Discernment Is Ultimately Good :)

[Thomist-in-Training]

Some people really do admire nuns, even non-Catholics. Several people I've met at different jobs have mentioned this (once [i]a propos de moi[/i], once [i]a propos d'une amie[/i] who had JUST entered which I mentioned in conversation).

Not just PMers, but Saints, prayed the Rosary before becoming Catholic Like Bl. umumum Bartolo Longo who founded the shrine to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompei. He prayed a rosary sort of on a dare, after being REALLY DEEP in sin (he was a PRIEST OF SATAN) and was converted again by praying the rosary. Yah. Let them pray the rosary. There are many pious anecdotes of people who were saved through our Lady's intercession after just occasionally praying a Hail Mary devoutly. So it's definitely not like an obstacle to her becoming Catholic for her to pray the rosary, God willing it will have been a [i]means[/i]. Think about it--graces have to come from somewhere. Sometimes a nun does an act of penance somewhere and suddenly someone has a deathbed conversion, almost willy-nilly. But sometimes, I [i]suppose[/i], (I'm supposing here, I don't know the exact details of the mysteries of Grace), God gives someone an attraction for something like praying the rosary, and that way they can 'save up' themselves part of the graces that will lead to their conversion. See what I mean?

P.S. 'umumum' is not part of his name, it's me indicating my searching my memory

[quote name='Mary Veronica' date='25 May 2010 - 09:27 PM' timestamp='1274837265' post='2117833']
Please help me to clear my conscience, it is very tempting to think that I'm a coward in my faith, that I should be enduring persecutions like St. Stephen, who was filled with the Holy Spirit to proclaim that Jesus is the Messiah and was unreasonably martyred!

I even had a Baptist co-worker ask me if it was alright for her to pray the rosary, and if it is for Catholics ONLY....and I shrewdly said YES, she can pray the rosary!!! Because she's loving Jesus the way His own Mother Did! By Contemplating His Mysteries! and that would make Him HAPPY .... BUT I truly wanted to say, JUST BE CATHOLIC FOR GOODNESS SAKE and you can Pray the Rosary ALL YOU WANT to the fullness of it MERITS! *sobbing*

....any thoughts will be appreciated thank you
[/quote]

Edited May 28, 2010 by Thomist-in-Training

[Mary Veronica]

[quote name='Thomist-in-Training' date='27 May 2010 - 09:32 PM' timestamp='1275010360' post='2119471']
Some people really do admire nuns, even non-Catholics. Several people I've met at different jobs have mentioned this (once [i]a propos de moi[/i], once [i]a propos d'une amie[/i] who had JUST entered which I mentioned in conversation).

Not just PMers, but Saints, prayed the Rosary before becoming Catholic Like Bl. umumum Bartolo Longo who founded the shrine to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompei. He prayed a rosary sort of on a dare, after being REALLY DEEP in sin (he was a PRIEST OF SATAN) and was converted again by praying the rosary. Yah. Let them pray the rosary. There are many pious anecdotes of people who were saved through our Lady's intercession after just occasionally praying a Hail Mary devoutly. So it's definitely not like an obstacle to her becoming Catholic for her to pray the rosary, God willing it will have been a [i]means[/i]. Think about it--graces have to come from somewhere. Sometimes a nun does an act of penance somewhere and suddenly someone has a deathbed conversion, almost willy-nilly. But sometimes, I [i]suppose[/i], (I'm supposing here, I don't know the exact details of the mysteries of Grace), God gives someone an attraction for something like praying the rosary, and that way they can 'save up' themselves part of the graces that will lead to their conversion. See what I mean?

P.S. 'umumum' is not part of his name, it's me indicating my searching my memory


[/quote]


I don't feel too bad then for what I said! I didn't know that people have prayed the rosary prior to their conversion (whether to Catholicism or simple trust in God's Mercy at their last hour)! I should've known, because St. Louis de Montfort teaches salvation through the Rosary. God forgive me, I sort of felt that it might be another way of "protesting" that they can still live their faith without the support of the Church and all it's saints . what was I thinking? who can pray the rosary with prejudice in their heart? if anything, it'll nurture meekness and hope that is akin to all the saints! Also, it was a gracious gift from our Holy Mother Church to teach and encourage all to be good and holy Christians <3.

yeah, I thought umumum was really a name, thanks for clarifying!!!


