San Diego, California, is named for this Franciscan, who was canonized in 1588. ☀️
Dear John, Today's Pause+Pray is written by Susan Hines-Brigger and I love it! She is basically helping us remember in the "Act" section that God loves us unconditionally. As we head into the Advent season, Susan and I are preparing a beautiful program and experience for all of you. We are offering you a way to spread this unconditional love from God for YOU and your families each day of Advent. Check out what Susan Hines-Brigger and I have put together for you this Advent season. And, learn more about this book and getting automatically signed up for our daily Advent series with you here. I can promise you that your family, youth group, church community will feel God's love through this special A Catholic Family Advent experience. My family is already having this loving experience in a very simple but profound way, just as we are creating this experience for you. I don't want your family or group to miss out. Get your book ordered today so we can have this beautiful Advent experience together. Peace, Patty Crawford Marketing, Director |
Saint of the Day for November 7: Didacus (c. 1400 – November 12, 1463) Listen to Saint Didacus’ Story Here Didacus is living proof that God “chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” As a young man in Spain, Didacus joined the Secular Franciscan Order and lived for some time as a hermit. After Didacus became a Franciscan brother, he developed a reputation for great insight into God’s ways. His penances were heroic. He was so generous with the poor that the friars sometimes grew uneasy about his charity. Didacus volunteered for the missions in the Canary Islands and labored there energetically and profitably. He was also the superior of a friary there. In 1450, he was sent to Rome to attend the canonization of Saint Bernardine of Siena. When many of the friars gathered for that celebration fell ill, Didacus stayed in Rome for three months to nurse them. After he returned to Spain, he pursued a life of contemplation full-time. He showed the friars the wisdom of God’s ways. As he was dying, Didacus looked at a crucifix and said: “O faithful wood, O precious nails! You have borne an exceedingly sweet burden, for you have been judged worthy to bear the Lord and King of heaven” (Marion A. Habig, OFM, The Franciscan Book of Saints, p. 834). San Diego, California, is named for this Franciscan, who was canonized in 1588. Reflection We cannot be neutral about genuinely holy people. We either admire them or we consider them foolish. Didacus is a saint because he used his life to serve God and God’s people. Can we say the same for ourselves?
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Are you looking for a simple way to have a more meaningful Advent season with your family, youth group, or friends? Look no further! Join author, Susan Hines-Brigger, and mom, Patty Crawford, on this daily Advent journey. |
Unsung Saints We can all think of people who have made a significant difference in the major decisions and directions of our lives. It may or may not have seemed dramatic at the time, but looking back we can see that words of encouragement or admonition changed the path we were on and set us toward a new life. Pope Francis suggests that these people, too, are part of our personal communion of saints: “Certainly the most decisive turning points in world history are substantially codetermined by souls whom no history book ever mentions. And we will only find out about those souls to whom we owe the decisive turning points in our personal lives on the day when all that is hidden is revealed.” —from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “Saints Next Door“
by Diane M. Houdek |
Facing Our Struggles Reflect Whether we realize it or not, everyone we know is struggling with some type of burden in his or her life. It could be anything from a devastating health diagnosis to a lack of self-confidence. No matter what, though, it takes courage to face down those challenges. Pray Dear God, you know me well.
You know my struggles.
Give me the strength to carry those burdens
and turn to you in my times of need.
Help me remember that you are always by my side
and I am safe with you.
Amen. Act Look at yourself in the mirror and repeat this phrase: “I am wonderfully made and God is always at my side.” Today's Pause+Pray was written by Susan Hines-Brigger. Learn more here! |
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