Under the Same Moon

A re-post from the archives in honor of tonight's blue moon. 

luminous rays cast their glow
in the shadowy dark of the night
the same moon looks down upon all
keeping our world ever bright

though we are half a planet apart
the same moon that shone upon you
now sets my own world alight
beneath it's brilliant hue

and I see God's love in the moon
as a symbol of the One and Only
who sees us and loves us all
no matter where we may be

for the moon that sees both you and I
sees all of our siblings in Christ
and warms us with it's lustrous beams
to melt our cold hearts of ice

no distance is too far or wide
to keep His tender love at bay
like the moon that shines bright in the night
He lights our life and shows us the way

set my heart aglow like the moon, Lord
in the warmth of Your love may it always stay
casting out darkness and fear
in exchange for the brightness of day

I thank You, dear Lord, for the moon
and the planets and stars in the sky
those far off reminders of You
who loves all those both far and nearby

Sanctuary Lamp

When the sanctuary lamp
of my soul grows dim
and my prayer feels dry
and hope seems slim

I drag through life
on little sleep
heavy with worry
my constant keep

For reasons uncertain
this trembling heart
fails to accept
the love You impart

Your wise and holy wisdom
Your will meant just for me
is cast out by sinful desires
they are all my mind can see

What I want is not what You want
nor can it ever be
for all my frantic grasping
will keep me far from Thee

But there's nothing to fear
for all is surely well
I've only to remain steadfast
and my spirit will swell

With joys and with love
from your beautiful source
Your most Sacred Heart
in the Eucharist, of course

So Jesus stay near me
no matter how hard
I push You away
Your will to discard

I sit before your tabernacle
Your holy house of life
please remove my lack of fervor
ease my relentless strife

O sanctuary lamp of my soul
forever burn bright and strong
reminding me of God's constant presence
deep within me all along

St. Ignatius Church, Chicago

Rogers Park neighborhood

 In the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, just a few short blocks from Loyola University and St. Joseph's College Seminary, there is a magnificent church hidden away among the well-manicured lawns and red brick homes (which I believe are simply called "Bricks") of the quiet, shady residential area just off of bustling Sheridan Avenue.  St. Ignatius Church was built in 1906 and is a marvelously artistic and beautiful house of worship.

 Last November when my family made our first visit to Chicago, I was left with just a few minutes as we were leaving town to literally trip up the church steps and fall into the middle of a Spanish Mass.  I took a few quick glances at the gorgeous frescoes on the church ceiling from the back of the church before racing back down the church steps to my family who were waiting for me in the van so that we could return home.

St. Ignatius

ceiling fresco

stained glass window of the Presentation

Ever since that day I was determined to return and get a more in-depth view of the church, so last May when we made another visit to St. Joseph's College Seminary, my husband Paul and I took a  leisurely walk through the neighborhood and found that the church doors were open in the middle of a weekday.  We wandered in and caught the end of a tour given to school children.  During this brief visit I fell in love with St. Ignatius Church, and eagerly looked forward to my next visit.

Finally my opportunity arrived!  When we brought my son John down to St. Joseph's College Seminary to begin the fall semester, my family and I had some time to walk back to St. Ignatius Church.  The church doors were locked, so Fr. Matthew Widder, who had joined us on our trip to Chicago, suggested we check in the parish office to see if someone could let us in.  And someone could!  We met the pastoral assistant, Kathy Morris, who kindly offered to give us a personal tour of the church. Kathy explained that Milwaukee's Archbishop Jerome Listecki had been the pastor of St. Ignatius during some major renovations and she had many fond memories of him.  So she was especially glad to give us the tour based on our association with the Archbishop.

One of the things that I was eager to learn more about was a painting of the crucified Christ that was surrounded by silver medals hearts.  Kathy explained that St. Ignatius has a large Peruvian population and the painting is part of a Peruvian tradition called The Lord of the Miracles.   According to Peter Holderness at Medill Reports Chicago, "The original Lord of the Miracles is an icon painted by an African slave who was converted to Christianity by Spanish authority in Peru in the 16th century.

The mural depicts a dark-skinned Jesus on the cross, and is also known as Jesús Moreno.  When successive earthquakes destroyed Lima in the 17th and 18th centuries, the mural survived and a growing number of Spaniards and mestizos joined Afro-Peruvians in revering the image.

