St. Martin de Porres was the first black saint of the Americas.

He was born on December 9, 1579 in Lima, Peru, to Ana Velázquez—a young freed slave of Native Indian descent—and Don Juan de Porres of Burgos, a Spanish nobleman. His parents never actually married and when Martin was very young, he and his mother and younger sister were left to live in deep poverty.

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As the man in the house, Martin was tasked with earning a living for his family, having spent just two years in primary school. His mother apprenticed Martin to a barber-surgeon where he learned to cut hair, tend to wounds, and administer medicine.

As he grew up, Martin experienced a great deal of ridicule for being of mixed-race. He turned to his faith in God to sustain him and began to show great piety, developing a great devotion to the Blessed Mother.

There was an unjust law in Peru at the time that prevented persons of African or Indian descent from becoming full members of religious orders. Martin, who spent long hours in prayer, asked the Prior of the Dominicans of the Holy Rosary in Lima to accept him as a volunteer to perform menial tasks in the monastery. He was accepted in this role and, in return, was allowed to wear the habit and live within the religious community.

Although only in his teens at the time, he was known as “the saint of the broom” for his diligence with any task he was given—whether sweeping, working in the kitchen, or doing laundry. He quickly became known as a man of compassion and developed strong friendships with the other brothers.

St. Martin de Porres' Love For the Poor

Martin was eventually moved up to become the church officer in charge of distributing money to deserving poor. In this role he developed an even greater love for the poor. In addition, he also returned to the skills of barbering and healing that he had learned when he was very young.

After eight more years with the Dominicans of the Holy Rosary, Martin was granted the privilege to take his vows as a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic by the Prior, Juan de Lorenzana, who decided to disregard the law restricting Martin based on his race. So Martin became a Dominican lay brother in 1603 at the age of twenty-four.

Unfortunately, some of the members in that religious community weren’t just men as Lorenzana was; Martin was called names and mocked, both for being an illegitimate (born out of wedlock) child and for his race. He did not permit condescension or racism to embitter him. Instead, he was strong in patience and charity.

Ten years after he received the holy habit, Martin was assigned to the infirmary, where he remained in charge until his death. It was in this role that he became known for the virtues needed to carefully and patiently care for the sick—even in the most difficult situations.

His unconditional love for all people—regardless of race or wealth—earned Martin praise and recognition from outside the religious community. He took care of everyone, from the Spanish nobles to the African slaves. Whether a person “was diseased or was covered in filth” made no difference to Martin. He proved his great love for God in caring for them.

It is said he had many extraordinary abilities, such as—according to Franciscan Media—"ecstasies that lifted him into the air, light filling the room where he prayed, bi-location, miraculous knowledge, instantaneous cures, and a remarkable rapport with animals. His charity extended to beasts of the field and even to the vermin of the kitchen. He would excuse the raids of mice and rats on the grounds that they were underfed; he kept stray cats and dogs at his sister’s house."

Martin founded an orphanage for abandoned children and slaves and was known for collecting dowries for poor girls so that they could marry or enter a convent.

The Charitable Saint

Martin was always concerned with helping those who were ill or displaced, no matter what it took.

During an epidemic in Lima, around sixty of the friars in the Convent of the Rosary became ill. The novices were in a distant section of the convent, separated from the professed. However, on more than one occasion, Martin passed through the locked doors to care for the sick. Even the sick who were professed would see him suddenly at their bedside, without the door having opened.

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Due to Martin's sanctity and godliness, many of his fellow religious took him as their spiritual director. Martin was friends with both St. Juan Macías, a fellow Dominican lay brother, and St. Rose of Lima, a lay Dominican.

In January of 1639, when Martin was sixty years old, he became ill with chills, fever, and tremors that caused him agonizing pain. After nearly a year of this illness, he died on November 3, 1639.

By the time of his death, he was widely known and beloved. People all over Lima knew Martin for his great faith and his care for the sick and the poor. After his death, many miracles occurred when his name was invoked. Because of this, his body was exhumed twenty-five years later, whereupon a “splendid fragrance” was emitted. To the surprise of those who exhumed the body, it was found to be still intact.

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St. Martin de Porres Velázquez O.P. was beatified by Pope Gregory XVI on October 29, 1837, and canonized by Pope John XXIII on May 6, 1962. He is one of the most beloved black saints in the world. His legacy has impacted many.

Martin de Porres—the “Saint of Charity”— is the patron saint of people of mixed-race, barbers, innkeepers, public health workers, and all those who seek racial harmony. His feast day is November 3rd.

St. Martin de Porres, pray for us!

Further Reading: St. Josephine Bakhita: From Slavery to Sanctity

The role of the husband and father is, by God’s design, unique and irreplaceable. But in our troubled times, we are experiencing a crisis of manhood and fatherhood. God continues raising up men to the holy vocations of husband and father—yet many do not know what it means to be a man, let alone a true husband and father, according to God’s designs.

St. Joseph is a powerful guide and companion for men aspiring to holiness in these vocations. His life is a testimony to his power as an intercessor for husbands and fathers.

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After all, to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the earthly father of Christ, was the greatest mission ever given to any man. Since God’s graces correspond to the unique calling He has for each of us, St. Joseph must have received the most incredible graces. This allowed him to participate fully in the fulfillment of God’s will for all mankind.

Here are four lessons that men can learn from St. Joseph as they seek to live out God’s plan for spousal and fatherly love.

1. Be a guardian and protector.

St. Joseph was protector and guardian to Our Lady and Jesus. He took Mary to be his wife despite the mysterious circumstances of her pregnancy. He brought the Blessed Mother and the Child Jesus to Egypt to escape the slaughter of the Holy Innocents. He returned them to their homeland when all was safe, in order to fulfill the prophecy of Sacred Scripture.

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It is God’s design that husbands and fathers be guardians and protectors, accepting the manly role entrusted to them. They are called to guard their wives and children: physically, spiritually, morally, and emotionally.

Many dangers threaten the family in a society which has largely emasculated men. Whatever the message of the world may be, God has given husbands and fathers special authority for a purpose. He has called them to serve courageously as guardians and protectors of the family—the domestic church-—just as St. Joseph did.

2. Accept the gift of God’s plan for your vocation.

God intended for spousal love to model the love of Christ for His Bride, the Church. Fatherhood is meant to be the earthly reflection of His covenantal love for us as His children.

St. Joseph recognized these gifts and their Giver. A greater gift had never been entrusted to any other man. And because Joseph was docile to the designs of God, the Son of God grew, thrived, lived among us, and fulfilled God’s plan for our salvation. Joseph laid down his life (in humble obscurity) at the service of God, his family, and ultimately, the world.

Marriage and fatherhood are sublime gifts from God—but family life is far from perfect. It requires us to accept many things that are unexpected, and sometimes unwanted.

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Joseph let go of his own expectations for spousal love and fatherhood. He yielded those to God, and God granted him true peace as he accomplished what God intended.

When a husband and father places his whole being at God’s disposal, like St. Joseph did, he is able to see these gifts within the spiritual realm—not just as the present earthly reality. He can guide his wife and children to heaven in fulfillment of God’s plan. He can live the gift of his vocation more fully, and receive the peace that comes from resting in the will of God.

3. Live in fidelity to God.

Joseph was a man of deep faith. He longed for the arrival of the promised Messiah.

Because of his incredible faith, he was able to act in obedience to God even in the most confounding circumstances. He fully trusted and believed—and God endowed him with graces commensurate with his faith and obedience. In this way, he received the wisdom and other gifts he needed to lead Mary and Jesus as the spiritual head of the Holy Family.

Today’s husbands and fathers need strong faith to meet the challenges and perils of our world, especially in leading their families.

St. Joseph’s life demonstrates how complete fidelity to God facilitates obedience; strengthens faith; and brings graces to the whole family.

4. Seek the Lord in Silence.

Silence characterized the life of St. Joseph.

The Annunciation, Incarnation, and Nativity were all cloaked in silence. In the silent space of prayer, we find God waiting for us. Speaking, teaching, and calming us. In silence He guides us. There we discover the intimate, personal nature of God’s love for us. In prayerful silence we maintain our own two-fold vision of life: that is, from our Savior we learn to embrace both heaven and the Cross.

If husbands and fathers seek God in silence and prayer, away from the commotion of the world, they will be strengthened. Then, like St. Joseph, they will come to recognize more of God’s generosity than they ever imagined.

Husbands and fathers: Go to Joseph!

The Church has begun to teach that our current day, especially, is the time of St. Joseph.

This is no coincidence.

In these troubled times, the role of husband and father is absolutely essential to society. St. Joseph is a model and guide for all men living these vocations. He can accompany them, strengthening them to confront the perils that threaten family life today.

He is known by many names that reflect his spiritual fatherhood and role in salvation history: Protector of Families, Mirror of Patience, Model of Husbands and Fathers, Glory of Home Life, Terror of Demons, and Head of the Domestic Church, to name a few.

Do not doubt that St. Joseph will come to aid you in your time of need. His intercession is powerful before the throne of God. He is a spiritual father, a powerful companion and guide. St. Joseph is the loving, human image of the fatherhood of God.

Ite ad Joseph, goes the Latin saying. Go to Joseph! Ask for his intercession.

A Prayer to St. Joseph for Husbands and Fathers

St. Joseph, chaste spouse of Mary and protector of Jesus, your life was the loving fulfillment of sacred duty in your vocation. Protect all husbands and fathers who trust in you. Accompany them in their struggles and hardships. Surround them with your loving presence. Grant them the wisdom to live their vocations as God intends. Obtain for them the peace of soul that comes from resting in the will of God. Bring them into divine intimacy with Our Lord and Our Lady amidst the worries of this earthly life. Bless their wives and children with a loving family life. Reveal Jesus to them as they faithfully lead their families, and remain with them as a spiritual father, now and forever. Amen.

St. Joseph, Head of the Holy Family, pray for us!

 

How has St. Joseph played a role in your life?

How has he interceded for you?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.
—Mark Twain

Father's Day is the opportunity to show our dads how much we truly appreciate them. 

I've put together a gift guide (gathered from our staff favorites) for your father or grandfather (or husband!). Click any of the links to see some great Father's Day gifts!

Make It Personal

Here are a few suggestions for men's personalized gifts. You can find more here.

For Dads Who Travel

Find a Unique Gift that He Will Use and Love

Does your dad like to cook or to grill? 

Here are some perfect aprons for Dads:  

Here are some great Catholic socks for Dad. (Kids will love these and they, too, can find a pair - right here). 

They'll knock (all your other) socks off!

Get Dad a Book for Spiritual Reading and Inspiration

Dads are busy, and often under a lot of stress. Give your dad a spiritual gift this Father's Day to help him grow close to Christ and find peace in God his Heavenly Father!

Give your Dad a Rosary this Father's Day

Father Donald Calloway said, “The forces of darkness in the world today threaten the very foundations of human civilization, but they are no match for the power of the rosary.”

Help your dad draw near to the Blessed Mother by giving him a beautiful rosary! Here are many wonderful rosaries that are perfect for dads!

