LEAVES Website for July-August 2021 Issue
Excerpted from “Leaflets” column:
The Holy Father’s Apostleship of Prayer Intention for July is for social friendship: “We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.” There has been an abundance of divisiveness of late. In many arenas voices are raised in conflict and even violence erupts.
There is a saying that one can disagree without being disagreeable. No two people will ever agree on absolutely everything; however, that does not mean that love and friendship cannot prevail. And it should, whether the conversation relates to social, economic or political issues or not.
An important part of any discussion is listening to the other person’s point of view respectfully. Too often we think we know what the other person believes, and we do not. Giving people an opportunity to explain things in their own words can clarify their position.
When we articulate our own view, we should do so without personally attacking someone who holds a different view. People do not respond well to judgmental pronouncements. Alienating others by using insulting or harsh language does not end in winning anyone over to your side.
Initiating a free exchange of ideas can often result in compromises that are solutions that were not even previously entertained. Often these are better than the original ideas each party brought to the debate. Discussions can allow us to creatively examine a situation.
It is up to all of us to courageously and passionately be “architects of dialogue and friendship” in our homes and in our communities. Let peaceful exchange resolve conflict. As the song goes: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
The middle of July offers a number of special days in the Church’s calendar. July 14 we celebrate St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American to be elevated to sainthood. Known as the Lily of the Mohawks, she was born in 1656 in what is now New York State. She became severely scarred by smallpox, a disease that took her family.
After converting to the Catholic Church, Kateri traveled to a Jesuit mission located south of Montreal in present-day Canada, where she lived until her death in 1680. Taking a vow of virginity, she was known for living a chaste life and practicing self-mortifications. After death her awful smallpox scars were miraculously gone and her face was once again beautiful and shimmering.
Pope Benedict XVI canonized Kateri a on Oct. 21, 2012. Many miracles have been attributed to her intercession. She is the patron saint of Native Americans, the environment and ecology, and the exiled. St. Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us!
July 15 is the feast day of St. Bonaventure, an Italian theologian who was born around 1217 and died in 1274. An eloquent preacher with a keen intellect, he was declared a Doctor of the Church, the Seraphic Doctor, in 1587. He reformed the Franciscan Order and was known as a man of sanctity, wisdom and truth. St. Bonaventure is the patron saint of bowel disorders.
July 16 the Church celebrates Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a devotion dating back to the time of the Crusades. Given the many testimonies of the LEAVES family, it is quite evident that Our Lady has been a powerful intercessor for us. Her novena is very popular and is prayed for three consecutive days:
O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven; O Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin; assist me in my necessity. Amen.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patron of the Carmelites and is also prayed to for protection from harm and dangerous situations and for deliverance from purgatory.
Take some moments to reflect on St. Kateri, St. Bonaventure and Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Ask for their assistance and emulate their personal qualities that have inspired so many throughout the ages. Check out page two for the August feasts and memorials in the liturgical calendar.
May God grant you abundant blessings always – Fr. Thomas Heier, C.M.M.
Excerpted from “Our Family Album”:
Mary and Saints Intervene
I am writing in thanksgiving for a great favor granted through the intervention of Mother Mary, Ss. Anthony and Jude. My husband had lost both of his hearing aids after laying them on the opened end gate of our pickup truck. It had been a very hot day and he didn’t want to get the hearing aids wet, as he did some bush and tree trimming at the neighbor’s farm.
My husband drove the one mile home before realizing he had forgotten about the hearing aids! He and I both looked for the lost hearing aids, but we could not find them. I prayed to Mother Mary, St. Anthony and St. Jude and promised to send LEAVES a donation in thanksgiving if the hearing aids were found.
It still amazes me and my husband as to how we found both of the hearing aids laying in our yard a mile away and close together when found. We are so grateful to Mother Mary and these helpful saints.
I have been receiving LEAVES magazine for over 50 years. I look forward to receiving every issue. Keep up the good work! – Bonnie G.
