The Pat and Barb Verly family and their 5 children, in laws and grandkids along with many prayer warriors have been drawn together by John's cancer... sharing daily for 8 months started this blog- Family Soul Story - Our faith, family, farm and now our cancer journey called HEALING have colored and deepened our world. WE continue to share and depend on the support of our prayer warrior community, that has lowered us into the Lord's presence for His healing!
Two of our youngest grandchildren bathed in light from the stain glass windows after sharing mass as a family - receiving Jesus in His Body, Blood and Word. United with our 2 Marshall families most weeks - we reach 16 since January when little Lucy Marie was born to John and Bobbi and her two older siblings.
Each Sunday we know that we are united in The Eucharist with the other 18 - Maria and Major Joseph and their 7 in Kansas, Nancy and Bill with their 6 in Delano, MN, and Hallel today is with the Pope in Marseilles, France! She will return to KCK in a few days and then we hope to visit soon to see both of our daughters - one with her Religious order - Community of the Lamb and the Military family on base in Fort Leavenworth, KS.
19 year old Simon sharing his voice at mass a few weeks back. He was home again this weekend to help on the farm and will be returning to Southeast Tech after supper this evening. Thank you, Simon, for all you do to help this busy time of year!
When we first talked about how we would celebrate God the Father Day - I knew that I wanted to make Sunday the day that I would delve into how God has touched my life as it is the day set aside specially for our God! As it turned out I was overflowing with so much to share that now I am at Day #4 and now we have reached the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time.
Joy living up to her name after sharing mass as a family! Tom beaming too!
I have noticed that I am much more aware of God with this celebration going on all week. The intercessory prayers from morning prayer this morning...
We have received God's bounty, so let us give him our praise!
Eternal is your merciful love!
You have poured upon us love without measure: - grant that we may serve you with generosity. Eternal if your Merciful love!
You have rewarded all humanity for the saving work done by Christ: - grant us grateful hearts. Eternal is your merciful love!
You have promised us life eternal: - grant us unwavering hope and faith in you. Eternal is your merciful love!
All addressed to God the Father! All so filled with his Mercy and love and generosity with us!
Beautiful prayer cards with Jesus in the tabernacle - the Son of God, who made heaven and earth!
How I need you Lord God to help me as I stagger down the narrow path dragging my Most Cherished Cross with my eyes on joining you someday in heaven forever. I find a slice of heaven here at mass each week with my domestic Church/family.
Thanks to my husband encouraging me to start exercising - swim aerobics at the Y at 8a - I have started to do mass first at 7a. Daily mass is a total gift!
O God of all goodness, your ways are not our ways. You treat us with a love we could never have deserved. You grant us a salvation we could never have imagined through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which we celebrate on this holy day. Make us faithful agents of your bounty to all peoples, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen - from morning prayer this morning
The priests bring LIFE/LOVE/LIGHT - Jesus into the world. How we pray that more will say "yes" to the call! Dear God, may more young men - Powerful Truths here!
In Christian theology, Jesus is the Lamb provided by God himself as the sacrifice for the sins of the world. Before his death on the cross, Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples (the Last Supper) and offered blessings over the bread and wine respectively, saying: "Take and eat. This is my body" and "Drink from this all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant, poured out for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:26–28 Jerusalem Bible). The next day Christ's body and blood were visibly sacrificed on the cross.
