There are affiliate links in this article.  If you click the link and purchase the product, I make a small commission.  Your purchases allow me to continue to write – so thank you so much!

Friendship

I once read a quote that described friendship in the following way:

“the best kind of friend is someone you could sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you ever had.”

I don’t know who originally stated that opinion, but it holds a lot of truth.  In Eucharistic Adoration, Jesus is that best friend.  True, he always is our best friend; but during adoration, it’s perfectly okay to pray with many words; or to just be present.  Just being close to Him, allowing his peace to enter our hearts, is a gift in and of itself.  He is there.  He knows every hair on our head, every worry in our hearts, every thought in our minds . . . and He is there to hold all of it.  Spending time with a friend has value beyond words.

Time to “Be Still”

Depending upon our circumstances in our daily lives, some may not need this gift of “time to be still” given in Eucharistic Adoration.  I have a four year old; a four year old boy; with ants in his pants. He is a wonderful gift and I love him with all my heart, I do.  However, unless he is asleep, he is incapable of stillness.  Before he came into my life I was a teacher and moderator and coach of high school students.  Adoration gave me time then to “be still” as well.  I am and was constantly “running”. It is totally true that I could plan and create time to “be still” early in the morning or at some other point in the day or week – but, time tends to get away from me.  Committing one hour a week to be in the adoration chapel creates accountability on my part and ensures that I will get there.

Heavenly Wisdom

Our adoration chapel has a small bookshelf with resources about the saints; pamphlets about how to pray the Rosary; and other spiritual reading.  It was in adoration that I read some of St. Therese’s Story of a Soul . . . and how I found out that she absolutely loved snow. That fact made her more endearing to me.  There was a time recently when I was working on a project and I went to adoration before I went somewhere to write.  I prayed for wisdom and it came to me in a very concrete way.  The exact information came to me by way of a resource on that bookshelf. Twice this happened. I recall those times with awe and wonder.  I know God always gives us what we need – but it was pretty obvious those times.  Our God is truly an awesome God! (Here is one of the books I found that was really interesting and inspiring: 15 Days of Prayer with Saint Catherine of Siena)

Health

Stress causes health issues – both mentally and physically.  Taking time to decompress and simply breathe or -even better – meditate, is good for our overall health.  My favorite forms of meditation are praying the Rosary and simply repeating the name of Jesus, over and over again.  Studies have repeatedly shown how incredibly beneficial meditation is to our health.  On top of that, if you are a student, meditation has been proven to help improve academic success. Our fast paced society tends to provide distractions everywhere we go – even when we have the best of intentions.  The stimulation within the adoration chapel is simple and silent.  It’s the perfect place to pray and meditate.

An Escape

There are very few physical locations where I can say I never look at -or for -my phone. Church is one of those places.  As I write this article I can think of the people I should text back and call; pictures I should post on our adoption profiles; and email accounts I should open and check.  Technology has allowed me to always keep in touch with people – which I love; but sometimes, I need a break.  I need a break from checking, looking, texting, calling, messaging and scrolling.  It’s overstimulating and I there is always one more person I didn’t yet get back too. When I am at Eucharistic Adoration, my mind is at peace.  I know I’m talking to the most important person, Jesus – my Lord and Savior.  I desire His guidance and love.  I trust that He will help me get done what needs to get done once I leave.  I appreciate the time I get to spend with Him.

Do you attend Eucharistic Adoration?  How do you fit it in and what would you say to someone who has never gone? Please share!

The post Five Presents You Can Open in His Presence appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

When I heard Father Pio Mandato recount this story, I could not help but chuckle.

Father Pio Mandato was the celebrant and homilist at the Padre Pio Festival held at Saint Bede’s Church in Holland, PA.  As a part of my “summer shrine tour” I went to the festival with scores of intentions for many in my Hail Mary notebook.  I was excited to venerate the relics of such a holy, fascinating man.

Listening to someone preach about Padre Pio who is not only a dynamic speaker, but also knew this intriguing saint, was anything but disappointing.

In the past month or two, Padre Pio has somehow struck my intention in a number of ways. On the television, meeting his distant relative in Church and becoming friends with her, getting an inbox on Facebook Messenger from another Catholic blogger that said, “Padre Pio would like to speak with you.”; and the church that my husband and I were married in ten years ago hosted this first annual Padre Pio Festival.

All of this happened in less than 3 months.

Weird, right?

I don’t really know why Padre Pio keeps popping up on my radar.  But, I will tell you an extraordinary story Father Mandato told at the Healing Mass . . . and then what I read the next day.

Maybe there is a message for all of us.

Father Mandoto told all of us at the healing service about a man who had a son that was blind.  The man and his son went to see Padre Pio.

When people went to see Padre Pio, they went to him for confession.  So many people went to see him that there were very long lines, and at one point you had to register for a ticket.  Some people would wait for over a week to see him.