The following are a few of our favorites:

We hope your dad (or husband) has a wonderful Father's Day! God bless!

A lot has changed in these last months. What might have felt stable and dependable—our schedules, school, work, Mass, and events that were on the calendar—have largely been upended. Many churches have been closed due to restrictions for COVID-19, putting the Sacraments that were scheduled in question.

While we are not able to see the future, we do know that children will eventually make their First Holy Communion and their Confirmation. And when that happens, those will be big celebration days! 

Gifts of faith for our children are essential. Not only do they nourish their blossoming relationship with Christ, but they show our own faith, as well. Children need to see that faith is important to the adults around them.

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We have put together (from our staff favorites) the following gift guide for First Holy Communion. We hope you will find that special gift you are looking for—a gift that helps your child's relationship with Christ grow and blossom, even during times of uncertainty!

Gifts of Faith for First Communion 

Rosary and Keepsake Boxes  

A rosary is a wonderful gift for someone who is receiving First Holy Communion. The Holy Rosary has been called the "Compendium of the Gospels" because it is a reflection of the Gospel and brings to mind the life of Christ and the Blessed Mother so beautifully. 

In our Good Catholic series on the Holy Rosary (Full of Grace), Father Eckert described the rosary as the tool that "takes us from Sunday to Sunday" because it so wonderfully calls us to reverence and docility to God's Will and in this way assists us "between Masses" and "tethers us to Christ and the Church."

While a young First Communicant might not understand all of that now, it will be a great spiritual help always, regardless of their present catechetical knowledge! Give them this wonderful spiritual tool as a gift for their First Holy Communion. 

Here we show a few favorites along with a keepsake box we also love. You can also find our special First Communion rosaries and keepsake boxes here.

Unique Gifts To Enhance Their Faith

Personalized Heroes Saint Boxes

Help your child learn about these Catholic heroes (the saints), and increase their love and enthusiasm for the Faith!

Each personalized mango wood box will read "[Your Child's Name]'s Heroes," making this a unique and personal keepsake that will be loved and cherished by the young recipient. 

First Communion Gift Box For Boys and Girls

This gift box was designed to be a profound yet understandable devotional resource for boys and girls. The comfort cross, First Communion prayer book, sturdy decade rosary, and thoughtful prayer card will help them to develop a reverent devotion to Christ in the Eucharist and foster a life of faith and service. 

Give the Gift of Books

Start of course with THE BOOK (the Bible), such as our various First Communion Bibles. These bibles are the perfect gift for those receiving their First Communion. Every child should have his or her own bible!

In addition to its wealth of study material, each bible contains a family register page.  

The Vintage Sacred Heart Bible comes is another beautiful option that will promote a deeper love and understanding of beloved Catholic devotions.

Find all of our First Communion bibles here.

Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times:

Clever, touching and memorable, this is a beautiful book filled with short rhymes that capture the lessons we can learn from various modern saints. 

Catechism of the Seven Sacraments:

Written like a comic book, Catechism of the Seven Sacraments comes to life as a work of genius that's perfect for young boys and girls. The writers and their seven children built each scene in the book from LEGOs!

The reviews prove how wonderful this book is:

“My boys 8 and 10 fight over reading it! They take it to adoration each week.”

“I saw this title and thought 'What?!? Lego Sacraments' I am so glad I took another look. This book is great! I enjoyed reading it and my 11 year old son loves it. It is just right for him to understand and it keeps his attention with the legos, he has to look on every page he reads to see how they built the sets. Thank you so much for thinking of this, it is a winner!!”

Jesus Speaks to Me On My First Holy Communion: 

In this touching book, Jesus explains to children why First Communion is an important part of His plan for their life and their special relationship with Him. 

Little Special Extras

Junior Litany of Saints Prints: 

Give the gift of role models to brighten a young person's room and bring to mind the saints as they grow up. This Junior Litany of Saints Print does just that, and goes perfectly in any room. Framed or unframed, this print comes in three versions: one featuring male saints, one featuring female saints, and featuring both male and female saints! These prints are one of our absolute favorite gifts for kids. (They also come as a pillow case!) See how many of the saints your children can recognize!

A set of sacrifice beads is also a thoughtful gift. While we have many gorgeous First Communion rosaries, this sacrifice tenner is especially sweet and instructive for First Communicants. Each time a sacrifice is made (making their bed without being asked, biting their tongue instead of saying something unkind, responding the first time to a request), a bead can be slid over to offer up the sacrifice to Christ. 

Little pocket rosaries are another great option for those receiving First Holy Communion: 

Devotional Journals:

Writing to God is an important and wonderful way to grow closer to him. Encourage your child or grandchild to bring all her feelings and thoughts to Him with this colorful and lovely devotional journal! Find more kids' devotional journals here.

First Communion: A Holy Event That We Should Cherish

First Holy Communion is an important time in a child’s life. If this sacrament has been delayed due to the COVID-19 restrictions, perhaps you and your child can offer that, too, as a sacrifice they will always remember. Jesus Christ never delays in coming to us, and we can share this fact with our children. 

"Let the children come to me" is one of the most remembered phrases Our Lord spoke. By placing a special focus on your child’s relationship with Christ, you can make this time a special time of anticipation. And when the sacrament does finally occur, they will be that much more excited and encouraged!

You can shop our whole First Communion collection here.

“People see only the flat surface. Their vision is two-dimensional and fixed to the ground. When you live a supernatural life, God will give you the third dimension: height, and with it perspective, weight, and volume.”
—St. Josemaría Escrivá

On Monday evenings, between dropping off one child at practice and picking up another, I have a window of opportunity to stop by a church to pray. I don’t take advantage of this opportunity often enough, but a few months ago, I decided to stop and spend some time in prayer. When I pulled up to the chapel, I happily discovered that no one else was there. I entered, knelt down, and began to pray.

Light from the fading sun was streaming through the stained-glass windows, illuminating a large painting on the wall that depicted the Flight Into Egypt. With statues of the saints standing by and a hauntingly beautiful crucifix above the altar, there was plenty to keep my eyes on while I prayed. The chapel was quiet—so quiet that I could hear my own thoughts. (Except I was sick of hearing those). I longed to have some kind of communication from God. I sat in silence for a while but heard nothing.

Keeping my gaze on the painting of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I began to say a rosary. With each Hail Mary, I pressed harder on the beads, rolling them between my fingers in an attempt to stay focused. Yet, interiorly, I felt nothing at all. Hoping to ward off distractions, I shifted my position; first kneeling—then sitting—then kneeling again. I finished the rosary and then spoke to God about the many things that were on my mind, asking Him for help with a particular struggle I was having. I shared with Him all the people and situations I wished to pray for. But I felt as if God were distant and remote.

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Eventually, I sat back in the pew and stared at the crucifix. Not sure what I was hoping for— some perception maybe; some sense of something from God. I squinted my eyes so that I couldn’t see anything except Christ on the cross. I sat there for what seemed like a long time. When I finally checked my phone, I realized that I only had a few minutes to pick up my son, so I rose from the pew. I dipped my fingers in the holy water, made the Sign of the Cross, and left the chapel.

Why Don't We Always Feel the Presence of God

There are times when I talk to friends who appear to be closely connected with God, or when I read about the saints, who, in their lifetimes, seemed to have a direct pathway to Our Lord—and I feel discouraged. I, too, wish to feel the presence of God; I long to know His will. The beautiful words from Scripture are often on my soul: “My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready.” (Psalm 57:7)

So where are you, Lord?

I know the importance of a brave and ready heart. With three sons in the military, I have come to understand that bravery isn’t something that just happens. It is developed through training and practice and hard work. Almost two years ago our oldest, a navy pilot, was deployed for seven months to the Persian Gulf. During that time he and his squadron, as well as the entire crew on the aircraft carrier, were engaged in daily airstrikes against their targets. But even before the official deployment, they trained for months, completing “work-ups” for their specific mission.  

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It occurred to me that spiritual bravery is also developed over time. It takes time to foster and to develop the interior strength that eventually helps to develop a kind of spiritual fortitude. We are called to have a heart that is brave and ready, yet we can only do this when we fully surrender. 

“There’s no room for idleness or complacency in trustful surrender. Self-abandonment requires an ‘active receptivity’ of the will; that is, a heart that’s courageous enough to deny its own inclinations and submit to the will of God from moment to moment.” 

The fact is that nothing happens in the universe without God willing and allowing it; nothing occurs by chance in the whole course of our lives. 

Conformity to the will of God is best described with the words "surrender" and "abandonment" which convey the complete denial of our self-will in order to experience God's greater and more perfect will. To surrender means to stop resisting, to submit and to hand over; to abandon means to leave all care and concern behind.
—Thy Will Be Done

We Cannot Always Rely On Our Emotions

While we might believe that surrender means a sort of passive inactivity, it involves activeness to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we feel those promptings in palpable ways, but other times we barely perceive them at all. On those days our efforts at prayer feel futile. There are moments, like that day in the chapel, when I don't feel anything at all. It is good to remember that our emotions don’t always reveal what God is communicating. In fact, they can even get in the way of that communication. God is at work in me even when I am not aware of His presence. Even when I feel nothing at all.

In his book Time For God, Fr. Jacques Philippe explains that every time we call upon the Lord, we are in the midst of an encounter with God. He is always with us, even when it may feel as though He is far away:

“It is enormously liberating to know this, for sometimes we can do nothing at all in mental prayer. Really though, it doesn’t matter much, because even if we can’t do anything, God can. In fact, he is always acting in the depths of our soul, even if we don’t realize it.”

Be Courageous

Just as those in the military prepare and draw on what they know to stand ready and be courageous, we draw on what we know about God, and on His grace given to us in so many moments every day. Each time I participate in the Sacraments; each time I pray and fast; each and every struggle—whether big or small—offered to God, is an encounter with Him. Time with Our Lord is never wasted time. While I may not feel His presence, God promises that when we call upon Him, He is there: “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him; if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).

This article was taken from one of the reflections from the Good Catholic Series Thy Will Be Done. Discover all of the Good Catholic digital content series here.

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us in profound ways. We have been affected not just materially, but spiritually.

The critical spiritual effect is this: many Catholics have not been able to receive the Sacraments, and many are recognizing that not being able to receive them is its own form of sacrifice. 

What Do We Do If We Cannot Get to Confession? 

Many parishes have found creative ways to offer the sacraments, but there are many churches that have remained entirely closed. Even when a church is able to offer the sacraments, however, there are still many Americans who—due to their compromised health situations or the potential of contracting the virus—are unable to get out to receive them.

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So what can Catholics do if they cannot get to confession?

A few weeks ago, Pope Francis responded to the dilemma that many Catholics face in not being able to receive the sacrament of penance: 

"Do what the Catechism (of the Catholic Church) says. It is very clear: If you cannot find a priest to confess to, speak directly with God, your father, and tell him the truth. Say, ‘Lord, I did this, this, this. Forgive me,’ and ask for pardon with all your heart."

Make an act of contrition, the Pope said, and promise God: 

"I will go to confession afterward, but forgive me now."

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says:

“When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called ‘perfect’ - contrition of charity. Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.”

