Lingering memory

After dad died, mom would pray in bed with my little brother and me every single night.

“What happens if I fall asleep before we finish the rosary?” I’d ask.

“The Blessed Mother will finish it for you,” she’d whisper before starting a rhyming prayer that I absolutely loved.

Even though I didn’t understand all the words, I’d find comfort in the cadence, try to keep up with the prayer, and visualize the story in bold colors until I fell asleep.

Of course, time passed and life changed.  I forgot to ask about the prayer until a couple of years before mom died.

“Teach me the rhyming prayer.”

“How does it go?” she asked.  “Tell me some of the words.”

I treasured its memory but recalled only one line: “Hortelanito, por Dios, dime la pura verdad: si Jesús de Nazaret por aquí lo has visto pasar.”  

Mom had no idea what I was talking about!

Lingering memory

Over the years I tried to no avail to find the prayer online.  One day I’ll meet someone versed in Spanish prayers, I thought.  I’ll find the prayer when the time is right.  Besides, the memory of us praying together still lingered vividly.  And that was good enough!

At Wednesday’s Bible study Lawanda shared that she falls asleep before she finishes her nightly prayers.  “But I don’t worry about it.  My guardian angel finishes them for me.”  So I told her what mom had said when I was just a little girl.

Then, out of the blue this evening, I started wondering about mom’s prayer again and, suddenly, a rose leaf fell on this Chicken Little’s tail.  I can email Sr. Marta!  I’ll bet she knows the prayer!  Only I wanted to spell hortelanito correctly, so I looked online and— what do you know?!!

I found mom’s prayer!

Oración de la pasión de Cristo

Jesucristo se ha perdido.  La virgen lo va a buscar, entre portal y portal, entre rosal y rosal.  Debajo de un rosal blanco un hortelanito está.

“Hortelanito, por Dios, dime la pura verdad: si Jesús de Nazaret por aquí lo has visto pasar.”

“Si señora, que lo he visto antes del gallo cantar.  Entre judíos y judíos, bien acompañado va.  Una cruz lleva en sus hombros que lo hacían arrodillar, una corona de espinas que lo hacían sangrar, una soga en su cuello que de ella tirando van.

“Caminemos, virgen pura, hacia el monte del calvario, que por pronto que lleguemos, ya lo han crucificado.”

Ya le habrán clavado los pies.  Ya le habrán clavado las manos.  Ya le habrán tirado la lanza en su divino costado.

La sangre que derramara se encuentra en el cáliz sagrado.  El hombre que la bebiera será bien aventurado.  Será rey en este mundo y en el otro coronado.

El hombre que dirá esta oración todos los viernes del año salvará un alma de pena y la suya del pecado.  Quien lo sabe no lo dice, quien lo oye no lo aprende y el día del juicio final verá lo que pase en el (Mendoza, 1939).

January 16, 2016

As we drove to meet Bill and Robin for dinner yesterday, Steven said, “I really like your post.  It’s very touching.  But, if I may make a suggestion, can you also add your own personal English translation?”

Prayer of the passion of Christ

While my version, as literal as possible, may not (at all) read as poetically as the original Spanish prayer, the story ties in sweetly, poignantly to the stations of the cross.

For starters, an hortelanito is someone who takes care of plants and/or crops, like a gardener or a field laborer.  In this instance, the man, referred to diminutively (with affection and/or respect), is tending to the flowers in his care when Our Lady engages him about her missing son, Jesus.  So the dialogue might be from the scene leading to the fourth station, “Jesus meets his mother,” while the rest of the narrative alludes to our salvation through Christ’s suffering that sorrowful, pivotal day.

Jesus is lost.  The Virgin is looking for him, door by door, rose bush by rose bush.  Under the rose bush with white flowers a gardener stands.

“Gardener, in God’s name, tell me the honest truth.  Have you seen Jesus of Nazareth pass by here?”

“Yes, ma’m.  I saw him pass before the rooster crowed.  Among the many Jews he was well accompanied.  A cross carried on his shoulders that brought him to his knees, a crown of thorns that made him bleed, a rope around his neck from which they pulled on him.

“Let us walk then, Virgin Purest, toward Mount Calvary because, no matter our haste to arrive, he will surely be crucified.”

