And another book meme! ;-)

Wow...three posts in one day! :-) Now that I'm feeling much better, I'll just catch up on some posts! :-D

Mahalo to Kaila for tagging me for this one!! :-D

Book Meme Rules

1. Pick up the nearest book ( of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

I recently just posted the St. John Bosco post, and so I've picked up that book, Saint John Bosco and Saint Dominic Savio, by Catherine Beebe, that was just lying in front of me. :-)

Okay, here it goes:

"On that day, although he was only seven, he wrote four promises in a notebook. They were his rules for the way he promised to live, and he never broke that promise."

(And then there are his rules!)

1. I will go to confession often, and to Communion as often as my confessor will allow.

2. I will keep holy the feast days.

3. My friends will be Jesus and Mary.

4. Death but not sin.

Wow.....that's really interesting that it happened to be those touching words...:-)

I tag Pueo for this one, and whoever would like to do this! :-D

Another book meme! :-D

Thanks to Aunty Esther for tagging me! :-D

1. What book have you read in the last six months that has really stayed with you? Why?
Hmm.....What did I read last year September? Well, the only book I really remember reading that month was Thecla Merlo Messenger of the Good News, by Domenico Agasso. I really liked it! It's a biography about Venerable Thecla Merlo, foundress of the Daughters of St. Paul. My family and I have been going to the Pauline bookstore for more than five years I think, and it's kinda strange that I've only knew about her just then.

2. What is one of your favorite childhood books?
Do I still count as a child? :-) hehe, anyway, I forgot the title, but I think it was Cookies and Milk or something like that....about a little bear giving up all his cookies and milk to make a dragon happy. I would've given them up too. :-)

3. Do you have a favorite book of the Bible?
Yes, the book of Psalms for the Old Testament and St. Luke's for the New Testament because it has my favorite scripture passage, the Annunciation. :-)

4. What is one book you could read again and again?
My Life with the Saints by James Martin SJ...although I only read it once, I think I would like to read it again and again. :-)

5. Is there a book you would suggest for Lenten reading? What is it and why?
Yes! The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, it is a bit hard to read at first, but after a while you get the hang of it. :-) How could I explain why I would suggest it? It is so.....I don't know, but it is such a great book for reading during Lent that I can't explain how wonderful it is....:-)

And because we all love bonus questions, if you were going to publish a book what would it be? Who would you want to write the jacket cover blurb expounding on your talent?

Probably about a saint...or a mixture of saints. What else? ;-) The jacket cover? I don't know about that....

That was fun! Now, I tag:

Kaila (if you haven't done this one yet) and whoever would like to play along! :-D

Saint John Bosco

My sons, in my long experience very often I had to be convinced of this great truth. It is easier to become angry than to restrain oneself, and to threaten a boy than to persuade him. Yes, indeed, it is more fitting to be persistent in punishing our own impatience and pride than to correct the boys. We must be firm but kind, and be patient with them.

See that no one finds you motivated by impetuosity or willfulness. It is difficult to keep calm when administering punishment, but this must be done if we are to keep ourselves from showing off our authority or spilling out our anger.

Let us regard those boys over whom we have some authority as our own sons. Let us place ourselves in their service. Let us be ashamed to assume an attitude of superiority. Let us not rule over them except for the purpose of serving them better.

This was the method that Jesus used with the apostles. He put up with their ignorance and roughness and even their infidelity. He treated sinners with a kindness and affection that caused some to be shocked, others to be scandalized and still others to hope for God's mercy. And so he bade us to be gentle and humble of heart.

-from a letter by Saint John Bosco

In this post I'll just say some some favorite parts of his childhood. :-)

Son of Venerable Margaret Bosco, John Bosco (1815-1888) had a father that had died when he was just two years old.

At a young age he had a dream that he was in a large field with many savage boys fighting each other. He started to fight too, but then he heard a voice saying, "Be gentle with them. You'll not win their friendship that way--not with blows but with kindness." Then (still in his dream) the rough boys turned into beasts, and all of a sudden little lambs. They began to play peacefully and happily. Then the voice came again and said, "Teach them right from wrong. Teach them the beauty of goodness and the ugliness of sin." John Bosco asked how he could do that, for he never been to school or knew anything. Then the man said, "Try to do as I have told you. If you make the effort and keep trying, I will help you. First I will give you the best of all teachers. She was my first teacher. She will show you how to do all things with love, patience, and strength." Then John saw the most beautiful lady he had ever seen. "I shall teach you...Someday you will understand." John never forgot that dream and told his family about it. He took this dream as a calling to be a priest. His mother felt sorry for him, for they had no way to get the education needed. She only taught her sons prayers and teachings from the Bible that she memorized.

Often times while his mother was off to buy their few needs on market days, he always went off and watched the traveling players put on a show. He usually sat in front, and learned their tricks by careful attention. When John got home, he would start practicing these tricks he learned and play them for other children. He did not ask for money in payment for his shows, but prayers. At least a decade of the Rosary and then he would start his little show for them. His practices at home had paid off. John was performing for the children who were quite naughty sometimes, and now they were actually willing to pray with him!