St. Christopher
Leads Me Home
My donation is in thanksgiving in finding a lost St. Christopher medal that I have had for years. It is very special to me, as I had it with me when I was driving and I suffered a stroke.
I did not crash and I made it home safely without incident, except for not knowing where I was at times, or how I even got there, all this happening at night.
It wasn’t until I got home that my wife noticed something was amiss. She called the nurse hotline, talked with them and they advised bringing me to the hospital. This was at 10:30 p.m. We promptly went there and were accompanied by our two sons.
The emergency room evaluated me and recommended an MRI and EEG. I was admitted to the hospital and stayed overnight. The next morning the neurologist came by and confirmed that I had suffered a stroke on the left side of my brain.
The doctor looked me over and checked my physical awareness, speech, motor skills, reflexes, etc. He determined that I had no after effects, but kept me in the hospital for another day.
You can understand why the St. Christopher medal is dear to me – 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 know you have heard it a million times: “The Power of Prayer!”
Well, as I was praying the last hour of the “Never Fail” Nine-Hour Novena, I got the call that my granddaughter had gotten the job she wanted in D.C. and had received her hire date. Praise be to God! Also, I need to give credit to St. Therese and the Five-Day Novena which I finished in the morning and to Bl. Engelmar Unzeitig whose novena was only two-thirds finished. My donation is for Mariannhill’s mission work. God bless us all! – Elizabeth K.
+ + +
My donation is for favors granted by Bl. Engelmar. Please pray for good health for my daughter, her family and me. Thank you – S.B.
+ + +
Recently I broke my wrist in two places. I am 89 years old. I couldn’t sleep very well for several weeks. I started thinking of how much Bl. Engelmar suffered and soon after that I started to sleep better. My enclosed donation is in thanksgiving – Marjorie S.
Abbot Francis Pfanner
I wish to say that Abbot Pfanner helped me again. I prayed to him from April 21-29. I had a dentist appointment and it went well. I prayed to him again from May 3-11. A tooth had a cavity under the cap. They filled the cavity and made a new cap. I was there for three hours and it went well. We don’t have dental insurance so it is always scary when we go to the dentist. God bless Mariannhill! – Mrs. Mary G.
Novena in Honor of
Abbot Francis Pfanner
Abbot Francis Pfanner founded Mariannhill Monastery, and 112 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.
Nine-Day Novena Prayer Honoring Bl. Solanus
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 Father Solanus.
If it is Your will, glorify him on earth
So that others will carry on his work
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 (special request here)
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to St. Roch
O merciful St. Roch, recalling to mind your glorious life of service to the sick and infirm, I am confident in seeking your help in my present illness. It was Our Lord’s will that I receive this infirmity and now I ask that, if it be His holy will, I be relieved of my suffering and be restored to health.
During your lifetime you spent countless hours in taking care of sufferers from the plague and were always ready to help others by kindly service and fervent prayers. I beseech you now, dear saint, to obtain for me help in my present troubles. I confidently invoke your prayers and know that, if it be for my own good, God will hear your supplications and grant this favor.
Merciful Jesus, hear my prayers and the prayers of St. Roch and, in your tender compassion, send down your graces to your humble servant. Grant that I may be physically well and spiritually healthy. Amen.
[St. Roch was the son of a wealthy French nobleman. He lived around the beginning of the 14th century. As a young man, he joined the Third Order of St. Francis. He traveled to Italy where, in the midst of plagues, he cared for and miraculously cured many. His feast day is Aug. 17 and he is the patron against contagious diseases.]
Trust His Love
By Anonymous
I asked the Lord to answer my prayer,
I thought I knew what was best.
After many prayers and days
There was silence to my request.
I did not greatly worry,
Because Our Savior has a plan.
Although at times we wonder,
We cannot make demands.
Now looking back upon my life
In retrospect, I see
His wisdom, love and understanding
Were always there for me.
