Corpus Christi 2010 in Pictures

Litany of the Saints

On this vigil of the Ascension, and the last of the 3 Rogation Days, I am sharing a video I found featuring one of the most beautiful versions of the "Litany of the Saints" that I have come across (many thanks to the uploader) which the Church traditionally prayed in preparation for the great Feastday of Ascension.

Enjoy!

Tribute to Mothers, World's Great Cathedral Builders

I came across this beautiful piece some years ago, via an email. I read it again today, and it still made my eyes well up. To all the mothers in the world, enjoy the beautiful gift of motherhood. Really, we do not need acknowledgement or validation, but the mere assurance that GOD SEES ALL is encouragement enough to help us forge ahead in spite of our perceived "invisibility" sometimes.

INVISIBLE MOMS

I'm invisible.

It all began to make sense - the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I am on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Kids' Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please." I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She's going - she's going - she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.

I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.

They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fuelled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for Me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend to add, "You're going to love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

That special power of loving that belongs to a woman is seen most clearly when she becomes a mother. Motherhood is the gift of God to women. How grateful we must be to God for this wonderful gift that brings such joy to the whole world, women and men alike! Yet we can destroy this gift of motherhood, especially by the evil of abortion, but also by thinking that other things like jobs or positions are more important than loving, than giving oneself to others. No job, no plans, no possessions, no idea of "freedom" can take the place of love. So anything that destroys God's gift of motherhood destroys His most precious gift to women -- the ability to love as a woman. - Mother Teresa of Calcutta

On this occasion, let us pray for the victims of abortion: the unborn babies and their mothers; and also for abortionists.

FOR THE MOTHERS:

"In Ramah is heard the sound of moaning, of bitter weeping! Rachel mourns her children, she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more." JER 31:15

Dear Lord, I ask for your mercy on those mothers who, for whatever reason, feel that they are unable to raise their babies. Please grant them the grace to cherish the life which You have given them and not to destroy it before birth.

I especially ask for your mercy on all mothers who have denied their children life in this world. Please grant them the grace of repentance and reconciliation with You. Help them to trust in Your forgiveness and to learn how to forgive themselves.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you. Please wipe away the tears of all mothers who have lost their children through abortion. Amen.

FOR THE UNBORN CHILDREN:

"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.. and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen."

Dear Jesus, please grant these unborn children the happiness to which they are entitled.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you. Please baptize all the unborn babies now and when they pass into your eternal keeping. Amen.

FOR THE ABORTIONISTS:

"Just as you know not how the breath of life fashions the human frame in the mother's womb, so you know not the work of God which He is accomplishing in the universe." ECCL 11:5

"Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." LK 23:34

Dear Jesus, please help those who perform abortions and those who assist them to truly see the evil they are doing. Please help them to repent, to quit performing abortions and to be reconciled with You.

Most of all, dear Jesus, please help them to trust in Your forgiveness and mercy and to learn how to forgive themselves.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you. Please send an angel, O Lord, to stay the hand of the abortionists as once you stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. Amen.

The Grace of Abandonment

Okay, so I'm struggling through this particular chapter of my life.

Shortly after coming home from our trip I discovered I was expecting our 5th child. Yes, it came as a surprise because we never plan these things, but more specifically because we were not counting on me getting pregnant this soon. Besides, we were just starting to get into the rhythm of things, and really enjoying life as a family. Brighteyes turned 2 this year and she is so much more "fun" to be around - interacting with us more, and the rest of the children enjoy her so much more, as well. Schooling has been more manageable because we got into a routine which we had been able to adhere to quite well. Yes, things were all fine and dandy. Until recently.

Actually, I hope nobody mistakenly thinks I am not open to life at this stage. I love babies and I would love to have more, but it's the whole pregnancy thing that I struggle so much with, and it has always been the case with all my pregnancies. Nine months is such a long time and I find it all quite limiting - what with the morning sickness, the emotional roller coaster secondary to the upsurge of hormones, etc! Put it this way: I wouldn't like to be around me when I'm pregnant! (Ugh! My poor family indeed.) And what's more, I really don't look forward to not being able to do normal things at the level that I am usually able to. (Don't get me wrong, though - I'm not a control freak (Or am I??), but I like to be able to determine my own actions to a certain extent.)

