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Mission Santa Clara

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We had a glorious Friday outing on the feast of St. Anselm.

We visited one of the California missions with our beloved Sisters and friends — all to venerate the miraculous Catalá Crucifix.

➕

O God, let me know you and love you so that I may find joy in you; and if I cannot do so fully in this life, let me at least make some progress every day, until at last that knowledge, love and joy come to me in all their plenitude.

While I am here on earth let me know you fully; let my love for you grow deeper here, so that there I may love you fully. On earth then I shall have great joy in hope, and in heaven complete joy in the fulfillment of my hope.

O, Lord, through your Son you command us, no, you counsel us to ask, and you promise that you will hear us so that our joy may be complete. Give me then what you promise to give through your Truth. You, O God, are faithful; grant that I may receive my request, so that my joy may be complete. #stanselm

The Last Week of Advent

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I’ve learned that this is how it has been culturally celebrated amongst many Mexican families. We were not one of those families growing up. We got together with all the relatives at my grandmother’s house and feasted on all the food & presents. Some would “attend” Midnight Mass together.

It looked nothing like how we do it now — we don’t even put gifts under our tree during Advent. The focus is never on the material gifts for us, only preparing our hearts to give to the Christ Child.

The Merry Christmas Beggar’s is now a favorite of my boys who get to listen to it at bedtime with Dad. It works outs since we do we away with technology & TV aside from a few occasional holy options.

A new tradition that has seemed to takeover the Nutcracker play, setting up a nativity at our State Capitol.

This year’s tree is slightly taller than our 12 foot artificial tree. We’re hoping that there are no allergy issues. But we’ll probably not keep it up for the entire Christmas season (40 days until the Purification of The BVM/Candlemas – Feb 2) to be on the safe side.

Consecration of Russia

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A priest of tradition speaks clearly to refute the mixed messages and compel us to remain steadfast in prayer.

Is anyone outside of being reached by the Holy Ghost?

What did Our Lady actually ask?

What is our role?

What will it (true Consecration of Russia) lead to, usher in, and mean?

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee!

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee!

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee!

And for those who do not have recourse to thee especially all Communists, Freemasons, and other enemies of Holy Mother Church.

St. Lucia

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Dad has Scandinavian & Italian blood but we celebrate this glorious feast day because we are Catholic and seek the intercession of our beloved St. Lucia.

We seek to use the beautiful customs which have been inspired by the liturgical customs to inspire our family to make a feast day marvelous — to give greater glory to God and a special saint.

And sometimes it’s super simple — store-bought donuts and a reading of the saint’s life (as pictured from last year’s celebration).

May it all lift our minds to Heaven where the Saint of Light sings in the glorious Choir of Virgins.

May all the feast day celebrations in our homes be a way to invite Heaven to work miracles again for the faithful through the intercession of the members of the Church Triumphant, the Saints — our modest attempt to restore Christendom within our own families.

SANTA LUCIA, ORA PRO NOBIS.

This year we will have a simple brunch at 10 am after our children’s first lessons of the day. We will turn on our tree lights in the house and the candles in the windows. We will offer our family rosary & Advent devotions earlier so we can make our first trip to see Christmas lights in town while enjoying a hot drink & treat.

The drive ended with Compline. Dad tucks them into bed and we will return to our normal Advent Plans – awaiting the Christ-child with our set out penance, devotions, and an exterior reflective of our interior.

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