When John was ten years old, his mother talked to the pastor about receiving the Holy Eucharist since he knew his catechism well. When she walked John home while telling him about her visit, he replied to his mother, "Oh, Mother, if only I can receive Our Lord, I'll be the happiest boy in the world." He started skip ahead with high hopes. When John visited the pastor who wanted to talk with him, the pastor questioned him about what he learned and what he knew. To the pastor's amazement, he answered well, and later learned that he did not know how to read or write well. John quickly explained that his mother taught him. The pastor then welcomed him to join the First Communion class, then blessed him. When the great day finally arrived, John Bosco did feel as if he was the happiest boy in the world.

Prayer

God of mercy, You called Saint John Bosco to be a father and teacher of the young. Grant that inspired by his ardent charity we may serve You alone and never tire of bringing others to Your Kingdom.

prayer and pic from here, and the info came from the book, Saint John Bosco and Saint Dominic Savio, by Catherine Beebe. Another great vision book! :-D

A Gaggle of Friends meme

Cy had the first idea of this meme (and she made up the title), and I just helped her out with the questions :-D

Rules: Answer the questions! You can give a reason for the answer if you like. As for tagging people, you tag as many as you want or as little...minimum of 1. Last of all, have fun!


1. First saint you "met"?

St. Therese I think....


2. Favorite Saint(s)?
Aaah!!! Too many to name!! ;-) I think all my favorite saints now are all the saints...:-) But I'll mention I've said in a previous meme....St. Therese, St. Paul, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Bernadette


3. Patron saint for the year?

St. Anthony Mary Claret! patron saint of weavers!


4. Favorite book by a saint?

By a saint? I think it would probably be their autobiographies...all the ones I read, or have been reading are my favorites already. :-)


5. Saint book you are reading now?

One about Blessed James Alberione and another one about St. Teresa of Avila


6. Favorite movie of a saint?

Therese, and I first saw it a loooong time ago when it was in theaters with my family and some friends. Everyone needed a tissue towards the end and when it finished. I was too, but I didn't even notice. :-) And then there's the Song of Bernadette and Brother Sun and Sister Moon


7. Favorite Autobiography/Biography of a saint?

.....there's a lot I could mention, but.....I like St. Therese's Story of a Soul, and St. Faustina's Diary (Divine Mercy in my Soul)

8. Favorite novel/book of a saint?

Lay Siege to Heaven by Louis de Wohl and some other book but I forgot the title....

9. Saint (besides your favorites) you'd want to meet?

Okay, this one I didn't make up! ;-) But I think it would be St. Pius X....also known as the children's Pope ;-)

10. Saint you look to for help?
hehehe.....let's see, well there's St. Paul for book reports and writing, St. Barbara for math, St. Therese for chores, St. Catherine Laboure for baking, St. Anthony Mary Claret for crocheting, St. Rose of Lima & St. Catherine of Siena for a few reading subjects, St. John Bosco and another saint for English, St. Francis and another saint for the birds, St. Martin de Porres for first aid, St. Teresa of Avila for cleaning up room, St. Margaret Mary and St. Anthony of Padua for remembering things, St. Thomas Aquinas for more studying, and there are a number of saints for blogging.....there are stories behind all these saints that I mentioned that have to do with these things. ;-) hehe....I'll just give some of the reasons why later.

11. Favorite saint quote?

If only I could remember it....Oh wait! One of the many quotes I want to post here, ('cause otherwise this one would be very loooong) :-)

"Live the Gospel. Its maxims, its teachings must be our guide and support. Let us model ourselves on them always. Let our lives be a clear witness to the gospel. God is a very good cameraman and will project the film of our lives. Let us be radiant stars!" -Mother Thecla

I read this on one of our many adorations with the Daughters of St. Paul. Okay, I know she's only venerable, but I think she would make a very good saint! ;-D

12. Favorite Holy Card?

Here's one of my favorites:




13. Favorite story of a saint?

My first favorite would have to be the one about St. Catherine when she entered a baking contest. :-) Okay, here it goes.....Once upon a time her father offered her and her little sister to take part in a baking contest in a fair. Catherine taught her little sister to make these little cakes (I forgot what they were called) and she herself made a big beautiful cake. When the day arrived, they brought their cakes to the judges table and they were strictly told to return at a certain time when the judging was finished. Their father gave them some allowance to spend at the fair, and Catherine's little sister gave a whoop of joy before she said thank you, and ran off with her own friends. So Catherine went around and watched the fun activities by herself, and wanted to buy a little toy for her little brother who could not walk (he had an early accident). As she was skipping along, she noticed a little boy who was crying because he could not find his mother. Catherine felt sorry for this little boy (she herself had a mother who passed away when she was young) and with the small allowance she was given, she bought a little toy for him and took him to find his mother. After a while, a man came to her and told her that he was a church friend of the little boy's mother, and that he would take care of him. Catherine was relieved and she thanked the man, but to her horror, she forgot all about the time! As she raced back to where the competition was held, she hoped that her father wouldn't be worrying about her. She spotted her little sister, and beside her was an upset father. Apparently, Catherine won first place. But she wasn't present to take the prize and she took so long. Catherine received a little scolding right there, but she understood because she knew her father would have been so proud of her. (her father used to be the mayor of that town) But she wasn't sorry at all that she wasn't present, for she knew that she already had a grand prize...the joy of helping someone!

