Twylah's Plate

I was walking through the dining room today, and noticed this plate in my plate rack. It belonged to Twylah.

Ron's mom, my mother-in-law Twylah, died last year on Ash Wednesday. She was 92 years old. She grew up on a farm in Rose Hill, Kansas and had good, solid, old-fashioned values. She raised her son to have those same values. I am so grateful to her for the amazing man my husband is today. Thank you Twylah. May you rest in peace, and may God's perpetual light shine on you. Amen.

My Priest Rocks!

There have been times when I feel a little bit bad about leaving the parish church where Ron and I went through RCIA and converted to Catholicism. It's still dear to me, and I love some of the people who work there and many who still attend Mass there. But there are days like today when I am so grateful to be attending the TLM at our new church.

I love all three of the priests who celebrate the TLM there, but I have to admit that my favorite is Fr. Donald Kloster. He is young, very traditional (meaning that he totally follows the Magisterium of the Church), and he is unafraid to tell the truth. It is so refreshing to have a priest who speaks out against abortion, same sex marriage, politicians who claim to be Catholic but refuse to be obedient to the authority of the Church.

Today he said that he wanted to make perfectly clear that Catholics do not have the option of supporting abortion, despite what some supposedly Catholic politicians have said. He talked about how the dogmas of the Church have never changed, despite the fact that some doctrines have changed. And, he said, Catholics cannot disagree with Church dogma, one of which is that life begins at conception.

He went on, making sure that the congregation understood that the Church is neither liberal nor conservative, but that we must follow the Magisterium, not our own opinions. He was delighted that so many American Archbishops spoke out to set Nancy Pelosi straight after her interview with Tom Brokaw on Meet The Press.

He said a lot more, and when he finished half the congregation burst into spontaneous applause, which never happens at this Mass. After Mass as I was waiting to speak with Father, I heard the man in front of me tell him, "Father, I wish I had a tape recorder at Mass today. I know a lot of people who need to hear what you said." I told Father, "Ditto what he said. That was wonderful. Thank you!"

I pray for more priests who are not afraid of hurting or offending someone by saying that abortion is wrong, by saying that same sex marriage is wrong, by telling us we should dress modestly and pray more. We need to pray for more priests like Fr. Kloster who tell us the truth about what the Catholic Church teaches, whether we like it or not.

Hurricane Gustav

Updated Map 8/31.
Ron got a page yesterday, went into the office, and 24 hours later he's in the Florida panhandle waiting for Hurricane Gustav. He expects to be there for the next nine days, helping coordinate what the states need and how the federal government can help.

I read an article saying that a million people have already fled New Orleans, fearing that the hurricane could be a cat 5 by the time it gets there. I'd be getting out of there, too!

Besides Ron in Florida, we have friends and family in Louisiana and the Houston area. Please join me in praying for everyone in the path of the storm. This prayer was written by the bishop of Lafayette after Hurricane Audrey in the 1950's.

Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season

O God, Master of this passing world,
hear the humble voices of your children.
The Sea of Galilee obeyed Your order
and returned to its former quietude.
You are still the Master of land and sea.
We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control:
the Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant,
can awake from its seeming lethargy,
overstep its conventional boundaries,
invade our land and spread chaos and disaster.

During this hurricane season we turn to You, O loving Father.
Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid
and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with the passing of time.

O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our beloved Mother,
we ask you to plead with your Son in our behalf,
so that spared from the calamities common to this area
and animated with a true spirit of gratitude,
we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son
to reach the heavenly Jerusalem where a stormless eternity awaits us.
Amen.

WhooHoo!

Senator McCain has chosen Sarah Palin as his running mate! She is very pro-life, very conservative and I'm delighted with his choice!

More about Mrs. Palin here.

Mystery Bird

Ron took this picture of a "mystery bird" a couple of weeks ago. It landed on the roof of our house. He thinks it may be a baby crane. It stayed long enough for him to come inside and get the camera and snap a few pictures before it continued it's journey. We are in a bird flyway, so we get to see some interesting birds now and then.

Midnight Snack

Sometimes the simplest foods taste the best. A bunch of big seedless red grapes, some slices of creamy Havarti cheese and a few saltines--yummy.

:o)

Teapots and Kindness

When I'm shopping, whether in a thrift store, department store or antique shop, I seem to gravitate to teapots and pitchers. My daughter once said to me while we were shopping, "Step away from the teapots, Mom." :o)

Years ago, a lady gave Ron this little three-in-one teapot, cup and creamer when he helped her with questions and paperwork after her military husband's death. Even during her time of extreme grief, she wanted to give him a sweet gift. I think of her whenever I see the teapot,and send up a little prayer for the repose of her and her husband's souls.

