Your Pastoral Coach

St. Therese: Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Soul

We just watched the most recent movie about Saint Therese of Lisieux this weekend. It has been out on DVD for many months now, but we had not had a chance to sit down and watch it. The movie was beautiful. It was wonderful to see her transformation in childhood from a somewhat spoiled and self-centered child to a person that constantly gave of herself to others and was totally in love with Jesus. I wish they would have found a way to share more of her words (that she wrote in her journal), but technically, they were not known until her death.

The movie made me think of her, who along with St. Teresa de Jesus and Mother Teresa, is one of my most beloved saints (I most have a thing for Teresas). I like her ways and her message. We tend to complicate life, to make things difficult. We think we have to accomplish so much and do so much, yet she teaches us to find God in simplicity. We live a holy life not by doing extraordinary things, but by doing little things with extraordinary love.

Thanks St. Therese for showering us with flowers from heaven!

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Saint Nicholas Came to Church

Last Sunday right before the priest dismissed everyone from mass he looked to the back of the church and said "Oh, I see we have a visitor!" Lo and behold, Saint Nicholas was there dressed in his full Bishop regalia. He walked down the isle saying hi to all the kids and adults like me that were excited to see him. He got to the altar and bowed in reverence, then he went up and talk to everyone explaining the real story of Bishop Nicholas and the importance of love for everyone, particularly the poor. I loved it!

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First Miracle to be Attributed to Pope John Paul II?

Apparently there are many stories of miracles been attributed to Pope John Paul II's intercession, but at least one in particular is been carefully studied. "The Roman news agency I Media has learned that a French nun who was dying of cancer experienced a sudden and complete cure in October, after the members of her community prayed for the intercession of the late Pope John Paul. In accordance with Vatican rules, the identity of the nun is not being revealed, as doctors conduct a thorough study of her case. If a miracle is confirmed, it would speed the cause for the Polish Pontiff's beatification. "

I wouldn't be surprised if such a holy man is already helping hundreds of people all over the world. Although I always loved our Pope, I seem to be growing in affection and interest in him with every month that passes. I already have a few books in my que to read and learn more about him.

Here is the official prayer of intercession for him...

O Blessed Trinity,

We thank You for having graced the Church with Pope John Paul II and for allowing the tenderness of Your fatherly care, the glory of the cross of Christ, and the splendor of the Holy Spirit, to shine through him.

Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession of Mary, he has given us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and has shown us that holiness is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life and is the way of achieving eternal communion with You.

Grant us, by his intercession, and according to Your will, the graces we implore, hoping that he will soon be numbered among Your saints.

Amen.

Do you regularly pray to saints for their intercession? Have you received what you prayed for?

Technorati Tags: Catholic, Miracle, Pope John Paul II

Symbolism of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Both Happy Catholic and TSO have extremely interesting posts about the symbolism of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Please go and take a read..., fascinating! Our Lady of Guadalupe is very much loved by our neighbors in Mexico, much more than in any other place. However, she was the patron of my hometown in Ponce, Puerto Rico, so she is very dear to my heart. I was baptized at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral. She is also the patron of the Americas. We will be celebrating her feast on December 12th.

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St. Teresa of Avila, My Beloved Companion

Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of St. Teresa of Avila. This holy woman is a mystic, a Saint, a Doctor of the Church, and my beloved companion in the journey to the center of the interior castle, to the center of my soul. She guides me, inspires me, and lovingly challenges me to live my holiness. My son and I had the opportunity to go to Avila, Spain last year. We walked the streets of Avila, walked atop its impressive wall, sat in Teresa's room when she was a child, saw her garden, and visited the Carmelite Monastery of the Incarantion.

Is St. Therese a practical joker?

After analyzing the mysterious events that happened this weekend, I do believe that she is quite fond of practical jokes. You be the judge...

St. Therese's miracle for my father

A few years ago I prayed to St. Therese of Lisieux to intercede for my father and help him heal from a critical heart situation. Before dying she said "I shall spend my heaven doing good on the earth. After death I shall let fall a shower of roses." That she did, stunning all of us...

Padre Pio, Pray for Us

Today is the feast of one of my favorite saints, Padre Pio, Capuchin Friar and Mystic (1887-1968).

"I need to love You more and more, but I don't have any more love in my heart. I have given all my love to You. If you want more, fill my heart with Your love, and then oblige me to love You more and I will not refuse You."

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