Holy Week: Good Friday

Prayer to Mary of the Pieta

Dearest Mother Mary, 

who received into 

your arms the lifeless body of 

Jesus, 

embrace your other children 

who will die this day.

Obtain for them 

true repentance and pardon 

for all their sins, 

that not a drop 

of your Son’s Precious 

Blood, 

will have been shed 

in vain.

In case you have wondered 

why this Friday is called Good Friday

and never dared to ask that question,

this site gives an excellent

and nonjudgmental explanation.

Holy Week

Ready for the babe,
baptismal font and candle,
now comes Baptism.

On the vigil of Palm Sunday,
our parish was blessed
to welcome a new member
to our Christian family,
an adorable baby girl.

During the last two weeks of Lent, all statues are covered.
Christ on the cross was covered before the vigil Mass
of Palm Sunday.  For more detailed explanation, go here.

This evening I met my daughter-in-law
at her home parish church, St. Francis of Assisi. 
We like the tradition that is practiced at St. Francis;
everyone who wishes to participate
has their feet washed and
then washes another person's feet, 
the way Jesus did for his apostles.
(In my parish, the priest washes the feet of 12 men.)
The Mass on this evening has no closing;
everyone processes out quietly after Communion.
Those who wish, then stay for Benediction and Adoration. 
That's why this altar is set up in the narthex.

I wish everyone a sacred finish to Lent
and an Easter full of blessings and peace.

ABC Wednesday: K is for King

The King of Glory Comes!

He entered Jerusalem
with great lauds,
some strewing their cloaks
on the ground,
as if laying a red carpet
as some do for the VIPs.
Assuredly he was and is
a very important person,
of God, and man.
But too soon the tides
of man turned,
and he was
scourged and crucified
for each of us sinners.
Remember His gift
and be grateful.

May you have
a blessed Holy Week
and a joyous Easter,
when we will sing 
once again
"Alleluia,
He is risen!"

Please join others
and me
at ABC Wednesday

Mornings with Mary

My post is dedicated to my cousin Rosemary, who died 

unexpectedly this past Thursday, March 21, 2013 

and to her family.

The verse below was written originally

 for a friend who suffered the death of a son.

Mary, Virgin Mary, Miriam,

Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, 

Or, as she’s called by the faith of Islam, Maryam.

However you address her ,

her aid is nearby.

As has been said before,

and most likely will be again,

these times are hard.

So hard that even as adults, 

we seek our mother’s comforting touch.  

May our loving Mother

bring whatever is needed

for the peace of Christ

To dwell in your family’s hearts and home.

visit Rebecca's splendid blog for

others who share love for 

our Blessed Mother 

head over to Weekly Top Shot #76

Lenten Breakfast

The Papal Coat of Arms for Pope Francis is explained here and here.
 

The future pope's arrival
in Vatican City.

the empty balcony

inside the conclave

two of Rome's policemen

    

Cardinals pay before voting.

Noll Hall was decorated with the Papal flag
and the colors of the flag.
Fitting decorations since Father Keene's talk was about
the signal of white smoke announcing
to the world "Habemus Papum!"- "We have a Pope!"

our marvelous speaker- Father Keene
Father teased about the "holy smoke."

The St. Mary Women's Association
who not only planned the breakfast,
but provided the food and decorated the hall.
The posters with attached newspaper articles
were provided by Father Keene.

Feast of St. Joseph

March 19 is the Feast of St. Joseph, the most chaste spouse 
of our Blessed Mother. Thus, our Tuesday Bible Study 
celebrated the feast day by having a St. Joseph Table.

Even though I converted 50 years ago, I was not familiar 
with this tradition.  It is an Italian custom, 
and there is no trace of Italian blood
on either the maternal or paternal side of my family.
However, I will pass this tradition on to my family.
Many of us searched for stories about St. Joseph, and two ladies had personal accounts about St. Joseph's interceding in their family's lives. 

Other traditions associated with St. Joseph can be found here.

The lady who brought the preserves noticed, when she took it out of her pantry, that it was made at the St. Joseph Monastery! 
                                                                                                                                       
The lady who suggested this custom is a gracious hostess; 
she set the table with the lovely and fitting cloths.  
She also planned where the foods were set.   
It is quite lovely and eye-catching I think.

Our Blessed Mother

Our blessed Mother,
I start the day with your Son;
you lead me to Him.

join me at Rebecca's
for Mornings with Mary.