Patron Saint Draw #29

Husband of JellyBelly - Solanus Casey

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Tomorrow at noon Pacific (3 Eastern) is your last chance to request a saint for 2010.

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Ecclesia Semper Reformanda

I read this wonderful document tonight. I will read it again in a day or so to pick up what I missed and to savor again the widsom that Bp. Nickless has shared.

As I was reading it I thought - "I want this to be my eulogy."

Picture it...a captive audience being exposed to Truth! People that would never set foot in a Catholic church, people misinformed about true Catholic teaching, angry lapsed Catholics, pagans, protestants, haters of Vatican II - all hearing what Holy Mother Church is really all about!

And Bp. Nickless touches on something that I wrote about long ago (I will dig in the archives later) and that is that pre-Vatican II Catholics were not necessarily "better" Catholics than we are now. They memorized pat answers to catechetical questions and they were respectfully silent at Mass (and they dressed properly too!) but that was no guarantee that there was any love or relationship with Jesus Christ.

We receive and accept the fullness of faith in the Church both objectively
and affectively. Before the Second Vatican Council, our catechesis in the United
States was very strongly formal and aimed at the head. We memorized concise
answers to common questions, and followed the disciplines of the Church because
that was what Catholics did. We knew the answers to "what" and "how," but not
the deeper answer to "why." We fell into a shallow formalism; we did not use the
form for its true end, namely, a deep, personal, intimate relationship with God
through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit that transforms our hearts.
After the Council, we swung wildly in the opposite direction: our catechesis
became very strongly affective in order to emphasize the relational aspect. We
tried to mine our experience of God’s love for us, to learn how to love God
deeply, personally, and intimately in return. But without the formal knowledge
of faith, experience alone is not a solid teacher. As a result, two generations
of us now have a very poor knowledge both of the Catholic Faith and of Jesus
Christ. A religious illiteracy and ignorance pervades many sectors of the
Church; it is an open wound in her side. We need a solid, systematic, and
comprehensive catechesis, not eschewing "what" and "how," but answering also
"why," faithful to the entire Deposit of Faith and the Church’s Magisterium,
forming both head and heart.

O come Emmanuel!

Because the "band" didn't play this at Mass this morning....

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Fourteen Flowers of Pardon

Watched this on EWTN last night.

If St. Maria Goretti can forgive her attacker perhaps

I can tolerate my ex-MIL being at the wedding....

I had no plans to watch this, didn't even know it would be on.

I was flicking channels (I rarely watch EWTN these days)

but when I saw this was on I knew I had to watch it.

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Patron Saint Draw #28

Emily - Angela of Foligno

Rebeccab (or mtmom) - Maria Goretti
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Seven

Seven years since I began my journey back to Holy Mother Church.

I am profoundly grateful.

Thank you, Lord.

Angela

Patron Saint Draw #27

Kstar - Bridget of Sweden

Joann - Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist
Rudy - Frances de Sales
Patrick - Faustina

Edward, Sr. - Teresa of Calcutta
Davida - Maria Restituta and Helen
Jerica - Therese of Lisieux
Edward, Jr. - Peter of Alcantara

Marie - Scholastica
Erol - John of Cologne
Felicity - Francis Cabrini
K. Dominic - Solanus Casey

Ramona - Bernadette

Jon - John of Vercelli
Jordon - Pier Giorgio Frassati
Julie - Mary Euphrasia Pelletier

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Wow! That's 302 people matched up! Remember - Dec. 1 is the deadline.

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Turkey Flambe at Fr. Erik's....??

Watch it here!

Patron Saint Draw #26

Husband of Qualcosa de bello – Bl. John of Vercelli

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One week left to request saints and then it's all over for another year.

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Patron Saint Draw #25

Sal – John of Cologne

Dot – Teresa of Calcutta
John – Francis de Sales
Anna – Bridget of Sweded
Mary – Catherine Laboure
Jenna – Maria Restituta

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New Age Baby Shower

I went to a baby shower yesterday. The husbands/partners of some of the women stayed for the whole party and the husband of one girl played "host/MC." I had a fun time but I thought it was very odd the men stayed.

The host was handing out "endive cups with blue cheese and dried cherries" (which were delish!) but when one of the other men asked him if that was the recipe from "Alive" magazine I had to shake my head - if they hadn't attended with their wives I'd have sworn they were gay.

I LIKE the separation of the sexes. I like being in the kitchen with my sisters-in-law doing the dishes while the "boys" are outside having a drink and shooting the breeze! What has happened to our society??? I am all for equal partnership but that shower was going too far.

