August 25


Just a few days ago, I hugged my son goodbye.  He is now on his own and beginning the adventures of college life.  Though I am thrilled for him, it is heartrending to let him go.  I am so grateful for cell phones, text messaging, Skype, and the Miraculous Medal my son wears!  

In fact, my son going off to college, and my blogging partner's oldest son beginning high school prompted us to begin St. Monica's Prayer Group.  It was only logical that we chose St. Monica as our patron saint - after all, her tears and persistent prayer for nearly 20 years obtained the conversion of her son St. Augustine. 


Shortly after we had begun St. Monica's Group, we attended a Divine Mercy Conference and heard Fr. Donald Calloway speak about his own truly amazing conversion.  A previous drug addict and criminal, he is now a surfer-priest with with a tremendous love for Jesus and Mary!  


We encourage everyone to read Fr. Donald's book - No Turning Back, a Witness to Mercy.  He tells his story with candor and simplicity, and devotes one chapter to his mother, referring to her as his own St. Monica.  His message to mothers who have suffered a broken heart is a message of hope.  He wants us to know that there is always hope because God can change things. We may not see change immediately, but things will change for the better if we persevere in prayer and love like his mother (and St. Monica) did - the tears of  a mother are powerful before God.

“There is a beautiful supplication, a quick prayer that our Lord gave to Sister Maria [Consolata] Betrone. It says- ‘Jesus and Mary, I love You. Save souls.’ It is very simple, but oh it carries a lot of weight.” -Mother M Angelica of EWTN

“Jesus, Mary, I love You, save souls encompasses everything,” the Lord had told her: love for Him and for creatures: “the souls in Purgatory and the souls in the Militant Church; the innocent soul and the guilty soul; the dying, the atheist, etc… Do not lose time; remember that every act of love is a soul.” This act of love, if uninterrupted, is destined to cut off the roots of all evil, and to remove life from the old man so that the new man may live and be only and totally love for God (Jesus, Mary I love you) and only and totally love for men (save souls). It is anevangelical way in the true meaning of the word, for it requires that one should remain continuously in His love, to have Christ’s own sentiments, to have no other time except to think of loving Jesus and Mary and saving souls. This is equal to the perfect denial of self that Jesus asked of His disciples.

"JESUS,MARY,I LOVE YOU,SAVE SOULS" has a partial indulgence each time it is said. It is one of Mother Angelica's favorite prayers and she recites it often during the day.

The Holy Souls will repay us a "Thousand Times Over" When they are finally released from their pains and enjoy the beatitude of Heaven, far from forgetting their friends on earth, their gratitude knows no bounds. They Never cease to pray for those who helped them.

SITES WE LIKE!

A word of caution: When searching online for Catholic information and YouTube videos, you may come across many that are vehemently anti-Catholic, and present false information. Some may be from misinformed Christians (especially pertaining to Mary), some from fallen away Catholics who have been hurt by someone in the Church, atheists who are in reality seeking God but have not found Him yet, and even those within the Church who will not accept certain teachings of our faith. This greatly saddens us. Please pray for all those promoting anti-Catholic information - that they will come to know the truth and fullness of our faith, and thereby encounter the peace and joy of the Risen Christ. St. Monica's blog will always strive to provide links to sites that are are faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. We hope they will enrich your faith!

"There are not 100 in the United States who hate the Catholic Church, but millions who hate what they think the Catholic Church is." Bishop Fulton J Sheen

THE ROSARY

Come Pray the Rosary -- www.comepraytherosary.org/

Pray the Rosary online with beautiful music -- pray individually or with others from around the world!

How To Pray the Rosary - www.how-to-pray-the-rosary.com/

Pictures and instruction on how to pray the Rosary

The Holy Rosary - www.theholyrosary.org/

Pray the Rosary accompanied by beautiful music

Beginning Catholic - beginningcatholic.com/how-to-pray-the-rosary.html

Great for new Catholics or those just beginning to pray the Rosary.

The 15 Promises of the Rosary - http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/prayer/15promise.htm

Beautiful explanation of the Our Lady's promises for those who pray the Rosary devoutly.

GREAT BLOGS

LIVING CHRIST - God's Mercy Now - www.livingChrist.webs.com/

One woman shares her spiritual journey. Uplifting, inspiring, and informative - includes links to other excellent sites. A wealth of Catholic information at your fingertips.

WORD ON FIRE - www.wordonfire.org/

Fr. Robert Barron is one of the most innovative speakers on Catholicism and the spiritual life. His global ministry Word on Fire offers U Tube videos on many different topics.

TRY THE EXPERIMENT - One woman takes a leap of faith and asks her busy family to pray the Rosary together for 40 days. Powerful! Illustrates the transformative power of the Rosary.