The big question, however, is this: are these concerns justified? Probably not. I have already proven - numerous times - that when God calls, God equips; and I'd like to think that eventually, with God's grace, I'll be able to reach a certain level of abandonment requisite for me to get through all this. Further, I know that however long it may seem, it always comes to pass. Besides, at the end of it all, we will have another adorable, beautiful-smelling angel from Heaven! That alone makes it all worth it, as every mother would agree. So what am I still complaining about? I really don't know.

These days it's so funny when the kids, especially the younger ones, would ask me how big the baby is, a few times each day, as if it grows much bigger by the minute!! Also, as if hubby doesn't do enough around the house already (cleaning, laundry, ironing, washing, etc.), he has also taken on the task of doing the grocery shopping after work, especially because I cannot stand the different smells in the supermarket. It makes me run to the bathroom to vomit, and worse, it will give me a lingering headache for most of the day! Before hubby comes home he will usually call to find out if there is anything in particular I'd like to eat that he can get for me. Whenever I run to the bathroom to chuck, Roadrunner and little Brighteyes would usually follow me and I'd feel them massaging my back, while repeatedly asking me if I'm okay. Last night I felt a pinch in my heart when I heard Webster saying to his dad, "Dad, if Mom needs anything through the night, can you please wake me so I can get it for her?" Curlytop is always rubbing my tummy and talking to the baby. Once she asked me, "Mom, if I had a key to insert into your belly button, can I turn it to open your tummy so we can see the baby?" Haha! Isn't it just priceless? I can't wait to have this baby to give the family this gift of another little person to care for and love. At this early stage none of us can wait to meet this baby, God's 5th smile on our family.

Actually, come to think of it, these little things are starting to make this pregnancy a whole lot more bearable, not to mention enjoyable. In fact, I'm feeling rather spoiled by everybody around me! I realize now that in spite of all my worries, all unjustifiable at that, I am starting to open my eyes to the reality that this is going to be a journey that we will ALL be in - together, as a family. And what a gift, indeed.

On this occasion of Mother's Day, I just can't help thinking: I am clearly not worthy of these wonderful blessings, but they have been given to me freely, and purely from God's goodness. I will therefore choose to accept them all with a grateful and abandoned heart.

Intercessory prayer to Our Lady, Help of Mothers:

Powerful is your intercession with God, Mary, for you are his mother.

Tender , too, is your love for us, for you are our mother.

Confidently , then, I come to you as a child, poor and needy,

to seek your aid and protection.

In every trial of motherhood, I beg your aid.

For the grace of a happy delivery, I come to you.

For your holy assistance in guarding and directing

each tiny soul with which God entrusts me, I call to you.

In every sorrow that comes to me in my motherhood, I confide in you.

That I may have strength to bear cheerfully

all the pains and hardships of motherhood, I lean on you.

That the sweetness of motherhood

may not, through my neglect, be embittered in later years

by pains of regret, I trust in you.

That the will of God may always be fulfilled in me

through each act of my motherhood, little and great, I beg your aid.

Never forsake me dear Mother, my hope, my consolation,

my confidence, and my trust,

but ever be at my side to aid and protect me, your needy child.

Amen.

Mother of Love, of Sorrow, and of Mercy, Pray for us!

Trip Highlights

I have been wanting to write about our recent trip for a while now, but due to several different constraints I just have not gotten around to it. But I am making myself do it now, lest all the memories of it fade into oblivion (given that I virtually have a memory like a sieve!). Having said this, photographs taken on the trip have proven to be very useful in jogging the old memory. :)

FAMILY TIES

As mentioned in a previous post, the primary reason for this trip was family related, more specifically because hubby wanted to make his support felt by 2 of his ageing, ailing aunties. We were happy because we were able to achieve this, although it was partly sad because one of his aunties, his Dad's only surviving sibling now has dementia and was unable to recognize him at all. This was rather hard for hubby to accept initially, though now he eventually has.