They have nailed his feet.  They have nailed his hands.  They have speared his divine side.

The blood that has been shed is found in the sacred chalice.  He who drinks from it will be well rewarded.  He will be king in this world and crowned in the next.

The man who recites this prayer every Friday of the year will save a soul from punishment and his from sin.  Whomever knows the prayer and doesn’t say it, whomever hears the prayer and doesn’t learn it, on the day of the last judgment will see what happens then.

Prayers

At the foot of the cross…  Mother of mercy and love, blessed virgin Mary, I am a poor and unworthy sinner; and I turn to you in confidence and love.  You stood by your son as he hung dying on the cross.  Stand also by me, a poor sinner, and by all the priests who are offering Mass today here and throughout the entire Church.  Help us to offer a perfect and acceptable sacrifice in the sight of the holy and undivided Trinity, our most high God.

Heartfelt request…  O Mother of Sorrows, who could express the cruel anguish of this moment?  The same child that you once wrapped in swaddling clothes amidst unspeakable joy, you now wrap silently in his burial shroud.  Your tears mingle with the blood and dirt that covers his broken body.  But even in this moment your trust in his promise did not die.  Your mourning was not without hope, for you knew that he would rise again from his grave just as he promised.  Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace to believe with unshakable hope in the victory of our Lord, even in the darkest moments of life (Servites).

Novena to Our Lady of San Juan…  Amada Virgen de San Juan de los Lagos, cuídanos de todo mal, acompáñanos en nuestra vida, y libéranos de todo tipo de pecado.  (Haga su petición.)  Doy gracias a Dios y a la virgen de los lagos por el favor concedido.

Rece durante nueve días el rosario.  Tambien se reza la “Coronita de los doce privilegios de la inmaculada madre de Dios” (Devociones Y Oraciones).

Our Lady of Sorrows…  Father, as your son was raised on the cross, his mother, Mary, stood by him, sharing his suffering.  May your Church be united with Christ in his suffering and death and so come to share in his rising to new life where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.  Amen.

Prayer of abandonment…  Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will.  Whatever you may do, I thank you.  I am ready for all; I accept all.  Let only your will be done in me and in all your creatures.  I wish no more than this, O Lord.  Into your hands I commend my soul.  I offer it to you with all the love of my heart; for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself, into your hands without reserve and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father (Charles de Foucald).

Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle – San Juan, TX

Links of interest…  Camino con Jesús (blog)…  El romance tradicional y el corrido en Guatemala (Carlos Navarette, 1987)…  Forming effective adoration…  Fourth station of the cross…  Full of grace: A poignant glimpse at Mary’s final days…  Handing down the faith: Catholicism is caught, not taught…  How I came to think differently about Mary…  La santa cruz de Caravaca: Tesoro de oraciones…  Letanías de la Virgen…  Linguee (Spanish-English translations)…  Mary’s tears are seeds of hope…  Oración: del hortelanito…  Origin of the wood of the cross…  Pious Disciples of the Divine Master (PDDM Sisters in Matamoros, MX): about…  Power of goodbye…  Prayer before a crucifix…  Roaring lion, mourning dove, word of God…  Shroud of Turin…  St. Veronica’s compassionate act…  Stations of the Cross: about / FishEaters / for kids (coloring pages) / how to do / making them worthwhile / on your block / origin / printables / puppet show / scriptural / significance / way of the cross…  This 3D “carbon copy” of Jesus was created using the Shroud of Turin…  Up to Jerusalem…  Veiled Christ: Miracle of transparent marble…  Via Crucis at the Colosseum with Pope Francis…  Why wasn’t Joseph at the crucifixion…

WP posts…  Budding relationships…  Dear God…  Gifts…  God’s lovely gifts…  Mourning joy…  Our Lady…  Perfect prayer…  Picturing God…  Sorrowful redemption…  Two takes

Sensory overload

A year since attending Bishop Danny’s annual fundraiser in Weslaco, we made our way to La Sierra Event Center in Harlingen with great anticipation.

