Explore the meaning of Pentecost, the birth of the Catholic Church, and how the Holy Spirit transforms our lives today.”
Today we celebrate the birthday of the Catholic Church—what a wonderful and powerful day this is.
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus said to Peter: “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate Pentecost.
Interestingly, Pentecost comes from the Greek word Pentēkostē, meaning “fiftieth.” This feast celebrates the moment Jesus fulfilled His promise to the disciples before His ascension. He had assured them, in John 14:15–17, that He would not leave them alone—that He would remain with them always, even to the end of the age, by sending the Holy Spirit.
Praying always and everywhere
After Jesus ascended into Heaven, the disciples remained in the upper room for ten days, waiting and praying. I imagine they must have felt scared and uncertain. Clearly, So much had happened: the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and now, their beloved Teacher had ascended into Heaven. What now?
They probably felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward; furthermore, they were surrounded by enemies, and painfully aware that following Jesus wasn’t exactly going to make them popular. They might have felt lost, weary, and confused. And yet—they waited. They trusted. They prayed.
Despite all these emotions, they prayed. They remained together in the upper room for ten days, united in prayer, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Day and night, they lifted their hearts to Heaven. They followed the example of their Teacher—Jesus—who had so often withdrawn to quiet places to pray. And just as He had taught them, they, too, remained steadfast.
They didn’t waver in their faith. Their Lord had promised: “I will send the Holy Spirit.” And they believed Him. So they waited—with hope, with trust, and in prayerful anticipation.
Praying in Our ‘Upper room’
Before we reflect on what happened on the day of Pentecost, it’s important to remember that we, as Catholics, can learn a lot from the disciples in the Upper Room. They set a powerful example for us, confined to their upper room—demonstrating the importance of prayer and of actively seeking the power of the Holy Spirit.
Their story reminds us that no matter what our confinement is whether trials, tribulations, or simple daily challenges like that upcoming appointment, a difficult decision, or a meeting with our child’s teacher—we must come before the Lord in prayer. We must ask God for the strength and grace of the Holy Spirit to carry us through, to lead us, and to help us move forward in faith.
One prayer I often include in my morning devotions is this beautiful invocation to the Holy Spirit:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Descent of the Holy Spirit
Pentecost marks the moment Christ fulfilled His promise by sending His Holy Spirit upon the Church. It is, in every way, the Church’s birthday.
On that day, the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem, during the Jewish Feast of Weeks. This was a major festival, and as was custom, people from all over the known world had come to Jerusalem to celebrate. Over time, due to exile and displacement, many of the tribes of Israel had been scattered across different lands, yet the Feast of Weeks brought them together again in one place.
Then it happened.
The Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples. He came as a mighty rushing wind and appeared as tongues of fire that rested on each one of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit—and began to speak in foreign languages, as the Spirit enabled them.
This miraculous gift allowed them to proclaim the Gospel to people from many nations, all of whom were astonished to hear the message spoken in their own native tongues.
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, stood before the crowd and boldly proclaimed the truth of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. He declared that what they were witnessing was the fulfillment of the prophecy from the book of Joel (Joel 2). He called the people to repentance and baptism—and the Church was born.
That day, about 3,000 people were converted—and with that, the early Christian Church began.
Significance of Pentecost
For me, a few things deeply signify the Feast of Pentecost:
The Birth of our Holy Mother Church Pentecost marks the beginning of the Church, the body of Christ alive and active in the world.
The Power of the Holy Spirit It reminds us to truly acknowledge the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Blessed Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—equal in power and glory. The Spirit is not just a symbol or feeling, but a living presence sent by Christ to dwell within and among us.
The Unity of God’s People At Pentecost, people of all races, languages, and nations could understand one another. The Holy Spirit brought unity, reminding us that we are all children of God. This multilingual miracle points to the universal message of Christianity—a message of love, reconciliation, communion and fellowship.
Final thoughts
I want to leave you with a recommendation that beautifully ties into this feast: Yesterday, I listened to a podcast by Bishop Barron titled “The Fruit of the Spirit” (available on YouTube). In it, he discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22. He explains how we can recognize when the Holy Spirit is truly operative in our lives.
St. Paul lists nine fruits that indicate the Holy Spirit is at work in us: Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
Bishop Barron offers a really insightful breakdown of what these fruits mean in a spiritual context. Honestly, I’ve read this chapter many times, but I never fully understood how to live out these virtues in daily life—until I heard this explanation.
Of course, we must pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us with these gifts. I know from my own experience that trying to live this out of my own strength is impossible. We need God’s grace.