What Is "Perfect Contrition"? 

Father Pius Pietrzyk, OP, Chair of Pastoral Studies at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California, recently explained to the Catholic News Agency that “perfect contrition” is sorrow for one's sins based upon love for God, which includes the firm resolution not to commit them any more.

Imperfect contrition—also known as attrition—is sorrow for one’s sins based upon fear of the punishment of hell. It is sufficient for a priest to absolve you in the confessional, but not enough to obtain the forgiveness of mortal sin without sacramental confession to a priest, the Catechism explains. 

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Father James Goodwin, from North Dakota, recently wrote the following regarding perfect contrition and the sacrament of penance:

Perfect contrition is sorrow for our sins for the love of God — not just the fear of hell. How can we have that kind of contrition? Most importantly, it is a grace given by God, but God is not stingy with his gifts. If we sincerely want this kind of contrition, we can be sure that God will give it to us. It is not merely a feeling, but a motive. The motive of love for God does not exclude secondary motives, such as fear of hell. Therefore, make the act of contrition, which contains the promise to confess, and know that our loving and merciful God is always ready to offer the graces necessary of salvation. We can predispose ourselves to receiving his grace by the means of prayer and penance. Use this time to pray and grow closer to God. The Apostolic Penitentiary recommends such prayers, devotions and actions: 'Visit to the Blessed Sacrament, or Eucharistic adoration, or reading the Holy Scriptures for at least half an hour, or the recitation of the Holy Rosary, or the pious exercise of the Way of the Cross, or the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, to implore from Almighty God the end of the epidemic, relief for those who are afflicted and eternal salvation for those whom the Lord has called to Himself.' Like a mother, the Church offers us Christ’s salvation even in extreme circumstances. We don’t need to despair. God is with us and wants to forgive our sins. Make the act of contrition daily and entrust yourself to the infinite mercy of God. He is with you."

So, how can we make an act of perfect contrition? Practically, there are two things a Catholic must do.

The first is to pray an act of contrition "out of love for God," says Father Pietrzyk. 

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Here are two commonly-prayed Acts of Contrition:

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.


My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

Being sorry for sin because we love God—and grieving because we have offended Him who loves us so perfectly—has often been described as having a desire to be reunited to God because of who He is. It means truly desiring unity with God, and actively putting aside the sins that stand in the way.

Second, a Catholic must make a firm commitment to go to confession as soon as it is possible. 

An Act of Perfect Contrition Does Not Replace the Sacrament of Penance

Father Pietrzyk explained that an act of perfect contrition is not a replacement for the sacrament of penance—far from it:

“Even perfect contrition is never separated from the sacrament, at least in intention...if one makes a perfect act of contrition, it's not 'Oh, I don't have to go to confession anymore.' Quite the opposite. The person who says: 'I have perfect contrition, but I'm not going to the sacrament' does not in fact have perfect contrition.'"

The sacrament of penance remains the sole, ordinary means for the forgiveness of mortal sins after baptism, Father Pietrzyk says. Contrition is about conversion, he adds, which means turning away from attachment to sin and toward the sacraments.

In summary: if we find ourselves in a grave situation without access to confession, we can make an act of perfect contrition, with the intention of confessing our mortal sins as soon as we can—and God will forgive our sins. Then we must go to confession as soon as it is available, for the sake of our eternal souls.

Community.

It is a word that stings right now.

As an extreme extrovert, this time of social distancing has been painful. Zoom just doesn’t cut it for me. Book club over Zoom, faith formation over Zoom, baby showers over Zoom, everyone separated by a screen...

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It is a lonely time.

But there are some things we can do about it.

Here are some of the ideas for building community, right now, today. These ideas aren't groundbreaking and I have yet to incorporate them, but I am excited to start—today—building community in these ways.

1. Pray.

"But I want my life back—what does prayer have to do with it?"

It has everything to do with it. The more fully we are in communion with God, the more true and real the community around us will be! 

Making time for prayer should—in theory—be easier now than ever, but I have found the opposite to be true. Without the rhythm of “normal” everyday life, I am more distractible than ever.

However, if you and I take time to be in community with God, our efforts will not be fruitless. He desires community for us, for He created us to be communal beings. Prayer is an essential part of that community.

2. Focus on your family.

In some ways, it feels like I have more to do than ever before! Distance learning with the kids, working from home, et cetera et cetera et cetera. Even without the kids' sports, driving here and there, and all the things we are missing, it still feels as though I have no time.

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I think this goes back to not having a proper rhythm to our lives.

This week, I am going to set aside time to play a board game with the kids, to go for a walk with my husband, and to have tea with my daughters. I have community right here in my home—I just need to make time for it!

3. Make a phone call.

It doesn’t have to be a scheduled zoom. Just a good old-fashioned, pick up the phone, “hey, how ya doin' " phone call.

Since this all started, I have spoken to my friends over the phone even less than before. I don’t know if it is because everyone has their heads down working, trying to do the next thing, if everyone is getting used to living “alone,” or what the reason is!

But it’s time to break the silence...people want to hear from you. Pick up the phone!

4. Send a note.

When quarantine began, I asked everyone in my book club for their mailing addresses. I thought I would send people cheery notes.

I haven’t sent even one. I have felt lonely...but I haven’t reached out.

There is something about a written note that stands alone and that nothing can replace. Letters carry a different tone. Letters carry news and thoughts that often get lost in the distraction of life. Send a note!

5. Make plans!

When I was pregnant with my first child, I read an article offered this advice: continue to make plans surrounding your due date. Broken plans with a baby in your arms is better than sitting around, alone at home, with a baby in your belly.

Yes, everything is postponed right now. And if you plan a graduation party or first communion party or summer picnic it might have to be canceled, but it also might not! We need to start moving forward with our lives and giving each other hope!

Let others know that you are thinking about them by including them in your future plans!

“God sends us friends to be our firm support in the whirlpool of struggle. In the company of friends, we will find our strength to attain our sublime ideal.”
—St. Maximilian Kolbe

"Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit. “Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are real you don’t mind being hurt.”
—The Velveteen Rabbit

I think one of the hardest parts about being a mother is that we are real…and so are our children.

Parenting is a continual act of living in reality…even if we would much rather just live in a world where our children don’t get hurt, don’t make mistakes, and don't have to suffer.

I remember when my first four or five children were little. My oldest was no more than ten. Sometimes it felt like I was the mother duck and they were my little ducklings—if I looked behind me, they were all following…my little brood. I’m sure I thought this was real, and it was. But it was also only temporary.

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As my first few children embarked on the teen and young adult years, the “real” was not so easy. When I looked behind me I didn’t always have the same view: what I saw was the older ones venturing off in different directions and I couldn’t easily herd them back. I started to lose that control that I must have believed I would always have. It hurt a little, and my fur got a little tattered, like the Rabbit in the beautiful story quoted above. 

Motherhood Is Difficult But Rewarding

I love being a mother. But it certainly isn’t the easiest thing I have ever done.

This role comes with tremendous rewards, but it also comes with disappointments and hardships. There is not always the appreciation we would like. I didn’t really begin appreciating my own mother until I had children myself. And now I appreciate her more—especially our friendship. I know that my own journey as a mother is also a process. In that process, my fur will become worn and my hinges a little rusty, and I will be very real. But that real is worth any hardships that I have to endure. And the joys of parenting will outweigh them!

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When I ran the Marine Corps Marathon for the first time in October 2010, my mom was there. She and I had driven first to pick up my son Charlie at college so that he could come, too. He cheered me on at mile ten, fifteen, and twenty-six. Sitting with both of them at lunch afterward, I felt like the luckiest person in the world. As a mother, I will always treasure sharing that day with my son and my mom!

Training for a marathon is hard work, but the job of motherhood takes a lot more stamina. In fact, I sometimes fear that I will simply run out of energy in the mothering journey. (We have nine children, ranging in ages from ten to thirty!) 

But I don’t worry too long about this…I don’t have time! And God is tremendously gracious in our vocations. He gives us what we need when we need it, even if we don't always recognize it.

Jesus Gave Us His Mother to be Our Blessed Mother

From the cross, Jesus gave us the gift of His own mother. To His beloved disciple John He said "Behold your mother." And to Mary He said "Behold your son." 

These words of Jesus should bring us consolation because Our Blessed Mother always points us to the loving embrace of her Son. And in her own sorrows, Mary showed us all how to suffer with Him. For this reason, I turn to Mary often in those particular burdens of motherhood. Saint Mother Teresa said to turn to her often: 

"If you ever feel distressed during your day — call upon our Lady — just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit — this prayer has never failed me."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta

I am so very grateful on this Mother’s Day weekend for my faith. It is true that the vocation of motherhood comes with many graces, and I rely constantly on this for strength. Part of becoming a little worn and tattered in motherhood is that we are forced to rely more on God and less on ourselves. To me, this is a relief. Like the Skin Horse in The Velveteen Rabbit, I know there is a price for being “real,” but I will gladly pay that price. I am tattered and well-worn—yet it is the wonderful realness of motherhood that makes me a very happy mother indeed! 

Mother’s Day is almost here! 

If you're stumped on gift ideas, no need to panic...we’ve got you covered. We’ve lined up some great inspirational gifts that moms will love.

Listed below are five great Mother's Day ideas that will ensure your mom has a pleasurable and relaxing Mother’s Day. Making Mom happy is your #1 priority on the second Sunday in May!

Gifts For The Outdoors

Find this and all of our garden flags here.

Garden gifts are a popular gift idea for most mothers, and rightly so, since Mother’s Day is in May (hello, flowers) and most moms love to have a beautiful outdoor area. 

Gardens are a great place to relax outside and breathe in nature’s beauty. But gardens can also serve a spiritual purpose when adorned with Catholic garden gifts. Gardens are a wonderful place to pray and enjoy spiritual refreshment, helping your mom to remember that just as statues of angels and saints surround her in the garden, so too the angels and saints surround her in reality, always offering up prayers on her behalf.

Coffee and Kitchen Accessories

Does your mom enjoy a good cup of coffee? Give her one of our great mugs, tea towels, or coffee products—and coffee, of course! We roast it ourselves right here in Charlotte, NC.

Find our great coffee and coffee products here.

Luxury Bath Soap

Our line of Immaculate Waters Bath & Body products are incredibly popular with mothers! They are made with grotto water from the miraculous springs in Lourdes, France.

In addition to containing this special water, these special bath soaps and body lotions also contain luxurious ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, aloe vera, rose fragrance, and lavender essential oil.

Give your mom a bit of spa-like luxury in the comfort of her own home.

For the Mind and Heart

Give your mom the gift of spiritual wisdom with a wonderful Catholic book!  

Catholic books provide insight, inspiration, and encouragement to live a life of faith—all good things that your mom will appreciate this Mother’s Day.

Find our great selection of books here.

Catholic Jewelry

Give your mom something new to wear, such as a bracelet, necklace, or other Catholic jewelry.

Choose a beautiful piece of jewelry that offers her spiritual encouragement, too.

Showing Moms Our Gratitude

These Catholic Mother’s Day gift ideas will help create the perfect relaxing day for your mom!  