the end.....Okay, so I did add a tiny bit there ;-) And yes, if you read my mom's blog I do make cookies for friends and family. That's also the secret ;-D I say a little prayer to St. Catherine Laboure when I bake them. After a while I realized that it's not the cookies that make me happy, nor the nice comments, but the happiness I giving to my friends and family. ;-)

Oh right, I said I was gonna explain about #10 Okay so St. Barbara is the patron saint of mathematics, and I can't remember the story about St. Rose of Lima once had a hard time reading or something...but after prayers, she got it. And St. Catherine of Siena never knew how to read or write, but after praying, and to everyone's amazement, she learned how to read and write.

And St. John Bosco once forgot his Latin translating book because he was running late...and then all the students gathered around to see what he would do when the teacher found out. But John Bosco grabbed a Latin book and started to translate it....upside-down! The teacher and all the students were amazed! It was like he was doing the impossible. The teacher let it go, but reminded him not forget his Latin book next time.

St. Martin de Porres was a doctor.....

14. If you could go anywhere on a pilgrimage to a saint's homeland, where would it be?

Lourdes!! And Rome too!! :-D


15. Any Blesseds or Venerables you would want becoming a saint?

same as Cy's....

Blessed Damien
Blessed Mother Marianne
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
Blessed James
Venerable Thecla

I tag all the teens!!! ;-D

And whoever would like to do this one!!

St. Thomas Aquinas

If you seek the example of love: "Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends." Such a man was Christ on the cross. And if he gave his life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for his sake.

If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross. Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently, because "when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth."

If you seek an example of obedience, follow him who became obedient to the Father even unto death. "For just as by the disobedience of one man," namely, Adam, "many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one man, many were made righteous."

If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow him who is "the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Upon the cross he was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck, crowned with thorns, and given only vinegar and gall to drink.

Do not be attached, therefore, to clothing and riches, because "they divided my garments among themselves." Nor to honors, for he experienced harsh words and scourgings. Nor to greatness of rank, for "weaving a crown of thorns they placed it on my head." Nor to anything delightful, for "in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink."

from the writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas

source

St. Francis de Sales

A servant of God signifies one who has a great charity towards his neighbor and an inviolable resolution to follow in everything the Divine Will; who bears with his own deficiencies, and patiently supports the imperfections of others. -Saint Francis de Sales


He was born in a castle with a family who wished him to become a lawyer, enter politics, and carry on the family line and power. He studied in Paris and returned home with a position as Senate advocate. Then he received a calling from Christ to "Leave all and follow Me" and saw this as a call to the priesthood. His family strictly objected to this, but he continued to lead a devoted prayer life. After a little while his gentle ways won over and he became a priest.

Prayer by St. Francis de Sales

Lord, I am yours,
and I must belong to no one but you.
My soul is yours,
and must live only by you.
My will is yours,
and must love only for you.
I must love you as my first cause,
since I am from you.
I must love you as my end and rest,
since I am for you.
I must love you more than my own being,
since my being subsists by you.
I must love you more than myself,
since I am all yours and all in you.
AMEN.

source

Blessed Mother Marianne

Maria Anna Barbara Koob (1838-1918) was born in Germany, moved to the United States at an early age, entered the convent in New York, and traveled to Molokai to help the lepers there. When she got there she took over when Blessed Damien passed away. Amazingly she did not catch the disease. She is also the first person beatified by Pope Benedict XVI.

source

Spread the Love Award...

Many many thanks to Aunty Esther, Mom, and Cy for awarding this one to me! :-D





OK, so I will happily pass this award to the following bloggers who I think deserve to be awarded even though some of them already got this one. :-)

Sr. Anne at Nunblog because of all those awesome meditations which of course are like little messages or reminders of His love for us. :-) There are a few Daughters of St. Paul who live on this island but usually what I do to thank them is bake a bunch of cookies for them. ;-)

Aunty Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii!! Lots of great things to read, lots of facts, and lots of love. ;-) Also one of the many bloggers who I actually met in person, and yes, I think everyone would agree (especially my mom) she's full of love! ;-)

Ms. Marie from View from the Pews!! I know she first started this award, but I think she still deserves to be awarded! Why? Go read the blog and find out....:-D

Cy of Therese's Roses and my Mom of Mostly Prayers.....She's my older sister, and then there's Mom....And I think that's said enough. ;-D

Ms. Micki at Holy Cards for your Inspiration!! I think the title says a lot, but please visit her blog anyway. :-D And then you'll see why!!