God Bless you my sister in Christ!


P.S.
ooh ooh ooh, is that photo of a Poor Clare Colettine Investiture? and from what foundation? (did they come from Roswell, do you know Mother Mary Francis? and her book a Right to be Merry?)

if not, then...uh... *singing* [i]just disregard my meaningless rambling[/i]

Edited May 28, 2010 by Mary Veronica

[Mary Veronica]

speaking about singing...um, this is random, but does anyone have special songs/chants/classicals that inspires them and others to discern. I'm just gonna throw that question out there. I sound crazy but anyway, this is a great chant that can help increase hope for God's Loving Will for us :

[media][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37q9zIznj2M&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.c...feature=related[/url][/media]


Missa de Angelis: Mass of the angels

(I used to be more charismatic, but lately my taste has sloOOOWed down...but once in awhile I hear Chris Tomlin:whistle:)

Edited May 28, 2010 by Mary Veronica

[OnlySunshine]

This song inspires me to give my life to God in a radical way.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMYP4uJAqY[/media]

[JTheresa]

The Church hymn, "Here I am, Lord" was always one that inspired me. It was sung during Mass when I really wanted an answer for my discernment. Well, let's just say that was a big clue.

Heehee.

Edited May 28, 2010 by JTheresa

[sistersintigo]

[quote name='vee8' date='24 May 2010 - 10:27 AM' timestamp='1274707629' post='2116490']
"Yet, I've always realized that I desire to reach people where they are...and then bring them up to the lofty heights of the fullness of our Catholic faith."

You're such a Jesuit Its too bad they don't have a female branch or I would have gone to discern with them too! I know there are Sisters who use Ignatian spirituality but it's just not the same
[/quote]
What about Loreto sisters -- foundress Mary Ward? Devoted Ignatians, yes?

[Mary Veronica]

[quote name='sistersintigo' date='31 May 2010 - 06:00 PM' timestamp='1275343224' post='2121535']
What about Loreto sisters -- foundress Mary Ward? Devoted Ignatians, yes?
[/quote]

Mother Teresa was a Sister of Loreto I didn't realize they were Ignatian!

Edited June 5, 2010 by Mary Veronica

[Mary Veronica]

This might be directed to those discerners who are too many times confounded by situations and yet find it... strangely pleasant .

My concern, regarding this "pleasant" situation, is more like: "Ooookay Lord...what was that, and what do I do, now???"

Maybe someone could shed some light...


Okay so here's my case:
Ever pondered and contemplated sOOO MUCH and sOOO LONG on what God's Mercy might look like or feel like (through Scripture, conversation with Jesus, Mary, and the saints), and discovered it only when someone in one instance showed it to you?

I have little brothers and sisters in my family, who are nothing like me in my radical obsession with the faith. But I continue being me, and they continue being them, and once in awhile I can't help but "preach the Good News" now and then, hoping to plant some seeds. but as a result, they either: ... or...stare or...are preoccupied or...become silly ... or just plain laid-back SO THAT'S WHY most of the time, I just loved them with a silent anxious love .

not too long ago, I gave up on trying to inspire my little brothers and sisters in the faith. I sort of lost hope in my prayers for any one of them to be called to the priesthood or religious life. I was tempted to go with that Biblical passage of, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters -- yes, even his own life --he cannot be my disciple." It hurts anyone to pray for what seems like something hopeless or impossible (like St. Monica for her son St. Augustine before his conversion). But something happened and I don't know what to think of it, I sort of feel like this, exactly :
One of my little sisters came up to me and said "with Jesus and Mary, I love you" and she smiled and walked away.
I was afraid at first to smile and praise God, because well I couldn't help but think "did she mean it? did she really hear me before? it's been so long since I heard anyone speak of Jesus and Mary, PRaise God! I think..."

