1. The common life is very difficult but also most beneficial, for that life shows us what we are, what we lack, what virtues we must practice. (I, 31) 2. May Saint Felix be the guardian of your vows, may he obtain for you the virtues of humility and simplicity, and may your Guardian Angel…
To Love is to Give – September
1. Practice love of neighbor by being amiable and in general doing good to others. In order to acquire this virtue, make a meditation about the love of neighbor, do a lot of reading on this topic, and make an examination of conscience; do this for a whole month. (III, 108) 2. I need not…
Saints for August
St. Rose of Lima was a lay woman who was a Dominican Tertiary in the 17th century in Lima, Peru. She was the first canonized saint of the New World. She spent years supporting her family with sewing and gardening. She served the poor and needy, which was the beginning of social service in Peru….
To Love is to Give – August
1. You lament the fact that you love God inadequately and rightly so, for who among mortals can love Him with the love of which He is worthy? But He is a gracious Lord, a good Father, and has regard for our helplessness. He pays more attention to the heart than to sacrifice and even…
Our Lady of Mount Carmel – July 16th
There is a tradition—which may not be historical—that Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelites, and gave him a scapular, telling him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Mary’s own garment. It symbolizes her special protection and calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to her…
Franciscan Saint – Saint Bonaventure
Saint Bonaventure’s Story Perhaps not a household name for most people, Saint Bonaventure, nevertheless, played an important role in both the medieval Church and the history of the Franciscan Order. A senior faculty member at the University of Paris, Saint Bonaventure certainly captured the hearts of his students through his academic skills and insights. But…