I’m sitting here trying to understand how I returned from Canada earlier this week and I’m already turning around to go back again this weekend. 

Joanne and I just came back from Ottawa where we had the great blessing to take part in the Women of Bethany Retreat.   It was glorious!  Lorie O’Reilly, one of the main organizers, and the other ladies were a wonderful, spirit-filled group.  They were kind enough to import beautiful weather for us Floridians.   Fr. Mahugu was our main celebrant throughout the retreat and he was delightful – a priest who is obviously head over heels in love with Jesus.  

Now, just as I’m getting unpacked and finally catching up on the piles of things to do here, we are heading to Nova Scotia for the 2010 Catholic Renewal Conference entitled, “At the Name of Jesus.”  I believe there is still time to register if anyone happens to be in the area of Nova Scotia.  The details are on my Facebook page here.

Speaking of Canada…Karin Boston, who was kind enough to send some beautiful pictures from our Women of Grace National Conference in Sacramento had the great opportunity to attend the Canonization of St. André Bessette.  She sent us the picture above.

St. André has been very dear to the hearts of myself and our staff for many years.  A few years back when my father battled cancer, St. André interceded on his behalf.  Thanks be to God, he has been in remission for years now.  St. André was also one of our prayer warriors when my husband Anthony underwent his battle with cancer.  Though it may seem that the battle was lost, we who believe in Jesus Christ understand that he won the ultimate battle of persevering with great courage until the very end. 

St. André, please pray for us as we make our way back to your home country of Canada.   In the words of Pope Benedict XVI at his canonization, “May we following his example, search for God with simplicity to discover Him always present in the core of our lives!  May the example of Brother André inspire Canadian Christian life!”