true love

I posted this last year too, but love it so much I had to share it again...

"For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever
Believeth In Him
Should Not perish
But have Everlasting life"
- John 3:16

Ps. If you want to hear a great story, read my friend Shannon's newest post called "God provides." It's an amazing testament to God's faithfulness, and I am so happy for you Shannon!! (It reminds me of Danielle's song "Abraham's Offering.")

150th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes

Today is the 150th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes, who first appeared at a grotto in Lourdes, France on February 11th, 1858 to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous. (The same grotto that is the inspiration for the grotto at Notre Dame.) Here is a bit of her story taken from a Catholic website.

Miracles happen.

love,
nicole

OUR LADY OF LOURDES

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2008

In 1858, in the grotto of Massabielle, near Lourdes in southern France, Our Lady appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, a young peasant girl.

She revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception, asked that a chapel be built on the site of the vision, and told the girl to drink from a fountain in the grotto.
No fountain was to be seen, but when Bernadette dug at a spot designated by the apparition, a spring began to flow. The water from this still flowing spring has shown remarkable healing power, though it contains no curative property that science can identify.

The Virgin appeared 18 times to the little peasant who would latter become St. Bernardette, but the most important apparition was the 16th: On the evening on March 24th, Bernadette told her parents of the feeling she had that she was being called to the Grotto once more by an interior impulse - she intended to return there in the morning. It had been a long time since the Lady had visited her - more than two weeks! How long that night was - try as she might, the child was unable to sleep. As soon as the first light of dawn began to pierce the darkness of night, she rose and quickly dressed.

Bernadette arrived at the Grotto at five in the morning, with her blessed candle in her hand. Her parents were with her. Even before she reached the rock, she could see the wondrous light filling the niche, in which stood her beautiful Lady.

Bernadette herself describes the conversation and events which followed this moment - "Whilst I was praying, the thought of asking Her name came to my mind with such persistence that I could think of nothing else. I feared to be presumptuous in repeating a question She had always refused to answer and yet something compelled me to speak. At last, under an irresistible impulsion, the words fell from my mouth and I begged the Lady to tell me who She was.

"The Lady did as She had always done before; She bowed Her head and smiled but She did not reply.

"I cannot say why, but I felt myself bolder and asked Her again to graciously tell me Her name; however, She only smiled and bowed as before, still remaining silent.

"Then once more, for the third time, clasping my hands and confessing myself to be unworthy of the great favour I was asking of Her, I again made my request.

"The Lady was standing above the rose bush, in a position very similar to that shown on the Miraculous Medal. At my third request, Her face became very serious and She seemed to bow down in an attitude of humility. Then She joined Her hands and raised them to Her breast. She looked up to Heaven.

"Then slowly opening Her hands and leaning towards me, She said to me in a voice vibrating with emotion

'I AM THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION'

"She smiled again, spoke no more, and disappeared smiling".

ps. Saint Bernadette's body was exhumed 30 years after her death, and she was found to be incorrupt.

Be nice. Work Hard.

My friends Ryan and Sarah O'Connor are two of the most inspiring people that I know-- they are both dedicated teachers at St. Rose of Lima school in Denver, and constant reminders to me of what is truly important in life. I just read their latest blog about their students and their dreams for them, and had to share it.

In this latest blog Ryan and Sarah write about one of their biggest heroes, Rafe Esquith. I've just spent some time on his website & all I can say is that you have to check out this man and his students' website. If you have ever wondered if one person can change the world, just check out this story. It is truly amazing.

Year after year, The Hobart Shakespeareans excel. They read passionately, far above their grade level; tackle algebra, and stage Shakespeare so professionally that they often wow the great Shakespearean actor himself, Sir Ian McKellen.

Yet this takes place in Room 56, at a large urban public elementary school. All of the children at Hobart Elementary School qualify for free breakfast and lunch, and few speak English as a first language. Many are from poor or troubled families.

What's the winning recipe? A diet of intensive learning mixed with a lot of kindness and fun. These children come to school at 6:30 a.m. and often stay until it is dark. They come during vacation. They take field trips all over the world. They play rock and roll music. Mediocrity has no place in their classroom. And the results follow them for life, as they go on to outstanding colleges.

