LEAVES Website for July-August 2019 Issue
Excerpted from “Leaflets” column:
St. Teresa of Avila offers us a beautiful perspective on prayer: “Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.” This is a reminder that prayer does not have to be formal or scheduled. It can be simple and silently expressed just in our hearts.
When we are close friends or family with someone, we can feel free to drop by anytime for a visit. We know we are welcome. No need to call ahead, just show up at the door and we are welcomed with love.
The Lord who loves us perfectly is certainly even more welcoming and loving when we knock on His door in prayer. He is available to us at all times and in all places. We need not even give voice to our prayer. His recognition of our love is not bound by any human condition of sight, hearing or touch.
Because of our humanity we sometimes encounter distractions in prayer. Perhaps there is background noise or activity. Or there are times when we are anxious, nervous or sad and we cannot seem to concentrate when praying.
When we are distracted and unable to pray as we would like, it is sometimes helpful to repeat over and over a word that brings God to mind. Try repeating words such as faith, love, hope, peace and mercy. Of course, there are others. Choose one that has special meaning to you. These simple words have the power to bring us even closer to the Lord.
Let us practice mental prayer as often as possible. The benefit of this kind of prayer is that it can be done no matter our circumstances. If we find we are having difficulty with mental prayer, we might try thinking of that one single word that we associate with God.
… May God grant you abundant blessings always - Fr. Thomas Heier, C.M.M.
Excerpted from “Our Family Album”:
St. Jude Helps Brother
I have a friend whose brother was an alcoholic all his life. He is now 65 and a few months ago he became so bad, he was ready to go over the edge. No matter how hard we prayed for him to get well, or no matter what we did, nothing helped him. I gave my friend the St. Jude novena prayer to say for her brother.
My friend said the St. Jude prayer each day for three weeks. All of a sudden her brother stopped drinking and he found a church to go to that he loves. He goes every week and just loves it so much. All the parishioners like him and he is so much at home.
The brother faithfully attends his weekly AA meetings, and for the first time in his life he is a well and happy person. His whole life has turned completely around for him. His sister is so happy now, as before she was depressed and sick with worry over her brother.
I know my friend knows that it was St. Jude who helped her brother and changed his life for the better. Praise and thanks to dear St. Jude who truly cares and intercedes for us! - Miss C.H.
St. Anthony to the Rescue
One of my two new hearing aids had to be returned, but I wore the other one to church. When I came home from church, I removed it and put it on my hat. Then I decided to move my hat and took it five feet away onto a chair that had clothes on it. Then I remembered my hearing aid!
Was my hearing aid mixed in with the clothes on the chair or was it with some papers on my bed, or where was it? After a quick prayer to St. Anthony, my toe touched something on the floor and there was my hearing aid, and it’s only one inch by one inch by one-half inch!
Six things are still missing - Name Withheld.
God Is At My Side
This donation is in honor of St. Anthony. He has been so very good to me, answers my prayers many times just about when it enters my mind to ask him to help me. Thank you that my daughter finally went for a colonoscopy after neglecting her health for years. Money and love of money is her whole life. I think she is finally seeing the light of God shines on her. Now if she would just continue with those medical tests, mammogram, etc., and thank God for her health, hopefully all will be good.
I just finished saying my eleventh Bread of St. Anthony. Mary, our mother, and St. Joseph have been so good to me as well. I am now a widow in my late 80s, living alone with God at my side as my guide. I thank God for all the years of safe driving, which I have now given up. I thank God for my four children, their spouses and seven grandchildren.
God has been good to me and I hope the loneliness will soon be overcome - Name Withheld.
Excerpted from Blessed Engelmar Testimonies:
A Life of
Blessed Engelmar
There is now available a booklet of the life of Blessed Engelmar Unzeitig, C.M.M. You may receive a free copy of it by sending a stamped (postage for one ounce), self-addressed envelope to us at: LEAVES, P.O. Box 87, Dearborn, MI 48121-0087.
I have been reading LEAVES for many years and am very grateful for this wonderful magazine. Thank you. Seeing the Bl. Engelmar’s testimonies prompted me to request a novena booklet of Bl. Engelmar so I can seek his help in a situation concerning a member of my family. This person has been struggling for over two years with a work problem that is being unjustly dealt with and is causing many health and career problems. God bless the work of Mariannhill - M/M H.G.
+ + +
This promised donation is in answer to petition prayers to Bl. Engelmar, Ss. Therese, Jude, Anne, Joseph, Rita and all the saints who interceded to our Lord on my behalf. I also prayed the 54-Day Rosary Novena.
My son and daughter-in-law had to go through extensive testing on the baby she is pregnant with. With all the help of prayers and novenas said and the intercession of angels, their reports came back positive and good.
God is good! We are so thankful! And now we are waiting in anticipation for the blessing of a new baby - Name Withheld.
+ + +
I said the Novena to Fr. Engelmar for my wife to go to counseling. She is going. Thank you, Fr. Engelmar - Michael.