This man and his blind son made the journey and got in line.  His son went to confession to Padre Pio.  When he came out, he was still blind.  His father was sad.  He asked his son, “didn’t you tell Padre Pio you are blind?”  “Didn’t you ask him to heal you?”  The son answered his father saying that when he saw Padre Pio, he was given the grace to see how to embrace his blindness for the sake of the kingdom.

Father Mandoto told one more story.  He spoke of a woman who had a son that was “deaf and dumb”.  The son could not hear and could not speak.  The woman was a faithful Catholic, but her husband was an atheist.  The woman pleaded with her husband over and over again asking him, please, let us take him to Padre Pio.  Finally the husband said, “I will go, but I will not go inside the church”.  When they arrived, the husband kept his word.  He would not enter the church.  The woman got in line for confession with her son.  The son, like any child, could not wait patiently in line.  He went out of line and played in the church.  Padre Pio saw him and motioned for the child to come over to him.  The child went.

Padre Pio said to him, “Go get your father and tell him to come in here”.  The child went out to his father and said,”Padre Pio wants to see you”.  The first words his son ever heard were the words of Padre Pio.  The first words his son ever said were “Padre Pio wants to see you”.  The father went in.

Father Mandoto asked . . . which was the greater miracle?  The son that could not hear and speak, or the father or hardened heart was now softened?

I can’t help but think of Jesus and the Gospel.

The next night, I began Day 14 of the “Do-It-Yourself” Retreat 33 Days to Morning Glory by Michael E. Gaitley, MIC.  This day’s reading is focused on St. Maximillian Kolbe’s desire that Mary use him as her instrument to extend the kingdom of God, the kingdom of the love of the Heart of Jesus.  Each reading ends with a simple prayer.  The prayer that ended this reading was:

Come, Holy Spirit, living in Mary.  Prepare me to give all to the Immaculata for the sake of the kingdom.

I thought, there it is again.  That phrase

For the sake of the kingdom

Maybe that is what I am called on to reflect upon at the end of each day.  What did I do today . . . for the sake of the kingdom?

Maybe I should ask myself each morning . . .

What can I do today . . . for the sake of the kingdom?

What will I do today  . . . for the sake of the kingdom?

What can we all do . . . for the sake of the kingdom . . . today?

I feel like we are very aware of what we do for the sake of our neighbor.

We, as a society, are very conscious of what we should do for the sake of our world. We may not always agree on what is the most loving way to act, but we are very intent on loving others and following the golden rule.  Which is good. We should be very aware of our actions and thoughts and how they effect the people and world around us.

But isn’t it even more important to think about what we do for the sake of the kingdom?  Are we not called to love God with all our heart, all our mind and all our souls?

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment.The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

Maybe, if we focused more on the greatest and first commandment, we would be able to love one another more.  Perhaps that is the lens that allows us to see love more clearly . . .

What do you think?

The post For the Sake of the Kingdom appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

But, he didn’t have a car.

I had known a little bit about St. Therese’, after all, one of my younger sisters was named after her.  I was interested in learning more about this saint who sends roses . . . so I volunteered to drive my fellow teacher.

I felt a connection with St. Therese’ that day.  I think one reason was she was 24 when she passed away, and I was 24 at the time.  I bought a picture of her that has been on display in my home – wherever I lived – since that day.  She became a patron saint of mine, and someone I felt was “a friend in heaven”.  My devotion to her started to grow.

Thirteen years later I was working at a high school named after my heavenly friend, “Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls”.   At this point in my life I asked the Lord daily to make me a mother.  My husband and I were hoping and praying to adopt.

I befriended a wonderful teacher at Little Flower named Sister Marie. Sister Marie told me she was going to visit the Carmelite Monastery to ask the Sisters to pray for her there.  She said, “I only go there when there is something I really need from the Lord.  When I go there, God knows, this is a serious request.”  I thought – “you can go there and talk to nuns??? You can ask them to pray for you???” I asked if I could come too.  She said of course. We drove separately, but went in together.  First Sister Marie spoke privately with the Carmelite nun.  I didn’t hear anything they had said to one another.  Then it was my turn. I went in this closet sized room and talked to a door.  The Sister was on the other side.  I told her how much Matt and I longed to adopt a baby and become parents.  I asked her to pray for us.

Three months later, I was holding my son.

Until last week, that was the last time I entered the Monastery.  I was more than excited to go back.  Not only was I anxious to ask Sisters to pray that my husband and I will be blessed with another child, but I was excited to simply visit.  I was also excited to do my first official blog video!

I was looking forward to bringing the intentions of those who asked me to pray for them.  I was eager to pray close to the relics of not only Saint Therese, but her parents who are now also canonized saints.

