Christina was St Elizabeth of Hungary for All Hallow's Eve

She is always sympathetic to the needs of others, and likes to help prepare meals, so I thought St Elizabeth, who is remembered for her charity to the poor of Hungary (the hungry of Hungary) was a good choice of saints. We celebrated, as always with the Friars of the Immaculate at their beautiful Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold, CT.
After the Holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form, we had a potluck meal, saint guessing games, games of chance with Biblical themes, and a spectacular show of skateboard jumps from Fra Gabriel, who will heretofore be known as the "Flying Friar". He jumped a bucket of flames to the delight of the dozens of children assembled in their costumes on that frosty evening.
Holiness and happiness were in the air as we remembered that we are proceeding towards the Church Suffering and then towards being part of the Church Triumphant.

Tour of Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse WI

This is the latest site for a Friary of the Franciscans of the Immaculate.

Triduum at the Friary in Griswold

TRIDIUUM SCHEDULE FOR HOLY WEEK OF
APR 05TH - APR 11TH:

HOLY THURSDAY APR 09
Holy Mass (5.30pm)

GOOD FRIDAY APR 10
Passion of the Christ Movie (12.00pm)
Passion and Communion Service (3.00pm)
Stations of the Cross (5.00pm)

HOLY SATURDAY APR 11TH
Hour of the Mother (12.00pm)
Holy Mass (9.30pm)

Palm Sunday Procession at the Friary

The solemn procession began witht the blessing of palms in St Joseph's chapel, wound round the grounds and into the main church where a beautiful Missa Cantata followed.

An auspicious beginning to a blessed week.

Ite ad Joseph

Happy feast of St Joseph!

Here are photos of the St Joseph's table at the Academy of the Holy Family where I am subbing this month. It was made by the students and their cooking teacher, Loretta Palliardi.

All the delicious pastries, fresh breads and mouth-watering handmade Italian ices were sold to students and faculty. Here is a quote from an article explaining the tradition of the St Joseph Table in Italy.

"Sicily's most important saint is Giuseppe (Joseph), Father of Jesus, whose day is celebrated on March 19. Many activities are scheduled, including the very unique one called the St. Joseph's Table. This ancient tradition goes back to the Middle Ages. At that time there was an exceptionally severe drought in Sicily. No rain fell for an extended period of time, no crops would grow, and countless people died of famine. The peasants prayed to God for rain, and they also prayed to St. Joseph to intercede with God on their behalf. They promised that if God caused it to rain, they would have a special feast honoring God and St. Joseph.

By miracle, the rains came and the crops were planted. With the harvest, the people prepared a feast of foods from their crops. This has become known as the Tavola di San Giuseppe. Through the centuries, people who have prayed for a favor and been granted the favor use this festivity to show their thanks. The "favor" requested must not be for personal gain or benefit. Some common requests are the safe return of a loved one from a war (very common request during World War II), or that a loved one will be cured and survive from a serious, life threatening illness or accident. "

Tonight my daughters and I will be attending a Missa Cantata at the Marian Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold, which you can watch as it will be streamed at AirMaria.

How blessed we are to have a Catholic community so rich in traditon!

Merry Christmas from Connecticut

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Girard Family sees their new 'castle'

Gabbi took these photos from the site of "Extreme Home Makeover" when her school greeted classmate Jackie Girard as she saw her new home. This day was also her brother Lucas' 12th birthday.
The castle theme refers to the fact that her father and brother Marc who died in a tragic swimming accident last summer were very active in the Knights of Lepanto at the Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in nearby Griswold.
Gabbi said that Jackie said, "LOOK at this house!" when she was turned around to see it. Lots of crying and hugging ensued, then the family were led inside to see their fully furnished home, which has a bedroom for each of the five family members.
Governor Rell declared Thursday December 11 "Girard Family Day". It was so gratifying to see this lovely family who has given so much to the community received back some much needed support. Thanks to the Friars of Our Lady of Guadalupe Friary who submitted the video explaining the family's plight to the show, they are living in a castle.
Those who know the family, however, know how bittersweet this moment is. IF Thom and Marc could be back on earth with them, the family would trade this incredible house in one minute.
The leftover stones from the house will go to build the Marian Bell Tower at the Friary in honor of the fallen Knights of Lepanto, Thom and Marc.
Ave Maria!