This podcast is truly a gem, and I encourage you to listen to it. It brought me clarity and a deeper understanding of what it means to live by the Spirit, and I believe it will bless you too.
.A beautiful faith journey—my son’s First Holy Communion
Gifted with Love: My Son’s First Communion Surprise, Westminster Cathedral find.
As I sat in the pews, watching my son receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time, my heart overflowed with gratitude. Earlier that day, during a quiet moment of prayer with Mother Mary, I found myself in tears—tears not of sorrow, but of joy, gratitude, hope, and perhaps even a bit of relief.
So yes—this has truly been a journey of faith, a leap of hope, and a testimony to the faithfulness of Jesus and Mary. It’s a journey that began three years ago. Now, I know some of you may be wondering why it took three years for my son to receive his First Holy Communion. Well…
My son was in Year 3 when our church extended the invitation for children in that year group to begin preparation for their First Holy Communion. I accepted eagerly, without really stopping to consider how my son felt about it. In my mind, any hesitation on his part would be met with my usual determined (and loving) persuasion. And it worked—he attended his first class.
But it didn’t take long for me to see that he wasn’t engaged. He sat through the hour-long session with a quiet unhappiness that tugged at my heart. He was just eight years old then—still very much my baby (he’s ten now, and in many ways, still is). Watching him so withdrawn and disinterested hurt more than I expected. I found myself torn between the desire to nurture his spiritual life and the instinct to protect his joy and wellbeing.
After much prayer and soul-searching, I made the difficult decision to withdraw him from the program. I chose to wait another year, trusting that God’s timing would be better than mine. As life would have it, we moved the following year—and in God’s perfect timing, the parish in our new area happened to celebrate First Holy Communion in Year 4. My son was now in the “right” year group once again, and I eagerly signed him up for the classes.
My husband and I spent time preparing him, gently talking about what this sacrament meant and what to expect. But once again, our son was hesitant. And truthfully, I understood. We had just uprooted our lives and moved to a new part of the country. He was adjusting to a new home, a new school, and a whole new routine. In my heart of hearts, I began to wonder: Was this the right time for him to begin this sacred journey? He was already carrying so much change—did I want to add more to his little shoulders?
He also wasn’t fully engaged with going to church. While he did attend Mass every Sunday, I knew in my heart it was more out of duty than desire. As someone who grew up in a practicing Catholic family, I understood. Sitting through an hour-long Mass every Sunday isn’t always easy for a child. Looking back, I can’t say I was always excited to go either—but I did go, usually without complaint.
That wasn’t the case with my son. There was often resistance, and sometimes frustration. It became clear to me, through prayer and long conversations with my husband, that maybe—just maybe—this still wasn’t the right time. He simply wasn’t ready for the depth of this commitment.
So we made a decision. We would pause again, and dedicate the next year to truly preparing his heart—not just for a sacrament, but for a relationship with Christ.
We began reading the Bible with him every night. Prayer became a permanent part of our daily routine, it wasn’t just something we did occasionally or when life felt difficult. We talked often about the meaning of the Mass, about the beauty and mystery of the Eucharist.
We encouraged him to talk to God as his loving Father, to bring his worries, joys, and questions to Him. We also spoke about trusting God—especially when life feels uncertain. And perhaps most importantly, we taught him that to love God means loving others: to be kind, to be patient, to see the face of Christ in every person he meets.
And then, something beautiful began to happen.
He started asking questions—about God, about Jesus, about Mary. Questions about our Catholic faith. His curiosity grew, and with it, a quiet desire to truly understand and to believe.
At school, he began to make a conscious effort to live out his faith. He chose kindness with his peers. He became more thoughtful, more aware of how his actions would reflect the love of Christ.
At Mass, I saw a change. He listened. He paid attention. He began participating—it wasn’t perfect but at least it was sincere. He couldn’t yet recite all the responses by heart, but he tried. Always. And that effort, that willingness, moved me deeply.
This, I believe, is the quiet power of the Holy Spirit at work. A gentle transformation that no amount of pushing or persuading could have accomplished on its own.
I’ve always loved the saying: “Do what you can do, and give the rest over to God.” And that’s exactly what we did. We planted seeds, watered them with love and prayer, and trusted God to bring the growth.
So this year, I sat in the pews—with a tear in my eye and a heart full of joy —as I watched my son receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist for the very first time.