Before I knocked on the door to enter, I stood in the courtyard and did a short Facebook Live video (click here, scroll down, videos are under photos).  Here is where I filmed the first video:

Then, I knocked and rang the bell of this door:

I was “buzzed in” and went back in that closet sized room where I saw the opaque screen and barrel-shaped wooden door that I remembered from four years before. It was there that I met Sister Rose.  This Carmelite nun gave me advice on marriage:

and told me about another Sister that lived with her there.  This Sister was adopted!  Her parents adopted twenty children!  What an amazing way for the Lord to assure me that adoption is a calling, and asking Him to give our son a sibling is something He not only can do, but would LOVE to do!

Sister Rose also told me I could come back to the Monastery for the upcoming novena to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

Before I said goodbye to her I may have volunteered to drive her or the other Sisters to any doctor’s appointments they have in the near future!

I asked her how I could pray for her, and before I knew it I was giving her my contact information and volunteering my driving services. That will be a whole other adventure!

After getting lost and confused in a house with many doors,

I finally found the relics of St. Therese’, Saint Zelie and Saint Louis Martin.

These golden roses house relics of Saint Therese’ and her parents.  I knelt and prayed for the intentions of everyone who asked.  I wrote the names of those who asked for prayers in this notebook.  I then admired the chapel.

Such a peaceful place.  I look forward to going back!

I then drove to the Miraculous Medal shrine.  I will write a separate post on that visit!

Interested in seeing the summer schedule?  Check it out here: Summer Shrine Schedule 2016

If you are interested in learning more about Saint Therese’, or her parents, here are some resources (affiliate links):

This Kindle book is free! Five Lessons from the Carmelite Saints That Will Change Your Life

Saint Therese of Lisieux: A Model for Our Times

A Call to a Deeper Love: The Family Correspondence of the Parents of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, 1864-1885

The post Visiting the Carmelite Monastery appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

pay closer attention during prayer,

relieve stress,

express some creativity,

and

document my feelings and thoughts.

One of my goals this month is to really get back into keeping a prayer journal.  I long to enjoy this “me time” and prayer time.  Perhaps even with a glass of wine . . .

There are affiliate links within this article.  Thank you for helping me continue writing at prayerwinechocolate.com!

Here are 8 ways to turn a blank notebook into a prayer journal:

1.  Write Letters

   I often loose focus and start to daydream when I do, well, anything.  So in order to feel more focused in prayer, I started writing letters to Jesus.  I also have written letter to saints asking for their intercession. I tell the Lord what I am thinking about, what I am grateful for, what I desire and what I worry about.  I once wrote a letter to Jesus telling Him why I had been relentless in my prayers about meeting a man that would be my husband.  In that letter I was very specific about why I wanted to be a wife so badly.  These letters helped me pray, and also helped me really search my heart.

   

2. Copy Prayers

   Many times I have started a novena for a specific request, and half way through the nine days of praying my intention’s wording changed.  It often would change so much it became an entirely different prayer. This is a huge reason why I LOVE novenas.  I find, often, that what I want – is not really what God wants.  I feel like that becomes apparent when day 4’s intentions are much different than day 1’s.  So, now when I commit myself to saying a novena, I really have to ask myself – is this a strong desire, or just a wish?  Writing the prayer out takes time, so I must evaluate if that time and energy is really worth it to me.  Once I decide to pray the novena, I write out the whole prayer on Day 1 – and I write my specific intention.  For the next 8 days I pray that prayer through reading what I wrote.  This way, my intention stays the same in wording.  If I don’t make it through, chances are, what I was asking wasn’t truly in my heart. If you think an email reminder would help you in praying a novena, you can sign up for that here: Pray More Novenas!

3. Write an inspiring quote or lyrics from an uplifting song, then decorate the page

   Years ago when I started keeping a prayer journal, there was a song “I Turn to You” sung by Christina Aguilera.  The lyrics were in the Catholic Newspaper in our area, and an author called it “A Pop Song Psalm”.  I cut out the lyrics and glued it to a page.  Around it I wrote things like, “Be more prayerful”, “be more grateful”.  It gave me an excuse to color and draw!

4. Color and Paste

   I’m so happy adult coloring books are all the rage – but honestly, give me a kid coloring book and I’ll be just as happy!  Here are some links so that you don’t have to purchase any coloring books!  The following bloggers have free coloring pages waiting for you! Katie Bogner at Look to Him and Be Radiant has a ton of free coloring pages!  I love her work!  From Fulton Sheen quotes to The Works of Mercy you will find many to choose from! Colleen Mitchell at Blessed are the feet will give you four free coloring pages just for subscribing to her blog! Dianna Kennedy has a free Rosary Coloring Book she gives to all her subscribers.  She says it’s for kids, but I signed up to get that for me!  Perfect for a journal page in my opinion! You can purchase 20 coloring pages from me to download instantly!  To get yours go to Coloring Printables from Be Yourself

   

5. These colored penciled are the best!  Save the Crayola for the kids – these feel and look like butter! Prismacolor Colored Pencils
   
   

6. Cut out and paste a devotion, article or picture and decorate the page around it

   I once read a reflection piece on John 6:7.  The author who reflected on this miracle of the loaves and fishes, pointed out that grace is not bound by either logic or arithmetic – that Jesus’ presence turns scarcity into abundance.  I cut it out and wrote quotes from the reflection around it.  I drew pictures. I felt like it was a letter from Jesus to me telling me not to worry and have hope!

