"You aim at a devout life, dear Philothea, because as a Christian you know that such devotion is most acceptable to God's Divine Majesty," says St. Francis de Sales in his book "Introduction to the Devout Life".
And we can all be Philotheas, as St. Francis notes: "I have made use of a name suitable to all who seek the devout life, Philothea meaning one who loves God."
Happy Mother's Day, Jay, and to all you Mothers reading this blog. I wanted to share a "mother moment" I had this morning, I truly believe, with our Blessed Mother.
Before I entered the church at the nearby NO parish, I came up with a compromise of sorts with my self-consciousness when wearing a veil at a Novus Ordo church. All winter, I simply wore a hat at Mass. Now that it's not hat weather, uh oh. So I put the veil over my head and tied it back under my hair, like a bandana. Silly, eh? I figured that this would be a way to ease into wearing it while at the same time, not being quite so noticeable to others. I know, like everyone in the church is looking at me, right:)? And besides, WHO CARES IF EVERYONE LOOKS AT YOU! Further silliness.
So I knelt in my spot in front of the gorgeous statue of Our Lady, right up front in the handicapped row, and asked her to please help me to not be concerned about the looks I may get from others, or what other people may or may not think about it (including the barrage of VII priests there), to please help me to don my veil at every Mass just like I used to when I was always at the Traditional Mass where every woman wears one. Please, please, please. Then I said a Hail Mary and the St. Michael prayer to settle myself in for the Mass and sat back in the pew.
A tap on my shoulder. I turned around to face a rather handsome, serious-faced man who leaned forward to whisper to me, "I haven't seen a woman wearing a veil in church in decades. I just wanted to tell you how beautiful it is to see you wearing a veil. Thank you for that." I kid you not, that's what he said. And no one can tell me that that wasn't an answer to my heartfelt prayer! It brought a tear to my eyes and I thanked Our Lady. Awesome moment.
WOW Elizabeth , Our Lady and St. Michael came to bless you abundantly! Thanks for sharing and a BELATED Mother's Day blessing to all of you who read this wonderful and life giving blog! Thanks so much Dr. Jay .... I wear my chapel veil every time I enter a Catholic Church or Adoration Chapel ...it just comes natural these days ...I have the privilege of attending St. Francis de Sales each Sunday for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the EF ...but when I do have to attend a NO Mass I still wear my chapel veil...only one who does but oh well ....I do it to give my Jesus , honor and glory and reverence...and I have my 1962 Missal in hand and have my eyes and head down ....it challenging for me but I want to ADORE MY GOD and worship HIM ! Always want to put my SUNDAY BEST on ....it hurts me and I am sure Our Lord also when people come in shorts and immodest dress...I am hurt and offended and I am sure our sweet Jesus is also....all I can do is pray for these...I was once there myself ...Love and Pray ! A Blessed feast day to you all: Our Lady of Fatima appeared to the three shephard children on this day: May Our Lady of Fatima bless each of you and your families . Let us learn the message of Fatima and live of Fatima and share and promote the message of Fatima ....to God be the Glory!
I love the beater one!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day, Dr. Jay...
Adrienne, we think alike! That beater one is so...me! Happy Mother's Day to you too!
ReplyDeleteLove this! Happy Mother's Day!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day, Jay, and to all you Mothers reading this blog. I wanted to share a "mother moment" I had this morning, I truly believe, with our Blessed Mother.
ReplyDeleteBefore I entered the church at the nearby NO parish, I came up with a compromise of sorts with my self-consciousness when wearing a veil at a Novus Ordo church. All winter, I simply wore a hat at Mass. Now that it's not hat weather, uh oh. So I put the veil over my head and tied it back under my hair, like a bandana. Silly, eh? I figured that this would be a way to ease into wearing it while at the same time, not being quite so noticeable to others. I know, like everyone in the church is looking at me, right:)? And besides, WHO CARES IF EVERYONE LOOKS AT YOU! Further silliness.
So I knelt in my spot in front of the gorgeous statue of Our Lady, right up front in the handicapped row, and asked her to please help me to not be concerned about the looks I may get from others, or what other people may or may not think about it (including the barrage of VII priests there), to please help me to don my veil at every Mass just like I used to when I was always at the Traditional Mass where every woman wears one. Please, please, please. Then I said a Hail Mary and the St. Michael prayer to settle myself in for the Mass and sat back in the pew.
A tap on my shoulder. I turned around to face a rather handsome, serious-faced man who leaned forward to whisper to me, "I haven't seen a woman wearing a veil in church in decades. I just wanted to tell you how beautiful it is to see you wearing a veil. Thank you for that." I kid you not, that's what he said. And no one can tell me that that wasn't an answer to my heartfelt prayer! It brought a tear to my eyes and I thanked Our Lady. Awesome moment.
Elizabeth, that is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAsk and you shall receive (the gift of fortitude)! Our Lady is always there to encourage us. Thanks for sharing this treasured moment.
ReplyDeleteWOW Elizabeth , Our Lady and St. Michael came to bless you abundantly!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and a BELATED Mother's Day blessing to all of you who read this wonderful and life giving blog! Thanks so much Dr. Jay ....
I wear my chapel veil every time I enter a Catholic Church or Adoration Chapel ...it just comes natural these days ...I have the privilege of attending St. Francis de Sales each Sunday for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the EF ...but when I do have to attend a NO Mass I still wear my chapel veil...only one who does but oh well ....I do it to give my Jesus , honor and glory and reverence...and I have my 1962 Missal in hand and have my eyes and head down ....it challenging for me but I want to ADORE MY GOD and worship HIM ! Always want to put my SUNDAY BEST on ....it hurts me and I am sure Our Lord also when people come in shorts and immodest dress...I am hurt and offended and I am sure our sweet Jesus is also....all I can do is pray for these...I was once there myself ...Love and Pray ! A Blessed feast day to you all: Our Lady of Fatima appeared to the three shephard children on this day: May Our Lady of Fatima bless each of you and your families . Let us learn the message of Fatima and live of Fatima and share and promote the message of Fatima ....to God be the Glory!
Amen, Jeanne!
ReplyDelete