Lent with St. Francis, Monday of 1st Week of Lent

They are to speak evil of none (Tit. 3:2); there must be no complaining, no slander; it is written, "Whisperers and detractors are people hateful to God" (Rom. 1:29). And let them be moderate, showing mildness to all me (Tit. 3:2) without a word of criticism or condemnation; as our Lord says, they must give no thought even to the slightest fault of others (Mt. 7:3; Lk. 6:41), but rather count over their own in the bitterness of their soul. (Is. 38:15). - St. Francis - Rule of 1221

Book Review: Therese, Faustina, and Bernadette

Therese, Faustina, and Bernadette: Three Saints whoChallenged My Faith, Gave Me Hope, and Taught Me How to Love
by Elizabeth Ficocelli
Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2014

Elizabeth Ficocelli, raised as a non-practicing Lutheran,  did not become Catholic until she was preparing to marry her Catholic boyfriend, but even as a child, she felt that God was leading her to a special mission. To fulfill that mission, Ficocelli states that “God had in store for me amazingly heavenly helpmates who would be there to challenge my faith, give me hope, and teach me to love, which is ultimately what this book is all about.” 

In Therese, Faustina, and Bernadette: Three Saints who Challenged My Faith, Gave Me Hope, and Taught Me How to Love, Ficocelli shares the stories of these three saints as well as the way that they have shaped and influenced her own life. Saints Therese, Faustina, and Bernadette have much in common. “Each had a passion for saving sinners and rescuing souls, a fear of losing God’s friendship, a dedication to a Gospel-based path to holiness, and a total abandonment to the will of God . . . They suffered spiritual dark nights of the souls . . . [and] each went through a physical passion of sorts during a slow and agonizing death.” For Ficocelli, and for us, they serve as spiritual guides and friends to help us through the challenges of being a modern woman. 

Each one of the saints also has a particular virtue that she can teach us about. St. Therese and her little way is a master of Love; St. Faustina with her message of divine mercy is a vision of Hope; and St. Bernadette, the visionary of Fatima, is a great example of Faith. We can learn a great deal about how to live a holy faith from these three women’s example. 

For those not familiar with these saints, Therese, Faustina, and Bernadette provides a wonderful introduction to these heavenly helpers. For those already acquainted, it provides an opportunity to reflect more deeply on their lives, their example, and the lessons that they have to teach us. The appendix includes reflection questions for use as an individual or as part of a book group. 

Lent with St. Francis, 1st Saturday of Lent

He should be content to be as God wishes him to be, in sickness or in health, because it is those who were destined for eternal life (Acts 13:48) that God instructs by sickness and affliction and the spirit  of compunction. He tells us himself, those whom I love I rebuke and chastise. (Ap. 3:19) - St. Francis, Rule of 1221

Book Review: Tiny Blue Lines

Tiny Blue Lines: Reclaiming Your Life, Preparing for Your Baby, and Moving Forward with Faith in an Unplanned Pregnancy

by Chaunie Marie Brusie
Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2014

When Chaunie Marie Brusie faced an unplanned pregnancy in her senior year of college, she didn’t know where to turn for help. Now an obstetric nurse, married mother of three, and founder of TinyBlueLines.com, she is working hard to make sure that other young women have resources to help them cope with this unexpected and profound life change.

Profoundly pro-life, Tiny Blue Lines: Reclaiming Your Life, Preparing for Your Baby, and Moving Forward with Faith in an Unplanned Pregnancy is designed to help young Catholic women realize that life isn’t over simply because of an unplanned pregnancy. Brusie offers her own support and encouragement as well as wisdom garnered from many other young mothers who have thrived and succeeded despite challenging circumstances. 

Brusie understands why abortion can seem like an appealing option, especially when facing one’s own guilt, as well as the condemnation of others. She emphasizes the need for young mothers to serve as role models and share their stories so that other scared young woman can realize that having a child at a young age is doable and that it doesn’t mean life is over. 

Topics covered in Tiny Blue Lines include: how to tell your parents, things to consider before getting married, dealing with feelings of guilt, the truth about giving birth, reclaiming your life, dealing with rude people, and going to college while a young mom. While geared especially for young moms, many of the topics are applicable for mothers of any age. 

For those of us who are beyond this stage of our lives, it is helpful to read this book to understand the challenges that young mothers face so that we can be more supportive and understanding. Especially for those of us who claim to be a pro-life, an important of component of that is supporting those who are facing unplanned pregnancy. Brusie includes a talking guide for religious and pro-life organizations so that well-intentioned people can be more aware of what to say and what not to say to a woman facing a crisis pregnancy. 

Lent with St. Francis, 1st Friday of Lent

Everything people leave after them in this world is lost, but for their charity and almsgiving they will receive a reward from God - St. Francis, Rule of 1221

Lent with St. Francis, 1st Thursday of Lent

They should let it be seen that they are happy in God, cheerful and courteous, as is expected of them, and be careful not to appear gloomy or depressed like hypocrites. - St. Francis, Rule of 1221

Lent with St. Francis, Ash Wednesday

It has been said, "Always be doing something worthwhile; then the devil will always find you busy," and "Idleness is the enemy of the soul." And so those who serve God should always be busy praying or doing good. - St. Francis, Rule of 1221