Our Lady of Sorrows

Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows

Adriaen Isenbrant

1518-35

The sorrows:
* at the prophecy of Simeon;

* at the flight into Egypt;

* having lost the Holy Child at Jerusalem;

* meeting Jesus on his way to Calvary;

* standing at the foot of the Cross;

* Jesus being taken from the Cross;

* at the burial of Christ.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing near, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

John 19:25-27

Involving Kids in Tasks and Chores

The rewards of involving kids in home chores :

1. When children contribute to family life it helps them feel competent and responsible.

2. Sharing housework can minimize stress in a family.

How ?

1. Ask your children for contributions that you value and that suit your children’s age and ability.

2. Do not to give incentives such as pocket money for doing jobs that contribute to the household. Giving children the idea that helping out makes you happy and makes them an important part of the family is more productive.

3. Making the children do tasks that show care for the family as a whole are more likely to promote a sense of responsibility and participation.

4. If your children are old enough, you can have a family discussion, which reinforces that the whole family contributes to how the household runs. Children over six years old can help decide which tasks they’d prefer.

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

We adore thee, O Christ, and we bless thee, for by thy cross thou hast redeemed the world.

*******

Dying, you destroyed our death; rising you restored our life. Save us by your cross, Christ our Redeemer.

A Cheery Day

by JM, 11 years

Most Holy Name of Mary

"O name of Mary! Joy in the heart, honey in the mouth, melody to the ear of Her devout clients!"

St. Anthony of Padua +1231

Superman

Time Picture of the Week

September 8, 2009

Trappist Monastery

A peaceful and sacred enclave in Guimaras Island, Philippines run by monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance is the Trappist Monastery. The monks in this monastery follow the rule of St. Benedict and are best known for the extreme strictness that characterizes their discipline.The monks earn a living by selling souvenir items and processed foods which are sold in a small shop within the monastery grounds. The ingredients that go to these products are grown in the Trappist grounds.You can tour the monastery grounds and visit their prayer areas. There are also guest houses available at reasonable prices for those who would want to get away from the hassles of daily life.The Trappist Monastery is located in Bgy. San Miguel, Jordan Town in Guimaras. From Iloilo, Jordan, Guimaras can be reached by riding a pumpboat in Ortiz St., Iloilo City.

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

"Today the barren Anna claps her hands for joy, the earth radiates with light, kings sing their happiness, priests enjoy every blessing, the entire universe rejoices, for she who is queen and the Father's immaculate bride buds forth from the stem of Jesse" (adapted from Byzantine Daily Worship).

Remembering Mom

She is Gone

*A poem dedicated to the memory of my late mom, Esperanza.*

You can shed tears that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her Or you can be full of the love that you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she is gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

David Harkins

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.