What's a better way to spend Mother’s Day than with lovely scenery, a good book, a relaxing bath, or a new piece of jewelry from a very thoughtful husband or child? 

Not much, and I’m sure your mom will agree!

This article has been updated. It was originally published in May 2013. © The Catholic Company. All rights reserved.

There’s a strange thing about worry.

It’s this: we aren’t fully convinced we should resist it. Worry seems a fitting response to a situation. It shows we realize the gravity of a problem and are taking it seriously.

Worrying can even feel like a constructive thing to do. Without realizing it, some of us are subconsciously saying to ourselves, “I may not be able to do anything, but at least I can be really concerned, which acknowledges a real problem and shows my sympathy and who knows? It might help, or bring about a resolution. At the very least, I will not be surprised by anything bad that happens.”

Unfortunately—as we all have experienced—the situation will not be changed or improved by worry. (And we're not talking about clinically-diagnosed anxiety, but the more common anxiety occasioned by everyday fears.) 

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The sad thing is, worrying makes things worse. It doesn’t support good habits, it doesn’t get us to bed early, it doesn’t encourage peaceful prayer, it doesn’t soothe digestion, it doesn’t support heart health. Nor does it make us pleasant to be around.

This is not meant to downplay anxiety. Families are facing very real problems and even crises. But the awful thing is that worry increases the weight of our burdens—and people with massive burdens don’t need anything to make them heavier. 

Hard as it is, it’s important to remember that we are never in control. Only God is.

In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.
—Job 12:10

My confidence is placed in God who does not need our help for accomplishing his designs.
—St. Isaac Jogues

We aren’t “in control”—we can’t force results from any circumstance—but we aren’t helpless.

So what can we do when we feel anxious?

Here are thirteen tips—thirteen small but real things you can do—when feelings of anxiety wash over you. 

1. Tell Our Lord, conversationally, about your fears.

This is not sentimental. This is real.

The God-Man is our savior, our hope, our everything. He is terrifyingly real and powerful. He is also mercy itself.

Emmanuel means God-with-us. He came to be with the children of men. Even in parishes whose doors are locked, the Word Made Flesh is there in the monstrance, being with His people.

Speak honestly to Him, whether during established prayer times or as you go about your day. Speak as you would naturally express yourself; as you would confide in someone you trusted implicitly. Discuss your fears and concerns with Him. If you don’t trust Him and His plan, admit this to Him openly, and ask Him to grant you needed graces.

2. Say Mother Teresa’s prayer to Our Lady.

Mother Teresa turned to Our Lady in her troubles. She said:

“If you ever feel distressed during your day—call upon our Lady—just say this simple prayer: Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now. I must admit—this prayer has never failed me.”

Say this beautiful prayer to Our Lady whenever you feel anxious.

Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.

We can’t crush anxiety through willpower. But we are not alone in it.

3. Make spiritual reading a daily habit.

“What is spiritual reading?”

Spiritual reading is the slow, prayerful reading of a book that nourishes the spiritual life. This means the Sacred Scriptures or books by trusted writers, such as saints and good theologians. Frank Sheed, for example, is a layman who wrote powerful books that are worthy of every Catholic’s attention. And the saints’ writings are always trustworthy.

“I thought only nuns did spiritual reading?”

Nope. Everyone should do it.

What do you say? The reading of these good books does not concern you? But I find this duty more incumbent on you, than on those living in the security of the cloister. For you who sail on the open sea, whether you [choose] it or not, are beset by a thousand occasions of sin. Thus the aid of spiritual books is for you a necessity...you who are in the midst of battle, must protect yourself with the buckler of holy thoughts drawn from good books.
—St. John Chrysostom

Don't neglect your spiritual reading. Reading has made many saints.
—St. Josemaría Escrivá

How is spiritual reading done? Choose a book. Decide how long you will read. Ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes is good. Begin with a prayer. This is the traditional one:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of thy love.

V. Send forth thy spirit and they shall be created.

R. And thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray. O God, who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Read for the allotted time. When something strikes your attention, discuss it with Our Lord. Your reading should be slow and reflective, but don’t hold yourself back if you’re naturally a fast reader. Just don't rush and you’ll be fine. Click here for a treasure trove of spiritual books. 

4. Ponder Sacred Scripture.

Now is the time to delve into Sacred Scripture. Lectio divina is an important practice for the spiritual life. You can learn how to do so lectio divina by clicking here.

Here are some verses to ponder that seem fitting for our present anxieties:

...the Lord, your God, carried you, as one carries his own child, all along your journey until you arrived at this place.
—Deuteronomy 1:31

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. ]If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.
—Matthew 6:25-34

5. Have a daily routine.

You’ve probably seen people everywhere commenting on the importance of a daily routine during quarantine.

Do you have one? Will you establish one? What practices, habits, and schedules can you adopt or continue? Is prayer a crucial part of your daily routine?

If you discover personal benefits from sticking to a routine, write them down. Share them with others, if you like! We all appreciate encouragement, and it’s helpful to know what is helping someone else.

6. Choose cheerfulness.

This is harder for some of us than others. God gives some people a disposition of cheerfulness that bubbles over like champagne.

The rest of us find it much harder to behave cheerfully when doing so seems to go against everything we’re experiencing. We’d rather steep in those genuine emotions.

Like love, cheerfulness is a choice. We have to choose it. This takes effort, but the effort seems to decrease the more we make it.

So many people can benefit from our cheerfulness! Even ourselves—and especially those who live with us.

Try to fulfill each day’s task steadily and cheerfully. The life of a true Christian should be a perpetual jubilee, a prelude to the festivals of eternity.
—St. Théophane Vénard

7. Focus on the present moment.

Jesus Himself told us to focus on the present moment. He said that today has enough troubles of its own without us looking to the future for more (Matthew 6:34).

Don’t ask yourself, “But what if…?”

Don’t think about what “might happen” or what is “likely to happen.”

Don’t listen to the predictions of reporters. Don't get hung up on the predictions of “experts.” The fact is, no one really knows what’s going to happen. (God is the only true Expert. He doesn’t make educated guesses based on the data at hand—He simply knows.)

Be prudent in the moment. Focus on the present need.

Fulfill what is required of you right now. And that is all.

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8. Think outwards rather than inwards.

When you become aware that you’re focusing on yourself, practice thinking “outwards.” Try to think of at least one person who has needs that you might be able to address. Maybe think about someone who is more anxious than you. Consider how you could serve someone in your household. Send a handwritten note to someone who lives alone. Maybe there is an elderly person who needs groceries.

Small but important: when you are at the store, smile at fellow shoppers and checkout clerks. Many people are feeling stressed when they go food shopping. There’s tension in the aisles. So give a cheerful smile to people you see—you may be surprised by how much it lifts you out of your own anxiety!

9. Make a list of projects and take action.

There’s a cluttered cabinet under the sink calling your name. A closet of disorganized chaos that smacks your conscience when you open the door.

And how about all those clothes you know you’ll never actually wear? They need to be gathered up, and washed, and prepared for donations. Even if the bag just sits in your car for now you’re one step closer to getting these things donated.

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What projects around the house have been waiting for attention? Now is definitely the time. There’s nothing like getting  dirty and accomplishing tasks for pushing anxiety out the door.

10. Read a book at the same time as a friend. Call to talk about it and share thoughts.

Do you have a friend with similar reading tastes to your own?

Why don’t you each decide to read a practical book at the same time? You can pick a favorite title or try something new. Ideally, keep pace with each other as you read.

Then set up a call to talk about it. Discuss what strikes you. When you call, make a cup of coffee or a pot of tea. Pour some wine. Or whiskey. Have a drink and a lively discussion across the miles, whether they be three or thirty or three thousand.

11. Get fresh flowers.

Next time you’re out for groceries, grab some flowers from the store’s florist section. There are usually some ready-made bouquets that are relatively inexpensive. Carnations, for example, are some of the cheapest you’ll find—and those chipper little flowers manage to look good right into the third week! 

Flowers bring life, hope, and beauty to the home. It is amazing how much something like this can make a difference in your mood, especially on a wet or cloudy day. It might sound silly, but try it!

12. Go for a walk outdoors.

If you are able to where you live, go for walks outside. If not daily, at least a few times a week!

Look up at the sky, look around you, breathe deeply, listen to the birds. Don’t bring headphones and music—save that for inside. I suggest being really present to the world around you. Let the beauty of creation penetrate you.

Studies are proving that walking outdoors works wonders for the mood and the mind. And if you walk briskly, with good posture, you’re getting the best kind of exercise for your body.

13. Find the stamps. Write a letter.

Now is the time. It doesn’t matter what you think of your handwriting or whether you think you’ll have anything worthwhile to say: write a letter. It can be two paragraphs long. Or five pages. You can write it on that stationary you bought five years ago, or you can tear pages out of a notebook. Talk about the weather, if you like.

I can attest, from personal experience, that there is nothing like getting an unexpected handwritten note in the mail. Think of it: you go to check the mail, glumly, and pull out the odious ads and the unpleasant bills and then...you see very human writing, perhaps very familiar handwriting…you see your name written with affection, not stamped by a heartless machine...and you realize that there is an honest-to-goodness letter for YOU. That calls for a pot of fresh coffee and a treat.

We’re so disconnected in this supposedly-connected world that you might not even have your friend’s address. Well, be mysterious. Send them a text or email asking for their current mailing address. Don’t explain. It’s quite intriguing, actually. Friends won’t even ask why you want their address. They get a sense of expectation, though, for they know not what; and that’s pleasant in itself.

Bonus Thoughts...

Gratitude is an important practice, and one that is a powerful source of encouragement. When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to count up the blessings that you have and are surrounded by.

And for your own sake, limit your news intake! Many people find that listening to news updates in small bits every few days—rather than for hours at a time (or constantly) through the day—is enormous in relieving stress, fear, and pressure.

Hopefully these tips were helpful, if not original.

Keep your chin up, and your eyes on God.

...we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
—Romans 5:1-5

 

What have you been doing to channel anxiety?

Is there something you would add to this list?

Share your thoughts and ideas with us in the comments below!

I have friends whose purses are as well-stocked as a pharmacy. If anyone needs an aspirin, some chapstick, or a band-aid, they are always prepared.

I'm not that person. Even at home, it took me a while to establish a solid supply of batteries, flashlights, and other necessary emergency items. In fact, I can remember the day I finally stock up on those essentials. It happened after the power went out—for almost a week—in our neighborhood in Indianapolis during an ice storm. That situation taught me that being prepared is essential. Now the shelves in my pantry are stocked with emergency items.

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But it's not just physical preparedness that is important—spiritual readiness is essential, too.

This global pandemic has shown us that we should have essential items for our spiritual needs. Finding peace in these unsettling and uncertain times is not easy, yet we can—hopefully—find this sense of stability and hope in our own homes.

One way to do this is to create a "prayer corner" in your home.

A prayer corner can be any space in your home—no matter how small—that invites prayer and reflection. If you intentionally create this space, it is more likely that you will use it for the purpose of spending time in prayer or spiritual reading. 

I remember my pastor asking us parishioners in a homily once, "Do you have a special place to pray in your house?"

