7 Quick Takes (v. 1)

(1)

This is not only my first 7 Quick Takes post, but also my first post in nearly a year, so I guess my quick takes will be a brief update of life and a few highlights from this week. Oh and can't forget a couple old and a couple new photographs. After all, that's how this blog first began.

(2)

I came home from the convent in June. Being with the School Sisters of Christ the King for nearly nine months was wonderful--exactly where God was calling me. And now I continue to seek Him and His will.

Here's some previously posted photos of some of the sisters (with links to the original posts):

(3)

Since being home, I've seen family and a number of friends. One highlight of the summer so far: Fourth of July with some of the usual family friends in the evening, but an unusual beginning of the day--walking along side my brother and his band's float in the parade.

(4)

Quotes have, throughout my life, inspired me. I recently finished a set of four, to be hung together, paintings using quotes from some of my favorite people: Pope Benedict XVI, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Blessed John Paul the Great, and St. Therese of the Little Flower. My latest favorite quote of Mother Teresa's:

"Let us conquer the world with our love."

(5)

While I dearly miss having Archbishop Charles Chaput here in my home Archdiocese, I am happy for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and warmly welcome our new Archbishop Samuel Aquila! I have not been able to attend a mass of his yet, but hopefully someday. I loved his words only days after his installation and the tragic shooting in Aurora: "The love of the Father is stronger than the bullets." Check out this article on the National Catholic Register, which includes this quote.

(6)

I have really been enjoying watching the women's gymnastics in the Olympics this week. Congratulations to the USA's team on winning Gold! It's amazing to see what they can do. I also can't help but think of the pressure put on the athletes though. The pressure to perform well and get a gold, coming not only from themselves, their families, coaches, teammates, but really the country as well. Imagine if we put the same effort into becoming saints--our lives, families, country, and world would be completely different!

(7)
It was St. Alphonsus de Ligouri's feast day on Wednesday. In the last year, I have read more about him and read some of his writings as well. One of my favorites is Visits to the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Filled with wonderful meditations and prayers, I especially like what I read today:

"My Lord, would it not have been enough for You to remain in the Blessed Sacrament during the day only, when You could have someone to adore You and keep You company? Why remain the whole night as well, when all the churches are closed and men retire to their homes, leaving You quite alone? But I understand You. It is love that has made You our prisoner. It is the very great love You have for us that has kept You on earth, unable to leave us either night or day."

In Christ through Mary.

My Patroness(es) - 1 of 3

This is the first in a series of three posts on some important women in my life--my three patronesses. Each will contain a picture I've taken pertaining to her, followed by a personal story, ending with a quote from her.

First up:

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

(Statue at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception)

Mother Teresa was (is) my confirmation saint. At the time, I was running from God and wanted to pick a saint who was married and had children--I desperately wanted a husband and children. None of the wonderful, married saints were standing out to me though. I read through a majority of "Lives of the Saints"... volumes 1 and 2. But nothing was standing out. I had always loved Mother Teresa and her love and compassion for Christ and others. So, I cut a deal with God. ...I know, not the smartest thing to do. But I did. I said that either I would take Mother Teresa if I could, otherwise a married saint. I was told I could take her, since she had been declared "Blessed." Still not 100% sure if that was accurate, but I did it. I took Mother Teresa as my patroness. Reading her writings and knowing she's praying for me is so comforting and encouraging.


Whenever Jesus asks something of you, say "yes."


Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.



In Christ through Mary.