I was overwhelmed with gratitude, joy, peace, and deep happiness. I felt so proud—not just for the moment itself, but for my son and the quiet perseverance he had shown. He had worked hard. He had overcome doubts, changes, and challenges to reach this sacred moment. It hadn’t always been an easy journey—but then, ease was never what God promised us.
What is asked of us is faithfulness. What is desired of us is trust. And as I reflected on this journey, I realized my son’s Holy Communion wasn’t just his milestone—it was ours as a family. We were all changed. We were all drawn deeper into God’s grace.
I, personally, was stretched and refined. I learned the virtue of patience in a way I never had before. We experienced, firsthand, the gentle and unwavering faithfulness of a loving Father who walks every step with us—even when we stumble, even when we doubt.
Final Thought
The bread and wine we receive in Holy Communion are not symbols—they are truly the Body and Blood of Christ. God, in His infinite love, has given us this most precious gift, a gift that has the power to transform us both physically and spiritually. In receiving Christ, we are united with Him—body, mind, and spirit. What a wondrous mystery. What a sacred treasure.
I know I am not worthy of such a gift. And yet, I’m reminded of how, as parents, we often give beautiful, thoughtful gifts to our children—not because they’ve earned them, but simply because we love them and want to see them happy. On their special days, we go above and beyond to bring them joy.
So it is with God. In His perfect love, He offers us the greatest gift—His Son, Jesus Christ—because He desires our joy, our fulfillment, our eternal union with Him.
I pray that each of us may receive this gift with open hearts, and that God may grant us the grace to approach the Holy Eucharist often, and always with reverence, humility, and love.
A quote from Blessed Carlos Acutis
‘Try to go every day to Mass and to receive Holy Communion. … If you can, stay a few minutes every day in Eucharistic adoration in front of the tabernacle where Jesus is really present, and you will see your level of holiness increase considerably’.
Blessed Carlos compiled a catalogue of all the Eucharistic Miracles, below is the Eucharistic Miracles of Buenos Aires they blew me away I’m sure they’ll do the same to you.
For some reason, talking about wanting a spouse—especially in Christian circles—can feel taboo, like it’s a sign of spiritual weakness or impatience.”
There’s nothing shameful, unspiritual, or desperate about bringing your desire for a spouse to God in prayer.
Yes, all you single ladies and men out there, there is absolutely nothing wrong with praying for a spouse. Psalm 37:4 states– “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” God knows the desires of our hearts, so bringing your desires to God is an act of trust, not desperation.
My journey of Faith and Love
From the time I was little, growing up in a close-knit, loving family, I always knew I wanted to have the same kind of bond that my parents shared.
Growing up, I was really close to my mom. She was such a strong example for me, and I naturally found myself wanting to follow in her footsteps.
My dad was just as inspiring in his own way—a true family man. No matter what, he always put my mom and us kids first when making any decision. And when I say “kids,” I mean all seven of us! He worked incredibly hard to make sure we were all taken care of.
My dad wasn’t just a great provider—he was loving, present, and the first person who really introduced me to God and the Catholic faith. Because of that, I grew up knowing one thing for sure: I wanted a husband like my father.
Even as a kid, I would daydream about the kind of man I might marry one day. Funny enough, I never had a clear picture of what he’d look like—but I always knew the kind of heart he’d have. I wished for someone loving, committed, family-oriented, kind, and grounded in his Christian faith. In so many ways, I was hoping for a man with the same beautiful qualities my dad had.
Great expectations
I met my husband in 2011. But a few years before that, I made a big decision—I wanted to really get to know me. So, I went on a bit of a self-discovery journey. I stayed single for a while, spent time just being with myself, learning to enjoy my own company, and genuinely liking the person I was becoming.
Part of that journey took me across the world—I travelled and even spent some time living in North America. And wouldn’t you know it, not long after I came back to the UK, I met my husband… at work, of all places. The rest, as they say, is history—and maybe a story for another blog post.
I met my husband at a really pivotal point in my faith journey. It was such a significant time because, by then, I had finally discovered who I truly was—a woman made in the image of God, deeply loved by Him. And let me tell you, that realization filled me with so much joy. I had been seeking, and I had found.
The truth is, it’s hard to fully love someone else if you haven’t come to understand or love yourself first. That season of self-discovery had come to a natural, peaceful close… and just like that, a new and beautiful chapter began unfolding right in front of me.
It wasn’t until things started getting serious between us that I really began praying intentionally asking God if this was the man He had brought into my life to be my husband. And when I had a strong feeling that a proposal might be coming… well, my prayers went into overdrive!