The Girard family wins an "Extreme Home Makeover"

After a tragic year, in which the Girard family lost their home, their father, Thom, and their oldest son, Marc, they are winnning a new home from "Extreme Home Makeover". The Friars from the Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold sent a video in which the family tragedy is explained, and as a result, they are going to recieve a new home at the end of next week, when the family returns from a week in Disney World.
If you knew the family as well as I do, you would realize how much this great gift is deserved. Thom and Marc were deeply involved helping youth in the Knights of Lepanto, an outreach of the Friary.
Read the entire story here.
HT The Day

Some spiritual nutrition from my local Friary

Feeling spiritually drained after the election?
Need a mini-retreat to remember God is still in charge of the world, no matter who forgets Him?
Just watch these videos from the Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold, CT.
You will be spiritually re-charged and ready for the struggles ahead.

MaryCast #27: Catholic Dogma, Doctrine, and Discipline
MaryCast #26: The Glories of Mary
Face of Pro-Life: 40 Days for Life - Sean Carney
Roving Reporter #51: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate
MaryCast #24: Church Fathers Prayed to Mary
No Apologies #63 - The Last Supper
No Apologies #62 - Obj. to John 6 Part 2
Nov 12 - Homily: Consecration in Gratitude
Nov 10 - Homily: Supernatural Faith
Nov 8 - Homily: Blessed John Duns Scotus
Bell tower in honor of our Blessed Mother
Nov 7 - Homily: True Lovers of the Cross of Christ
Nov 02 - Homily: All Souls Day
Oct 27 - Homily: St. Maximilian Kolbe and Charity
P. Pablo: Vota Pro-Vida #16: Hablen con sus hijos
Nov 06 - Homily: The Lost Sheep

Our Lady of America pray for our nation tomorrow

Tonight at the election Mass at the Friary, the Friars continued to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament for the entire night. Offer your prayers for people of faith to come out in strength and vote for LIFE.

Remember this image where it seems that you see an unborn child of light in Our Lady of Guadaulpe's womb? This inexplicable event coincided with the legalization of abortion in Mexico City. How displeased Our Lord must be with America, after we killed 48 million of our children!

All Hallows Eve Mass at the Friary

Dozens of innocent children dressed as saints filled the church to overflowing, so that the doors were opening to the warm evening. As Father delivered this powerful homily on the election and the Sanctus was chanted, I watched the traquil faces of the parents, whose restless children failed to disturb their meditations. They relished the opportunity to pray and I had the impression that they wished that the beautiful Mass would never end.
But it did end, and after Thanksgiving, the crowd turned jubilantly out to share dinner, games and a mock battle between the 'forces of darkness' and the soldiers of Christ.
The children were taught by this mock battle how to attack the darkness reresented by the Friars who occupied the medieval tower (with water balloons) and not to shrink away in fear. The powerful evening ended with fireworks bursting into the night, and two shooting stars were seen over the tower.

Friary in Maine, NY: Mount St Francis

I just came accross the link to the New York State home of the Friars of the Immaculate: Mount St Francis in Maine, NY. It looks so serene and of course visitors are welcome to come and pray.

Franciscan Friars in New Bedford celebrate an anniversay

Not two hours away from my beloved Friary in Griswold, CT, is the Chapel of Our Lady in New Bedford, MA, which belongs to Friars of the same order.
"The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate will celebrate the sixth anniversary of Perpetual Adoration at Our Lady's Chapel with a seven-hour Eucharistic Adoration Prayer Vigil beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday. The prayers will be offered for priests and religious."
Read entire story at South Coast Today.
HT Spirit Daily

Everyone should celebrate St. Francis' feast at a Friary

As my you know, a big part of the reason we moved to CT can be found 15 minutes from my new home, down winding country roads. The Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold, CT. Once I experienced the ethereal beauty of their Traditional Mass, I knew that I was home. I remember a sense of peace attending the daily Mass at the Benedictine Friary at St Anselm College in New Hampshire nearly three decades earlier but it still doesn't compare with what we are blessed to receive at this Friary.
Not only is it set into the woods in a lovely peaceful garden, surrounded by woodland, but the architecture is reminiscent of the Middle Ages, with stone chapels and soaring altars leading eyes and hearts to Heaven. The Friars are constructing a Medieval Bell Tower which will house a hundred year old bell. The devotion of the Friars as they pray, chant and say the Holy Mass is inspiring, and the homilies are outstanding. I never fail to gain some spiritual insight. This is something you can benefit from as well, since many homilies are broadcast on AIRMARIA.com

My family spent nearly the entire day in prayer at this wonderful place. We began with the First Saturday rosary, confession and Holy Mass which is Novus Ordo with the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei sung in Latin like on EWTN. All the Latin chant the girls have learned was put into use. This was followed by a potluck lunch where we met new friends among the large families there. The Friars provide outreach to homeschooling families and Catholic school families alike. I was able to connect with the webmaster, Fra Roderick who writes much of the Friary's online magic.