Whilst in Los Angeles for the first and last leg of our trip, we stayed with my aunt, my mom's youngest sister in Eagle Rock. So it was lovely to have been able to spend time with her, her son (my first cousin) and his daughter. In addition, we were met by 2 of my other cousins in Hanceville, Alabama. I had not seen them for about 2 decades. They drove from Florida and met us for the Holy Triduum/Easter period at the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, and with them were 2 of my nieces whom we met for the first time. And the kids enjoyed spending lots of time with them.

In Toronto, we stayed with hubby's older brother and his family for about 6 days and seeing his wife and son for the first time and spending time with them was quite lovely as well.

CALIFORNIA MISSIONS

Before we took the trip we decided on some things we wanted to do while we were there, and one of these was to visit some of the California Missions established by the Franciscan Missionaries in the 1700's to introduce Christianity (Catholicism) to the Americas. These missions were led by Blessed Junipero Serra; and among the 21 Missions, we were able to visit: San Juan Capistrano, San Gabriel, San Buenaventura, San Fernando and Santa Barbara.

It was certainly quite amazing and somewhat exhilerating to think that some, if not all, of these churches were home to the Traditional Latin Mass which we have grown to love very much, as celebrated by very holy priests and even some saints! And almost everything in sight, especially in the mission churches, provided a virtual feast for our eyes, especially the original altars, ornate confessional boxes, antique statues, sacred pictures, paintings and murals and of course, the venerated relics!!

ALABAMA

We left L.A. on the early morning of Holy Thursday, but did not get to Birmingham until about 5 pm. We knew we were not going to make it for the Holy Thursday Mass at the Shrine that day, given that it was another hour's drive from Birmingham, so in coordination with my cousin, we had arranged to meet at St Paul's Cathedral in Birmingham for the 7pm Mass. The cathedral was beautiful, though the sanctuary and altar, understandably, were quite bare. The ceremony (including the Washing of the Feet and the Blessed Sacrament Procession) finished at around 9:30pm. Afterwards, we drove to Hanceville where we first stopped at the place of my cousins' host, a Filipina whom we later discovered was part of our AHFI Family and very good friends with Fr Bing, our spiritual director.

Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament

We first went to the Shrine on Good Friday morning for the Stations of the Cross. From when we caught a glimpse of the big iron gates, we were so impressed by this beautiful, tranquil place. By the time we got out of the car, the excitement had very much mounted. It was still a long walk from the carpark to the doors of the church, but we finally made it inside before the end of the Stations of the Cross. Hubby and I were quite disappointed to be that late, but we took comfort in the fact that we had to let the kids rest as much as they needed from the night before, given that they were quite crook already (which started from about the 3rd day since we got to LA).

Well before we left for this trip I had been in constant communication with my childhood bestfriend, Abbie, who lives in Illinois. And we had arranged to meet up in Hanceville at this particular time. I was saying my prayers inside the main church at the Shrine when my younger son came up to me and told me "Tita Abbie is outside waiting for you." It was a very happy reunion and also a delightful meeting between both of our families. From there we all got together for lunch and shortly after, returned to the Shrine for the Veneration of the Cross and Communion Service from 3pm onwards.

Ave Maria Grotto

At the shrine, Holy Saturday only had one scheduled activity which was the Easter Vigil ceremonies in the evening, so this was the perfect time to look around and visit places. So after all 3 groups met for lunch, we decided to visit the nearby Benedictine Abbey and go around the Ave Maria Grotto. This popular site houses 125 miniature shrines handconstructed by a Benedictine Monk, Bro Joseph Zoettl (1878 -1961). We were definitely wowed by the detail, dedication and inspiration that very much came through all his work.

Come Holy Saturday night, it had gotten quite chilly and although we all went to the main church to attend the Easter Vigil ceremonies, we actually ended up going back to our cabins, because as soon as we all got inside the church, Webster started coughing and could not stop until he was sick all over the floor of the front entrance of the church!!! Hubby had to clean up all the mess and soon after, we found a few Franciscan friars kindly helping and making sure everything was all clean and dry. Understandably, we were quite heartbroken for missing out on the most beautiful liturgy of the season, but we were happy to take the kids to bed early.

Bound for Georgia, my two cousins and the girls drove out early the next morning, which was Easter Sunday, so we went to Mass by ourselves. This time it was held in the lower church or the crypt. We had our concerns about this, as it would not be very easy to rush out in the event of an accident similar to the one we had the night before. Surprisingly, though, the kids did exceptionally well. We all stayed on our pew all throughout the Mass and there was no need for us to take any of them out for any reason at all.

