Our heavenly Father knows well how to delight His creatures’ human senses. This is never more evident than in spring, when nature, God’s own handiwork, surrounds us not only with the beauty of plants in full flower, but also with their aroma. Hyacinth, lavender, lilac, and sweetpea are just a few of the many varieties that fall into this fragrant category, blossoming at various times during the months of spring.
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Women of Grace®, the nation’s leading Catholic women’s apostolate, is hosting its first one-day Young Women of Grace® retreat for teen girls ages 13+. This fun-filled day is designed to help girls discover their feminine genius and learn how to use it to not just survive in this toxic culture, but to thrive in spite of it!
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The month of May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary within the Catholic Church. As a lay Dominican, I always look forward to the opportunity to promote the Rosary, a prayer that Saint Dominic received based on the inspiration of Christ's Mother. New from Franciscan Media / Servant Books is Johnnette Benkovic and Thomas Sullivan's
The Rosary: Your Weapon for Spiritual Warfare.
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He’s the least understood member of the Blessed Trinity and yet, from the moment of our baptism, the Holy Spirit is closer to us than our own breath and knows us better than we know ourselves. If the Creator Blest is this close, why is it so hard to move forward in our spiritual life?
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“Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, will you be capable of the perfect human relationship, that I have planned for you. You will never be united to another until you are united with Me. Exclusive of anyone or anything else. Exclusive of any other desires or longings. I want you to stop planning, to stop wishing, and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing…one you cannot imagine. I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you.” -Be Satisfied With Me, attributed to St. Anthony of Padua.
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The beauty of the month of May is reflected not only in nature but also in its dedication to Our Lady and in recognition of our earthly mothers. Additionally, it is the traditional time of great rejoicing as colleges and universities across the country celebrate commencement ceremonies.
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Annie and John Paul Deddens
"Prayer is a surge of the heart, it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." –St. Therese of Lisieux
I found out about Pray More Novenas years before getting to know Annie. When I learned the backstory of how Pray More Novenas came in existence, I remember thinking- wow! this couple really has something special!
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Today is National Star Wars Day and many of the film’s fans will be offering the movie’s famous greeting ,“May the force be with you,” or its pun for the day, “May the fourth be with you.” Judging by world conditions and the strife that abounds both at home and abroad, we could use some force and power to bring relief, order, and justice to our beleaguered globe.
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Women of Grace® is inviting you to participate in a very special event that will be taking place this Sunday, May 6, in the home diocese of our apostolate – the Diocese of St. Petersburg - when Bishop Gregory Parkes will consecrate the diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
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USF Women of Grace: (Front L/R) Emma Lopez-Ponnada, Emily Donaire, Meredith Hines. (Back L/R) Angie Phewklieng, Janet Carina, Melissa Jones, Sandrine Urias. Maria Gonzalez is on computer via Skype with Isabelle Liberatore, Women of Grace Director of Administration & Development, holding laptop.
Women of all ages, and from as far away as Colombia, participated in a Full of Grace study at the University of South Florida (USF) where they embarked on an incredible journey of healing, hope, and new horizons.
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