REVERT CONVERT - Reconnecting to the Truth

THE PRACTICING CATHOLIC - Not perfect yet, but practicing hard!

THE CURT JESTER - http://splendoroftruth.com/curtjester/

Pundity, prayer, and puns, from a papist perspective. A previous atheist revels in being a Catholic convert.

AMERICAN PAPIST -  not your average Catholic.  Great information on current events important to Catholics.

ALIVE AND YOUNG - A young and humorous spin on our Catholic faith. Napoleon Dynamite's (yes, the same quirky Napoleon Dynamite from the movie with the same name!) take on Catholicism will have you laughing out loud. Enjoy!

NEED SPIRITUAL DIRECTION? - www.catholicspiritualdirection.org/

For anyone unable to receive face-to-face spiritual direction, this ministry provides it via email or telephone. The spiritual directors are faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic faith. Also available on this site: answers to Catholic questions, Catholic books and spiritual reading, links to other sites, and online classes for spiritual formation.

A FRIAR'S LIFE - Franciscan friar Tom loves Jesus, St. Francis and being a priest!

CATHOLIC BLOGS DIRECTORY - Hundreds of great Catholic Blogs at your fingertips!  

MARY

MARY'S TOUCH - www.marystouch.org/

Beautiful explanations of our devotion to Mary, our Mother.

OTHER CATHOLIC SITES:

APOLOGETICS - www.guslloyd.com

Ever been asked tough questions about the Catholic faith, but at a loss for answers? These CD's explain the truths of our faith: why we believe in Purgatory, Peter and the Papacy, Marian Dogma, Sacred Tradition, Catholic teachings found in the Bible, The Sacrament of Reconciliation, why the Church doesn't approve contraception, and more. Learn how to defend your faith!

ENCOURAGE YOUR PRIESTS - www.encouragepriests.org/

We are blessed daily by the kindness and self sacrifice of our priests -- through this site you can give them a shout out, send a thank you, or send a spiritual bouquet. Please pray for our priests - they need our support and encouragement.

THE CATHOLICISM PROJECT -- The Catholic Church is under fire - our Catholic Story is being told by the wrong people in the wrong way. This 10 part TV series offers a vision of the Catholic faith never seen before. It explores the living culture of the Catholic faith around the globe- from the Holy Land, to America, to the heart of Africa and beyond. Experience the beauty and glory of the Real Catholic Church. See the trailer here: http://www.wordonfire.org/The-Catholicism-Project/Trailer-New.aspx

CATHOLICS COME HOME -- Catholicscomehome.org

A site for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith, as well as anyone who used to be Catholic, or Catholics who just want to learn more about the truths of our faith.

CATHOLICITY - www.catholicity.com/

The Catholic Faith, Simplified. Outstanding source for over 100 Catholic web sites; simplified Catechism; excellent source of free CDs on The Eucharist, Confession, The Mass, Mary, The Conversion of Dr. Scott Hahn, the Father John Corapi story, and more; Free Catholic novels; monthly catholicity newsletter- quirky, funny and faith filled.

SUNDAY SOUNDBITES - A weekly 90 second radio homily on the Sunday readings by Fr. Greg Friedman, OFM. Also available at americancatholic.org


WORK OF GOD'S CHILDREN - http://theworkofgodschildren.org/  - An excellent site that provides public domain Catholic images, a public domain Bible, and more. Wonderful resource for home schoolers, catechists, and families!

CATHOLIC NEWS SITES:

SPIRITDAILY - www.spiritdaily.com/

Daily spiritual news from around the world by author Michael Brown. Also offers a wonderful selection of excellent Catholic books for purchase, as well as links to many Catholic sites.

CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY - www.catholicnewsagency.com/

LIFE SITE NEWS - www.lifesitenews.com/

Life, Family and Culture News

LOCAL AND NATIONAL CATHOLIC SITES

THE VATICAN - www.vatican.va/

USCCB - www.usccb.org/

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops web site -- a comprehensive resource for Catholics -- daily readings and reflections; an online Catechism, daily marriage tips, movie reviews and ratings from the Bishops, and a link to the Vatican website.

Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg - http://www.dioceseofstpete.org/

Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg Florida. Find a parish or school, information on diocese ministries, etc.

ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH CATHOLIC CHURCH

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY INFORMATION

FOR YOUR MARRIAGE -- www.foryourmarriage.org/

Excellent resource from USCCB featuring daily marriage tips and helpful articles for all stages of marriage -- from preparation to parenting to empty nest, as well as information on Natural Family Planning, infertility, and many other marriage topics.

EXCEPTIONAL MARRIAGES - www.exceptionalmarriages.com/

Catholic resource for marriage, family and personal issues.

GRACE BEFORE MEALS - www.gracebeforemeals.com/

Father Leo is helping to build stronger families - one meal at a time! The family that eats together, stays together!

