At the Women of Grace Leadership Institute, Martha Nicolli (Boca Raton, Florida, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church) shared the following poem.
It had been printed in her parish bulletin. Today, I pass it along to you to consider.
Do you trust God? To what extent are you willing to risk to do the will of God? What is He asking you to do now and will you say “yes”? Read the rest…
We receive many letters and emails about situations in life that are not easily resolved. And yet, we know God has a plan for us in the midst of every circumstance and event. Recently, I heard from a woman who had just discovered her husband of nearly twenty years had been cheating on her.
She was devastated and reeling from the shock. However, she wanted to try to make a go of things and wondered if I had ever heard of a couple who were able to repair the damage caused by such a deep and pervasive marital breach.
My sad reply was, “Not many.” And I think there is a reason for this. If a marriage has survived infidelity, I doubt the couple would talk about it freely. It is just too private a matter.
But it occurred to me that if there were an anonymous way for individuals who have healed from this pain to offer encouragement, support, and suggestions for others who were experiencing it, then much good might be accomplished. Read the rest…
The past two days mark the feasts of two great saints of the Church, a mother and a son, whose lives give testimony to a sure-fired method of evangelizing those we love.
St. Monica (August 27) is the mother of St. Augustine (August 28), though Augustine was no saint when Monica began her earnest intercession. At that time he was a pagan and a member of the heretical Manichean sect. He was known to be a carouser who lived with a woman to whom he had fathered a child. A brilliant mind, he was “devoted” to his views and his lifestyle, and had no intention of converting to the Catholic faith.
St. Monica was distraught about her son’s dissolute ways and decided to do something about it. She prayed. And in the end, her prayers won the soul of her son.
What was it that made St. Monica’s prayers so effective? I think five strategies are primarily responsible. Perhaps you can implement them as you seek to evangelize those you love.
Not long ago, a woman aspiring to sanctity and holiness of life shared with me that she received a beautiful gift from the Lord on her birthday. It was during her time of prayer when she seemed to “hear” the voice of God deep down in the inner recesses of her heart.
This is what she heard:
“Let me love you, my daughter. Let me love you in those areas of pain, in those areas of shame, in those areas that seem to be the refuse of your life. Let me love you there.”
Two weeks ago, I was in Huntsville, Alabama for two beautiful and heartwarming events — a tea and a retreat. Both events were the fulfillment of a dream for one very gifted, magnanimous woman, Carole Esk’ridge. A true “woman of grace,” Carole has a vision and mission that can significantly impact the lives of the “poorest of the poor.” And both events were first steps in realizing her dream. If you need any artist related blog then check this out.
From time to time we hear from people at the apostolate who are fairly convinced that God just doesn’t answer their prayers. Is it possible that we can petition the Lord and He would turn a deaf ear to us? Not if we understand the nature of God.
As St. John tells us in his epistle, God is love (1 John 4:8). And love, defines Pope John Paul II, is an act of total self-donation. All we need do is look at a crucifix to see the truth of it: “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that everyone who believed in Him might not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
So, it logically follows that if God is love, and love is an act of total self-donation, then God to be God, must give us all of Himself. He, who is Perfect Goodness, must give us the Good Who is Himself. Therefore, we can deduce that God not only answers our prayer, but must always be answering our prayer.
Why, then, does it sometimes seem like He isn’t? Three reasons may well answer this question.
Hello Everyone!
I am finally back and feeling much better. I seemed to beat the upper respiratory infection only to have it come back again.
So, after about four weeks of mild fever, coughing, and a generalized fatigue, I am back blogging.
In the meantime, much has been going on.
Women of Grace held its fourth annual retreat and leadership institute at Malvern outside of Philadelphia, PA . It was preceded by the Women of Grace Leadership Institute which I presented. Through presentations and a workshop format, the women who attended not only realized their specific call and mission in this our day and time and the virtues necessary to engage it, but also developed their personal vision and mission statements, goals and strategies to fulfill it. Based on their evaluations and comments, it was well-received and blessed the women abundantly. 
The retreat began with the opening dinner at 6 PM on Friday evening with 340 women in attendance. Its theme was “The Blessed Mother, The Angels, and The Spiritual Battle” and it was one powerful retreat weekend!
Our keynote speaker, who gave the majority of the talks due to my ragged voice and health, was Kathleen Towne. Our participants benefited greatly by her teachings. She captivated their attention as she discussed the fall of the angels, the way to discern between the good angels and the bad, how the demonic presents itself to us, and the tools to combat evil spirits. With conviction, humor, and insight, Kathleen helped the women to see that through Christ Jesus and our Blessed Mother,the victory is truly ours.