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Patron Saint Draw # 24

Auroramike – Camillus de Lellis

Mandym – Mary Euphrasia Pelletier

Jack – Mark

James – Aloysius Gonzaga

Matt S – Luke

Melanie 754 – Peter

Pentimento – Zelie Martin
Ronan- Gerard Majella

Stephen – Titus Brandsma
Gae – Katherine Drexel
Kynan – Paul
Braedon – Peter of Alcantara
Autumn – Catherine Laboure
Eden – Maria Restituta
Saxon – Andrew Kim Taegon
Vellvin – Julie Billiart
Rogan – Charbel Makhlouf
Moran – Joseph of Cupertino
Myffwyn – Bernadette
Corbyn – Henri Lacordiere
Arwen – Colette

Elizabeth – John Newman

Edwin – Raymond of Pennafort

Laura L. – Edith Stein

Aliocha – Vincent de Paul

Miranda – Eugene de Mazenod
Bruce – Nicholas of Myra
Alex- John Berchmans
Nick – Bernardino of Siena

Agnes Bullock – Helen
Geoffrey – Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist

Sue N. – Jeanne de Chantal

LuLu – Gertrude

Nicole B – Isaac Jogues
Mike B – Maragaret Mary Alacoque
Maggie B – John, writer of the Gospel

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Patron Saint Draw #23

Joan T – Marianne Cope

Patm – Infant of Prague

Malia – Gertrude

Renee – Andrew Kim Taegon

Linda – Eugene de Mazenod

Ouiz – Jeanne de Chantal

Diane – Edith Stein
Shannon – Colette
Kellen – Joseph of Cupertino

Chrisnicel – Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist
Elizabeth – Mark

Erin S. – Luke

Janet – Katherine Drexel

KS – Angela Merici

Rosten 18 – Mary Euphrasia Pelletier

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243 people matched to date. Remember - Dec. 1, 2009 is the last day I will draw names.

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Wedding stuff.

I spoke with Luke yesterday about the wedding. Unfortunately my psycho ex-MIL is being invited. I don't think my ex-husband is. Between the two of them I'd rather have the ex-husband attend. I know he'd stay far away from me. Not sure about her.

I spent a lot of time at Mass this morning thinking about this. I know, I know - I should have been thinking about other things! I wouldn't care so much if I knew she would stay across the room from me and give me a wide berth. But she is the type that will come over to you at first feigning friendship and when she's rebuffed she will then inform you that you are bitter and unforgiving and that she has her ladies group praying for you. Ugh.

Sorry, but when someone calls your mother a "slut" and your father a "rotter" what the hell are you supposed to do?! Yes, she called them these names. Oh, and Tim was a "wimp" and Luke was a "brat."

So I have less than 10 months to get my head around this mess.

On the other hand I was very pleased to hear that the kids have asked a relative who is a retired army chaplain to officiate at the wedding! That means a dignifed service and some prayers. I think this gentleman is Lutheran but I am not sure. I don't care - at least it's not some gray-haired old hippie woman playing priestess!

OK, that's my rant for the day.

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Patron Saint Draw #22

Heidi G – Jose Maria Escriva

Kim – John the Baptist

Greg – Peter Julian Eymard

Elise – Martin de Porres

Scott D – Eugene de Mazenod

Kerry – Kateri Tekawitha

Corry O – Laura Vicuna
Chris O – Jospeh Calasanz

K7 – John Berchmans
Hubby of K7 – Gerard Majella

Diane – Peter

Caite – James the Greater

Jessica – Barbatus
Caleb – Hyacinth
Columweil – Miguel Augustin Pro

Marco de Puna – Irenaeus

Jo Anne – Beatrijs of Nazareth

Sandy C. – Frances of Rome

Qualcosa de bello – Maximilian Kolbe

KS – Thomas Aquinas

Rosten 18 – Augustine

Thou Art Jules – Katherine Drexel

Poulette – Walburga
Poulette’s husband – Dominic de Guzman
Daughter – Mariam Baouardy
Son – Ivo of Kermartin

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A REAL post!

It's been a long time since I wrote a real post. Life has been crazy busy the last few weeks. Maybe this weekend I'll have some time to actually write a post. I hope so!

