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Aug 9, 2016
Faith

Saint Rita and Saint John Neumann: Praying for Healing, Peace and the Impossible

saintritashrine.jpg

The “Prayer, Wine, Chocolate: Summer Shrine Tour”, is winding down.  The latest stop on the tour were the Shrines of Saint Rita of Cascia and Saint John Neumann.  Both of these shrines are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Saint Rita, who lived through her husband’s murder and both her son’s dying of terminal illnesses, has become a patron saint of impossible causes.  She also is known as a great advocate for peace, since she constantly reminded and encouraged her sons to forgive those who killed their father.

Saint John Neumann, who was the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia and the founder of Catholic Schools in America, has become a powerful intercessor for those suffering from cancer. He also founded the Sisters of Saint Francis in Philadelphia, who I researched thoroughly when I pursued my Masters’ Degree in History.

Interested in learning more about the Sisters of Saint Francis? Click here:The Truth About Nuns, Healthcare and America

I prayed for all of you that sent me intentions at each of these shrines!


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The Highlights of The Saint Rita of Cascia Shrine visit included:

  • Meeting a reader and new friend Peggy there!  I was so happy Peggy came to visit the shrine with her husband and I got to meet her in person.  Making a new friend is so much fun!

  • The Saint Crypt inside the Saint Rita Shrine was one of my favorite aspects of the shrine.  So many saints that I love were represented in this small area and I just felt pulled in and inspired to pray.

saintritasaintscrypt

  • The Mural Painting titled “The Work of Peace” painted by Anthony Visco. This painting covers an entire wall in the shrine and spoke to me personally.  Saint Rita advocated for peace in teaching her sons to forgive the murder of their father, and also acts as an intercessor for peace for us now.  For those of us with conflict in our personal relationships – and for those of us hoping and praying for peace in our nation and worldwide – Saint Rita is definitely a person to call upon and ask for help. I also love how the artist included the Philadelphia saints, Katharine Drexel and Bishop John Neumann (bottom right of painting).

saintritaworkofpeaces
“The Work of Peace”  This photograph is being used with permission of the artist, Anthony Visco and the Atelier of the Sacred Arts.  Visit www.anthonyvisco.com for more details
  • The size of the shrine itself and all it had to offer.  The shrine is in the basement of the main church and is rather large and spacious.  It provides an opportunity to learn about Saint Rita’s life and faith.  There is also a beautiful adoration chapel and Holy Doors of Mercy one can walk through.

saintritajohncollage1.jpg

 

  • The beauty of Saint Rita’s Church – inside and out.  And the answer to a prayer for my Grandmom – who’s name is Rita.  My family had been praying she get into a place that would help her care for herself.  The weekend I visited the shrine, that prayer was answered.  Thank you Saint Rita for your intercession, and thank you Jesus for that answered prayer!

  • Running into Father Al Santorsola- the priest that officiated my husband and I’s wedding ten years ago!  As I was leaving Saint Rita’s, someone who was also leaving held the door open for me . . . I looked up, and it was Father Al!  Father Al is working in a suburban parish, but just happened to be visiting his father who lives in South Philadelphia.  It was such a gift to see him – it had been years :).  Again, God’s Timing is amazing!

The Highlights of the visit to the Saint John Neumann Shrine included:

  • Seeing how much it has changed since my last visit there.  A huge atrium was added and it seemed a lot larger and much busier!  In a time where Catholic parishes and schools in Philadelphia are closing; it is nice to see a place of prayer expanding and growing.

johnneumannCollage.jpg

  • Seeing the Sisters of Saint Francis honored in artwork and the museum.  Saint John Neumann founded their order; and now is a powerful intercessor for those suffering from cancer.  I can’t help but think there is a heavenly link there.

  • Engaging in prayer through the Mass and being inspired to help others.  There was a few needy people I came in contact with their. One woman’s sorrow penetrated my own heart as I observed her weep while she prayed.  I am reminded to be thankful for all I have, and need to remember to offer prayers for those who have no one to pray for them.

I hope you are enjoying the shrine posts and videos on https://www.facebook.com/prayerwinechocolate/

Have any of your prayer intentions been answered?  I’d love to hear if the you have an experience of an answered prayer for any intentions you have sent me!

If you feel like you need the help of a patron of “impossible causes”; here is a prayer for Saint Rita’s intercession:  (this prayer is found on Christian-Miracles.com)

Prayer to Saint Rita

 (Patroness of Impossible Causes)

O glorious St. Rita, your pleadings before the divine crucifix have been known to grant favors that many would call the impossible. Lovely St. Rita, so humble, so pure, so devoted in your love for thy crucified Jesus, speak on my behalf for my petition which seems so impossible from my humbled position. (Here mention your request ). Be propitious, O glorious St. Rita, to my petition, showing thy power with God on behalf of thy supplicant. Be lavish to me, as thou has been in so many wonderful cases for the greater glory of God. I promise, dear St. Rita, if my petition is granted, to glorify thee, by making known thy favor, to bless and sing thy praises forever. Relying then upon thy merits and power before the Sacred Heart of Jesus I pray.  Amen.

Interested in learning more about Saint Rita and Saint John Neumann?  Check out the following affiliate links!

Saint Rita of Cascia Book

Saint Rita of Cascia DVD

Saint John Neumann Book

Discounted Saint John Neumann Book: Recent Miracles




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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Allison Myers says

    August 9, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    As always, thanks for praying for my little girl. I will have to start a novena to St. Rita again. I prayed a novena to her in February but feel inspired to do so again with your new post.