We rushed home to wish my husband a Happy Feastday with dinner, and give him his belated birthday gift; attending the Friar's Missa Cantata celebration for the Feast of St. Francis. Francisco loved this beautiful celebration of his patron's feast day, and was able to kiss the seraphic father's relic after Mass. Driving home we felt so fortunate to have such spiritual richness so close to our new home.

Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!

Don't miss next weekend's upcoming Knights' of Lepanto Encampment for men and boys.

Voluntown Firehouse hosts Chicken Barbeque Fundraiser for the Girard Family

At 4PM, as I drove to the firehouse for the barbecue, I was surprised by the traffic jam created by the hundreds of attendees as the barbecue began. My amazement grew upon entering the firehouse, it was packed with Chinese auction items, handicrafts and baked goods made by loving hands. There was a joyful sense of purpose in the crowd who were united in their purpose to help a family touched by tragedy.
As we walked up to the line for our chicken, I was greeted warmly by Jacqueline Girard, who remembered me from my recent trips to the Academy of the Holy Family, where she will be a sophomore. My oldest daughter Gabriela will be entering the same class, as she begins school there this fall. The girls chatted about upcoming school activities, and I was pleased that Gabriela now has a friend in her new school.
The rain which had been threatening cleared, a hot sun broke through, and as quickly as new tables were set up, more and more families sat down to enjoy a generous portion of savory chicken accompanied by fresh rolls, cole slaw and potato salad. I sat with Albina and Joe, a couple from Norwich, who shared about their work in their home parish. I told them about my upcoming move to Canterbury, and how the spirit of joyful cooperation I saw at the firehouse that evening reaffirmed my decision to join the friendly community of laypeople who are involved with activities at the Friary. Friars moved through the crowd, helping to clean up, and greeting participants. A band played popular favorites, and attendees lingered to enjoy one another's company in the summer twilight. The chicken barbecue was a resounding success.

The Girard family was encircled with love from the community at this difficult time, and we hope to participate in future fundraisers. If you would like to contribute to the fund for the family please send donations to:
Bank of America
590 West Main St (Rt 82)
Norwich, CT 06360

Tribute to a young knight: Marc Girard

Catholic novelist Regina Doman has written a moving tribute to the young Knight of Lepanto who died trying to save his family from drowning. We are helping out at the Chicken Barbeque this Saturday August 2 at the Voluntown Fire Dept. to help Marc's mother and siblings through some rough financial times, and to show them our support.
Please continue to send your financial support through Regina's Paypal account.

Knights of Lepanto Encampment

The Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold, CT hosts a father son encampment several weekends a year which teach Catholic morality and chivalry which is true manliness. The next encampment is July18-20. Watch Grand Knight Thom Girard discuss the last encampment which was held Memorial Day weekend of this year. At the very end of the video, during the Processional of the Closing Mass, you can see me with the lilac top, turning to watch the priest enter the chapel. I regret that this was the only time I spent with these two great men, and I wish that I had introduced myself to them after Mass. Watch the video interview with Thom here.
The tragedy which took Thom and his 18 year old son's life on June 30 is made all the more poignant when you hear Thom praise his son for achieving knighthood during the Encampment. Thom was drowning in a lake that day, and his son Marc died while trying to save his life. He had truly put the concept of sacrifice and chivalry into practice.
There is a fund for Mrs. Girard, Thom's widow, who will be caring for the couple's four surviving children. Read about it here. See if you can help out this family which has seen so much tragedy.
"No greater love has man than this to lay down his life for a friend".
Eternal rest grant to them O Lord,and let perpetual light shine upon them,
May their souls, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Just in time

