“Many people put the Mother of Jesus down as often as they can, thinking that by degrading her they are somehow building up Jesus. They say things like “Mary is dead and can’t help you”, “Mary was just an incubator for Jesus”, “Jesus put his mother down by calling her “Woman, and “If Mary had refused Gabriel, then God would have just picked someone else”. All of that kind of talk is crazy, but they do it because they think that Catholics worship Mary as a goddess, and by putting her down, they are showing Catholics that Jesus is #1. How many people would like it if you said – “I love you, but I really can’t stand your mother”. And how many people regularly put down their own mother to reinforce the fact that their Dad is #1? No one. Jesus called her “Woman” all of the time to let us all know that she is the new Eve (Adam named his mate “Woman”) who’s yes to Gabriel overcame Eve’s yes to Lucifer. “-Catholic Bible 101

So, why Mary?

Yes, I’m a tad late, but I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th weekend. Here in Ohio, they set fireworks off early.

So, I saw fireworks on the 2nd. I don’t have a problem with that, seeing as I went to the “Red, White, and boom”–supposedly the biggest firework show in the country. The fireworks made it worth going to. Above is a picture of the actual show. I had a problem with the entire atmosphere, though. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much sin in one place. Well, maybe I have, but for some reason it all really stuck out. It made my soul ache. I felt sorrow for the lost souls that were wandering all around me. By all means, I am not saying that I am better than them. I am a sinner too, but by the grace of God, I know better. I still have the choice to choose wrong, and unfortunately I do make mistakes.

You’re probably wondering exactly what kind of atmosphere was I surrounded by. Well, it was like walking into hell. How does a guy stay pure when girls wear “dresses” that obviously need leggings/pants?! Upper thigh length doesn’t cut it, honey. I hate all the swearing, stealing, random make-out sessions, smoking (this includes cigarette packs stuffed in bras), and disgusting music. You would think that they would at least play better music, seeing as it IS a family event and little kids are around. I guess not. Everyone is so desensitized. Swearing? No big deal, everyone does it. Immodest dressing? Who cares! It’s my body, and if I feel comfortable with my body..why not?! This is the society that we live in.

It was like walking from hell into Heaven. Also, another side note–I’ve gone to the March For Life for the past 4 years, and I’ve never had a problem with crowds there. Why? Because I know I’m there for a good cause. Anywhere else, and I feel like I’m being suffocated.

Do you see the sin in this world? What do you do about it? Do you simply walk past whomever is sinning? Do you quietly pray for that person? Do you confront this person face to face? More…

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Many people have been asking me about my retreat experience, and I haven’t really had time to write about it. I’ve been busy with scouting stuff! But, now that it’s over…I can write.

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Start of retreat:

Today is the start of my retreat! It first started out with me leaving the house at 1:45, and I got lost. I went back home and studied the map more, and called the Sisters to let them know I’d be late. I left the house, and drove around for a while. Finally, I arrived at 3:05.
All the Sisters were happy to see me. My retreat started out with Sr. Philomena Maria giving me a blessing and also giving me some time to pray. There, I just thanked God for giving me this opportunity to be here. Fridays are a day of fasting for the Sisters, so dinner was skipped.
I just had a piece of bread an an apple.

We did evening prayer & night prayer and I also got to see the Sisters participate in their music class. It was beautiful! Except, it wasn’t really singing. It was more like, gregorian chant in the background while the Sisters said the Rosary. Still, it was beautiful. I think they are working on a Rosary CD for people at the soup kitchen, which is really cool.

I remember when I had my first retreat here….I was nervous and scared for most of it. But not anymore. Even Mother could tell that I was more at peace.

Well, it’s almost 9:00. I’m going to go pray and go to sleep.
I have a full day ahead of me…

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Retreat day 1:

Today was a VERY long day. I woke up at 5:15, got ready, and ate breakfast.

It took me about 30 minutes to eat my breakfast. Not because I had so much food, because I didn’t. I was just enjoying the silence. I was having a conversation with God.

Then, I just started hearing “Be mine…” I’ve been begging God for answers….why would the answers come this soon, though? Could I have been thinking it myself?

