St. Gerard is the Man
Dear John Allen:
Within your story of Conversion & Healing [“From Passive to Faithful Catholic — A Story of Conversion and Healing”] is the answer to a very recent prayer request of mine. You see, on my way home this evening I prayed to God and asked Him to send me a Saint whom I could specifically pray to regarding difficulties and frustrations I'm having with my 13 year old son.
Shortly after I got home I decided to log onto the computer. Normally I read through a few of my favorite news sites such as Drudge, etc., but this evening I went right to the Diocese Report. I clicked on the movie review for The Lord of the Rings and your story came up. Your first paragraph caught my attention so I decided to read through the entire article. Low and behold there he was. . .Saint Gerard (Patron Saint for mothers & their children). I am absoutely sure this is the Saint God sent me. Prior to what I read in your article I had heard of a St. Gerard, but really didn't know any particulars about him. Judging from what you said in the article I think he is definitely the heavenly guidance I requested. Normally my prayers aren't answered with such lightning speed, so I'm still a little in awe I suppose.
Anyway, I just wanted to pass on my story to you and thank you for such a timely and lovely testimony. My prayers will be with you and Ursula as the adoption progresses and also with your beautiful little niece and her family.
A Blessed Christmas!
Pax Christi,
Teresa Killion
Dear Teresa:
Thank you kindly for your response. I'm delighted to think that I helped introduce someone to St. Gerard. Goodness seems to multiply itself.
Thank you for remembering us all in your prayers, as we will now remember you and your family.
By the Way, Ursula and I saw The Lord of the Rings this past Saturday. I didn't think the movie could possibly live up to Steve Greydanus's over-the-top review, but it did as far as I'm concerned (and I was one of those insufferable Tolkien nerds in youth!).
Viva Cristo Rey!
John Allen
St. Joseph is the Man
Thank you for providing me with an “Ah ha! Of course” revelatory moment when I read the article on St. Joseph, the “The Forgotten Saint.” I have heard many, many homilies on our good St. Joseph explaining how he was declared a righteous man because he took Mary, and later, Jesus into his home despite the confusing and suspicious nature of her pregnancy. I have revered him wholeheartedly as a model husband and father, however, I must admit I was always a little disappointed that he seemed so willing to abandon her initially, according to the conventions of the time.
Fr. Paul de Ladurantaye's article explained that is was a holy and reverent fear of coming in contact with the Creator, which all righteous Jews should feel, that caused Joseph's initial unwillingness to proceed with his marriage to Mary. It took an angel sent by God to convince him that it was desired by the Creator that he take on the special role assigned to him, and that he should “Not be afraid to take Mary into his home.” This is such a profound insight that I will share it with all my loved ones this Christmas, and I am sure it will be (good) news for all.
Thank you for all the fine articles you provide. I am addicted to this web site and try to get to it first thing every morning.
Christine
Dear Christine,
Thank you for your feedback and kind words of encouragement. I agree that Fr. Paul offers a much more comforting — and accurate — way of perceiving the foster father of the Redeemer.
I'm gratified that you are addicted to our site. This is that rare kind of addiction that we at Catholic Exchange neither discourage nor attempt to remedy.
Merry Christmas,
Tom Allen
Editor & President
Catholic Exchange
List of Religious Orders
Dear Catholic Exchange:
Do you have listings of religious orders on your site? I could not find them, even when I searched under the “Catholic Library: Resources for Your Faith” link. I would think this would be listed somewhere. Please advise if there is a link I missed, or if there's a good web site listing vocations and religious orders. Thanks.
Mark Bodziak
Dear Mr. Bodziak,
Thanks for your inquiry. We do not have a comprehensive list of religious orders on Catholic Exchange at this time, but here is what you're looking for:
http://www.mcgill.pvt.k12.al.us/jerryd/cm/orders.htm
We appreciate your support of Catholic Exchange and wish you a happy and holy Christmas.
In Christ,
Tom Allen
Editor & President
Catholic Exchange