There is just something comforting and calming about a cup of hot tea, poured from a pretty pot, isn't there?

Aurelius Augustinus, pray for us.

Today, August 28, is the feast day of St. Augustine, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church.

From my 1962 Roman Missal:
Augustine, born at Tagast (Africa) in 354, was the son of St. Monica and of a pagan father, Patricius. His mind was ensnared by errors and his soul and body corrupted by debauchery and impurity. Converted by the prayers of his mother, he became one of the most famous Doctors of the West and a Father of the Church. He died after an episcopate of 36 years at Hippo (Africa) A.D. 430.

Quote from St. Augustine
Thou hast made us for Thyself and our hearts are restless till they rest in Thee. (Confessions I, i, 1)

St. Augustine's Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
Amen.

Around My Backyard

Plumbago
Rosemary
Sweet Potato Vine
Mother's Day Hibiscus
Esperanza (Yellow Bells)
Cana
Black Spanish Grape Vine
Impatiens

Summer is winding down, but there are still quite a few things blooming and growing. Click on the pictures to see them bigger.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...
Partly cloudy skies. Looks like some big clouds are building. We may have rain again later today. Green, green trees and grass from the rain we've had the past week.

I am thinking...
that Ron will be home soon and wondering what to have for dinner.

I am thankful for...
the blessings God has given me, but especially my husband, Ron, my 3 kids and 6 grandkids.

From the kitchen...
a glass of peach iced tea on my desk.

I am wearing...
brown slacks, a brown and black striped v-neck tee, bare feet and a pony tail. (Mom and I went to Adoration earlier. I'm usually in capris and a tee).

I am creating...
I am finally ready to start knitting the baby blanket I was going to make for Aubrey before she was born. She is 3 months old now.

I am going...
to drop off my water bill payment on the way to the grocery store later. The water bill was lost in the mail--seriously--and now it's late.

I am reading...
Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila, again. Oh, and The History of Richard Raynal, Solitary by Robert Hugh Benson online, thanks to a dear priest on the Catholic Convert board (thanks Father Obi).

I am hoping...
to see my new little nephew in Dallas soon.

I am hearing...
music from the playlist on my blog.

Around the house...
Votive candle glowing in front of my Our Lady of Perpetual Help picture in the hallway, Maggie cat curled up asleep at the top of the stairs where she won't miss anything.

One of my favorite things...
Sitting in a rocking chair with a grandbaby on my lap.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Lunch with a friend on Thursday. Mom, Kelly and the dogs here on Friday for lunch and fun. Donating Ron's old clothes and getting his closet in order.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...













Garlic blooming in my garden.
Visit A Simple Woman to see the guidelines for your daybook.

My Sunday Sunshine

It was gray and rainy today, but I had my own Sunday sunshine. Reece spent the night last night. He was sleeping peacefully when I got up, and I took a picture of his sweet face. Look at those eyelashes!

After my shower, I made him some breakfast and left him watching Pingu while I got ready for Mass. A few minutes after I went upstairs I heard him at the bottom of the stairs calling, "Heah I come!" :o)

He found me in the bathroom brushing my teeth, and wanted his own "toot-buhsh." He loves the peppermint flavored toothpaste I use, so he wanted to brush his teeth again and again. I think he was really just eating the toothpaste. Uh oh. But I only put the tiniest dot on his brush, so I think it's okay.

:o)

Saint Bartholomew

Today, August 24, is the feast day of Saint Bartholomew, one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Tradition says that Bartholomew was the same person as Nathaniel in the Gospels. Jesus said of him, "Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him” (John 1:47b).

After witnessing Jesus' ascension, Bartholomew preached the gospel in India, Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, Lycaonia, Phrygria and Armenia. The manner of his death is not certain, but tradition holds that he was flayed alive and/or beheaded and crucified upside down by King Astyages for converting his brother, King Polymius of Armenia.

Saint Bartholomew is often depicted in art holding a tanner's knife, symbol of his martyrdom, and sometimes holding his own skin, as in the famous Last Judgment by Michaelangelo.

Saint Bartholomew is the patron saint of Armenia, cheese merchants, tanners, plasterers, and he is invoked to cure nervous tics.

