B writes: “[O]ne topic that might be helpful to address, if you haven’t already, is the Hindu meditative chanting practice called, Kirtan. It’s become very popular on a local level as well as artists who travel around the country(ies), often performing in Yoga studios. The music is beautiful, enticing, esp. in a large group and can produce deep, trance-like effects. It’s sung in Sanskrit and invokes the Hindu deities. It’s another of those Eastern practices that’s become a ‘cool’ form of spirituality…or rather pseudo-spirituality.”
Monthly Archives: August 2021
Use great caution
August 12
“You ought to use great caution, even in doing good things. For it may be that, in carrying out some good works, you are seeking only the favor and good graces of men: or the desire of praise may overtake you, and what is done for outward effect, fail of its inward reward.”
-Pope St. Gregory the Great
Today’s Reflection:
What are two counterfeits of humility mentioned by Pope St. Gregory the Great? To what extent have I fallen victim to them? What one strategy can I employ in the future?
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St. Lawrence and the Necessity of Good Humor
“Turn me over, I’m done on this side.” – St. Lawrence
Have you ever noticed how good it feels to laugh? “It’s not surprising that the adage, “laughter is the best medicine” is such a popular cliche.” It’s true. It’s also not surprising that many of the saints were known for their keen sense of humor.
In Assisi, a Family of Saintly Women
by Theresa Cavicchio
To honor the August 11th feast of Saint Clare of Assisi (1194 – 1253 A.D.), we consider the life and spirituality of this first female Franciscan religious.
Counterfeits abound
August 11
“Humility is one of the most difficult virtues both to attain and to ascertain.
It lies close upon the heart itself, and its tests are exceedingly delicate
and subtle. Its counterfeits abound.”
-Saint John Henry Newman
Today’s Reflection:
Yesterday’s Grace Line gave one counterfeit of the virtue of humility. What might be some other counterfeits?
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What’s Wrong with the “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”?
Stephen Covey
MG writes: “I am looking for information on The Seven Habits program. My children go to a Catholic school that has incorporated the program into the counseling program. I have been trying to find out more about The Seven Habits program because of what I will call a “gut” feeling. I do not what to go to the school before I have more information to back up my uneasy feelings. Is the program ok and if not where can I look to get more information?”
Ignorance of truth
August 10
“Humility does not consist in ignorance of truth. If a man is above the average height of men, he cannot help knowing it.”
-Cardinal Henry Edward Manning
Today’s Reflection:
Why would it be a lack of humility to deny we have a gift God has given to us?
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Meet the Team: Isabelle Liberatore
It’s time to meet the team that makes Women of Grace the impactful apostolate that it is!
Today we’re featuring Isabelle Liberatore, who is the Director of Development for Women of Grace. We hope you enjoy learning more about Isabelle from her answers to the questions below. Stay tuned for regular “Meet the Team” features!
1 How long have you been on the Women of Grace team and how did you begin?
Isabelle Liberatore is the Director of Development at Women of Grace. She left her career in Information Technology Consulting to enter the non-profit sector, joining the Living His Life Abundantly / Women of Grace team for the first time in 1998, and returning in 2010. She has worn a number of hats including grant-writing, marketing, management, social media, and now fundraising and development. She loves meeting donors and sacred sisters around the world and has been enriched by the many friendships she has made through her work in our mission to “transform the world one woman at a time.”
Isabelle lives with her husband James in Tampa, Florida. They are both cancer survivors and they continually give glory to God for His healing grace. She is also a budding oil painter and enjoys creating works inspired by nature, the saints, and the beauty of the Catholic faith. If you’d like to learn more about her journey, check out this video.
2 What do you love best about Women of Grace’s apostolate?
“I love working for Jesus and His kingdom, meeting sacred sisters and donors in person at our events, and transforming the world for Christ with our amazing team of staff members, regional coordinators, donors, and facilitators. Johnnette has been my spiritual mother throughout my reversion back to the faith and I’ve been blessed to know and work with her all these years.”
3 What is your favorite devotion?
“I love the Holy Rosary and am grateful that we added our outreach of praying the weekly Women of Grace Rosary Crusade with prayer warriors from around the world. Our Lady said that the Rosary could stop wars from happening and I believe her!”
4 Who is your favorite saint?
“I have been a devotee of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. I can relate to her being a spoiled child in her early years and desiring to become a great saint, despite her seeming ‘littleness.'”
5 If you could have lunch with Jesus today, what would you want to talk about?
“A few things I would like to discuss with Jesus are:
a. Why does discernment have to be so hard. Not everyone has access to a spiritual director.
b. How can we better embrace the crosses that are entrusted to us, overcome the fear of suffering, and be more surrendered to accept them in union with His redemptive plan?
c. What was it like to be reunited with God the Father and St. Joseph in heaven when He ascended?”
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Real excellence and humility
August 9
“Real excellence and humility are not incompatible with the other;
on the contrary, they are twin sisters.”
-Jean-Baptiste Lacordaire, O.P.
Today’s Reflection:
What do I think is the relationship between “real excellence” and “humility?” Why are they “twin sisters?”
If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith.
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Great graces
August 8
“Great graces cannot be obtained without humility. When you yourself experience humiliation, you should take it as a sure sign that some
great grace is in store.”
-St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Today’s Reflection:
Considering this quote by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, is it possible that I can begin to praise God for the humiliations I receive? How can I begin to hone the eyes of my soul so that I don’t miss the “great grace” that is to come after the humiliation?
If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith.
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