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Patron Saint Post # 21

Cavyladyrae - Stanislaus Kostka

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Patron Saint Draw #20

Cathy – Gregory the Great
Allan – Gabriel
Marie – Anthony Mary Claret
Olivia – Ursula
William – Benedict Labre

Nicole – Beatriz da Silva

Anonymous - Elisabeth Leseur

Dream Big – Titus Brandsma

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193 people matched so far!

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Patron Saint Draw #19

Donna - John Bosco

Celine - Claire
Your beloved - Ambrose

Jennie - Zelie Martin

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Stooopid quote

So I was on facebook last night and ran into an old friend from elementary school. She had a quote on her wall that said - a belief must have a believer in order to exist.

I was like WTH?! Did Obama write that? Oprah? Some other stupid person??

Discuss amongst yourselves....!

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Patron Saint Draw #18

Nancy R – Henri Lacordiere

Judy - Titus Brandsma
Thao – Charles Borromeo
Allergra Rose – Frances of Rome
Gianna Maria – Peter
Christina Anne – Elizabeth of Portugal

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My new mug!

One of my friends took over the Catholic Women's League religious goods counter a few months ago. She brought in some beautiful mugs with pictures of saints on them. Today I bought one with St. Gianna on it. You can see the whole selection here.

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Patron Saint Draw #17

Kasia – John Bosco

Callememama – Zdislavda of Lemberk

~S – Peter Chrysologus

Anthony I – Bernardino of Siena
Jane – John the Baptist
Anthony II – Robert Bellarmine
John – Alphonsus Liguori
Mickey – Francis of Assisi
Mary Rose – Luke

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Bump

I'm not sure if I have mentioned this before - Luke had his mid-tour leave bumped from the end of January to...right now. As I write this he is probably on his way to Dubai for a stopover and then back to Canada for 3 weeks. Then he returns to Af'stan at the beginning of December. He will be home the end of May or early June.

It's going to be an awfully long winter for Nikki. I will try and see her again in February. Poor kid.

More saints will be posted Sunday afternoon. Thank you for your patience.

Oh - I won't be seeing Luke during his break. It's too far to go back and I'm not sure I can keep it together if I saw him right now.

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I want YOUR opinion

I want your opinion on wedding dresses. Should the groom have any input into how much the dress costs? I say no. Tell me what you think.

Oh and get this - my EX-mother-in-law (who is one of the most crude, rude, vulgar women I have ever met and who I have not spoken to in 15 years) tried to befriend me on facebook! I blocked her so that she cannot contact me in any way. The NERVE! Everyone I've talked to about this says she is angling for a wedding invitation. Tell me what you think.

I think I will post some photos now....

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GREAT news!

My step-daughter is pregnant!

She is due June 27, 2010

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Trip to see Nikki

My trip was wonderful! We went bridal dress shopping (no decisions yet) and I met some of Luke's army buddies - what fine men and women they are!

Will post photos later.

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Patron Saint Draw #16

Jen J. - Camillus de Lellis

Beth G. - Madeline Sophie Barat

Debbie M - Margeurite d'Youville
Mike - Bernadette
Ryan - Gabriel
Jeremy - Paul

Chasing - Rose of Lima
Nick- John the Baptist

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Patron Saint Draw #15

Anne - St. John of God

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I will be away Nov. 7 - 12.

Commenting has been turned off.

The Patron Saint Devotion will start again

when I return.

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Patron Saint Draw #14

Pickle – Monica


Ms. C (Carleigh Bedell) – Isaac Jogues


Grace in My Heart – Elizabeth Ann Seton


Leila – Katherine Drexel


Mrs. Mike – Matthew, writer of the 1st Gospel


Stacy – Julienne de Cornillon


Thankful – Elizabeth of Portugal


Percolating Petals – Mariam Baouardy


Mrs. B – Benedict Labre
Mr. B – John Berchmans


Kcmarie122 – Elisabeth Leseur


Jelly Belly - Juliana Falconieri

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Please take note!

Many of you are leaving email addresses in anticipation of receiving an email from me that includes a patron saint.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the heavy demand I cannot email you personally.

Saints are posted here daily (sometimes 2 or 3 times a day to avoid a backlog.) Please check the lists within 24 hours (give or take) to find out who you've been matched up with for 2010.

Thanks! Angela

PS...a few of you have posted comments containing your emails but your saints were already posted on the blog.

Journey

Just letting you know I will be away with limited computer access from Nov. 7 - 12.
I may not be able to draw any saints while I am away but don't despair - the draw is open until Nov. 30.

