Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul West Central Province
Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul West Central Province
Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul West Central Province
Prayer gives focus to our lives. Prayer guides us. Prayer comforts us. Prayer informs us. Prayer forms us. To pray is to touch God and let God touch us. We offer the following as starters for your prayer. We hope you find these ideas and links helpful.
On the first Sunday of the month, all museums in Paris are free. Sr. Mary Jo and I went to the "Cité de l'architecture & du Patrimoine" which is essentially the Museum of Architecture. They have a display of various plaster casts of statues and doorways of several of the cathedrals of France. Many of the plaster casts were made circa 1900 -- a lot of them before that time. It was certainly an adventure because instead of being 50 feet over your head, the doorways were only 15 feet over your head. Statues were close enough to touch, although it told you in three languages not to do so. But, to me, the most moving were two scenes of Christ being laid in the tomb. It is, after all, the Lenten season. I took several photos and wanted to share them. It makes a nice meditation, especially for Good Friday. The incredible talent of the original stone carvers captures the emotion of the moment and conveys it all without words!
I'm amazed as I watch the Olympic skaters fly through the air in a graceful triple axel and skiers skillfully float through the moguls. Wow! For years they have focused on their goal. They have sacrificed much to stay focused on what they want, on the sport they love.
This Lent before you ask what I should give up or what sacrifices I should make, ask, what do I truly want in life? What is my passion? What does my gold medal look like? If I let go of some things or put more energy into other things would I be in better spiritual shape to reach these goals.
The consumer mentality says, Consume more! Do more! Experience everything till you are filled to the brim, till you get all that you deserve.
The Olympic mentality says, What do I really want? What is my passion? Am I willing to sacrifice many things? Am I willing to practice and train so that I reach that goal, so I can play with the best, so that I can represent my country, so I have a chance for the Gold?
This lent don't fast from something. Fast for something. Workout and train!
Most Olympians say that competing is much more than trying to win the Gold. For some it is a passion for the sport, for others it is the joy of being the absolute best they can be, for others it is the joy of using the unique gifts God has given, for others it is the drive to bring the sport to a new level to be more, for others they are proud to represent their country, the list continues.
This lent ask yourself, what is my focus? What is my passion? What am I willing to sacrifice to reach the goals I have for my relationship with God? What work out? What training? What muscles need building up so that I can respond to my true calling; my true passion?
- By Sr. Theresa Sullivan, DC
Lenten Resource - Famvin.org is featuring a series of Lenten reflections drawn from themes of the Lenten letter dated February 17, 2010 written by Superior General G. Gregory Gay, CM. His letter contains many elements of systemic change woven throughout... Vincentian Themes of Lent
The National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincenct de Paul offers wonderful Vincentian Reflections on their website. These reflections are organized quarterly through the year and can be downloaded in your choice of two formats.
Created by Sister Liz Sjoberg
Vincentian Podcasts from DePaul University. Some podcasts speak specifically about prayer; some speak about other things of interest to the Vincentian Family. But even those that don't speak directly about prayer can give you much to think about and be a starter for your prayer. Prayer isn't limited by anything except our own imaginations!
Check out Busted Halo's Guide to Prayer. Here you can experiment with different prayer styles such as recited prayer, praying with the Bible, online prayer, praying with your body and more.
You will find prayer resources and much more on My Catholic Voice.
Catholics On Call invites you to participate in Online Retreats which are self directed. Be sure to check out their Consider This section as well as the rest of their website.
Daughter of Charity Sr. Catherine Salani has two beautiful meditations which you will find on the Daughters of Charity Northeast Province website. One is on Psalm 23 and the other is on Psalm 139.