Got this from a friend in Ohio this morning....
Conversion Prayer for Family and Friends
Heavenly Father, Saint Alban was converted by a priest whom he sheltered
from persecutions and rescued by changing clothes with him. As the
patron saint of converts, I ask him to pray with me for all the people I
know who have not yet converted. O Lord, remove from their lives all
the crutches they've been leaning on when they should be turning to You.
When people reach their bottom, help them to see that they have nowhere
else to turn, so that they look upwards to You and realize it's You
they need. Send angels and people into their lives who will deliver them
into Your arms. Saint Alban, pray for us.
Amen.
Dear Lord, You took on our human nature, to suffer and die, to win
salvation for all of us. Look graciously on those who have drifted away
from You and the Faith. Grant them the grace, O Lord, to see how much
you love and care for them, so that they may return to Your fold. Grant
us the grace, O Lord, to refrain from criticizing them, but by prayer
and kindness, lead them back to You, and the Church You established for
our guidance and care.
O Victorious Lady, Thou who has ever such powerful influence with Thy
Divine Son, in conquering the hardest of hearts, intercede for those for
whom we pray, That their hearts may be softened by the rays of Divine
Grace, they may return to the unity of the true Faith, through Christ,
our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of the Rosary pray for them
Our Lady of Victory, Our Mother, intercede for our prayers, and encourage your children to come back to Jesus.
Amen.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Fruit from the tree
And one more thing before this day ends.
There is fruit. Beautiful fruit of prayer. My sister phoned me to let me know that our mutual prayers for A are bearing fruit. The most wonderful thing is that she recognizes that the good things that are happening to her heart and her position are due to the prayer of her mother and aunt.
Yes. Prayer. But especially God's most merciful love and fondness for this beautiful child of God. May she continue to be a blessing to her mother, and especially, one day, praise Him with all her heart and joyful smiles.
And another piece of fruit is that G's family were all together, working as brothers and sisters, in peace for the sake of their mother, helping her move. This would have been impossible years ago. So I stand in thanksgiving to our Lord, and hereby on paper and with my heart, thank God for opening the hearts of these people. One step closer to forgiveness.
Lord, please, in the hearts of the 49 I pray for, open their stony hearts, and continue to let your light penetrate the darkness and reveal yourself.
AMEN. PAX.
There is fruit. Beautiful fruit of prayer. My sister phoned me to let me know that our mutual prayers for A are bearing fruit. The most wonderful thing is that she recognizes that the good things that are happening to her heart and her position are due to the prayer of her mother and aunt.
Yes. Prayer. But especially God's most merciful love and fondness for this beautiful child of God. May she continue to be a blessing to her mother, and especially, one day, praise Him with all her heart and joyful smiles.
And another piece of fruit is that G's family were all together, working as brothers and sisters, in peace for the sake of their mother, helping her move. This would have been impossible years ago. So I stand in thanksgiving to our Lord, and hereby on paper and with my heart, thank God for opening the hearts of these people. One step closer to forgiveness.
Lord, please, in the hearts of the 49 I pray for, open their stony hearts, and continue to let your light penetrate the darkness and reveal yourself.
AMEN. PAX.
Our Lady and Feast of the Assumption
I was born on the feast of Our Lady of Carmel.
40 years ago I was married at the Immaculate Conception 24 hours after the Feast of the Assumption.
My patroness of the Five Smooth Stones is Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Her mother, Saint Anne is my patron saint.
It never really occurred to me, until today, what a connection I have to Our Lady.
Just interesting.
Today I went to Mass at the church where I was married 40 years ago. I thought I went alone.
My husband was busy watching tv and didn't really want to go anyway.
So, as I sat down in the pew, I was a little sad. Jesus spoke to me. I inwardly felt his love and concern for me, and felt a blanket of love. I was definitely not alone, and realized the greatest love of my love did come to Mass with me.
My family was there as well. I was not alone in the seat. My Blessed Mother was there, with all her love and kindly gaze on me. My brothers were on the altar. All of them, The apostles St. Matthew, St. John, St. Peter....
I was not alone. As I looked to my left, I saw the statue of Saint Anne, and was so glad to know that no matter how alone I appear to be in this journey some time, I am most certainly not. And yes, I know that that was just a piece of nicely carved wood to my left, but in reality, all the angels and saints do join us at Mass.
And at the Holy Holy Holy, they were most certainly there. I asked for their blessing on my marriage, and my vocation.
An inward consolation, Jesus told me my primary vocation is to love Him with my whole heart, and then to share that love, even with my silence when necessary. And that he loves me. He really loves me.