It is not easy, but these children dare to defy society's expectations. These kids are hungry, and they want out. They work their way out. After all, there are no shortcuts.

major league

This week is my dad's "dream come true/60th birthday gift week" at the Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp in Winterhaven, Florida. My mom reports that he is having the time of his life!!
We've been having fun following his team (under 'smoke signals') and hope they get a win soon :-)

Have fun Dad!!!!!!!!!

the authority of love

I had a day today that I will not forget for a long time. God's grace was so abundant, and the message was so clear-- our God is a God of life. It's hard to capture all of the joy of this day in words, but I do want to share a few glimpses of how God has been moving in my heart today.

Maggie's Place is a home for expectant mothers who are in need of all of the support that's needed to give birth to and raise a child. Maggie's Place was started by a few young women in their early 20's who felt God placing the invitation on their hearts. Tonight as I watched their Christmas video I was so overwhelmed with joy to see the faces of many, many beautiful children and mothers whose lives have been forever shaped by the "yes" of these women. This is true joy!

"How do we persuade a woman not to have an abortion? As always, we must persuade her with love and we remind ourselves that love means to be willing to give until it hurts. Jesus gave even His life to love us. So, the mother who is thinking of abortion, should be helped to love, that is, to give until it hurts her plans, or her free time, to respect the life of her child. The father of that child, whoever he is, must also give until it hurts." -Mother Teresa

Another Maggie that is close to my heart is my blogging friend Gwen's baby Maggie, who was recently adopted from China. Pray for this little angel, and for her beautiful family! Gwen is truly a saint, and remains in my prayers each day. I am so inspired by her heroic love for her children, and by her great faith. Although we've never met, she is a sister in Christ and I just encourage you to stop by her blog (especially to watch the video "Maggie's Journey" on the right.) This is love-- the sacrifice of one's life for another. It doesn't get more beautiful than this.

"I will tell you something beautiful. We are fighting abortion by adoption - by care of the mother and adoption for her baby. We have saved thousands of lives. We have sent word to the clinics, to the hospitals and police stations: "Please don't destroy the child; we will take the child." So we always have someone tell the mothers in trouble: "Come, we will take care of you, we will get a home for your child." ... Jesus said. "Anyone who receives a child in my name, receives me." By adopting a child, these couples receive Jesus..." - Mother Teresa

Another gift from God today was learning about the John Paul II Life Center that is a Catholic-based health care center serving the women and children of Austin, Texas. I am so excited to learn of such a place, if it's God's will, I hope to be able to spend some time there maybe even this summer. God is so good.

"The child is God's gift to the family. Each child is created in the special image and likeness of God for greater things - to love and to be loved. In this year of the family we must bring the child back to the center of our care and concern. This is the only way that our world can survive because our children are the only hope for the future." -Mother Teresa

Next, God worked in an amazing way on a retreat in December, and I learned of a man named Fr. Rick Frechette who is a missionary priest and doctor in Haiti. You have to check out the link. Fr. Rick has led the building of an orphanage and children's hospital in Haiti, and I am so inspired by this man. I haven't had the chance to share this yet, but over spring break a group of 7 of us from Pitt med school will be going to Haiti & are planning to spend time with Fr. Rick. Please pray for us, that God will change, open and grow our hearts during this time, and that we would be open to His will.

"We are touching the body of Christ and we are always in his presence. You too must bring that presence of God into your family, for the family that prays together, stays together. There is so much hatred, so much misery, and we with our prayer, with our sacrifice, are beginning at home. Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put into what we do." - Mother Teresa

Today I received a return phone call from Sr. Bernadette, who is a Sister of Life. The Sisters of Life are a religious community dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the sacredness of all human life. The sisters have such a beautiful and vital ministry, and I am so excited that they invite lay men and women to consider joining them as co-workers who "share their talents, time and their very self in service to pregnant women in need."

What can co-workers do? "Women with the “Heart of Mary” offer friendship and availability to pregnant women in need while families and single women open their homes as Holy Respites. Men put their gifts towards projects like moving furniture and building cribs or in mentoring the father of the baby in learning to support the mother of his child. Spiritual Leaders, Business Professionals, Medical Doctors, Counselors and Lawyers assist with their services, while throughout the country, College and University contacts help with placement and transfer credits for vulnerable pregnant women." If you are interested in learning more, just check out their website & be prepared to be inspired!

