Holy Relics Visitation: Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Group, 10/26/2013

"Holiness consists simply in

doing God's will, and being just

what God wants us to be."

~ Words of St. Therese of Lisieux

 

Only a small group of us were able to gather at the Gruber Residence this weekend… but it mattered little because the diverse faith-sharing that ensued was cause for much joy and personal reflection.  Our discussions ranged from the tough job our mutual priest-friends have in pasturing  their respective flocks and the need to have a compassionate understanding of their "human-ness"; facing death with faith, peace, and the anticipation of seeing God; personal commentaries on the day’s scripture passage [from Luke 13], which we read at the start of our meeting; to the "little way" of St. Therese the Little Flower our featured Saint of the Month (a relic from her bones was present with us, right photo).

 

Again, somehow, someway, everything seemed to blend together cohesively to make for a meaningful evening of faith and devotion for each of us who were there.  And because there weren’t as many of us present, we had the luxury of being a little more expressive and extended with our many personal petitions and intercessions during the “open-prayer” segment of the meeting.  It's always inspiring and moving to hear our members praying out loud because each person says exactly what's on his/her mind and heart.

 

"... I do like children who do not

know how to read, I say very simply

to God what I wish to say, without

composing beautiful sentences, and

He always understands me." 

~ Words of St. Therese

 

Prior to the meeting my fatigue and mounting anxiety due to an upcoming speaking presentation at a neighboring parish (for tomorrow morning) had weighed heavily on me… but by the time the evening ended, the weight of it was greatly alleviated thanks to the reassurance and prayers of this loving spiritual family... and that’s exactly what we’ve become to each other in the past year – a close-knit family; bonded, as such, and supportive of one another under the mantle of Our Lady, our Heavenly Mother... and in the company of the Saints.  For this spiritual gift of “Ohana”, we will always feel grateful to God.

"Even now I know it: yes, all

my hopes will be fulfilled... yes...

the Lord will work wonders for me

which will surpass infinitely my

immeasurable desires."

~ Words of St. Therese