Silence when necessary. It's interesting. Popularly said, Preach the gospel, and when necessary use words. It feels like today, it's my silence that preaches. And not a stony, angry silence. Just a silence that communes more with the unseen than the seen today.
In communion with all the angels and saints on this wonderful day, I ran to Saint Anne and asked her to pray especially for the women at Sancta Maria house and a "little butterfly" who is struggling with addiction, depression and despair. My lovely Saint Anne is one of my best friends in heaven.
After Mass, as well, I realized the last time I attended Mass with my earthly father, was 40 years ago today. I pray with all my heart that he was there today, praying for all of our family together in hope that one day we will by choice, sit at a pew together ... the seen and the unseen, in communion with all the brothers and sisters, and our Mother in Heaven.
Amen.
40 years ago I was married at the Immaculate Conception 24 hours after the Feast of the Assumption.
My patroness of the Five Smooth Stones is Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Her mother, Saint Anne is my patron saint.
It never really occurred to me, until today, what a connection I have to Our Lady.
Just interesting.
Today I went to Mass at the church where I was married 40 years ago. I thought I went alone.
My husband was busy watching tv and didn't really want to go anyway.
So, as I sat down in the pew, I was a little sad. Jesus spoke to me. I inwardly felt his love and concern for me, and felt a blanket of love. I was definitely not alone, and realized the greatest love of my love did come to Mass with me.
My family was there as well. I was not alone in the seat. My Blessed Mother was there, with all her love and kindly gaze on me. My brothers were on the altar. All of them, The apostles St. Matthew, St. John, St. Peter....
I was not alone. As I looked to my left, I saw the statue of Saint Anne, and was so glad to know that no matter how alone I appear to be in this journey some time, I am most certainly not. And yes, I know that that was just a piece of nicely carved wood to my left, but in reality, all the angels and saints do join us at Mass.
And at the Holy Holy Holy, they were most certainly there. I asked for their blessing on my marriage, and my vocation.
An inward consolation, Jesus told me my primary vocation is to love Him with my whole heart, and then to share that love, even with my silence when necessary. And that he loves me. He really loves me.
Silence when necessary. It's interesting. Popularly said, Preach the gospel, and when necessary use words. It feels like today, it's my silence that preaches. And not a stony, angry silence. Just a silence that communes more with the unseen than the seen today.
In communion with all the angels and saints on this wonderful day, I ran to Saint Anne and asked her to pray especially for the women at Sancta Maria house and a "little butterfly" who is struggling with addiction, depression and despair. My lovely Saint Anne is one of my best friends in heaven.
After Mass, as well, I realized the last time I attended Mass with my earthly father, was 40 years ago today. I pray with all my heart that he was there today, praying for all of our family together in hope that one day we will by choice, sit at a pew together ... the seen and the unseen, in communion with all the brothers and sisters, and our Mother in Heaven.
Amen.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
40 years ago today.
40 years ago today I ate dinner with my parents at their home.
It was a hot day, and after supper I walked down the street, turned right onto Macadam Road and looked at Dianne's house, then the house beside her, the Thornes, the Smiths, and then down to the Muellers. As I walked I realized it was probably going to be the last time I walked this street.
These were the streets that taught me how to love, how to cherish friendships, how to forgive. I was hurt on these streets. I had scraped knees, hurt feelings, shameful moments, angry moments with friends. Embarrassing moments with my parents.
I also laughed so hard that I didn't think I could stop. I read comic books, collected tadpoles and frogs. Built tree-forts. Rode bikes. Defended my sisters from the bad guys. Took ride in cars with boys.
Some of the friends that I made on those streets I'm still friends with today. I can drive to their house, and I know it would be like yesterday.
There's a lot of blessings that I can write about.
Forty years is a long time to love.
Happy Anniversary, honey.
It was a hot day, and after supper I walked down the street, turned right onto Macadam Road and looked at Dianne's house, then the house beside her, the Thornes, the Smiths, and then down to the Muellers. As I walked I realized it was probably going to be the last time I walked this street.
These were the streets that taught me how to love, how to cherish friendships, how to forgive. I was hurt on these streets. I had scraped knees, hurt feelings, shameful moments, angry moments with friends. Embarrassing moments with my parents.
I also laughed so hard that I didn't think I could stop. I read comic books, collected tadpoles and frogs. Built tree-forts. Rode bikes. Defended my sisters from the bad guys. Took ride in cars with boys.
