Bittersweet St. Patrick's Day

If you're a Facebook friend or follow me on Twitter you'll know why today has been a bittersweet St. Patrick's Day. My niece's little daughter (my brother's granddaughter and my dad's first great grandchild) passed away at 5:30 this morning. On Monday she nearly drowned and she'd been in the hospital since that night. The oxygen was cut off from her brain and she was unresponsive though her pulse had been steady up until last night. The doctors told us to abandon hope yesterday and I stubbornly refused to. The chances of survival were at 20% but we still hoped and prayed. We were just recovering for the major blow of my dad's death (I was still heavily mourning a year ago) so this was horribly unexpected.

It's a little strange that my favorite day of the year (besides Christmas) will now be the anniversary of my little niece's death. I seriously looked forward to this day more than I do my birthday. This was going to be the first year I would celebrate St. Patrick's Day with confirmation that I'm actually part Irish (it was confirmed while going through my father's things and family tree). I'm sure in the coming years I'll be able to look at today as being the day in which my dad was joined by his first great granddaughter in heaven and will celebrate her life like I would any other member of my life. Today, I will mourn her death.

If y'all could please say a little prayer for my little niece, I would greatly appreciate it. May her mother (my older niece), her grandparents (my brother and sister-in-law), and the rest of the family make it through this time.

I'm sorry for such a downer post. I actually planned on talking about Irish Catholic traditions and more about my discovery of my Irish heritage (which was amazing for this Hibernophile) but maybe I'll wait until next year.

I hope y'all have a great St. Patrick's Day and that those who will go out drinking will be safe and have a designated driver.

Catholic Media Promotion Day

I know, I know... I'm a little late posting this as it's nearly 9 p.m. but today is my long day (Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm on campus all day) so I have a valid excuse. ;) I am actually supposed to be doing Statistics (ah, math class) homework but I think writing this post is a good excuse to put it off a little while longer. ;)

Anyway, today is "Catholic Media Promotion Day" and I wanted to contribute to it by posting this blog post with links to my favorite sites, blogs, podcasts, etc.

Three blogs:
- What Does The Prayer Really Say?. Fr. Z is the man. Can we please hire him at my CINO college so that we can get a proper education?

- Catholica Omnia. Not only is Thomas my occasional partner in tweeting crime (if you have either one of us on Twitter you'll know what I mean, lol), but I've gotten a lot of great use of the Catechism posts he's been posting for the past year.

- Catholic Fire. One of the first Catholic blogs I followed shortly after creating this one, I've learned a lot from Jean Heimann.

Three Websites:
- Catholic News Agency This site, along with the one below (Zenit) are the first places I look for my news of the Catholic world.

- Zenit I get their news delivered to my inbox on a daily basis which makes it easy for my "always at school/doing homework" schedule.

- CatholicsConfess.It Created by my good friend Andrew (who's also my "go-to" guy for advice), this is the new kid on the block. I used it for my last confession and I will continue using it... and you should do the same.

Three Podcasts:
- The Break with Fr. Roderick An awesome priest who embraces his geeky side. Enough said.

- The SaintCast. Dr. Paul Camarata, whom I interviewed from Catholic Blogger Month, hasn't updated the podcast much in months but it's worth going back to listen to past episodes.

- Catholic Foodie. Hi, my name is Emmy... I'm a Catholic, a foodie, and I listen to Catholic Foodie. If you haven't checked out this podcast, do it... now.

Random Catholic Stuff Online:
- Patrick Madrid. Do I even need to introduce him to y'all? lol. One of my favorite apologists whom I'm lucky enough to call a friend.

- Grace Before Meals. Like I said, I'm a foodie. lol. Also, Fr. Leo has great recipes and he does an excellent job on weaving food and faith together.

- 54 Day Rosary Novena. I've done the novena twice already and I cannot recommend it enough.

My Own Projects:
- Journey of a Catholic Nerd Writer. Have I thanked y'all enough for continuing to read my blog? Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!

- Envoy Magazine. Once upon a time I was just a girl with a blog. Then Patrick Madrid stumbled upon this blog and before you knew it I was offered the amazing opportunity to write to Envoy Magazine. My first article, A Gift From My Father, debuted in issue 9.3 and I will keep y'all updated when the next article is released. :)

- To Be Announced. Apart from my first novel, a good friend of mine and I are in the process of creating a website aimed to a specific demographic which we feel is currently being overlooked. Stay tuned for more inform. ;)

And that is it. I'm sorry this post is so short but I still have math homework to do and I'm in the final month and a half of the semester so you know I'm all over it like white on rice. lol. :) As soon as I get a break from homework (hopefully on Friday), I will finish and post the Lenten post I've been working on. :)

I hope y'all had a great day and have a wonderful rest of week. :D

As always, thanks for reading and God Bless. :D

Novena to St. Gemma Galgani: Day Nine

Day 9
Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, Saint Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring.