I genuinely wanted to make the right decision, so I turned to God for clarity and peace, spending quiet times in front of the Blessed Sacrament, just sitting in His presence. I also found great comfort in turning to Our Lady—Mary, the Mother of God—and had many heartfelt conversations with both her and her Son. My prayer was simple but sincere: that God’s will would be done through whatever decision I made.
The great Ask
So, when my husband eventually asked for my hand in marriage, I said yes. And it wasn’t a hesitant or uncertain yes—it was a confident one. That confidence came from prayer, from seeking God’s guidance every step of the way.
We got engaged about a year after we first met. And as I got to know him better, it became more and more clear: the qualities I had prayed for—kindness, faith, commitment, a deep love for family—they were all there. I could see so clearly that God had been listening all along.
So yes—there’s absolutely nothing wrong with praying for a spouse. In fact, I’d encourage it. But here’s the thing: be specific about what truly matters to you. And a little word of advice? Try to look beyond the superficial. Focus on the spiritual.
For me, it wasn’t about looks, height, or how much someone earned. It was about character, values, and faith—those deep, foundational things that last. I truly believe that when we pray with the right intentions—not just for our own satisfaction, but for something that will bear good fruit—God not only hears us, He blesses us beyond what we could imagine.
Should you pray for your spouse
This question comes up a lot—whether I’m chatting with friends and family or scrolling through Christian forums: “Is it okay to pray for your spouse?” The overwhelming response? Usually, a solid yes. And I agree. In fact, I believe that any important person in your life should be prayed for.
The Bible certainly backs this up. There are over 650 mentions of prayer throughout Scripture, which speaks volumes about how central it is to our faith. One verse that has always stood out to me is Ephesians 6:18: “Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.” That means there’s no wrong time, no unworthy request—just an open invitation to seek God in all things, big and small.
Jesus Himself teaches us about the power and importance of prayer—especially persistent prayer. In Luke 18:1, through the Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge, He encourages us to keep praying and not give up, even when answers seem delayed. It’s a reminder that God honors faith that endures.
And maybe one of the clearest signs of just how central prayer is to our lives as Catholics is when Jesus teaches His disciples the Our Father. Think about it—of all the things they could have asked Him to teach them, they asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” That tells us everything, doesn’t it? Prayer isn’t just important—it’s essential.
If you’ve ever listened to the Bible in a Year podcast (shoutout to Father Mike Schmitz—stay tuned for an upcoming post on that!), you’ll notice just how often King David turns to God in prayer. Whether he’s facing battle, wrestling with sin, or making a major decision, David constantly seeks God’s guidance.
That dedication to prayer is something we, as Catholics, can truly learn from. David wasn’t perfect, but he was known as a man after God’s own heart—and a big part of that was his willingness to turn to God in every circumstance. Just like David, we’re invited to bring our hopes, questions, and even our relationship desires before the Lord. Seeking His will through prayer should be at the heart of every big decision we make.
Are you there God it’s Me
I mentioned in a previous post that I try to pray a daily Rosary for my boys—and I also pray for my husband every day. Most of the time, my prayers for my husband aren’t tied to a specific request. They’re more general: I pray for his protection, for God’s blessings over his life, for clarity of purpose, for guidance, and that he continues to be a strong faithful example to our children.
But there are moments when a more specific need calls for specific prayer. Maybe it’s something like trying to encourage your husband to give up smoking or make a difficult decision. In those times, I take it to God in prayer—because I know He listens, and He moves.
One verse that always encourages me in these moments is Ezekiel 36:26: “I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you. I will remove from your body a heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” It’s such a beautiful promise. If God could speak this transformation over the hearts of Israel, His chosen people, then surely He can work that same miracle in us—His children today.
We also see this in the book of Exodus, where it says God “hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” It’s a reminder that God is sovereign over even the hardest of hearts. Whether He is softening or hardening, it’s always for a greater purpose. And through prayer, we’re invited to partner with Him in that process—not to control outcomes, but to trust in His power to transform.
Should I pray for my marriage
Just to be clear—yes, we should be praying regularly, even daily, for our marriage and our family. That doesn’t mean every prayer has to be long or deeply theological. Sometimes, a short, sincere prayer of protection over your spouse, your children, or your marriage is more than enough. It’s the consistency and the heart behind it that matters.
When we’re praying for something specific, especially over time, it can be easy to feel discouraged if we don’t see immediate results. But we shouldn’t give up or grow complacent. Instead, we can rest in the quiet confidence that our Heavenly Father does hear us—and that He will answer, in His perfect timing, and according to His will.
