St. Michael’s Lent begins today!

Today, August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady, is also the beginning of the Franciscan devotion known as “St. Michael’s Lent.” It is a 40-day period of fasting begun by St. Francis of Assisi in the 1220’s similar to the actual Lenten season. It ends September 29th on the feast of St. …

Continue reading ‘St. Michael’s Lent begins today!’ »

August: A Month for TWO Lenten disciplines

Today is August 6th, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. It also marks the beginning of what I call “Second Chance Lent.” The Transfiguration is when Jesus went up Mt. Tabor with three of His disciples and revealed Himself in His Glorified Body and also conferred with Moses and Elijah concerning His upcoming …

Continue reading ‘August: A Month for TWO Lenten disciplines’ »

Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 9

On this, the final day of the Novena, we petition the Lord for angelic protection for this life so that we may make it safely to Heaven. Heaven is our true home, where we will finally discover and be our true selves and live in eternal happiness and joy, united with the Father and sharing …

Continue reading ‘Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 9’ »

Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 8

On this 8th day of the Novena, we pray for the strength of perseverance in Faith. The main reason why I started this blog, and the failed social networks involving Catholic addiction, is that too often in 12 Step meeting rooms (and online gatherings) I’ve seen Catholics leave the Church. I feel it is my …

Continue reading ‘Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 8’ »

Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 7

On this seventh day of the Novena, we petition the Lord for obedience. Not a popular word by any means. Obedience is the humble submission to a legitimate authority. It does not mean slavery or a mindless following of a greater and stronger power. It means an acknowledgement of an authority (be it Church or …

Continue reading ‘Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 7’ »

Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 6

On this sixth day of the Novena, we petition the Lord for protection against evil and temptation. Evil exists. Just read the news. Evil is the absence of good and the pursuit of power, control and influence for selfish gain. It is the pursuit of our will in opposition to God’s. God is not responsible …

Continue reading ‘Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 6’ »

Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 5

On this fifth day of the Novena, we petition the Lord for protection against Satan. Alcoholism is called “cunning, baffling and powerful.” Indeed it is, since it is also a weapon use by Satan to trap us and keep us from the path God intended for us to trudge. It is stronger than we are, …

Continue reading ‘Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 5’ »

Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 4

On this fourth day of the Novena, the petition is for us to increase our self-control, specifically “to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions.” “What goes in, must come out.” To govern our senses requires discipline and a certain amount of detachment. Not easy, considering the World’s constant attempts to shove garbage in …

Continue reading ‘Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 4’ »

Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 3

On this third day of the Novena, the petition is for us to grow in humility. Humility is the second most-written about category for this blog (after “Prayer.”) Humility, it is said in 12 Step meeting rooms is “accepting reality for what it is, adjusting your life to fit that reality, and being content with …

Continue reading ‘Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 3’ »

Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 2

On this second day of the Novena, the petition is for us to spiritually progress and grow in holiness. We cannot resist sin and temptation on our own efforts. We may have moderate success, but our own wills can carry us only so far. We need the grace of God and our own cooperation with …

Continue reading ‘Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, Day 2’ »