Lena {JOYfilledfamily}

I have NOT Arrived

March 3, 2011 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Fitness, Health, Running 5 Comments

I’m prayerfully working on becoming fit and healthy. The journey has not been entirely smooth. In fact, it has even been painful at times.

with shoes

without shoes

“I forget the past and strain ahead for what is still to come. I am racing for the finish, for the prize to which God calls us upwards to receive in Christ Jesus.” ~Phil. 3:14

I do it all in prayer and with the support of my family & friend/accountability partner.

Still, it is a constant act of the will. I continue to be tried and tested.

My pray is for perseverance. I’m running for physical and spiritual fitness.

“Tackling serious matters with a sporting spirit gives very good results. Perhaps I have lost several games? Very well, but — if I persevere — in the end I shall win.” ~ St. Josemaria Escriva, Furrow, 169

This journey is for Him.

Relic Pilgrimage

March 2, 2011 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: 07 July Saints, Pilgrimage, Relic, St. Mary Magdalene 2 Comments

“The relics, hidden at the time of the Saracen invasions (Early Middle Ages), were found in 1279, the date from which they have been venerated without interruption,” said Bishop Rey in a letter certifying the authenticity of the relics. “They are presently kept by the Dominican priests in the cave of St. Baume, a part of my diocese. A new reliquary has been constructed to allow one of the relics, a piece of the tibia, to travel to different countries for veneration by the entire Church.” Catholic.org

Photo: Catholic News Agency

Relic of St. Mary Magdalene

We have been blessed with a visitation of the Relic of St. Mary Magdalene. The relic visited parishes with 2hours from us. I first learned about the visit from my parish. We had the visitation on our calendar but almost missed it.

This was the second stop of our Relic Pilgrimage. Our first stop was the relic of heart of St. John Mary Vianney. Sadly, we missed our original second stop, the relic of Don Bosco.

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We arrived at the Poor Clare Monastery in time for veneration.

The nuns sang in adoration while the faithful were able to venerate the relic.

This relic is a portion of Saint Mary Magdalene’s tibia – shinbone.

Papi and his siblings were beyond thrilled to be able to obtain a third-class relic and pray for special intentions.

3rd Class Relic: something that has been touched to a 1st or 2nd Class Relic. You can make your own 3rd Class relics by touching an object to a 1st or 2nd Class Relic, including the tomb of a Saint.

Sparkles and Sweetie in veneration. Sparkles took the opportunity to have her miraculous medal (which is attached to her scapular) become a third-class relic.

Rose in veneration.

Dragonfly enjoyed his visit. He was especially fond of Sr. Incarnation.

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July 22 Traditional: St. Mary Magdalene, penitent ~ New: Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene

Patron: Apothecaries; Casamicciola, Italy; contemplative life; contemplatives; converts; druggists; glove makers; hairdressers; hairstylists; penitent sinners; penitent women; people ridiculed for their piety; perfumeries; perfumers; pharmacists; reformed prostitutes; sexual temptation; tanners; women.

Symbols: Rich rainment; box of ointment; skull; book; vase of sweet spices; crucifix; open book; boat.

La Sainte Baume . A mountain cave where Saint Mary Magdalene spent the last 30 years of her life in isolation. Her relic continues to be housed here.

RESOURCES:

Tribute to St. Mary Magdalene’s Relic Visit
St. Mary Magdalene Coloring Page – With Jesus after His Resurrection
St. Mary Magdalene with Jesus Coloring Page
St. Mary Magdalene Bio for Kids – Holy Spirit Interactive
Mary Magdalene Bio – EWTN. Listen/watch the video (found in the left hand column) – Fr. Mitch Pacwa and Fr. Thomas Michelet Discuss the story of St. Mary Magdalene and the relic, which came to the U.S. from France for the first time in 1999. Interview with Father Thomas Michelet who accompanied the relic the second part of the 2011 US tour.
The Relics of Saint Marie-Magdalene at La Sainte Baume – EWTN
Another Relic Viewing – Family at the Foot of the Cross
Image Gallery of St. Mary Magdalene
Litany of Mary Magdalene
Video – Homily – St. Mary Magdalene (starts at 5:40)
Reflections on St. Mary Magdalene
Relics & Incorruptible – Fish eaters

PRAYER TO SAINT MARY MAGDALENE

Saint Mary Magdalene,
woman of many sins, who by conversion
became the beloved of Jesus,
thank you for your witness
that Jesus forgives
through the miracle of love.

You, who already possess eternal happiness
in His glorious presence,
please intercede for me, so that some day
I may share in the same everlasting joy.

Amen.

Running The Race For Lent

March 2, 2011 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Nun Run, Running, Team ALL FOR

There’s still time to register to run for a cause with Team ALL FOR!

We will be participating as a shadow running team in the 2nd Annual NUN RUN 2011 – March 12, 2011.

As a member of Team ALL FOR!, you will run wherever you are and whenever you can.

You can select to run a 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, or 1 Mile Walk.

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Register today, March 2nd to ensure that you get your t-shirt and race number mailed to you in time for race day on the 12th.

Just register as normal, check the Shadow Participant box.

(Click here to register now)

Be certain to register as a Shadow Runner and select that you have a team. Enter my name, Lena F, as the team captain. Your form should look like this:

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Link to the online roster and/or email me {JOYfilledfamilyATgmailDOTcom} to let me know that you will be joining Team ALL FOR!