Lima’s citizens sought the icon’s protection from deadly earthquakes, and it became an intimate part of their daily lives, according to Paerregaard, who writes that a Peruvian immigrant in Europe explained, “El Señor always accompanies us, we just have to bring his image with us and take it to the streets wherever we are.”

There is a wonderful pictorial slide show of the 2007 Chicago procession of Peruvian-Americans from St Ignatius Church taking The Lord of the Miracles into the streets at this link.

Lord of the Miracles Procession in Lima, Peru

Another highlight of the church was a relief on the altar of Christ, the Blessed Mother and St. James.  Our guide wasn't sure why St. James was chosen to grace the altar at St. Ignatius but she did know that Archbishop Listecki had chosen this relief so it may be a good future topic of conversation with the Archbishop, trying to learn the secret of the relief's portrayal.  Last spring when Archbishop Listecki confirmed my son Justin, he spent a great deal of time questioning each confirmand about their choices of saint's names.  If any young man had chosen St. James for his confirmation name, the Archbishop was sure to ask him "Which St. James, the greater or the lesser?"  Now I will have to ask that same question of the Archbishop!

the altar at St. Ignatius

The great altar with its baldacchino was made to be a replica of the baldacchino at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.  It's hard to fathom the size of St. Peter's Basilica when I'm told that just the baldocchino in that church is three stories high!

By far the biggest surprise was a wonderful chapel hidden away behind the large church.  The Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of the Angels Chapel was no small chapel, but was as large as any other church!  Because this chapel sits beside the altar, the pews have an interesting feature like that found on old trains-the backs move so that the chapel can accommodate overflow crowds during Mass in the main church.

The Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Angels Chapel

I really admired the painting of my favorite station of the cross, the sixth station, that was inside this chapel.  I wonder why St. Veronica was painted as an angel and who the two angels are beside her.

The Sixth Station, Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

And of course, I just had to take a picture of the statue of one of my favorite saints, St. Margaret Mary, and right beside her, The Sacred Heart of Jesus.

I highly recommend a visit to St. Ignatius Church in Chicago, you are sure to be inspired by the beauty!  My next goal regarding this beautiful church will be stay and pray at Mass while there!

Pierced

^" When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord."  ~Luke 2:22-23

The time has finally come when, following the example of St Joseph and the Blessed Mother, Paul and I were called to make our own presentation of our first-born son to the Lord.  Early on Tuesday, August 21st, we packed up John's belongings and together with John's four siblings and our dear friend, and in our hearts, a sibling as well, Fr. Matthew Widder, we traveled from Milwaukee to Chicago to "present" John to the Lord for the beginning of his seminary career at St. Joseph's College Seminary at Loyola University, where he will prepare for the diocesan priesthood in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. 

John and his entourage

Our pilgrimage, as Fr. Matthew called it, began with daily Mass at our home parish.  Following Communion, Fr. Dave offered a special blessing for John as he begins his seminary career. Armed with the prayers of family and friends and the protection of a first-class relic of St. Pius X on his feast-day, a gift from my oldest sister Diann which she had received from our friend Fr Jim Kubicki, SJ, all eight of us climbed into our battered van, loaded with a few boxes of John's belongings, and we prayed the rosary as we began the two-hour drive to Chicago.  We were blessed with beautiful weather for the drive and move.

in his room with the relic of St. Pius X

When we got to Chicago we went out to lunch and then moved John into his room.  He didn't have very many belongings so it took about 15 minutes to get him settled.  With a few hours to spare before some scheduled meetings for the seminarians and families, we walked over to nearby St. Ignatius Church.  We were blessed to meet Kathy Morris, the pastoral associate, who kindly gave us a personal tour.  She was pleased to share the magnificence of St. Ignatius with pilgrims from Milwaukee since our Archbishop Listecki had been the pastor at St. Ignatius during some of the major renovations done to maintain it's beauty.  And it is so gorgeous!  I will be posting more about the tour in another post.

John and Fr. Matthew at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine on the Loyola Campus

Then we walked along Lake Michigan and all around the campus.  We stopped at the Madonna del Strada Chapel for some silent prayer before returning to the seminary. After the welcoming meetings the families and seminarians joined each other for Mass in Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel.   We sat right by the stained glass window of the Presentation.   I was struck by the gospel passage from Matthew 19:23-30 that read:  "And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life."  It seemed very fitting to reflect upon these words on the day when Paul and I were "giving up" our son to service for the Lord and our son was also "giving up" so much of himself for the love of God.