Catholics believe that it is this same body, sacrificed on the cross and risen on the third day and united with Christ's divinity, soul and blood which is made present in the offering of each Eucharistic sacrifice which is called the Eucharist. The Catholic Church teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation, which states that the substances, or underlying reality, of the bread and wine is supernaturally changed by the Words of Consecration of the priest in the ritual of the Mass. At the same time, the accidents (that is, the outward appearances and attributes) remain that of bread and wine: i.e. under normal circumstances, scientific analysis of the Eucharistic elements would indicate the physical-material properties of wine and bread.[25][26]
Thus Catholic priests, in celebrating the Eucharist, join each offering of the Eucharistic elements in union with the sacrifice of Christ.[27] Through their celebration of the Holy Eucharist, they make present the one eternal sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
The Catholic Church teaches that the Sacrifice of the Mass and the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross are one and the same sacrifice (as decrees in the Council of Trent affirmed);[28] "The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice,"[29] whereas the Jewish concept of memorial states "..the memorial is not merely a recollection of past events....these events become in a certain way present and real" and thus "...the sacrifice Christ offered once and for all on the cross remains ever present."[29] Properly speaking, in Catholic theology, as expressed by Saint Thomas Aquinas, "Only Christ is the true priest, the others being only his ministers."[30] Thus, Catholic clergy share in the one, unique, Priesthood of Christ as his instruments.[31]
Praying for Tom in Adoration the other night after his accident - he is healing more and more with each new day! Prayer is so important on his journey of Faith/Family/Farm!
The second reading from Phil 1 today speaks of that journey we are all on, longing for being totally united with Jesus and Mary in heaven, yet knowing that we are needed here to live the LIFE of Christ, as the Holy Spirit dwells within us!
Brothers and sisters: Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit.
Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Mary at the foot of the Cross with Jesus in the tabernacle. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of LIFE as the black sash indicates that she is pregnant with Jesus in her womb. May her intercession save lives in danger of abortion this day!
I can't get over this sweet picture of my hero, Archbishop Joseph Naumann blessing our little Evie yesterday at the 15 Anniversary of The Community of the Lamb coming to America in the heart of our country in Kansas City, KS! "I like that new little sister." Archbishop said during his sharing the the crowd gathered. Will Morrison - Singing about God's glory - Beautiful!
Celebrating our God the Father Day with our traditional brunch at the farm this morning. Our JOY knows no bounds!
Joy is our shopping buddy and she picked out the honeydew- it was a very good one!
Gathered around a funny video...
LOVE to see the smiles and laughter - Tom getting some bubbles too.
Blowing kisses to grandma. Sweet Tom
It was pretty sweet at mass - he went down the line of his older siblings and gave them a big kiss on the cheek. One lucky sweet boy to be #7 on the farm. He is such an amazing sign of new life for us all!
Rose modeling some new earrings she got at Farmer's Market yesterday. Getting to be quite a stylish girl now in 6th grade.
Very special to me is time spent water coloring. The grandkids ask to paint most every time they are here. They are my subjects or I draw the picture and they paint...
Josephine did this one - it is very special to me and on my fridge.
This was my Christmas gift from Therese - we have added one since. She did this totally on her own!
Tom with cat, dog and goat.
Hallel with the little ones when she was here a year ago May shortly after Maggie had her cranial surgery. She was born with her font closed that is suppose to close at age 24 - they had to make an opening so her skull can allow her brain to grow - Crown of Thorns.
A French town much like Fanjoui where we stayed for Hallel's final vows 5 years ago. This was done by Bernadette and grandma.
Gus did this a number of years back all on his own of France, too.
Mary did this on her own 10 years ago when she was 6. Hallel with calves and two had died hence the wings going to heaven. I love this!
A gift that we used for our French pictures - LOVE!
Years ago - John and Hallel with 12 - we now have 23 and 3 of them are John's
One I painted at Nancy's in Kansas after Josephine was born.
One I made for mom years ago and now it comes back to me - the 5 with their babies that are now soon to all be 11.
My favorite place to paint - Michigan - Ruth with her oldest 5.
Rose painting on the deck at the cabin years ago.
Our losses in heaven - 2 more have been added since.
I found a card in the Thrift store - added 2 girls and a boy and our building site to make it apply. Pat riding off into the sunset - always working on the farm.
My nest years...
Another Michigan painting -
An imaginary picture of our entire family together from Susan/Hallel in France to Joseph in Afghanistan. LOVE to see my whole family together in my mind, heart and mind. Dear God, I love you and thank you! There are endless ways you love me and bless me! Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barbara and the 33 plus many Little Sisters and Little Brothers.
Priesthood Sunday: 24 Sept 2023
A special day set aside in the United States
to honor the priesthood...
to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood
in the life of the Church as a central one.