Today I also received an e-mail from Dr. Jim Withers who in the early 90's started an outreach program here in Pittsburgh for people who are homeless called Operation Safety Net. Dr. Withers is someone I greatly admire, and he also let me know of a new free health clinic recently opened here by Catholic Charities. I've been praying for good and holy mentors, and look forward to meeting and learning from this man. God is so good.

"I want you to find the poor here, right in your own home first. And begin love there. Be that good news to your own people first. And find out about your next door neighbors. Do you know who they are? "- Mother Teresa

Just as I was wondering how one day could be full of so much grace, I talked to my best friend Katie who told me a sweet story. Last night before bedtime Katie asked her two year old daughter Abby if there was anyone she wanted to pray for and Abby said, "Cole." It's so fitting to me that the prayers of a little child would bring such tremendous blessings.

Tuesday is the 35th anniversary of the legalization of abortion in our country. To prepare for this day I invite you all to read Mother Teresa's speech given at the National Prayer Breakfast on February 3rd, 1994. (The above quotes from her on this post come from that speech.) This is not political-- this is her life's testimony. She, the one who loved until it hurt, speaks with authority not because she asks for it, but because she never asked a person to do something that she was not willing to do herself. That is why this is not a lecture-- this is a woman speaking the Truth in love. Consider carefully these testimonies for true authority (in my opinion) is directly proportional to such sacrifices made with unconditional love. (Hence, the cross.)

"America needs no words from me to see how your decision in Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father's role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts -- a child -- as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience...

Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. The right to life does not depend, and must not be declared to be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or a sovereign." -- Mother Teresa

God bless you all,

love,
nicole

ordinary time

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him. - Mark 1: 15-21

Today (the day after the feast of the baptism of Jesus) begins the Church's season of "ordinary time". I am excited because this, for me, is when the rubber hits the road. Christmas has passed, and now we're called to live into the day-to-day reality of the miracle that we have just celebrated: God is with us-- and calls us to holiness within, not despite, our humanity.

The Gospel today says it so clearly... the time is now to follow Him. Andrew and Simon (Peter), James and John are living their ordinary lives doing their ordinary day to day things when Jesus walks towards them on the Sea of Galilee. No angels announce his arrival, no star lights the way overhead. Jesus simply comes to them, right where they are in the midst of their lives, with the simple, life-altering invitation that is anything but ordinary... 'Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.'

A reflection I read today by Eileen Burke Sullivan (I definitely recommend reading the whole thing) explains it so well--

"One of the earliest and most persistent heresies within Christianity is the exclusive focus on Jesus’ divinity. It is precisely within his human nature that Jesus is able to save the created order. It is the human Jesus that the fishermen are called to follow... Not in some ideal future, rather we are called now, in the midst of fishing, or teaching, or at the market, or in the operating or board room to become the disciple who assists in disclosing the reign of God already unleashed within humanity. ... (If) we take up the Gospel and hear the human Jesus ask us to drop everything to follow him now in our current situation, today is the first day of... God’s reign in our ordinary life in this New Year."

God calls the most ordinary people doing the most ordinary things to a life that's anything but ordinary. Why? Perhaps it's in the ordinary moments of our lives when we are most real, and most likely to give Him an honest answer.

One last thought-- I also just learned that the term ordinary in this case does not mean common or plain, but is derived from the term ordinal or "numbered." So happy ordinary time. Let's not just count the days, but make the days count...

should have been a cowboy...

My brother Ryan was in Nashville for New Year's, and started off the year with a few purchases he's been waiting a long time for...

"You don't find the right cowboy hat... it finds you." -Ryan

"... disguised as our life..."

I read a quote in my mom's most recent copy of St. Anthony Messenger the other day that I has stuck with me since I read it~

"God comes to us disguised as our life" -Paula D'Arcy

Tomorrow, January 2nd, is the birthday of Saint Therese, and tonight I read something about her that reminds me so much of this quote. The story is about her Christmas conversion at age 14 after she realizes that she will no longer be receiving gifts in her shoe on Christmas Eve. The point of the article isn't the magnitude of the conversion (it changed her whole life and as a result the life of the Church), but that the incident that sparks this conversion seems so insignificant and small. As the author of the article writes:

Thérèse would probably have agreed that the whole incident seemed small. For her that was the big deal. All the events recounted in her life were small. They were middle class, and seemingly insignificant. They were a “big deal” because Thérèse realized God himself was working his miracle of grace through the little everyday events of a very ordinary life. Thérèse recognized that in the midst of a 14-year-old girl making a step toward maturity, God’s grace was thundering through.