O Glorious Saint Bartholomew, Jesus called you a person without guile and you saw in this word a sign that he was the Son of God and King of Israel. Obtain for us the grace to be ever guileless and innocent as doves. At the same time, help us to have your gift of faith to see the Divine hand in the events of daily life. May we discern the signs of the times that lead to Jesus on earth and will eventually unite us to him forever in heaven. Amen.

Dog Days of Summer

We had another fun Friday at my house today. Mom, Kelly and their doggies came for a visit. Chuy and Darcy are friends. Darcy is all puppy energy, and Chuy had to give her a talking to now and then when she became too rambunctious. :o)

I made PW's chicken salad for lunch. It was yummy, and everyone enjoyed it. There was plenty left for Ron's supper tonight. We had yellow cake with chocolate frosting for dessert, and chocolate chip ice cream.

After lunch we went swimming, in spite of looming rain clouds and distant thunder. After our swim, it did rain again. Chuy kept barking at the thunder. :o)

We've enjoyed getting together the past two Fridays, and Kelly suggested we make it a weekly event. I love that idea!

Kelly and Darcy left around 4 PM, and I took Mom and Chuy home right after that. I'm already looking forward to Fun Friday next week!

Oh Barf.

This disgraceful display was the Mass at the 2008 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress.

Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.

Novena For Faithful Citizenship

The US Catholic Bishops have invited all Catholic Americans to pray a novena for life, justice and peace before the November elections. Please go here, for the text of the novena or to download a podcast. There are also suggestions for ways to pray the novena.

From the USCCB news release on August 19:

Joan Rosenhauer, Associate Director for the USCCB’s Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development, said that the special novena is part of “the bishops’ campaign to help Catholics develop well-formed consciences for addressing political and social questions.” The bishops issued their statement on forming consciences for faithful citizenship in November 2007.

Helen Osman, USCCB Secretary of Communications, expressed hope that the novena could help “Catholics enter into prayerful reflection as they prepare to vote.” Seventy-one percent of all visitors to the USCCB’s web site download the free podcasts of the daily NAB readings. These same visitors are encouraged to use the novena podcast for prayer. Osman said that the USCCB wants to support Catholics as they weigh pre-election issues and that “providing a prayer resource on the Web can help us focus on our common values and identity as Catholics.” The novena emphasizes the dignity of life, justice, and peace.

The Novena for Faithful Citizenship runs for nine days and can be used consecutively, one day each week, for nine days prior to the election, or “in any way that works best for a community or individual,” said Rosenhauer.

I'm putting this on my calendar so that I won't forget to pray the novena. Hope you'll join me!

Heart Melting Moments

Today I watched my two youngest grandchildren while their mommy went to the doctor and their daddy was at work. Our daughter-in-law had minor surgery to remove some pins from her ankle, which was broken last November in a serious car wreck.

I was with the kids all day, from 9:30 this morning until just before 5 PM. There is nothing like being with grandkids to light up your life.

I took them with me to my mom's this morning, so that they could light up her life for awhile, too. And they did!

Aubrey is 3 months old now, and smiles and coos when we talk to her. Today I put her bouncer in front of the TV while Reece was watching Barney (you know, the purple dinosaur guy), and she grinned so big!

While I was holding Aubrey in Josh's recliner, Reece came and got up into the chair with us. It was a tight squeeze, but oh how sweet to hold both of them close.

Reece was sleepy by mid-afternoon, so I took him into the bedroom for a nap. Aubrey and I lay down beside him, but she was fussy and wouldn't sleep, so we gave up. Just before we got up, Reece rolled over to me with his face close to mine and said, "Ah wuv oo," and kissed me! Ooooh my goodness; he can have anything he wants from me for the rest of his life. ;o)

While I washed dishes, I put Aubrey in her bouncer on the counter next to the sink so that I could talk to her and see her as I worked. Of course nothing would do but that Reece would sit on the counter, too. So I put him next to me and let him explore what was on the counter and play in the soapy water. I love listening to him talk.

Of course I think they are perfect children, but they do have their moments. Aubrey spits up so much that she had on three different outfits today, poor baby. And Reece took a drink of the soapy dishwater when I wasn't looking. But mostly, yeah, they're perfect. :o)

I feel sick.

Not easy to watch, but everyone needs to see this video. (No, there are no aborted babies in it). What has our country become, that we can permit live babies left to die?

This is the nurse, Jill Stanek, who testified before a US House committee in 2000 and 2001 for the Born Alive Infants Protection Act. She is now a pro-life advocate. Here is her bio from her website. Please listen to what she has to say.