Oh most lovable St Gemma, we ask you to be our patroness and special friend today and always. Assist us in our daily spiritual and material needs and teach us to know, love and serve the Lord our God with all our hearts. Accompany us, along with our guardian Angel, in all our ways, and guide us lovingly to Heaven. Assist us at the time of our death along with Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and plead our cause before God, and trusting in His great mercy and the Passion of Jesus thy Spouse, obtain for us the salvation of our souls, and also the favor that we now humbly request (mention request).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Sain Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession the favor that we humbly request, and through the Passion Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to St. Gemma Galgani: Day Eight

Day 8
Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring.

Oh most fervent St Gemma, so many times you shed countless tears over your sins, and sought constantly to do penance and to make reparation for them. We who are so inclined to pamper ourselves, always seeking to gratify our senses and excuse ourselves from every penance, help us to recognize the infinite sufferings that Jesus endured for our sins, and all the pains we caused Him, and with the Passion of Jesus in mind, obtain for us a great sorrow and desire to never commit such sins again.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession the favor that we humbly request (mention request), and through the Passion Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to St. Gemma Galgani: Day Seven

Day 7
Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring.

Oh holy saint of the Passion of Jesus, St Gemma, as a soul victim you were always pleading for the salvation of sinners. Obtain for us, we beg you, not only the grace that we are asking, if it would be God’s will (mention request) but most importantly obtain for us the conversion and salvation of our souls, so that someday we may be untied with Jesus, Mary and you for all eternity.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession, the favor that we humbly request, and through the Passion Death and Resurrection of Thy Son may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to St. Gemma Galgani: Day Six

Day 6
Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring.

Beloved Gem of Christ St Gemma, whose heart was all on fire for the love of God, teach us to love God with all our hearts, minds and souls, and fervently place God above all things, so “ that where our treasure is, there also will our heart be.” (Matt 6:21)

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession, the favor that we humbly request (mention request), and through the Passion Death and Resurrection of Thy Son may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to St. Gemma Galgani: Day Five

Day 5
Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring.

Oh glorious St Gemma, for years you greatly desired to enter the consecrated religious life, but God desired otherwise, telling you after many years that it was not to be, and thereby causing you such great disappointment. Yet, you accepted this great sacrifice and resigned yourself to the will of God. Teach us then, dear St Gemma, to accept the sacrifices or sufferings that God sends us, especially those that are very much against our own will and desires.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession, the favor that we humbly request (mention request), and through the Passion Death and Resurrection of Thy Son may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to St. Gemma Galgani: Day Four

Day 4
Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring.

Blessed St Gemma, you who by the will of God, suffered the loss of both of your parents at a young age, and suffered countless pains in body and spirit, teach us how to sacrifice and to suffer out of love for God, that we too may expiate our sins here on earth, and thereby become more worthy of the infinite treasure of being united with God in heaven.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession the favor that we humbly request (mention request), and through the Passion Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Need to Examine Your Conscience, Minus an App?

Yes, there's an app for that... but what if you don't want to or can't use an app? Well, then I might have the right website for you. My friend Andrew has been working hard on a website (Catholics Confess) that will help you properly examine your conscience and it does something that the app I was previously using (the iConfession) doesn't... it allows you to write the number of times you've committed a particular sin to make a proper confession.

I've been through this website more than once, and even used it to examine my conscience for today's confession, so I can attest to it being very helpful. I even looked at Fr. Z's tips for a good examination of conscience which is also included in the website. By the way, I also went through the Youth option (yes, there are options based on your age) and was glad to see that it was tailored to teenagers so there is no excuse not to use it. :)

And a friendly reminder, Lent is coming up and it's the perfect time to go to confession if you haven't for a while. I know some of you aren't like me, at confession every two weeks (even if it's the "smallest venial sins" -- or so says my usual confessor) and wait a long time but please don't. It feels amazing to confess, to show that you're truly sorry for your sins, and to know that in being absolved you are able to receive the Eucharist. I've seen many adults go to confession for the first time in decades (I'm sort of a magnet for people who have gone over 25 years without confessing) and they come out with tears in their eyes and with a smile on their face. It's one of the best feelings so... what are you waiting for? Make use of Catholics Confess as many times as you'd like. It's literally good for your soul. :)

Alright, now that I've talked the talk, I'm going to go walk the (mile) walk. It's off to confessions for this sinner. :)

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend. :)

As always, thanks for reading and God Bless. :D

Novena to St. Gemma Galgani: Day Three

DAY 3
Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring.