Pro Life Natural Family Planning and Fertility Assistance:

THE GIANNA CENTER - www.giannahealth.org/

A natural, restorative, scientifically-based approach to managing your fertility, featuring:

NaProTECHNOLOGY(TM) -- www.giannahealth.org/, and NaProTechnology.com/

New technology to diagnose and treat many of the conditions which cause infertility, with success rates comparable to IVF (in vitro fertilization).*

THE CREIGHTON MODEL FERTILITYCARE -- 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Unlike other treatments, which bypass the problem with an artificial technology or suppress the fertility cycle with hormonal contraceptives, NaProTECHNOLOGY(TM) uniquely respects the dignity of women, the natural ecology of their bodies, and the sanctity of human life.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING - information

PRO-LIFE PHYSICIANS -- www.prolifephysicians.org/

National directory, find a physician in your area.

CATHOLIC MOMS -- www.catholicmoms.com/

Celebrates all things Faith, Family and Fun.

House of Mercy and Encouragement
A non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of children two years old through adolescence who are experiencing any of the following symptoms: Emotional difficulties ~ Behavioral issues ~ Learning challenges ~ Social problems
Prevention, early intervention, treatment of children’s issues, support for families, and referrals to appropriate resources are among the many services provided by the wellness center. Each child and each family are unique in the eyes of God. Recognizing individual differences, needs, and strengths is key to the mission of the HOME Foundation. Our mission is to faithfully provide quality mental health and educational services that encourage caring, compassion, and a sense of well-being.

CRISIS PREGNANCY SUPPORT

UPPER PINELLAS PREGNANCY SUPPORT SERVICES

http://www.st.ignatius.net/pregnant.html

An outreach ministry of St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, located in Tarpon Springs, FL.

Also available at this site:

Rachel's Vineyard (post-abortion healing)

Option Line - 24/7 nationwide pregnancy assistance - find centers in your area, and help for teens with questions on sex, dating, etc.

GIFT OF LIFE ADOPTIONS - www.giftoflifeadoptions.com/

NEED SOME INSPIRATION?

St. Iggy's Spark - Inspiring and Thought provoking! Provides great tips each week for growing in your faith and putting faith into action.

INTERCESSORS OF THE LAMB - Mother Nadine Lamb, founder

Good News Ministries - www.gnm.org

Good News Ministries is a Catholic evangelization ministry offering reflections on the readings for daily and Sunday Mass, and faith formation classes online. Subscribe to receive reflections via email for free.

SACRED SPACE - sacredspace.ie

The prayer site run by the Irish Jesuits, who invite you to make a sacred space in your day - spend 10 minutes, praying here and now, as you sit at your computer, with the help of on-screen guidance and scripture chosen specially every day.

3 Minute Retreats - a free daily mini retreat right at your computer.

Busted Halo - http://www.bustedhalo.com/

Featuring the daily jolt -- a thought provoking quote and simple suggestion for putting faith into action; googling God question of the day; and more...

Women of Grace - www.womenofgrace.com/

Daily inspirational quotes and mini-meditations from Johnette Benkovic of Living His Life Abundantly. Subscribe to receive daily grace notes for free.

Loyola Press - A Jesuit Ministry - loyolapress.com/marian-resources.htm

Daily inspirations, Marian information and more!

GREAT CATHOLIC RADIO, TV, and VIDEOS

*EWTN - www.ewtn.com/

Eternal Word Catholic Television Network featuring daily Mass, Mother Angelica Live, Catholic news from around the world and more...

*Spirit FM - http://www.spiritfm905.com/

90.5 Catholic Christian radio station in Tampa Florida, featuring contemporary Christian music.Listen live online from anywhere at spiritfm905.com

CATHOLIC DOORS - True Catholic Videos on You Tube

http://www.catholicdoors.com/youtube/index.htm

Offers Catholics You Tube videos that are in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic Faith. An excellent link to enrich your faith! Christians seeking the truth about our faith on this site will not be exposed to the large number of anti Catholic videos that are found among you tube Catholic videos.

On the Sirius Catholic Channel:

*Seize the Day - http://guslloyd.com/blog/?page_id=6

Seize the Day with host Gus Lloyd mornings 6-10.

*The Catholics Next Door - http://gregandjennifer.com/

Greg and Jennifer Willits - 10-1

* The Catholic Guy - http://www.linorulli.com/Lino_Rulli/Home.html

Join Lino Ruli for laughs while learning about our faith

*Fully Alive - http://www.exceptionalmarriages.com/radio.htm

Dr. Gregory and Lisa Popcak - marriage and family

*The Busted Halo Show - http://www.bustedhalo.com/siriusxm

With Paulist Father Dave Dwyer