A Temple of the Holy Spirit

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Daniel & Catherine ready for Confirmation I had the privilege of witnessing my son and daughter receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this past Tuesday at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Lancaster, OH. It was a wonderful Mass with a full choir, trumpets, and all the rest. During his remarks, Bishop Earl K. Fernandes mentioned that we too, like the Basilica, are temples of the Lord. It caused me to reflect on this idea. Although I've mostly seen only pictures of the great cathedrals and basilicas in the world, I have seen some amazing churches even in our own diocese. These structures are a testament to the Church's love for God (read the entire Church - Militant, Suffering, Triumphant). They represent great skill, sacrifice, and passion for Our Lord and often times His Mother.  Yet the words of Christ always echo in my mind when contemplating the beauty that surrounds me in those places; “ Do you see these great buildings? There will not be one stone left u
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That battle

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I haven't posted for a few days for many reasons. I've been undergoing some serious spiritual warfare this week. I think much of it has been brought on by the parish mission we are having. The priest, Father Sharbel Francis Mary, F.I, has been wonderful and has given many of us a lot to consider in our spiritual life. Of course, when we move the from thinking about the change to willing it the devil is there in an instant. Fr. Sharbel said that some saints liken Satan to the wind (see Matthew 7:25) because you don't know where he comes from but he appears to come out of nowhere trying to "blow" us off course or off the "foundation" if you will.

The battle has been intense at times. We're not talking Saint Pio intense but intense nonetheless. Yet, of course, God has been faithful even when I have been weak and I praise Him for that. I did watch the new Padre Pio movie from Ignatius and found it to be very inspiring. I highly recommend it to all.

I have also begun praying a "Prayer of Humility" written by Cardinal Val, Secretary of State to Pope Saint Pius X. It is a difficult prayer to recite from the heart. What I have found to be even more difficult is God's answering of this prayer. This is one prayer that is guaranteed to draw a response from Our Lord, be ready!

I am also preparing for two mission talks that I will be giving next week in Waverly, OH. The talks are on Mary and her role in Conversion and a talk on Confession.

So please pray for me for as you see I am often tempted to walk away, give up the fight, float downstream. If you can, offer a little penance for me. I have found, after studying about Padre Pio that those little penances have incredible power.

I hope to post more regularly in the future. Maybe I'll post my mission talks if they go well, please Lord!

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