Dominus tecum

      Numerous stories, some apocryphal, some true, abound in the literature describing the spread of devotion to Mary through the use of the Hail Mary.  One legend recorded widely during this period tells the amusing story of Eulalia, who was very devoted to the Blessed Virgin.  One day our Lady appeared to the holy woman.  Although Eulalia was at first alarmed, the legend tells us that the apparition reassured her in the following words:

    "Do not, my daughter, be afraid of the fond Mother to whom each weekday you pay all homage in your power.  But I caution you that if you wish the services you render me to benefit yourself more and to be more acceptable to me, then do not in the future pronounce the words [of the Hail Mary] so rapidly, for let me tell you that when you greet me with the Angelical Salutation, I experience a great thrill of joy, and more especially when you utter lingeringly the words  Dominus tecum [the Lord is with you].  The delight I feel then is more than can be expressed in words.  For then it seems to me that I feel my Son within me even as He, true God and man, was with me when he vouchsafed to be born of me for the sake of sinners.  And this was an unspeakable joy for me at that time, so is it now when Dominus tecum is said to me in the Angelical Salutation."

Taken from The History and Devotion of the Rosary by Richard Gribble, C.S.C.

Come Lord Jesus, Come

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

Disclaimer:  I read this post as an email sent by a fellow team mate on Etsy.  I agree wholeheartedly with all it entails, and I am blatantly re-posting verbatim.  My only addition would be "Buy handmade, buy HOME made, buy American made".  Let us band together and help one another this Christmas season.  


Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is! It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Think about these ideas instead:  Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?  Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.  Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.  Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen?  Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates.  And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.  Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.  How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?  Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.  My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.  OK, you were looking for something more personal. Think about your local artists and crafts people . . . paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, hand made sweaters and scarves - rosaries? Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.  And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.  Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.  Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community.  If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.  You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.  How else can you help?   Forward this to everyone on your mailing list. Post it to discussion groups.  Throw up a post on Craigslist in the "Rants & Raves" section in your city.  Send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments.  This is a revolution of caring about each other. Isn't that what Christmas is about?

PS: this plan works for birthdays, anniversaries and any other gift giving occasion.

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Please visit my Etsy shop or my website to view my handmade HOMEmade offerings.  

Peace be with you!

Shannon

I feel the need to share a few prayers today....

I'm not sure why, I just feel a gentle nudging that someone may be in need of them.  

This prayer is from Father Peter Mary Rookey, O.S.M "The Healing Priest"

Prayer cards can be ordered here.

Holding a Crucifix, say this prayer faithfully, no matter how you feel. When you come to the point where you sincerely mean each word with all your heart, something good spiritually will happen to you. You will experience Jesus, and He will change your life in a very special way. 

The Miracle Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come before you just as I am. I am sorry for my sins, please forgive me. In your name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. 

I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works.

I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite you into my life, Lord Jesus, I accept you as my Lord, God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in mind, body, soul and spirit. 

Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your precious blood and fill me with your Holly Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus, I praise you Jesus, I thank you Jesus, I shall follow you everyday of my life Amen.

*****

I personally prayed with this prayer card for days on end, which finally led to my conversion to Catholicism.  When I have the prayer cards available, I include them with all of my rosary orders.  I feel it is necessary to pass the prayer on to others.  

*****

This one too:

God our Father, walk through my house and take away all my worries and illnesses; and please watch over and heal my family.  In Jesus' name.... AMEN

May God's Peace be with you,
Shannon

All Souls Day

Today the Church observes All Souls Day, a day of rememberance for the dearly departed.  There are many prayers one can pray on behalf of those who have gone before us.  We pray for the repose or rest of their souls.  We pray that their time in Purgatory be lessened.  We pray asking them to watch over us and put in a good word for us!  

In my opinion, as long as we pray, it's always a good thing.

Prayer of
St. Gertrude the Great

Our Lord dictated the following prayer to St. Gertrude the Great to release 1,000 Souls from Purgatory each time it is said.

"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen."

Peace be with you,

Shannon