Just like we prepare for any important moment in life, prayer also requires preparation. For example, my son recently received the Sacrament of Holy Communion (keep an eye out for an upcoming post on that!). The day was beautiful, but it didn’t happen by accident—it took weeks of planning and preparation, and by God’s grace, it was a joyful and blessed celebration.
Prayer is much the same. It’s about showing up, preparing your heart, and trusting God to meet you in that space.
Setting the scene
Prayer is such a personal thing, and everyone approaches it differently. For me, preparing to pray starts with preparing my space. Finding a quiet place—somewhere away from noise, distractions, and the busyness of everyday life.
I usually have my Bible close by, and my Rosary is always within reach—either in my hand (especially when praying the Rosary) or around my neck. I also keep a few prayer books with me, ones that contain some of my favourite prayers. These simple rituals help me settle into a place of reflection and openness.
More than words
Before diving into prayer, I take a moment to quiet my mind. I typically begin with the Our Father, grounding myself in the words Jesus taught us. I also say the Hail Mary, in honour of our Blessed Mother.
When my husband and I pray together, we always start by asking the Holy Spirit to guide us. One of our favourite opening prayers is the Come, Holy Spirit—it sets the tone and invites God’s presence in a very intentional way. (I’ll be sharing a link to my favourite introductory prayers soon—stay tuned!)
Once I’ve completed my introductory prayers, I take time to thank God. Gratitude is a big part of my prayer life, and I try to express it early on—thanking God for His blessings, His protection, and His constant love.
I don’t have a set prayer that I say for my husband every day. I prefer to pray as the Holy Spirit leads. Some days, I’ll find myself praying about something I hadn’t even planned or thought about—and I truly believe that’s the Holy Spirit at work. As Scripture says, the Holy Spirit searches the hearts and minds of men (Romans 8:27), and sometimes prompts us to lift up prayers we didn’t even know needed to be said.
Some days, my prayers are simply ones of thanksgiving. On other days, I might find myself praying for something specific—a need, a decision, or a challenge we’re facing. Other times, I ask for God’s protection over my husband, or for godly wisdom to guide him. It really depends on what’s going on in our lives at that moment.
My prayers also tend to be very conversational. After all, I’m talking to my loving Father. I approach Him as His child, and I acknowledge Him as my Father—always present, always listening. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to pray. There’s no perfect formula or structure.
Everything I’ve shared in this post is simply what works for me, personally. It’s how I’ve found the most meaningful connection in prayer.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend trying different approaches. Maybe begin with some written or scripted prayers for your spouse. And over time, you may find yourself praying more freely, without needing any prayer aids at all. Let the Holy Spirit guide your growth in prayer—it’s a journey, not a checklist.
As a little side note, I do try to pray the Rosary for my husband at least once a week. I’ll be honest—it’s not always easy to find the time or the stillness to do it, but when I do, it brings me such comfort and assurance. That’s the power of the Rosary!
Praying together as husband and Wife
I’d also really encourage you to pray together as husband and wife. There’s something profoundly powerful about shared prayer in marriage. Jesus reminds us of this in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst.”
Just take that in for a moment. When you and your spouse come together in prayer, Jesus is literally present in your midst. What a beautiful image. What a sacred invitation.
One of my favourite examples of a couple praying together comes from the Book of Tobit. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading Tobit Chapter 8. It gives us a beautiful and humble example of how spouses can approach God in prayer—together, united, and sincere.
I’ll end with a verse from that very passage. It’s taken from the prayer Tobias and Sarah said on their wedding night. Their words are so filled with love, reverence, and a desire to honour God in their marriage:
Tobit 8:4 “Blessed are you, O God of our ancestors, and blessed is your name in all generations forever. Let the heavens and the whole creation bless you forever. You made Adam and you made his wife Eve to be a helper and support. From these two the human race has come. You said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a helper like himself.’ Now, Lord, I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but with sincerity. Grant that she and I may find mercy and grow old together.”
I also encourage you to listen to Day 195 of the Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz, where he talks about the power of praying as a married couple—it’s such a rich and affirming message.
There’s a particular line I love from Tobit 8:7 that resonates so deeply with me:
“And now I am taking this kinswoman as my wife, not out of lust, but with sincere love.”
To me, this is what marriage is meant to be—a union birthed in love, not lust. It’s a relationship grounded in sincerity, commitment, and a shared desire to walk with God.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to pray for a spouse—the answer is a wholehearted yes. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with bringing your desires, hopes, and needs before God, especially when it comes to something as sacred and life-changing as marriage.