To celebrate my birthday this weekend, my husband took us up to Connecticut to go house-hunting. Wanting to capitalize on the fact that it was a Sunday, I suggested we leave home early to make 10AM Mass at St. Mary the Immaculate Church nestled between St. Joseph's School and The Academy of the Holy Family. We were 15 minutes late getting out of the house, but it was God's perfect timing. I awoke from a nap in Bridgeport, and suggested a rest stop.
Just as we emerged from the building, Francisco excitedly pointed to a familiar figure making his way into McDonald's. "Look", he exclaimed, "it's Fr. Benedict Groeschel!" And so it was.
My girls scurried into the car, shy to meet such a famous man, but I was so thrilled to have an opportunity to speak with one of my favorite authors and TV personalities, that I summoned up my courage, and greeted Father by opening the door for him.
Fr. Groeschel was made very feeble by his terrible accident a few years back, and gratefully accepted my help as I told him how much I appreciated his work. I've read nearly all of his books, own many of his CDs and regularly watch his TV shows.
A young woman who didn't know who Father is, came forward to ask for his prayers, and I told her how to access his Sunday Night Live Program on the computer, if she wanted to speak with Father. I shared that we were considering a move to send the girls to Catholic school with the Sisters of Charity of Mary, Mother of the Church in Baltic, and wanted to live near his friends the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate in Griswold, CT. Father recognized both these fine religious orders.
Soon we were greeted by Fr. Terry, Father's traveling companion, who remembered me as the lady from Long Island "with a lovely teenage daughter who takes very good care of her little sister". I shared this story from the time we met Fr. Terry at Youth 2000 on Long Island last summer, and he told me he would be missing the event this summer, as he was heading to Australia for World Youth Day.
Fr. Terry went over to greet my family in the van, while I told Fr. Groeschel of the book Monica and I have been working on, "Be Not Afraid: The Vocation to Special Motherhood". He and Fr. Terry gave us their blessing, and we said goodbye. This is the third time I've been so fortunate to meet Fr. Groeschel, he has always been so patient and kind to speak with me.
I wish I had photos to share, but the camera stayed behind in the car with the girls, and I was too excited to remember it.
What a wonderful birthday gift this was!

Camping in Connecticut

Over Memorial Day Weekend, I attended a Bioethics Conference at the UN, and then went camping in Connecticut with my family. What seemed like a couple of widely disparate activities, in fact were brought together at the Friary I keep writing about; Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold.

At the Conference I was trying to represent, as best I could, the Catholic view of human life as sacred from conception to natural death, and defend the option of Catholic health care providers to abstain from participating in sinful practices like abortion, etc. I used to support my case, a letter from the Catholic Medical Association. The past President of the CMA, Dr. Paul Byrne, was just interviewed at the Friary and the interview is posted here on AIR MARIA.

What seems like a Friary away from the world, is indeed peaceful spiritual retreat, is still a hub of dynamic Catholic orthodoxy on the cutting edge of the New Evangelization. Only God could do this, Catholic Friars, conquering the world for for Christ with cameras and keyboards. They were just finishing up the Encampment, and the happy, disheveled campers were enrolled in the Miraculous Medal. We attended the Mass of Vatican II on Sunday, a wonderful Novus Ordo Mass in Latin, with a chapel full of young homeschooling families. It was a perfect Corpus Christi Sunday. The Friars were attending a Procession with another one of their Friaries in New Bedford, MA. which wound through the streets of the town, stopping three times for Benediction at different churches. We weren't able to attend, since we had visitors, and we wanted to show them the homes we were looking at and the schools where we'd like to send the girls in nearby Baltic.

We are discerning our move to Connecticut, so please pray for us, that we follow God's plan for our family.

Memorial Day Weekend Campout

Over this weekend, my family will be camping as close to this wonderful campout as possible. We can't actually participate as it's a father-son outing (what a great idea!) however we will be joining them for Holy Mass on Sunday at the Friary. That way our somewhat disheveled appearance won't make us stand out in the crowd!

I will be taking lots of photos which I'll post here when I return. We are also discerning whether to move to Griswold this summer. So far, the answer seems to be "yes", our finances say we can afford a modest home, we found two great Catholic schools and more that one wonderful church for Sunday Mass, and my husband is willing to relocate his job.

I have applied for a part time job up there to help pay school tuition, an expense we aren't used to; so one or two more pieces have to fall into place, including securing a school which will accept Christina.

We will be praying a lot, attending adoration, and just plain family fun, with my parents who are joining us, and some friends on their way back from Boston. We are anticipating a wonderful weekend.

Have a blessed weekend, and Feast of Corpus Christi.