CSD Book Club – 33 Days to Morning Glory (Week 5 of 6)

The Intimacy of Devotion [Let] us try in a special way to come as close as the human heart can come to the Heart of Jesus and try to understand as much as possible Jesus’ terrible pain caused him by our sins and His Thirst for our love…Thank God our Lady was there to understand fully the thirst of Jesus for love.  She must have straight away said, “I satiate Your thirst with my love... Read More

Finding a Supercharged Faith

Faith, or belief and trust, presuppose a person in whom we believe and trust. Said another way, faith without the person in whom we have faith, is a meaningless concept. On the positive side, faith properly oriented to the one true Object, is sufficient to move mountains. (Mat 17:20) How do we come to more fully know this Person in whom we might have faith? There are several ways, one is through... 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 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

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