Praying for a spouse, and later praying with your spouse, is a beautiful way to invite God into your relationship from the very beginning. It’s not about being perfect or having the “right” words—it’s about being open, intentional, and trusting that the God who knows your heart hears your prayers.
Whether you’re still waiting for your future spouse, newly married, or years into your journey, keep prayer at the centre. Be honest with God. Be specific. And be patient. He delights in giving good gifts to His children—gifts that bless not just us, but everyone our lives touch.
Marriage is a journey. It has its highs and lows, joys and challenges. But when two people are committed not only to each other but also to growing in faith together, there’s something truly powerful about that union. As Scripture says, “A cord of three strands is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
So keep praying. Keep hoping. And keep trusting. God is always working—sometimes quietly, sometimes suddenly—but always faithfully.
Pope Leo XIV, the first ever American became the Leader of the Catholic Church. The first Pope ever to hold both American and Peruvian citizenship.
Is there significance in the name Leo?
The majority of Lay Catholics may not know much about this new Pope. We know, he has taken the name of Leo which has been the name of 13 Popes before him. Five Popes have canonised or declared Saints amongst these 13.
God truly works in mysterious ways
Pope Francis appointed His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as Cardinal in 2023. He belongs to the order of Augustinians and has spent a large portion of his time working in Peru, first as a parish priest and later as a Bishop.
I noticed that many of the speculative articles I read on the conclave rarely mentioned Robert Francis Prevost as a front runner.
I, with millions throughout the world tuned in to watch this monumental event. The media overlooked Robert Francis Prevost in their discussions about the Pope. Speculative articles failed to highlight him as a potential candidate. The event captivated viewers across the globe. Many people were surprised by the outcome of the conclave.
What this clearly shows me is ‘ our understanding is not God’s understanding’, what and who we in our human nature view as popular or alluring, or may choose as a frontrunner or ideal candidate is not what or whom God may choose.
1 Corinthians 1;26-29 states
‘For consider your call brethren, not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth, but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong’
Human understanding is limited and finite compared to the infinite and all-knowing nature of Our God. As such we should always be mindful of this and pray to Our Lord to bless us with his wisdom when making important decisions.
So, I sit and reflect on what has been a rather unpredictable few weeks. Though today closes one chapter, it also opens a new and wonderful chapter, one that is still yet to unfold- Robert Francis Prevost unbeknownst to many lay Catholics, rarely mentioned as a Papal front runner, now sits as the 267th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
Media coverage on the Conclave, speculation on the new Pope it can seem like information overload. Learn more on the process and your part to play.
Right Choice
So, my brother asked me the other day if I had a preferred choice for the Pope. My response to his question went something like this, ‘my preferred choice is the right choice’.
Yes, I know it sounds corny, but honestly that’s how I feel. I’m not concerned with the race or nationality of the new Pope. I pray for a shepherd to gather the wandering flock.
Pastor Pastorum
In these unpredictable times, with never ending change and a bedazzled humanity; it is important the Church has a leader that can bring unification, stability, and provide sound doctrine to its flock and the world at large. Furthermore, a leader that gives ‘hope’ amidst the chaos of wars, financial stresses and trying to live a good Christian life and raise a family against the backdrop of an ever augmented secular world.
There is much excitement in the air concerning who the next Pope could possibly be. Whilst this suspense is fascinating, I think we need not to loose sight of the importance of this monumental event.
Touching the heart of many
The Papal conclave ( which is a gathering of the College of Cardinals to appoint the Bishop of Rome, also known as the Pope) convened today to start the process of electing a new Pope. This is huge to Catholics throughout the world. With nearly 1.4 billion Catholics globally making up roughly 17% of the worlds population this is no small feat. I have to say, this event is not just huge for Catholics, because as we experienced with Pope Francis, the apostolic successor of St Peter touches the hearts of many throughout the entire world.
Michelangelo’s creation of Adam in the Sistine Chapel
Since the passing of Pope Francis, Catholic masses said throughout the world have not just been praying for the soul of the Pope but also for his successor.
I also have been reciting this prayer during my private prayer time. As Catholics we believe God chooses the Pope. At this time, I pray for the Lords blessing upon each of the 133 Cardinals involved in Papal selection.
Prayer for the Successor of Pope Francis
O God, who chose your servant, in succession to the Apostle Peter as shepherd of the whole flock, look favourably on the supplications of your people and grant that, as Vicar of Christ on earth, he may confirm his brethren and that the whole Church may be in communion with him in the bond of unity, love and peace, so that in you, the shepherd of souls, all may know the truth and attain life eternal.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
The month of May is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother – Mary.
