Obedience

Symbols of our Marriage Vows

This past week I was reminded of my wedding ceremony, specifically the prayers intended to bless the bride's ring.

"Bless, O Lord, this ring which we bless in Thy name, that she who shall wear it, keeping true faith unto her husband, may abide in Thy peace and will, and ever live in mutual charity."

Raffle for Catholic Education

My brothers go to this amazing Catholic boarding school in Kansas, and the school is having a raffle in order to raise enough money to purchase 2 buses. While I don't have a lot of money, I do have a voice, and I'm trying to do my part to support Catholic Education. Please look at this link and support with donations if you can and prayers if you can't. Actually, prayers for the school are appreciated, no matter what. Prayers and almsgiving are an important part of Lent, and with Passiontide already here this Sunday, it's worth the extra effort! Contact me to get the name of the student I'm supporting, my brother and godson. Thanks so much!

Lenten Reflections

Today is the half-way point through Lent. Finally, there are only 3.5 more weeks of Lent! As usual, I am recovering from a pretty bad version of whatever happens to be going around. Some background: God never likes the resolutions I pick for Lent, so every year, between the first and second weeks of Lent, He gives me the gift of illness. Nothing too serious, the flu, a cold, a bout of depression. But every time, it’s a very rigorous version.

Meditations on Pregnancy

Since I’ve been pregnant, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on what this means spiritually. And especially since I’ve started feeling the baby move, a lot of questions and answers come up, with an opportunity both to learn and to teach.

February 3: St. Blaise

St. Blaise Candles

There aren't a lot of saints that get an "extra" ceremony, but St. Blaise is one of the few. His feast day is celebrated the day after Candlemas, or February 3. St. Blaise is the patron saint of throats, and his name is invoked not only for serious diseases like throat cancer, but also the little things like a sore throat. He is also my godson's patron saint (middle name), so I always especially remember him today.

On the feast of St. Blaise, two candles are blessed, tied with a red ribbon to remember his martyrdom, and these candles are held against the throats of the faithful with a blessing said to protect them against any throat disease.