Monday Morning Rain

We are getting some beautiful rain this morning. We've been in a drought, so any rain we get is a blessing. I got the trash cart and recycle bin out just in time. A couple of minutes after I came back inside, it started to pour.

There is some thunder and lightening, so I'd better shut my computer down. I'm off to pick up Mom for Adoration in a few minutes, anyway.

Later.

Random Events

Unfortunately, I didn't get any good pictures of Darcy and Chuy playing together on Friday, but we had a fun afternoon, anyway. The two dogs got along fine, except when Darcy got a little too exuberant in her puppy playing. She's taller than Chuy, and wanted him to play, so she would put her feet on him. When she pushed his head down with her foot, he finally had enough and let her know by growling at her. He is six years old, and I guess he's becoming a grumpy old man. :o)

Mom, Kelly and I got in the pool. It was fun watching Kelly trying to coax Darcy in, and then finally picking her up and putting her in the water. Darcy is a great swimmer, but she didn't much like it. I did some "water aerobics," and swam a little.

Friday evening, Ron and I went to Mass at St. Pius X. It was a holy day of obligation, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. I love being Catholic! :o)

On Saturday Cyrise and I braved "tax free weekend" and went out to lunch and then to the mall. We took Little Bitty with us (Aubrey), and she was an angel. She slept almost the whole time. Cyrise found some tops and a pair of jeans, I got a few things for the kids and an ironing board cover. Don't you hate spending money on stuff like ironing board covers. :o/

When I took Cyrise and Aubrey home, an old friend of my son's was at their house with his girlfriend. It was nice to see his cute face again; I hadn't seen him for a long time. Sometimes I miss the days when our house was filled with teenage boys. Now they are young men, some with families of their own.

Ron went with me to Mom's last night, and we picked Reece and Aubrey up on the way home. Josh and Cyrise went to a friend's house, so we got to babysit. :o)

Reece and I enjoyed watching some of the Olympics. He especially liked the runners. He would run up to the TV and put his hands on the screen while they were running, then he would run back and forth in the family room, imitating what he saw. He imitates everything, even the blocks tumbling down when he builds a tower. He will fall over on the floor and kick his legs up, imitating the falling blocks. He's a hoot!

We went to the Latin Mass today, and to a barbecue dinner after Mass for the Latin community. It was very nice--good food and a 2-man polka band. We met a few people who sat at our table, and Father Kloster came around to say hello and find out our names. He is such a wonderful young priest.

It's cloudy and I'm hoping for rain. Ron is getting ready to mow the grass in the front of the house, and I might take a nap. |o)

Disappearing Days

Where does the time go? The days seem to fly by so quickly, and I don't get anything done that I had planned to do. Spending less time on the computer would probably make a difference. :o/

Mom and I went to lunch and shopping today. My sister sent Mom some money and told her to buy herself some new shoes. Using her gift, Mom got some cute black ballet slippers, two long sleeved tee shirts, and a pair of jeans. There are some great sales going on right now!

Mid-August has that funny "summer winding down" feeling. It's still boiling hot, summer activities are still going strong, but underneath I can feel autumn coming. I like cooler fall weather, so why do I feel melancholy in August? I don't know.

Tomorrow Kelly and Darcy, Mom and Chuy will come to my house for lunch and so that Darcy and Chuy can meet. Kelly took Darcy to her first obedience class and was happy that Darcy got along so well with the other dogs. Chuy always loves to come for a visit. He gets along well with other dogs, so I'm sure he and Darcy will be good friends. I'll try to get pictures. :o)

Don't Call Me!

I put our telephone number on the "Do Not Call" list when that service first became available years ago, but at that time there was a time limit. Our registration expired, and we've been receiving many, many telemarketing calls. So today I went to the National Do Not Call Registry online, and registered our phone numbers again. Now the numbers are on the list permanently,there is no expiration date.

After the numbers have been on the list for 31 days, telemarketers are not supposed to call you. If you do receive calls after 31 days, you may file a complaint at the National Do Not Call Registry website.

Having your phone numbers on the registry will not stop all calls. You can still receive calls from any businesses with whom you have a relationship, charities and political campaigns. But having your phone numbers on the list should cut down on the number of unwanted phone calls received.

To register your phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, go to the website. It only takes a minute, and you can register cellphones as well as landlines.

Will You Choose Life?

