Gospa Missions Blog

When thinking about Saint Francis--especially on his feast day (October 4), it is easy to picture him being friendly and loving towards animals. Saint Francis had such a love of all of God's creation that he not only showed compassion for animals but he did God's work in helping people and rebuilding the Church. The following are some insights about how Saint Francis' love spilled over into the world.

Although she is considered a Doctor of the Church and is often called “Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face,” one of Saint Therese of Lisieux’s best known titles is “Saint Therese, The Little Flower.” The following are some insights on this wonderful Saint.

A Story of Selflessness and Hope. 

How can anyone turn around a story of imprisonment and pending death sentence? Out of the darkness for one hopeless soldier in a prison camp came light in the form of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Franciscan priest. One can never lose hope.

 

“Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above, Oh Maria! Hail, Mother of mercy and of love, Oh Maria! Triumph, all ye Cherubim. Sing with us, ye Seraphim. Heaven and Earth resound the hymn: Salve, Salve, Salve Regina!" That song was a staple during the Month of May, and it is a great way to honor Mary on The Queenship of Mary Feast Day!

Many Catholics wear a Devotional Scapular. If you don't currently wear one, consider learning more about this important sacramental and how it helps to prepare us for eternity. 

Life seemed so much simpler back in the day. Have you ever heard someone say that? Sometimes, it feels like life is filled with more struggles now than ever. People might feel that way as they get older because they have lived through more situations, and it just seems like there are more challenges. When going through any type of struggle, it is reassuring to know we have a warrior--Saint Michael the Archangel--by our side, helping us in battle. 

"Mother Most Pure, I come to You today to beg you to undo this knot in my life...."

There are times in our lives when we feel like we are stuck in a situation. How do we proceed so that we can move forward with positivity towards a successful resolution? How do we untie the knots in our lives?

Just like unwrapping a present, our Mother Mary helps us to undo the problems that try to keep us tangled up in confusion. We just need to ask for Mary to go to Her son, Jesus and present our situations to Him.

“Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry”   

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a great defense against worry. Saint Pio can be our guide towards forgiveness and repentance. His feast day—on September 23--is a perfect time to think about modeling our lives after this loving Saint. 

When we hear about the media criticizing Catholics who pray the Rosary, we can't help but become firmer in our recognition that Mary provides protections for us amongst the many battles we face. Especially in these trying times, it is ever so vital to ask for Mary's intercession.

Some days can be very challenging. Saint Teresa can be a great model to follow when we need to keep our chin up and just smile. She has many great quotes to help guide us through our days. We can do well to learn more about her life and learn ways to follow her example.

St. Augustine of Hippo is known for some catchy quotes. How did he become such an eloquent mouthpiece for God when he was "far away" from doing anything like that as a young adult? What can we learn about the hopefulness of prayers and God's intentions for our lives? Let's take a glimpse into the lives of Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica and see how prayer plays a big part in our lives.

Does Jesus love us?  He continues to seek and find us in every way possible!  In our time, humanity needs a strong proclamation and witness of Go...