Following Mass all of the seminarians and families enjoyed a fine dinner and before we left, Fr. Matthew blessed John and his room.   We all offered a tearful and emotional goodbye.  Everyone, including me, was surprised that I didn't completely break down in tears.  Maybe it's because we were all so chatty during the day and I didn't get a chance to think too much about how I was feeling.  But as we left John's room, I realized how quiet his life at the seminary will be compared to our noisy home life and I wondered if the silence will intensify feelings of loneliness in his heart.  When we finally left the seminary just as twilight was overcoming the city, John walked us to the gate and he leaned over it, watching us walk all the way down the street until we turned the corner and with a final wave he turned and walked back to the seminary.

"And a sword will pierce your very soul."  ~Luke 2:39

the new seminarian

  Please pray for John and for all of the seminarians at St. Joseph's College Seminary as they begin their studies this year.

A Few Assumptions About Mary

On August 15th we have the great joy of celebrating our Blessed Mother’s Assumption into heaven, the moment when her Son lovingly carried her within His arms to her eternal glory.  Although Mary was the Mother of God, she was also blessedly human and so many of the struggles and feelings which we endure were hers as well.  In honor of the Feast of the Assumption, I would like to make a few assumptions about our lovely Mother to whom every parent can look as a role model of perfection.

Please continue to read this post at the Archdiocese of Milwaukee homepage here....

A Cooking Competition of Olympic Proportions

There's nothing like a good meal to put a smile on your face, isn't there?  And sometimes, just reading about a good meal can cause you to smile without even actually eating it. What follows is a post written by my friend Christi Jentz as part of a series that we have been working on together this summer. Christi's detailed description of the dinner that she, her husband Dave and her son Paul prepared for some of her favorite church people this past week put a smile on my face just by reading about it.  I am sure that after you enjoy her description and pictures of her dinner, you will be quick to order "From A Rectory Kitchen" by Fr. Matthew Mauriello and Franca Bosio Bertoli so that you can also prepare lovely Italian meals for the priests and seminarians that you love.  And now, without further ado, I give you....

Christi's Dinner

Welcome to the third competition in our cookbook series.

Anne wrote on July 19, 2012:

“You may recall that Christi and I have agreed to invite priests and seminarians to our homes to prepare Italian meals for them using recipes found in From A Rectory Kitchen which was written by Fr. Matthew Mauriello and Franca Bosio Bertoli. You can read my previous post on this subject here and can order your own copy of the cookbook here.” 

The thought behind this promotion was that if we could prepare these dishes based purely on blind faith with little Italian cooking experience (dining at the Olive Garden doesn’t count) then others can too. The subtitle of this cookbook is “Italian Food Cooked and Served in the Joy of the Lord”. It was a pleasure for our family  to serve St. Francis de Sales Seminary Rector, Fr.  John Hemsing (the King), Uber youth and adult ministers Brian Magliocco and Dave Braun and their families from St Mary’s Parish, Elm Grove (who so graciously hosted Paul this summer) and fellow seminarians, Charlie and John.

the dinner table

The Braun's and the Magliocco's-Brian's mom probably told him many times that if he didn't stop that his face would stay that way!

Fr. John Hemsing with college seminarians Paul, Charlie and John-notice the orb over Fr. John's head-a good sign?

After two spectacular cookbook runs by Anne I decided to pull out the big guns and request recipes directly from Iron Chef Mauriello. It was time to raise this to Olympic status. Fr. Matt sent back these meal suggestions:

Appetizer- Bruschetta

First course- Manicotti

Second course- Chicken Primavera with Arugula Salad

Side dish- potato croquets

For dessert- (we chose all three)

Tiramisu or Flan Portuguese or Dolce Torino

Here’s how it went.

The comment selections are from our interesting dinner critics.

The numbers are the total scores on a scale of 10 being best.

Desserts: Paul and I began the three desserts the day before.

Flan Portugesa, pg. 306, score 8.8

caramel for bottom of flan and custard mix

flan just baked

This is simple recipe. All went well except that Paul attempted to sample the hot caramel topping with his thumb. Resolution # 1- don’t do that, it burns.  

“Melts in your mouth, light, sweet, fluffy”

“Not a flan fan”

“It went down smooth- it was cool and caramelly”.