April 4 was also Curlytop's 4th birthday, and my bestfriend Abbie had already arranged to get her a birthday cake, so they met us outside the Shrine after Mass and together we proceeded to our cabin for our little party. It was wonderful because it was obviously a double celebration - for Easter and Curlytop's birthday. Shortly after, Abbie and her family set off for the long drive home to Illinois. So, because we were scheduled to fly to Toronto the next morning, we decided to do our last look around the Shrine.

This little exploration brought us to a few more places we had not been to, thus far. For one, we stopped at the Pieta Garden just a few metres from the entrance gate where we were quite moved to find the burial graves of 2 aborted babies. We also made our way to the Lourdes Grotto which was a short walk from the JP II Eucharistic Centre. This was such a beautiful part of the shrine, with a sparkling river alongside the grotto. We were certainly sad to be leaving the shrine, especially because it was such a beautiful place to be in - very tranquil and peaceful, perfect for recollecting one's thoughts and reconnecting with our Loving Creator.

EWTN Catholic Network

By the time we finished at the Shrine it was about 4:30 pm, and although Birmingham was still another hour away and we weren't sure whether the place was still open, we decided to take the chance and drive over to visit EWTN. It was a pleasant trip and we didn't drive in a hurry; but we got there in good time. It was kind of surreal how we roamed around the chapel which up until then we only saw on TV. In reality, it was rather small, compared to the spacious impression it gives one on telecast. We did not expect to see anybody there, as it was Easter Sunday and these religious communities would normally have celebrations, but we actually chanced upon a Franciscan friar (most likely the one allocated to look after the chapel). After exchanging hellos and such we asked if we could take a few photos around (and with him, as well), so we did.

Canada

Early the next morning we took a flight to Toronto where we were met by my brother-in-law. By this time Brighteyes was quite sick so we asked him to take us to a local medical clinic after dropping off the rest of the kids at their place. Colloidal silver (which we normally use) was not readily available, so we needed a script from the doctor to get Celine started on some antibiotic therapy. Over the next few days she got better, albeit slowly. However, she got better enough for us to go around Toronto to see some sights. We drove for about an hour to the border of Toronto and New York and spent a night at the Fallsview Hotel in a room which, staying true to its name, provided us with an excellent view of Niagara Falls! Before driving back to Toronto we squeezed in some outlet shopping at Buffalo, NY. It was quite a wet day, so even if my bro-in-law drove us to the Fatima shrine (which was under renovations, incidentally) we weren't able to go around for a good look. However we got the chance to visit the beautiful Shrine of St Therese, the impressive St Michael's Cathedral and the Toronto City centre with my brother-in-law's family via the train.

Hubby was definitely happy to have spent some time with his brother after more than 10 years, and we were also glad our children were able to meet his family, too.

By and large the trip was fulfilling, though a struggle as well - in terms of how sick we got while travelling. We achieved all that we hoped to achieve - and more. We were also eyewitnesses to some things that really affirmed our decision not to reside and raise a family in America when we were faced with the choice, 10 years ago.

On this trip we were definitely reassured of God's grace and providence which certainly made sure we safely got to where we wanted to go, no matter how sick we got while to and fro. So although I reluctantly agreed to go on the trip initially because of the challenges it posed, I'm so glad we did - if only for the valuable experiences, unforgettable reunions, and memories to treasure for a long time to come.

St George, Dragon-slayer

Today is the feastday of St George.

We're all still not back to 100% which is why we've put off resuming schooling to next week. However first thing this morning my eldest, after looking at the calendar, pointed out to me that it was St George's feastday. After this declaration, amidst the kids' cheering for the feastday of this familiar saint, I fought off shrugging my shoulders (which is what I very much felt like, as I am still as sick as a dog and don't really feel like doing much), but I felt for them and couldn't very well ignore their excitement.

At this particular stage, I already had oven pancakes cooking, so when it was done, we topped it with a St George figurine and the flag of England, and voila! We had our instant St George-themed dish for breakfast!