This nationwide event is coordinated and sponsored
by the US Council of Serra International.
________
Note: Parishes may choose to celebrate Priesthood Sunday
on another Sunday when convenient.
Christ daily comes to us in humble form;
daily He comes down
from the bosom of the Father
upon the altar
in the hands of thepriest."
St Francis of Assisi
Pray regularly for our priests! Here is one way: offering Holy Hours
Maria 9 years ago holding her precious 8 day old son, Romeo, along with her 2 older sons, Patrick and David. Such a loving and adoring look at his wonderful mother, Maria Theresa! Romeo has added 3 more siblings since - a total of 7 children born to Major Joseph and Maria.
On this #3 Father Day for God my Father of heaven and earth - I am sorry there is just so much to be thankful for and to celebrate in my 72 years! Considering that each day I am grateful for - most especially each day since my earthly father, Deacon Robert Cross, brought our entire family of 13 into The Catholic Church 52 years ago! Each day is a pearl of great price!
Patrick in NICU in Providence Hospital in down town El Paso, TX.
I really need to share the miracle of Patrick's birth soon to be 11 years ago on October 9,2012. It so happened that Major Joseph was deployed to Afghanistan when Patrick was due, so I traveled to El Paso shortly before her due date to be with her.
We waited till a couple weeks past his due date, and the decision was made to induce. In the process Maria ruptured - I thought I had just watched my grandson die and possibly my daughter! Patrick was resuscitated and I and he went in an ambulance to NICU in Providence from the Military hospital. Maria had made it through and was left there with a CCW lady to sit with her.
On the way I got a call from hubby that I should baptize Patrick. In the middle of NICU - grandma Barb baptized Patrick Joseph! "I baptize you in the Name of The Father, and of The Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen" with a small bottle of sterile water they handed me. From that point on - "the sickest baby in here" got better! Father God, we thank you for healing our Patrick and blessing him as coming into your Church just moments after he came into this world!
Patrick a month ago with the 2 cousins he has grown up with - Rose was 11 on May 1st, Patrick on October 9th and Bernadette on November 13! They are best cousin buddies! Patrick is the picture of health - he even walked early!
St Padre Pio today! LOVE!
6 year old Evangeline Mary wore her habit made by mom for older sister. "I want to be a Little Sister."
From Kansas City today on the 15th Anniversary celebration of The Community of the Lamb coming for their first foundation in America - Kansas City, Kansas! How I wanted to be there, but due to farming we were unable to make it. Fake plans to go when Pat can get away, and Hallel is back from France.
Right there with the Little Sisters. On this 3rd Father God Day - I am filled with so much to thank God for when it comes to our daughter's amazing Community of the Lamb. Susan now Hallel met them while she was studying for the year in Rome through Catholic Studies from St Thomas. They come from Dominican roots and their foundress, Little Sister Marie, is still living. When Vatican 2 asked orders to go back to their roots - Marie felt the Lord telling her to beg for their food, as St Dominic did, but to beg for their food from the poor!
The tents came from the military, and it did rain, but later was beautiful day. The Lord and Lady shined on them! Of course, Father God, who dwells in unapproachable light... From the first reading today - I Tim 6
Beloved: I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus...that the blessed and only ruler will make manifest at the proper time, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen. I Tim 6
#3 daughter, Maria, Little Sister Stephanie, and Little tiny sister Evangeline Mary.
Little Sister Marie asked the Lord to show her how this could be - She was led to I Kings 17:8-16 - Elijah and the widow! The widow was asked to make some bread for Elijah when she only had enough for her and her son before they would starve to death. "Make some for me and you will never run out." So she did, and her oil, flour and water never ran out!
The stories they share when they go on mission begging in the poor parts of town are amazing. How they are welcomed, and they share with them in meals, also they share the Gospel and take their prayer needs with them to their contemplative day of prayer, mass and Adoration of Jesus!
They love Jesus as The Word. Each night they mendicate/chew the Gospel for the next day - repeating each line numerous times to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to them. I have begun to read the Gospel for the next day the night before with great JOY and excitement. I wonder what it is!