Some of the friends that I made on those streets I'm still friends with today. I can drive to their house, and I know it would be like yesterday.
There's a lot of blessings that I can write about.
Forty years is a long time to love.
Happy Anniversary, honey.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
From last Sunday's second reading...
Romans 9:1-5
This is the truth and I am speaking in Christ, without pretence, as my conscience testifies for me in the Holy Spirit;
2 there is great sorrow and unremitting agony in my heart:
3 I could pray that I myself might be accursed and cut off from Christ, if this could benefit the brothers who are my own flesh and blood.
4 They are Israelites; it was they who were adopted as children, the glory was theirs and the covenants; to them were given the Law and the worship of God and the promises.
5 To them belong the fathers and out of them, so far as physical descent is concerned, came Christ who is above all, God, blessed for ever. Amen.
Paul speaks to me about his sadness, that his brothers and sisters, his own flesh and blood do not know the wonderful relationship that they can have with Christ. They were adopted as children, the glory was theirs. They were given these gifts from childhood, and yet reject them.
He goes to the extent of praying that he become cut off from Christ, if that could benefit his brothers.
This is a huge statement, because his relationship with Christ is all. So much so that he was willing to go to death, death by sword rather than deny him.
Paul's sadness actually brings me in closer communion with him, as I begin to understand that the journey of five smooth stones is not always going to appear to be fruitful. Perseverence will be the key.
Although I have not been journal-ling here, I have been journey-ing, praying for you, my brothers and sisters that you may come to know Him and Love Him who is searching for you every day. I prayed for you yesterday and the day before, entreating our Lady of Guadalupe to join me. This week I've been especially aware of at least 10 children who did not make it to earth, but are in heaven, interceding for you. A child of my mother's womb, who was miscarried between my sister Di and I, and a brother of Gary's, who was born near my birthday, and 8 others who pray with me at each Mass.
Since I last wrote, little fruits have happened. I am aware, deeply aware, however, that one day, my prayers will be more united with the ten who did not see the light of day. I will be joining them, hand in hand, as we pray for you. Life is just a short blink of an eye. Eternity is ... well... eternity. There are so many waiting for you, and praying for you, with hope in their hearts.
Today I ask St. Paul to pray for me, that I may run the race, that I do not weary, and that with the help of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you may one day join me, while I still breathe, to pray for our brothers and sisters.
Romans 9:1-5
This is the truth and I am speaking in Christ, without pretence, as my conscience testifies for me in the Holy Spirit;
2 there is great sorrow and unremitting agony in my heart:
3 I could pray that I myself might be accursed and cut off from Christ, if this could benefit the brothers who are my own flesh and blood.
4 They are Israelites; it was they who were adopted as children, the glory was theirs and the covenants; to them were given the Law and the worship of God and the promises.
5 To them belong the fathers and out of them, so far as physical descent is concerned, came Christ who is above all, God, blessed for ever. Amen.
Paul speaks to me about his sadness, that his brothers and sisters, his own flesh and blood do not know the wonderful relationship that they can have with Christ. They were adopted as children, the glory was theirs. They were given these gifts from childhood, and yet reject them.
He goes to the extent of praying that he become cut off from Christ, if that could benefit his brothers.
This is a huge statement, because his relationship with Christ is all. So much so that he was willing to go to death, death by sword rather than deny him.
Paul's sadness actually brings me in closer communion with him, as I begin to understand that the journey of five smooth stones is not always going to appear to be fruitful. Perseverence will be the key.
Although I have not been journal-ling here, I have been journey-ing, praying for you, my brothers and sisters that you may come to know Him and Love Him who is searching for you every day. I prayed for you yesterday and the day before, entreating our Lady of Guadalupe to join me. This week I've been especially aware of at least 10 children who did not make it to earth, but are in heaven, interceding for you. A child of my mother's womb, who was miscarried between my sister Di and I, and a brother of Gary's, who was born near my birthday, and 8 others who pray with me at each Mass.
Since I last wrote, little fruits have happened. I am aware, deeply aware, however, that one day, my prayers will be more united with the ten who did not see the light of day. I will be joining them, hand in hand, as we pray for you. Life is just a short blink of an eye. Eternity is ... well... eternity. There are so many waiting for you, and praying for you, with hope in their hearts.
Today I ask St. Paul to pray for me, that I may run the race, that I do not weary, and that with the help of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you may one day join me, while I still breathe, to pray for our brothers and sisters.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
The children who pray for us
So beautiful. J. reminded me of two more children in heaven praying for us. Her own little one, who left us (too early for us, but right for God) is interceding, as well as D's little Anna. In the silence of my heart, I saw our relatives with them, praying for us. I include them now, in my Mass at the Sanctus.