At the moment the kids are well into colouring St George pictures which I subsequently pulled out of our 'saint files' and printed. Later in the day we will also be playing pin the tail on the dragon and making dragon craft with wooden spoons. The boys have been cutting out swords and shields early in the week, so I plan on locating our Roman soldier helmets and making red-cross-on-white capes (if I'm up to it) to complete their St George costumes. And hopefully it doesn't rain and we feel a bit better to take the kids to Mass.

St George was a member of the Roman army who was very highly regarded for his bravery, especially by the Emperor Diocletian. However, when he converted to Christianity he refused to persecute Christians and eventually gave up his Roman Army post. Consequently, he was thrown into prison and tortured. In the end, he was martyred for his faith. St George was beheaded in the year 303 AD. He is known as the Patron Saint of England.

St George is often depicted with a dragon because of the tenacity and valor he exemplified in fighting against evil and the devil who, in the bible, is referred to as the dragon.

St George, you understand how much courage is needed to keep resisting evil temptations in life. Help us to love Christ and to be courageous like you.

St George, pray for us!

PHOTOS ADDED: wooden spoon dragons, our little St Georges slaying the dragons

Unforgettable, Extended Celebration

Today is a big event in the Church because we commemorate the feastday of the Annunciation. We remember how St Gabriel declared to the Blessed Virgin Mary that God had chosen her to be the mother of His only Son. And we recall how Mary, after saying her unconditional "Yes" to God through St Gabriel, conceived the Word Made Flesh, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world.

As a beautiful start to our day, we went to Mass in celebration of the Annunciation. And because this is also the day we fly out to Los Angeles, we thought we'd go to Mass first thing - to allow us to do some last minute things. We're all eager to make the trip and at long last, we're finally packed and ready to go. Although, I must say - as we get closer to THE time, we keep finding more and more things to squeeze into our bags and suitcases. The kids keep finding this ball or that toy to take to the trip. :D

Well! I guess this is it. We're off to an adventure which would hopefully translate into happy memories to remember in time. We're very much looking forward to meeting and reuniting with family and friends, seeing new and interesting places, and of course enriching our faith life with our little self-devised Easter "retreat" at the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Alabama.

Also, although we touch down at our destination tomorrow, Oz time, it will still be the 25th of March in the USA. That certainly means an extended celebration for the feastday of the Annunciation. This alone makes it quite interesting already, especially for the kids!

Well, hopefully more time to celebrate and commemorate the event means... more time to avail of the graces attached to the feastday??

Happy feastday of the Annunciation! AVE MARIA!!!

St Joseph, Father and Patron

HAPPY ST JOSEPH'S DAY!!

Today we celebrate the feastday of St Joseph. This saint is best known as the foster father of Jesus, but he is also hailed as the Patron of the Catholic church and a great exemplar of faith and interior life.

Observing his feastday was a must for our family because St Joseph is one of the saints we feel very close to. Having been the protector of the Christ Child and His Virgin Mother, we can always rely on his fatherly protection. We also call on him quite often for intercession in most projects and undertakings. The kids fondly refer to him as Pappa Joseph; and he is the patron of both Roadrunner (our 2nd child) and I, as we both were named after the chaste saint.

Joseph of Nazareth (by TIME LIFE, starring Tobias Moretti) was an excellent portrayal of St Joseph, and last night the kids were engaged throughout most of the movie because it was very well made. The film emphasized how unreservedly abandoned St Joseph was to God's will, and how he was more a man of action who very rarely pursued to be heard. He was a man of constant prayer and steadfast interiority.

At school today, we had a discussion of how necessary it is to have that "interior silence" that is so important in order to be able to hear God's voice. For a couple of hours or so (much to my delight) we performed an "experiment" of being silent - in imitation of St Joseph. We all taped our mouths, refrained from talking and just quietly went about our respective tasks. (Actually, I don't think it would hurt if we imposed this practice a little more often, especially after seeing how well the 3 older ones did - perhaps for an hour or so every 19th of the month would be an idea. Besides, it was such a great atmosphere having the peace and quiet! Of course we will aim to do away with the taping of the mouths next time; and perhaps it can be more like a "silence game" where the ultimate goal is to stay silent for the longest possible time. And this would be so great to teach ourselves to appreciate and value silence the way we should - especially in this world whelmed by noise and all sorts of distractions where it is neither easy to recollect nor hear God's voice.