Dolce Torino, pg. 320, score 8.2

ladyfinger cookie dough

We used homemade ladyfingers for this. It called for 4 tbsp of Frangelico but we substituted the Amaretto because that is what we had on hand. The chocolate cream didn’t seem quite right; perhaps it was a bit soupy, but it tasted really good. Resolution # 2- improvise when necessary. We placed the cookies with the cream spread in the refrigerator and they set up just fine. I made a chocolate drizzle to cover up any of the defects. (No one seemed to know how they were supposed to look anyway and everyone ate them just fine). 

“Yummy in my tummy”.

“Amazing light chocolate taste”.

“Tastes like an E.L. Fudge Cookie”.

“Well proportioned. Cookie was a bit chewy. Overall satisfying”.

Tiramisu, pg. 292, score 8.8

the end of the tiramisu

With half a team member we proceeded to the next dessert recipe Tiramisu. While I was preparing the homemade ladyfingers (recipe found online) Paul proceeded to mix the Amaretto with the egg whites instead of the egg yolks. Oops. Resolution # 3 – don’t do that. We poured the Amaretto $$$ mix down the drain and began over.

“Taramisu-licious”.

“A pleasure to behold, a delight on the tongue”.

“I don’t like coffee”.

“Raspberries- a nice finish”!

Main Courses: Made the day of and stored in the refrigerator until bake time.

Appetizer Bruschetta, pg. 9, score 9.25

 The fresh basil/tomato combination makes this a hit. We served it on the porch with a fresh strawberry, white grape, lemonade punch. (That scored a perfect 10!!!)

“Wake me up I must be dreaming, I thought I was in Italy”.

First course/ Pasta Manicotti, pg. 76, score 9

manicotti crepe

folded manicotti before sauce

manicotti before baking

This is a fantastic single dish recipe for meatless Friday meals. The wrap is a crepe more than a pasta and very fun to flip- sort of like a pancake but lighter. I selected the spinach ricotta mix for the inside. Coated with a creamy Béchamel Sauce and topped with Tomato Basil Sauce and grated mozzarella.

 “Appetizing, Surprisingly not too heavy- creamy, mild”.

“The spinach inside would make Popeye smile”.

Second course/ Chicken Breast Primavera with Arugula Salad,

pg. 152, score 9.67

chicken breast primavera with arugula salad and potato croquettes

This recipe is a keeper. It requires a little bit of fancy work like pounding the pre-seasoned chicken breasts into flat, even pieces using a food mallet (we just happened to have on hand). It work really well but I thought Paul was bit aggressive (and noisy) with the mallet until I tried it. It does require a little elbow grease but its well worth the effort. The pieces were sooo tender.

“Hay Naku! Mabuti!”

“Amazing, a full bodied taste explosion of many flavors”

“The chicken breast was perfectly seasoned and lightly breaded; the salad added a spring like freshness. The cheese added a creamy finish”.

Side dish/ Potato Croquets p. 277, score 9.2

potato balls before breading and frying

Fr Matt wrote that these were his favorites. They are seasoned mashed potatoes rolled into a ball with mozzarella filling. The balls are dipped in an egg mix, rolled in seasoned bread crumbs then fried.

“Filled with cheesy goodness. A Wisconsinite’s delight”!

“I could tell this scrumptious dish was made with love and care”.

“Potatoes and cheese- always a good combo”!

A fellow art friend once commented that she occasionally burns meals because she walks out of the kitchen to finish her projects and forgets about the food cooking. Amen to that. No Martha’s here- staying in the kitchen is half the battle. So one final resolution – don’t leave the kitchen. Go for the gold. These recipes deserve your attention!

Additionally- Please note two silvers earned in a different category.

Fr John Hemsing, will be celebrating his 25^th Silver Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood in early 2013. Fr Matt Mauriello already kicked off his Silver Anniversary commemoration with an event in July. Here are the wonderful and encouraging words from his Bishop:

 

25^th PRIESTHOOD ANNIVERSARY MASS

Rev. Matthew R. Mauriello Sunday, July 29, 2012

by: His Excellency, Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli, Bishop of Paterson, NJ

          The author, Robert Fulghum, who wrote the book, Everything I ever need to know I learned in Kindergarten, keeps the picture of a woman who is not his wife next to the mirror in his bathroom. Every morning as he shaves, he looks at the picture. The picture is of a small humped-over woman. She is surrounded by important-looking people in tuxedos, evening gowns and the regalia of royalty. It is the picture of Mother Theresa, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize!

          The picture reminds him that, more than a president of any nation and more than any CEO, she did good because she was a servant. Mother Theresa followed Jesus who was the servant of all. Again and again, Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is brought about by deeds of compassionate service to others.