Well, a loooong time ago (probably last year) there was this nice lady who visited my blog and left a comment on one of my old posts. I read her blog once in a while. If she's still there, then I award Ms. Lily at Never Fading Wood too!! :-D

Saint Agnes

"Christ made my soul beautiful with the jewels of grace and virtue. I belong to Him whom the angels serve." - Saint Agnes



She was only 12 or 13 when all this happened to her. Agnes was ordered to sacrifice to a pagan god, but instead, she made the sign of the cross. Serveral men offered to marry her, but she refused saying that it would be an insult to her heavenly Spouse, and that she would keep her consecrated virginity intact, accept death, and see Christ. She was tortured in a terrible way. When she was finally sentenced to death in a public square by the sword, many close by Christians were inspired by her faith, and began to profess their faith in front of all the soldiers and Roman officials. Many other people began to cry out that they wanted to become a Christian too.

Prayer

All-powerful and ever-living God, You choose the weak in this world to confound the powerful. When we celebrate the memory of Saint Agnes, may we like her remain constant in our faith. Amen.

source

St. Anthony the Abbot

When Anthony was about eighteen or twenty years old, his parents died. Not six months after his parents' death, as he was on his way to church for his usual visit, he began to think of how the apostles had left everything and followed the Savior, and also of those mentioned in the book of Acts who had sold their possessions and brought the apostles money for distribution to the needy. This was all in his mind when, entering the church just as the Gospel was being read, he head the Lord's words to the rich man: "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor - you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me."

It seemed to Anthony that it was God who had brought the saints to his mind, and that the words of the Gospel had been spoken directly to him. Immediately he left the church, and gave away to the villagers all the property he inherited, about 200 acres of very beautiful and fertile land. He sold all his other possessions, as well, giving to the poor the considerable sum of money he collected. However, to care for his sister he retained a few things.

He gave himself up to the ascetic life, not far from his own home. He did manual work because he had heard the words: "If anyone will not work, do not let him eat." He spent some of his earnings on bread and the rest he gave to the poor.

Seeing the kind of life he lived, the villagers and all the good men he knew called him the friend of God, and they loved him as a son and brother.
-from the Life of Saint Anthony by Saint Athanasius

Saint Anthony told his monks: When, therefore, they demons come by night to you and wish to tell the future, or say 'We are the angels,' give no heed, for they lie.... But if they shamelessly stand their ground, capering and change their forms of appearance, fear them not, nor shrink, nor heed them as though they were good spirits. For the presence either of the good or evil by the help of God can easily be distinguished. The vision of the holy ones is not fraught with distraction: 'For they will not strive, nor cry, nor shall anyone hear their voice' (Matthew 12:19; Isaiah 42:2). But it comes quietly and gently that an immediate joy, gladness, and courage arise in the soul. For the Lord who is our joy is with them, and the power of God the Father.

-Ambrose: Life of Saint Anthony

Prayer
Lord God, You gave Saint Anthony the Abbott the grace of serving in the desert in prayer with You. Aided by his intercession, may we practice self-denial and hece always love

You above all things.

Amen.

source

Vocation prayers for priests

O Jesus, I pray for Your faithful and fervent priests;
for Your unfaithful and tepid priests;
for Your priests laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields;
for Your tempted priests;
for Your lonely and desolate priests;
for Your young priests;
for Your dying priests;
for the souls of Youor priests in purgatory.

But above all I recommend to You the preists dearest to me;
the priest who baptized me;
the priest who absolved me from my sins;
the priests at whose Masses I assisted and who gave me Your Body and Blood in Holy Communion;
the priests who taught and instructed me;
all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way.

O Jesus, keep them all close to Your heart, and bless them abundantly in time and in eternity. Amen.


Prayer for Parish Priests by Saint John Vianney


Dear Saint John Vianney, your childhood dream was to be a Priest, to win souls for God. You endured years of toil and humiliation to attain the Priesthood. You became a Priest truly after God's own heart, outstanding in humulity and poverty; prayer and mortification. Totally devoted to the service of God's people. The Church has exalted you as model and patron saint of all Parish Priest, trusting that your example and prayers will help them to live up to the high dignity of their vocation to be faithful servants of God's people, to be perfect imitators of Christ the Savior Who came not to be served but to serve, to give His Life in ransom for many.

Pray that God may give to His Church today many more Priests after His own Heart. Pray for all the Priests under your patronage, that they may be worthy representatives of Christ the Good Shepherd. May they wholeheartedly devote themselves to prayer and penance; be examples of humility and poverty; shining modelss of holiness; tireless and powerful preachers of the Word of God; zealous dispensers of God's Grace in the Sacraments. May their loving devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and to Mary His Mother be the Twin Fountains of fruitfulness for their ministry. Amen.

-Saint John Vianney


source

more prayers...

