Happy New Year

I hope all of you have a blessed New Year!

On the medal, make the sign of the Cross, recite "Incline unto my aid, Oh God! Oh Lord, make haste to help me! Amen." Follow this with a Glory Be.

On the first single bead on the strand, pray an "Our Father".

On the second single bead on the strand, pray an "Our Father", and then continue by saying, "Saint Joan of Arc, immolated as a victim of the burning stake, pray that I may also become a victim by the faithful practice of all my duties as they pertain to me during my whole life."

On the first group of five beads, say a "Hail Mary" for each bead.

On the next divisional bead, Pray an "Our Father", and then recite, "Saint Joan of Arc, with you, I only wish to find my delight in practicing humility, charity, and penance, and all the virtues necessary to gain entrance into Heaven. Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us!"

On the second group of five beads, say a "Hail Mary" for each bead.

On the next divisional bead, pray an "Our Father", and then recite, "Saint Joan of Arc, be with me in all my struggles. Like the strong men of Israel, experienced in warfare, who constantly carry the sword at their side, to guard against unforeseen attacks during the night, may I ever be prepared for the combat. Together with the protection of the angels and saints grant me also your own; inspire my endeavours; be my help and my light to guide me to Jesus, our Chief, and when my earthly mission is accomplished, may I expire like you, repeating with love, ‘Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!' - Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us!"

On the third group of five beads, pray a "Hail Mary" for each bead.

Conclude the chaplet on the medal, by reciting the following prayer: "Pray for us, Saint Joan of Arc, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ."

Christmas e-card

This is good stuff.
Hat tip to 81594

Fed by Christ

When I was in the seminary a fellow seminarian (He is now a priest, Fr. Ben Uhlenkott) pointed out to me that mangers were used to hold hay for the livestock. Of course, the significance as he and the Church Fathers before him pointed out was the association of Jesus with food. Just as the hay was for the animals, the Lord is for us.
In a way that has since made me think of Nativity scenes as a sort of subtle Eucharistic imagery. It still blows me away how much the Gospels hint and a times scream to us about the Eucharist.

Merry Christmas

On this day was born in David's town
A Child with no wealth nor golden crown

In that manger He lay sleeping
Immanuel, our God and King

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! I hope that it is a day that finds you refreshed in your Christian faith.

May the Rose of Sharon blossom in your hearts.

quick update

Ok, so I know that I haven't posted in a long time and so here is a quick update on things: I have arrived safely at my new post, which is a cause for thanksgiving to God if you've ever driven the ALCAN Highway in the dead of winter. I am also engaged now. My long wondering over the married vs single life is over. She is a wonderful woman and I truly look forward to spending my life with her.