During our morning devotion, we incorporated a beautiful prayer to St Joseph, which is best said as a novena but for us made this day start off that little bit more centred on our favourite patron saint. The prayer is too good not to share with others, so here goes:

NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
(taken from Radiant Heart Prayerbook)

Ever blessed and glorious Joseph,
kind and loving father
and helpful friend of all in sorrow,
you are the good father and protector of orphans,
the defender of the defenseless,
the patron of those in need and sorrow.
Look kindly on my request.
My sins have drawn down on me
the just displeasure of my God,
and so I am surrounded with unhappiness.
To you, loving guardian of the Family of Nazareth
do I go for help and protection.
I ask it by the loveliness and power
of that Sacred Name - Jesus
which you conferred on the adorable Infant.
I ask it by the painful torture you felt
at the prophecy of Holy Simeon
which declared the Child Jesus and His Holy Mother
future victims of our sins and of Their great love for us.
I ask it through your sorrow and pain of soul
when the angel declared to you
that the life of the Child Jesus was sought by His enemies.
From their evil plan, you had to flee
with Him and His Blessed Mother to Egypt.
I ask it by all the sufferings, weariness and labours
of that long and dangerous journey.
I ask it by all your care to protect the Sacred Child
and His Immaculate Mother during your second journey
when you were ordered to return to your own country.
I ask it by your peaceful life in Nazareth
where you met with so many joys and sorrows.
I ask it by your great distress when the adorable Child
was lost to you and His Mother for three days.
I ask it by your joy at finding Him at the Temple,
and by the comfort you found at Nazareth
while living in the company of the Child Jesus.
I ask it by the wonderful submission He showed
in His obedience to you.
I ask it by the perfect love and conformity
you showed in accepting the divine order
to depart from this life
and from the company of Jesus and Mary.
I ask it by the joy which filled your soul
when the Redeemer of the world,
triumphant over death and hell,
entered into the possession of His Kingdom
and led you into it with special honours.
I ask it through Mary's glorious Assumption
and through that endless happiness
you have with her in the presence of God.
O good father, I beg you,
by all your sufferings, sorrows, and joys,
to hear me and obtain for me what I ask.

(Mention your intention/s.)

Obtain for all those who have asked my prayers
everything that is useful to them in the plan of God.
Finally, my dear patron and father,
be with me in my last moments
that I may eternally sing these praises:

JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH,
I give you my heart and my soul!

JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH,
assist me in my last agony!

JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
may I breathe forth my soul in peace with Thee!

We spent most of the morning baking "St Joseph's Tools" shortbread. We made the cookies in the shape of a hammer, a wrench, a saw and also a lily (symbol for purity). Considering that it was our first attempt at making shortbread cookies, it did not turn out too badly. We used the leftover butter icing mixture from 2 days ago (used to ice our St Patrick cake) which was still quite appropriate since St Joseph's colour also happens to be, guess what?.. yes, GREEN! Actually, it was a little sweet for my liking(Whoa! I used to be such a sweet tooth but I've seemingly mellowed - hmm.. maybe it comes with age..), but the kids didn't mind it at all.


To finalize the day's celebrations we will be going to evening Mass in commemoration of St Joseph, after which we also hope to spend an hour or so in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament to thank Jesus for the witness of the life of this wonderful saint, who will always be a great model for the practice of our faith; and to ask for the grace to be more like him.

Sancte Joseph,
Dei Genitricis sponse,
Christi defensor sedule,
Almae Familiae praeses,
Amator paupertatis
Exemplar opificum,
Domesticae vitae decus,
Custos virginum,
Familiarum columen,
Solatium miserorum,
Spes aegrotantium,
Patrone morientium,
Terror daemonum,
Protector sanctae Ecclesiae
ORA PRO NOBIS!

Happy St Paddy's Day!

Yesterday, March 17 was the feastday of St Patrick.

St Patrick is the Apostle and Patron of Ireland. From an earlier life under slavery in his native country, he escaped into Britain, studied for the priesthood and was later on installed as Bishop where, with great profit, he used his God-given talents to convert the whole of Ireland. And thanks to St Patrick, the Irish people have maintained their fidelity to the Roman Catholic Church, just like the legendary saint.