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Patron Saint Draw #13

Find joy in every journey – Barbatus

RS – Gregory the Great

The Misfit – Catherine Laboure

Alopesone/Angela – Kateri Tekawitha

Maria Therese – Raphael

Renee’s husband Mike – James the Greater
Her son Mikey – Thomas Aquinas

Theresa - Joan of Arc

In allthingsgood/Allison – Zelie Martin

LifeHopes – Vincent de Paul

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You asked....

Newsie 15 - St. Andrew Bobola

Alopesan/Angela - I only publish the names here, I don't email them. I've had about 135 requests in the last 5 days - I just don't have time to email everyone - sorry.

:o)

Intercessors for those struggling with infertility

I have had a huge number of hits in the last few days from bloggers who are having trouble with infertility. I would like to introduce you ladies to Bl. Stanislaus of Jesus and Mary Papczynski.
You can read more about him here.

Another great spiritual resource I highly recommend is the Infant of Prague. Blogger Kit has her story about his intercession here. You can read about Tara's miracle here.

St. Gerard Majella Church in Pt. Jefferson, NY will send you a handerkerchief with a quote from St. Gerard. The beautiful last words of this beloved saint are printed on a handkerchief reminiscent of the one he gave away to a young girl that ultimately saved her and her baby’s life.
Cathy can attest to good results!

Ladies, my prayers ascend for your intentions!

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Patron Saint Draw #12

Ann at Building a Nest – Colette

Keep Calm and Carry On – Catherine of Siena

Hannah’s Song – Marianne Cope

CUAGuy – Peter Julian Eymard

Renee – Lucy

This Cross I Embrace – Raphael

Newsie 15 - Andrew

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Life in Mazes - Thomas More

Chasing - Infant of Prague (I know this isn't technically a saint in the traditional sense but I was just reading about the Infant when your request arrived and I feel very strongly that you are meant to be matched.)

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Patron Saint Draw # 11

Beth's mom - Gabriel

Jeremiah 29:11 – Elizabeth of Hungary

Allyouwhohope – Luke

A complicated life – Zelie Martin

Mrs. Blondies – Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist

Sara C. – Louise de Marillac

Vent-ilation – Frances of Rome

Prayerful journey – Stanislaus Papczynski

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Patron Saint Draw #10

AD- Peter of Verona
Aunt E. – Francis of Assisi
Gramps D. – Charles Borromeo
Grampi L.- Vincent de Paulo
Grandma C. – Zelie Martin

Beth – Edith Stein
Ken – John Vianney
Madeleine - Gertrude
John Paul – Stanislaus Papczynski

Mike – Catherine Laboure

Amethystmenace - Jeanne de Chantal

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Patron Saint Draw #9

Kit – Thomas Aquinas
Beloved – Eugene de Mazenod
Princess – Hyacinth
Therese – Louise de Marillac
Little Boy – Stephen


Sew – Charbel Makhlouf and Zelie Martin (occasionally I will draw two at once)


Chuck – Henri Lacordiere
Rachel – Polycarp
Nathan – Aloysius Gonzaga
John Henry – John of the Cross
James – Padre Pio
Rebecca – Hildegard of Bingen
Peter – Erasmus


Gonzalo – John, writer of the Gospel
Ellyn – Marianne Cope
Teresa – Paulina of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus
Selina – Veronica Giuliani
Sara – Gerard Majella
Anita – Teresa of Calcutta
Joseph – Peter of Alcantara
David – Ivo of Kermartin
Tina – Zelie Martin

The Draw and how it works

A reader received a saint yesterday. She sent me an email regarding this saint and how fitting she was to her situation. I cannot share the contents of the email but suffice it to say the hair on my arms was standing on end!

There are other recipients that I have come to know through our blogs and sometimes when I pull the names I just gasp at how appropriate they are after reading about that persons particular struggles or needs.

I have never drawn a saint for anyone I have met in person and I do not choose a saint based on what little I might know about you. I randomly draw names out of a bag. The first year I did this I split up the male and female saints but that became too cumbersome and 99.9% of the time the saints sorted themselves out anyway. I always pray for you before I draw the names. As Sarah-Kala says - THAT is the key.

I researched a number of saints when I first started this devotion. Some saints I rejected because they were possibly legendary (Christopher) or so obscure that nothing was written by them or about them. I also rejected one saint because she left her child to be raised by others so she could enter religious life. As worthy as religious life is - a mother needs to raise her child to adulthood.

