Humility and Vulnerability
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Amy Rodriguez
Digital artist and children's book illustrator
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This piece was inspired by the Daughters of Charity founded in Paris by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. The Sisters don't wear these habits anymore but I couldn't resist drawing them. :) Although the Daughters of Charity do seriously amazing works of mercy, I thought perhaps they also enjoy simple moments like this one. 🍨🌟
Who is St. Louise de Marillac? Find out in 90 seconds
“Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
– Matthew 23:10-12
Strength in Vulnerability
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John Edwards
Husband, father, Catholic speaker
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So many men today walk around as if they have it all figured out and they don’t have a problem in the world. The “strong” silent type, if you will. I know this for a fact. I used to do the same thing.
So much of my life was spent walking like a one-man army, convincing myself that I didn’t need anybody or anything. That’s what the world, the flesh, and the devil would have you believe. They fill your head full of lies and trick you into thinking that it is weak to have feelings, problems, or to admit that you need other people in your life. This plays right into the devil’s hands because it allows him to keep men on the sidelines and out of the game. Instead of being the men that we were created to be, we waste away in idleness, isolation, and addictions. We remain immature selfish boys, who fill our time trying to avoid our issues by drinking to deal with work stress, watching porn to deal with loneliness, experimenting with drugs and countless other things, all the while withdrawing further and further from our faith, family, and friends.
Does this sound like strength to you? Not to me. I know it doesn’t to God.
(5 Minute Read)
How Novenas Changed My Spiritual Life
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Lillian Fallon
Writer, style expert, speaker
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This is one of the coolest things about praying a novena. It’s easy to question why we pray through saints — why not just go to the main source? Well, I always think of it as asking a friend who’s close to God to pray for you.
Think of St. Mother Teresa, who dedicated her entire life to caring for the sick and dying: everything she did was to serve others and God. She’s a saint, so we know she’s in heaven and close to God. Why wouldn’t she want to help us? Asking for her intercession is a way to walk with a companion in our prayer.
When you consistently pray through a certain saint, it’s hard not to develop a special relationship with them. You learn about who they were and begin to feel a kinship with them. They become friends to us as we call upon them daily for aid and support.
(5 Minute Read)
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Taylor Schroll
Prayer intentions
Please pray for my mother-in-law to get well soon.
– Prabhakaran
For all those considering an abortion to choose life and to be comforted by God's mercy and grace.
– Anonymous