SFO Mom: Brand New Lyrics

Adventure Boy just came up the driveway, singing at the top of his voice.

He has a nice singing voice, but he didn't hear the lyrics correctly when he learned this patriotic tune:

"You're a brand new flag, you're a high-flying flag..."

What is the SFO?

The Secular Franciscan Order, formerly known as the Third Order of St. Francis, is an official Order within the Catholic Church, and was established by St. Francis of Assisi early in the thirteenth century. Members do not live in community, but live their everyday lives in the world. However, members gather together in fraternity on a regular basis. By profession, they promise to follow a Rule of Life approved and confirmed by Pope Paul VI in June of 1978.

In these fraternities the brothers and sisters, led by the Spirit, strive for perfect charity in their own secular state.

“The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.” (from the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order)

My Pocket Rosary

Today's pocket rosary is for: Gabrielle who is scheduled for heart surgery on August 26; a young family friend who could really use as many extra prayers as possible; Elena who recently lost her mom; Esther who has lost her father and father-in-law this spring; Michelle's brother-in-law, deployed to Iraq, and for his family; for SFO Girl's daughter N who awaits a kidney transplant; for my sister-in-law's mom, who is battling cancer; for Fiver; for Ellen who recently lost her beloved pet; for Barb's family; for ukok's Post-it Prayer Request as well as her other intentions; our godson Adventure Boy, and the intentions of all who read this blog.

Prayer for a Prolife Nation

Father in Heaven, bless the leaders of our nation with wisdom, humility, and upright moral character. May our leaders know that justice can only be achieved when we uphold the principal priority of the Right to Life. Give to our public servants the grace to make decisions that are appropriate to their office. Allow them to be humble before all people, by serving the needs of the citizens, not just with words, but most importantly with actions. Lord, as nations experience division due to political fighting, give to citizens the grace to be peacemakers, to take responsibility for their own lives, and to try and work together for the good of all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. --Father Leo Patalinghug at Grace Before Meals