Novena in Honor of
Abbot Francis Pfanner
Abbot Francis Pfanner founded Mariannhill Monastery, and 110 years ago its monks became the Congregation of Missionaries of Mariannhill. He was not only a great missionary, but also a holy man. The cause for his beatification has begun. We have available a novena in his honor and will send you a free copy of it when you send a stamped (postage for one ounce), self-addressed envelope to us at: LEAVES, P.O. Box 87, Dearborn, MI 48121-0087.
Solanus Casey Prayer
Father, I adore you. I give myself to you. May I be the person you want me to be and may your will be done in my life today.
Thank you for the gifts you gave to Fr. Solanus. If it is your will, glorify him on earth so that others will carry on his love for the poor, lonely and suffering of our world.
In order that others will joyfully accept your divine plan, I ask you to hear this prayer (mention your request here) through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
Motorist’s Prayer
Lord, grant me a steady hand and a watchful eye
That no one may be hurt when I pass by.
You gave life; I pray no act of mine
May take away or mar that act of Thine.
Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear me company
From evil of fire and all calamity.
Teach me to use my car for others’ need,
Nor miss through love of speed
The beauty of this world, that thus I may
With joy and courtesy go happily life’s way
And reach without mishap - eternal day.
Amen.
(Attributed to Cardinal Stritch)
That
By EG Ted Davis
That which I digest
from that which grows,
that which I drink
from that which flows -
It is these things, Father,
That I thank Thee for.
How Do We
Get to Heaven?
By Margaret Peterson
We don’t need a compass to get to heaven;
The Bible points the way.
Page after page of love is there,
Ready to read each day.
The things we do are a prayer itself -
We’re working for the Lord! -
Hoping our deeds can be written in gold,
Worthy of God’s reward.
Words
By Kathleen Fessler
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight”
(Ps. 19:14).
Our words are meant to bless
And never to cause strife,
Words full of encouragement
And thoughts that bless one’s life.
You tell us in Your word, Lord,
To watch words that we say,
That they will be acceptable
To You in every way.
Help us, Holy Spirit,
Not only in our talk
But in our thinking also,
As in Your light we walk.
Grandchildren
By A.M. Deutsch
Treasures from heaven,
What else could they be?
Little grandchildren
So precious to me.
Joy beyond words,
Budding little flowers,
Just for this grandma
To play with for hours.
Little feet that run
Never have time to walk,
A voice that never stops
Talk, talk, talk.
Eyes closed in peaceful slumber,
Toys all put away,
Sweet dreams, my darlings,
Tomorrow is another day.
(This poem was written for my three grandchildren: Brandon, Brooklyn and Brett - the three busy bees.)
Excerpted from “Leaflets” column:
St. Teresa of Avila offers us a beautiful perspective on prayer: “Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.” This is a reminder that prayer does not have to be formal or scheduled. It can be simple and silently expressed just in our hearts.
When we are close friends or family with someone, we can feel free to drop by anytime for a visit. We know we are welcome. No need to call ahead, just show up at the door and we are welcomed with love.
The Lord who loves us perfectly is certainly even more welcoming and loving when we knock on His door in prayer. He is available to us at all times and in all places. We need not even give voice to our prayer. His recognition of our love is not bound by any human condition of sight, hearing or touch.
Because of our humanity we sometimes encounter distractions in prayer. Perhaps there is background noise or activity. Or there are times when we are anxious, nervous or sad and we cannot seem to concentrate when praying.
When we are distracted and unable to pray as we would like, it is sometimes helpful to repeat over and over a word that brings God to mind. Try repeating words such as faith, love, hope, peace and mercy. Of course, there are others. Choose one that has special meaning to you. These simple words have the power to bring us even closer to the Lord.
Let us practice mental prayer as often as possible. The benefit of this kind of prayer is that it can be done no matter our circumstances. If we find we are having difficulty with mental prayer, we might try thinking of that one single word that we associate with God.
… May God grant you abundant blessings always - Fr. Thomas Heier, C.M.M.
Excerpted from “Our Family Album”:
St. Jude Helps Brother
I have a friend whose brother was an alcoholic all his life. He is now 65 and a few months ago he became so bad, he was ready to go over the edge. No matter how hard we prayed for him to get well, or no matter what we did, nothing helped him. I gave my friend the St. Jude novena prayer to say for her brother.
My friend said the St. Jude prayer each day for three weeks. All of a sudden her brother stopped drinking and he found a church to go to that he loves. He goes every week and just loves it so much. All the parishioners like him and he is so much at home.
The brother faithfully attends his weekly AA meetings, and for the first time in his life he is a well and happy person. His whole life has turned completely around for him. His sister is so happy now, as before she was depressed and sick with worry over her brother.
I know my friend knows that it was St. Jude who helped her brother and changed his life for the better. Praise and thanks to dear St. Jude who truly cares and intercedes for us! - Miss C.H.
St. Anthony to the Rescue
One of my two new hearing aids had to be returned, but I wore the other one to church. When I came home from church, I removed it and put it on my hat. Then I decided to move my hat and took it five feet away onto a chair that had clothes on it. Then I remembered my hearing aid!