Prayer for Vocations
Heavenly Father, bless your Church with an abundance of holy and zealous priests, deacons, brothers and sisters. Give those you have called to the married state and those you have chosen to live as single persons in the world, the special graces that their lives require. Form us all in the likeness of your Son so that in him, with him and through him we may love you more deeply and serve you more faithfully, always and everywhere. With Mary we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

-Vocations Committee, Supreme Council, Knights of Columbus


Almighty God, Father of all light, Maker of the world, who has made us in your image, seers and makers - look down into the abysmal darkness of our hearts and see the unutterable destitution into which our spirit and our art have fallen, since we have grown blind to the splendor of your truth. O Lord, who once heard the cry of Israel enslaved in Egypt, who delivered the people with great power and led them with your prophet Moses into the desert, send us now people of vision who will open our eyes once again to see your incorruptible light. O Lord, who showed to Moses on the flaming mountain the plan of a perfect tabernacle, in which a fitting worship could be offered to your majesty, send us chosen messengers and teachers, lovers of worship and art, who will restore with chaste and noble works the beauty of your house! May they teach us to see with pure hearts the splendor of your Son Jesus Christ and to express what we have seen in images worthy of so great a vision: through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, your Logos, your Art and your Splendor, in whom all things subsist and through whom, by the power of the Holy Spirit, all are called to be united with you forever. Amen.

-Thomas Merton

source

Prayers to know one's vocation....

Prayer to Saint Joseph to Know One's Vocation
O Great Saint Joseph, you were completely obedient to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Obtain for me the grace to know the state of life that God in his providence has chosen for me. Since my happiness on earth, and perhaps even my final happiness in heaven, depends on this choice, let me not be deceived in making it.

Obtain for me the light to know God's Will, to carry it out faithfully, and to choose the vocation which will lead me to a happy eternity.

Prayer to Know One's Vocation
Lord Jesus, up until now you have been quietly preparing me to be your disciple. Now the time of preparation is ending. I seem to hear you say to me as once to Peter: Will you also go away?" You were saddened then by friends who failed you. But Peter did not fail. "Lord", he said, "to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

I stand with Peter. Through prayer and counsel, show me, Lord, where it is in your vineyard that you want me to serve. Then give me strength to be faithful.

Mary, Mother and Model, help me to respond in generous love to the call of your divine Son.

picture from here!
both prayers from here!

National Vocations Awareness Week

Heavenly Father, Your divine Son taught us to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His vineyard. We earnestly beg you to bless our Diocese and our world with many priests and religious who will love you fervently and gladly and courageously spend their lives in service to your Son's Church, especially the poor and the needy.
Bless our families and our children, and choose from our homes those whom you desire for this holy work. Teach them to respond generously and keep them ever faithful in following your Son Jesus Christ, that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with the inspiration of

Blessed Damien and Blessed Marianne, the Good News of redemption may be brought to all.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

-Hawaii diocesan prayer for vocations

And another one for one's vocation:

Dear Heavenly Father, I believe that you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. You alone love me for who I truly am and for what I am able to become. Though I make repeated mistakes, you continually offer me new opportunities to grow every moment of the day.

Your Son lived the Way that I must choose is I'm to be transformed and to fully develop my potential. His Way is the only path that leads to true personhood.

Attuned to your Truth, Father, I am capable of leading a wholesome and worthwhile life. The depth of my service to others is dependent on my grasp of your Truth.

May your Spirit overflow into my life that I may have your Life to the full. Give me the strength and the courage to be all that I can be and not to settle for less.

Realizing that my life is a precious gift from you, may I integrate Your Way, Your Truth and Your Life, and make it my own. Amen.

Second prayer found here

Cy posted some more things about this week on her blog too :-)

46# question meme

Hey this one has 46 questions! Whatever happened to those four?? :-) Oh yeah and thanks to Cy for tagging me! (which was around last year) :-)

1. WHO WERE YOU NAMED AFTER?
No one :-(
My parents just picked that name 'cause it was popular back then...oh wait unless you're talking about my blogger name (which is my confirmation name) Charity 'cause....well, that's a long story...um, and Therese because--oh wait you probably know that already ;-)

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Can't remember

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
It's okay...

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Roast beef

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Nope. I have lovebirds! :-D

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I think it would depend on what kind of person I would be...

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT?
sometimes

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
uhh....

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Honey Nut Cheerios! It officially became my favorite when my sibs and I had no popcorn and we just started eating it while watching a movie.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No, I just slip them off

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Not really...strong in what?

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM ?
Any kind of ice cream is fine with me!

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Same as Cy's...If they are smiling or not

15. RED OR PINK?
neither...I'm not allowed to wear those colors because it shows out during Mass

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOU?
Yes, the same thing as Cy's...I have a really hard time talking to people about some stuff

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Once again it is the same thing as hers! Sr. Ludy...an old friend of Mom's. It's strange 'cause my sibs and I only met her once for two weeks

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Shorts...it's too hot to wear pants sometimes, and no shoes

19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
A healthy snack bar of some sort

2o. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
My little brother playing

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Any shade of blue

22. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Anything that doesn't smell bad

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My uncle I think...

24. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Of course!!! ;-D

25. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
During the Olympics I like to watch the gymmnastics for summer, and iceskating for winter

26. HAIR COLOR?
It used to be auburn, and for some reason it is now dark brown

27. EYE COLOR?
brown

28. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
nope

29. FAVORITE FOOD?
Anything Italian

30. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
I don't like watching scary movies 'cause...well, they are scary. :-) Happy endings...the part when the saint goes to Heaven!! :-D

31. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
National Treasure: the book of secrets...I didn't understand some parts, but it was cool!

32. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Gray

33. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Both!

34. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs

35. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Same answer in question 40 in previous meme: Lilikoi shaved ice with vanilla icecream and beans! But if that's not available, then any icecream is fine with me. :-)

36. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Just one book? Last I was reading was a small bit of the Imitation of Christ. I want to make it last long and read some more of it for Lent!

37. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Nothing

38. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
A show about a mystery

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Nice music

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
neither

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Arizona

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I don't know...do I?

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Not around here


Well, I tag anyone who would like to do this! :-)

49# question meme

I decided to have some fun too! Thanks to Aunty Esther for tagging me!! :-D

1. Do you wear a name tag at work?
You mean at Church? Um, no, we have this uniform that's all white...;-)

2. What kind of car do you drive?
Mom and Dad won't let me or my younger brother have a car...only a toy.... (noise in the background: some whirring sound and then a big crash! ;-)

3. What do you order when you go to Taco Bell?
I eat whatever my Dad or Mom orders for me

4. Have you ever had a garage sale?
Yes, once before, and me and my friends used the money to go horseback riding...:-) That was a long time ago...

5. What color is your iPod?
green...and white

6. What kind of dog do you have?
Don't have one...wish I did, but I have birds! :-D

7. What's for dinner tonight?
I had dinner already: pizza and a burger with fries!

8. What is the last alcoholic beverage you had?
?

9. Stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone?
I don't have one so....

10. Last time you were sick?
Sometime last year

11. How long is your hair?
Should I get a ruler and measure it? Um, it's about couple of inches past my shoulders

12. Are you happy right now?
Oh yes!! Very happy!!! :-D

13. What did you say last?
"Yes Mom, I swept the floor!" :-)

14. Who came over last?
I think my Grandma and Uncle...?

15. Do you drink beer?
??

16. Have your brothers or sisters ever told you that you were adopted?
No, but they joked about it once...

17. What is your favorite key chain on your keys?
I don't have any keys...but my favorite ones on my Mom's keys are a crucifix that has images with all the Mysteries, and a rose that has the Miraculous Medal in it.

18. What did you get for graduation?
Um...from preschool?

19. Whats in your pocket?
Well, I don't have anything in my pocket right now, but I always keep a sandwich bag that has a rosary that was blessed by Pope, and a Rosary ring that was blessed by the same Pope, a bandage, and a lens cloth....oh yeah, and some tissue in the other pocket!

20. Who introduced you to Dane Cook?
Who?

21. Has someone ever made you a Build-A-Bear?
No, but my auntie has one, and my siblings and I like to put the pink clothes on her other stuffed animal...Eeyore from Winnie-the-Pooh :-)

22. What DVD is in your DVD player?
Two veggietales: Moe and the Big Exit and Minnasota Cuke, The Fourth Wiseman, and Brother Sun Sister Moon (a story about the youth of St. Francis and St. Clare)

23. What's something fun you did today?
Go to Mass! :-D

24. Who is/was the principal of your high school?
Mom

25. Has your house ever been TP'd?
I don't know

26.What do you think of when you hear the word "meow"?
My neighbor's cat...in the old neighborhood who always begs for a scratch under her chin...unfortunately I am allergic to cats, but I can stand it :-)

27. What are you listening to right now?
The lovebirds chewing newspaper

28. Drinking?
nothing

29. What is your favorite aisle at Wal-Mart?
Same thing as Aunty Esther's! The yarn/knitting and crocheting aisle! :-D

30. When is your mom's birthday?
Guess! :-)

31. When is your birthday?
It last took place last year, and will take place again this year....

32. What's the area code for your cell phone?
I don't have one...

33. Where did you buy the shirt you're wearing now?
Someone gave it to my Mom, and she gave it to me

34. Is there anything hanging from your rear view mirror?
?

35. How many states in the US have you been to?
Only two I think...California and Arizona...oh and Hawaii of course! :-)

36. What kind of milk do you drink?
Soymilk, sometimes 2 percent milk and organic milk, and chocolate milk!! :-D

37. What are you going to do after this?
Email friends, visit blogs and catholic websites with prayers, and write in my journal...