I have mixed feelings, and have been trying to contemplate in Our Lord, but having realized any graces yet to help me in my situation.

so I'm asking for a little help or push: how do I get over the pain of indifference and guilt of having lost hope in others and suddenly they come back? Is it safe to assume again, that everyone unknowingly desires to hear about Our Lord and His love for them? How do I get fired up in my faith again, now that one of my little sisters seems to have an open heart to actually grow more in Jesus and Mary. I feel relieved, and guilty, and happy, and needed again all at once.

Is hoping against hopelessness, too good to be true? and too absurd as saying something like "he has always been stubborn and selfish ever since, but one day he'll heroically sacrifice his life to save countless people" ?

It's as if prayer can be so intimidating because it requires so much trust, hope, and love.

Edited June 6, 2010 by Mary Veronica

[Mary Veronica]

[b][font="Courier New"]just thought of passing on a lovely post that someone else posted (u know who you are, thank you!):[/font]



THIRTY DAYS PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH (IN HONOR OF THE 30 YEARS HE SPENT WITH JESUS AND MARY)
[/b]

(Note: This prayer was taken from a leaflet provided by the Josephites and may be said during any 30 days of the year.)

Ever blessed and glorious Joseph, kind and loving father, and helpful friend of all in sorrow! You are the good father and protector of orphans, the defender of the defenseless, the patron of those in need and sorrow.

Look kindly on my request. My sins have drawn down on me the just displeasure of my God, and so I am surrounded with unhappiness. To you, loving guardian of the Family of Nazareth, do I go for help and protection. Listen, then, I beg you, with fatherly concern, to my earnest prayers, and obtain for me the favors I ask.

I ask it by the infinite mercy of the eternal Son of God, which moved Him to take our nature and to be born into this world of sorrow.

I ask it by the weariness and suffering you endured when you found no shelter at the inn of Bethlehem for the Holy Virgin, nor a house where the Son of God could be born. Then, being everywhere refused, you had to allow the Queen of Heaven to give birth to the world's Redeemer in a cave.

I ask it by the loveliness and power of that sacred Name, Jesus, which you conferred on the adorable Infant.

I ask it by the painful torture you felt at the prophecy of holy Simeon, which declared the Child Jesus and His holy Mother future victims of our sins and of their great love for us.

I ask it through your sorrow and pain of soul when the angel declared to you that the life of the Child Jesus was sought by His enemies. From their evil plan, you had to flee with Him and His Blessed Mother to Egypt.

I ask it by all the suffering, weariness, and labors of that long and dangerous journey.

I ask it by all your care to protect the Sacred Child and His Immaculate Mother during your second journey, when you were ordered to return to your own country.

I ask it by your peaceful life in Nazareth where you met with so many joys and sorrows. I ask it by your great distress when the adorable Child was lost to you and His mother for three days.

I ask it by your joy at finding Him in the temple, and by the comfort you found at Nazareth, while living in the company of the Child Jesus.

I ask it by the wonderful submission He showed in His obedience to you.

I ask it by the perfect love and conformity you showed in accepting the Divine order to depart from this life, and from the company of Jesus and Mary.

I ask it by the joy which filled your soul, when the Redeemer of the world, triumphant over death and hell, entered into the possession of His kingdom and led you into it with special honors.

I ask it through Mary's glorious Assumption, and through that endless happiness you have with her in the presence of God. O good father! I beg you, by all your sufferings, sorrows, and joys, to hear me and obtain for me what I ask. (Here name your petitions or think of them.)

Obtain for all those who have asked my prayers everything that is useful to them in the plan of God. Finally, my dear patron and father, be with me and all who are dear to me in our last moments, that we may eternally sing the praises of:

JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

"A blameless life,
St. Joseph,
may we lead,
by your kind patronage
from danger freed."