7. Make a collage!

   Use real photographs and fill the page of pictures and thank the Lord for all of these wonderful blessings. Use magazine pictures to show God all that you dream of and hope for as a prayer of petition!

8. Use stickers, stencils, markers, stamps and washi tape!

   When I was a young girl, I LOVED stickers! I collected them, kept a sticker book, traded them and my heart did a certain kind of leap when my mom bought me a pack for no special occasion.  Stickers bring me such fond memories and a childlike joy.  I also remember it being a special occasion when I could use markers.  Do I sound ancient? I don’t care, pass those scented markers and that stamp pad, I’ll make this page look pretty and praise God in some shape or form!

9. Use Holy Cards and Holy Images

   Years ago I glued on this holy card to the first page of my prayer journal.  I believe it set an incredible tone and was a much needed reminder that I needed each time I opened that book.  Now I have my eye on a beautiful illustration of Mary, Undoer of Knots.  I was first introduced to this title of Mary when Pope Francis came to Philadelphia last Fall.  I would really like to pray this novena and the picture that is in the April issue of Serenity, the Little Sisters of the Poor’s publication has “wowed” me. I am excited to cut it out and put it in my journal!  Amazon has some awesome holy card sets as well!

   Check out: Vintage Replica Holy Cards; 54 Holy Cards; and Favorite Bible Verses!

    

   What did I miss?  Which idea do you like the most?  Would you go to a girls’ day out where you would take time to journal with your girlfriends?   I’m working on that idea next!!!

   Do you prefer a more guided journal?  Check out my article: 10 Best Journals for Busy Women !!!

The post 8 Ways to Pray Using a Journal appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

I daydream of vacationing in Tuscany: renting a villa, drinking wine overlooking the Italian countryside, and walking the roads that St. Francis and St. Clare walked.  To me, it would be the perfect vacation that would allow me to experience my faith in a way I never have; it would also allow me to enjoy wine in a place filled with history and gorgeous scenery.

I don’t think I can express the excitement I felt when I saw that this type of pilgrimage is not only one I would enjoy – but a whole group of women have a similar desire.  WINE: Women in the New Evangelization is an organization that is planning a pilgrimage to Italy.  They are calling their trip WINE & SHRINE: Visiting the Great Female Saints of Italy. They are leaving at the end of the week.

Sadly, I will not be joining them – this time.

However, I am inspired!

I am also extremely lucky to live near many awesome shrines and holy places.  My home is located a short distance away from the burial places of two American saints. I can drive to St. John Neumann’s shrine and Saint Katherine Drexel‘s shrine in less than an hour.  I have knelt at their graves several times in my life.  Now, I want to go there with YOUR intentions.  And who am I kidding . . . I’m bringing my own too!

I also live in driving distance to a Carmelite Monastery, St. Gianna’s shrine,  the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, and the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia.

In addition to these awesome pilgrimage destinations, there are relics coming to my area that I have never had the privilege to encounter – those of St. Padre Pio, St. Thomas More and Saint John Fisher!

My plan is to:

• visit each holy place and bring your intentions with me.  If there is a first class relic at the location, I will do my best to touch the relic with your intention.

• Shoot a video of some form (leaning towards Facebook Live (will be broadcasted here: Prayer Wine Chocolate on Facebook)

• Take pictures and write a post about each visit.

Since taking a video and “reporting live” is part of my plan, I want to give you a tentative schedule.  I also wanted to let you know a little bit about each Saint whose relics I will be venerating, that way if you have a specific intention that connects with one of these saints, I can be sure to ask for that Saint’s intercession on your behalf.

Since the following schedule is very tentative, and does not include times for Facebook Live videos, I created a group on Facebook that will allow me to update the schedule and give you a heads up for what time I plan to go “live”.  Please request to join the group if you want to be updated!  Here is the link: Prayer Wine Chocolate: updates and announcements.  Another reason why I would like to keep you posted is because if possible, I’d love for you to join me when I visit the shrine!  If you happen to be in the area, I’d love your company!

Tentative Schedule for Shrine Visits and Videos:

June 20:

The Carmelite Monastery in Philadelphia – the birthplace of devotion to St. Therese in the United States! Here I will pray before the Relics of St. Therese and Saints Louis and Zelie Martin! Saint Therese’ is patron saint of missionaries and missions. She is a powerful intercessor to anyone who goes to her!  I write about her in the post Raining Roses. Saints Zelie and Louis are patrons of the domestic church.  I have also found Saint Zelie to be a powerful intercessor for help in marriage.

