Saint of the Year: 2015

St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, Pray for Us!

For the second year in a row, I used Jennifer Fulweiler's saint generator to ask God to choose a saint who would intercede for me for 2015.

After praying that God would choose a saint whom I would connect to and would lead me closer to Him, I got St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi. I had never heard about her before this, but when reading her biography, the thing that struck me most about her life was the period of temptation and spiritual dryness. Despite this, she fought through this dark period and remained close to God. You can read more about this beautiful saint here!

Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, pray that we will make a commitment to seek the presence of God in prayer the way you did. Guide us to see the graces God gives us as gifts not rewards and to respond with gratitude and humility, not pride and selfishness. Amen

The Letter Project

Last weekend, I was feeling incredibly sad. No, not sad. I was desolate. I was in my bed, just sobbing, and it felt like all of my limbs had fallen asleep. I wanted my brain to turn off, but everything that was upsetting me just kept replaying in my mind, and I kept falling further and further as my internal voice taunted me, telling me I didn't deserve love.

But the thing is, I know I'm worthy of love, and more than that, I know I am loved! So, when I began to feel better, I called upon the people I knew loved me and asked them to do me a favor.

I asked them to write me a letter and mail it to me. My plan is to put these letters, unopened, somewhere safe. Then, whenever I feel the way I felt last weekend, I can pull out a letter and read words of love and friendship from someone I know loves me.

I've already gotten three letters, and I haven't opened one yet. That's great, but also, I really want to read what's in them.

Know that you are so, so loved. I know that you have people in your life who would do something similar in a heartbeat, or even quicker. Those who love you want you to know their love. If you feel like this letter project is something that could help you, I urge you to reach out to your loved ones, and I know that they will respond.

Patron Saint of the Fall Semester

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="178"] Saint Damien of Molokai, pray for us![/caption]

Using Jennifer Fulweiler's Saint Generator (Like I did for my patron of the year) I prayed about a saint to claim as my patron for my current semester. I will ask for their intercession in my studies and in social life, as well as my spiritual life. I will also pray a novena to them, and learn more about them.

For the semester, my patron saint is Saint Damien of Molokai. I can't wait to get to know him better and to ask for his intercession.

“My greatest pleasure is to serve the Lord in his poor children rejected by other people.”

 

100 Happy Days: Day 21

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] My iPad![/caption]

100 Happy Days: Day 13

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] The Best Jailors during Capture the Flag :)[/caption]

100 Happy Days: Day 12

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] My sweet little cousins, Reilly and Cecilia.[/caption]

He Gives and Takes Away.

In less than ten years, my parish has had five pastors. Yesterday, our fourth officially stepped down as pastor and moved to another parish where he will be an assistant.

Each pastor who has been at my church has touched my life and helped me see Jesus in ways I had never seen Him before. Especially Father Murphy.

Father Murphy was installed as pastor when I was sixteen or seventeen. It was around the time I was hospitalized for the last time for self harm, and began attending public school after being homeschooled for my entire life. I was confused about my faith, and Father Murphy made me sure again. In the confessional, at the pulpit, when he prayed so devoutly before mass in the pews, just... everywhere.

Although I am heartbroken to be losing his holy man of God, I feel so blessed that God allowed Father Murphy to play such a big part in my life. I feel comfort in knowing that now, another door will open for Father Murphy, and he will help someone else find God who needs it as much as I did four years ago.

Our Lady of Knock, pray for us.

Our Lady of Peace, pray for us.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Me, Father Murphy, my sister Sarah, and Momma Mary. :)[/caption]

About me

Hi! I'm Katie. I'm an almost 20 year old sophomore at Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. I love food, music, TV shows, God, friends, and lots more. Probably all of this will be covered in this blog.

So, yeah. Hi. This is me.