The question surprised me a little. I had never really considered dedicating a particular spot in my home to prayer. But once I did establish a special spot, it has fostered thoughtful meditation and prayer.

This is more important now than ever. Due to restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, most Catholics are not able to physically go to Holy Mass—our best option is to livestream Mass at home. Placing just a few items—such as a crucifix, a candle, or a statue—near the place where you watch Mass can instantly create a more prayerful atmosphere. 

Even when we are able to go back to Mass, having a prayer corner is important for your prayer life. It encourages us to take time out of our busy days to be with Our Lord.

If you have a family, creating such a spot in your home serves another essential purpose: it shows your children the importance of making time and space for God. And making the home a bit more sacred is a great way to offer up our daily labors to God. 

Especially in these uncertain times, let's remember the "essentials" that impact our souls and help our homes reflect the love, dependence, and trust we have in God. 

Here are some suggestions for your prayer corner:

1. A Bible

It's important to have a good translation of the Bible at home. This Ignatius edition is fantastic. If you'd like to browse through some more options, you can do so by clicking here.

2. A Mary Statue

The "Our Lady of Grace" statue is beloved to Catholics. And every Catholic home benefits from having a statue of Jesus, and even figurines of family member's patron saints. You can find a whole collection of statues right here.

3. A Decorative Lantern for Statues or Candles

Small statues display beautifully in this decorative lantern. Candles might work well, too. (Just be careful, and keep an eye on live flames!) If you'd like other options for decorative lanterns (some with sympathy themes, or inspirational themes) you can click here.

4. A Saint Candle

Light a holy candle during prayertime or a livestream Mass. It really does help create a sacred atmosphere. You can blow it out as soon as the liturgy (or your prayertime) has ended to help the candle last as long as possible! There are more candles here, if you're looking for a different saint. 

5. A Flameless Candle

Flameless candles are a safer option for households with children. This Holy Family one is so beautiful!

6. A Catholic Prayer Book

It can be so helpful to have a book of traditional Catholic prayers. They really do guide our conversation with God, and help us form our thoughts and petitions. When you feel dry or discouraged, turn to a good prayer book, and let it inspire you. There are many more good prayer books right here.

7. A Classic Spiritual Work

Spiritual reading is crucial for the interior life! If you've ever wondered why you feel like you've been in the same spiritual place for a long time, rather than growing and advancing, it might be because you're in need of spiritual reading. St. Josemaría Escrivá's books are so practical and helpful for laymen. You can also find other good spiritual books here. 

8. A Standing Crucifix

Standing crucifixes are the best. You don't need to hammer any holes in the wall or struggle with Command Strips. This little St. Benedict cross can be placed just about anywhere—it's small, and therefore portable. But you can also find a larger standing crucifix and find a perfect spot for it in your home! There are more standing crucifixes here.

9. A Holy Water Bottle

Now that we can't dip our hands in the holy water fonts at church, it's important to have a proper receptacle at home that you can fill and keep in a place that's easily accessible to the family. There are more holy water bottles here. 

Learn why holy water is so important: 8 Ways To Use Holy Water

10. Sacred Images

Sacred art lifts our hearts and minds to heaven and reminds us that God is always with us. There is more beautiful sacred art here. 

11. Icons

This handpainted icon stands up on its own. And it's small, so you can put it just about anywhere. Perfect for a prayer corner that's in a small space! There are more icons here.

12. Prayer Cards with Inspiring Quotes and Bible Verses

We all need hope and encouragement on rough days. Prayer cards—and especially these cards that feature sacred art and Catholic quotes—are ideal for keeping close by. You can read one each morning, as you face a new day! There is a vast selection of prayer cards here. 

Do you have a prayer corner or home altar?

If not, will you make one—maybe give it a special devotional theme?

Let us know if you'd suggest anything helpful for a home altar!

Prayer is a necessity for living an authentic Christian life. In fact, prayer is not only essential—it is also our primary means of communicating with God. Of all the Church’s treasures, there is nothing more rich and varied than its prayer, both communally and in the individual lives of its members. 

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Our greatest teacher is Jesus Christ, and He is the One to whom we must go to learn how to pray. The disciples knew this: "[Jesus] was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray...'" (Luke 11:1). The Gospels reveal to us the intimate conversation between Jesus and the Father and we learn how to pray by imitating the profound communion between them.

Sacred tradition teaches us that the prayer of a committed and persevering Christian ascends to higher levels in three main stages. In the Western Catholic tradition, these three stages are called vocal prayer, mental prayer, and contemplative prayer. In the Eastern Catholic tradition, these stages are called bodily prayer, prayer of the mind, and prayer of the heart. 

As prayer moves through these three stages it becomes more simple, perfect, and intimate, deepening from recited words to ineffable affections of the heart.
—School of Prayer

Vocal prayer consists of words recited aloud or silently. Mental prayer, also known as meditation, is silent prayer offered without words—in it, our minds transcend human language to meditate on the eternal truths behind the words of various prayers. Finally the third stage of prayer, contemplation, is that “prayer of the heart” in which “words and thoughts diminish as we enter into a loving, contemplative gaze of the Holy Trinity who dwells within us.”

Keep in mind that there is not "one right way" to pray. Each of us has a unique relationship with God, and prayer is the way we relate to Him. Each person prays uniquely. Still, there are universal aspects to prayer. 

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Ultimately, prayer is a gift. Without the grace of the Holy Spirit, we could not even begin to pray. And when we pray consistently, we begin to learn that we do not always pray in the way we should, or for the right things, which is why we need God's help: "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words" (Romans 8:26).

In the consoling words of Pope Benedict XVI, we see how Our Lord gives us the gift of prayer:

In prayer we experience, more so than in other dimensions of life, our weakness, our poverty, our creatureliness, because we stand before the omnipotence and the transcendence of God. And the more we progress in listening and in dialogue with God, for prayer becomes the daily breath of our soul, the more we perceive the meaning of our limits, not just before the concrete situations of every day,  but in our relationship with the Lord, too.
—A School of Prayer: The Saints Show Us How to Pray, p. 206

The Church encourages various wonderful ways in which to pray. One very special method was first introduced by the Church Fathers. This holy reading, meditating, and praying with scripture is called lectio divina, or “divine reading.” 

What is Lectio Divina?

Pope Benedict XVI referred to the ancient tradition of lectio divina as a “prayerful listening to the Word of God.”

It is from this prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture, especially, that the Church has developed and taught its holy doctrines through the millennia. If we consider the ultimate prayer of the Church—the Holy Mass, which is the source and summit of our life in Christ—we can more easily understand how the reading of Scripture and the sacraments are fused in the prayerful liturgy.

The liturgy of the Word and liturgy of the Eucharist together form "one single act of worship"; the Eucharistic table set for us is the table both of the Word of God and of the Body of the Lord.
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1346

We can see how the prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture has always fueled the spiritual life of the Church. This is the basis of lectio divina. 

Lectio divina is a great river that carries all the riches accumulated over the course of Church history by the fervent readers of God’s Word. Lectio divina is never solely our own reading. It feeds on the interpretation of those who have preceded us…if we persevere in lectio divina and silent listening to what the Spirit is saying to the Churches, our effort will be rewarded by unheard-of jewels and riches. 
—Cardinal Robert Sarah

In the 12th century, a holy Carthusian monk named Dom Guigo II gave specific structure to lectio divina in his famous work Scala Claustralium (The Ladder of Monks).

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In “The Ladder of Four Rungs,” he formulated a four-fold approach to praying with Holy Scripture: reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. We use this common method of lectio divina right up to the present day.

What use to spend your time in reading or listening to the deeds of the Holy Fathers, unless we bite and chew on them through meditation, and draw out somewhat and swallow it and send it to the heart, so that we may find, and by this understand, our own defaults, and after such knowing that we set ourselves to work that we may attain those virtues that were in them? If you will have your meditation richly rewarded you must pray with devotion, through which you may win to the sweetness of contemplation. Through this then you may understand that reading without meditation is idle, meditation without prayer is without effect, but prayer with devotion wins contemplation. …Thus should we climb by this ladder from degree to degree, from stair to stair, and from virtue to virtue, until we see the God of gods in Sion, that is, in the bliss of heaven.
—Scala Claustralium, The Ladder of Monks by Dom Guigo II

How to Pray with Sacred Scripture

The USCCB has provided a helpful summary on how to pray with Scripture using this four-step method of lectio divina, which we will quote here:
 

1. Read

The first element of this type of prayer is reading (lectio): you take a short passage from the Bible, preferably a Gospel passage and read it carefully, perhaps three or more times. Let it really soak-in.

2. Meditate

The second element is meditation (meditatio). By using your imagination enter into the Biblical scene in order to "see" the setting, the people, and the unfolding action. It is through this meditation that you encounter the text and discover its meaning for your life.

3. Pray

The next element is prayer (oratio) or your personal response to the text: asking for graces, offering praise or thanksgiving, seeking healing or forgiveness. In this prayerful engagement with the text, you open yourself up to the possibility of contemplation.

4. Contemplate

Contemplation (contemplatio) is a gaze turned toward Christ and the things of God. By God's action of grace, you may be raised above meditation to a state of seeing or experiencing the text as mystery and reality. In contemplation, you come into an experiential contact with the One behind and beyond the text. 

The Fruit of Praying with Scripture

King David said to the Lord, “I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

As Christians, we must also treasure the Word of God in our hearts. In order to live in a way that is pleasing to Our Lord, and to gain the graces He wants to give us through meditating on His Eternal Word, which formed our very being, St. Paul admonished us to, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). 

Holy Scripture is the Word of God addressed to every human being. Therefore, it is relevant in every time and every place.
—Catechism of the Ukrainian Catholic Church

We can expect to glean much spiritual fruit through the practice of praying with scripture, as Cardinal Robert Sarah encourages: “Through Sacred Scripture, when it is listened to and meditated upon in silence, divine graces are poured out on man.”
 

Most of the information in this article comes from the Good Catholic series School of Prayer. In addition to information on lectio divina, School of Prayer contains so much more information, such as: the two things necessary for true prayer; the four different kinds of prayer; the three levels of prayer; how to identify and overcome the common obstacles to prayer growth; practical tips for developing better habits of prayer; how to pray as a family…and more! Sign up for the series here. 

Uncertainty is the new normal here in America as we encounter the realities of COVID-19.

But it's important to remember that families and organizations are fighting their own battles abroad, as well. The pandemic found its way into Jerusalem and the Holy Land—changing everything—on March 5, 2020. All tourists were evacuated, save a small group under quarantine; the checkpoints were closed, allowing no exits or entries. Every restaurant, hotel, bank, and school closed for a stated of emergency, furloughing all employees without pay. 

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All the holy sites, places of worship, and tourist attractions were closed. Today, it is estimated that a mere 10% of the workforce is receiving salaries.

Pregnancies don’t stop for pandemics, of course, and the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem remains open and committed to caring for the most vulnerable mothers and babies of the region.

Yes, the number of staff is diminished due to the number of employees who must stay home to take care of their children. A few staff members are quarantined due to their recent travel.