Sharing with J. of the marching orders was scary and exciting at the same time. Only with the prompting of the Holy Spirit can I have the courage to share what I know is God's will.
How do I know it's God's will? Because He loves us, and desires us all to be united with Him! It's not about me, it's not about any kind of miraculous things that may and will happen. It's about the end-game. It's about every person in this family seeing our Lord face to face with JOY not fear, with Love not anger, with Understanding, not confusion. That is His will.
Our only part, you who reads this, is to continue to pray with all our heart that God's will be done in every one of their lives. Pray for their good. Pray for peace and joy in the hearts. Even when you are having a crappy day, and the world seems to be against you. Even when you have anger in your heart. Put it all aside for the time of a prayer to ask God to bless them. And if you go to Mass (where the centre of all the power from Christ comes forth through the Eucharist) bring them all with you. Ask Jesus, if it be His will, to bless each and every one that you are praying for with the fruit of this Eucharistic union.
If you haven't been to Mass for a long time, especially the sacrament of Penance (Confession) think about it. That's where you get your heavenly armor - the strength to spiritually handle almost anything. I don't enter any battle without making sure I have my armor on.
If you just can't do that right now, know that I'm praying for you, your relatives and loved ones in heaven and purgatory are praying for you as well, and that nothing is impossible with God.
I love you.
Sharing with J. of the marching orders was scary and exciting at the same time. Only with the prompting of the Holy Spirit can I have the courage to share what I know is God's will.
How do I know it's God's will? Because He loves us, and desires us all to be united with Him! It's not about me, it's not about any kind of miraculous things that may and will happen. It's about the end-game. It's about every person in this family seeing our Lord face to face with JOY not fear, with Love not anger, with Understanding, not confusion. That is His will.
Our only part, you who reads this, is to continue to pray with all our heart that God's will be done in every one of their lives. Pray for their good. Pray for peace and joy in the hearts. Even when you are having a crappy day, and the world seems to be against you. Even when you have anger in your heart. Put it all aside for the time of a prayer to ask God to bless them. And if you go to Mass (where the centre of all the power from Christ comes forth through the Eucharist) bring them all with you. Ask Jesus, if it be His will, to bless each and every one that you are praying for with the fruit of this Eucharistic union.
If you haven't been to Mass for a long time, especially the sacrament of Penance (Confession) think about it. That's where you get your heavenly armor - the strength to spiritually handle almost anything. I don't enter any battle without making sure I have my armor on.
If you just can't do that right now, know that I'm praying for you, your relatives and loved ones in heaven and purgatory are praying for you as well, and that nothing is impossible with God.
I love you.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
The feast of the Holy Trinity June 15, 2014
Today's feast of the Holy Trinity, is also the Feast of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, and Father's Day.
The church was full to the rafters today with many of our Portuguese parishoners as they had a procession all around the church.
Yesterday I spent the day with Lucy, praying for our family, praying for you. It was lovely. Poor Lucy's memory extends over the last half hour before she starts again, but her long term memory is wonderful. She is living the sacrament of the present time.
Today at Mass, it was brought to mind the children who might have been with us, but aren't. I saw them hand in hand with Ellie, sharing the Mass with us. I pray that they could hear me, as I asked them to join in prayer for all the people in our family. I welcomed them with love. I look forward to seeing them in heaven one day.
At the Sanctus I ask all of our relatives in heaven and purgatory to pray for all of us on earth, for healing and reconciliation. Today I asked those children who, for one reason or another, did not share life with us, to pray for us as well.
Pray for us, Our Lady of Guadalupe, that we be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
The church was full to the rafters today with many of our Portuguese parishoners as they had a procession all around the church.
Yesterday I spent the day with Lucy, praying for our family, praying for you. It was lovely. Poor Lucy's memory extends over the last half hour before she starts again, but her long term memory is wonderful. She is living the sacrament of the present time.
Today at Mass, it was brought to mind the children who might have been with us, but aren't. I saw them hand in hand with Ellie, sharing the Mass with us. I pray that they could hear me, as I asked them to join in prayer for all the people in our family. I welcomed them with love. I look forward to seeing them in heaven one day.
At the Sanctus I ask all of our relatives in heaven and purgatory to pray for all of us on earth, for healing and reconciliation. Today I asked those children who, for one reason or another, did not share life with us, to pray for us as well.
Pray for us, Our Lady of Guadalupe, that we be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
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