Katya Fitzpatrick on the Power of Sacrificial Love and Divine Providence

"Having a loved one who doesn't believe in God is soul-crushing. Not to be able to share the joy of the Mass with that person or to share anything about the Faith, for that matter, can be incredibly lonely and can bring a person to the brink of despair.

"Take heart, though, and never give up praying for your loved one because 'for God, all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26).

"The incredible story of Félix and Élisabeth Leseur is a great testament to the power of sacrificial love and Divine Providence."

In a recent commentary, writer Katya Fitzpatrick reflected on the story of Félix and Élisabeth Leseur's, the resulting conversion of Felix, and the power of love shown through actions.

To access Mr. Pearce's complete essay, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Katya Fitzpatrick: Have Your Loved Ones Turned Their Backs on God? Do What Élisabeth Leseur Did (3 MAY 23)

Reflection Starter from St. Ignatius of Loyola

"Love ought to show itself in deeds more than in words." - Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Kingston Trio: "Chilly Winds"

It's time for some folk music, a genre of music I enjoy. Here is a presentation of "Chilly Winds"" by the Kingston Trio:

 

Holy Father's Prayer Intention for May

The Holy Father's prayer intention for May is:

For church movements and groups: Let us pray that ecclesial movements and groups may daily rediscover their evangelizing mission, placing their own charisms at the service of the world's needs.

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You have planned for us in the month of May.

Francisco Veneto on Practicing Charity at the Supermarket

"Christian charity consists essentially in loving our neighbor as ourselves for love of God. This involves seeing the presence of God himself in each person, and therefore recognizing that they have intrinsic dignity which must be respected with delicate kindness on all occasions.

"We often think of Christian charity with a certain solemnity, as in heroic and inspiring acts of helping those in need or sacrificing oneself for them (think Mother Teresa or St. Maximilian Kolbe), but this is only one aspect of loving our neighbor. Christian charity is a habitual attitude of seeing Christ in all people and treating them with the deference due to every child of God.

"And this applies equally to ordinary, everyday circumstances, such as in traffic, waiting in line, family life, at work, on vacation, at the supermarket."

In a recent commentary, writer Francisco Veneto reflected on some of the good habits one may employ to practice Christian charity in the supermarket.

To access Mr. Veneto's complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: Francisco Veneto: Have you thought of practicing charity at the supermarket? (3 MAY 23)

Reflection Starter from the Letter of James

"Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates." - James 5:9

Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist: "A Hymn to St. Joseph"

As we continue our celebration of st. Joseph the Worker, I offer this version of the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist presenting "A Hymn to St. Joseph":

Saint Joseph the Worker

Today the Church celebrates Saint Joseph under the title of Saint Joseph the Worker - as I have noted previously, one of my favorite observances of the Church year. It is special to me because it underlines in a real way that when a person does his/her work, he/she is continuing God's work of creation and ministering to His people.

"Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ."- Colossians 3:23-24

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Prayer for the Spirit of Work (source unknown):

God our Father, Creator and Ruler of the universe, in every age you call us to use and develop our gifts for the good of others. With St. Joseph as our guide, help us to do the work you have asked and come to the rewards you have promised. Please grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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For further reflection:

Pope Saint John Paul II's Encyclical on Human Work, promulgated 14 September 1981:

Pope John Paul II: "Laborem exercens" (on Human Work)

Pope Benedict XVI's Encyclical, "Charity in truth", promulgated 29 June 2009:

Pope Benedict XVI: "Caritas in veritate" (Charity in truth)

P.S. There is a shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph the Worker in Lowell, Massachusetts. Its web site may be visited here:

St. Joseph the Worker Shrine, Lowell, MA

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways You look after us and protect us.

Bihop Tobin on Our Belonging to Christ

"None of us lives as his own master and none of us dies as his own master. While we live we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die, we die as his servants. Both in life and death we are the Lord's. (Rom 14: 7-8)

"This beautiful passage from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans is often used at funerals, and appropriately so. It's an insight that's also helpful for us at any time. But, why do we belong to Christ? And what does that mean for us?"

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on some of the ramifications of our belonging to Christ.

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit:

The Imitation of Christ: We Belong To Christ (27 APR 23)

Reflection Starter from William Shakespeare

"Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast." - William Shakespeare (in Romeo and Juliet - Act 2, Scene 3)