One of the operating rooms has been recommissioned as an isolation ward for infected patients. The infection control measures have stepped up in alignment with Palestinian Health Ministry protocols. 

The remaining staff are working longer hours and ensuring that the doors of the Hospital are open to all without regard to need or creed. The Hospital remains a cheerful and welcoming place, dedicated to the highest standards of care. 

COVID-19 has quickly devastated the local economy. This, in turn, greatly impacts the Hospital and Foundation.

Given the already-fragile economy in Bethlehem, the prospects of several weeks or more without salaries are unimaginable. The current 50% subsidy for all Hospital services which has allowed the families of Bethlehem to access care at the Hospital will no longer suffice. The social workers who work closely with poorer families to determine sliding scale payments are already encountering families who don’t have enough money for food, let alone medical care. The risk that women might deliver their babies at home—to avoid hospital fees—is growing.

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Holy Family Hospital Foundation is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of the families of Bethlehem. 75% of the households who come to the hospital earn less than $800 per month, so patients without salaries will be given fees that amount to almost nothing.

This generosity, of course, means that the Hospital will need to find ways to cut even more expenses and look for additional revenue. The Foundation will redouble its efforts to find new private and institutional donors to ensure that the mothers of Bethlehem can deliver their babies in a safe, clean hospital—as well as ensure that any premature and sick newborns have a good chance of survival.

Lent is an important time for almsgiving—but this Easter, faced as we are with unprecedented challenges, will also be an important time to give alms. Consider giving an offering to the Holy Family Hospital to lighten its burden and bring hope to the doctors, nurses, and patients.

Most importantly, please keep the Hospital, its staff, and the families of the Holy Land in your prayers—and include the intention of the Foundation's fundraising success throughout 2020.

Click Here To Donate

Click Here To Get Your Parish Involved

Christ is in the tomb. This year we feel it and we know it in a particular way. We miss Jesus. We want to go back to Mass. We want to meet Jesus again in His sacraments.

Sometimes we wonder at the Apostles’ behavior after the crucifixion: they ran, they hid, they were scared, they were confused.

But how could that be? Jesus had told them this would happen. Did they not listen? Did they not believe him? He also told them that He would rise in three days. Were they not paying attention?

When we give their behavior a little more thought, it is less confusing. Of course they were afraid that they would be crucified next, right?

And their fear of what might happen sheds light on our own behavior, as well.

As Christians, were we not given promises, as well? Didn’t Jesus tell us He would be with us until the end of time? Didn’t He promise His faithfulness to us and to the Church?

And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.
—Matthew 28:20

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
—John 15:7

We know Jesus told us these things and so much more! And yet, when our crosses come to us we tend to act like the Apostles: confused, frightened, and sad.

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Jesus is in the tomb, and rather than waiting confidently for the resurrection, we can give in to loneliness, aggressive self-reliance, or doubt.

Holy Saturday isn’t just a day to get through so that we can get to Easter. It is a beautiful opportunity to recognize Jesus’ sacrifice and to confidently prepare for His resurrection. It is a chance to ponder what life would have been like without Him—what life would be like without a savior.

Jesus is in the tomb. If you are feeling like a scared disciple, you can challenge yourself to joyfully and confidently believe in Jesus’ promises: you can prepare for the resurrection.

Conversely, if you struggle to focus on the “reason for the season,” you can make a concerted effort to center your thoughts and actions around the solemnity of this time.

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Here are some simple ways to fully and confidently participate in Holy Saturday.

1. Encourage a reflective, quiet atmosphere at home.

If you read our Good Friday post, you know that we recommended keeping a certain amount of silence during the day.

Well, now we are commemorating Jesus' time in the tomb, and it’s still a great practice to turn off music and noisy distractions. The absence of background noise alerts us to the fact that something is missing—Jesus is in the tomb. We are waiting for Him!

However, this is a hopeful silence, a silence pregnant with expectation and joy! Jesus rises tomorrow and we know it! We believe it.

2. Get the house ready for Easter.

In our house, we wash windows and curtains, vacuum and mop, bake and cook.

We find all the flowers we can and put them in vases all over the house. We make the house as beautiful as possible. The whole family gets involved!

If we can, we open the windows and let the breeze in. We have to get our house ready for the King because we know He is coming very soon!

3. Read a meditation and make time for mental prayer.

Don’t get so caught up in Easter preparations that you forget to make time for prayer.

Set aside time for prayer, spiritual reading, meditation, and quiet conversation with God and His Mother.

4. Go to confession, if possible.

If confession is not available, make a devout Act of Contrition.

Just like we prepare our house for the celebration of His resurrection, we ought to prepare for His resurrection in our souls!

5. Read aloud an ancient, powerful Holy Saturday homily.

The Church treasures a heart-rending homily that is very ancient. It was incorporated into the Liturgy of the Hours.

It would be beautiful to read this aloud to the entire family on Holy Saturday. You might be surprised at how even younger kids grasp some of the meaning—kids are usually much more capable than people think they are!

As you read this, take your time with it. There is no need to rush. Let your imagination paint vivid pictures of the homilist's words.

An Ancient Homily From Holy Saturday

Something strange is happening—there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear.

He has gone to search for our first parent, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow the captives, Adam and Eve, he who is both God and the son of Eve. The Lord approached them bearing the cross, the weapon that had won him the victory. At the sight of him Adam, the first man he had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: “My Lord be with you all.” Christ answered him: “And with your spirit.” He took him by the hand and raised him up, saying: “Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. Out of love for you and for your descendants I now by my own authority command all who are held in bondage to come forth, all who are in darkness to be enlightened, all who are sleeping to arise. I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be held a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead. Rise up, work of my hands, you who were created in my image. Rise, let us leave this place, for you are in me and I am in you; together we form only one person and we cannot be separated.

For your sake I, your God, became your son; I, the Lord, took the form of a slave; I, whose home is above the heavens, descended to the earth and beneath the earth. For your sake, for the sake of man, I became like a man without help, free among the dead. For the sake of you, who left a garden, I was betrayed to the Jews in a garden, and I was crucified in a garden.

See on my face the spittle I received in order to restore to you the life I once breathed into you. See there the marks of the blows I received in order to refashion your warped nature in my image. On my back see the marks of the scourging I endured to remove the burden of sin that weighs upon your back. See my hands, nailed firmly to a tree, for you who once wickedly stretched out your hand to a tree.

I slept on the cross and a sword pierced my side for you who slept in paradise and brought forth Eve from your side. My side has healed the pain in yours. My sleep will rouse you from your sleep in hell. The sword that pierced me has sheathed the sword that was turned against you.

Rise, let us leave this place. The enemy led you out of the earthly paradise. I will not restore you to that paradise, but I will enthrone you in heaven. I forbade you the tree that was only a symbol of life, but see, I who am life itself am now one with you. I appointed cherubim to guard you as slaves are guarded, but now I make them worship you as God. The throne formed by cherubim awaits you, its bearers swift and eager. The bridal chamber is adorned, the banquet is ready, the eternal dwelling places are prepared, the treasure houses of all good things lie open. The kingdom of heaven has been prepared for you from all eternity.

We're Almost There!

Easter is about to arrive. The Vigil will soon be here. 

Cultivate a joyful expectation. No matter how uncertain our future or surroundings, we can rejoice in the God who has conquered all.

In the world you shall have distress: but have confidence, I have overcome the world.
—John 16:33

O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?...But thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
—1 Corinthians 15:55, 57

Most of us have not received Jesus in Holy Communion for weeks. As we approach the holiest feast of the year—Easter Sunday—we feel this loss more acutely.

Many Catholics are making—or encouraged to make—spiritual communions.

But what is a "spiritual communion"?

What Is A Spiritual Communion?

The Baltimore Catechism defines spiritual communion in a few simple lines:

"A spiritual communion is an earnest desire to receive Communion in reality, by which desire we make all preparations and thanksgivings that we would make" if we were about to receive Jesus sacramentally—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

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The Bellarmine Forum, referring to the Catechism's definition, uses similar words:

"Spiritual communion consists in awakening within the heart a lively desire to receive holy communion."

Why Make A Spiritual Communion?

Why make a spiritual communion? Does it really have any effect? We aren't receiving Jesus physically in the Host. Why don't we just be patient and pray and wait to be able to receive Him again sacramentally?

There is indeed a reception of grace from spiritual communion. Of course, the better disposed we are—and the more we reject sin—the more graces we shall receive.

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"Spiritual communion," continues The Bellarmine Forum, "is the means of enriching the soul with many and precious graces."

Jesus Himself, speaking to St. Catherine of Siena, told her that He placed her sacramental Communions in a gold chalice, and her spiritual communions in a silver chalice. "Both chalices are quite pleasing to me," Our Lord said.

How Do I Make A Spiritual Communion?

How do we make a spiritual communion? Is there an official spiritual communion prayer? Is there a specific method of preparation?

No and yes. 

No, there isn't one official prayer—as many of us have discovered through internet searching. There isn't an official method of preparation, either. 

However, the answer to "how" is simple and may seem obvious: prepare for a spiritual communion the way you would prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.

We are not required to fast, of course, though fasting is deeply important to the spiritual life and should be cultivated as a more-frequent practice.

W should be reverent; humble; modest; and so on. We should mentally collect our thoughts and prepare our hearts as best we can. We should make an Act of Contrition.

"To make a spiritual communion is a matter of no difficulty," writes The Bellarmine Forum, "it is enough to recollect one’s self for a few minutes, to place one’s self in spirit before the tabernacle, and to say: 'Lord Jesus, come, I beseech Thee, into my heart.'"

We can offer one of the traditional prayers for spiritual communion (listed below) and then we must spend time in thanksgiving, just as we do when receiving Holy Communion at Mass. (That is one of the reasons why we must never leave Mass early!)

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Embrace Our Lord interiorly, offering Him thanks from your heart.

St. Leonard of Port-Maurice offered this guidance for making a spiritual communion:

...excite in your heart an act of true contrition, and humbly striking your breast, in token that you acknowledge yourself unworthy of so great a grace, make all those acts of love, of self-surrender, of humility, and the rest, which you are accustomed to make when you communicate sacramentally, and then desire with a lively longing to receive your good Jesus...And to kindle your devotion, imagine that most holy Mary, or some saint, your holy advocate, is holding forth to you the sacred [Host]; [imagine] yourself receiving it, and then, embracing Jesus in your heart, reply to Him, over and over again, with interior words prompted by love: “Come, Jesus, my Beloved, come within this my poor heart; come and satiate my desires; come and sanctify my soul; come, most sweet Jesus, come!” This said, be still; contemplate your good God within you, and, as if you really had communicated, adore Him, thank Him, and perform all those interior acts to which you are accustomed after sacramental Communion.

Traditional Prayers For Spiritual Communion

Here are some beautiful traditional Catholic prayers for making a spiritual communion.

1. Act of Spiritual Communion by St. Alphonsus Liguori 

My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee.

Amen.

