Dissident Nuns Consider Severing Ties with Vatican

Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS

In the wake of the Vatican’s move to clean up the dissention in the ranks of the leaders of women religious in the U.S., the Leadership Council of Women Religious (LCWR) is considering letting go of its canonical recognition to become a voluntary organization.

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Feast of Our Lady of Grace

The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure in France in 1830. The Blessed Mother asked Catherine to have a medal struck of the vision she saw. Our Lady promised that abundant graces would be bestowed on those who wore the medal.

 In her vision to Saint Catherine Laboure, brilliant rays flowed from the jewels in the rings Our Lady wore on her fingers. The Blessed Mother explained to Saint Catherine:

“These rays symbolize the graces I shed upon those who ask for them. The gems from which rays do not fall are the graces for which souls forget to ask.” 

For Reflection: 

Think about all of the graces we fail to receive because we do not ask for them! Which grace do you most need to receive today? Ask Our Lady – she is waiting to bestow it upon you! Over the next couple of days, journal the ways in which you have seen this grace operating in your life.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Dear Friends,

Here is the prayer to the Holy Spirit that I prayed today on Women of Grace Live (M-F, 11:00 AM ET). As I mentioned, I can offer no attribution as it has none on the card I received. I hope it truly blesses you.

Blessings,

Johnnette

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart with your holy gifts.

Let my weakness be penetrated with your strength this very day,

that I may fulfill all the duties of my state conscientiously,

that I may do what is right and just.

Let my charity be such as to offend no one, and hurt no one’s feelings;

so generous as to pardon sincerely any wrong done to me.

Assist me, O Holy Spirit, in all my trials of life,

enlighten me in my doubts,

strengthen me in my weakness, help me in

all my needs, protect me in temptations

and console me in afflictions.

Graciously hear me, O Holy Spirit, and pour your light

into my heart, my soul, and my mind.

Assist me to live a holy life and to grow in goodness and grace.

Amen

 

 

Beware of the Media Hysterics Surrounding VatiLeaks

Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS

It’s becoming increasing difficult to discern between the facts and the usual media hysterics surrounding the growing Vatileaks scandal which reached new heights this week with the arrest of the pope’s butler for allegedly leaking papal documents to the Italian press.

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