And if this is God’s call, then wouldn’t I know it for sure?

Plus…..for 3 months now….there’s been some sort of “unsatisfied” feeling towards everything. Including the Children of Mary. Don’t get me wrong, I feel content here. I don’t want to leave.
I’m just just really confused now. I don’t understand how this could be God’s will if I don’t have 100% joy about it.

Eh, anyway, today I worked A LOT. It was “Ora Et Labora” day—(pray & work day).

So, after Mass and prayers we worked until 11:30 AM. I was mainly busy with weeding..fun stuff! I kinda enjoyed it, though. I sang songs while I worked. Mainly Catholic songs in Latin. Panis Angelicus….Tantum Ergo…..Ave Maria.

11:30 was lunch. There was SO much FOOD! It was ridiculous!
Hot dogs, beans, chips, desserts..etc. After lunch, we worked some more, prayed more, and I made dinner! (Pizza). The Sisters were having a meeting, so they had me cook. Wish I could write more, but it’s almost lights out. Ps. Before I forget, I picked pretty flowers for Mass today. They look beautiful. More…

Editor’s Note : Layna Hess writes about her vocation retreat experience with the Children of Mary.

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? Jesus told Saint Faustina from the Tabernacle, “Love has brought me here, and love keeps me here” (Diary, 576).” To Saint Margaret Mary He said, “I have a burning thirst to be loved and honored by all in the Blessed Sacrament.” ?

God’s promise to us was this:
“I will be with you until the end of time.” (Mt 28:20) and so He is. He is everywhere, but especially in the Eucharist. Not part of Him, but all of Him. His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. His Heart, His sentiments, His mind, His desires, His love. All of Him. He is present, giving Himself to man for love.

The Eucharist is a wonderful gift of love from Jesus to all of men. It’s a reflection of His passion and His suffering. In the book of John, it tells us that Jesus loved us until the end. This means He loved us so much, that He didn’t stop. He took on all suffering and died for our sake. THAT is how great His love is.

It’s unfortunate that our Lord sits there with open arms, wanting to hear from us… wanting to
be friends with us ..and It’s sad when people in my church pass by the library (which is where adoration is currently being held due to remodeling). You don’t have a minute to say hello to our Lord? So often, I think we forget He’s there because we can’t see him.

But, even then..I don’t understand. Wouldn’t the Eucharist be as visual as it gets?
I think it depends. Some may see a piece of bread. Others, penetrate past the fact, and seek truth.

If you’ve ever been to adoration, you would know that stuff happens! No, maybe you won’t have an amazing conversion, but you will feel at peace. You will learn how to love. You will develop a relationship. You learn to listen. You learn patience.

If only you knew the power of adoration, you would not be looking at the clock every second.
You would not be passing the hallway. And, you would not be wanting to leave. Oh, how it saddens me. If you don’t have an hour to spend with Him, do you at least have a minute?

“If souls would put themselves completely in my care, I myself would
undertake the task of sanctifying them, and I would lavish even greater graces
on them. There are souls who thwart My efforts, but I have not given up on them;
as often as they turn to Me, I hurry to their aid, sheilding them with My mercy,
and I give them the first place in My compassionate Heart.” –God to Saint
Faustina.

I used to have a lot of struggles, I wasn’t proud of myself. I wanted to change, but no matter how much I prayed…nothing would happen. I didn’t stop praying though. I desired change more than life itself. I wanted a reason to keep on living, because the way I was living made me feel dead inside. Anyway, I did have a conversion. It was back in September, at the Eucharistic Congress of 09. It wasn’t during adoration, but during Mass. Every day since then I have strived to live only for God. I just remember crying and gazing upon the altar and thinking to myself:
“I want to live for You, God, and only You.”This desire within me has not changed.

I also used to struggle with anger. I suppose going to adoration has nothing to do with me finally being at peace.

You won’t ever be able to convince me that Christ is not present in the EUCHARIST!

It’s more than just a piece of bread. It’s everything. It’s the body, blood, soul and DIVINITY of my Lord and Savior.

On this Divine Mercy Sunday, set aside time for our Lord. Experience His great love and mercy.