2. Act of Spiritual Communion

O Immaculate Queen of Heaven and Earth, Mother of God and Mediatrix of every grace: I believe that Thy dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, is truly, really, and substantially contained in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love Him above all things and I long to receive Him into my heart. Since I cannot now receive Him sacramentally, be so good as to place Him spiritually in my soul.

O my Jesus, I embrace Thee as One who has already come, and I unite myself entirely to Thee. Never permit me to be separated from Thee. Amen.

3. Act of Spiritual Communion

As I cannot this day enjoy the happiness of assisting at the holy Mysteries, O my God! I transport myself in spirit at the foot of Thine altar; I unite with the Church, which by the hands of the priest, offers Thee Thine adorable Son in the Holy Sacrifice; I offer myself with Him, by Him, and in His Name. I adore, I praise, and thank Thee, imploring Thy mercy, invoking Thine assistance, and presenting Thee the homage I owe Thee as my Creator, the love due to Thee as my Savior.

Apply to my soul, I beseech Thee, O merciful Jesus, Thine infinite merits; apply them also to those for whom I particularly wish to pray. I desire to communicate spiritually, that Thy Blood may purify, Thy Flesh strengthen, and Thy Spirit sanctify me. May I never forget that Thou, my divine Redeemer, hast died for me; may I die to all that is not Thee, that hereafter I may live eternally with Thee. Amen.

4. Prayer For Spiritual Communion

In union, O dear Lord, with the faithful at every altar of Your Church (especially at...[name of your parish, for example]) where your death and passion are pleaded before the Father, I desire to offer you praise and thanksgiving. I present to you my soul and body with the earnest wish that I may be ever united to you. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I implore you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, and embrace you with all the powers of my soul. O let nothing ever separate me from you, let me live and die in your love. Amen.

Final Notes

How often can we make a spiritual communion? Very often. You could even make one every hour. 

We must remember that spiritual communions—though holy—are not an ultimate replacement for sacramental Holy Communion. But they are an incredible gift from Our Lord. He is so generous with us. 

Spiritual communions are the "silver chalice." As we await the "gold chalice," may the Holy Spirit bring about in us a profound hunger and longing for Jesus, that we might know and love and serve Him better.

Keep Reading: How To Offer Up Your Intentions At Mass

Keep Reading: 8 Ways To Use Holy Water

This Holy Week, many of us are searching for ways to bring the celebration of the Triduum into our homes. Without the ability to go to our parishes and take part in the traditional liturgies, we must instead celebrate the Paschal Mystery within our "domestic churches"—that is, within our families.

Many of the Triduum's liturgies can be easily adapted to the home: we can venerate the cross or pray the Stations on Good Friday; we can eliminate noise on Holy Saturday, to remember Christ in the tomb; and we can have a celebratory family meal, a feast to celebrate Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

But Holy Thursday presents a particular problem, since the main way that the Church celebrates Holy Thursday is through the Mass of the Lord's Supper—a celebration that is unavailable to us at home (except through livestream, which is a blessing, but not a replacement).

However, there is another, lesser-known Holy Thursday tradition that can easily be adapted to the home: the Seven Churches Pilgrimage.

St. Philip Neri established the Seven Churches Pilgrimage in Rome around 1553, and it grew into the well-established practice of visiting many of the common pilgrimage sites around the city.

The pilgrimage works like this: after attending the Mass of the Lord's Supper—once Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament was reposed in the tabernacle—pilgrims leave the church and go to one of the seven pilgrimage churches and spend some time there in prayer, following Our Lord's command to "keep watch" with Him. After some time in prayer, the pilgrim moves on to the next Church, spending some time there as well. This would continue throughout the night, until the pilgrims have visited the seven major churches in Rome and meditated on the many events of Our Lord’s Passion.

This pilgrimage is made every year in Rome. It’s even done around the world: people who live in urban areas will drive to seven churches around their city in order to imitate the original pilgrimage.

Do The Seven Church Pilgrimage From Home This Holy Week

How can this practice of “visiting seven different churches” be adapted when we can’t leave the house? Simple: prayer. The point of the Seven Churches Pilgrimage isn't to walk around the pretty city streets at night: it's to keep Our Lord company as He enters His Passion.

The most important part of the pilgrimage is not being physically present in the building, but bringing ourselves into the presence of God and offering Him our time.

This Holy Thursday, we’d like to help you do that by offering you a “virtual pilgrimage” to the Seven Churches, and invite you to pray with us at each “visit.”

We’ll show you a picture of the church in Rome where the pilgrimage would take place, and invite you to meditate on one of the episodes of Jesus’ life between the Last Supper and the Crucifixion.

Then, after spending some time—a few minutes, at least—meditating on the Gospel reading, pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be. Then, move on to the next “visit,” keeping Jesus company as He enters His Passion.

1st Visit: Santa Maria Maggiore

Meditation: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. When He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation."
—Luke 22: 39-46

Pray for the intentions of the Pope. Say an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

2nd Visit: San Lorenzo fuori le Mura

Meditation: Jesus Bound and Taken Before Annas

The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said." When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, "Is that the way You answer the high priest?"
—John 18:19-22

Pray for the intentions of the Pope. Say an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

3rd Visit: Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

Meditation: Jesus Taken Before the High Priest Caiaphas

But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, "I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus said to him, "You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy."
—Matthew 26:63-65

Pray for the intentions of the Pope. Say an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

4th Visit: San Giovanni in Laterano

Meditation: Jesus Taken Before Pilate

Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
—John 18:35-37

Pray for the intentions of the Pope. Say an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

5th Visit: San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura

Meditation: Jesus Taken Before Herod

Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing. And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate.
—Luke 23:8-9; 11

Pray for the intentions of the Pope. Say an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

6th Visit: San Paolo Fuori le Mura

Meditation: Jesus Taken Before Pilate Again

Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Crucify Him!" And he said, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they kept shouting all the more, saying, "Crucify Him!" When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves." And all the people said, "His blood shall be on us and on our children!" Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.
—Matthew 27:22-26

Pray for the intentions of the Pope. Say an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

7th Visit: San Pietro in Vaticano

Meditation: Jesus Given the Crown of Thorns and Led to His Crucifixion

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. After they had mocked Him, they took the scarlet robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him.
—Matthew 27:27-31

Pray for the intentions of the Pope. Say an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

After the Seven Church Pilgrimage...

After the pilgrimage, there is nothing left to do but to enter into the commemoration of Good Friday. We offer some ideas about how to observe that solemn day at home with your family, in this post. 

We hope you find this “virtual pilgrimage” helpful for entering into prayer on Holy Thursday. 

If you enjoyed it, let us know about your experience in the comments below! 

This is the third article in a new series on "How to Celebrate Holy Week at Home."


On Good Friday we contemplate—and enter deeply into—the suffering and crucifixion of Our Lord. Like the Apostles, we mourn the death of Jesus.

This is the only day of the year when Mass is not offered by any priest, anywhere.

And this year, we acutely feel the “loss” of our Jesus. Now we know what it is like to not have Him readily available to us in the Most Holy Eucharist. Like the disciples, we are shut up in our home, uncertain about what will happen next. For the first time in our lives, the usual liturgies and traditions of Good Friday (such as the Veneration of the Cross) will not be available to Catholics except through livestream.

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Our participation will not be the same.

However, with a little preparation, we can set Good Friday apart from all other days and truly enter into the Mystery of our Salvation. We can take the haunting beauty and gravity of the Good Friday liturgy and introduce it into our own homes.

How? Here are five tips.

5 Tips for Commemorating Good Friday

1. Eliminate all secular and unnecessary noise.

Turn off all music, movies, podcasts, the radio, and TV for the day. Put away your phone and stay off social media. Try to plan your week so that you don’t have to do any shopping on Good Friday.

By eliminating distraction, we can more easily meditate on the passion of Jesus as we go about our day, care for our families, and complete household duties.

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All this might sound really hard—and it does take a firm decision of the will—but it is important to honor the holiness of this day. You can absolutely do this! God will give you the grace!

2. Observe silence during the hours Jesus hung on the cross.

Jesus was on the cross between the hours of noon and three in the afternoon. That’s usually when our parishes hold their Good Friday services—and of course and many churches are livestreaming the Good Friday liturgy this year.

As a mother of small children, it has been several years since I have attended. Instead, we have found other ways to observe this time. For example, we try to be as silent as possible during these hours—even the children try to do silent activities. Everyone goes about their work, but we keep talking to a minimum. This allows time for reflection.

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This varies based on age, of course—a toddler can’t be silent, but even six-year-olds are able to understand why we’re being quiet when it’s explained to them! Let them color, or look at books, etc.

During this time, you can also do the Stations of the Cross and pray in front of a crucifix.

3. Use visuals.

It's really helpful to create a special prayer corner, or holy space. There you can contemplate images of the suffering Savior. 

Read Further: How to Create a Home Prayer Corner in 4 Easy Steps

And for the younger ones? Every year my children build a tiny tomb out of rocks or bricks in our garden. After three o’clock, they place a stone in front of their little rock cave.

When they wake up on Easter morning the rock has been removed, and little flowers or Easter treats are found in its place. Do you live alone? There’s no reason why you can’t do the same! Visuals help all of us, young and old.

Another tradition in our family is to “plant” a Good Friday tree. The kids find some sticks and prop them up on Good Friday. On Easter Sunday there are ribbons and flowers and candy tied to the sticks to make an Easter tree!

This year, my children are using twine and sticks to make fourteen little crosses. We are going to place them around the yard and pray the stations (weather permitting) outside.

4. Keep a vigil with Our Lady.

In the evening, after the day’s activities are done (and kids are in bed), keep a silent vigil. You can read a spiritual book, say the Rosary, read Scripture, or simply sit in silence.

Take this time to be with Our Lady in her sorrow.

5. Begin the Divine Mercy Novena.

This chaplet can (and should) be prayed frequently and at any time, but Good Friday marks the “official” start of the Divine Mercy Novena. Catholics around the world pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet according to the instructions given to St. Faustina by Jesus Himself.

You can find guides, resources, and supplies for the Chaplet by clicking here.

This is a powerful novena that has profound graces and promises attached to it, through Jesus’ mercy.

We hope you find these suggestions for Good Friday Helpful.

If you end up trying any of these ideas, let us know!

Are you honoring the Sacred Triduum alone, or with your family? What are your plans for honoring these holy days?

What are you missing most about participating in Holy Week at your parish?

What ideas would you like to share with other readers? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

This is the second article in a new series on "How to Celebrate Holy Week at Home."

He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer...”
—Luke 22:15

These words of Jesus are as true today as they were when He spoke them to the disciples on that first Holy Thursday.

Jesus desires to be with us now, this Holy Week and always.

It is natural for us to be distressed by our empty, closed churches. It is a true loss that we cannot be with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and in Holy Communion.

However, we can take comfort knowing that Jesus “earnestly desires” to be with us! That is why He instituted the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist: “I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you” (John 14:18).

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The memorial of Holy Thursday is a profoundly important celebration. It was on this day that Our Lord gave us an incredible gift—the ability to be united with Him not only spiritually, but physically. The gift of the Holy Eucharist is beyond measure—a gift that we are learning not to take for granted!

