Lucia Otgongerel - "The Joy of Being Alive"

Feast - Santa Rosa de Lima

Santa Rosa de Lima, is one of Peru's beloved saints. The other is San Martin de Porres who is also very much loved by Peruvians and non-Peruvians alike.

I found the picture above from my favorite Catholic news site Aciprensa If you click that link you can view a gallery of pictures.

For those of you who can read and understand Spanish, you can visit this page to learn more about the life of Santa Rosa de Lima. For those of you who cannot, I will translate it for you below:

She was born in the capital of Peru in 1586. Her ancestry was Spanish. She was the first saint canonized of the New World. Although the child was baptized with the name Isabel, everyone called her "Rosa" and that was the name given at her Confirmation by Archbishop Saint Toribio.

Rosa took Saint Catherine of Siena as her role model despite the oppositions and mockeries. That is how she decided to practice self-denial through humility, obedience and self-sacrifice.

Saint Rose suffered much because of those who did not understand her. After enrolling in the third order of Saint Dominic, she practically became a recluse in a cabin that had been constructed in the garden.

She wore on her head a thin ribbon made of silver whose interior was made of a crown of thorns.

Her love of the Lord was so great that when she spoke about Him, her tone of voice would change and her face would light up as if to reflect the sentiments of her soul. This phenomenon would manifest especially in the Holy Eucharist and at Holy Communion.

Later on, a commission made up of doctors and priests examined the saint and concluded that these experiences were really supernatural. They agreed that Saint Rosa's lifestyle and the ascetic practices only happened in souls called to a special vocation. The most admirable quality of Saint Rose was her great spirituality of saintly heroism because all the saints whether in the world, the desert or in the cloister, possess the common characteristic of having tried to live for God in every single moment. Those who have the pure intention to comply in all the will of God, will be able to serve with fullness in everything they do.

Saint Rose died on August 24th, 1617 at the age of 31. She was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671.

For a sample of her writings, please visit Beauty of Divine Grace

Monsignor Georg Ratzinger

This news video is by Aciprensa Acitv

You can also read the Zenit Article - Benedict XVI Finds Guide in Elder Brother

Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant

Shared by Steve Silvia Long video but beautiful music and imagery.

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Mother

Picture Source

On August 22, the Catholic faithful honors the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast recognizes Mary’s close association of the redemptive work of her son, Jesus Christ. Mary shared the work of the divine Redeemer, in His struggles against enemies and in the triumph He won over them all. From this union with Christ the King she assuredly obtains so eminent a status that she stands high above all created things; and upon this same union with Christ is based that royal privilege enabling her to distribute the treasures of the kingdom of the divine Redeemer.

Mary is three times Queen: The Queen of the world, the Queen of Heaven, and the Queen of our hearts. And lastly, this same union with Christ is the fountain of the inexhaustible efficacy of her motherly intercession in the presence of the Son and of the Father.

Source St. Michael Center for the BVM

But the Blessed Virgin Mary should be called Queen, not only because of her Divine Motherhood, but also because God has willed her to have an exceptional role in the work of our eternal salvation.

-Pope Pius XII, Ad Caeli Reginam

Fine Art Friday - Featuring the Honolulu Academy of Arts

This week we will featured works of art that are housed in the Honolulu Academy of Art.

My family and I visited this local museum a week or so ago. I hadn't really taken the time to go through all the galleries in a long time. For me it was sheer joy rediscovering all the masterpieces that I had forgotten were here in Honolulu.

As you can imagine, this museum has a magnificent collection of Hawaiian art as well as Oceania, and Asian Art. A sampling of the Hawaiiana can be found below.

Kamehameha, King of the Sandwich Islands by Louis Choris, (Russian), Pen and watercolor, Gift of the Honolulu Art Society, 1944
What was more surprising to me is the large collection of Religious art that is there, especially Catholic art by famous artists. The HAA also has a large collection of Santos or statues of saints. They have quite a large collection of these small statues displayed on the wall. They also have a very large statue of St. Thomas Aquinas and the Dead Christ. Very impressive to behold!

Piero di Cosimo, Italian, 1462-1521 Saint John the Evangelist, 1504-06
Oil on wood panel, Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation 1961

Another image of St. John can be found below. This time it is a statue:

St. John the Evangelist, 15th century French, Avignon School Wood, polychrome Gift of Mrs. Robert P. Griffing, Jr., 1960

Cain Killing Abel, mid 17th Century, Italian School Oil on canvas
Gift of the Miyabara and Oguri families in memory of their parents, Koshiro and Ichi Miyabara and Kanzo and Augusta Oguri, 1991

Did I mention they also have a few of my favorites, for example Van Gogh, Mary Cassatt, Monet. Below are a few we actually saw that day:

Henri Matisse French, 1869-1954 White Tulips and Anemones, 1944 Oil on canvas Gift of Friends of the Academy, 1946
American, 1844-1926 The Child's Caress Oil on canvas Gift in memory of Wilhelmina Tenney by a group of her friends, 1953

Poem to Mom

This one is worth repeating.

