Friday, November 30, 2007

Advice of a Father Whose Son is a Priest



If you have a child who is discerning religious vocation, this will be of interest to you.

Ed Sousa is the father of Rev. Edward Sousa. I asked this fine dad, former police officer, and fellow blogger what he did to encourage Ed Jr. in pursuit of his noble vocation. His response humbled me.



Dear Easter,

Thanks so much for writing. In answer to your question let me explain it this way.

Since our son Edward was a young boy he has had a deep devotion to Our Blessed Mother. He would faithfully pray for about a haft hour to an hour to her every day and he still does that now.

My wife Donna and I saw something special in Edward and because of this we would sometimes say to each other that maybe someday God will call him to be a priest. My wife and I, in our prayers would speak to God and we told him that if he wanted for our son to be a priest that it would be fine with us, and we consecrated Edward to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We said to God that he could have him and do with him what he pleased. That his will be done in him.

Then we supported Eddie with our prayers and then we just trusted in the Lord that he would lead him in the right direction in his life. We never told him to be a priest or did we ever ask him if he wanted to be a priest until he was about 26 years old. The only thing his mother said to him was if he ever thought of becoming a priest.

I think that we knew that God was calling him long before he ever realized it. But God had a plan for Eddie and called him when he knew the time was right.

God bless,
Ed





Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Catholic laity responsibilities



Catholic laity responsibilities:

"The Second Vatican Council Fathers, re-echoing the call of Christ, have summoned all lay faithful to labor in the vineyard."

"The world of massmedia represents a new frontier for the mission of the Church."
John Paul II, Vocation of the Laity


North American Catholic Educational Programming Foundation (NACEPF)

NACEPF provides tuition free educational programming to all schools, public and private, on its College and School Network


Monday, November 26, 2007

St. John Vianney, pray for our priests and seminarians






St. John Vianney,
Patron Saint of Priests,
patron of this blog,
pray for our priests!
pray for our seminarians!






St. John Vianney,
appointed guardian and main intercessor of our priests,
with Mary our Mother,
we unite ourselves with you in constant prayer to God
for strength of mind, body and soul for all priests.
May our priests always be reminded of your dedication
to the priestly vocation, your fortitude,
your piety and hard work in bringing souls to
Christ, our Most High Priest.

In their moments of trials and temptation
Sweep them off their feet that ever so in love with you
They will embrace your love wholly and be renewed
With your joy and peace.

We pray in Jesus' name with Mary. Amen!

St. John Vianney, pray for all our priests!
St. John Vianney, pray for all our seminarians!
Amen!



Monday, November 19, 2007

A Tribute to All Our Priests




















Always for Others
By Easter Almuena

You are the image and likeness of God
But with you the morning awakens
With the call to rise
Not for you
But always for others.

God handpicked you from a myriad of souls
Molded you since you were a babe
To prepare you for a journey
Not for you
But always for others.

God blessed you with wisdom
To use to give form to his plans
And love to carry them out
Not for you
But always for others.

Mary walks with you
Guiding and loving you
For to her you are a Christ
Not for you
But always for others.

You hold the Body of Christ
Embrace his name and proclaim it
And a father and counselor you have become
Not for you
But always for others.

God forever bless you
Walk and carry you when your feet are weary
Bring peace and joy to your heart
For though your life is never for you
It is Christ’s and he delights in you.

November 19, 2007
4:07 a.m.
All rights reserved.

Notice to readers:
You may copy this poem, but you have to include all: Full title, Full name of author, Full poem with no edits on your part, and include Copyright © 2013 Easter Almuena.

Thank you.
Easter Almuena, author and owner of Easter Publications, LLC

It was such a joy to start this blog! One early morning, the Lord woke me and had me pounding on the keys to write this poem for his most beloved priests. Such love He has for them that he wants us to take more notice of them, to encourage them, pray for them, love them!