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

As a married woman, how can I progress to greater holiness?

Q: Dear Father John, I have recently returned to St. Theresa of Avila’s autobiography, having only gotten through a third of it last year. It is easier to read now. I have an idea of where I am spiritually according to her book and will discuss this with my Redemptorist Spiritual Director. But I have a question. What I am seeking is: What is written for married women that is of the value... 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

The Imitation of Christ (Conclusion) So we’ve reached the end of one of the most-read devotional books of all-time. Has it changed your life? It’s certainly had an impact here. Before we began reading, I was very much intrigued by The Imitation, knowing that this book has borne much fruit – a resource for many a struggling sinner like myself; but one that has helped guide those sinners... Read More

CSD Book Club – Imitation of Christ (Week 9 of 10)

Woe to you… Examine your conscience with great care, and cleanse and purify it as best you can by true contrition and a humble confession. Thus, nothing grievous will remain in you and you will know of nothing that could cause you remorse and hinder your free access to Me. In general, be sorry for all your sins, but in particular, you must grieve and bewail those offenses you commit every... Read More

CSD Book Club – The Imitation of Christ (Week 6 of 10)

The Anguish of Envy He who has received less ought not to become dejected, nor become angry, nor envious of the one who has received more. Rather, he should look to You and praise Your great goodness since You have bestowed Your gifts so freely, so willingly, so lavishly, and without respect of persons. All good things come from You and, therefore, You are to be praised in all things.  You know... Read More

CSD Book Club – Journal of a Soul (Week 12 of 12) – PART ONE

A Proper Catholic Education The superiors of the seminary were very strict with us, and at times did not hesitate to impose stern restrictions which made us believe and say that they were too much opposed to anything modern in study or ways of thinking, and over-confident that the future would justify deeds.  In fact, after a short time the turn of events proved them quite right, and showed... Read More

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