[Thomist-in-Training]

[quote name='Mary Veronica' date='27 May 2010 - 10:47 PM' timestamp='1275014845' post='2119507']
P.S.
ooh ooh ooh, is that photo of a Poor Clare Colettine Investiture? and from what foundation? (did they come from Roswell, do you know Mother Mary Francis? and her book a Right to be Merry?)

if not, then...uh... *singing* [i]just disregard my meaningless rambling[/i]
[/quote]

Yeah, it's Mother Mary Francis in the photo! I love her! I have read five or so of her books and she is really wonderful. I think perhaps she is an American saint?? But anyways I am very fond of her and her writings, practicality & sense of humor.

[Mary Veronica]

[quote name='Thomist-in-Training' date='09 June 2010 - 09:34 PM' timestamp='1276133645' post='2126560']
Yeah, it's Mother Mary Francis in the photo! I love her! I have read five or so of her books and she is really wonderful. I think perhaps she is an American saint?? But anyways I am very fond of her and her writings, practicality & sense of humor.
[/quote]

*sudden cardiac arrest*







.....I think she's a saint too <3

[Mary Veronica]

[font="Book Antiqua"][b][color="#800080"]
a simple list for discerning well [/color][/b]
[/font]
[media][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GINNh15cT08&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.c...feature=related[/url][/media]

Edited June 14, 2010 by Mary Veronica

[Mary Veronica]

[color="#0000ff"]YFC at heart[/color] [color="#ff00ff"]enjoy[/color][color="#00ffff"]![/color]

[media][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYwaRNTkIhk&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.c...feature=related[/url][/media]


[media][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7wvbEesyKQ&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.c...feature=related[/url][/media]

Edited June 14, 2010 by Mary Veronica

[JTheresa]

[quote name='Mary Veronica' date='13 June 2010 - 09:51 PM' timestamp='1276480289' post='2128362']
[font="Book Antiqua"][b][color="#800080"]
a simple list for discerning well [/color][/b]
[/font]
[media][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GINNh15cT08&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.c...feature=related[/url][/media]
[/quote]
This song played a huge part in my discernment. I randomly heard it all the time whenever I was having a hard time with the thought of giving my life to God. It was like He was trying to tell me something LOL.

[Mary Veronica]

Has anyone watched any movies by Ignatius press or other saintly movies lately? If so, let us know of any recommendations, and share what particular scene or concepts in the film that struck you.

I just watched "In this House of Brede." I liked how it encourages overcoming favoritism joyfully with Christ within a community. And how loving others can actually strengthen your love for a particular friendship. there was this one scene when the novice, who was so attached to one of the professed and had suffered much jealous affection, gave a silent smile of reassurance that she has been striving to love all her other sisters like she promised. "If I can love [those unlovable], I can love anyone."

[TeresaBenedicta]

[quote name='Mary Veronica' date='18 June 2010 - 09:12 PM' timestamp='1276906359' post='2131132']
Has anyone watched any movies by Ignatius press or other saintly movies lately? If so, let us know of any recommendations, and share what particular scene or concepts in the film that struck you.

I just watched "In this House of Brede." I liked how it encourages overcoming favoritism joyfully with Christ within a community. And how loving others can actually strengthen your love for a particular friendship. there was this one scene when the novice, who was so attached to one of the professed and had suffered much jealous affection, gave a silent smile of reassurance that she has been striving to love all her other sisters like she promised. "If I can love [those unlovable], I can love anyone."
[/quote]

Not lately, but I do love the movie on [i]Don Bosco[/i]!! It's in Italian (you can play it English, but it's much better in the Italian and watching the English subtitles), but it's excellent!!

I watched it for the first time about a year and a half ago and it burned a desire in me for missionary work-- something I had never given thought to before. Really through me for a curve!!

Anywho, my confirmation saint is Don Bosco's student, Dominic Savio. "Death but not sin!"

