FranciscanMom: It's Epiphany! Get Your Holy Water Ready!

In honor of the day the Magi came to adore the Christ Child, Catholics are encouraged to bless their homes. It used to be that the parish priest would conduct these blessings, and at one time we were privileged to have our pastor bless our home. Today it will be done by Big Daddy.

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)

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

Friday, January 06, 2006

It's Epiphany! Get Your Holy Water Ready!

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