Though life has many twists and turns,
One thing to keep in mind:
He’ll safely see you on your way
Till heaven you arrive.
A Quiet Place
By Grace E. Easley
Each man needs a quiet place
Wherein to meet God face to face,
A very private interlude
In which no one may intrude.
There are things one cannot share
With another anywhere,
Feelings that the heart has known,
Only meant for God alone.
Heartache often leaves a scar,
Being human as we are,
But in crowds one cannot find
That illusive peace of mind.
There’s a bit of hermit in
The most ordinary men
Who must leave the beaten track
To get their lost perspective back.
And though it is very true
That “no man is an island,” you
Must stop awhile and walk apart
To hear the music of your heart.
Cast off the old distractions, find
God’s love beyond the dawn of time,
And entering a quiet place
Speak to your Maker, face to face.
What Can We Count On?
By Margaret Peterson
Some things can be depended upon –
The sun will rise in the east,
Happiness can come without any warning
When you expected it least.
A rainbow appears after a storm,
The sun goes to sleep in the west.
At times we may question God’s holy plan,
But always He knows what is best.
One more thing we can count upon
Each morning when we arise
Is God will be with us, if we take time to pray.
He is worth all our pain and our sighs!
Really Loving
By Bernice Laux
It’s not only the hungry,
crippled and blind
whose hearts feel pain
in the misery they find,
not only the homeless
or obvious ones
who feel forsaken
and the world does shun.
Know that everyone
has hurts galore.
As the saying goes,
Knock on any door.
Listen to these words,
“Love one another.”
That means everyone,
for everyone’s our brother!
If we loved each other,
as Jesus said we should
with hearts that really care,
we would do a lot of good!
My Everything
(The Holy Spirit often enlightens me to write a poem of praise to God! I have written the poem below, one of many I have composed) – S. Hodonos.
Jesus, my Rock, my everything,
My joy, my hope, my very being.
He gives me life and prospers me,
And gives me life eternally.
You are my Lord, my everything,
In you I live and have my being.
Excerpted from “Leaflets” column:
The Holy Father’s Apostleship of Prayer Intention for July is for social friendship: “We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.” There has been an abundance of divisiveness of late. In many arenas voices are raised in conflict and even violence erupts.
There is a saying that one can disagree without being disagreeable. No two people will ever agree on absolutely everything; however, that does not mean that love and friendship cannot prevail. And it should, whether the conversation relates to social, economic or political issues or not.
An important part of any discussion is listening to the other person’s point of view respectfully. Too often we think we know what the other person believes, and we do not. Giving people an opportunity to explain things in their own words can clarify their position.
When we articulate our own view, we should do so without personally attacking someone who holds a different view. People do not respond well to judgmental pronouncements. Alienating others by using insulting or harsh language does not end in winning anyone over to your side.
Initiating a free exchange of ideas can often result in compromises that are solutions that were not even previously entertained. Often these are better than the original ideas each party brought to the debate. Discussions can allow us to creatively examine a situation.
It is up to all of us to courageously and passionately be “architects of dialogue and friendship” in our homes and in our communities. Let peaceful exchange resolve conflict. As the song goes: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
The middle of July offers a number of special days in the Church’s calendar. July 14 we celebrate St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American to be elevated to sainthood. Known as the Lily of the Mohawks, she was born in 1656 in what is now New York State. She became severely scarred by smallpox, a disease that took her family.
After converting to the Catholic Church, Kateri traveled to a Jesuit mission located south of Montreal in present-day Canada, where she lived until her death in 1680. Taking a vow of virginity, she was known for living a chaste life and practicing self-mortifications. After death her awful smallpox scars were miraculously gone and her face was once again beautiful and shimmering.
Pope Benedict XVI canonized Kateri a on Oct. 21, 2012. Many miracles have been attributed to her intercession. She is the patron saint of Native Americans, the environment and ecology, and the exiled. St. Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us!