The Miraculous Medal Shrine – Our Lady manifested the Medal to St. Catherine Labouré on November 27, 1830, in the motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, in Paris. There is a piece of the chair which Our Blessed Mother sat on display at the shrine!

June 25-26:

This a busy weekend in the Philadelphia area for visiting Saint relics!  The relics of Padre Pio, St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher will be in the area!  I may not get to the separate locations, so please let me know if any interest you more!  Padre Pio’s relics will be in Bucks County at St. Bede’s Church; St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher’s relics will be at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul.

July 9 -10

The National Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel

Sadly, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament announced earlier this month that they will be selling the grounds of this gorgeous, peaceful, holy place.  Saint Katherine Drexel is buried in this location, but next year will be moved to the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.  I may attempt to go to this shrine when it’s less busy.  This is a MUST for this summer, since this place will no longer be and holds so much history.

July 16:

Saint Gianna Shrine –  Saint Gianna’s gloves are kept here.  We will talk to the shrine director!  Many women, longing to conceive a child, have come to the Shrine to touch and venerate St. Gianna’s gloves and ask for her intercession. God has granted many of them new life. There have also been many other kinds of answered prayers. St. Gianna holy cards & pamphlets in English and Spanish are available at the shrine.

July 30-31:

Visit The National Shrine of Saint John Neumann and/or the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia

Saint Rita of Cascia is the patron of impossible cases, difficult marriages, and parenthood.

Saint John Neumann is invoked as a patron of sick children and of immigrants. He was first American man to be named saint.

August 20:

National Shrine of Our Lady of Czextochowa

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa occupies approximately 170 acres of land. Located In Doylestown, PA and overlooks Peace Valley. The Shrine is the perfect place to come and spend time in prayer and reflection.

What I’m asking of you!

1. Please pray that this summer we will grow closer to Jesus and have positive experiences through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother and the Saints we venerate!
2. Let me know which shrine I can bring your petitions and tell me your intentions!  If you don’t mind others praying for you as well, leave your intentions as a comment under this article.  If you want me to keep your intention private, you can comment special intention or email me at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com.
3. Join the group Prayer Wine Chocolate: updates and announcements* on Facebook!  This way I can give you an idea of what time I will be going “live”!  Also, if any dates change, I will post that in this group.

*I also hope to plan a Day of Reflection and at least one “Tour the Shrine, Pour the Wine” day!  Join the group to get all the updates on upcoming events!!!!

The post Summer Shrine Schedule 2016 appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

I must have directed my 3 year-old to do this and stop doing that more than 100 times today.  He listened once or twice.  I’m not going to exaggerate and say he listened three times.  He definitely didn’t listen to me that many times today.  Oh, and his “best friend ever” . . . he too tested my patience today.  I think the throwing of the bike down a small flight of stairs might have been a breaking point . . . but

“See that you despise not one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven” Matthew 18:10

Well . . . their angels might have been looking towards heaven, but they were looking at each other giggling almost every time I put them in time-out.

It was that kind of day.

But, I am here to tell you there is a friend you have that is much more obedient than my three-year-old.  In fact, he’s more obedient than you or I.

Your Guardian Angel is a real spiritual being.  I have been reading up on them ever since I heard that people used to send their angels to Padre Pio if they could not get to him personally – and that he saw them and spoke with them.  This fascinated both my husband and I.  I decided that I wanted to learn more.

Throughout my reading, I kept thinking and asking . . . what is it I should know about my Guardian Angel?  I kept wondering, if I were to talk to my guardian angel like Padre Pio could, what would his response be to:

“What should people know about their Guardian Angels”?

With that question in mind, I found the following answers in my research.

1. God has given every person a Guardian Angel.
2. There are angels everywhere.  Not only do people have Guardian Angels, but towns, cities, diocese, countries, etc.
3. The main purpose of your Guardian Angel is to help you avoid sin, stay in a state of grace, and get you into heaven.
4. Your Guardian Angel watches and prays with you in hours of distress.
5. If you feel called to the vocation of marriage, your Guardian Angel will- if you call upon him- help you find the life companion whom God has destined for you.  If you are called to a religious life, he will help you preserve your purity.

