~HOW WE STARTED~
One day recently, two Catholic moms were discussing the spiritual perils and pitfalls our children are facing, and we felt the desire to begin fasting and praying the Rosary for them on Fridays. We pray the Rosary individually, fitting it into our own schedule, and each of us choose our own method of fasting. It's perfect for busy moms - there are no meetings to attend so it's easy to stay committed, and joining in prayer is a tremendous source of mutual support and encouragement (it also keeps us accountable!). We invited friends and family to join us, and St. Monica's Group was born...
~ WHY ST. MONICA IS OUR PATRON ~
St. Monica prayed for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine - for 17 years - talk about persistence! A priest once consoled her by saying, "It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish." Because she persevered in prayer for her son, even when it was a seemingly hopeless endeavor, she is an inspiring and consoling role model for us. We ask her to pray with us and for us and our children.
Why should we bother to pray "to" saints - isn't that idolatry? Actually, we don't pray "to" the saints, we are asking them to pray for us. The saints are our extended family that is already in heaven, and that's why we have pictures and statues of them - to remind us of our beloved family. It's common for us to ask our family and friends to pray for us when we are facing a difficulty isn't it? That is what we are really asking the saints for as well - to pray for us and with us for our needs. The saints are ready to go to bat for us, so don't be afraid to ask! Of course we can always go straight to Jesus, but we can always use some extra help!
~WHAT'S THE POINT OF FASTING?~
In a nutshell, as a spiritual discipline, fasting purifies us, strengthens us against temptation, and heightens our awareness of God and our dependence on Him.
Jesus showed us the importance of fasting in order to know God's will, and to be strengthened against temptation. When He was able to heal others and the Apostles could not, He reminded them that some things can only be driven out by prayer and fasting.
We wanted to be successful, so we started off with a modified fast like Catholics observe on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (we abstain from meat, eat two mini meals and one moderate meal, with no snacking in between). Fasting doesn't have to be from food, it can be giving up any little indulgence you enjoy - like your daily latte, or a favorite TV show... Or, perhaps you want to conquer a bad habit. It's best to start with a small sacrifice, so you'll be successful.
WHY PRAY THE ROSARY?
"Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world." Pope Pius IX
Why pray the Rosary? In short, it is an ancient, beautiful , and powerful prayer. Through the Mysteries of the Rosary we are meditating on the life of Jesus with the help of Mary. This devotion to Mary is not worshipping Mary, but asking her to pray with us, and to lead us closer to her Son Jesus.
As you say the prayers, it allows your mind to focus on one of the mysteries, which are a remembrance of the most important moments in Jesus' life - such as The Nativity, The Crucifixion or The Resurrection... So it's not only a vocal prayer but a meditative and contemplative prayer as well. Meditating on these mysteries gives us the opportunity to spend a few quiet minutes with God, away from all of life's distractions and discouragements. In today's world this is essential because it is only in the silence of our hearts that we can hear God speak to us.
Next to the Mass, the Rosary is the most powerful prayer we have. When you pray the Rosary, the Blessed Mother comes instantly to your side to pray with you. And she does not come alone, she brings angels with her - not just one or two, but choirs of angels. And she and Jesus are joined at the heart and cannot be separated so she brings Jesus with her. And Jesus cannot be separated from the Holy Trinity so He brings the Father and the Holy Spirit with Him. And where the Holy Trinity is all of creation is and you are surrounded by such beauty and light as you cannot imagine in this life. Is it any wonder that anyone who prays the Rosary from the heart is so blessed and protected and powerful in their prayers for others? Fr. Gabriel Amorth, Chief Exorcist for the Vatican
Entrust your children to Jesus through the heart of His mother by praying the Rosary - the prayer of hope. As Jesus' mother, Mary knows better than anyone a mother's heart because she has walked this road before us - she is simply the best advocate our children can have.
Our blog will offer you links to other web sites and resources for excellent Catholic books, the Rosary and other prayers, inspiring stories, etc. - sort of a "one stop shop " for truthful Catholic information. We hope this will benefit and encourage you. You can also share information and ideas you've found helpful that will assist other parents on their spiritual journey. God Bless You!
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