Young Family
Pray! by Sr. Joyce Rupp, OSM
As October opens I think of the end of this month when we celebrate Halloween, originally an eve when Christian folks dressed like the canonized saints in remembrance of their good qualities. During this time they felt especially close to those who had died. We currently honor the saints on November 1st, All Saints Day. I draw inspiration and encouragement not only from the saints the Church officially recognizes but all those virtuous people who touched my life with their goodness: personal relatives, friends, teachers, authors, spiritual directors, and numerous others. As I grow older the list grows longer. In past Octobers I've developed the practice of writing down one of these names each day, creating my own litany of saints. I take time to reflect on his or her personal qualities and how I have been affected by this legacy. As I ponder their good qualities, I pray these same virtues might strengthen in me. This spiritual practice rekindles my desire to live the best of who I can be.
Perhaps you might consider creating your own "litany of saints" this month. Even if you do not have any deceased relatives you want to emulate, if you look back on your life you will find others whose goodness influenced and led you to be who you are today. Here is a prayer of mine that can be prayed daily.
Spirit of my ancestors,
this day I join in acknowledging the blessedness of the many
who inspired me and shaped my faith.
I turn in memory and appreciation
toward those ancestors in my family of origin
who influenced and encouraged me to live as my best self.
I bring to mind others who enriched my life
and led me further on my journey of personal transformation.
I honor all those who sacrificed and suffered
in order for peace and justice to be furthered on our planet.
I give thanks and rejoice for the countless, unnamed persons
those goodness left a lasting mark of kindness and compassion.
May the remembrance of each of these blessed ones
deepen my personal commitment
to leave a trace of goodness wherever I go.
When I depart this sphere of life may I do so
having contributed to individual and world peace.
Abundant peace,
Joyce Rupp
Perhaps you might consider creating your own "litany of saints" this month. Even if you do not have any deceased relatives you want to emulate, if you look back on your life you will find others whose goodness influenced and led you to be who you are today. Here is a prayer of mine that can be prayed daily.
Spirit of my ancestors,
this day I join in acknowledging the blessedness of the many
who inspired me and shaped my faith.
I turn in memory and appreciation
toward those ancestors in my family of origin
who influenced and encouraged me to live as my best self.
I bring to mind others who enriched my life
and led me further on my journey of personal transformation.
I honor all those who sacrificed and suffered
in order for peace and justice to be furthered on our planet.
I give thanks and rejoice for the countless, unnamed persons
those goodness left a lasting mark of kindness and compassion.
May the remembrance of each of these blessed ones
deepen my personal commitment
to leave a trace of goodness wherever I go.
When I depart this sphere of life may I do so
having contributed to individual and world peace.
Abundant peace,
Joyce Rupp
Learn!
When we learn about the saints, we must remember that they were ordinary people just like us. Like us, the saints had to figure out who they were in the eyes of God and then live out that vision. They give us examples of how people dedicate their lives to God. Learning from them, we can figure out how to dedicate our lives to God, each in our own way. We can use each saint’s life as a model for living as God wants us to live.
Help young people learn about selected North American saints and learn how to recognize holiness in themselves and others. Take the popular online quiz to see which saint you are most likely to emulate and find other activities and reflections that explore the qualities of saints and holy living in the real world.
Help young people learn about selected North American saints and learn how to recognize holiness in themselves and others. Take the popular online quiz to see which saint you are most likely to emulate and find other activities and reflections that explore the qualities of saints and holy living in the real world.
Do!
Pope Francis's visit to the USA holds so many special moments and important themes. Fr. James Martin has pulled together a lovely summary in The Top Three Papal Visit Takeaways:
We are One Body God is Love God is Near
A young child asks the question, What was God doing before he created the universe? Watch this video to hear the Pope's answer and to see these three themes that Fr. Martin holds up for us.
We are One Body God is Love God is Near
A young child asks the question, What was God doing before he created the universe? Watch this video to hear the Pope's answer and to see these three themes that Fr. Martin holds up for us.