The Long Journey Into Light

Saints & Devotions

The Blessed Virgin Mary

I don't think the Christian journey of faith would be possible without the help of Mary and the graces she bestows upon the faithful.  She is indeed "Queen of the Way", for she shows us the way, guides us along it, and strengthens us in answer to our prayers. 

Eugene O'Neill's The Long Journey Into Night includes one moment when the lead female character, Mary, says she wishes she could reconcile herself with the Church so that she might be taken under Mary's protection once again: "With Mary, life's a lot easier." 

There's so much truth to that!

When we say Hail Mary, so much happens.  This is one of my favorite prayers.

St. Philip Neri

St. Philip Neri is my Confirmation saint, and I selected him years ago.  He was a jolly guy--a many who used his sense of humor to convert souls.  What a perfect way!  He certainly doesn't fit the mold of a "holy person"--at least he didn't at the time--but he has much to teach us about using our gifts to further the Kingdom of God.

He also had an evident love of the Eucharist and the Real Presence of Jesus Christ among us.  Corpus Christi was his favorite feast day.

We also do well to consider Philip's passion of working with the youth.  It's no surprise that youth--children and young adults--were drawn to Philip. They saw in him a priest who had a sense of humor, who liked to make people laugh, and who didn't take himself too seriously.  He knew they were the future of the Church and they were the apple of his eye.

St. Philip Neri's Prayer to Know and Love Jesus: My Lord Jesus, I want to love You but You cannot trust me. If You do not help me, I will never do any good. I do not know You; I look for You but I do not find You. Come to me, O Lord. If I knew You, I would also know myself. If I have never loved You before, I want to love You truly now. I want to do Your will alone; putting no trust in myself, I hope in You, O Lord. Amen.

St. John Vianney

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI announced this the Year of the Priest.  We must pray for our clergy and pray for an increase in vocations!  St. John Vianney provides the help we need, in his example and in his prayers.

I've got a book of his quotes, and each sentence provides food for meditation and reflection. 

His dedication to the sacraments inspires me most.  Hearing confessions for hours a day and the reverence he had with the Eucharist.  I wonder how many souls he saved!

"What sweetness there is in forgetting ourselves in order to seek God!" --St. John Vianney

Servant of God Simon Brute

Servant of God Simon Brute was the first bishop of the Diocese of Vincennes, Indiana (now the Archdiocese of Inianapolis).  He served as bishop from 1834 to 1839.  He was known to be an expert in matters of theology and was revered as a holy and hard working priest.  His cause for canonization is now open.  Seems logical to have our college seminary under his patronage.

"And now am writing down these notes; but a thousand details, thoughts and acts not told; how wonderful the day of a priest!" -- Simon Brute

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

We have an incredible Pope!

As the saying goes: "Where Peter is, there is the Church."