CSD Book Club – 33 Days to Morning Glory (Week 4 of 6)

A Kiss from His Sacred Heart Do we yet realize the mysterious link between the darkness we sometimes experience in our own lives and that of the Lord’s suffering?  Let us ponder Mother Teresa’s words on suffering that come from her own experience and so, like her, become better lovers of the Heart of Jesus: Suffering, pain, sorrow, humiliation, feelings of loneliness, are nothing but the... Read More

CSD Book Club – 33 Days to Morning Glory (Week 3 of 6)

The Power of Humility We’ll close these reflections on the wonderful benefits of Marian consecration by letting St. Louis describe how this way is also a secure path, meaning that, as we walk it, we’re particularly protected from and defended against evil: Mary puts herself around [her true children], and accompanies them “like an army in battle array” (Cant. 6:3). Shall a man who has... Read More

CSD Book Club – 33 Days to Morning Glory (Week 2 of 6)

The “Surest and Quickest Way to Heaven” Marian consecration basically means giving Mary our full permission (or as much permission as we can) to complete her motherly task in us, which is to form us into other Christs.  Thus, by consecrating ourselves to Mary, each of us is saying to her: Mary, I want to be a saint.  I know that you also want me to be a saint and that it’s your... Read More

CSD Book Club – 33 Days to Morning Glory (Week 1 of 6)

33 Days to Morning Glory by Father Michael Gaitley, MIC Today, we begin a new adventure – surrendering our lives to Jesus through Mary.  For those of us who have never made a formal Act of Consecration, this could be a life-changing experience.  For the rest of us, a time to renew our vow with fresh insight, looking to the wisdom of St. Maximilian Kolbe, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and... Read More

CSD Book Club – Navigating the Interior Life (Week 6 of 6)

Exterior Piety vs. Interior Joy  Millions stand within just a few feet of the grace necessary to ascend to the heights of heaven in this life (with limitations, of course) and to meet the smile of God face-to-face in the next. Many of these souls attend Mass weekly, or even daily, and they are engaged in devotions like praying the Rosary, Adoration, and regular Scripture reading. The great... Read More

CSD Book Club – Announcing our Next Book – 33 Days to Morning Glory

33 Days to Morning Glory by Father Michael Gaitley, MIC A few weeks ago, I asked for recommendations on upcoming books.  If you recall, I suggested we read a book in honor of our Blessed Mother in the month of May.  Several of you highly recommended 33 Days to Morning Glory by Father Michael Gaitley.  So be it!  Having read and enjoyed his book Consoling the Heart of Jesus, I was excited... Read More

CSD Book Club – Navigating the Interior Life (Week 5 of 6)

St. Teresa of Avila in her powerful illumination of this place of spiritual growth revealed that getting through the “purgative way” can be a challenge that requires steadfast determination…. “Nevertheless, the assault which the devils now make upon the soul, in all kinds of ways, is terrible; and the soul suffers more than in the preceding dwelling places; for there it was deaf... Read More

CSD Book Club – Navigating the Interior Life (Week 4 of 6)

Mother Mary Many persons delude themselves maintaining that they reach union with God without having continuous recourse to our Lord who is the way, the truth, and the life. Another error would consist in wishing to go to our Lord without going first to Mary…Protestants have fallen into this last error. Without going as far as this deviation, there are Catholics who do not see clearly enough... Read More

CSD Book Club – Navigating the Interior Life (Week 3 of 6)

Spiritual Reading As part of any spiritual growth program, the seeker must be prepared to focus energies toward the preeminent goal of dynamic union with Christ.  One critical aspect of this journey involves intellectual formation through spiritual reading and study, leading to a more mature ability to discern truth from error.   A life-habit of regular spiritual reading and study is a key... Read More

CSD Book Club – Navigating the Interior Life (Week 2 of 6)

Without exception, the teachings of the saints and spiritual doctors of the Church agree: spiritual direction is among the most powerful tools to help us in the battle. Do you know any wise doctors who treat themselves when they face serious health challenges? Have you heard of any top athletes who don’t have personal trainers and coaches? Spiritual direction is the means through which the... Read More