O most loving virgin St. Gemma, with an intense love for Jesus you suffered immensely for the conversion of sinners as a victim for sin, and you loved others greatly, out of love for God. Do not forget us then, who remain here on earth, and look down with kindness on us who implore thee, in the confident hope of receiving this favor through thy loving intercession (mention request)

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
Pray for us, St. Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant St Gemma, into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession, the favor that we humbly request, and through the Passion Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to St. Gemma Galgani: Day Two

DAY 2
Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring.

O worthy Spouse of the Lamb of God and faithful virgin St Gemma, you preserved the innocence and splendor of virginity, giving to the world a bright example of purity and the most exalted virtues, look down with pity from thy high place in heaven upon us who confide in thee, as we implore thee for the favor we so ardently desire (mention request)

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
Pray for us, St. Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant St Gemma, into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession, the favor that we humbly request, and through the Passion Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to St. Gemma Galgani: Day One

As y'all know, I am a novena machine. I love praying novenas. Since St. Gemma Galgani's feast day is coming up, and since I've learned a lot about myself by learning about her own life and struggles, I thought I'd start her novena. :D I've already had a couple of prayer requests so if you have one yourself, please let me know. :)

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Day One:
Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring.

Most compassionate virgin, St. Gemma, during thy short life on earth, you gave a most beautiful example of angelic innocence and seraphic love and was found worthy to bear in thy flesh the marks of our Lord's Passion. Have pity on us who are so much in need of God's Mercy, and obtain for us through thy merits and intercession, the special favor which we now fervently implore (mention request)

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
Pray for us, St. Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant St Gemma, into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession, the favor that we humbly request, and through the Passion Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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I will post her novena (or the next part) throughout the next couple of days. I may write separate posts during these days and if I do I will post the novena first and the other entry second. :)

Anyway, I'm in the middle of cleaning (I just felt like going through everything in the house and cleaning) so I am going to try to finish that before the new Celtic Thunder show airs on PBS tonight. ;)

'Til next time, thanks for reading and God Bless! :D

Welcome to L.A., Archbishop Gomez!

I did the best I could do from my seat and with my aging camera. ;)

I'm not going to try to pretend that I am well-versed enough to write an amazing post about the changes that will happen and how much Archbishop Gomez already means to us. Attempting it might leave me feeling slightly embarrassed but I will say: Thank God for our new archbishop!

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez is officially our new archbishop and I couldn't be happier! Since I am on Spring Break this week I can't go around, frolicking all around campus... but I will next week. :D Of course there will be changes within the Archdiocese but these changes are entirely necessary. Is it too much to hope that these changes will also happen at my CINO college? I know there are people writing (and who've already written and sent their letters) to Archbishop Gomez about the state of my school but that's a whole 'nother topic and blog entry. ;)

As you can see from the (blurry) picture, I was present at the Ceremony of Transition this past Sunday. We got there very early and was able to meet both Cardinal Mahony and Archbishop Gomez. My mom was so excited that she was able to speak to Archbishop Gomez in Spanish; it was so cute. :) Last time L.A. had someone else in charge (other than Cardinal Mahony) was back when I was less than a week old (Cardinal Timothy Manning retired on June 4th, I was born on May 30th) so this was huge for me. With all due respect to Cardinal Mahony, I am excited to have someone who is more "conservative", orthodox and will uphold the teachings of the Church without compromise. To quote a Michael Bublé/Nina Simone song, "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me... and I'm feeling good."

I will admit that I cried a minimum of three times during the Mass. When Cardinal Mahony's coat of arms was taken down and Archbishop Gomez's was put up and when Archbishop Gomez sat in the chair, I cried. I'm sensitive and I'm woman enough to admit that. lol. Seriously, though, they were tears of joy. I was happy, relieved, and excited all at once. It's silly to think this but... I actually thought "Oh good, now I can wear my mantilla and not feel like I'm a walking target." lol. There were women at the Mass wearing mantillas and I felt a solidarity. Things have been looking up since we found out he was coming to L.A. but it was a lot more obvious at the Mass. I may be attending Mass at the Cathedral more often as it's not too far for me, especially since there is a new, warmer, vibe at the Cathedral. :D

Anyway, I fear I will just repeat myself and that my already random cluster of thoughts will leave y'all confused so I should stop writing before I turn into a babbling nerd. :D

Welcome to Los Angeles, Archbishop Gomez! We're glad you already feel at home and we cannot wait to see you lead us into a brighter era. :)