Was my hearing aid mixed in with the clothes on the chair or was it with some papers on my bed, or where was it? After a quick prayer to St. Anthony, my toe touched something on the floor and there was my hearing aid, and it’s only one inch by one inch by one-half inch!
Six things are still missing - Name Withheld.
God Is At My Side
This donation is in honor of St. Anthony. He has been so very good to me, answers my prayers many times just about when it enters my mind to ask him to help me. Thank you that my daughter finally went for a colonoscopy after neglecting her health for years. Money and love of money is her whole life. I think she is finally seeing the light of God shines on her. Now if she would just continue with those medical tests, mammogram, etc., and thank God for her health, hopefully all will be good.
I just finished saying my eleventh Bread of St. Anthony. Mary, our mother, and St. Joseph have been so good to me as well. I am now a widow in my late 80s, living alone with God at my side as my guide. I thank God for all the years of safe driving, which I have now given up. I thank God for my four children, their spouses and seven grandchildren.
God has been good to me and I hope the loneliness will soon be overcome - Name Withheld.
Excerpted from Blessed Engelmar Testimonies:
A Life of
Blessed Engelmar
There is now available a booklet of the life of Blessed Engelmar Unzeitig, C.M.M. You may receive a free copy of it by sending a stamped (postage for one ounce), self-addressed envelope to us at: LEAVES, P.O. Box 87, Dearborn, MI 48121-0087.
I have been reading LEAVES for many years and am very grateful for this wonderful magazine. Thank you. Seeing the Bl. Engelmar’s testimonies prompted me to request a novena booklet of Bl. Engelmar so I can seek his help in a situation concerning a member of my family. This person has been struggling for over two years with a work problem that is being unjustly dealt with and is causing many health and career problems. God bless the work of Mariannhill - M/M H.G.
+ + +
This promised donation is in answer to petition prayers to Bl. Engelmar, Ss. Therese, Jude, Anne, Joseph, Rita and all the saints who interceded to our Lord on my behalf. I also prayed the 54-Day Rosary Novena.
My son and daughter-in-law had to go through extensive testing on the baby she is pregnant with. With all the help of prayers and novenas said and the intercession of angels, their reports came back positive and good.
God is good! We are so thankful! And now we are waiting in anticipation for the blessing of a new baby - Name Withheld.
+ + +
I said the Novena to Fr. Engelmar for my wife to go to counseling. She is going. Thank you, Fr. Engelmar - Michael.
Novena in Honor of
Abbot Francis Pfanner
Abbot Francis Pfanner founded Mariannhill Monastery, and 110 years ago its monks became the Congregation of Missionaries of Mariannhill. He was not only a great missionary, but also a holy man. The cause for his beatification has begun. We have available a novena in his honor and will send you a free copy of it when you send a stamped (postage for one ounce), self-addressed envelope to us at: LEAVES, P.O. Box 87, Dearborn, MI 48121-0087.
Solanus Casey Prayer
Father, I adore you. I give myself to you. May I be the person you want me to be and may your will be done in my life today.
Thank you for the gifts you gave to Fr. Solanus. If it is your will, glorify him on earth so that others will carry on his love for the poor, lonely and suffering of our world.
In order that others will joyfully accept your divine plan, I ask you to hear this prayer (mention your request here) through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
Motorist’s Prayer
Lord, grant me a steady hand and a watchful eye
That no one may be hurt when I pass by.
You gave life; I pray no act of mine
May take away or mar that act of Thine.
Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear me company
From evil of fire and all calamity.
Teach me to use my car for others’ need,
Nor miss through love of speed
The beauty of this world, that thus I may
With joy and courtesy go happily life’s way
And reach without mishap - eternal day.
Amen.
(Attributed to Cardinal Stritch)
That
By EG Ted Davis
That which I digest
from that which grows,
that which I drink
from that which flows -
It is these things, Father,
That I thank Thee for.
How Do We
Get to Heaven?
By Margaret Peterson
We don’t need a compass to get to heaven;
The Bible points the way.
Page after page of love is there,
Ready to read each day.
The things we do are a prayer itself -
We’re working for the Lord! -
Hoping our deeds can be written in gold,
Worthy of God’s reward.
Words
By Kathleen Fessler
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight”
(Ps. 19:14).
Our words are meant to bless
And never to cause strife,
Words full of encouragement
And thoughts that bless one’s life.
You tell us in Your word, Lord,
To watch words that we say,
That they will be acceptable
To You in every way.
Help us, Holy Spirit,
Not only in our talk
But in our thinking also,
As in Your light we walk.
Grandchildren
By A.M. Deutsch
Treasures from heaven,
What else could they be?
Little grandchildren
So precious to me.
Joy beyond words,
Budding little flowers,
Just for this grandma
To play with for hours.
Little feet that run
Never have time to walk,
A voice that never stops
Talk, talk, talk.
Eyes closed in peaceful slumber,
Toys all put away,
Sweet dreams, my darlings,
Tomorrow is another day.
(This poem was written for my three grandchildren: Brandon, Brooklyn and Brett - the three busy bees.)