July 15 is the feast day of St. Bonaventure, an Italian theologian who was born around 1217 and died in 1274. An eloquent preacher with a keen intellect, he was declared a Doctor of the Church, the Seraphic Doctor, in 1587. He reformed the Franciscan Order and was known as a man of sanctity, wisdom and truth. St. Bonaventure is the patron saint of bowel disorders.
July 16 the Church celebrates Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a devotion dating back to the time of the Crusades. Given the many testimonies of the LEAVES family, it is quite evident that Our Lady has been a powerful intercessor for us. Her novena is very popular and is prayed for three consecutive days:
O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven; O Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin; assist me in my necessity. Amen.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patron of the Carmelites and is also prayed to for protection from harm and dangerous situations and for deliverance from purgatory.
Take some moments to reflect on St. Kateri, St. Bonaventure and Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Ask for their assistance and emulate their personal qualities that have inspired so many throughout the ages. Check out page two for the August feasts and memorials in the liturgical calendar.
May God grant you abundant blessings always – Fr. Thomas Heier, C.M.M.
Excerpted from “Our Family Album”:
Mary and Saints Intervene
I am writing in thanksgiving for a great favor granted through the intervention of Mother Mary, Ss. Anthony and Jude. My husband had lost both of his hearing aids after laying them on the opened end gate of our pickup truck. It had been a very hot day and he didn’t want to get the hearing aids wet, as he did some bush and tree trimming at the neighbor’s farm.
My husband drove the one mile home before realizing he had forgotten about the hearing aids! He and I both looked for the lost hearing aids, but we could not find them. I prayed to Mother Mary, St. Anthony and St. Jude and promised to send LEAVES a donation in thanksgiving if the hearing aids were found.
It still amazes me and my husband as to how we found both of the hearing aids laying in our yard a mile away and close together when found. We are so grateful to Mother Mary and these helpful saints.
I have been receiving LEAVES magazine for over 50 years. I look forward to receiving every issue. Keep up the good work! – Bonnie G.
St. Christopher
Leads Me Home
My donation is in thanksgiving in finding a lost St. Christopher medal that I have had for years. It is very special to me, as I had it with me when I was driving and I suffered a stroke.
I did not crash and I made it home safely without incident, except for not knowing where I was at times, or how I even got there, all this happening at night.
It wasn’t until I got home that my wife noticed something was amiss. She called the nurse hotline, talked with them and they advised bringing me to the hospital. This was at 10:30 p.m. We promptly went there and were accompanied by our two sons.
The emergency room evaluated me and recommended an MRI and EEG. I was admitted to the hospital and stayed overnight. The next morning the neurologist came by and confirmed that I had suffered a stroke on the left side of my brain.
The doctor looked me over and checked my physical awareness, speech, motor skills, reflexes, etc. He determined that I had no after effects, but kept me in the hospital for another day.
You can understand why the St. Christopher medal is dear to me – 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 know you have heard it a million times: “The Power of Prayer!”
Well, as I was praying the last hour of the “Never Fail” Nine-Hour Novena, I got the call that my granddaughter had gotten the job she wanted in D.C. and had received her hire date. Praise be to God! Also, I need to give credit to St. Therese and the Five-Day Novena which I finished in the morning and to Bl. Engelmar Unzeitig whose novena was only two-thirds finished. My donation is for Mariannhill’s mission work. God bless us all! – Elizabeth K.
+ + +
My donation is for favors granted by Bl. Engelmar. Please pray for good health for my daughter, her family and me. Thank you – S.B.
+ + +
Recently I broke my wrist in two places. I am 89 years old. I couldn’t sleep very well for several weeks. I started thinking of how much Bl. Engelmar suffered and soon after that I started to sleep better. My enclosed donation is in thanksgiving – Marjorie S.