1. If you want to picture what he looks like, picture a being gazing at Our Lord in heaven with more joy and peace on his face than you have ever seen on the face of any person.
2. Your Guardian Angel desires your friendship, your gratitude and in times of affliction or temptation or fear – your guardian angel wants you to implore his aid!
3. It doesn’t matter if you are religious, or spiritual, or how much you don’t or do pray – you still have a Guardian Angel.  (See # 1)
4. Our Guardian Angels obtain powerful graces for us from the mercy of God – they moderate our passions, remove hindrances to our use of grace and assist us to resist temptation.
5. Since Biblical times, Guardian Angels have protected people from physical dangers (for example, St. Peter was rescued from prison by an angel). Trust that your Guardian Angel has preserved you from many unknown dangers.
6. Guardian Angels are always with you – yet you can send them to others.  Saints have stated that you can “send your angel” places.  For example, Padre Pio told those that could not get to him to “send their angel”.  Saint Bernadette stated, “When you pass before a chapel and do not have time to stop for a while, tell your Guardian Angel to carry out your errand to Our Lord in the tabernacle. He will accomplish it and then still have time to catch up with you.”  I love how Philip Kosloski describes this phenomenon using the words of St. Thomas Aquinas: [T]he swiftness of the angel’s movement is not measured by the quantity of his power, but according to the determination of his will (Summa Theologica, I, 53, 3, ad 1) Philip explains further, “Angels are not bound by a material body like we are and so they can move super fast, the speed of “thought”…much faster than Superman. So if you ask your Guardian Angel to help someone else out, they will be back at your side before you realize.”
7. Your Guardian Angel is a gift to you from God.  A friend given to you that will never leave your side.  Don’t forget to talk to him once in a while

Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and to guide. Amen

Most of the information shared in this article came from this pamphlet available on Amazon (in case you are interested in reading further):

this is an affiliate link:

The Guardian Angels: Our Heavenly Companions

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Again, [amen,] I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20

Years ago, when I was in my 20’s, my life was not where I’d dreamt it would be.  I was still single, hoping for a happier future, and often felt depressed and lost. A group of my friends and I started “rosary nights”.  We would get together with food, our troubles and each other.  We would pray the Rosary together.

We still do.

Rosary above from Small Things Great Love

Here are five reasons why we love our Rosary group – and highly recommend you start one too

1. 1. 1. Friend Therapy–  Before praying the Rosary, we would each take a turn sharing our intentions.  When we first started, most of us were having quite a hard time understanding “why” we were in certain situations and enduring certain heartaches. Saying our intentions out loud often led to great discussions among people who truly cared for one another.  Lots of listening, advice giving and tears were shed.  All of it was therapeutic.  Bonds of trust and friendship were formed in ways only pray allows.  It still provides a safe place for each of us to discuss our greatest challenges – and enables us to hand them over to Our Lord and His Blessed Mother.

         

      2. The Promises of Our Lady to those who recite the Rosary – Ideally, I know I should pray the Rosary on my own, daily.  Realistically, it doesn’t happen all that often.  I know this is something in my life that needs work. But in the mean time, planning Rosary Group with friends gets me to pray the Rosary more than I would if this group didn’t exist.  And Our Lady has made twelve promises to those who recite the Rosary in a devout way!  Some of those promises include: receiving signal graces, help lifting our hearts to desire eternal things rather than worldly prizes, obtaining what we ask for, and receiving Our Lady’s special protection and greatest graces.  You can see all twelve promises of the Holy Rosary by clicking here.

   3. You gain the merits of each person’s Rosary! – Saint Louis Marie de Montfort wrote a book titled The Secret of the Rosary.  In this work, Saint Louis gives numerous reasons and benefits to praying the Rosary in a group. Saint Louis said it is better to pray the Rosary with a group than alone.  One reason is simply because our minds are far more alert during public prayer than when we pray alone. Other reasons include that when we pray in a group, the prayer of each one belongs to all. “We make one great prayer together, so that if one person is not praying well, someone else in the same gathering who prays better may make up for his deficiency. In this way, those who are strong uphold the weak. Those who are fervent inspire the lukewarm. One who says his Rosary alone only gains the merit of that one Rosary. But if he says it together with others, he gains the merit of each Rosary. This is the law of public prayer.”(Saint Louis de Montfort) You can read more about Saint Louis and his wisdom of the Rosary at How to pray the rosary everyday.  Gaining the merits of each Rosary helps me make-up for the days I didn’t get to saying it!

2. 4. The Rosary is a form of meditation.  The benefits of meditation extend to every aspect of our health – physical, mental and emotional.  In other words, IT’S SO GOOD FOR YOU!  The benefits of the Rosary extend from our spiritual health to our physical, mental and emotional well-being.  Scientific studies have shown that those who meditate decrease stress, improve their immune systems and even achieve better academically. Meditation has even been effective in helping addicts overcome addiction.  Meditation also helps those who have been diagnosed with ADHD.  It lowers the risk of heart disease and improves blood pressure!  There are studies upon studies that show the benefits of meditation.  It’s a scientific fact that it’s good for you!

5 .It’s a BREAK from all of life’s WORK!  Planning this time on the calendar is     important.  Since people you love – who are in need of prayers – are often requesting the group meet, the event gets a level of importance and prominence on the calendar.  When one of the women in the group calls and says, “I need to pray”; you make arrangements to get there – with or without kids.  When you plan for a “girls’ night”, and get the opportunity to “get away”, it really is a refreshing, re-charging evening.  It’s an opportunity to reconnect with friends and enjoy adult company.  And if there is no one to watch the children – bring them.  It’s worth it.
I hope you ask some friends to start a Rosary group with you soon!  I love to hear about it! God Bless You!  Thanks for stopping by  Cheers!