My son came home from school one day,
With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
To put me in my place.

"Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today,
The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room,
Don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think,
Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion,
And regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head,
And I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want,
And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read &watch just what I like,
Get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me,
I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges,
With the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me,
My body's only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses,
that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals,
Like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control,
And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights,
So you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Children's Services Division,
Better known as C.S.D."

Mom's Reply and Thoughts

Of course my first instinct was
To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping
At the local Goodwill Store..
I told him, "Pick out all you want,
there's shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D ..
Who said they didn't care
If I bought you K-Mart shoes
Instead of those Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment
To take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. Is unconcerned
So I'll decide what's best. "

I said "No time to stop and eat,
Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
To make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite,
And wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions,
A favorite dish of mine."

He asked "Can I please rent a movie,
To watch on my VCR?"
"Sorry, but I sold your TV,
For new tires on my car.
I also rented out your room,
You'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D. Requires
Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now,
I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
Will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski,
Dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights,'
It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
Instead of C.S.D..?"

Send to all people that have teenagers, have already raised teenagers,have children who will soon be teenagers or those who will be parents someday OR ANYONE WHO'D JUST GET A LAUGH

MOM (Mean Old Mother)

Shared by John via email.

Feast of St. Pius X

Today is the feast of the "Children's Pope", St. Pius X. There are many good posts out there, like Veni Sancte Spiritus' post or The Catholic Fire's post.

I wanted to share two items from a new blogger I recently found when searching for some Catholic art Idle Speculations:

St. Pius X

Death of St. Pius X

Beautiful Little Film - The Story of a Sign

Mahalo to Murph for sharing this with me.

Historia de un Letrero

5 minute award winning film. It is absolutely beautiful . . . . Won Best Short Film from Mexico at Cannes Film Festival.

Please take the time to watch.

Secrets of a Happy Marriage

I've had the chance to reflect on our marriage together After watching that tear-jerker The Notebook the other evening with my husband. And, although we have had our ups and down just like any other couple, I am confident that God has blessed my DH and me with the secrets of a happy marriage. Well, that is, according to the following article.

Secrets of a Happy Marriage by Lorraine Murray

As always, a big mahalo to Sue for sharing this with me.

Learning to Sacrifice

Won't you join Mrs. L. of the Wellsprings of Traditional Life as she calls us to sacrifice.

Making acts of sacrifice is one of my daily struggles...that is practicing dying to self. It is the little acts of mortifications in our daily life that will make saints out of us. This is one of the things God asks of us. The other is obedience.

Saintly Quote - Padre Pio

You will never complain about offenses, no matter where they come from, remembering that Jesus was saturated with ignominy from the malice of men He Himself had aided.

You will excuse everyone with Christian charity, keeping before your eyes the example of the Divine Master who excused even His crucifiers before the Father.

St. Padre Pio
Shared by Sue

A Lesson in Encouragement

I am sharing with you this because it a something my son often tells me...that he needs to hear encouragement from both his father and me.

ECHOES OF KIND WORDS

A little boy said to his father, "Let's play darts. I'll throw the darts and you say, `Wonderful!'"

Here is a boy who was not afraid to ask for the encouragement he needs. Maybe we all have something to learn from him!

Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, relates a story about the devastating effects of discouragement. Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th Century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man who asked him to look at a few of his sketches and drawings. The gentleman wanted to know if the artist thought they were of any value.

As gently as possible, Rossetti told the man that the sketches were of no value and showed little talent. He apologized for the harsh assessment but said that he believed he should be honest.

The visitor was disappointed but asked the artist if he could take a look at just a few more, which were all done by a young art student. Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. "These," he said, "oh, these are good." He went on to say that the young student shows much promise and should be given every help and encouragement, as he may have a great future if he will study and work hard.

The old man was deeply moved. Rossetti asked, "Who is this fine, young artist? Your son?"
"No," replied the visitor sadly. "It is I - forty years ago. If only I had heard your praise then. For you see, I became discouraged and gave up too soon."

Mother Teresa wisely said, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Sometimes it may be enough to just say, "Wonderful!"

Shared by Sue

Priest Known To Refuse Holy Communion To Immodestly Dressed Women

I found the following article on John Michael's Blog

Parents are often obliged to correct their children over and over again - about the same thing. They would really prefer not to have to do it, but if they didn’t they would be guilty of sinning by omission. Priests feel the same way. One of the things that we often have to correct people about is the use of immodest clothing.

Dressing Immodestly Is A Sin

Also, on the topic of modesty, Sue shared an online petition started by Colleen Hammond calling for modesty