1. This evening, my husband and I joined our community (the Community of St. John) to listen to Fr. Joseph Mary, the Prior of St. Joseph’s in Princeville, IL, speak on The Future of Catholicism. This was our last chance to see him as Prior, as he goes on sabbatical for one year. Afterwards, he will be re-assigned. Fr. Joseph Mary was there when I made my Consecration to Jesus though Mary over twenty years ago. He was also my Spiritual Father for several years. What a joy to see him again and to meet with the other Oblates!
2. We recently helped friends celebrate fifty years of sacramental marriage. Here they are, renewing their wedding vows in their parish church. Notice the sun rays shining through the stained glass windows. God’s graces were indeed poured out in abundance on them that day. It was a beautiful celebration, which included Mass, followed by supper, live entertainment, and a dance.
3. Friday’s saint of the day is Saint Helena of Constantinople (246-330), mother of Constantine the Great, and finder of the True Cross of Jesus Christ. St. Helena is the patroness of archaeologists, converts, difficult marriages, and divorced people.
St. Helena was the daughter of an innkeeper in Bithynia, Asia Minor. She was married to an ambitious Roman general and they had one son, Constantine. When her husband was named emperor, he promptly divorced Helena to marry another woman for political gain. Following the death of his father, Constantine became emperor of Rome, and one of his first acts as ruler was to declare his mother empress. Constantine had converted to Christianity, and with his encouragement, Helena also became a Christian. Read more.
4. Consecration Prayer to the Holy Family
O Lord Jesus, you lived in the home of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth. There you grew in age, wisdom and graceas you prepared to fulfill your mission as our Redeemer.We entrust our family to you.O Blessed Mary, you are the mother of our Savior. At Nazareth you cared for Jesus and nurtured him in the peace and joy of your home.We entrust our family to you.O St. Joseph, you provided a secure and loving home for Jesus and Mary, and gave us a model of fatherhood while showing us the dignity of work.We entrust our family to you. Holy Family, we consecrate ourselves and our family to you. May we be completely united in a love that is lasting, faithful and open to the gift of new life. Help us to grow in virtue,to forgive one another from our hearts, and to live in peace all our days. Keep us strong in faith, persevering in prayer, diligent in our work, and generous toward those in need. May our home, O Holy Family, truly become a domestic church where we reflect your example in our daily life. Amen.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!
— Composed by Knights of Columbus Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore
5. Would you like to win a DVD of The Case for Christ? Enter the Giveaway to win. I am giving away two copies.
6. This book entitled “The Rosary: Your Weapon for Spiritual Warfare” by Johnettte Benkovic and Thomas K. Sullivan looks really good. I love reading books on the Rosary!
Have a wonderful weekend!
God bless you!
Jean
For more Quick Takes, please visit Kelly at This Ain’t The Lyceum.
The post 7 Quick Takes: Celebrations, Saints, Giveaway appeared first on Jean M. Heimann.