Mary Queen of Heaven – Lourdes, France
Lets involve our children in dedicating this month to Mary. Celebrating the faith involves children and gives them a better understanding and appreciation of our faith. Moreover, it shows that we as parents are leading by example.
Learning is fun
Let the children speak
Ask your children ‘how would they like to dedicate this month of May to Our Blessed Mother’.
Let them decide how they would like to celebrate Mary. I know we as parents may have our own ideas, but likewise parents can also dedicate this month to Mary in their own special way too.
For example:-
Honour Mary as the Queen of Heaven and Mother of God by making flower art to lay at a statue of Mary.
Buy some freshly cut flowers or pick some from your garden and lay them at the feet of a statue of Mary.
Let your child dedicate their bed time prayers to Mary, similarly my child has decided to say a special prayer to Mary every bedtime during this month.
Our local Catholic primary school, have honoured Mary by crowning their statue of Mary as the Queen of Heaven. Likewise ask if something similar could also be done at your child’s school.
Teach your children the ‘Hail Mary’ prayer if they don’t already know it.
‘Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art Thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death; Amen.
Primary school crowning statue of Mary, flowers brought in by the children.
These are just a few illustrations. But, In addition to these, I’m sure there are many more creative ways we can honour our Mother.
It’d be wonderful to see your ideas, by all means feel free to send them in the contact form. I will also share them with readers of this blog so we can become a community that truly loves and honours Our Mother!!
Yesterday the 27th April was Divine Mercy Sunday. This is the day where we as Catholics are reminded that there is no sin so great God cannot forgive. This day is an opportunity and invitation for us to put all our troubles before God.
The Divine Mercy novena which begins on Good Friday and concludes 9 days later just before Divine Mercy Sunday helps to prepare us for this great Feast day.
This popular devotion was shared with the world by St. Faustina Kowalska ( 1905-1938). St Faustina was a nun from Poland chosen by Our Lord to be an apostle and secretary of this mercy.
Jesus tells St Faustina ( as detailed in her Diary – the Diary of St Faustina) that we can depend on his love and mercy if only we turn to him, repent of our sins and trust in him’ Jesus says ‘Sooner would Heaven and Earth turn into nothingness than would my mercy not embrace a trusting soul’.
The Divine Mercy Chaplet which is recited by many Catholics daily was also entrusted to St Faustina by Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Its it wonderful that if we truly trust in God and his mercy no sin is too great to be forgiven.
O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fount of Mercy for us , I trust in You.
I’ve found it a little challenging to write this post. My previous post on Pope Francis was written the day Our Holy Father went to be with the Lord. Time has passed, reality I suppose has set in. As I watched the funeral of Our beloved Pope, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness, but also amidst this sadness, I felt an incredible sense of hope.
My sadness was the type you feel when having experienced the loss of a dear family member or friend. With this type of sadness comes a sense of loss and feelings of insecurity. Pope Francis gave me a sense of security; in his ethos, his values, the way he lived his life, the message he preached across the globe. He wasn’t one to teach something and live a life totally contrary to his teachings. He taught ‘humility’ and lived this virtue. Simplicity and lived a simple life right up to his death and funeral. He willed a simple headstone and chose a simple casket.
Pope Francis greeting well wishers
Build bridges not Walls
Pope Francis gave us a sense of hope and comfort, a real sense of security and certainty, that, in these challenging and uncertain times there was someone who wasn’t afraid to say what they believed and to stand by their conviction, even if this meant (at times) going against popular opinion. He truly was a man of Integrity. He believed in the core values of, the sacredness of human life and upholding the dignity of each and every person. His ethos was that of global peace. Compassion towards migrants, prisoners, the poor and those on the peripheries of society. He once referenced ‘Building bridges and not Walls.
At his Papal Coronation Pope Francis being inspired by the wonderful Saint Francis of Assis took the name Francis. Saint Francis of Assisi lived a life of poverty, one devoted to God and had a strong desire to promote peace and love among all people. This is the life Pope Francis also lived.
A Stone statue of St Francis of Assisi
The Greatest Commandment is Love
The Holy Father had a deep unwavering love and devotion for the Blessed Mother and encouraged all of us to see the commonalities we share and not our differences. He had a deep reverence and appreciation for the Blessed Sacraments especially the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist and encouraged all Catholics to take advantage of these divine graces, by making them a regular practice. He offered his life in service and encouraged each of us to do the same.