Since we are not able to attend Holy Thursday Mass at our parishes, and participate in its processions, we should do what we can to commemorate this special day in other meaningful ways.

By incorporating some of the ideas below, Holy Thursday can be a special time in which we draw closer to Christ within the confines of our homes.

6 Ideas for celebrating Holy Thursday

1. Veil your statues.

During the final weeks of Lent, the Church veils (covers) sacred images of Christ, Our Lady, and saints in purple cloth. This alerts us to the gravity of this solemn time. As Stephanie Mann wrote in The National Catholic Register:

...the Church deepens its penitential efforts as we prepare to remember Our Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection; the reception of the Elect at the Easter Vigil, and the renewal of our Baptismal promises. The statues are hidden just as Jesus’s Divinity was hidden while He was Incarnate on earth; the altar is stripped just as Jesus was stripped; the tabernacle is empty and the sanctuary candle extinguished just as Jesus seemed to have been vanquished by death: we are all veiled in the Paschal Mystery.

Read further:

A Lenten Tradition: Veiling the Cross for Passiontide

Why Catholics Have Statues (And 5 Reasons You Should, Too)

When we cover up our statues and holy pictures at home, it deprives us even of that consolation of looking at that sacred image—allowing us to enter into the experience of His death and burial, in which He was taken from the sight of Our Lady and the disciples. This holy tradition also heightens our anticipation for Easter.

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You can use nice tissue paper, cloth napkins, or other pieces of cloth as coverings. They must not be decorated or sheer. Use solid colors, and purple specifically, if you possibly can.

If you don’t have enough to cover every holy image, just cover the most prominent ones.

2. Wash each other’s feet.

It is a beautiful tradition to imitate Our Lord’s humility when He washed the feet of His disciples. Some families practice humility by doing this at home—for example, the father of the family might wash the feet of his wife and children.

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There are also other ways in which you can serve those in your family. Try to do at least one act of service for each person throughout the day. Another option is for the family to pull names (secret-Santa-style) and try to serve that family member in little ways throughout the day.

3. Have a special memorial dinner.

We commemorate the Institution of the Holy Eucharist (and the priesthood!) on Holy Thursday.

You can make Holy Thursday dinner special by dressing up in your best clothes, taking extra care when setting the table, and preparing an extra-nice dinner.

A few years ago, my family started using this tutorial [click here] to hold a separate “memorial dinner” right before we eat the actual nice dinner. This memorial dinner draws from a traditional Passover “Seder” meal. It has specific items of food that are taken from (or inspired by) the Old Testament and the food eaten by the Israelites in obedience to God.

When my family does this, we talk about each item as it is presented, so that everyone understands.

You can adjust the ritual to suit your family—for instance, we make a roast, rather than lamb, use crackers rather than matzah, and we give the kids juice instead of wine.

The point of this special meal is to remember God’s action throughout salvation history and to grow in appreciation and love for the Eucharist. Even when the meal is interrupted by a spilled drink or a giggle over a mispronounced word, it is a tradition that we all look forward to!

4. Keep watch with Christ.

Set some aside time in the evening for prayer. Put away the phones and turn off the TV and do an hour (or more) of “adoration” in your home. It would be nice to set up a little home altar at which to pray. Whatever you do, have a set place and a set time during which you “stay and watch” with the Lord, as He requested.

And he cometh to his disciples, and findeth them asleep, and he saith to Peter: What? Could you not watch one hour with me?
—Matthew 26:40

If you have kids, it’s a good idea to do a shorter time—maybe ten minutes or so. After they are in bed, you can continue to keep company with Christ.

The important thing here is to just be with Jesus. You don’t have to do anything special, just keep watch with Him for an hour or so. Spiritual reading can be helpful in keeping your mind from wandering.

5. Say the Rosary.

Mary was with Jesus during His passion. She stayed by His side with St. John. Say the Rosary and ask Our Lady to help you never leave Jesus’ side.

6. Make a Spiritual Communion.

Since you cannot receive Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, make a spiritual communion during your time of “adoration.” Jesus knows the situation we are in, and He will stop at nothing to be with us in every way possible.

Each of these ideas can be as simple as you need them to be. The point of these activities is not to have a perfect night: the point is to honor the day and, like Mary, to accompany Jesus in His passion.

Click here for more Lent resources: Lent Resources

I am praying for a fruitful Holy Week for each of you!

What are you planning to do on Holy Thursday?

Do you have traditions? If so, what are they?

Will you use any of these suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!

Most of us are familiar with the Divine Mercy image. 

Many Catholics pray the chaplet of Divine Mercy frequently, and have this powerful image hanging in their homes or printed on a prayer card.

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The Marian Fathers at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy are encouraging Catholics to place the Divine Mercy image on their front doors to show "an incredibly powerful act of faith." 

They are making this easy for us by offering a free download of the image to print at home.

Fr. Chris Alar, from the Marian Fathers of Divine Mercy, explains how to do this in a YouTube video. (The verbiage of "sealing our doorposts" is no doubt taken from Exodus 12, in which the Lord commanded the Israelites to sprinkle their doorposts with the blood of the lamb.)

Fr. Alar says, "We urge you to place an image of Jesus the Divine Mercy—facing outward—to express your trust in the Lord's promise of protection." 

While he suggests using an image that is blessed by a priest, he explains how the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that laypeople are allowed—in particular situations—to "administer" certain blessings, such as the blessing of an image.

"While making the sign of the cross over the image say, 'O Lord I seek your blessing upon this image. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.'" 
—Fr. Chris Alar

Fr. Alar goes on to say, "The Lord, the lamb sacrificed for us from whose heart flows blood and water, the stream of God's Mercy upon the whole world...The Lord promises us through Saint Faustina that the soul who venerates this image will never perish. He also promises victory over our enemies already here on earth especially at the hour of death and to defend us as his own Glory. The Lord said by the means of this image I shall be granting many graces to souls so let every soul have access to it."

Blessed Michael Sopocko, Saint Faustina’s confessor, once spoke of additional promises that Jesus made to St. Faustina regarding the Divine Mercy image:

When chastisements for sins come upon the world and your own country will experience utter degradation, the only refuge will be trust in My mercy. I will protect the cities and homes in which The Divine Mercy Image is found; I will protect the persons who will venerate [honor] this Image. The only refuge will be trust in My Mercy.

Blessed Sopocko also recalls that Jesus had said:

Let everyone procure for their homes this Image because there will yet come trials. And those homes, and entire families, and everyone individually who will hold this image of mercy in deep reverence, I will preserve from every sort of misfortune. The time will come when all those who do so will give witness to the miraculous efficacy and to the special protection of mercy flowing from this Image.

The Image of The Divine Mercy

You might wonder: what does the image of the Divine Mercy represent? 

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The following is an explanation of the origins of the image from The Divine Mercy website:

In 1931, our Lord appeared to St. Faustina in a vision. She saw Jesus clothed in a white garment with His right hand raised in blessing. His left hand was touching His garment in the area of the Heart, from where two large rays came forth, one red and the other pale. She gazed intently at the Lord in silence, her soul filled with awe, but also with great joy. Jesus said to her: 

Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory (Diary, 47, 48). I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You (327). I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and [then] throughout the world (47). 

At the request of her spiritual director, St. Faustina asked the Lord about the meaning of the rays in the image. She heard these words in reply:

The two rays denote Blood and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him (299). By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works (742). 

These words indicate that the image represents the graces of Divine Mercy poured out upon the world, especially through Baptism and the Eucharist.

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Many different versions of this image have been painted, but Our Lord made it clear that the painting itself is not what is important. When St. Faustina first saw the original image that was being painted under her direction, she wept in disappointment and complained to Jesus: "Who will paint You as beautiful as You are?" (Faustina's Diary, 313).

In answer, she heard these words: "Not in the beauty of the color, nor of the brush lies the greatness of this image, but in My grace" (313).

So, no matter which version of the image we prefer, we can be assured that it is a vehicle of God’s grace if it is revered with trust in His Mercy.

Find the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalski and other books, prints, and resources for The Divine Mercy here.

This is the first article in a new series on "How to Celebrate Holy Week at Home."

Palm Sunday is right around the corner. This has always been one of my favorite Sundays of the year.

As a kid, when Palm Sunday rolled around, I knew that the “torture” of Lent (remember, I was just a kid) was almost over—I could almost smell the Easter candy coming my way.

During Mass, the Gospel transported me right to the scene of Jesus’ passion. I felt like I was right there—in the middle of everything. And what kid doesn’t love getting to hold a palm during the homily?

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Many of us are saddened by the fact that we will be celebrating Palm Sunday at home this year. One thing is certain: this will be a memorable Palm Sunday.

In an effort to live out the mystery of the passion with life and joy, I wanted to share some ideas to help your family have a fruitful Palm Sunday celebration.

5 Tips for Celebrating Palm Sunday at Home

1. Start with a procession.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, everyone was so excited that they wanted to honor Jesus. They wanted to celebrate His coming to their city.

Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
—Matthew 21:8-9

In the same spirit, you can find anything that shows your excitement that Jesus is coming to your home.

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It’s springtime here in North Carolina and the flowers are in full bloom. Any flowers or pretty branches could be used for a procession around the house. Start outside, if the weather permits! If you can’t find flowers or branches, have the kids decorate homemade signs that say “Hosanna!”

Hold up your branches or pictures and process around the house singing a hymn or saying “HOSANNA! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

2. Tell the story of the Passion to your kids.

If you have little children, tell them the story of Jesus' Passion—even if they're heard it before. As moms know, children love to have stories repeated to them!

There are beautiful editions of bible stories out there that are perfect for reading aloud to children. The Read-Aloud Book of Bible Stories by Amy Steedman is a great option, and has beautiful illustrations. There are other options for kids here.

3. Participate in Mass.

Watch a livestream Mass and participate in the Gospel responses—just as you would in Church. You can use a missal to follow along.

When you participate in a livestream Mass, it's also very important to dress as you would if you were going to Mass. This really helps create the right mindset and atmosphere for adults in particular—and also makes a big impact on children's understandings of what is going on here at home!

4. Be together.

Plan a family activity for the afternoon. This will likely be the most memorable Palm Sunday of your life, so make sure that you take some time to really soak it in. Be together—take some time to enjoy being outside...go for a walk...play a board game.

While you spend time together, ask open-ended questions such as: “What do you think Jesus was thinking when He was riding on the donkey and everyone was shouting for Him?”

The point is not to find the “right answer” but to really place yourself in the Gospel scene as if you were there. In this way, we can draw closer to Jesus through “holy imagination.”

5. Plan for Holy Week.

What are you going to do this week? How are you going to give yourself to God and really live this last week of Lent? Jesus desperately wants to be with us—how are we going to be open to Him?

We can pray a daily Rosary. We can “attend” daily livestream Mass. We can read a book that draws us into the Passion. 

There are many options and opportunities available to us. The important thing is to write down our plan—otherwise, it might remain just a nice idea.

Let us delve into Holy Week, ready to fully participate!

We hope these ideas help to ease the burdens you are experiencing.

We are praying for you and for your family here at The Catholic Company!