This enlightenment, and the spiritual theology that flowed from it, transformed the Catholic Church and brought Thérèse the status not only of being the greatest saint of her time, but eventually being named a Doctor of the Church.

If God was working out his purpose in the midst of an ordinary girl’s family life and growth, then God’s work was just as constant and ubiquitous in the lives of all those who simply trusted him and obeyed the promptings of his love.

That Thérèse’s conversion was a “Christmas conversion” is not simply a sentimental touch weaving in Christmas and presents and children. That it was a “Christmas conversion” has a deeper meaning, for Thérèse’s lesson that the grace of God is constantly at work within the nitty gritty of everyday life is the lesson at the heart of Christmas itself.

The poet Henry Vaughn wrote, “Here in dust and dirt, O here, the lilies of his Love appear.”

The realization that God is working his purpose out within the dust and dirt of ordinary life is the message of Thérèse.

It is also the message at the heart of the Christmas story, for there in the ordinary, warm earthiness of a stable God is born. There within the most ordinary event — a mother and a birth — new life comes to earth.

It's also interesting to me that I found this reflection tonight because it resonates with many thoughts and feelings I had as I was able to spend the past two days with my good friends Candace and Nate, and their young daughters Grace and Gemma. It's hard to capture in words the beauty of these two as they live out their vocation of marriage and family life, but as I spend time with them, and with their neighbors and good friends Matt and Mary, I witness the joy that Jesus speaks of in the beatitudes. My own heart grows as God comes to me through the lives of these beautiful people!

Candace and Mary are both pregnant with their third child & it was especially meaningful to welcome the new year with them because my saint for the year ahead is Angela Merici, and my intention is to pray for mothers. Candace and Mary, you are both such loving mothers and examples of true beauty. Your hearts are a gift to this world, and I can't tell you how grateful I am for your example in my life! I love also that today is the feast of Mary, the Mother of God, the mother who GK Chesterton said "grows more beautiful as new generations rise up and call her blessed." As I pray for you and for all moms this year I will pray that she will always be your guide for mothering the little ones that God entrusts to you. Thank you again, and God bless you all in this new year!

candace, mary, nate and matt
it was an honor to celebrate the new year year with such amazing people!

our yummy new year's eve fondue

Christmas '07

We're having so many good times with family and friends this Christmas. Hope you all are having a blessed Christmas season too! (The rest of the photos are here.)

My brothers and sister and I at our Grandma's house on Christmas day

Morgan, Angela, Karina, Matthew and Andrea singing "Jingle Bells"

Angela and "Dr. Morgan" (how she referred to herself all day) working on Diane

Zack is happy...

to be a Browns fan!!

Ana and Zack dancin' in the kitchen

Christy is always a big hit with the kids!

Chrissy, me, Paula, Lisa and Erika at Aunt Dottie's house

It's good to be two... especially on Christmas!

Beth and Stephany came to visit from Cleveland... thanks for coming to Y-town! It was so great to see you!!

Love has come

I pray for all of you this Christmas the gifts I most long for myself...

~the wisdom to seek Him

~the experience of God speaking in a dream

~the faith to journey back another way

~the wonder of an angelic encounter

~the heart full of love for Jesus that consumed His mother

~and silence, that we might ponder it all in the depths of that most sacred of all places, the human heart...

"... the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." -John 1:5

Merry Christmas!

twins?

It was great to get to spend time with both of my brothers last night doing a little Christmas shopping and watching the movie we all know by heart, Christmas Vacation. Christy gets home tomorrow... yay!!

more advent reflections

I read these two little advent reflections today, and wanted to share. You are all in my prayers as we wait in joyful hope!

The Advent Virus ~

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

• A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
• An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
• A loss of interest in judging other people.
• A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
• A loss of interest in conflict.
• A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
• Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
• Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
• Frequent attacks of smiling.
• An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
• An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it.

