Wisdom of the Sainted and Holy Ones

God is closer to us than our own soul, for God is the foundation on which the soul stands.  Our soul sits in God and in true rest, and our soul stands in God in sure strength, and our soul is naturally rooted in God in endless love.  ~~Julian of Norwich~~

Such encouragement and consolation in these words!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

New Lights

"You will see many things in new lights if you give the Holy Spirit free access to you minds and your hearts." ~~Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

~~~^j^~~~ 

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Mercy and Forgiveness

In this mortal life mercy and forgiveness are
the part that always leads us to grace.

~Blessed Julian of Norwich~~

~~~^j^~~~
Encouraging words.
Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Happy 4th of July!

Replica of the first church/cabin Saint Mother Theodora  attended after she arrived at The Woods. 

For it is was also the home of the priest.  He had but a cot in the corner.

~~~~~~~

This land was no longer for me a land of exile;
It was the portion of my inheritance, and
in it I hope to dwell all the day of my life.
~Saint Mother Theodore~

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Words from Saint Mother Theodore

Charity consists in loving sincerely persons 

whose inclinations are most opposed to ours, 

in pardoning those who injure us.

~~Saint Mother Theodore Guerin~~

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

The Wood of the Cross

There is no wood better to kindle the fire of holy love than the wood of the cross, which Christ used for his own sacrifice of boundless charity.  ~~Saint Ignatius of Loyola!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!!

Cathy

Freedom

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. ~~Saint Therese of Lisieux~~

It occurred to me when I read this quote that those who have never felt the real presence cannot possess "the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. "  They are sorely lacking in happiness and joy.  I think sometimes that people think that freedom comes from legislators and earthly lawgivers.  In fact the only laws that count are those given on high by our creator. 

Instead of seeing their position as an awesome responsibility, they choose to be tied to an ego that suggests that they are greater than the whole.  In fact, they are only earthly keepers of the trust established by the Father at creation.  I am beginning to see that the story The Devil and Daniel Webster could be more truth than fiction.  And if we continue to let government officials limit our religious freedoms in so many ways then they will have taken away our most essential freedom.  The one the Founding Fathers chose to make NUMBER ONE!  I'd say there is something in that.  Wouldn't you?

So let us pray with Saint Therese that  "[the] presence will settle into [their] bones"and the Holy Spirit will truly be present and the only Guide to aid in the legislation of the freedom of life.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy 

Victory of the Cross

Saint Meinrad Arch Abbey

No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the cross.  No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ.  His prayer brought benefit to the multitude that raged against him.  How much more does it bring to those who turn to him in repentance. ~~ Saint Leo the Great

~~~^j^~~~

I take consolation in the love of God and His forgiveness.  

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Christ Renews His Parish

Christ Renews His Parish!! What an incredible adventure!!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

The Only Way to Heaven

Let us take courage, my very dear Sisters; the Cross, it is true, awaits us at every turn, but it is the way to heaven. 

~~Saint Mother Theodore Guerin~~

Tomorrow on CNN there will be a documentary about the canonization of Mother Theodore.  Please watch.  It promises to be most enlightening.  It airs at 8:00 p.m.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Reflection of the Day

Reflection of the Day

How precious the gift of the cross, how splendid to contemplate!  In the cross there is not mingling of good and evil, as in the tree of paradise:  It is wholly beautiful to behold and good to taste.  The fruit of this tree is not death, not darkness, but light.  This tree does not cast us out of paradise but opens the way for our return.   ~~Saint Theodore the Studite~~

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Holy Friday-the-Thirteeth

Church of the Immaculate Conception
St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN

Wishing all a HOLY Friday-the-Thirteenth!
Our Lord and Savior is STILL in control!
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Begin With Thanksgiving

Southern Illinois, 12/30/2011

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.  ~~2Peter 3: 18~~

~~~~~

You can never say

Thank you to God too often

God is generous

All that I receive 

Is generously given

I reply, thank you

~~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Note: This picture has not been enhanced, only cropped.  This is the glory of God!