Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation. What’s the “Annuciation,” you might ask ? It’s the celebration of the day the Angel “announced” to Mary that God wanted her to be the mother of Jesus (and, hence, the mother of God!…since Jesus is part of the Trinity and, therefore, God….).

I love that picture of the Annunciation. I only recently saw it for the first time and like it because it’s so “real.” Nothing ethereal about it. It makes it easier (in my opinion) to relate to Mary as someone like us.

AND, by the way, since this Solemnity falls on a Friday in Lent, and a Solemnity is a day of celebration, guess what?! Yep, you guessed right! NO abstaining from meat today! Meaning, you can eat meat if you want to. AND, if you’ve given up something else for all other days in Lent, you don’t need to give it up today. Celebrate today! Be joyful and party. That’s what a Solemnity is all about, so embrace it and have a wonderful day.

May God bring you joy on this very special day…the day that Mary said yes to God and all of humanity. Thank you, Mary. You’re the one we Catholic mothers look to for direction…

Manya

A Happy Pentecost to you!

This is the day we celebrate the birth of the Catholic Church because it’s the day that the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles, who were terrified after the crucifixion and locked themselves in a room.  After the Holy Spirit entered their lives, they had courage and strength of faith and went out into the world to proclaim the church.  This is truly a day to celebrate.  Also, it’s a great example of how the Holy Spirit can help each of us. Pray to the Holy Spirit that he will bless you with His gifts…only a few of which are strength, courage and perseverance.  There are many other gifts to be received from Him!

Yeah, I think we can all use that kind of help…especially through such difficult times as separation and divorce.

May the Holy Spirit bless you!

Manya

I found the beautiful video and blessing below on Addlebook Rambles. The Irish really know how to come up with perfect blessings…

A Happy St. Patrick’s Day just a wee bit early to ya!
Manya

Sigh…I’ve heard this story all too often. Divorced Catholics feeling that they’re being looked down upon by fellow Catholics and who no longer feel welcome at or comfortable attending mass or being involved in parish life.

In my own experience, there has been only one time since my divorce that I felt uncomfortable among a group of Catholics.  That was just last summer when I participated in a Catholic conference.  Let me be absolutely clear, though…that not one person there snubbed me or made me feel awkward in any way.   The discomfort came from me alone. I was in a group of very devout Catholics, many of whom were in devout Catholic marriages.  With each introduction, I included info about my being the author of this blog (it was a new media conference…i.e. Catholic bloggers and podcasters) and each time I cringed inside, feeling like I was going to be judged.  I never was..I was the only one judging me!

I think that most of the time, that’s the case when I hear someone say they no longer feel welcome at mass or at parish functions.  I believe we’re judging ourselves! (In the case above, the other Catholics at the conference were wonderfully welcoming and even thanked me for this blog!  And, some asked me to write articles for their blogs or be interviewed for their podcasts because they recognized the need to address this situation and to help other Catholics to understand it.)

Notice that I said “most of the time” I believe that’s the case.  I recognize the fact that sometimes other Catholics do judge those of us who are divorced.  However,  it’s really not their place to judge at all.  As Christians, we sometimes forget that…especially when an issue makes us uncomfortable.  And Catholics divorcing IS a difficult, scary and uncomfortable issue – as it should be!

As Catholics (and Christians, of course) – we’re taught that we should try to be like Christ.  He is (and was) all merciful.  Yes, he judges (that’s His part, not ours) but always gently and with great love.  Being human beings, though, we can and do (often) fall quite short of being Christ-like.

So, here is what I propose…

If you come across Catholics who really do judge you for being divorced, be the true Christian and be merciful to them. Don’t get into arguments.  If you feel you must, gently explain to them that divorced Catholics are still Catholic and welcomed by the Church.  Then, perhaps, tell them that the best person for them to share their concerns with is the pastor of the parish, who would be able to explain the Church’s position to them.

Most of the time, any judging that takes place (whether it comes from within ourselves or from others) is the result of misconceptions regarding the teachings of the Catholic Church.

So, how do you correct that problem?

First of all, I believe it takes self confidence.  Do YOU feel that you’re less worthy than other Catholics now that you’re divorced?  If you do, that’s going to come across in your thoughts and in your behavior.  Do YOU feel (and know) that you’re still a Catholic in good standing?  That, too, will come across in your thoughts and in your behavior.  Others may or may not pick up on this, but you absolutely will!

If you’re feeling guilty about your divorce, speak to your priest about it AND go to confession.  Get it off your chest and ask God for forgiveness.  He will forgive you (when you sincerely ask for forgiveness).  Also, make sure you know the position of the Catholic Church and that you indeed are practicing the Catholic faith as it should be practiced (no “cafeteria Catholics” please).  Then, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and resolve to do better.  And forgive yourself! No more beating yourself up.  No more feeling unworthy to be a practicing Catholic.

We are all sinners…we are all followers of Christ….we all need to forgive if we hope to be forgiven.  That includes forgiving yourself!

May God bless and bring you peace.

Manya

Here’s a video that was posted by a member at SQPN Connect.  Gorgeous music and very nice for Sunday listening.  Enjoy!

Blessings on your day of rest!

Manya