The canonized women who are mothers add to our altars a special kind of incense – a two-fold fragrance of motherhood, both natural and spiritual. The very definition of their sainthood reveals that the life of the soul was sacrosanct to them and that while they nurtured the physical life of their children, it was eternal life which they desired to impart above all.
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The canonized women who are mothers add to our altars a special kind of incense – a two-fold fragrance of motherhood, both natural and spiritual. The very definition of their sainthood reveals that the life of the soul was sacrosanct to them and that while they nurtured the physical life of their children, it was eternal life which they desired to impart above all.
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Johnnette addresses Women of Grace Retreat participants
by Anne Gerard
My first‑ever experience attending the Women of Grace Retreat at The Malvern Retreat House was, in a word — AMAZING! The grounds of the center are tranquil and inviting, lending itself beautifully to assist the attendees in having an enriching and fulfilling experience.
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July 23
"The baptized have become 'living stones' to be 'built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood' (1 Peter 2:5). By Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission. They are 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people that [they] may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called [them] out of darkness into his marvelous light' (1 Peter 2:9)."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #1268
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July 22
"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."
-2 Timothy 2:20-21 (RSV)
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July 21
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "the human person, created in the image and likeness of God, is a being at once corporeal and spiritual" (#362). That is, we are comprised of a body and soul. "In sacred Scripture the term 'soul' often refers to human life or the entire human person" (#363).
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July 20
"For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man."
- Mark 7:21-23
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July 19
"The soul of a woman must...be expansive and open to all human beings; it must be quiet, so that no small weak flame will be extinguished by stormy winds; warm, so as not to benumb fragile buds; clear, so that no vermin will settle in dark corners and recesses; self-contained, so that no invasions from without can peril the inner life; empty of itself, in order that extraneous life may have room in it; finally, mistress of itself, and also of its body, so that the entire person is readily at the disposal of every call."
- St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
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July 18
"And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'"
- Luke 23:42 (RSV)
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July 17
"He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
- Philippians 1:6 (RSV)
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