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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Holy Women's History Month | Lenten Reflections | catholic mom | women's history month
Saint Gemma Galgani was an Italian mystic born in 1878; she suffered greatly, having lost her parents at a young age and contracting meningitis that affected her hearing and spine. Saint Gemma’s profound spirituality and deep devotion to Christ were strengthened by extraordinary mystical experiences, including visions of Jesus and her guardian angel. My family became aware of this extraordinary holy woman of faith when searching for a saint to seek intercession for my daughter’s advanced scoliosis. After receiving a miraculous intercession, I dove deeper into Gemma’s life and faith, adding her permanently to my personal #SaintPosse. Prefer to Listen—Audio version available!
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Holy Women's History Month | Lenten Reflections | catholic mom | women's history month
It seems like a lifetime ago when I was first introduced to Venerable Maria Teresa Quevedo, or “Teresita,” as she was affectionately nicknamed. During my early 20s, fresh out of college and searching for meaning in life, I experienced a deep reversion back to the faith. Guided by the steady hand of the Blessed Mother, I was discerning consecrated life, visiting with several religious communities, and discovering my love for Carmelite spirituality in the process. Imperfect as I was, I was still eager to serve God in whatever vocation He intended for my life. Absorbing the writings of the popular saints of Carmel, Saint Thérèse, Saint Teresa of Avila, and Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, all became heavenly friends and mentors to me. But there was one saintly woman, less widely known, who unexpectedly became a source of inspiration to me during my time of discerning. Prefer to Listen—Audio version available!
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Brief and contemporary inspiration focused on hope and family prayer will be delivered to your inbox! Articles include live video, written word, and links to resources that will lead you and your family deeper into faith.
Holy Women's History Month | Lenten Reflections | catholic mom | women's history month
I’ve always wanted to be a strong woman, the kind of woman who wasn’t afraid of anything and stood strong in what she believed. Unfortunately, I was the girl who was scared to get her driver’s license, the girl who was scared to take risks, trying always to keep the peace and not make waves. When I left home for college, I made a plan that would help me achieve my strong woman goals. In my 18-year-old eyes, a strong woman had a college education. A strong woman had her own job, lived on her own, and could support herself financially. I worked hard my first two years of college toward these goals. Prefer to Listen—Audio version available!
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Holy Women's History Month | Lenten Reflections | catholic mom | women's history month
I saw Legally Blonde when it came out in theaters with my cousin. I was just about to turn 13, so seeing a PG-13 movie, especially without my parents, was a big deal. The lasting impression it made, however, concerns femininity. As an adolescent, I felt a tension between my identity as the “smart one” and my love of traditionally “girly” things. I loved wearing dresses. I loved pink. I was curious about makeup. And I read voraciously. My room was filled with books. I earned good grades and enjoyed school for the coursework, not for the social aspects (that would come later). Could you be smart and pretty? Could you love books and lacey dresses? Legally Blonde said the answer was “yes,” and I was here for it, though it took me years to really believe it. Eighteen years, in fact — when I discovered Jewish convert, philosopher, and teacher Edith Stein — later the Carmelite, martyr, and saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross — and her Essays on Woman. Prefer to Listen—Audio version available!
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Holy Women's History Month | Lenten Reflections | catholic mom | women's history month
I love making new friends in Heaven, because they pray for me and I can follow their example. I especially need role-models in my two most important earthly roles — as a wife and as a mother — so bonus points if I can find a heavenly friend who was also married with kids. A few years ago, while working on my book about married saints, I met and became fast friends with the Servant of God Zita of Bourbon-Parma. From here on out, let’s just call her Zita. Prefer to Listen—Audio version available!
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Holy Women's History Month | Lenten Reflections | catholic mom | women's history month
The saints make themselves known to me in different ways. It’s almost like they are pursuing me for attention, popping up repeatedly on social media, public signs, and even mentions by friends. You’d think the saints were politely knocking on my front door to introduce themselves, “Hello, Maria, can we be friends?” Except for Saint Teresa of Avila. She barged into my life like a bull through a China shop. The result was a contentious relationship. Persistent on her part. Resistant on mine. Prefer to Listen—Audio version available!
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