Tree of Life

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I love you, save souls, save Gaza! Resources for Prayer and Activism for Palestine and Other Peace Campaigns:  Our Lady of Palestine Saints and Blesseds of Palestine A Catholic Peace Movement Operation Olive Branch Rescuing Animals in Gaza Wearing the Kufiya 2024 Crises A Fundraiser for Congo Sustaining Mental Health Amid Crises My Personal Reflection on Palestine, Mental Health and Different Roles in Activism I am creating this post as a means of expressing my concern and support for the people of Palestine, Gaza, Rafah, Congo, Ukraine and other areas of the world that are immersed in suffering at this very hour. Although I regret my delay in posting for so long I knew it was time to be vocal about the need to help those in the parts of the world who we are most in need of support.  When I first created this blog when I was in High School it was a means of making posts to celebrate various holidays and feasts of the Catholic Church. It has now grown to accompany m

Each Saint has a special feast day and many saints have customs celebrated by devotees on their feasts. Amongst the different categories of Saints such as Confessors and Martyrs this post is dedicated to those selected by Christ Himself and the Evangelists. The Apostles of Christ are listed below, saints marked with (*) have a separate blog post (or a few in St. Peter’s case) throughout the year. A plenary indulgence can be gained under  the usual conditions  by visiting a church named for the Saint of the day and praying the Our Father and Apostle’s Creed. Today’s Saints share their feast because their relics are in the same church. Who is St. James? Who is St. Philip?  St. Philip Iconography  St. James Iconography  In 2024 the feast of Saints Philip and James is on the First Friday of May.  May is also  Mental Health Awareness Month

  Every first Thursday in May marks the National Day of Prayer. It is an ecumenical and non partisan day set aside to ask God to bless America’s people and leaders to do what is right.  About the National Day of Prayer A Prayer to Mary Immaculate, America’s Patroness The History of Mary as America’s Patroness

 On April 20th each year people who partake in cannabis/marijuana/weed celebrate 4/20. This originates from the agreed time of 4:20 when a group of students would gather to search for a marijuana crop using a treasure map gifted by the farmer. In pop culture the celebration has caught on especially with the broader acceptance of marijuana. Once more taboo and still so in some legal and religious circles, marijuana has “grown” to become a symbol of relaxation, rebellion as well as acknowledgement of its healing properties. Of course when used responsibly it can be very beneficial . In regards to spiritual and health concerns it truly is a matter of intention and moderation. Celebrate responsibly and don’t smoke and drive!  In 2024 4/20 also boasts as a palindrome date.  All About 4/20 Celebrating 4/20 4/20 Movies 4/20 Themed TV Episodes (Listed as Season x Episode) King of the Hill: Hanky Panky (4x13) High Anxiety (4x14) The Simpsons: Highway to Well  (31x17) Midsummers Nice Dream (22x

  “In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph!” Resources for the First Saturday of Each Month History of the Immaculate Heart Devotion   First Saturday Rosary Meditation Our Lady of Fatima Immaculate Heart Artwork     Note for First Saturday Mass: Jesus says the following to Sister Lucy in regards to those who have difficulty attending Mass on First Saturday: “It will be equally acceptable the practice of this devotion on the Sunday following the first Saturday, when my priests, for a just reason, so grants it to souls.” Note to Non Catholics: For those who wish to practice this devotion but are not yet admitted to the Sacraments or are not yet Catholic the Act of Contrition and Spiritual Communion with the intent to fulfill Our Lady’s request will suffice. The following should be prayed with reverence and meaning fully each word prayed.  Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of al

  “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine!” Uniting to that sacred day in which Jesus did die for love of us and our salvation we fulfill in humble obedience  His requests made known through St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Resources for the First Friday of Each Month   About the Sacred Heart Devotion  (Note,  Eucharistic Adoration is a traditional part of the First Friday devotion but the only necessary condition is to receive the Eucharist in the state of grace in the spirit of reparation.) The Litany of the Sacred Heart Sacred Heart Artwork   Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen. Act of Spiritual Communion  My Jesus,  I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacramen

 The greatest week of the liturgical year is Holy Week. We begin on Palm Sunday and will conclude on Holy Saturday. Palm Sunday celebrations begin with the Saturday Vigil, March 23rd in 2024. This week Jesus Christ will accomplish that for which He was born, to die for our sins and rise from the dead. This week is the bridge between Lent and Easter . During this week there are programs such as “The Passion” a BBC television program as well as “Jesus of Nazareth” which both having running times beyond the typical movie can be viewed a little bit each day leading up to and including Easter. Palm Sunday  (Liturgical Color: Red)  Monday of Holy Week  (Liturgical Color: Purple)  Tuesday of Holy Week  (Liturgical Color: Purple)  Spy Wednesday  (Liturgical Color: Purple)  Holy Thursday  (Liturgical Color: White or Gold) Good Friday  (Liturgical Color: Red)  Holy Saturday  (Liturgical Color: White or Gold*)  *There are no Masses on Holy Saturday until the Vigil so the Liturgical Color belongs

  Today we celebrate an atypical “holiday” because it is only celebrated approximately every 4 years. In 2024 Thursday February 29th is Leap Day and an additional day is added in February. Therefore 2024 has 366 days. Leap Day can be celebrated with frog themed attire and activities. A good way to think of today is how blessed we are to be given an extra day. A time (especially during Lent ) to reflect on life and what we ought to do with it!  Why Leap Day? Leap Day Customs and Superstitions Leap Day Activities Leap Day TV Episodes Leap Year is Catholic More About Leap Year

Blessed be St. Joseph Each year the feast day of St. Joseph falls on March 19th. It is a pious custom to spend each of the seven Sundays preceding this feast day by meditating on a sorrow and joy of St. Joseph. Each of these Sundays should also be marked by receiving the Eucharist in St. Joseph’s honor. The first Sunday will be either the last Sunday in January or the first Sunday in February depending on the day of the week that St. Joseph’s feast falls on. The only exception to this standard is when St. Joseph’s feast is moved due to Easter.  The First Sunday (February 4th, 2024) St. Joseph’s Doubt* and the Message of the Angel First Sorrow: The doubt of St. Joseph. (Matt. 1:19) But Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wishing to expose her to reproach, was minded to put her away privately. First Joy: The message of the Angel. (Matt. 1:20) But while he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Do not be afraid, Joseph, son of

  Today marks the celebration of the birthday and legacy of Civil Rights activist Doctor Martin Luther King Junior. Born on January 15th 1929 the federal holiday is now commemorated on the third Monday in January which in 2024 falls on the actual birthday of Dr. King. Known most famously for his “I Have a Dream Speech” in the Nation’s Capital, today is a day set aside to recall the efforts of Dr. King during his life for equality and equity for people who are Black/African American as well as his martyrdom for the cause. Just as the Church remembers those who give their lives for the faith, so too do we remember how Dr. King was martyred by racists because of his efforts for justice for all. We pause today to also make effort to support equality and equity for all people. The King Center’s Annual Theme To honor the legacy of this American Hero there’s films such as “Our Friend, Martin” which is kid friendly as well as these movies . All About Doctor King Each MLK Day is also a  Nation

   " There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved. " (Acts 4:12) Today we honor the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Jesus was given His name by St. Gabriel when he appeared to Mary to announce that She was chosen to be the Mother of God. Jesus is given His name 8 days after His birth as sacred scripture tells us. While this event would’ve occurred on January 1st, that day is dedicated to Christ’s Circumcision which also occurred on that day. January 3rd is the closest date without an observance already being held. Today is also the 10th day of Christmas. Catholic legend attributes a sacred theme to each day and the 10 drummers drumming symbolize the 10 Commandments:  About the Holy Name The Holy Name of Jesus The Little Gospel Devotion  The Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus A Meditation on the Holy Name of Jesus A Vision of the Naming of Jesus  (Final sentence of Chapter 10 “The Circumcision-fi