Lives of the Saints

A Role Model for Hard Times and Suffering

Our Lady of Sorrows also known as Mater Dolorosa (Mother of Sorrows)

When crisis hits, how well do you react? Are you able to manage emotional distress?  In a culture where we avoid suffering at all costs, how well are you prepared when you lose a job, get divorced, have a child struggling for life, or see your husband battling to regain health?  Having been through these things, it is by God’s grace and Mother Mary’s example I haven’t cracked.

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Guide to Goodness

Show us the way.  Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness

Art by Melanie Boutiette Just Beloved

We live in a hard world.  Especially in the west where we are taught to be independent, self-reliant, and to look out for number one.  While this has worldly benefits, over time, our hearts become hardened, we live in our heads, and rarely let our guard down.  This is counter to what the spiritual life requires of us where we must learn how to be childlike, to be humble and small.  A hardened heart never allows us to lead an integrated life of body, mind, and spirit.  We must cultivate a soft and gentle heart.

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