PathToHoliness

I ended my annual Total Consecration to Jesus Christ Through Mary on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. As you might guess from the condition of my book, it has seen many years. I see it as a great addition to my annual retreat, which I do earlier in the year.

When I used to deer hunt in Missouri during November I would sit in my stand and do the daily meditation and prayers. I kept it in my fanny pack which probably wasn’t the best place to put it. But sitting in the woods was a very quiet and great place for it. I never saw a deer until either before or after I did my daily prayers.

I’ve recommended this prayer and here is an excerpt of the description of the book which you can find on Amazon.

O Virgin most faithful!
Make me in all things so perfect
a disciple, imitator and slave of
incarnate Wisdom, Jesus Christ, your Son,
that I may come, through your intercession and your example,
to the fullness of his age on earth
and of his glory in heaven.
Amen.

These words from St. Louis de Montfort’s Act of Total Consecration give beautiful expression to the fundamental thrust of his spirituality: Christianity that is fully alive is nothing less than a radical act of total self-surrender and self-gift to the Lord Jesus Christ who, in his redemptive Incarnation, has first given himself totally over to us, and for us.

This past Friday during our Holy Hour at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, retired Bishop Martin Holley offered a reflection on “Caring for Family. This is one of the quarterly speakers we have been blessed to have speak out on the value of life. This is organized by the parish Veronica Guild Honoring Life.

Bishop Holley spoke about his family as an example for caring about the life of others. His parents had 14 children and his younger brother has suffered from a fall that paralyzed him. He needs help in a caring facility and Bishop Holley sees to his care every day. It was a very emotional talk.

He also said that “as the Catholic church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society, and this belief is the foundation of all principles of our social teaching.” He talked about how human life is under attack in the form or abortion, euthanasia and other issues and we should do everything we can as Roman Catholics to uphold the teaching of Jesus Christ. The scriptures are filled with these teachings.

I thank God that here in Florida the horrible Amendment 4 did not pass. South Dakota was the only other state that did not pass their abortion amendment. Out of ten states with measures that would allow the murder of innocent children it was only these two who said “yes to life.” The others include Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, New York and Nebraska (which had two different ones, but both allow abortions).

The Precious Feet lapel pin in the picture is one I wear on my jacket. I get asked what it means and I tell them. Some people like it and others just turn away. But it is a powerful image and something that so many people don’t know about or just don’t care.

I hope that with a change in our nation’s leadership there will be much more value for life in all it’s stages from conception to natural death.

I haven’t posted for a while because of being very busy and also just overwhelmed about the rhetoric in our presidential voting time. There is so much hatred on the side of the Democrat candidate, especially against the opponent, but also the extreme she will go to make sure more babies are murdered (that’s what abortion is). Every day I hear so many people say “you just can’t make this stuff up.” I think that it is at the urging of the devil.

As far as on the Republican side of things we have a candidate who isn’t playing games. He may not be completely pro-life but it’s a far cry from the other side. Additionally, there are so many like his VP, who are very pro-life. It’s not even an option for Christian men and women regardless of being Catholic or any other denomination.

We hear talk about TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) but it’s not a laughing matter. I’ve never seen people spout out the most hateful comments. I’ve been surprised and sad at friends, including Catholic ones, who are apparently having a terrible bout of TDS.

So, I ask you to vote regardless of who you are and regardless of race, gender or religion. Why? Here’s a good reason according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, 2240, “Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country.” I voted early but there is still plenty of time.

It was on a Sunday, October 6, 2002 that Pope St. John Paul II canonized St. Josemaría Escrivá. I was blessed to attend the ceremony and will never forget it. The crowd was so big it was difficult to get any photos (over 500,000 people). This one is while I was waiting in front of the Basilica of St. Peter for St. Pope John Paul II to arrive. It is hard to believe that it has been 22 years ago.

If you are not familiar with St. Josemaría Escrivá, here is a biography which includes the founding of Opus Dei. This is a great a quote of his: “How I wish your bearing and conversation were such that, on seeing or hearing you, people would say: This man reads the life of Jesus Christ.” – The Way #2

Yesterday we held the Knights of Columbus Silver Rose program at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel. The program is held around the Mass and after a rosary was said during our weekday Holy Hour. Besides many attendees from our parish and others we also had 37 Knights of Columbus from different councils attend. After the program was completed we got to take photos while holding the silver rose. It is one of eight that travel throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The rose in our ceremony was delivered by members of the Knights on Bikes brothers who then traveled on to the next stop.

This was for many a very emotional program since each Friday we celebrate life that is so precious. To have this symbol and prayers for the life of all and very especially for the unborn was something to always remember even if we don’t get to participate again.

Coming up later this month the Knights of Columbus, Silver Rose program, will visit the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Pensacola, FL. Scheduled for September 13 my Council #8589 will be hosting the program. We did two years ago and I posted about it here where you can find more information. The photo is one I took when I visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe some years ago.

Here’s an overview.

Each year, from early March through mid-December, Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

If you are interested you can find a number of resources about this program.

On Friday, August 16, Dr. Tom Neal, Chief of Evangelization & Mission Engagement, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, gave a reflection on Marian Living – On Earth as it is in Heaven. This was during the daily Holy Hour prior to Mass. This was the second speaker the Honoring Life Team has sponsored for Fridays for Life.

Here is how Dr. Neal started, “So it’s kind of easy, as Mary provides us so much to reflect on when I entitle my talk Marian living, which essentially means living according to the pattern of life that Our Lady laid out for us. Of course, Mary is the perfect disciple of her son, and she’s the perfection of everything that it means to be human, made in God’s image and likeness. She reveals to us ourselves like a mirror, a polished mirror that shows us not just who we are, but shows us who we are to become.”

He also talks about True Devotion to Mary, the book authored by Saint Louis De Montfort. I think it is a must read book and also to practice each year the Total Consecration To Jesus Through Mary.

Forgiveness is a word that many people don’t fully understand. I’d like to make some comments on this after reading “Forgiveness A Catholic Approach” by R. Scott Hurd. It has changed my perceptions of what forgiveness is and what it isn’t.

To start with, it isn’t just saying I’m sorry to someone. Jesus died on the cross for us and to forgive our sins. It is something you do when someone has harmed you in some way. And if you follow Jesus on this, you are doing it out of love and not retaliation to whoever caused you to be angry, hurt, jealous as just some examples.

In today’s world it seems like people are “hurt” just because someone doesn’t agree with them. Or perhaps they posted something on social media and commenters write the most hateful things. I think many of them are very angry people who often have no idea what they’re talking about. I guess it makes them feel better but that never lasts.

I would put some excerpts here but there are so many things to meditate on. I took it chapter a day. It may also change your perception of forgiveness.

There are so many prayer books, books of spiritual direction and of course, the Bible, that it can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to decide what is best for you or for your current situation. I have experienced this over the years. So, I have several that are every day prayers and reading. These I believe are the most efficacious – the Rosary, Liturgy of the Hours (morning/evening), some spiritual reading and New Testament reading. But I add to this other prayers in the morning and before bed. These vary depending on who I’m praying for or for problems I’m having.

Just recently I started a daily spiritual direction book, “Padre Pio’s Spiritual Direction for Every Day.” These are from letters that he wrote to his own spiritual directors or followers. There is a different one for each day of the year. So, whenever you start you just go to that day and move on from there. I definitely recommend it.

So, to end this, I have to include two other very important things to do in The Way to being with our Lord when we die. Daily Mass if possible and some quiet time to just clear your mind and let God talk to your soul. You may not “hear” Him but He is there and is listening.

Today is the Feast of St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei. You can find a lot of good information from the St. Josemaria Institute here.

One of the ways this to celebrate this feast day is with a Mass locator on the Institute website. If you can’t attend a feast day Mass then just saying a prayer for the intercession of St. Josemaria Escriva is another good option.

An important part of the mission of the St. Josemaria Institute is to support and encourage the celebration of his feast day around the world, especially through the Mass, which is the “principal sacramental celebration of the Church.” The Feast Day and Mass are a great opportunity to invite friends, family, and parish communities to get to know the spirit and life of St. Josemaria Escriva.

Cindy and I had Lunch with the Bishop yesterday. That is with our Bishop, Most Reverend William A. Wack, CSC. This annual event provides a great opportunity to raise funds for Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida. We can make a donation while also having a very good lunch catered locally by Classic City Catering.

You can provide your support easily and online. CCNF provides a variety of services which includes pregnancy and adoption services.

Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida serves, empowers, and advocates for impoverished and vulnerable families and individuals of any race, religion or national origin across the Florida Panhandle.

We proudly carry out the social mission of the Catholic Church throughout 18 counties in the Florida Panhandle.

I’ve lost track over the years about what used to be “the media” picking out a phrase from what the Pope says in interviews, audiences and writings. So many people just assume that what the read or hear is true and they don’t check the source.

Our church pastor has told us over and over to always go to the source – Vatican News. Every time I do so I see that the Pope is being taken out of context. That doesn’t mean that I necessarily like what he says about things that are not of church dogma. But at least I understand better what he is trying to say. I’ve lived through several popes and I know this is true of all of them.

I could give you several examples but if you just look and listen to what Pope Francis is saying and then go check on the documents in Vatican News you will find the truth. That’s my experience and I hope it will be yours.

On the ballot is the Florida’s Abortion Amendment. The bishops in Florida say it best.

“We urge all Floridians of goodwill to stand against the legalization of late-term abortion and oppose the abortion amendment. In doing so, we will not only protect the weakest, most innocent, and defenseless of human life among us but also countless women throughout the state from the harms of abortion,” said the bishops of Florida in their statement on Amendment 4. You can read the full proposed amendment here.

In my parish we have the Veronica Guild with contains 6 different teams. I serve on the one Honoring Life. So, for us this is just what we are all about. We honor life in all its stages. And, of course, abortion is a big part of our efforts. There is more information on it here.

Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in your image and likeness. Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen (USCCB)

This is great news for young people as well as older. Here is an excerpt of the announcement on Vatican News.

Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, met Thursday with Pope Francis, who approved the promulgation of several decrees related to the causes of canonization of several men and women.

Pope Francis beatified the millenial in 2020 in Assisi, where Blessed Carlo had made multiple pilgrimages and where his mortal remains rest.

I have a grandson and Godson who are well aware of this remarkable young man. My wife and I sent them books about him since they have spent a lot of time on gaming and our hope is that the example of Carlo will help them be very careful about it and grow closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. That is our prayer.

You can find out more about Blessed Carlo Acutis on the Official Website of the Carlo Acutis Association and the Cause of Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis. On it is a prayer for the Canonization.