by Theresa CavicchioOn August 2nd each year, Franciscans world-wide celebrate a very special feast day, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of Portiuncula.
The Portiuncula: Francis of Assisi’s Beloved “Little Portion”
by Theresa CavicchioBlog
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by Theresa CavicchioMeet the Team: Susan W. Jacobsen
It's time to meet the team that makes Women of Grace the impactful apostolate that it is!
Today we're featuring Susan W. Jacobsen, who is a Regional Coordinator from New Jersey. She is also part of the team that developed the Young Women of Grace program, developed the 32 Mornings of Grace programs with Martha Nicolli, and is part of the team that trained facilitators for the adult and teen studies.
We hope you enjoy learning more about Susan from her answers to the questions below. Stay tuned for regular "Meet the Team" features!
1 How long have you been on the Women of Grace team and how did you begin? "Since 2010. I began by attending a one-day program given by Johnnette at a church in Vineland, New Jersey with my friend Nancy Elhajj."
2 What do you love best about Women of Grace's apostolate? "What I love best is stated in the vision statement -'encourage and affirm women in their dignity as daughters of God and in their gift of authentic femininity.' The sacred sisterhood that develops is particularly precious. I am so grateful to be part of a program that helps women grow closer to Jesus through the foundational study and other Women of Grace opportunities. I have grown so much on this faith journey over these 11 years and with God's grace have been able to overcome the difficulties that life presents."
3 What is your favorite devotion? "The Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet."
4 Who is your favorite saint? "The Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph."
5 If you could have lunch with Jesus today, what would you want to talk about? "Conversion of hearts."
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Know ourselves
August 2
"We shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God; for, beholding His greatness, we realize our own littleness; His purity shows us our foulness; and by meditating upon His humility we find how very far we are from being humble."
-St. Teresa of Avila
Today's Reflection:
According to St. Teresa of Avila, why is meditating on the attributes of God an appropriate way to begin to cultivate the virtue of humility? Where do you most see yourself in the reflection above?
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Humility is the foundation
August 1
"Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance."
-St. Augustine
Today's Reflection:
Consider St. Augustine's statement about humility. Why do you think humility is the foundation of all the other virtues? Why is the appearance of any other virtue merely pretense if humility is lacking?
If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith. DONATE
Color all things with hues of faith
July 31
"With Christians, a poetical view of things is a duty. We are bid to color all things with hues of faith, to see a divine meaning in every event."
-Cardinal John Henry Newman
Today's Reflection:
Do I "color all things with hues of faith?" Do I see "a divine meaning in every event?" If I were to do so, how would this encourage the virtue of humility in me? What one situation or circumstance am I presently facing that can give me this opportunity?
If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith. DONATE
Fast from bitterness
July 30
"Fast from bitterness - feast on forgiveness. Fast from self-concern - feast on compassion for others. Fast from personal anxiety - feast on eternal truth. Fast from anger - feast on patience. Fast from words that destroy - feast on words that build up. Fast from discontent - feast on gratitude. Fast from discouragement - feast on hope."
-Susan Tassone
Today's Reflection:
What "fast" should I engage? What are three practical ways I can employ its antidote today?
If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith. DONATE
Should I See a Pet Psychic?
Snarkey & Mojo on their first day in their new home.MS asks: “I’m seeing more and more advertisements for pet psychics at my vet’s office. Are these people for real?”
Let all acknowledge St. Michael
July 29
"Let all acknowledge St. Michael as their protector, and be devout to him, for he cannot despise those who pray to him.... But he guards them through life, directs them on their way, and conducts them to their eternal home."
-St. Lawrence Justinian
Today's Reflection:
It gives me comfort when I realize that the Archangel Michael not only defends and protects souls during this life but also is our special advocate and consoler at the hour of death. He will come to do battle with our enemies on our behalf. I will invoke St Michael daily to lend his assistance at the critical hour of death.
If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith. DONATE
Are you a Martha, a Mary or a Lazarus?
“Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; 42 one thing is needful.[a] Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:38-42Are you a Martha, a Mary, or a Lazarus?
Today is the Memorial of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. In the scripture passage above, we see that Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.” While Martha, “was distracted with much serving.” She even complained that Mary wasn’t doing her part and the Lord, rebuked her saying that Mary had chosen the better part and He would not take it away from her.
The soul sees what God intended it to be
July 28
"The soul sees what God intended it to be. And the soul sees what obstacles it erected - its selfishness, its cowardice, its shallow satisfactions, its perversions of God's graces and His gifts. All this came between God and the soul in life."
-Susan Tassone
Today's Reflection:
What will I see at the moment of my particular judgment? Will I see that I have created obstacles between my soul and God? What might they be? I pray for the grace to dismantle these obstacles in this life so I will not take them with me to eternal life.
If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith. DONATE
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