Diocesan fundraiser: December 5, 2014

Except for a very memorable first experience, we had no idea what awaited us until we reached the smiling hosts standing beside the check-in table.  Baldemar, Jesse, and Rosie graciously interacted with guests, assisted with seating, answered questions, and set the tone for the evening: supporting Bishop Danny’s charities and ministries.  “Be sure to check out the silent and live auction items,” Baldemar smiled.  “And do get some refreshments.”  We followed Jesse to our table, chose our seats, and set off to explore the unknown.

Pretty pinks

Oohing and ahhing over the beautiful items leading to the room in the southeast corner of the hall, I kept my wits about me.  But, sure enough.  Once inside the tiny space, I knew we wouldn’t leave without bidding on something.

“Oh, darling.  Look at these exquisite doilies.  Think of the time spent crocheting them!”

“Hours— or days.”

“More like weeks,” I gently corrected, knowing how long it takes me to sew puppets.  “They’re gorgeous, absolutely priceless.  But who made them?  And what inspired her?  There should be a card.  She must feel so good to have donated her works of art for such a worthy cause.”

I picked up one of the doilies.  Hmm.  Light, heavenly scent!  I wanted to take them home then and there!  “Please make a bid,” I softly insisted before returning to what had first caught my eye.

Lovely Lady

Some months back someone used the search term coronita de la virgen de san juan de los lagos on my blog.  Immediately, I knew exactly where the person had gone looking, too.  My “Saturday evening Mass” post.

Fr. Mathias had substituted at Sacred Heart Church that weekend, so he’d invited us to the five o’clock service.  And he’d shown us a small statue in the confessional that he was puzzled about, until I told him that she was Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos sans crown.

Anyway, because someone had gone looking for the devotion, I’d added the category to the left-hand column on my blog to help the reader locate her more easily.  And, wouldn’t you know it?  Our Lady of San Juan stayed with me even more, so I made a mental note to remember the churches where I’d seen her on display: Our Lady of Guadalupe in Hebbronville, Sacred Heart in Corpus Christi, and St. Anthony of Padua in Robstown, respectively.

      

Of course, I’d also seen her each time we’d gone to my heart of hearts, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville.  I realized, too, in looking through my photo files that her display changes over time (just like St. Charbel’s ribbons that denote answered prayers and/or miracles).

      

         

What I didn’t know, however, was how much Our Lady of San Juan had been tugging at my heartstrings— until the bishop’s fundraiser, that is.

Even among all those other lovely silent auction items, Our Lady of San Juan’s delicate features stood out.  She seemed to be waiting for me!  “Please,” I told Steven, “please bid on her.”

“How much?”

“Just go for the entire amount.  If someone else wants her, we’ll know they’re serious if they bid beyond.”

“And then what?” asked Steven.

“We’ll play it by ear,” I said calmly though inwardly hopeful that Our Lady would accompany us home that night.

Promises and ribbons

I was really happy with our, um, my two finds.  We could easily have gone to sit and begin the waiting game.  But nooo!  Not the curious person that I am.  We walked across the hall to the live auction items, and who should I see but someone who’s fascinated me for years.

A companion of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos at the cathedral back home, there he was in all his finery, bedecked in silver promises and colorful ribbons— so, how could I resist?

St. Charbel Makhlouf and I had met some years back the same way Father Casey and I had met, the same way I’ve come across other intriguing souls of the faith.  Online.

Sensory overload

I was totally beside myself to have this likeness of the Lebanese monk so close.  My mind was racing!  Could I pass up having Our Lady of San Juan and St. Charbel together in our home the way they’re displayed at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, my heart of hearts?  Never had I imagined the possibility.  Yet here was Golden Opportunity knocking.  Talk about sensory overload.  I couldn’t contain myself.

Still, I kept thinking, Yes, dear God.  If it is your will that we should be so blessed as to have them both accompany us home, I will be ever so grateful.  To the moon and back, in fact.  If not, then I’ll be just as grateful that someone else wanted them sooo much that they outbid us and helped Bishop Danny’s cause.  I giggled to myself as we made our way back to the table.  I couldn’t believe that we’d found such keepsakes and that they’d beckoned so heartily.  We were in for the time of our lives and it was so much fun.

Prayers: December 8, 2014

I had two prayers for St. Charbel: the card that the artist had attached to the sculpture and the photo of the framed prayer at the cathedral that I intended to add to this post.  But I don’t have one for Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos, I told God.  Where— how— can I get one?

