Easter Wednesday

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We love when the very human side of saints is portrayed and helps us to get rid of the idea that sainthood is something unachievable!

Saint Conrad of Parzham

Franciscan Media Spirituality to renew your soul

Conrad spent most of his life as porter in Altoetting, Bavaria, letting people into the friary and indirectly encouraging them to let God into their lives.

His parents, Bartholomew and Gertrude Birndorfer, lived near Parzham, Bavaria. In those days, this region was recovering from the Napoleonic wars. A lover of solitary prayer and a peacemaker as a young man, Conrad joined the Capuchins as a brother. He made his profession in 1852 and was assigned to the friary in Altoetting. That city’s shrine to Mary was very popular; at the nearby Capuchin friary there was a lot of work for the porter, a job Conrad held for 41 years.

At first, some of the other friars were jealous that such a young friar held this important job. Conrad’s patience and holy life overcame their doubts. As porter, he dealt with many people, obtaining many of the friary supplies and generously providing for the poor who came to the door. He treated them all with the courtesy Francis expected of his followers.

Conrad’s helpfulness was sometimes unnerving. Once Father Vincent, seeking quiet to prepare a sermon, went up the belltower of the church. Conrad tracked him down when someone wanting to go to confession specifically requested Father Vincent.

Conrad also developed a special rapport with the children of the area. He enthusiastically promoted the Seraphic Work of Charity, which aided neglected children.

Conrad spent hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He regularly asked the Blessed Mother to intercede for him and for the many people he included in his prayers. The ever-patient Conrad was canonized in 1934. His liturgical feast is celebrated on April 21.
(2 Minute Read)

“And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!””
– Lk 24:30-34

Divine Mercy Novena - Day 6

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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen ✝

Today bring to Me THE MEEK AND HUMBLE SOULS AND THE SOULS OF LITTLE CHILDREN, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.

Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

(Now pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet).

Men Are Protectors: What That Looks Like For Today's Man

Nate Rudquist Blogger at CatholicMatch

Preparation is essential for basically any aspect of life. Being here on this site and reading these articles, we are preparing for our vocations. We should be prepared in real life as well.

To that end, a first aid kit should always be on hand! There are many options out there that will fit in your standard cargo pocket. Having one in the car is a great idea as well. You are far more likely to see or experience a skinned knee or accident than be in a fight or self-defense situation, so this is a great place to start. Even if you don’t know how to use all the contents, just having them may allow someone else at the scene who has the knowledge but not the tools handy to help!
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We’ve talked about the material realm, but the spiritual side is even more important. There’s a wide range of things to consider under this umbrella. First, how can we protect others, if we can’t protect ourselves? This includes vice and temptation. Frequenting the Sacraments will give us Grace and strength in the battle to master ourselves.

Are there certain books, movies, people, or situations that cause us to fall? Start removing them! Look for people who raise you to a higher level and standard to be around. Learn from them. You will find yourself drawn to be a better person! Another aspect is to take the time to examine the teachings of the Church on the defense of the innocent. Become comfortable with the morality of it and the difference between the time to turn the other cheek, and the time for just anger.
(8 Minute Read)

A.M.D.G.