Too precious - watching a slide show of their history in Kansas City - the first foundation in America! Susan went to France to join The Community shortly after they came here. They came to visit us on the farm 15 years ago during harvest - they rode in the trucks and in the combine! They wanted to meet the family of the first postulant from America! Now many more have joined her!
Archbishop Joseph Naumann - the reason The Little Sisters and Lumen Christi Monastery/Light of Christ Monastery is here in the first place. He invited them to come 15 years ago!
Maria said that Evie came out of their van and the Sisters asked Archbishop to give her a blessing. "He mentioned a couple times to the crowd that he sure liked the newest Little Sister. Evie just beamed!" reported Maria.
15 year old Therese - Major Joseph and Maria's oldest making special bouquets for the tables - So beautiful inside and out!
Outside after the rain watching the play that they put on...
The blind Little Brother, David, was the farmer that planted the 2 seeds - as The Gospel today is the sower and the seeds!
The 2 seeds - Little Sister Marie Jean and LS Dorota - they are the 2 monasteries - Lumen Christi/Light of Christ where the Little Sisters are on the top of the hill, and The light of Mary the Mother of God Monastery at the bottom of the hill where the Little Brothers dwell.
Little Brother David - the farmer that planted the seeds! How we love to have the Community in the heart of our country!
So grateful that Maria and family were there and shared this glorious day with me! I am so thrilled that our military family can share in the LIFE of the Community for this year - only a half hour apart as they are living in Fort Leavenworth, KS for the year. How I long to go there and spend time with both very soon!
Wonderful God the Father, such a great blessing you have given us with our contemplative Community of the Lamb in the heart of our country! Allowing us to share in their life devoted to you! I am so spoiled to be able to share in the life of being a nun, which I considered myself. Such a gift and blessing to our family, and for my grandchildren to see this beautiful example of being called to be your spouse! The Best!
The Grotto devoted to Mary where we gather for prayer - just behind the Little Brothers Monastery at the bottom of the hill.
A card with the prayer to be prayed at the Grotto of miracles.
Family job of covering the pile of bales last night ahead of the rain. Sadly the rain in not happening today, but we continue to pray!
Simon was 19 a few days ago and came home to help on the farm for the weekend... 6 year old Joy helps out.
Joy and the bale pyramid.
Paul and his crew of kids
David on top managing things - grandpa helping too.
Tom playing in the sand while the rest are covering the bales.
A load of gravel
A team on both sides hanging tires to hold down the tarp.
Chickens outside on my railings...
Eggs on the inside
Rose and grandma first time at the Farmer's Market - sold 2 dozen.
A lot of work.
Well, I am sure that there will be other ways that I want to thank my God. Faith/Family/Farm pretty much sums up my life and each day is filled with more than I can take in! Jesus, I trust in you. Bless-bless, Barbara and the 33 plus many Little Sisters and Little Brothers
Great words from St Pio today!
So glorious and powerful from Pope Benedict today on the Sacrament of Matrimony! Left for me by my mother, who read this for 10 years each day!
Now dad's man, Brother Victor, about the bell that is rung at the consecration - "He is here! Get ready for him." Dad sharing with me, too!!!
"Prayeris theoxygen of the soul."
St Padre Pio
"Kneel down and render the tribute of your presence and devotion to Jesus
in the Blessed Sacrament.
Confide all your needs to Him,
along with those of others.
Speak to Him with filial abandonment,
give free rein to your heart,
and give Him complete freedom
to work in you as He thinks best."
St Padre Pio of Pietrelcino
Priest, Stigmatist, Mystic
Italy ~ 1887-1968
Patron of Eucharistic Adorers
Feast Day - Sept 23
"When I am close to Jesus
in the Blessed Sacrament,
I feel as if my heart is bursting
out of my chest." - St Padre Pio
Danielle Rose
Will Morrison
Salve Regina - Hail Holy Queen as sung by Hallel at night prayer each night before they go to their cells for bed.
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