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='Mary Veronica' date='18 June 2010 - 08:12 PM' timestamp='1276906359' post='2131132']
Has anyone watched any movies by Ignatius press or other saintly movies lately? If so, let us know of any recommendations, and share what particular scene or concepts in the film that struck you.

I just watched "In this House of Brede." I liked how it encourages overcoming favoritism joyfully with Christ within a community. And how loving others can actually strengthen your love for a particular friendship. there was this one scene when the novice, who was so attached to one of the professed and had suffered much jealous affection, gave a silent smile of reassurance that she has been striving to love all her other sisters like she promised. "If I can love [those unlovable], I can love anyone."
[/quote]

I'd also recommend [url="http://www.amazon.com/Padre-Pio-Miracle-Sergio-Castellitto/dp/B000LXWAI6"]Padre Pio: Miracle Man[/url] (this used to be on Ignatius Press, but doesn't seem to be there anymore), along with TB's recommendation of [url="http://www.ignatius.com/Products/SJBML-M/st-john-bosco.aspx"]St. John Bosco: Mission to Love[/url]. Both are AWESOME! (And totally inspiring, especially vocationally!)



OH! And [url="http://www.ignatius.com/Products/STOA-M/st-teresa-of-avila.aspx"]St. Teresa of Avila[/url] (Spanish mini-series) is FANTASTIC!!!

I've also heard great things about the film [url="http://www.ignatius.com/Products/FAU-M/faustina.aspx"]Faustina[/url]. (Polish with English subtitles.)

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Mary Veronica' date='18 June 2010 - 08:12 PM' timestamp='1276906359' post='2131132']
Has anyone watched any movies by Ignatius press or other saintly movies lately? If so, let us know of any recommendations, and share what particular scene or concepts in the film that struck you.

I just watched "In this House of Brede." I liked how it encourages overcoming favoritism joyfully with Christ within a community. And how loving others can actually strengthen your love for a particular friendship. there was this one scene when the novice, who was so attached to one of the professed and had suffered much jealous affection, gave a silent smile of reassurance that she has been striving to love all her other sisters like she promised. "If I can love [those unlovable], I can love anyone."
[/quote]

I would wholeheartedly recommend [i]St. Teresa of the Andes[/i]. During the entrance scene where the nuns open the monastery doors to welcome St. Teresa, I fell apart.

http://www.amazon.com/St-Teresa-Andes-Pauline-Urritia/dp/B002LDAC5W

[JTheresa]

[quote name='Mary Veronica' date='18 June 2010 - 08:12 PM' timestamp='1276906359' post='2131132']
Has anyone watched any movies by Ignatius press or other saintly movies lately? If so, let us know of any recommendations, and share what particular scene or concepts in the film that struck you.

I just watched "In this House of Brede." I liked how it encourages overcoming favoritism joyfully with Christ within a community. And how loving others can actually strengthen your love for a particular friendship. there was this one scene when the novice, who was so attached to one of the professed and had suffered much jealous affection, gave a silent smile of reassurance that she has been striving to love all her other sisters like she promised. "If I can love [those unlovable], I can love anyone."
[/quote]

I recently watched Clare and Francis (which was really, really, good ) and St. Anthony. I thought Saint Anthony was really good too, but one of my friends said that she didn't think it showed a lot of his spirituality, just more of his historical life. So I guess it depends. Overall really good. I saw one of the movies on Padre Pio too, I forget which one, but it was amazing!!! It showed a lot of his battles with the devil and a scene where he met Karol Wojtyla when he was a young priest! The actor who played JPII looked just like him!!! JPII we you!!!!!

[Geras16]

[quote name='Mary Veronica' date='06 June 2010 - 03:08 AM' timestamp='1275790136' post='2124383']
My concern, regarding this "pleasant" situation, is more like: "Ooookay Lord...what was that, and what do I do, now???"

Maybe someone could shed some light...

It's as if prayer can be so intimidating because it requires so much trust, hope, and love.
[/quote]



Don't ever be afraid to tell them the truth little sis.

[media][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fpKwja0j50"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=4fpKwja0j50[/url] [/media]