#PrayerStories - Life on the Road Less Traveled

September 3, 2021

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#PrayerStories: How My (Then) Foster Son Changed the Way I Pray

Every night, it was the same: I’d tuck him in bed and make sure St. Michael was on his bedside table, then I’d go and tuck in the others. About 30 minutes later, I’d peek back in his room, and hear him crying. So I’d go and settle into the white enamel rocker in the corner and begin to hum his favorites (he was partial to Barry Manilow). And soon, very soon, I’d feel a little pat on my lap. It was time to cuddle! Read all about it today at CatholicMom.com. #PrayerStories #FosterParenting #BedtimeDrama

August 20, 2021

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What is #PrayAcrossAmerica? And how do I get involved?

This fall Ave Maria Press is going to be releasing The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers, a beautiful, full-color collection of favorite prayers and #PrayerStories of more than 70 faith-filled, inspiring Catholic moms with children of all ages and stages. (Preorders go on sale September 1, 2021.) More about that later, except to say … As this book was in development, I got to thinking about the thousands of Catholic women across the country who needed this kind of encouragement, and I started praying about how I could connect with these sisters of mine in a very practical, personal way. During this “season of COVID” I […]

August 7, 2021

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Transfigured Silence

This weekend I’m enjoying a little down time on retreat at the St Joseph and Mary Retreat House near Mundelein Seminary. As it happens, it’s right near the National Shrine of St Max Kolbe, so I know where I’ll be heading on my way home! Tonight’s readings included the Gospel about the Transfiguration, how the glory of the Lord burst on the senses of all present, so they could see with new eyes the divine reality present right in front of them. There in that darkened chapel, after the final benediction, the monstrance glowed with a captivating shine. Suddenly a song from my youth group […]

July 7, 2021

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On Gentle Pens and Poison Tongues

Grief does strange things to people. When the heart feels like it has a hole large enough to drive a truck through, it can be easy to lash out at others. Even (and perhaps especially) those who love us most. So when I recently found myself on the receiving end of this kind of toxicity, I had to take a moment and breathe. The temptation was — and is — strong to set the record straight by returning fire for fire. But retaliation does nothing to put out the fire. It merely doubles it. What does it mean to be “strong” in this context? It’s something I’ve […]

July 1, 2021

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The Stations of Our Lives: A Visit to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help (Champion)

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, Wisconsin was a kind of “home away from home” for Father Ubald, who frequently visited this Marian site of visitation — the only approved apparition site in the U.S. — to conduct his healing prayer services and to recharge his spiritual batteries. And so when I had an opportunity to go and see this beautiful place, which was to be the site of Fr. Ubald’s memorial Mass, Craig and I leaped at the chance. And we are so glad we did! From the white marble Stations to the underground oratory, which contains relics from […]

June 1, 2021

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When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

Maybe it’s just that time of life: Death has tapped me on the shoulder three times in the past two weeks. Twice our family has driven at least eight hours over the course of a weekend to pay our respects, all the while talking about why a God who loves us would allow a horrible thing like Death to enter the world. What I’ve come to realize is that dying is not the worst thing that can happen. Or should I say, “becoming dead.” Dying can actually be painful and scary as much for the loved ones looking on as for the one who is […]

May 14, 2021

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A Writer’s Rosary: The Sorrowful Mysteries

Jen Norton captures the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary in a powerful way in Surrender All. If you do not already own a copy of this full-color devotional journal, please do yourself a favor and get one! Jen was kind enough to give me permission to use her artwork to illustrate the reflections here — if you would like to see more of her artwork, or purchase prints, be sure to check out her website at Jen Norton Art Studio. Last week I introduced you to Fr. Ubald and his “Rosary of My Life.” I asked you to think of the five “mysteries” that […]

May 7, 2021

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A Writer’s Rosary: Fr. Ubald on “The Rosary of My Life”

I’ve been told (by those who have experienced both life-changing events) that there are some surprising similarities between writing a book and giving birth to a child: The process can often be painful, messy, and even a little embarrassing. But there is great joy in the end. Because of this, I like to offer a rosary on Fridays for my authors. In his book Forgiveness Makes You Free, Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga (RIP) writes about the “rosary of my life,” identifying five painful moments from his own life that he continually offered back to God (see pages 10-15). His early memories of his parents, both of […]

April 26, 2021

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Things that go “ring” in the night.

“Mom?!” Bleary-eyed, I took my cell away from my face long enough to see the time. It was 4:15 in the morning. My heart leaped in my throat. “Christopher? Are you okay? Are you at work?” He had just started a new job, working 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Fridays through Sundays, at a bottle manufacturer about 40 minutes from our house. Although I had initial reservations about him driving that far, at that time of day, Craig and I agreed that it was time for him to start making adult choices. And so far, he seemed to be doing well. Now he was in […]