Message of the Christmas Tree: Life Is "Ever Green"

Pope John Paul II in his Angelus message on 12/19/04: The traditional "Christmas tree" is a very ancient custom which exalts the value of life, as in winter the evergreen becomes a sign of undying life. In general, the tree is decorated and Christmas gifts are placed under it. The symbol is also eloquent from a typically Christian point of view: It reminds us of the "tree of life" (see Genesis 2:9), representation of Christ, God’s supreme gift to humanity.

The message of the Christmas tree, therefore, is that life is "ever green" if one gives: not so much material things, but of oneself: in friendship and sincere affection, and fraternal help and forgiveness, in shared time and reciprocal listening.

'dreaming' of Christmas

This came today from my friend Kristen & I had to share~

... I've been trying to read from my "Advent Reflections" book daily this year and I have done such a poor job in doing so, but this morning when I got up I decided to forgo grading papers in order to create a few moments of reflection during this very busy time of the year. As I read today's reflection it was written so beautifully - such real words and with such meaning, that I just had to share it with the women closest to me, especially in terms of faith....

Matthew 1:18-21

The Birth of Jesus Christ
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people form their sins."

We must thank God that Joseph does not act out of the nightmare going on at the surface of his life, but out of the dream that inhabits the core of his being. Dreams reveal another way. Joseph, in his zero hour, when his hopes of marriage, his faith, and his relationship with the girl he loves have crumbled to dust, teaches us how to make the other way a reality in our own lives. He trusts the dream, and he acts upon it. In our world, we will be faced with "nightmares" for sure, but we need to notice the scattered evidence of the deeper dream - the God-with-us, the best that is at the core of our being and is always there, like a silent angel, for those who have eyes to see. Which will we trust? Which will we act upon? The nightmare, or the dream?

Lord, below the world's nightmares lies your indestructible dream. We catch glimpses of it in moments of compassion, heroism, resilience, and all expressions of authentic human loving. Give us grace to trust the dream, especially when it seems to be buried in the ash and debris of our lives. Amen.

Only 11 more days of waiting...

my treasures

"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure."
- Sirach 6:14

On Tuesday night Alli (one of my dearest friends from South Bend) was nearby Pittsburgh for work, and we were able to get together for dinner. It was so wonderful to see you Alli!! I hope you'll be able to come back soon with Beth and Amy too. I miss you all & love you lots!!



Then last night a group of us got together to celebrate and say goodbye to Maria, who is moving to San Francisco after Christmas. In this picture are five truly beautiful & inspiring people -- Alfredo, Maria, Ani, Jodie and Megan. I am so blessed to know all of you, and thank God for the gift of your friendship!



At dinner last night, I shared Danielle's family tradition of picking a saint for the new year. Actually, as Danielle always told me, "the saint picks you." So here is a picture of Alfredo's saint picking him, and all of our saints and our intentions for the year are below~


Maria~

Saint Agatha, 3rd century virgin and martyr (celebrated February 5th)
‘My Lord Jesus Christ, You see my heart and You know my desires. You alone must have me, because I am all Yours.... You have protected me from the cradle. You have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Now receive my soul.’
Pray for women who will be called to suffer for Jesus

Ani~

Saint Francis of Assisi (celebrated on 4 October)
“Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.”
Pray for hearts to find joy!

Jodie~

Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin (St. Therese's parents)
St. Therese and Louis Martin could do no more than gaze at each other. With difficulty he pointed his index finger upward and was heard to whisper, "Until Heaven!" (Blessed Louis Martin on his deathbed to the Little Flower) Our Mother said to me, 'Don't be afraid; wait and see, your soul will expand.' (Blessed Zelie Martin to Leonie who was nearly impossible to handle)
Pray that Holiness may be born in families

Alfredo~

Blessed Leonie Martin, Lisieux (June 16th) (St. Therese's sister)
"Your little Leonie may be changed, not only in name, but in everything which might be displeasing to Him whom alone she wishes to love." "It is inappropriate for me to moan over my faults as I have done until now. That is pride. As our Holy Founder said, it is no wonder that weakness is weak; I must humble myself, not vex myself.
Pray for children who are not understood

Megan~

Blessed Luigi and Maria Quatrocchi (April 28)
Maria was advised to abort her unborn child to save her own life. The couple graciously relied on their trust in divine providence and were blessed with a healthy baby girl “Enrichetta”. They also raised their family to be just as virtuous; three of their four children joined religious orders.
Pray for strong, virtuous, holy families.

