x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
CatholicMom | Holy Women's History Month | Lenten Reflections | women's history month
Little is known about the life of Saint Dymphna, but author Lawrence G. Lovasik was able to procure enough information in his 1953 book, Saint for the Afflicted, that offers insight into her path to sainthood. Before becoming a saint, Dymphna lost her mother when she was only 14 years old, and her father was so distraught after the loss of his wife that he seemingly fell into a deep depression and almost became manic in trying to fill the void left by his deceased wife. It is because of him that Dymphna became known as the “Patron Saint of Nervous and Mental Ill Patients,” as she was forced to flee her home when he tried to marry her. Ultimately, after refusing his proposal, she was killed by her own father. I first learned about Saint Dymphna over two decades ago while pursuing my bachelor's degree in psychology. I had been experiencing some personal challenges and somehow stumbled upon this Irish saint, who I would later learn is the patron saint for mental illness. As I’ve often heard from others, the saints often find us rather than us seeking them first — and Dymphna definitely found me when she knew I would need her most. Prefer to Listen—Audio version available!
Share
CatholicMom | Holy Women's History Month | Lenten Reflections | women's history month
I want to introduce you to Saint Margaret Mary, one of the most remarkable saints the Church has ever known. I admire her deeply because she chose to give her life to Jesus, turning away from the glamour of the world to embrace a life of prayer and devotion as a Visitation Sister. Soon after joining the Order, Jesus chose her as the vessel through which He would reveal the depths of His love — appearing to her with His heart outside His body, engulfed in flames of divine love. Through her writings and the path she laid out in living this devotion, my life has been enriched and blessed in ways I could never have imagined. Prefer to Listen—Audio version available!
Share
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.
CatholicMom | Holy Women's History Month | Lenten Reflections | women's history month
Saint Mary Magdalene's experience with our Lord is shared throughout various brief references in the Gospels, all of them attesting to her presence in Christ’s ministry. The most important thing that establishes her as the Apostle to the Apostles, according to Saint Thomas Aquinas, is her presence at the Resurrection. Christ first appeared to her. We can imagine Mary Magdalene on her way to the tomb, overcome with sorrow, grief, regret, and remorse. Her heart was heavy; she knew that there was nowhere else she needed to go. Mary Magdalene had reached a pivotal moment where she knew the answer to her heart's desires and deepest yearnings. She had found the balm which healed her aching wounds and gave her new life. She had found where her identity lies, crowned with dignity and strength. She knew to whom she belonged, a beloved daughter of the Lord. The chains that had held her down were broken, and the demons had fled in fear. When Jesus calls her by name, Mary Magdalene knows she is loved and He has chosen her. She is free. Prefer to Listen—Audio version available!
Share