      

Steven and I drove to St. Paul’s for the feast of the Immaculate Conception.  And, as is my custom before Mass, I rummaged through the wicker basket with the bookmarks and prayer cards in the back of the church on our way in.  Lo and behold, on my fourth or fifth dive to get at the cards at the bottom, I found exactly what I needed— a prayer card to Our Lady of San Juan from, you guessed it, the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle in the Rio Grande Valley.  Wow!  I was so thrilled that I even shared the story with Steven and Fr. Pete before Mass.

       

Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos

Devotion…  Most holy and immaculate Virgin of San Juan, be our faithful companion on our life’s journey.  We thank you because many have found [your] shrine a place [to] feel at home with you and our brothers and sisters.  Help us to come closer to your son, Jesus, that we may find in him the way of life, which gives meaning to moments of sorrow and happiness in our earthly pilgrimage.

Novena…  Amada Virgen de San Juan de los Lagos, cuídanos de todo mal, acompáñanos en nuestra vida, y libéranos de todo tipo de pecado.  (Haz tu petición.)  Doy gracias a Dios y a la virgen de los lagos por el favor concedido.

Rece durante nueve días el rosario.  También se reza la “Coronita de los doce privilegios de la inmaculada madre de Dios” (Devociones y Oraciones Catolicas).

Offering…  Our Lady of San Juan, mother of God and mother of the Church, with a sincere heart I offer you this prayer.  In imitation of your union with your divine son, I offer you my daily actions.  Guide me in my work so that my undertakings may be divinely blessed.  Because you are truly a mother to me, I am confident that you will heed these requests, if they serve for the greater glory of God and are spiritually beneficial.

Petición…  María inmaculada y siempre bendita, singular, e incomparable Virgen María, madre de Dios, templo suyo muy agradable, sagrario del Espíritu Santo, puerta de reino de los cielos, por quien después de Dios vive todo el orbe, inclina, madre de misericordia, tus ojos reflujentes a mi, pecador.  Haz, señora, que tus milagros rayos de la luz inclinen y alumbren mi alma; y, si lo que te pido conduce este fin, concédemelo a mayor gloria de Dios y tuya.

Request…  We pray that you, most holy and immaculate Virgin of San Juan, guide us throughout our lives.  Please make us mindful of the needs of others and help them through our prayers.  Give us spiritual strength so that we are close to your son, Jesus, and through him may have love and compassion for others.  Grant us peace and happiness.

St. Charbel Makhlouf

One…  Lord, infinitely holy and glorified in your saints, you have inspired Charbel, the saint monk to lead the perfect life of a hermit.  We thank you for granting him the blessing and the strength to detach himself from the world so that the heroism of the monastic virtues of poverty, obedience, and chastity could triumph in his hermitage.  We beg you to grant us the grace of loving and serving you following his example.

Almighty God who has manifested the power of St. Charbel’s intercession through his countless miracles and favors, grant us… through his intercession.

Our Father….  Hail Mary….  Glory be….

Two…  O God of silence, in stillness your adorable and mysterious Trinity lives, loves and acts.  In the silence of time, your great mysteries have been accomplished.  Blessed is the one who quiets everything within himself and listens to the impelling voice which leads to you.

Charbel heard this voice and closed himself in solitude.  He separated himself from a self-seeking world and spoke with you.

You taught him to deny himself and to die like the grain of wheat.  You asked him to bind himself to you in a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Freed from himself he discovered you, O Lord, embraced the way of the Cross, and filled his spirit with the memory of your son’s passion and death.  The holy mysteries became his life; the Eucharist, his real food; and the mother of God, his consolation.  Day and night he sought you in the scriptures and in the lives of the saints.  Through unending prayer his whole life became a living hymn of praise to you and ended in a sacrifice of love that continues to proclaim your glory.

We beg [your] intercession to inspire us to a life of prayer and sacrifice.  Help us to live lives of quiet dedication to the service of your church forever (Discerning Hearts).

