gratitude and ambition.

Last Wednesday I went to confession.

And proceeded to commit sin maybe a couple of hours later! Sheesh. It was silly, really. I was with a group of people, conversing—or so I thought—of spiritual matters, when I decided I was insulted by a group member. And so? I left.

And on my way home, found myself fighting—unsuccessfully—against anger.

At least three times I either behaved rudely to passers-by, thought irritatedly against others...in short, I was a mess. And frustrated. Where were these thoughts, this behavior, coming from?

Then I remembered some things I'd learned from a book called Discernment of the Spirits by Father Tim Gallagher, OMV. And later that evening, while drinking a glass of water, the words of Saint Peter's canticle (which we chant at Sunday Vespers during Lent) blasted into my mind:

"Christ died for you and left you an example, that you might follow in His footsteps.

"He did no wrong, no deceit was found in his mouth, when He was insulted, He returned no insult."


I was overcome with joy. Odd reaction for a sinner, but there you are. Because I realized that my subsequent behavior upon a relatively minor insult was not only not from God...it was un-Christ like.

"When He was insulted, He returned no insult."

Aware. Understanding. Action.

Father Gallagher's book, which is subtitled "an Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living," talks about the need to be aware of thoughts, understanding where they come from, and the need to take action about them.

In this case, God gave me a break.

Yes, I was aware of the thoughts. I understood, if feebly, that these thoughts did not come from God. But I was at sea about what action to take...until the inspired words of Saint Peter came to mind while I was absently sipping a glass of water.
Bulleted List
Christ's example:
"When He was insulted, He returned no insult."
I know now that the mild "insult" I supposedly "suffered" was nothing! What I should have done was accept it, immediately forgive—and forget!—and continue to converse with my friends about holy things. What an opportunity I missed—what a gift I received from God for realizing it!

By His wounds, we were healed.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Saint Patrick's Breastplate


I bind unto myself today The strong Name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same, The Three in One and One in Three. I bind this day to me for ever. By power of faith, Christ's incarnation; His baptism in the Jordan river; His death on Cross for my salvation; His bursting from the spicèd tomb; His riding up the heavenly way; His coming at the day of doom;* I bind unto myself today. I bind unto myself the power Of the great love of the cherubim; The sweet 'well done' in judgment hour, The service of the seraphim, Confessors' faith, Apostles' word, The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls, All good deeds done unto the Lord, And purity of virgin souls. I bind unto myself today The virtues of the starlit heaven, The glorious sun's life-giving ray, The whiteness of the moon at even, The flashing of the lightning free, The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks, The stable earth, the deep salt sea, Around the old eternal rocks. I bind unto myself today The power of God to hold and lead, His eye to watch, His might to stay, His ear to hearken to my need. The wisdom of my God to teach, His hand to guide, His shield to ward, The word of God to give me speech, His heavenly host to be my guard. Against the demon snares of sin, The vice that gives temptation force, The natural lusts that war within, The hostile men that mar my course; Or few or many, far or nigh, In every place and in all hours, Against their fierce hostility, I bind to me these holy powers. Against all Satan's spells and wiles, Against false words of heresy, Against the knowledge that defiles, Against the heart's idolatry, Against the wizard's evil craft, Against the death wound and the burning, The choking wave and the poisoned shaft, Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name, The strong Name of the Trinity; By invocation of the same. The Three in One, and One in Three, Of Whom all nature hath creation, Eternal Father, Spirit, Word: Praise to the Lord of my salvation, Salvation is of Christ the Lord. Amen.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Behold the donkey of Jesus!

Praying to be mindful of this incredible honor, I have humbly and joyfully accepted the privilege of bringing our most Adorable Jesus to those thirsting for His Most Precious Person.

I am not a "eucharistic minister," nor a "minister" of any sort.

I am merely a donkey for Christ.

When my Lord and Savior wishes to be with the sick, He, Who loves us so much that He made it possible for us to receive Him into our souls this side of Heaven, allows Himself to be placed into a mean container, having transformed Himself into the appearance of ordinary bread, and docilely and sweetly allows me to bring Him to them.

Blessed be Jesus, in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar!

And may His donkeys strive, with the help of His most precious grace, to emulate more and more His humility and indescribable love.

Amen.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Reset your clocks!!!

Stop whatever you're doing and set your clocks one hour ahead...now!

(A public service message from The Lady in the Pew.)

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady -- a great Lenten meditation

My husband gave me an incredible, 3-dimensional Crucifix hand sculptured in the Holy Land last Epiphany. I love it. But toward the beginning of Lent, I found I simply could not gaze upon it without losing control. A priest from Saint Francis Chapel suggested I try to meditate on the Seven Sorrows of The Blessed Virgin Mary.

I still am moved to tears whenever I look closely at the Crucifix...but my Blessed Mother helps me find joy in them.

The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1. Simeon's prophecy

2. The flight into Egypt

3. The loss of the Child Jesus

4. Mary meets her Son on the road to Calvary

5. Mary sees her Son die on the Cross

6. Mary cradles her dead Son in her arms

7. Mary sees her Son laid in the tomb