Our St Paddy's celebrations were simple enough to carry out in the midst of all the tail-chasing at the moment - what with the preparations for the trip next week, etc. Actually, the children started the night before by watching a couple of St Patrick movies.

In the morning, we went out to collect Brighteyes' passport, among others - which, I was told, (via email) was actually processed and issued on Monday which is the very next business day after it was lodged last Friday - (Hats off to the Australian Passport Office for getting the job done in no time. Thank God, indeed!!!) Typical me, I initially thought I'd be making a cake from scratch (for our St Patrick's Day celebrations) but eventually opted for the quickest and easiest way and purchased a banana cake, took it home, reshaped and decorated it as our St Paddy's cake.

We whipped a small block of butter with icing sugar and a dash of green food colouring (green being St Patrick's colour) into the perfect yummy frosting and spread it all over our shamrock-shaped cake. Shamrock, of course, is the most popular symbol for St Patrick which is reminiscent of how he, in his explanations about the Blessed Trinity (One God, Three Persons), likened It to a shamrock leaf which has three separate leaflets united by one stalk.

In the evening, we were graced to attend Holy Mass which commemorated the well-known Irish saint. We bumped into a few close friends whom we were able to share good wishes with on this very special solemnity.

Back home, we dug into our little shamrock cake which was topped with our St Patrick figurine and surrounded with green M&M's, with the table laden with a few green balloons.

Finally, being a great activity to fall back on when one has not done much preparations in the way of craft activities, etc., we tackled some serious colouring-in. So to finish off the day's celebrations, we each coloured a St Patrick picture. And yes, even Tatay and Mommy got right into it, too.

Deus, qui ad praedicandam gentibus gloriam tuam beatum Patricium Confessorem atque Pontificem, mittere dignatus es: ejus meritis et intercessione concede; ut, quae nobis agenda praecipis, te miserante adimplere possimus. (collect, Proper of St Patrick)

March Madness

The last few weeks have been rather chaotic around the house. Nevertheless, we have been trying hard to focus on our Lenten observances, although we have had to deal with distractions, as well.

Brighteyes turned 2 last March 10, but we decided to keep it quiet and celebrate in and amongst our own family. The birthday celebration mainly consisted of going to Mass (for thanksgiving) and singing "happy birthday" to our little celebrant over a small caramel mudcake (purchased, and took 2 minutes to decorate) which everyone enjoyed.

Some weeks ago, hubby decided he wanted to take the family to America to meet his relatives. Although I have met most of his family on our trip over in 1999, I thought it would be wonderful for the kids to finally meet their cousins, aunties and uncles in hubby's side of the family. Also, hubby wanted to visit 2 of his ailing aunties, one of them afflicted with cancer. So, although I was reluctant at first to travel at this time of the year, this trip - I'm glad - will be largely family oriented.

The "big trip" is set for the third week of the month, to stay for 3 weeks. But being the most disorganized person I know, I am ashamed to say that I have only applied for a passport for Brighteyes last week, and we only have 1 1/2 weeks to go before we are scheduled to fly out! Well, if God wills it, it will happen.

Among the things I plan to organize for the trip include some activities for the kids to keep focused on this liturgical season. Also, hubby and I spoke about daily Mass and how we would really like to keep the practice up even while on this trip. We hope not to compromise on our family prayer time, so sacramentals (i.e. rosaries, prayerbooks) will be in our packing list, too. We also resolved not to visit places like Disneyland and the like, because we both decided it could very well ruin the austerity of the season which we are trying hard to achieve. Besides, we both agreed it will have no benefits for the kids, whatsoever.

However, apart from spending time with family, we have also arranged to go on a side trip on the Holy Triduum-Easter period (i.e. Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday) to the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama to participate in the activities leading up to the big feastday of Easter. We are of course very much looking forward to it. In fact, the kids are so excited about this part of the trip that we can often hear them talking about meeting this personality and that - especially those that they have gotten to know through the years on EWTN, the Catholic Network. We have strong doubts about this, though - especially knowing what a busy time it will be in the liturgical year for all religious; but getting to the shrine would be such a great blessing already!