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I think of an attorney giving legal advice. But more often, I think of giving advice.

But, before I write about a Work of Mercy, I read a little about it first. I prepared to write this post about Counseling the Doubtful on Divine Mercy Sunday. I came across a brief summary on the Spiritual Works of Mercy at The Divine Mercy website.  I thought, “Perfect.  There are no coincidences – let me read what this article has to offer.”

The article stressed the importance of listening. 

Yep, that’s the Holy Spirit talking to me for sure.  I talk – a lot.  I don’t listen enough.

I love the counsel this article gives.  In order to give counsel to others, we must first be in tune with the Holy Spirit.  We must take time to listen to His voice.  We must nourish our soul and our relationship with the Lord.  I am reminded of the Scripture passage:

Psalm 46:10

Be Still, and know that I am God . . .

Before we can “Counsel the Doubtful” we must be counseled ourselves.  As theDivineMercy.org article states: first we must listen and reflect in prayer; then we must discuss our prayer life with a Spiritual Director.

How many of us have a Spiritual Director? I don’t.  Although I have been thinking a lot lately about how nice it would be to have one.  Maybe this is the Lord pushing me to go on the search.  He does say “Seek and you shall find” right?

I love how much the author,Dr. Robert Stackpole, stresses listening.

Listen to the person who is in doubt.

Listen to the Holy Spirit.

Listen to your Spiritual Director.

Then, after you have listened to those three, pray some more.  Then we may be ready to give good counsel.

Isn’t this such great advice?  Stackpole is reminding us of Matthew 7:5:

Hypocrite! Take the log out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.

I notice that Matthew doesn’t instruct us not to take the splinter out of our brother’s eye – but he certainly stresses to look at ourselves first.

Stackpole explains how we must look at ourselves.  That we must take our introspection seriously.  We must take time to examine our actions, our thoughts and our goals.  We must take time to listen.  More time must be spent listening than giving counsel.

In an effort to listen more – I am going to attempt taking the “Heroic Minute” Challenge.

Two Catholic Bloggers Debbie Gancila Gaudino at Saints365 and Allision Gringras over at Reconciled To You will be beginning the 14 Day Heroic Minute Challenge on Monday April 4 – based on St. Josemarie Escriva’s concept of the Heroic Minute. I figured I would share this with you incase you also want to take the challenge!  It’s about starting the day early and starting the day listening and talking to God!  

Perhaps if I start with this “heroic minute” I will take more time to listen to the Lord throughout the day.  Then perhaps someday I will be able to give good counsel to the doubtful. Until then . .

What is the best counsel you have been given in times of doubt?

The post Mocha, Mercy and Mondays: Counsel the Doubtful appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

And honestly, let’s talk about happiness for a minute.  We’re all searching for it.  We all desire it.  We’ve all experienced it and want more.  But some things only bring temporary happiness.  In fact, most things only bring temporary happiness.  For those of us blessed with the gift of Faith, we know true happiness, peaceful joy comes from one source: Our Loving Lord.

So, in my search for peace, joy and yes – happiness-  I’m making the switch.  I’m trading in My Stitch Fix for the one subscription box that will lead me to the Lord – and allow me to have a smile in my mailbox along the way!

Here are the Five reasons why I’m Trading in My Stitch Fix for the Happy Catholic Box:

1. That cookie.  What cookie you ask?  Well, the first month I tried the Happy Catholic Box, there were quite a few amazing gifts in the box, but by far my favorite was Little Portion Bakery ‘s St. Clare’s Breakfast Cookie.  I never knew these amazing – I choose to call them healthy – treats existed.  Had I never gotten the Happy Catholic Box, I may have never found them.  They.are.amazing.  Were you expecting a more spiritual, inspirational number 1?  I’m sorry, I need to tell the world about this cookie.  Now that I got that off my chest, I can move on to the next reason.
2. My Five Senses were both pleased and gave Praise.  I don’t know how they are doing it, but the aroma that arose from the boxes when I opened them were amazing.  The first box had that cookie.  It smelled and tasted as though it was just baked in my kitchen.  Somehow, it really did smell and taste that fresh.  This month, the tea from Mystic Monk coffee was pleasant and offered instant aromatherapy.  I did not realize you could send smells through the mail – unless you spilled perfume.  Not only did I see a beautiful presentation of gifts – for me- I smelled sweet aromas, tasted an amazing cookie, and I will be tasting some awesome, delicious coffee.  The last box had a music CD in it that allowed me to hear such soothing, worshipful, and peaceful music. And one box had amazing lip balm – made by nuns – that made my chapped lips feel healed.  I am amazed at how the Happy Catholic Box tickled all my senses!
3. I’m supporting faithful Christians.  Each box has had some awesome products made by humble monks and nuns.  Mystic Monk coffee is phenomenal and made by a cloistered Carmelite community in Wyoming.  They sustain themselves and their Christian vocation through the making and selling of coffee. My purchase of the Happy Catholic Box not only supports Catholic religious vocations, but Catholic artists, musicians and writers.  People who give their time and talent back to God with much love and passion.  I feel good about that.
4. The Box and it’s beautiful gifts remind me to spend time with the Lord.  There is a physical presence that reminds me to pay attention to my relationship with Christ.  The box comes in the mail, the objects in it don’t vanish – but stare at me until I do something with them.  The makers of the box also include “challenges” and “spiritual aides” that allow me to think, reflect and do! From the Lenten Commitment Card to the Confession and coffee challenge  I am encouraged to grow in my faith, and provide an example for my family and loved ones.
5. The Nostalgia. Each box has some treasures that make me smile and remember such simpler times!  The first box I received had a gorgeous bookmark.  Do you remember bookmarks?  I love it!  This past box had an Easter Card that I can choose to send to anyone.  A real letter/note written by me to a friend.  How awesome was it when we wrote notes to our friends in high school?  Do you remember that?  I am honestly hoping they send me stickers in the next one!  Does anyone make Catholic stickers?  I might have found my next business venture – somebody get on that ;).

