CCD

CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) opened today at our parish church. I came upon this program three years ago when my son was ready to receive his First Holy Communion. I searched for cathechism classes offered in the English language in churches around Bangkok but found none. Either the church offers the program once a year during the summer in Thai language or the program is integrated in the regular Catholic school curriculum in Thai language also. Our parish church offers this program in English for children who are attending non-Catholic schools. This is my son's fourth year in program . He is in the sixth grade and hopefully will be in the Confirmation class next year.

Remembering Mother Teresa

1910-1997

“It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved in our own home. Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start.”

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Mother Teresa of Calcutta was an Albanian-born Roman Catholic nun, founder of the Missionaries of Charity, and Nobel laureate. Read about her beatification, her life and her vocation here.

MV Doulos

On August 23rd, we went to a pier here in Bangkok to visit MV Doulos and buy books that interest us. Little did I now that day was the last time I would a see her in Bangkok. She left the following day. And she is now on her last worldwide tour. I have always been facinated by this ship, not only because of her age, but also because of her history and her mission. The oldest active passenger ship, she is now used as the largest floating bookshop, bringing books to port cities around the world. Read more about MV Doulos and her history here.

Worry No More

It's been ages since I last browsed the Catholic Digest online. Since I cannot sleep, I decided to do some reading online on anything Catholic and I found this article, A Catholic's Guide to Worrying. I hope you'll be guided after reading this.

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. - Psalm 55:22

Prevention is Better Than Cure

HEALTHY JUICES

Carrot + Ginger + Apple cleans our system.

Apple + Cucumber + Celery prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, and eliminate stomach upset and headache.

Tomato + Carrot + Apple improve complexion and eliminate bad breath.

Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk prevent bad breath and reduce internal body heat.

Orange + Ginger + Cucumber improve skin texture , moisture and reduce body heat.

Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon rid our body of excess salts, nourish the bladder and kidney.

Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi improve complexion.

Pear & Banana regulate sugar content.

Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango eliminate body heat, counteract toxicity, decrease blood pressure and fight oxidization.

Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin B2 increase cell activity and strengthen body immunity.

Papaya + Pineapple + Milk Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron improve complexion and metabolism.

Banana + Pineapple + Milk are rich in vitamins and prevent constipation

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Painting by Peter Paul Rubens

'See the beauty of the daughter of Jerusalem, who ascended to heaven like the rising sun at dawn.'

- Benedictus antiphon from Daily Office

Stuffed Animals

We dropped by at Central Plaza Pinklao to buy some English language books for JM and we were surprised by the display of huge stuffed animals for Mother's Day in Thailand. JM at 11 years still loves stuffed animals and he finds these so adorable. He obliged to pose with some of his favorite cuties for souvenir shots.

Dreaming he would one day wear his very own cap and gown.

JM hiding under the ears of mommy rabbit.

With mommy panda and baby.

And last, but not the least with a huge, black Golden.

Keeping Fit

It has now become a daily routine. He wants to keep fit and strong and he thinks exercising is fun. I hope he keeps doing this healthy routine in his adult years.

Honoring Saint Louis Mary de Montfort

Early morning today, all school activities and classes were cancelled to honor Saint Louis Mary de Montfort. The brothers, teachers, students and parents attended the ceremony honoring the patron saint of the Brothers of Saint Gabriel.

Memories from Three Years Ago

JM rehearsing for his First Holy Communion.

All smiles as he lifted the pages of his First Reconciliation Booklet. I'm still wondering until now why he was smiling during his first confession.

The CCD photographer took fancy of him wearing a double scapular during the rites on the blessing of the scapulars.

With his cathechist during a Sunday class session for first holy communicants.

Long Weekend

JM enjoying the long weekend at home.

Bashful

Five year old JM hiding his face behind a bouquet.

Jesus Calms a Storm

He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?"
They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"

- Mark 4:39-41

Blessing to All Fathers

Bless my dad and the grandfather of my son.

Bless my husband and the father of my son.

Bless all fathers around the world on this special day.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY !

Father's Day

Bless my father, Lord. Keep us in your care so that we may live in the pattern of the Holy Family.

— The Blessing Cup: Prayer-Rituals for Families and Groups

Teacher Appreciation Day 2009

Cool Sandals

I bought two pairs of sandals recently from this shop . And I found these so comfortable to walk around and classy to wear for work. These are reasonably priced as well ! I'll buy a couple more next weekend.

Wildflowers

Solemnity of the Most Blessed Trinity

Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

Matthew 20: 18-20

Safely Home

I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the valley of the shade? Oh! but Jesus' arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still; Try to look beyond earth's shadows, Pray to trust our Father's Will.

There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth--You shall rest in Jesus' land.

When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting,Oh, the joy to see you come!

In loving memory of my mom, Esperanza who joined her creator on October, 2008