Immaculate Conception Cathedral – Brownsville, TX

Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle – San Juan, TX

Links of interest…  Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle: facebook / history / national shrine / video (YT)…  Catholic diocese of Brownsville: facebook / website…  Immaculate Conception Cathedral (ICC): facebook / website…  Lebanese Christians raise giant statue of St. Charbel & saint who unites Christians & Muslims…  Phoenix mother cured from blindness…  San Juan de los Lagos: about / paintings (more)…  St. Charbel Makhlouf: anecdote / chaplet / devotions / his last prayer / Lebanese hermit / litany / mystic / need a miracle / wants to pray for you…  St. Paul the Apostle Church: facebook / website…

WP posts…  Clarisas cookies…  Heart of hearts…  Saturday evening Mass…  Slice of heaven

Saturday evening Mass

On January 25, 2013, Fr. Mathias celebrated morning Mass at our church.  He is such a joy to be around that, later in the day, I emailed him.

We’d like to attend Mass at Holy Cross Church tomorrow, but Steven says HCC has no Saturday evening Mass.

On Sunday, Steven will attend the all-day Knights of Columbus ceremonies at St. Paul’s.  A couple of our friends, Sam and Gary, parishioners at SPC and longtime friends of ours, are getting their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees; so Steven will be an observer.

Of course, this means Mass on Saturday.  Are you celebrating Mass elsewhere, so we can join you?

Fr. Mathias replied.

We don’t have Saturday evening Mass at Holy Cross; but tomorrow I will be offering five o’clock Mass at Sacred Heart Church near the cathedral.  You are most welcome to attend.

       

Sacred Heart Church

I’d visited the chapel twice in 2010, but not the church.  Except for Mass, Sacred Heart is kept locked for security reasons.  I could hardly wait to finally see the church within, so I emailed Fr. Mathias to let him know we’d be there.

   

       

Lady in blue

Fr. Mathias was in the confessional when we arrived, but before the start of Mass he invited us to view the treasure inside that small room.

“I don’t know who she is,” Father admitted, reverently motioning to the lady in blue.  “I’ve never seen her before.”

“She’s an antique version of Our Lady of San Juan,” I said delightedly.  “The basilica in the Rio Grande Valley was built in her honor.  Her likeness is prominently displayed at St. Anthony of Padua in Robstown, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Hebbronville, and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville.  How special to see her this way!”  Still, what happened to Our Lady’s crown?

       

Saturday evening Mass

Fr. Mathias, who substitutes as needed throughout the diocese but whose home parish is Holy Cross Church, celebrated Mass with Dcn. Benny Vargas in Fr. Motta’s absence.

After Mass, we spoke with both of them and met one of the readers.

Selena extended a heartfelt invitation for us to return for Mass anytime.  “You’re always welcome.  You’re always welcome,” she repeated with gracious inclusivity.

“Thank you so much!  The church is beautiful.  Thank you!” I gushed as she departed.

Then I asked both the sacristan and Dcn. Benny if I could take more photos.  “I promise I’ll make it quick.  I know you have family waiting for you at home.”

Frescoes

Steven checked on the frescoes.  Except for those on either side of the altar, which were commissioned in 1950, the fresco on the wall behind the altar as well as those around the church were commissioned between 1942 and 1945.  (The church was founded in 1916.  The date of the present building?)  Steven noted that the artist, Antonio E. Garcia, painted a man holding the Veil of Veronica depicted in the sixth Station of the Cross.

The most recent version of the legend recounts that St. Veronica from Jerusalem encountered Jesus along the Via Dolorosa on the way to Calvary.  When she paused to wipe the blood and sweat (Latin suda) off his face with her veil, his image was imprinted on the cloth.  The event is commemorated by the sixth station of the Stations of the Cross.  According to some versions, Veronica later traveled to Rome to present the cloth to the Roman Emperor Tiberius.  The veil possesses miraculous properties: being able to quench thirst, cure blindness, and sometimes even raise the dead (Wikipedia, 2013).

“No doubt the benefactor was honored for his financial contribution,” Steven said.  For this reason, he, not Veronica, is shown in the fresco as the one who gifted the holy napkin to the king.

Questions

I joined Steven and Dcn. Benny by the ambo and started in with my questions.  “How long does the chapel stay open?” I asked.

“Usually, the chapel is open during the day and closes after evening Mass.”

“I was here twice in 2010,” I said.  “I have pictures of the Christ.”

“I know it used to scare the heck out of me when I was little,” Deacon chuckled.

   

       

Call of service

“Have you always come here?” I continued.