I highly recommend you give The Happy Catholic Box a try, a spin or a whirl!  What an awesome way to put a spark in your prayer life!  It’s also a great change to the typical Easter/RCIA gifts, and a wonderful surprise to send friend in the mail.  Let’s not just be Catholic, let’s be HAPPY Catholics !

Want one?

You can order one with this coupon code – CHOCOLATE for $5 off your first box!

You can also win a free one!  Enter by clicking here:

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I love that he chose the name Francis.  I love that he constantly asks us to pray for him.  I love that he exudes hope and inspires us to love more, judge less.

Since Pope Francis has declared this a year of Mercy, I want to reflect on that word and topic, and grow spiritually from it.

When I first heard of this “Year of Mercy”, it translated in my mind to “year of forgiveness”.  I immediately thought, I can forgive people pretty easily . . . if they say “I’m sorry”.  Forgiving people who don’t say that . . . well that’s a whole other ball game.  It’s definitely something I need to work on personally and spiritually.

But Mercy is not only forgiveness.  Somewhere, somehow, I was reminded of the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.  And like any good Catholic who went to Catholic school from 1st grade through graduate school . . . I forgot them so I had to look them up.  Okay, so maybe not like any good Catholic. But, I’m being honest.  I looked them up.

Now I’m hoping to put them to practice.  One work of Mercy, one week at a time.  In the midst of a very busy, disorganized, chaotic, beautiful, blessed life.

I’m hoping you’ll join me.

Each Monday morning I will publish a post about a Work of Mercy.  In the post I will provide some questions to reflect upon and practical ways to carry out this work, all the while keeping in mind that life is already very busy, and most of us can’t imagine adding one more thing on the “to do” list. I’m hoping you will join me each Monday morning, perhaps with a coffee or cafe mocha, and think about and reflect on Mercy. I would love to hear your suggestions as well!  It will be easier to know we are doing this together!

I decided to start with the Corporal Works of Mercy.  I chose these because, honestly, they look easier. So without any more jibber jabber . . . here we go:

The first Corporal Work of Mercy is “Feed the Hungry”

Here are some ideas written as reflective questions:

1. Do I cook for myself and my loved ones happily?  Do I prepare food with love or do I go through the motions thinking, why do I have to do this?  Can’t he or she feed him or herself?
2. Do I prepare food because it’s the easiest thing to make or because it contains ingredients that will promote health and energy?
3. Are there people that I should consider inviting over to dinner or bringing a meal to their home?
4. In what way do I feel compelled to feed hungry strangers?  Would I prefer donating to a food pantry or an international organization; personally visiting a soup kitchen, or making a sandwich for a homeless person?

Here are some ideas I plan on trying this week.  Disclosure: I hate cooking, so this particular work of Mercy is not as easy for me as it is for some of my friends who truly enjoy it!

1. Ask my husband what he wants for breakfast, lunch and dinner – and then make those meals.
2. Try making those meals joyfully.
3. Call our parish or local food pantry and ask if there is any particular food they are in need of . . . and next time I food shop, pick up that item and donate it.
4. Go a whole day without snacking.  Be grateful I have the option to choose to go a whole day without snacking!
5. Make a meal large enough that we will have leftovers.  Bring those leftovers to my grandmother or the older couple across the street.
6. Invite a guest or guests over for dinner.
7. Write a status on Facebook saying, I’m looking to feed the hungry this week, please inbox me if you know someone in need.

Lastly, I’m not going to get upset with myself if I don’t do all of these – let’s show ourselves some Mercy too! Can I get an Amen!?

How else can we feed the hungry?

Do you find this work of Mercy easy or a challenge?

If you would like to find more information on the Year of Mercy, check out the following websites:

osv.com

yearofmercy.org

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