Here is the truth. Abortion is a mortal sin, it is the murder of an unborn child. And most abortions are performed not because the mother's life is in danger, not because the mother was raped, not because of incest, but because the child is an inconvenience.

If you are Catholic (or if you're not) and thinking of voting for Barack Obama, I pray you will think again. Not only does he support abortion 100%, but he also thinks partial-birth abortion is acceptable, and that babies who were meant to be aborted, but lived in spite of the procedure, may be left to die. He believes that unwanted babies are "punishment."

Please take a look at this chart comparing Senators McCain and Obama on the issues. Before we vote this fall, we should all pray to God for guidance.

Down In Adoration Falling

The weekend was busy, but fun. Saturday Kelly and I went to San Marcos and to the outlet malls for awhile. We did a little bit of Christmas shopping. Our plan is to get it done early this year. :o)

Saturday night Reece spent the night. We had fun playing with blocks and cars, watching a few YouTube kid vids and reading Where The Wild Things Are. He's talking more and more. Lately his favorite thing to say is "Whassdat?" or "Howboutdis?" I can almost see the little wheels turning in his head as he learns about things.

Mass on Sunday was lovely. We took Mom to Las Palapas for Mexican food after Mass. After we got home I took a nap and spent the rest of the day watching old Law And Order shows. It was nice to just relax and veg out.

Mondays are our Adoration days. I picked Mom up this morning and we spent a wonderful hour adoring Our Lord. I'm so happy to see how busy this adoration chapel is; people were coming in and out the whole time we were there. I feel such peace before the Blessed Sacrament; it's a beautiful feeling. I love the old fashioned picture, so yes, I'm using it again. :o)

We had lunch at Crumpets again, after Adoration. I think it will become a weekly tradition, since we both enjoy it so much. We watched birds and squirrels at play as we ate lunch--very nice.

I need to go to the grocery store, water my plants, and do a little house cleaning, so I'd better get cracking!

Music

I've added a playlist feature to my left sidebar. Scroll down to see (and hear) the list of songs. I'm having fun finding some of my favorite music to put on it. However, I know that not everyone will enjoy the music I like, so if you want to turn the music off, click on the little double marks in the upper lefthand corner of the playlist box. The internet is so much fun! :o)

Midnight Snack

I am devouring this brownie and ice cream right now. :o)

It's been a busy day. I was on the go from the time I got up until around 10 PM, taking care of Mom, taking care of grandbabies, then back to Mom's again tonight.

I only had two meals today, and one of them was a peanut butter sandwich, so I decided to treat myself tonight.

That's my Rieger Begonia in the picture. I bought it on sale back in the spring (March, I think), and it has been blooming like crazy ever since. The blooms range from palest pink to cream.

Ron has been in Colorado all week, and will be home tomorrow evening. My life seems a little more sane when he is home, so I'll be glad to see him.

TGIF

Our Maggie Cat

This little bit is Maggie when she was a kitten. Maggie came into our lives several years ago when my son, Josh, brought her home despite my vehement "NO!" when he asked if we could get a cat. I think he knew that I wouldn't be able to say no when I saw her. And he was right.

Maggie has grown into a huge cat. She's about 5 years old, and very much Josh's cat. She lives with us, though, because he can't have pets in the house he rents. She misses him, and whenever he comes over, she follows him around, wanting his attention. When he leaves, she watches his car from the front room window.

Maggie is a very independent cat, but she is getting friendlier as she ages. She is always happy to see me when I get up in the morning, and will talk to me and sometimes purr. She's not a lap cat, but she will relax on the back of the couch near my head sometimes, and she likes to rub against my legs. I'm allowed to rub her ears once in awhile. :o)

Seeing the dogs and cats at the animal shelter last week has made me very aware of how much our pets have meant to us. It's hard to imagine why people abuse their pets, or abandon them. It is heartbreaking to see so many beautiful animals waiting for a home and someone to love them. I imagine that some of the dogs and cats we saw have already been euthanized, and it makes me angry and sad.

Not everyone can adopt an animal from a shelter, but there is something that everyone with a computer can do to help. Go here and click on the tab to help rescue animals.

And while you're at it, you can also click to help fight breast cancer (they need help meeting their quota right now), save the rainforests, help fight hunger, promote literacy and give free child healthcare.

H/T to my friend Kathy for sending the email with the link to the breast cancer site. Thanks!

Tea(pots) and Crumpets

I'm still resting from our fun weekend. Reece spent the night Friday night, and Saturday morning we went to visit Mom (his great "Gwan") and my sister Sandi, who was in town.