I also include Blesseds in this devotion. Perhaps some people are disappointed when they don't receive a full-fledged saint. Well....look at what happened to Damien of Molokai! He has been in the draw 3 years in a row and now he's a saint! (I am not saying that this little exercise of mine raised him to the honors of the altar....!!)

I've added a couple of new holy people to the list this year: Bl. Maria Restituta and Bl. Stanislaus Papczynski.

Bl. Stanislaus is particularly invoked for help with troubled pregnancies, pregnant mothers who are addicted to drugs, cancer of the womb or breast, sick children and Pro Life causes. He is the founder of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, who are such tireless promoters of the Divine Mercy devotion!

I look forward to helping you meet a new saint every year and am continually blessed when you share your experiences with your special saint!

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Patron Saint Draw #8

Debi – Jeanne Frances de Chantal

Rachel – Raymond of Pennafort

Cathy – Therese of Lisiuex
Joe – Damien of Molokai
Mary – Frances Cabrini
New Baby – Francis of Assisi (both children have a Frances/is!)

Philangelus – Peter of Verona

ALF – Margaret Mary Alacoque
ACF – Joan of Arc
TEF – Andrew Kim Taegon
JJF – Gregory the Great
MWF – Ignatius of Loyola

Cathy of Alex – Pius V

Mom W - Bernadette
Mom T – Camillus de Lellis
Dad R – Gianna Beretta Molla
Dad T – Vincent de Paul
Dad E – Barbatus
Bro Z – Charles Borromeo
Bro JJ –Benedict of Nursia
Bro D – Francis Xavier Cabrini
Bro JA – Joseph, foster father of our Lord
Bro NG – St. James the Greater
Bro JO –Peter Chrysolgus
Bro R - Benezet
Bro NP – Pier Giorgio Frassati
Sis KR – Marie Rose Durocher
Sis I - Hedwig
Sis KD – Radegunde
Sis A – Beatrijs of Nazareth
Fairangel – Januarius of Benevento

Nikki 8D – Timothy

Larry D – Isaac Jogues
Mrs. Larry D – Bridget of Sweden
Elder Son – Joseph of Cupertino
Younger Son – Philip Neri (like Joseph of Cupertino he was a 'flying saint'!)

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Patron Saint Draw #7

Marika – Julienne de Cornillon

Frival – Fidelis of Sigmaringen

Paulette BH – Margeurite d’Youville

Charlotte’s husband – Jerome Emiliani
Her son Alan – Ambrose

Christie Martin – Mariam Baouardy

Betty-Ann – Maximilian Kolbe

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Fair Angel - no limit. Last year I had an English lady who requested them for her bible study group. I think there were close to 20.

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Patron Saint Draw #6

RJW - Gregory the Great

Dirtdartwife - Colette (and thank you for the prayers for my son!!!)

Rhonda - Maria Restituta

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Patron Saint Draw #5

Melody K - Vincent de Paul

Charlotte - Gerard Majella

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Patron Saints Draw #4

Adoro - Rose of Lima
Tara - Bernadette
Jim - Anthony Mary Claret
Karen - Bernardino of Siena
Todd - Ignatius of Loyola
Cheryl - Margaret Mary Alacoque
Ricky - Jose Maria Escriva
Philip- John the Baptist

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Sees abortion - quits Planned Barrenhood!!!!

Abby Johnson, formerly of Planned Parenthood, resigns as director!

Read all about it here!

Thank you, Abby, for letting the Holy Spirit move your mind and heart!

♥♥♥

Patron Saints Draw #3

22. Paula – Catherine of Siena
23. Linnie – Bl. Titus Brandsma
24. Agnes Bullock– Peter Julian Eymard
25. Mr. Bullock – Benedict Labre
26. Laura Lowder – Rita
27. Sprachmeister – Stanislaus Kostka

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Patron Saints Draw #2

6. Jean Heiman – Dominic de Guzman
7. Nancy – Matthew, writer of the Gospel
8. Kalona – Titus Brandsma
9. Fr. Erik – Erasmus
10. Saintos –Irenaeus
11. Chloe- Didacus
12. Emma – Walburga
13. Aiden – Andrew
14. Lesley – Toribio de Mogrovejo
15. ArchAngels Adv – Fidelis de Sigmaringen

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Patron Saints Draw #1

1.Adrienne - Bl. Miguel Augustin Pro

2.Karen Louise - St. Jerome Emiliani

3.Enbretheliel - St. Josephine Bakhita

4.Anna B. - St. Barbatus

5.Sarah-Kala - St. Didacus

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