Packing for the trip is yet to start, especially because I have been procrastinating about it, but I am hoping to finally get started with it by this weekend. We plan to travel light, but I don't know how possible that is, especially packing for 6 people and having been told that we will be needing some warm clothes for our stay.

Meanwhile, my 2 students have been plodding along fine at school. We have tried hard to stick to the timetable and lesson plans. Although going on this trip will mean we would have to work extra hard when we get back in order to catch up with the work that we will be lagging behind on, we will choose not to worry about it until we return. :)

By and large, we are all looking forward to the trip, especially about hubby reuniting with his family after more than 10 years, myself reuniting with a very special person in my life that I have not seen for about the same time, and the children finally meeting other members of the family. And of course, the Easter pilgrimage will be an extra special highlight, as well.

Laudate Dominum, quia benignus est: psallite nomini ejus, quoniam suavis est: omnia quaecumque voluit, fecit in coelo et in terra. (offertory verse, 4th Sunday of Lent)

Thorns and Nails

Since formulating our Lenten resolutions on Ash Wednesday last week, we have struggled with resisting temptations to sin, every single one of us - from the children to the parents. Actually, it almost feels much harder than usual to make the right choices. Hmm.. Seriously, though - how truly hard it is to renounce several of these bad habits which have obviously become vices - too hard to shake off.

One noteworthy comment we got from Webster, our eldest, is: "Howcome things seem to be extra hard this Lent, compared to last year?" And of course, we had to discuss that, because God deigns for us to continue to learn more and more about our faith over time, and He gives us the grace to see our faults and realize the right things to do, we cannot simply keep going the way we are, especially if we know that we have a lot of improving to do - particularly in our practice of the faith. Besides, through life's experiences, God always calls us to do better. And as He calls, He also equips.

CROWN OF THORNS

In an effort to illustrate to the kids the effects that our sins and offences have on Jesus and our personal relationship with Him, we did a beautiful craft based on a brilliant book called "A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families" (Monica McConkey). The Crown of Thorns was made out of dark-coloured dough baked in the oven with toothpicks as the "thorns." And I must say the finished product turned out very well. It is a good enough size for it to look as realistic as we could manage. This was important so that the kids can somehow visualize that it would have been quite painful for Jesus to have a crown of thorns forced on His Head.

Because we are aiming to fulfill our Lenten resolutions, any sacrifices, little triumphs over self-will, good deeds and acts of virtue will earn one a chance to pull out a thorn from the crown, effectively making it less "ouchie" for Jesus. Of course it is the ultimate goal to pull out as many thorns as we can throughout Lent. Come Easter, we hope to have no thorns left, and instead, fill the holes with flowers and jewels, making it into a beautiful Crown of Resurrection to give to Jesus!

At the moment, the Crown of Thorns graces the centre of our dining table, teamed up with 3 huge nails - to remind us of the price the Saviour had to pay to ransom each of us from eternal damnation rightly deserved by our sins. This is becoming a great talking point, especially during family meals. It facilitates talks about where we are in the practice of our resolutions, allowing us to give each other affirmation and encouragement, where needed, and to keep going in spite of the struggles that God allows each of us face.

Lent is, indeed, a wonderful time to learn about different virtues, asking our Lord and Our Lady for the grace necessary to develop them, and being sensitive to opportunities that we encounter in our everyday lives to practice such virtues. These, for us, would make for a truly meaningful Lent; although at the moment it feels like we are all failing these challenges - rather dismally. Certainly it seems that if we are not holding fast to the faith that we have been made partakers of, I'm sure we would have given up at the outset.

However, this is exactly the essence of observing Lenten practices: to allow us to come to a firm realization that we cannot achieve anything without God's grace. Without His love and mercy, we cannot be sanctified. And this is what is so beautiful and comforting about life, no matter how difficult things may seem. As long as we have faith, we will never lose hope and as long as we have hope, life goes on - with God's loving, merciful and abiding grace.

Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more (Romans 5:20).

He Who created us without our help will not save us without our consent. - St Augustine

The world today is tearing up the photographs of a good society, a good family, a happy individual personal life. But the Catholic Church is keeping the negatives. And when the moment comes when the world wants a reprint, we will have them. - Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen