“[The Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness’ … Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:9 - 10).
What began in 2003 as an inspiration to help Catholic women discover the beauty of authentic femininity, Women of Grace® has grown over the last 20 years into one of the largest Catholic women's ministries in the Church today.
There is something to be grateful for all the time. However, it is not human nature to feel thankful during difficult or painful situations. Therefore, how can a woman who has suffered a miscarriage or stillbirth find the will to be thankful while still grieving?
“I didn’t know why I needed to come to the retreat; I just know I had to be there,” said Karen from Pennsylvania. “He’s working on me. He’s healing me. I have some deep wounds that I didn’t even know about. But he’s working on me. Just call me a I’m a work in progress.”
We live in a complicated world full of so many options it can become overwhelming. This is why the simple message delivered to women in the Benedicta Leadership Seminar in Malvern was so striking.
During a Benedicta Leadership Seminar, Kathy had no problem recognizing the greatest value she can give to the world; but when it came to realizing what was holding her back from contributing that value, she needed some divine intervention.
When Joanne came to the Benedicta Leadership Seminar at Malvern in July 2019, she was just beginning to come to terms with some of the twists and turns in her life; by the time it was over, everything was beginning to fall into place.
The Last Communion of St. Francis by Peter Paul Rubens
by Theresa Cavicchio, OFS
The feast of Saint Francis of Assisi (1182 – 1226 A.D.) is celebrated each year on October 4th, often with commemorations of his renowned devotion to all of God’s creation. Some of the faithful take beloved pets to receive a special blessing in his name. Others recall his care for the environment, a particularly timely topic dear to the heart of Pope Francis. Still others renew their attraction to his life of simplicity and poverty.
Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, has merited numerous titles down through the centuries, many very familiar. Sometimes, though, a new title comes our way – a hidden gem revealing to the faithful another jewel in the crown of devotion to Our Lady.
Margalita Poletunow, LPC, LPCMH
The Last Communion of St. Francis by Peter Paul Rubens
by Theresa Cavicchio