          We see this in today’s gospel event. When Jesus sees the crowds coming to Him to be nourished spiritually by His word, He says to Philip, “Where can we get enough bread to feed them?” Jesus is already looking for a way to meet not only their spiritual, but their physical needs as well. He Who is the Bread of Life provides for the thousands bread for life, for Jesus is the servant Who loves and cares for us completely. Today, Jesus Crucified and Risen continues to care for us in love. He continues to give us a share in His life through those He calls to be His priests.

          Generously, joyfully and faithfully, Fr. Matthew has answered that call and, for the last 25 years, has had the privilege and responsibility to continue the work of Christ among us. In Ponce, Puerto Rico, in Danbury, Monroe, Stamford, Bridgeport and here in Greenwich, through his preaching of the Word, in baptizing, in forgiving sins, in anointing the sick, in blessing marriages and, most especially, in the daily celebration of the Eucharist- Fr. Matt has given his life in making Christ present among us.

          On the day of his ordination, the bishop handed Fr. Matt the bread and wine to be offered at Mass and said,

          “Receive the oblation of the holy people to be offered to God.

          Understand what you do and imitate what you celebrate.

          Conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s cross.”

          As a priest, Fr. Matt has joined his whole life, every moment of his day, to the mystery of the Cross, dying to self and rising with Christ for others. He has taken his great gifts of intellect and art, of vision and compassion, of understanding and dedication and placed them at the service of others.

          Both in his advanced academic degree and his honor as a canon of Orvieto witness to his dedication and love of the church that extends far beyond parochial borders. Whether ministering in this parish, or others, whether using his artistic talents in the service of beauty and the church, whether fostering devotion to the Divine Mercy or Our Blessed Mother, he has lived his priesthood for others. This is why people who truly know him love him.

          This day, with Fr. Matt, we give thanks for the grace God has given him for our good. His priesthood, his life, his countless hours of selfless work remind us that God’s kingdom is not established in this world by decrees issued by the powerful, but by deeds of service done by the compassionate and caring.

          For when we love each other as Jesus loves us, giving up, not grasping after, not insisting what is ours, but sacrificing for the other, it is then the kingdom of God comes and Jesus can meet the deepest hungers of His people.

Commit to the Culture of Life by Bishop Donald Hying

Last Sunday, while my family and I were safely returning home from Sunday Mass another local faith community was undergoing a horrific experience.  A man named Wade Page opened fire at the Sikh Temple in nearby Oak Creek, a suburb of Milwaukee, and took six lives and wounded many others while they were peacefully worshiping God. The attacker himself lost his life in the gruesome turn of events. It was a horrifically tragic, senseless and sickening scene. The news stories this week have been filled with tales of a heroic police officer, Lt. Brian Murphy, who is fighting for his life after receiving eight bullet wounds and then telling his fellow police officers not to bother with him, but to care for the wounded and fearful worshipers. Other news stations carried stories of Wade Page's mother crying and repeatedly saying that she was just devastated, while victims in the Sikh community shared their grief and sorrow as well. We hold the members of the Sikh Community and all of those personally affected by this tragedy in our prayers at this time.  What follows is Bishop Hying's response that was published in the Thursday, August 9th Milwaukee Catholic Herald regarding the violence that afflicts our society today.  

The tragic shootings at the Sikh temple in Oak Creek this past Sunday are the latest murders in a long series of violent acts that have occurred with disturbing frequency in recent years.  Our hearts, prayers and sympathies go out to the Sikh community, the victims and their families.  All of Milwaukee stands in solidarity with those who are so terribly affected by this tragedy.

In my prayers and reflections since Sunday morning, I have been struck by the seemingly increasing struggle between the culture of life and the forces of death.  While social critics, psychologists and ordinary folks will debate the root cause of such terrible acts of violence, we would all agree that, in many ways, our society has become increasingly coarsened and insensitive to human dignity and the right to life.

Children experience a bombardment of violence from a very early age; what popular movie or video game does not portray multiple and grisly destruction of human life?  How many children grow up in neighborhoods of random shootings, drug deals and burglaries?  I watched with deep sadness the video of schoolchildren verbally abusing an older woman who was serving as a chaperone on a field trip. 

