An Introduction to the Devout Life

I recently finished this book written by Saint Francis De Sales. It was a wonderful book for any Catholic to read. It brought me closer to my faith and gave wonderful instruction on how to become truly devout.

It is easy to read, being laid out in short chapters.

Addressed almost as a personal letter to Philothea, the "lover of God" -- which genuinely represents the reader -- the book covers:

• our first desire to lead a devout life to our full resolution to do so
• how we should approach God in prayer and the Sacraments
• the practice of 16 important virtues
• remedies against ordinary temptations
• becoming confirmed in our practice of devotion.

I was so moved by it that I have every intention on re-reading it in about a year or so. I found his advise and lessons very helpful in my everyday life.

Saint Francis De Sales is one of my favorite Saints. I find him to be genuine and very down to earth. I love reading books by Saints. I usually curl up with a refreshment, light a candle and read......I sometimes read out loud to myself. It makes me feel like good ol' Saint Francis De Sales is right there with me. : )

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

I have just completed reading this book. This is the first book that I have read by C.S. Lewis and I AM HOOKED! This book a piece of work......C.S. Lewis is witty, entertaining and opens the readers mind to new possibilities. For anyone who hasn't already read this book I would certainly suggest it.

C.S. Lewis describes and takes the readers along to discover Christianity by mere reason. I caught myself thinking "by God he is right" numerous times throughout the book. His ideas are so on point.

Among friends

Yesterday I experienced the grace of God. I overslept and missed 9 o'clock mass. This is the mass that I generally attend with family and friends. The people I normally go to church with were out of town for Mother's Day and I had talked myself into skipping Mass just this one time....I didn't have anyone to go with and I missed the early mass that I usually attend. I could still go to the 11 o'clock mass.....but like I said, I had talked myself into not going.

Instead, I decided I would read the daily mass readings and stay at home and pray for forgiveness. While reading the daily reading I read the gospel that talks about Jesus being the vine and us the branches. Without him we will bear no fruit. Guilt began to set in. I needed to go to Mass to take part in the Eucharist. The host is like a vitamin for my soul. I needed to take Jesus into me so that I could bear great fruits. Because without him I can do nothing.

I have a personal belief, as silly as it may sound, that if I intentionally skip Mass, I have a bad week. I only believe this because I have personally experienced it. Frankly, after reading yesterday's gospel I no longer think this idea is so crazy.

Needless to say, I went to Mass all by myself. I was victorious against the evil temptation to skip Mass. Alleluia!

When I arrived I seated myself in an empty pew. There I was, all by myself...but I had made it. Next thing I know, I am scooting over for others to sit. I looked around..... I was surrounded by friends! To my right were my next door neighbors....To my left was a family that was in the RCIA with me! God was so proud that I was brave enough to go to Mass by myself and against my own wishes that he made sure that I was not by myself at all. He had surrounded me with friends!

Now, I'm not certain, but I believe this to be an everyday miracle. And it happened to me.....proof that God takes a personal interest in each and every one of us.

I shall remember this the next time I think about skipping Mass. I hope this will help others who are plagued with temptations of skipping Mass. Just go....whatever excuse you can think of for not going, God will satisfy.

The Angelus

Because May is dedicated to the Mother of God, Mary, I have searched for a special way to pay tribute to her during this month. I have recently been introduced to this devotion which focuses on Mary and the annunciation.

The Angelus is a short devotion in honor of the Incarnation, repeated three times each day (morning, noon, and night), at the sound of the bell. The devotion derives its name from the word "Angel".

The prayer is as follows:

V: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary

R: And she conceived by the Holy Ghost.

V: Hail Mary, full of grace: The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of they womb, Jesus.

R: Holy Mary, Mother of God: Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V: Behold, the handmaid of the Lord.

R: Be it done unto me according to thy word.

V: Hail Mary...

R: Holy Mary...

V: And the Word was made flesh

R: And dwelt among us.

V: Hail Mary...

R: Holy Mary...

V: Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,

R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

V: Let us pray.

All: Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace unto our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Please say this special devotion for Mary during this blessed month of May.

Baptism

I thought I would share these photo of this year's Easter Vigil. This collection includes photos of myself being baptized, as well as my 5 year old daughter, Nataylie, confirmation, and my first communion! Alleluia!

Happy Birthday Holy Father!

Today is Pope Benedict XVI's 82nd birthday. Wishing him a wonderful and blessed day!

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday celebrates the waiting at the Tomb of Jesus and meditation on his death. The Easter Vigil is on Holy Saturday and is the last day of Lent.

This Holy Saturday was particularly special for me because my five (5) year old daughter, Nataylie, and I were baptized at the Easter Vigil. It was a beautiful ceremony and a wondrous day and what I believe to be the most important day of my life. I can already notice the Holy Spirit filling my soul. I hope all had a fabulous Easter.