During the funeral Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re said something that, as Christians we know is obvious, but also as Christians we sometimes forget, ‘We are all children of One God, Our Father’ he said.
Wow… just wow… this made me stop and think. We are all created by God (Our Father) so we are unequivocally brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of our race, creed, sex, culture. How do I treat my brother or sister in a country different from my own?
As we share the same Father, we should follow Pope Francis’ example and reach out in love to those of our brothers and sisters in need. We need to build bridges between races, cultures, creeds and faiths.
In the silence that surrounded me, I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had a world without borders but joined together by bridges.
Mary has 26 titles one being ‘Mother of Perpetual Help’.
Mary prays for us Sinners
Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
I Love Mary, Mary is my Mum
I was reading today about Blessed Carlos Acutis he called the Rosary the ‘shortest Ladder to heaven’. Isn’t it beautiful to know that praying the rosary is a simple, beautiful way to attain Heaven.
I actually wasn’t intending on writing the whole Hail Mary Prayer, but how could I not. The words are so beautiful, poignant and apt. It took my years to reconcile the words in the Hail Mary prayer with the actual reality. Often times, we recite words, of the rosary, of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, but do we deeply think about the words we’re reciting?
Hail Mary Full of Grace. Yes, Mary is full of grace
What is Grace? the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines grace as this; ‘Grace is favour, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and eternal life’
Let’s break that down a bit. Grace is the favour, the free and undeserved help that God gives us…
So, Mary is full of that favour (act of kindness, beyond what is due or usual) she helps us, despite the fact that we don’t deserve that help, because we are sinners, and she asks for nothing in return. All Mary wants from us is to know and love her son, Jesus.
A man holding Rosary Beads
Wow, isn’t that so humbling. In a later blog, I’ll share with you an intimate encounter with Mary. One evening in absolute desperation I begged My Mother to help me in a difficult situation I was facing, the next morning my prayer was answered. Later on that day as I pondered on the Hail Mary prayer it really hit me that Mary is truly full of grace, through Mary God gives us free and undeserved help.
My Ask
Ladies and Gents, I ask you, I beg you to get to know Mary, she is a wonderful Mother. I have been blessed with two wonderful Mothers, my earthly Mother, and my Spiritual or Heavenly Mother, Mary. I had a great relationship with my biological Mother, she was my best friend, my confidante, my advisor, my comforter, she was my everything. Now she has gone to be with Mary her mother and mine, Mary is with me.
Live by faith not sight
Though I cant see Mary I share the same relationship I had with my earthly Mother with Mary my Heavenly Mother. Mary is my best friend, my confidante, my comforter, Mary is my everything. The best part is, its so easy to relate to Mary because she is a Mother just like me, she is a wife, just like me, a daughter, a relative an in-law just like me.
Ladies, get to know Mary she is a wonderful woman. Ask Mary how become a more supportive, loving spouse. Seek her guidance on how to guide and lead your children to faith in this crazy world. Seek her counsel in everything. I pray to Mary when I face difficulties with my children, I have 2 boy…( say no more 😊). Mary has always been my solace, my help, reach out to Mary, she is waiting as a loving Mother.
Today, many across the globe will be mourning not just a great shepherd of the Catholic Church, but also a wonderful human being, with a kind and gentle spirit. ‘The world has lost a great Man’. I hear this phrase used a lot when actors and other famous people die. This perhaps, is the first time I have used this phrase, its not a phrase I use lightly but one that our blessed Pope Francis truly deserves.
Pope Francis blessing Children
Pilgrims of Hope
I don’t often mourn someone that I haven’t had a personal encounter with. Strangely enough, I feel as though I had a personal encounter with Pope Francis even though I only ever watched him through the TV screen, or heard him on the radio. He was a man that resonated so much love and peace. An advocate of the marginalised, migrants and the vulnerable. His theme for this Jubilee Year is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. As Catholics and pilgrims on our faith journey we need to bring hope to those Pope Francis spoke so fondly of, our brothers and sisters in Christ, the marginalised, migrants, the vulnerable and all those that feel shut off from this world.
The Little Way
St. Therese Lisieux is known as the ‘Little Way’ because of her simple approach to life and in particular her spiritual life – (I’ll be doing a blog on St.Lisieux one of my favourite saints later). Her approach and example shows us we don’t necessarily have to be a Pope, a Saint or even a religious to do something of significance in our life of faith. We could start by carrying on the torch of Pope Francis by doing something to help the poor, migrants in our community and country and the vulnerable.
A link below to the life of a wonderful man. May his soul rest in perfect peace