38. Who was the last person you went shopping with?
Mom I think

39. What is your favorite fruit?
Anything fruit is fine with me...

40. What about your favorite dessert?
Yum! Lilikoi shaved ice with vanilla icecream and beans! But if that's not available, then any icecream is fine with me. :-)

41. What is something you need to go shopping for?
A good book and a booklight...Maybe a novel/biography about a saint, and booklight because mine broke 'cause I used it way too much...and now I have to use Cy's, and I think the battery is running out :-(

42. Do you have the same name as one of your relatives?
No, but I have a newborn cousin that was born on my birthday!

43. What kind of car does one of your siblings drive?
Cy doesn't want to drive...

44. Do you like pickles?
Not really

45. How about olives?
better than pickles

46. What is your favorite kind of gum?
I don't usually eat gum

47. What is your favorite kind of juice?
Anything is fine with me...

48. Do you have any tan lines?
Don't know

49. What hospital were you born in?
Hmm...Well, I don't really remember...;-)


That was fun! :-D
Okay, I tag Pueo and anyone else who wants to try too! :-D

Patron saint of this blog for 2008!

Is.....

Saint Anthony Mary Claret!!! Yay!!! Thanks to Aunty Esther for informing me!! :-D

Saint Anthony Mary Claret. :-D (I just had to post the picture here because the one on the sidebar got squished)

Also known as: Antonio María Claret y Clará

Patron saint of: Catholic press, Claretians, Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and weavers!

Yay!! So I guess now he will help me when I can't remember all those codes and stitches for crocheting...

And he also had a special devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary! Last month (or last year) my mom consecrated me to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and now every Saturday I pray the Act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary:

I (name), a faithless sinner - renew and ratify today in thy hands, O Immaculate Mother, the vows of my Baptism; I renounce forever satan, his pomps and works; and I give myself entirely to Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Wisdom, to carry my cross after Him all the days of my life, and to be more faithful to Him than I have ever been before.

In the presence of all the heavenly court, I choose thee this day for my Mother and Mistress. I deliver and consecrate to thee, as thy slave, my body and soul, my goods, both interior and exterior, and even the value of all my good actions, past, present, and future; leaving to thee the entire and full right of disposing of me, and all that belongs to me, without exception, according to thy good pleasure, for the greater glory of God, in time and in eternity.
Amen.

prayer is found here

St. Charles of Sezze

"God does not command us to live in hair shirts and chains, or to chastise our flesh with scourges, but to love Him above all things and our neighbor as ourselves." -Saint Charles of Sezze

John Charles Marchioni (1613-1670) was born in a very poor family, but very pious. He worked as a shepherd as a child, and his parents encouraged his vocation to the priesthood. Unfortunately, he was not a successful and good student like St. John Neumann. In fact, he had a hard time reading and writing, and there was no hope for him to success in the seminary. But this did not stop him from trying to be close to God. He became a Franciscan lay brother at age 22 at least. He did not go on foreign missions, because of his poor health, but did easier work like cooking and gardening at friaries near Rome.

Once he was asked to only give food to friars who were traveling by as a job. Charles strictly adhered to that rule, and then the alms to the friary decreased. After he was allowed to be more open to other travellers, the alms increased.

Charles worked among the plague victims, wrote several mystical works, and at the direction of his confessor, his autobiography: The Grandeurs of the Mercies of God. He had a strong devotion to the Eucharist and Passion, he had an open wound in his side that was opened during the raising of the Host during Mass, and the area was marked with a cross after his death.
Beatified in 1882, by Pope Leo XIII, and canonized on the 12th of April, 1959, by Pope John XXII.

Prayer

St. Charles of Sezze, although you were not able to become a priest, you were still open to what God wanted of you. Help me to always be open to what God wants of me, and to accept all things that He wishes even though it may not always be my own desire. Please help me also to be kind to everyone, not just my own friends, but to others too.

I ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

Amen.

source

St. John Neumann

"Since every man of whatever race is endowed with the dignity of a person, he has an inalienable right to an education corresponding to his proper destiny and suited to his native talents, his cultural background, and his ancestral heritage. At the same time, this education should pave the way to brotherly association with other peoples, so that genuine unity and peace on earth may be promoted. For a true education aims at the formation of the human person with respect to the good of those societies of which, as a man, he is a member, and in whose responsibilities, as an adult, he will share." - Saint John Neumann



Named after St. John Nepomucene, John Neumann (1811-1860) was a quiet boy with four other siblings, and was also an excellent student. He studied theology, astronomy, botany, and some theological topics, and at an early age he felt the call to the priesthood. Years later, he became a seminarian at Budweis, Bohemia. Unfortunately, due to the vast number of priests in Bohemia and because the bishop had an illness, he was not able to ordained even when he was ready.

Later, he decided to travel to America to be ordained and to work with emigres, and he arrived unannounced in Manhattan in 1836. The bishop was glad to have him, since there were about 36 priests working for 200,000 Catholics. John was finally ordained there in June, 1836. He was afterwards sent to Buffalo where he was given a choice by the parish priest, either to be in the city of Buffalo, or of the rural area. John chose the difficult area, rebuilt a church in a small town, and then moved to another town where he built himself a small log cabin. He slept little there, often lived on bread and water, and walked several miles to reach farm after farm.