I was able to squeak out one two hour talk (yes, can you imagine!), and two half-hour talks which reminded us of our call, our mission, the importance of Our Lady especially at this moment in the history of man, and how each one of us has been chosen by God to be a conduit of His life in the world today. The women were on their feet with holy zeal, and a true desire to be those valiant women of grace at this critical, pivotal, and historic juncture in time.
Father Edmund Sylvia, C.S.C. gave three marvelous homilies which anchored the women in the blessings of Holy Mother Church, the gift of the sacraments, the Holy Spirit and Our Lady. During the healing service on Saturday night, Father processed among the women with the Blessed Sacrament, pausing to bless them as they opened their hearts to the healing action of God. Many women were set free and experienced hope and new life as the graces flowed from Our Lord’s Eucharistic Presence.
Three selfless, dedicated, and loving priests tended to the women’s spiritual needs throughout the weekend — and I do mean throughout the weekend. Father Richard Fineo (North Dakota), Father Michael Fitzpatrick (Massachusetts), and Monsignor Robert Laliberte (North Dakota), prayed and interceded for all of the women as the talks were being presented. But, they ministered to the women via the Sacrament of Reconciliation for hours on end — one period of time from early morning, throughout the evening, to the wee hours of the next morning ( about 18 hours in all! ). So many women availed themselves of the sacrament after having been away for as many as 30 years or more.
Two break-out sessions were offered to the women during the retreat. Thomas K. Sullivan, author of the book, Called to Knighthood: The Sacrament of Confirmation in the Kingdom Family of God http://womenofgrace.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=863, spoke about the importance of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the life of the Christian and why this sacrament is especially vital today.
Martha Nicolli and Vicki Crispo conducted the information session for the Women of Grace Foundational Study. Their presentation and assistance helped several women to become new facilitators for the program. Vicki’s husband, Deacon Neil Crispo, gave his testimony as to how the Women of Grace Study changed his life by way of his wife. Look for this testimony soon to be added to our website. You won’t want to miss it!
Our next annual Women of Grace Retreat will be at Malvern the weekend of July 23, 2010. This retreat sells out quickly so begin to make your plans now.
I have been laid a bit low the last few days with some kind of infection in my respiratory system. The doctor gave me antibiotics and I am confident I will be feeling better pretty soon. In the meantime, what is one to do? Type A’s don’t generally do well with lack of activity, and this particular Type A (me) chomps at the bit even from a sickbed.
Does a physical malady have to put us out of commission? Or, does the Divine Physician sometimes “prescribe” a down time for some particular benefit?
Given the fact that nothing happens outside of God’ permissive will, we have to acknowledge that even a bout with the flu or the common cold is an opportunity for grace. So — how do we make good use of this time?
Father Edmund Sylvia, C.S.C. and I are at EWTN producing the next ten programs for The Abundant Life. They are slated to air this Fall. It has been a dynamic week filled with great guests and great topics. Here is an overview:
Widowhood: Challenge and Grace, Guest: Ronda Chervin, Ph.D.
The Cross in Our Lives: Living in Hope and Confidence, Guests: Linda Santo (mother of Little Audrey Santo), Lisa Valianti O’Brien
Our Lady, Our Mother, Guest: Michael Shea
Angels: Our Spiritual Friends, Guest: Mike Aquilina
Socialism: Threat to Freedom, Guest: Samuel Gregg
The Spiritual Battle: Round II, Guests: John LaBriola, Father Tom Euteneuer
Lay Apostolates in Mission: Guests, Bobbi and Dan Vaughan, Pete Truax, Monsignor Matthew Odong
The Defense of Traditional Marriage, Guests: Paul Rondeau, Mary Jo Anderson, Father Tom Euteneuer
Divorced and Catholic: What is One to Do?, Guests: Lisa Duffy, Vince Frese
Confirmation: Call to Knighthood: Guest, Thomas K. Sullivan
As you can see, we have a diverse group of shows and a diverse group of guests. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to move through the week.
Thirty-six years ago today, I stood before God, family, and friends, looked into the eyes of a wonderful man and pledged to love, honor, and obey him until death us do part.
And for nearly thirty-four years, I did my best to keep those vows. Today, I remember my dear husband with joy, gratitude, and love.
Eternal rest grant unto you, my Love, and may the perpetual light shine upon you. May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