Me~

Saint Angela Merici, mystic, religious founder (January 27th)
"Mothers of children, even if they have a thousand, carry each and every one fixed in their hearts, and because of the strength of their love they do not forget any of them. In fact, it seems that the more children they have the more their love and care for each one is increased."
Pray for mothers.

I've done this every year since knowing Danielle, so this was my 6th year of having a saint for the year ahead. Here are the others I've had, beginning since 2003.

St Augustine of Hippo, bishop, Doctor of the Church (August 28th)
"You have forgiven me my past sins and drawn a veil over them, and in this way You have given me happiness in yourself, changing my life by faith and Your sacrament. When others read of those past sins of mine their hearts are stirred so that they no longer lie listless. Instead their hearts are roused by the love of Your mercy and the joy of Your grace."
Pray for the conversion of sinners

Saint Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney, Cure of Ars (celebrated on August 4th)
"My children, we cannot comprehend the power of a soul over the Good Lord: it can obtain whatever it wants."
Pray for priests.

Saint Padre Pio (celebrated September 23rd)
“The ardent desire to be in eternal peace is good and holy. But it is necessary to moderate it by a complete resignation to the Divine Will. It is better to do the Divine Will on earth than to enjoy heaven.”
Pray for the gift of obedience to God’s Will.

Saint Teresa of Avila (celebrated October 15th)
"Since the spiritual world is based entirely on humility, the closer one gets to God, the more this virtue should grow."
Pray for consecrated souls, they are the soul of the Church.

Saint Anthony of Egypt, 4th century desert monk (January 17th)
"Let Christ be as the breath you breathe; in Him put your trust. Be earnest always to be in union first with the Lord and then with the saints; that after death they also may receive you as known friends."
Pray for the purification of the world from evil.

Please let me know if you would like Danielle's saint list to share with your family and friends as well. It is such a beautiful way to begin the new year... with a special saint companion and friend for the year ahead. God bless you all!

"celebrate what's right with the world"

"I saw an angel in the stone & carved to set it free." - Michelangelo

If you can set aside 22 minutes, please watch this video by Dewitt Jones, a veteran photographer from National Geographic. It's a magical film about life, possibilities, and the transforming power of celebrating what's right with the world. "When we believe it, we'll see it."

Ryan, I especially think you are going to love this!

Enjoy!!

pope benedict's prayer intentions for life

Pope Benedict XVI Calls Faithful to Pray for Legislators and Medical Researchers to Respect Human Life

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for November is: "That those dedicated to medical research and all those engaged in legislative activity may always have deep respect for human life, from its beginning to its natural conclusion."

"Respect for human life and the dignity of the human person is at the core of Catholic belief. Jesus teaches that two greatest commandments are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and strength, and to love ones neighbor as oneself. Under the teachings of Genesis, human beings are made in the Image and Likeness of God, and therefore have an intrinsic value that cannot be denied. Under New Testament teachings, each person is part of the Body of Christ, with an intrinsic value and worth that cannot be denied. Moreover, multiple Old Testament passages declare to God "Before you knitted me in my mother's womb, you knew me," such that each individual human life is a Creative Act by God, and such that even before conception a human being exists as a person knowable to God."

a great weekend

My sister was in town this weekend (yay!) for her good friend Amanda's wedding. It was so much fun to see you Christy!! You're a dancing queen, and I hope you have a great day going back to work tomorrow. Love you!

real miracles

Those of you who read this regularly know how much I love Steven Curtis & Mary Beth Chapman & their passion for helping orphaned children. I just received the latest e-newsletter from their foundation Shaohannah's Hope, and wanted to share these two stories with you. This is the good news alive and well in our world. Enjoy!

The Galyean's story

The Williams' story

I wrote this last night, and then this morning read a heartbreaking article regarding a story that I have been following. As we rejoice for the children adopted by the Galyean and Williams families, and celebrate the heroic love of those who adopt and take into their hearts and their homes children who are most in need of love, we pray for the soul of this little angel, Riley Ann Sawyers, and for all children who are victims of abuse and harm from those who are supposed to protect & foster their life. We also pray for all who are entrusted with the gift of creating life, that they would treasure their children as God does.