“I grew up in this neighborhood many, many years ago.”

“How special!”

“Then, just recently, I was ordained in November and got assigned to this parish; so it worked out beautifully.”

“What a blessing!” I enthused.

“Two of our good friends— Francisco Rodriguez and David Castillo— were in that class,” Steven added.

“We’re from the same class, yes.  I think they stayed in their own parishes.  I told them, ‘Don’t throw me in the briar patch!'” Dcn. Benny laughingly recalled.  “I was happy.  It was beautiful to have been assigned here.”

“That was when?”

“That same week.  It was an immediate assignment.  We were under the impression, initially, that we’d stay at our home parish for the remainder of the month, but no.  I was a parishioner at the cathedral for over twenty-five years, but here I am where I grew up.”

Gratitude

Knowing that I’d keep the conversation going, Steven interrupted.  “Which is the way out?” he asked.  Since the front doors were already locked, the side door would take us past the chapel onto the sidewalk that led to the end of the block where we’d parked across the street, so we began our farewells.

“Thank you for allowing me to do this,” I said gratefully.  “I waited a long time.  My dream came true!”

“It’s been a blessing for all of us.”

“For many reasons,” I agreed.

“Yes.  With your pictures and the story behind them?  Works wonders.  God bless you both.”

“God bless you, Deacon!  We’ll see each other again.  Congratulations on heeding the call of service to God Almighty!”

“Thank you.  It’s truly a privilege,” Dcn. Benny said humbly.

“We may be back!”

“You’re welcome anytime!”

“Thank you!  That’s what Selena told us.  She was so welcoming!”

“It doesn’t have to be on official business!” Dcn. Benny teased.

“God bless you,” the sacristan finally chimed in after waiting patiently for us to finish.  “Y’all have a good night.”

A very good night, I thought.

How special to have another wish come true thanks to Fr. Mathias’s invitation to have us join him for Saturday evening Mass.

   

   

       

       

   

       

               

       

       

       

       

   

Efficacious novena to the sacred heart of Jesus

O my Jesus, you have said, “Truly, I say to you, ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.”  Behold, I knock; I seek and ask for the grace of…

Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.
Then say, “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.”

O my Jesus, you have said, “Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.”  Behold, in your name I ask the Father for the grace of…

Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.
Then say, “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.”

O my Jesus, you have said, “Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away; but my words will not pass away.”  Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of…

Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.
Then say, “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.”

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you through the sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, your tender mother and ours.

Pray the Hail, Holy Queen.
Then add, “St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.”

This novena prayer was recited every day by Padre Pio for all who asked for his prayers.  The faithful are invited to recite it daily so as to be spiritually united with the prayer of St. Pio.

Prayers to Our Lady of San Juan

Novena…  Amada Virgen de San Juan de los Lagos, cuidanos de todo mal, acompáñanos en nuestra vida, y libéranos de todo tipo de pecado.  (Haz tu petición.)  Doy gracias a Dios y a la virgen de los lagos por el favor concedido.

Rece durante nueve días el rosario.  Tambien se reza la “Coronita de los doce privilegios de la inmaculada madre de Dios” (Oraciones y Devociones Catolicas).

Our Lady of San Juan del Valle – San Juan, TX

Links of interest…  Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle: facebook / history / national shrine / prayer card / video…  Knights of Columbus…  Our Lady: beloved of the Trinity / celebrating May / gate of heaven / litany / meditations / prayers / Queen of angels / untier of knots…  Sacred Heart: about / history / novena…  San Martin de Porres: book / feast (Nov 3) / novena / patron / saint of the broom…  Santo Niño de Atocha: chapel / miracles / prayers…  St. Anthony: 1195-1231 / life / mail deliveries (S.A.G.) / shrine / wonder worker…  St. Joseph: about / blog / feasts: Mar. 19 & May 1 (solemnity) / name…  St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus & the Holy Face: about / invocation / life / master of her temperament / feast (Oct 1) / prayer / reflections / story…  St. Veronica:  Holy Face (devotion) / how she got her name / prayer / sixth station / veil (poem)…  Why Sunday Mass is celebrated Saturday evening…

WP posts…  Holy Cross Church…  Sacred Heart Church (CCTX)…  St. Anthony’s finally