by Margalita Poletunow, LPC
During a consultation, a woman, whom I will refer to as Jane, told me that she was pursuing therapy because she was “desperate for a child”. Jane revealed that after being unable to become pregnant for years her doctor recommended IVF because it was the best way for her to have a baby. Jane was very excited at the prospect and sincerely believed that it was the answer to her problems. She was able to get pregnant, twice. Sadly, she miscarried both pregnancies. Jane was heartbroken, dejected, and baffled at the outcomes of the IVF procedures. She cried out to me: “What’s wrong with me? Why does this keep happening to me? I was so sure IVF would work. I would do anything to have a baby!”
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by Theresa Cavicchio
To honor Our Lady on this Feast of the Visitation, we focus our reflection on her inspirational hymn of praise, the Magnificat (Lk 1:46 – 55).
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May 31st
"The kiss of God is the gift of the Spirit."
—St. Bernard of Clairvaux
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A growing acceptance of alternative treatments is leading more and more people in need of mental health care to seek out psychologists and counselors with psychic abilities who claim their "gifts" enhance their ability to help people.
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May 30th
"O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams."
—St. Augustine
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Photo courtesy of the Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles in Gower, MO
The body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, founder of the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles who are best known for their inspirational Gregorian chant, was found to be intact after four years in the grave, making her the first African American woman to be found incorrupt.
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May 29th
"Remember, then, that you received a spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear. Keep safe what you received. God the Father sealed you, Christ the Lord strengthened you and sent the Spirit into your hearts as the pledge of what is to come."
—St. Ambrose
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May 28th
"Can a mother forget her infant,
be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget,
I will never forget you.
See, upon the palms of my hands I have engraved you;
your walls are ever before me."
-Isaiah 49:15-16
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May 27th
"The Church, a communion living in the faith of the apostles which she transmits, is the place where we know the Holy Spirit:
- in the Scriptures he inspired;
- in the Tradition, to which the Church Fathers are always timely witnesses;
- in the Church's Magisterium, which he assists;
- in the sacramental liturgy, through its words and symbols, in which the Holy Spirit puts us into communion with Christ;
- in prayer, wherein he intercedes for us;
- in the charisms and ministries by which the Church is built up;
- in the signs of apostolic and missionary life;
- in the witness of saints through whom he manifests his holiness and continues the work of salvation."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church
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May 26th
"The mission of Christ and the Holy Spirit is brought to completion in the Church, which is the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. This joint mission henceforth brings Christ's faithful to share in his communion with the Father in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit prepares men and goes out to them with his grace, in order to draw them to Christ. The Spirit manifests the risen Lord to them, recalls his word to them and opens their minds to the understanding of his Death and Resurrection. He makes present the mystery of Christ, supremely in the Eucharist, in order to reconcile them, to bring them into communion with God, that they may 'bear much fruit.'"
-Catechism of the Catholic Church
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