Mother Teresa, protector of the littlest ones, pray for us.

another reason why i love notre dame

I had to share these photos from Beth that she took on campus this weekend. Beautiful! Thank you Beth! Some of my best memories of Notre Dame are during advent and winter. Going to the 5:15 mass in the Basilica... coming out at 6:00 in the darkness of night. The peacefulness of it, the quiet and stillness of the night and the cold... and when we were lucky, a magical snowfall that made everything even more beautiful under the dome. These photos reminded me of so many of those moments of grace. Thank you Beth! You are wonderful!

I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! Enjoy the photos & thanks again to Beth for sharing them :-)

Memory Awakens Hope. . . . . . . . . Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Seek That Which Is Above,1986

"Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so that it can discern the star of hope.…

It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope."

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share an e-mail I just sent in case anyone reading might want to help out. Have a great day!

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all having a wonderful day today! Yesterday I got an e-mail from a young man named Precene who I met when I was in Haiti. (His e-mail is below.) He and I have kept in touch since I was there in March, and this time he wrote to ask for help because his family's house was ruined in hurricane Noel that hit Haiti a few weeks ago. I have been in touch with friends at the Notre Dame Haiti program to ask how much his family would need to rebuild, and it will cost them just about $1,400 in US money. ($10,000 in Haitian money.)

I just looked it up, and Noel is a french word referring to the nativity of Christ. This Christmas, I was thinking how amazing it would be to pray for this family & to help them rebuild their house & just wanted to send this e-mail to send an invitation in case you'd like to take part.

Please don't feel any pressure to contribute financially, but for anyone so inclined to make a monetary contribution, we can work through the Notre Dame Haiti program to help make it happen. The whole house will cost $1,400, so even a few dollars would go a long way. Checks could be made out to Fr. Tom Streit (with a memo for Precene) and sent to

The Notre Dame Haiti Program
Attn: Alice Cyusa
001 Galvin Hall
University of Notre Dame, IN 46556

Alice is the accountant for the Haiti program, and can help us keep track of how much we have raised for them. I'll let you all know the progress, and hopefully by Christmas we can rejoice in knowing that this family will soon again have a home to call their own. Also, please feel free to invite others to join us as well... every little bit will help! (And if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to let me know.)

God bless you all and Happy Thanksgiving!

sincerely,
nicole

Here is a picture of Precene, with the Keenan Hall t-shirt, with Dr. Emil Hofman, beloved professor emeritus of chemistry from ND, when we were in Haiti in March.


Dear Nicole,
how are you doing? and your family.
Happy to send that you e-mail to let you know that I 'm at Notre Dame rightnow.
I benefite this time too let you know that I have some problemes in my family or my family's house has been destroyed by the cyclone Noel and rightnow I don't know what can I do to help but I know if you have possibility you will help me to rebuilt a small house they are 7 people in my family.I know that you have many reponsabities but you will do what you can to help me with that.

You give what you have and what you can.

What you do for one of smallest of my brothers you make it for me,said Jesus.

Precene

Best regards


From: "Alice Cyusa"
Date: November 20, 2007 4:39:13 PM EST
Subject: RE: Need help

Nicole,

We (Nick & I) talked( to find out how much money it would cost to build or fix his Moms house) with Precene; and it looks like we estimated it right: He said about 10,000 Haitian Dollars, which would be around $ 1,400 US $.

Precene also said that he is, the second child in his family and he has 6 siblings. His Mom is now living with her sister.

Hope this helps; and you can send checks (written to Fr Tom) to me like we did for Alix.

Thanks and Have blessed Holidays!

Alice

More than just a concert!

Before I write more, I have to take a moment to say that I never got a chance on Sunday to put up a blog to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER CHRISTY!!!! I love you & can't wait to see you in a few weeks!!


Last night I went to see Steven Curtis Chapman in concert with my good friend Kathy. It was amazing!! Before I talk about him, though, I have to tell you about Bethany Dillon, who opened the concert for him. I first really heard of her at Tisha and Ben's wedding when their sweet first dance was to her amazingly beautiful song "For My Love." She didn't play that one last night, but she did play a song called "You are on Our Side" that I just had to share. It is the Good News if ever I have heard it. Here are the lyrics & here she is singing it at a concert earlier this year. Enjoy...