In 1840, he joined the Redemptorists, and took his vows in Baltimore, Maryland in 1841. He became a home missionary in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In 1847, John Vice-regent and superior of the Redemptorists in America, and in 1852 he became Bishop of Philadelphia.
St. John Neumann built fifty churches, and started on a cathedral, he opened almost 100 schools and the parochial school students grew from 500 to 9000 in his diocese, he wrote two catechisms, many works in German, and newspaper articles.
He was beatified on the 13th of October, 1963, at Rome, Italy, and Canonized on the 19th of June, 1977, by Pope Paul VI.

Prayer

Merciful Father, You have given me all that I have in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others too. Make me aware of the need to pray to You not just for myself but for the Church, the Pope, for the clergy and for people who suffer any need. Make me as selfless as Saint John Neumann. Throughout my life, give me the grace to direct my first thoughts to the service of You and of others. Make my prayer - "Your will be done" knowing that in Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification. I ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

Amen.

source

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

We must pray without ceasing, in every occurrence and employment of our lives - that prayer which is rather a habit of lifting up the heart to God as in a constant communication with Him. - Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

She taught to the other sisters of three rules. First, do God's will.

Second, do God's will and to do it in the manner he wills it.

Third, do God's will and to do it in the manner he wills it, because it is His way.

Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus

V. Lord, have mercy on us. R. Christ, have mercy on us.
V. Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us. R. Jesus, graciously hear us.
V. God the Father of Heaven R. Have mercy on us.
V. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, R. Have mercy on us.
V. God the Holy Ghost, R. Have mercy on us.
V. Holy Trinity, one God, R. Have mercy on us.
V. Jesus, Son of the living God,

R. Have mercy on us. Jesus, splendor of the Father, [etc.]

Jesus, brightness of eternal light. Jesus, King of glory.

Jesus, sun of justice. Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary.

Jesus, most amiable. Jesus, most admirable.

Jesus, the mighty God. Jesus, Father of the world to come.

Jesus, angel of great counsel. Jesus, most powerful.

Jesus, most patient. Jesus, most obedient.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart. Jesus, lover of chastity.

Jesus, lover of us. Jesus, God of peace.

Jesus, author of life. Jesus, example of virtues.

Jesus, zealous lover of souls. Jesus, our God.

Jesus, our refuge. Jesus, father of the poor.

Jesus, treasure of the faithful. Jesus, good Shepherd.

Jesus, true light. Jesus, eternal wisdom. Jesus, infinite goodness.

Jesus, our way and our life. Jesus, joy of Angels.

Jesus, King of the Patriarchs. Jesus, Master of the Apostles.

Jesus, teacher of the Evangelists. Jesus, strength of Martyrs.

Jesus, light of Confessors. Jesus, purity of Virgins. Jesus, crown of all Saints.

V. Be merciful unto us, R. spare us, O Jesus.
V. Be merciful unto us, R. graciously hear us, O Jesus.
V. From all evil,

R. deliver us, O Jesus. From all sin, deliver us, O Jesus.

From Thy wrath, [etc.] From the snares of the devil.

From the spirit of uncleanness. From everlasting death.

From the neglect of Thine inspirations.

Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation.

Through Thy Nativity. Through Thy Infancy.

Through Thy most divine Life. Through Thy labors.

Through Thine agony and passion.

Through Thy cross and dereliction.

Through Thy faintness and weariness.

Through Thy death and burial.

Through Thy Resurrection. Through Thine Ascension.

Through Thine institution of the most Holy Eucharist.

Through Thy joys. Through Thy glory.

V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, R. spare us, O Jesus.
V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, R. graciously hear us, O Jesus.
V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, R. have mercy on us, O Jesus.
V. Jesus, hear us. R. Jesus, graciously hear us.

Let us pray.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who saidst, "Ask and ye shall receive, seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Grant, we beseech Thee, to us Thy suppliants, the gift of Thy most divine love, that we may love Thee with our whole heart, and in all our words and works, and never cease from praising Thee. O Lord, give us a perpetual fear as well as love of Thy Holy Name, for Thou never ceasest to govern those Thou foundest upon the strength of Thy love. Who livest and reignest world without end.

R. Amen.

source

I haven't posted anything since last year! ;-)

Wow, I just remembered that it's St. Therese's birthday today! :-D

It's sometimes easy to remember 'cause there's a little story behind her having a birthday on January 2nd, and that she wished it was on the 1st.

She once wished it was a day earlier because the day kids who were at a certain age in her parish (or something like that) were allowed to prepare for their first communion, on the 1st of January. She would be at the right age of admittance if only it was a day earlier! Poor Therese had to wait another year for her first communion like the rest. :-(

Hehe...I forget where I read that.....:-)