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Members of Team ALL FOR! have a chance to win some great Catholic items from the following supporters…

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Donate here, if you are unable to register for the race but would like to support the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Tempe, AZ, via Team ALL FOR! You will be a part of the team.

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More info on Team ALL FOR! can be found here.

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I am all yours, and all I have is yours. I welcome you into all my affairs and concerns. Show me your heart, O Mary. ~ St. Louis de Montfort

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*Team ALL FOR! was created to bring together Catholic families to glorify God while becoming healthy & fit. The first official activity will be our participation in the NUN Run.

** Shadow Runners are offsite runners. You will run the desired distance in your own locale on the scheduled date.

***I will randomly giveaway any gift that is received, to a member of Team ALL FOR!

Bye-Bye February

March 1, 2011 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: GFG, Papi, Picture Recap

2.11 – rose has been the lil’ crafter of the house. she has designed headbands and is now in the production stage.

2.14 – St. Valentine’s art lesson. inspiration – we used rose’s kindergarten piece that she entered in an art exhibit at the local museum. this is now being displayed in their hallway art gallery.

2.15 – this was papi’s last bout with a week long illness. he put himself to sleep in my bed. dad gave him a treatment while he was sleeping.

2.16 – twins.

2.16 – ladybug’s birthday dinner. papi trying to blow out the flame.

2.26 – my stretching buddy.

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

February 27, 2011 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: 02 February, 02 February Saints, Our Lady of Sorrows, Passionists, St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

“Love Mary! She is loveable, faithful, constant. She will never let herself be outdone in love, but will ever remain supreme. If you are in danger, she will hasten to free you. If you are troubled, she will console you. If you are sick, she will bring you relief. If you are in need, she will help you. She does not look to see what kind of person you have been. She simply comes to a heart that wants to love her. She comes quickly and opens her merciful heart to you, embraces you and consoles and serves you. She will even be at hand to accompany you on the trip to eternity.” ~Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother

SAINT GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS Confessor

Traditional February 27

Gabriel, born at Assisi in Umbria, and called Francis in memory of his seraphic fellow-citizen, gave evidence of great intelléctual gifts. As a young man, when by the gift of God’s mercy he had already been called to a more perfect life, he fell ill and began to weary of the vanity of the world. Entering the Passionist congregation, he chose the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, in order to keep in mind continually both the joys and the sorrows of the Virgin Mary. Honouring her in every way, he was accustomed particularly to contemplating her as worn out and afflicted by Jesus’ sufferings, with such sorrow that he shed a flood of tears. He kept his virginity intact, and, following the strict usage of his congregation, he lived wholly crucified to the world, for God alone. Thus he completed his short life in the exercise of all virtues ; consumed by the fire of charity rather than by the force of his illness and refreshed by the aid of God’s Mother, he went to heaven in the year 1862. Pope Pius X numbered him among the Blessed ; Benedict XV, among the Saints ; and Pius XI extended his Office and Mass to the Universal Church.

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“I will attempt day by day to break my will into pieces. I want to do God’s Holy Will, not my own!” ~Saint Gabriel Possenti

Patron: Abruzzi region of Italy; Catholic Action; clerics; students; young people in general.

Also known as: Francesco Possenti ~ Francis Possenti ~ Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother ~ Gabriel Possenti ~ Gabriel Marie Possenti

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Commemoration of SAINT GABRIEL POSSENTI

Gabriel Possenti (1838-62), the son of a distinguished Italian lawyer, entered the novitiate of the Passionist Fathers, receiving in religion the name of Brother Gabriel of Our lady of Sorrows. The story of the remaining six years of this young saint’s life is largely a record of an extraordinary effort to attain spiritual perfection in small things, but his devotion to Mary was exceptional. Pope Leo XIII said of him: “Because of his filial love for Mary at the foot of the cross, he deserves to take his place by St. John, the beloved disciple, to whom Jesus in His dying hour commended His Mother.”

O God, You taught blessed Gabriel to meditate constantly on the sorrows of Your most sweet Mother, and You exalted him by glorious virtues and miracles. Through his prayers and example may we share the sorrows of Your Mother and come to eternal life under Her motherly care; who lives and rules with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

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RESOURCES:

St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother – The Passionists
St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows Bio for Families – Domestic Church
St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows Bio for Kids – Holy Spirit Interactive
St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows Bio – EWTN
St. Gabriel’s Shrine
Novena to St. Gabriel
St. Gabriel’s 41 Resolutions
Quotes of St. Gabriel
Gallery of St. Gabriel
Litany of St. Gabriel & MORE

NEW ADDITIONS:

St. Gabriel Coloring Page – Catholic Playground

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Prayer to Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother

O good St. Gabriel, God inspired you to love the passion of Jesus as it was reflected in the heart of Mary, his mother. By her side, you stood beneath the cross of Jesus, gazing on him as she did, and sharing her compassion.

O St. Gabriel, we wish, like you, to grow in love for God and all his people. Remember us in the trials of our life. Remember especially those who are young and in need.

Support us, all our days, by your holy prayers. And when this life is done, may we join you in heaven in the joyful company of Jesus and Mary.
Amen.

Saint Gabriel, Ora pro nobis

Prayer to Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother

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