In many ways, our American society has become increasingly secular, pushing the influence of religion out of the public square. This rejection of the spiritual dimension of the human community is a tremendous loss because all authentic religion is a vital force for peace, justice and concern for the marginalized.  When we fail to see the grand transcendence and absolute dignity of the human person, violence, disrespect and injustice will assuredly increase.  Apart from its theological dimensions, religion is a vital force for social good.

The Catholic Church embraces a remarkably consistent life ethic, condemning both abortion and capital punishment, carefully laying out the criteria for a war to be considered just, proclaiming the peace and reconciliation won for us through the cross and resurrection of Christ.  Yet many people in our society see the aforementioned forms of violence as not only acceptable, but as beneficial.  As long as the death of another person, whether it is a child in the womb, a prisoner on death row or an “enemy” of some sort is seen as a good thing, we are still shackled by the chains of the culture of death. 

Hollywood will continue to churn out films of graphic violence and pornographic sexuality as long as they are financially lucrative.  Legislators and presidents will continue to protect state-sanctioned abortion as long as they perceive it to be in their political self-interest.  Inner city neighborhoods will continue to be wracked by murders and drugs as long as everyone thinks “that is not my problem.”

In other words, the culture of death will continue to flourish as long as we collectively allow it to by remaining indifferent, by feeding it our entertainment dollars, by accepting violence as normal, by not articulating and proclaiming the Gospel of Life.  Peace, respect, reconciliation and justice are hard work and can only be sustained by a proper understanding of the human person as worthy of absolute respect, as the proper end of all human activity.  All violence, scape-goating and victimization end in the cross of Jesus Christ.  By surrendering himself to death, the Son of God subverts all forms of human manipulation, the using of another for one’s own selfish gain.  Where the culture of death takes the life of another for some perceived gain, Jesus offers his life, so that we can all gain together the saving love of God and the reconciliation of a world redeemed.

The Gospel of Life offers us a breath-taking vision of human flourishing, solidly rooted in the proper understanding of the person, created in the image and likeness of God, redeemed by the Son and sanctified in the Holy Spirit.  We pray for the many victims of violence and we commit ourselves to the culture of life.

Like the Dewfall

“Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.“
~ Epiclesis of the Mass from Roman Missal revised translation

"Awake and sing, you who lie in the dust.
For your dew is a dew of light,and the land of shades gives birth."  ~Isaiah 26:16-19

What could possibly be more mysterious than dewfall?  I go to bed at night, the sky is clear, the stars are shining and there is no rain in the forecast.  When I arise in the morning, every single blade of grass, every flower, every weed, is damp, nourished and enriched through the mysterious and unseen work of God who blesses all growing things with moisture through the loving work of His hands.

Follow me to Suscipio to read more....

Picture, Picture

Do you remember the old television show, Mr. Rogers?   Who could forget that kind and gentle man who lovingly taught children about the wonders of the world around them.  One of the ways that he quietly introduced children to the wider world was through his "Picture, Picture" segment.  A simple work of art hanging on the wall would become a video screen featuring stories showing "How People Make Wagons" or "How People Make Crayons."

In the warmhearted spirit of that pleasant educator from days gone by, I offer you my own version of "Picture, Picture" as I share photos of my family and friends celebrating our faith at recent events, and through them I hope that you will be inspired by "How People Honor our Eucharistic Lord and the Blessed Mother."

This first set of pictures of from Roses for Our Lady's celebration of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi held at St. Francis de Sales Seminary during our monthly Holy Hour for Vocations. I am especially fond of the first picture of my husband, Paul,  and our three oldest sons carrying the baldaccino for Bishop Hying and the Blessed Sacrament, and you can see my youngest son, Jack, right behind them with the Roses for Our Lady banner.

This next set of pictures is from Festa Italiana, a special ethnic festival that is held annually on Milwaukee's Lakefront. Roses for Our Lady joins many Italian Societies in attending Mass and then processing throughout the Festa grounds while reciting the rosary and offering rosaries and scapulars for donations to those in attendance at the festival.

The following three pictures are courtesy of, and copyrighted by, my dear friend, Mary Anne Urlackis, from a recent pilgrimage that she and I both took along with about 150 other people from Milwaukee to Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The first picture is Bishop Hying with me, my daughter Mary and my son John. The next is Cardinal Burke and Bishop Hying and the last picture is a close-up of Cardinal Burke's crozier. I especially love the crozier! In addition, Matt, at The Badger Catholic, has some fantastic pictures of the special Mass taken at the Shrine on the day that our group from Milwaukee visited.  Please visit his blog and enjoy his pictures that highlight the beauty of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.