    I also started a prayer journal recently so thank you for that idea too. Since our life consists so much of doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions, it’s nice to veg and color sometimes. Keep up the inspiring posts! 👍

    • Amy says

      August 9, 2016 at 9:39 pm

      Oh Allison, God Bless your little girl!! I am glad to hear you are finding time to veg and color. Momma must recharge her batteries sometimes! Sending you love and hugs – and big hopes, and more prayers! xo

  2. Alicia says

    August 10, 2016 at 8:24 am

    I truly love your shrine posts. They are so beautiful and your pictures really are lovely! Thank you for inspiring me. Hugs and Love.

    • Amy says

      August 10, 2016 at 12:19 pm

      Thanks so much! Hugs and love to you too!

  3. Maggie says

    August 13, 2016 at 10:47 am

    Thank you for your prayers for us and for your shrine tours this summer. I have loved the opportunity to visit them with you. This is an important ministry, especially as it helps those of us who are unable to travel. Thank you!

    • Amy says

      August 13, 2016 at 10:57 am

      You are so very welcome Maggie! I am so happy you have accompanied me in spirit! Thank you!

  4. Kerry says

    August 15, 2016 at 6:44 am

    It’s really interesting to see inside the shrines that you visit. The soft colours in “The Work of Peace” are lovely.

    • Amy says

      August 15, 2016 at 11:06 am

      Thanks Kerry!

  5. Katie says

    August 31, 2016 at 8:56 am

    Amy-You gave me a new glimpse of St. Rita this morning. I have a soft spot for her as well! I also really appreciated learning about Rita as a peacemaker in addition to an intercessor for the impossible. Thank you!

    • Amy says

      August 31, 2016 at 9:37 am

      I’m so happy my new glimpse at her became yours too! Thank you so much for reading this post! Have a wonderful day!

  6. Anni says

    January 5, 2017 at 3:41 pm

    Amazing! I enjoy living vicariously through your Shrine tours… I have great plans for when the kids get bigger (read, quieter if not moved on to college) to go to shrines. 😂

    • Amy says

      January 5, 2017 at 4:31 pm

      I left Xavier home with Matt A LOT this summer! I’m lucky he agreed – it was a definite gift for me to be able to do that! I understand!

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Grandparents are such a gift! I remember each of Grandparents are such a gift!

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I hear them often say they miss PopPop.
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A prayer and the story behind the picture… Oh S A prayer and the story behind the picture…

Oh St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, 

I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord; 

so that having engaged here below your heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers. 

Oh St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. 

St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us.
Amen.

My children had off from school on Friday. I had committed to an hour of Eucharistic Adoration on Fridays from to 2 to 3 during Lent… so since they had off, they had to come with me.
It was stressful.
They CAN NOT sit still.
Once I got one to stop walking around or talking, another one started.
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I hesitated to pull out my phone because I really try not to during Adoration.
But, the beauty of the moment struck me, and I had to capture it.
📸 
Motherhood is hard. Parenting is difficult.
But I’m often reminded it’s like farming… and I’m planting seeds.

I just hope and pray I’m planting more good seeds then bad ones.

Thank goodness we can pray and ask for prayers from others!

Saint Joseph, pray for us!
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THANK YOU! Thank you! Thank you! If you have left THANK YOU! Thank you!
Thank you!

If you have left a review on Amazon for either of the Be Yourself Journals… thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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I adore you Jesus, true God, and true man, pres I  adore you Jesus, 
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Years ago, I was lonely, depressed and wondering if I would ever not be lonely and depressed.

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=
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This is my handsome husband and our awesome nephew with the Bishop that Confirmed him on Friday.
Matt was -and is- such a proud Sponsor and Uncle!
God bless Grayson Patrick FRANCIS!

Thank you God for all of your gifts!!!
“You pay God a compliment when you ask big things of Him.” ~ Saint Teresa of Avila

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Don’t you love when a plan comes together for a Don’t you love when a plan comes together for a retreat and you see joyful faces! 

Listen, this is the best retreat hack for Catholic girls!
****The Be Yourself Journal Scrapbooking activity.****

Give each girl a Be Yourself Journal.
Explain how, “We are all called to holiness but we take different paths.” ~ Saint Katharine Drexel.

Have each girl pick out a Holy card and two Catholic stickers.

Put scrapbooking paper and Catholic washi-tape (thank you @thestumpofjesse ) on the tables and get them started with decorating the back of their journals.

As they work add more stickers and quote cards to their table.

Point out that they were all given the same set of instructions… yet each cover design is unique.

The same is true for their calling!
God has a unique mission for each individual.

He calls us to follow the Commandments, embrace His Word and trust the teachings of the Church…
same set of basic instructions, different yet BEAUTIFUL results when followed!
“Be who God meant you to be and you’ll set the world on fire!” ~Saint Catherine of Siena
Huge thank you to the women who donated journals and holy cards!!!
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Not sure what to do with all those prayer cards? Not sure what to do with all those prayer cards? 

Holy cards can be a fantastic prayer journal prompt. 

Copy the prayer off the back and glue the card to the page ;next to, underneath or above where you wrote the prayer).

Follow me for more prayer journaling tips!
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Getting ready for a Confirmation Retreat this week Getting ready for a Confirmation Retreat this weekend!

So excited to help these young Catholics see that each is called to holiness… but each mission is unique and unrepeatable!

Huge thank you to the women who donated journals for the retreat (11 donated!!!) and the women from my Bible study group who donated Holy cards!

If you would like to donate a Journal for one of the girls attending the retreat this weekend… send me a private message and I’ll explain how!

Holy cards are GREAT prayer journal prompts!

Which Holy card would you put in your prayer journal?
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