Trusting in God With St. Therese by Connie Rossini-Chapter 1

Trusting in God With St. Therese 

by Connie Rossini

     A superficial overview of Connie Rossini's contemplation igniting work would not do justice to the supernatural value of her book. From the first pages, the reader is drawn into the innocence and humility with which Saint Therese grasped the salvific trials given to her by Our Blessed Lord. We are quickly challenged to view our personal sorrows through the Divine lense of the eternal joy that has been promised to us by our Heavenly Father. Commonly, the emotional outcome of tragedy and disappointment are experienced as in a measuring cup calibrated by worldly stanards. Followers of Jesus are called to a higher standard of measure.  That measure is trust. The joy in our souls, no longer dependent upon circumstances beyond our control, is directly related to our trust in God. Focusing on the love of God and neighbor instead of ourselves enhances our trust in God. Recognizing the signs and outcomes of trust and distrust in God help us to stay on the path to holiness.

      Thank you Mrs. Rossini for Sharing so candidly about your decision to become a secular Carmelite. Thank you for the first new (new to me)lesson I have learned from St. Therese- "nothing but trust will lead us to God."

Impossible

     Saint Rita of Cascia  was a woman who accepted, with Divinely motivated love, the many crosses brought to her by a life of suffering. This prepared her for her joyful eternity with Jesus.           Married at an early age to an abusive husband, she endured her suffering with trust and grace. After the death of her husband and children, she became an Augustinian nun. 

     Known for severe penances and a life of constant prayer she bore the stigmata of Jesus.        

     The movie, Saint Rita (Ignatius Press), a dramatic portrayal of her holy life is an inspiration to all women in every state of life. Saint Rita drew supernatural strength from her faithful devotion and holy obedience.  Known as the Patroness of the Impossible, her example and intercession are a great help to all Christians who aspire to follow Jesus to the fullest.

Glimpses Along the Way

       Listening to Glimpses Along the Way of the Cross, so compassionately shared by Monsignor James P. Shea, I could not help but wonder if  I were being blessed by experiencing some aspects of Our Blessed Mother's view of the Passion of our Savior. Monsignor Shea's eloquent portrayal of the Way of the Cross is unique and relevant.  

     The supernatural benefits of meditation on the Way of the Cross are summarized by Saint Bonaventure, who said that "He who desires to go on advancing from virtue to virtue, from grace to grace, should constantly meditate upon the Passion of Christ. There is no exercise more profitable for the soul than the frequent meditation on the sufferings of Our Lord." 

     This  Lighthouse Catholic Media CD is a certain powerful in doing just that.
     Our Heavenly Father treasures us so much that He gives us innumerable ways of understanding the depth of His love for us. Thank you Monsignor Shea and Lighthouse Catholic Media for all of the inspiration provided to us through beautiful Catholic presentations. Thank you Jesus and Mary for always accompanying us throughout our journey home to You.

Serious

     In this energetically presented CD, Jeff Cavins teaches us how to free ourselves from the spiritually corrosive potency of unforgiveness. We learn here about the folly of insisting that everyone live up to our expectations. Mr. Cavins explains that the infinite gravity of hatred and guarding resentment cannot be underestimated. We are reminded, through the parable of the debtor, how seriously Jesus regards forgivenss.

     The emotional and spiritual torment of mentally replaying offenses is contrasted with the life giving holy beauty of reconciliation. Christ's forgiveness of His persecutors remains the hallmark of Christian forgiveness. It is this act of forgiveness that all Christians must practice in our daily lives. This presentation is outstanding in its relevance for all Christians, Catholic and non-Catholic, as we aspire to walk ever faithfully with Jesus.

Jesus Loves and Forgives

     The  collection Blessed Catherine Emmerich's visions about Mary Magdalene portrays one aspect of how Jesus loves and forgives all of us. These excerpts from Blessed Catherine Emmerich's divinely inspired writings: The Life of Jesus Christ, reveal the enduring patience and compassion of Our Blessed Lord for all of us sinners. We are also reminded in these writings of the immense supernatural power of intercessory prayer. 

     Our loved one's, and our own, conversion and reversion to the fullness of our Catholic faith are miraculous events which are cause for great hope and rejoicing. Even in the face of apparent hopelessness, there is never a reason to give up praying for our loved one's return to the glorious embrace of Our Eucharistic Savior, Jesus Christ.  After all, Our Blessed Mother Mary intercedes for ALL of her children without ceasing. Her powerful intercession guards and protects all of us as we daily strive to walk faithfully with her Son. His love and  forgiveness for Mary Magdele, as depicted in theses beautiful writings are gifts we receive daily. What a tremendous cause for gratitude ~ Praises be to Jesus forever!

Remedy for the "Blues"

     Presented by a Catholic Psychiatrist Deacon, the "Anger and Forgiveness CD published by Lighthouse Catholic Media" is filled with compassionate admonitions and spiritual enlightenment. Within a Scriptural context, the spiritual nature of anger and its sinful characteristics are explained. Dr. Bob McDonald does a wonderful job of measuring the current secular treatment of anger with Jesus' perfect and holy teachings.

     The listener is also offered a proven method of dealing with "blue" feelings which emerge from recurrent negative and angry thoughts. Dr. McDonald suggests that at these "low" times, an effective remedy is to go to a quiet place and for fifteen minutes praise God, with gratitude and love, It works!     

Rosary Promises

           This was originally posted @ mommynovenas.org 

on October 7, 2013

     Our Blessed Mother's powerful intercession for us is clearly demonstrated in her fifteen promises to Christians who pray the Rosary. The first of these promises is that whoever prays the Rosary faithfully will receive Signal Graces. Signal Graces are those little clues from the Holy Spirit that tell us we are on the right path, or unexplained nudges from our Guardian Angels that keep us out of danger. They may seem to be "coincidences". It is most pleasing to think of these Signal Graces in the former category.  There are events which serve to advance our achievement of something we desire. 

        But what about the times we don't "get what we want?" It's much more difficult to accept the job we didn't get or the lost relationship as a blessing. Yet, if we take a close look at the life of our Blessed Mother, we can see that our Heavenly Father's plan is perfect. Mary suffered many trials and sorrows. She did not enjoy material wealth or social popularity. Yet, her sacrificial, loving acceptance of God's will is the perfect example of how we are to live as Christians. Following Mary's example can only lead us directly into the heart of Jesus. Following His will, no matter how difficult, can only lead to eternal life in Heaven with Him. 

     Many signal graces, sent so mercifully to us by Our Blessed Lord, remain unnoticed. We are so busy trying to solve our problems on our own that we are not listening to Him. Reciting the beautiful Rosary prayer in a state of peaceful surrender to Our Lord opens our hearts to His perfect guidance.

     Faithful Catholics have written much about Mary's Rosary and signal graces. 

     Saint Louis de Montfort's writings, which come from his devotion to Our Lady, explain Mary's supernatural maternal influence in our lives. The Secret of the Rosary, and more of de Monfort's works can be found here: 

The Secret of the Rosary

True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Secret of Mary

15th Promise~To Jesus through Mary~2nd Promise