Our Saint of the Day served as a bishop in France for 52 years! 😇
Hello John, I start each day wanting to deepen my relationship with Mary and her son. I often find myself turning to journals as reflective guides. That's why I am so excited to introduce you to Franciscan Media's latest publication, Universal Mother: A Journal for Finding Yourself in Mary. This beautiful and inspiring journal depicts Mother Mary in 20 paintings by Holly Schapker and features personal reflections from artist and art historian Cecelia Dorger! "The paintings in this book portray Mary in various times, cultures, ethnic characters, and styles to show her universal appeal and love for all God's children." —Universal Mother: A Journal for Finding Yourself in Mary If you are like me, then you'll love this journal. Check it out at Universal Mother: A Journal for Finding Yourself in Mary |
Tara Hemelgarn
Marketing Manager |
Saint of the Day for April 1: Hugh of Grenoble (1053 – April 1, 1132)
Saint Hugh of Grenoble’s Story Today’s saint could be a patron for those of us who feel so overwhelmed by all the problems in the world that we don’t know where to begin. Hugh, who served as a bishop in France for 52 years, had his work cut out for him from the start. Corruption seemed to loom in every direction: the buying and selling of Church offices, violations of clerical celibacy, lay control of Church property, religious indifference and/or ignorance. After serving as bishop for two years, he’d had his fill. He tried disappearing to a monastery, but the pope called him back to continue the work of reform. Ironically, Hugh was reasonably effective in the role of reformer—surely because of his devotion to the Church but also because of his strong character. In conflicts between Church and state he was an unflinching defender of the Church. He fearlessly supported the papacy. He was eloquent as a preacher. He restored his own cathedral, made civic improvements in the town, and weathered a brief exile. Hugh may be best known as patron and benefactor of Saint Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order. He died in 1132, and was canonized only two years later. Reflection In the midst of our confusing life these days, let us pray for the ability to rise above the fray and to see things in the light of faith as did Saint Hugh. |
“Shadows evoke the dark side; however, light shines brighter because of them. We are all cherished, regardless of the shadows we have created. With Mary's help we encounter transformation.” —from the book, Universal Mother, by Holly Schapker and Cecelia Dorger |
God Is the Initiator In my experience, there is an almost complete correlation between the degree of emphasis we put on obligations, moralities, and ritual performance, and our lack of any real inner experience. Once we know for ourselves, we will be plenty “moral”—in fact, even more so—but it all proceeds from a free response, from the Trinitarian flow passing through us. It is a response, not a requirement; an effect of having known love, not a precondition for getting love. God is always the initiator, always good, always available, and the flow is always free. Yes, sin is real and common, but it merely means we stop, resist, or deny this omnipresent flow of God’s love. —from the book From Wild Man to Wise Man: Reflections on Male Spirituality
by Richard Rohr |
A Journal for Finding Yourself in Mary |
My Own Spring Awakening Reflect If winter is the time for stillness and introspection, spring is the season for awakening—for stretching our legs and exploring the world. Are you taking advantage of this time of rebirth? Pray God of all seasons,
It’s been a winter to remember,
but I am anxious to breathe in the
smell of primrose and tulips.
I want to feel the warming sun on my skin,
and a breeze at my shoulders.
You live in all seasons—
in fact no time is foreign to you—
but it is the springtime when
you smile widest at us.
This prayer is my smile back.
Amen. Act If you are able, take a walk or simply sit outside in the spring sun. Close your eyes and notice the smell of the season or the chorus of songbirds. God put it there for you. Can you feel it? Today’s Pause+Pray was written by Christopher Heffron. Learn more here! |
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