Mom, Sandi and I went thrift shopping and visited Central Market Saturday afternoon. We had a birthday celebration for Kelly at our house on Sunday after Mass. Sandi went to Mass with us, and said the TLM was "beautiful." She wore my black mantilla and said she felt like a bride. :o) She is planning to visit the TLM in her city, and I'm so excited that she wants to do that.

I found a pretty celadon green teapot and Japanese teacups at the thrift store. Sandi discovered a sturdy wooden doll highchair, which I bought for baby Aubrey. I'll paint it and get her a dolly to sit in it. :o) I gave the teapot and cups, which looked brand new, to Kelly, along with several kinds of herbal teas and some of Lily's wild grape jelly. Kelly just called to tell me that she is enjoying some of the tea right now, and that she likes the teapot and cups. We also gave her a wrought iron plant hanger to put on her fence, filled with pretty purple flowers called Angelonia, and some patio lights for her gazebo.

Darcy came with Kelly and Mike, so that she could meet the family. She was so good while she was here. All of us really like her. Kel took her to the vet today, and got a good report.

Ron grilled sirloin steaks and veggies (onion, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant), and I baked the potatoes. I made Kelly a Texas sheetcake for her birthday cake, and we had that with Bluebell homemade vanilla ice cream. Yum.

The party ended around 6 PM. I took Mom home, then came back and fell asleep on the couch for awhile; then I went to bed early (for me, at least).

This morning I took Ron to the airport, then Mom and I went to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at our new church. After our hour of Adoration, we had lunch at Crumpet's. Lunch was yummy!

Now I am going to pay bills, then rest!

Happy Birthday, My Kelly!

I love you!
My birthday prayer for you
is that God will hold you close,
that His perfect will be done in your life always.
You will be my sweet girl forever.
Hugs,
Mom

The Portinuncula Indulgence August 2nd

" The Portiuncula was an old church dedicated to the Virgin Mother of God which was abandoned . Francis had great devotion to the Queen of the world and when he saw that the church was deserted, he began to live there constantly in order to repair it. He heard that the Angels often visited it, so that it was called Saint Mary of the Angels, and he decided to stay there permanently out of reverence for the angels and love for the Mother of Christ.

He loved this spot more than any other in the world. It was here he began his religious life in a very small way; it is here he came to a happy end. When he was dying, he commended this spot above all others to the friars, because it was most dear to the Blessed Virgin.

This was the place where Saint Francis founded his Order by divine inspiration and it was divine providence which led him to repair three churches before he founded the Order and began to preach the Gospel.

This meant that he progressed from material things to more spiritual achievements, from lesser to greater, in due order, and it gave a prophetic indication of what he would accomplish later.

As he was living there by the church of Our Lady, Francis prayed to her who had conceived the Word, full of grace and truth, begging her insistently and with tears to become his advocate. Then he was granted the true spirit of the Gospel by the intercession of the Mother of mercy and he brought it to fruition.

He embraced the Mother of Our Lord Jesus with indescribable love because, as he said, it was she who made the Lord of majesty our brother, and through her we found mercy. After Christ, he put all his trust in her and took her as his patroness for himself and his friars."

(From Major Life Of St. Francis by St. Bonaventure)

There is an indulgence associated with the Portinicula and the Feast Of Our Lady Of The Angels on August 2nd:

"The Portiuncula indulgence is the first plenary indulgence that was ever granted in the Church. There were indeed indulgences at all times, but they were only partial, and only a partial remission of the temporal punishments could be obtained by them. But, as already remarked, he who gains the Portiuncula indulgence is freed from all temporal punishments and becomes as pure as after holy baptism. This was also the reason why Pope Honorius was astonished when St. Francis petitioned for the confirmation of this indulgence, for such an indulgence, up to that time, bad been entirely unknown. It was only after he had come to the conviction that Jesus Christ himself wished it, that he granted the petition of the saint and confirmed the indulgence."

A plenary indulgence is available to anyone who will:

1. Receive sacramental confession (8 days before of after)

2. Receive the Holy Eucharist at Holy Mass on August 2nd

3. Enter a parish church and, with a contrite heart, pray the Our Father, Apostles Creed, and a pray of his/her own choosing for the intentions of the Pope.

Please share this information with all the Catholics you know so that they may take the opportunity to receive remission of the punishment for all sins committed from the day of baptism to the reception of the indulgence.