Okay, so now on to Steven Curtis Chapman. Wow. What can I say? He is such a humble and faithful man, and it feels more like a being on a retreat than a concert when he sings and shares his stories. What I love so much about he and his family is the way that God has called them to adoption, how they have responded, and how their hearts have grown through the whole process. The amazing thing about the concert last night was that it was much more than a concert. Everyone at the concert was invited to share their spare change for the Show Hope project, and at the end of the night $4,500 was given to a beautiful family from Pittsburgh who is preparing to adopt a baby from Ethiopia. It was so beautiful.

Here is a video from a concert earlier this month of SCC singing "When Love Takes You In", along with beautiful home videos of many of the families (which Shaohannah's Hope has helped in their adoptions) receiving their adopted children. As Steven said last night,

"Adoption is the most perfect picture of God's love for us, His adopted sons and daughters."

I also just want to share one more of his songs, a new song called "Cinderella." As he explains in the video, Steven and his wife have 3 adopted young daughters from China, two teenage sons (his backup band on tour!) and a daughter in college. As he explains in the video he wrote this song after a long and stressful day during which he almost missed the miracle of the moment of treasuring the beauty, the innocence and the love of his two youngest daughters. Watch the first video if you want to see the explanation (I highly recommend it!), and the second one for the song itself, because it includes the video that goes along with it. Okay... I think I've left you with enough to enjoy for the day!! Now I'll say goodbye so you can start watching!!!

Jeff's 15 minutes of fame

Okay, so as many of you know, my older brother Jeff is a VP of the Pittsburgh Browns Backers. Browns fans in Pittsburgh aren't exactly the most popular people in town, especially with the Browns/Steelers game coming up on Sunday, but it's definitely made for some funny moments in the past few days for my brother!

PBB'ers,

As Paul mentioned in an earlier email, we had a little fun with KDKA this afternoon. You can watch the interview and view the dunking of KDKA radio host Kevin Miller. You might notice that Kevin remained dry until a certain Browns fan (me) showed everyone how it's done. The video is somewhat long, and not the greatest quality, but stick with it...Paul and I show up at about the 5 minute mark or close to it.

Jeff

--


He also did a radio interview that you can listen to online. Click on "Browns Fans Living Among Us" on the right, and you'll go right to the link. And my mom just sent me a link to an interview he did with a station in Cleveland too. Wow. I think he might officially be famous now!

Just hope your address isn't online Jeff!!

Go Browns!!

so excited...

"We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful." - Mother Teresa
(quoted by lead actor of Bella Eduardo Verastegui as he explains his mission in life)

Tomorrow night I am going to see "Bella" with some of my classmates. I am so excited!! My friend Ryan (who always has an amazing way with words) saw the movie a few weeks ago in Denver & wrote a great little review about it. I know this is about the third time I've written about this movie in the past 5 days, but I am just so excited to see it. (Can you tell??)

I especially love the story he found about how the movie came to be. Check out the story behind the movie. It's incredible story, a powerful testimony and proof of a favorite quote of mine that hangs on the wall at the Newman Center chapel here in Pittsburgh & that I read as often as possible...

"Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if He wants anything of you, He will fit you for the work and give you strength."
-St Philip Neri

happy birthday ryan and mrs. rizzi!

I just wanted to say happy birthday to my favorite younger brother... Happy Birthday Ryan!! I hope this is the beginning of your best year yet!


I also want to wish a happy birthday to Mrs. Rizzi, not only the biggest ND fan I know, but also grandma of two of the cutest grandkids in the world.

Here's a little birthday gift for both of you... a reminder from a Navy alum about what we love most about ND. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

big news!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Amy and Brian who got engaged last Saturday!!! For those of you who haven't met her yet, Amy is the wonderful person I was so blessed to live with for the past few years in South Bend.... some of the best years of my life!

Amy, you're an amazing person and friend-- I am so happy for you & can't wait for the wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!!


PS. Bella is coming to many more cities this weekend and next!! Click here to find out where you can see it!!!

PPS. Here are some fun photos from the pitt med halloween party!

Laura, Karen and Ani

Adrienne and the tooth fairy :-)

you can't get much cuter than this...

abby, age 2
job: being unstopably cute!