Abbot Francis Pfanner
I wish to say that Abbot Pfanner helped me again. I prayed to him from April 21-29. I had a dentist appointment and it went well. I prayed to him again from May 3-11. A tooth had a cavity under the cap. They filled the cavity and made a new cap. I was there for three hours and it went well. We don’t have dental insurance so it is always scary when we go to the dentist. God bless Mariannhill! – Mrs. Mary G.
Novena in Honor of
Abbot Francis Pfanner
Abbot Francis Pfanner founded Mariannhill Monastery, and 112 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.
Nine-Day Novena Prayer Honoring Bl. Solanus
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 Father Solanus.
If it is Your will, glorify him on earth
So that others will carry on his work
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 (special request here)
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to St. Roch
O merciful St. Roch, recalling to mind your glorious life of service to the sick and infirm, I am confident in seeking your help in my present illness. It was Our Lord’s will that I receive this infirmity and now I ask that, if it be His holy will, I be relieved of my suffering and be restored to health.
During your lifetime you spent countless hours in taking care of sufferers from the plague and were always ready to help others by kindly service and fervent prayers. I beseech you now, dear saint, to obtain for me help in my present troubles. I confidently invoke your prayers and know that, if it be for my own good, God will hear your supplications and grant this favor.
Merciful Jesus, hear my prayers and the prayers of St. Roch and, in your tender compassion, send down your graces to your humble servant. Grant that I may be physically well and spiritually healthy. Amen.
[St. Roch was the son of a wealthy French nobleman. He lived around the beginning of the 14th century. As a young man, he joined the Third Order of St. Francis. He traveled to Italy where, in the midst of plagues, he cared for and miraculously cured many. His feast day is Aug. 17 and he is the patron against contagious diseases.]
Trust His Love
By Anonymous
I asked the Lord to answer my prayer,
I thought I knew what was best.
After many prayers and days
There was silence to my request.
I did not greatly worry,
Because Our Savior has a plan.
Although at times we wonder,
We cannot make demands.
Now looking back upon my life
In retrospect, I see
His wisdom, love and understanding
Were always there for me.
Though life has many twists and turns,
One thing to keep in mind:
He’ll safely see you on your way
Till heaven you arrive.
A Quiet Place
By Grace E. Easley
Each man needs a quiet place
Wherein to meet God face to face,
A very private interlude
In which no one may intrude.
There are things one cannot share
With another anywhere,
Feelings that the heart has known,
Only meant for God alone.
Heartache often leaves a scar,
Being human as we are,
But in crowds one cannot find
That illusive peace of mind.
There’s a bit of hermit in
The most ordinary men
Who must leave the beaten track
To get their lost perspective back.
And though it is very true
That “no man is an island,” you
Must stop awhile and walk apart
To hear the music of your heart.
Cast off the old distractions, find
God’s love beyond the dawn of time,
And entering a quiet place
Speak to your Maker, face to face.
What Can We Count On?
By Margaret Peterson
Some things can be depended upon –
The sun will rise in the east,
Happiness can come without any warning
When you expected it least.
A rainbow appears after a storm,
The sun goes to sleep in the west.
At times we may question God’s holy plan,
But always He knows what is best.
One more thing we can count upon
Each morning when we arise
Is God will be with us, if we take time to pray.
He is worth all our pain and our sighs!
Really Loving
By Bernice Laux
It’s not only the hungry,
crippled and blind
whose hearts feel pain
in the misery they find,
not only the homeless
or obvious ones
who feel forsaken
and the world does shun.
Know that everyone
has hurts galore.
As the saying goes,
Knock on any door.
Listen to these words,
“Love one another.”
That means everyone,
for everyone’s our brother!
If we loved each other,
as Jesus said we should
with hearts that really care,
we would do a lot of good!
My Everything
(The Holy Spirit often enlightens me to write a poem of praise to God! I have written the poem below, one of many I have composed) – S. Hodonos.
Jesus, my Rock, my everything,
My joy, my hope, my very being.
He gives me life and prospers me,
And gives me life eternally.
You are my Lord, my everything,
In you I live and have my being.