Welcome to Our Lady of the Woods

Today we remember St. Bruno, who founded the great mother house of the Carthusians and helped settle on their motto: "While the world turns, the Cross stands firm!" May we live out this motto today here at OLOW.

In today's Gospel, we hear this strange phrase about "unprofitable servants." In part, Jesus is commanding the disciples to simply convey HIM to people. We are called to do the same thing - not to add or detract from who Jesus is, but simply proclaim him. One incredible example of an "unprofitable servant" is St. Paul, who constantly reminded new Christians that he was simply handing on what he had received. Lord, bless and protect our servant and shepherd, Fr. Bob, today. As he does what he is obliged to do for our sake, reward him!

No, it's not some dentists' holiday - it's just an excuse to bring some joy to yourself and others! What are you smiling about today?

On this Memorial of the Guardian Angels, tell us how you've been saved from trouble by your heavenly intercessor! Guardian angels, pray for us here at St. Roch.

Please join us starting next Tuesday at St. Roch as we offer the Rescue Project! Click below for more information and to register. We are keeping registration open for just a couple more days! https://www.downrivermissionariesforchrist.com/the-rescue-project-2

This month, the Holy Father is asking us at OLOW and all the faithful to pray that we might partner with those of different faiths to protect the dignity of the human person.

Today we celebrate Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael--the archangels. Angels are spiritual beings who cooperate in God's work, and these three are the most powerful. Here’s a well-known prayer all of us at Our Lady of the Woods can say on their feast day. Heavenly King, You have given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector: Help us in our battles against the spirits of darkness and against all the evil that threatens our salvation. Saint Gabriel is the messenger of the Good News: Help us to clearly hear Your word and to faithfully live it out. Saint Raphael is the healing angel: Help us on our journey through life, bring healing and guidance to our struggles and trials. May we be strengthened and comforted by their powerful intercession. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sometimes, Scripture leaves us no choice but to confront hard truths. Today's Gospel is a good example. The rich man's sin wasn't that he was rich. It's that he hoarded his wealth, lavishing it upon himself instead of tending to the needs of Lazarus, who lay sick and hungry on his doorstep. The fact that the dogs licked Lazarus's wounds isn't an indictment of the poor beggar, but of the rich man; even animals noticed the needs of Lazarus more than he did. OLOW family, everything we have is a gift. We are called to use what God has given us not only for our good, but for the good of those around us. This Sunday, let's prayerfully consider how we can choose a different path than the rich man, and serve those in need in our lives. #SundayScripture

Cosmas and Damian were physicians in ancient Rome, suffering martyrdom in 303 AD. The twin brothers had an interesting nickname: Anargyroi. It means, "without silver," or "unmercenary." They earned this title because they never charged for their healing services, which made them especially beloved among the poor. Many healing miracles are attributed to Cosmas and Damian, and the two are regarded as the patrons of all medical workers. Saints Cosmas and Damian, pray for all of us at Our Lady of the Woods that we too might give without counting the cost.

Today's National Comic Book Day--and believe it or not, there are some definite Catholic connections to the genre. Perhaps the clearest case is that of the superhero Daredevil, also known as Matt Murdock. The character often struggles with guilt as he carries out vigilante justice in New York City. A priest is his main confidant, and Murdock is often seen in a church praying or going to confession. He isn't a perfect Catholic model, by any stretch of the imagination. However, he is a witness to the fact that even though we are fallen and make mistakes, we can and should always turn back to Christ and his Church. We don't know of any superheroes here at Our Lady of the Woods, but know that you are always welcome!

Fall is in full swing! What do you love most about this special season? Tell us in the comments below--and we'll try to find out Fr. Bob's fall favorites, too!

Today marks the autumnal equinox, which means we're in the fall season. Catholic authors have often connected fall with contemplation, spiritual maturity, and recognition of life's fleetingness. We hope everyone at Our Lady of the Woods grows in these qualities this fall!

Some of us like to think that we can "multi-task" — truly focus on different activities simultaneously. But it's a myth — while our brain can rapidly switch its attention from one thing to another, we actually can't process multiple things at the same time. The same is true of love. While we might think that we can love different things equally at the same time, this isn't true. There will always be one thing, one love, that takes priority. So when Christ tells us in today's Gospel that we must choose between God and mammon, a pagan god of wealth, it isn't a choice between abandoning our faith or absolute poverty. Instead, it's a choice between what is our ultimate focus--and our ultimate love. Who is our master? We can only have one. When we love God above all else, it doesn't get rid of other good things, but orders them properly. Let's ask the Lord to help all of us at OLOW love him above all else. #SundayScripture

179 years ago, St. Andrew Kim Taegon was killed as part of a brutal series of crackdowns on Catholics in Korea. Now, the global Catholic celebration, World Youth Day, is set to take place in his home country in just two years. What a powerful testament to the fruitful witness of the martyrs! Is anyone from Our Lady of the Woods planning on going to World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul? Check the link below to learn more. https://wydseoul.org/en

The Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. In particular, the stunning blue of the interior ceiling — featuring gold stars dotting the canopy — combined with the purples and golds of the sanctuary and surrounding walls creates an otherworldly experience. Adorned with wooden statues of saints and stained glass windows depicting scenes from Montreal's religious history, the basilica is a fitting tribute to its namesake — Our Lady. And it's another example of how architectural beauty can help lift our hearts and minds to the source of all beauty, God himself. #TruthGoodnessBeauty

Although we strive to be citizens of the City of God, it's also true that we are members of societies here on earth. In fact, we live out the logic of heaven now by contributing to the earthly political communities of which we are a part. That's why citizenship, properly understood, is a Catholic virtue worth striving for--today, and every other day. Let's all strive to be good citizens, OLOW family!

Today marks the 405th anniversary of the Mayflower's departure from England. No Catholics were on board--the pilgrims were Protestant--but English Catholics followed several years later aboard two ships: the Ark and the Dove. The ships landed in the US in 1634, and their passengers established the colony of Maryland--the first planned Catholic settlement in British America.

When we look at the cross, with our Lord nailed to its wood, it's easy to feel shame and even self-loathing. After all, our sins put Jesus there. But that's not how Jesus looks out at us from the cross. He looks at us with love. And he suffered and died not to put us to shame, but to save us. To bring us back into loving union with God. This Sunday, let's make a point here at OLOW to see ourselves as God sees us, so that we might also look upon others with merciful love. #SundayScripture

"Mary." A simple name, with lots of meaning. Today, we reflect on the Most Holy Name of Mary--the focus of the following hymn, attributed to St. Anthony of Padua. We encourage our whole OLOW family to read it prayerfully today! #TruthGoodnessBeauty O name of Mary, joy to hear, A balm to souls, a name so dear. In thee the heavens find their song, And earth’s poor pilgrims journey strong. Thy name, a star o’er stormy sea, Guides wandering hearts to Christ through thee. When shadows fall and fears arise, Thy name brings light to darkened skies. Maria, blessed, pure, and sweet, In thee God’s grace and mercy meet. The angels chant thy holy name, And saints its endless glory claim. No sin can stand its sacred sound, In Mary’s name, true hope is found. The demons flee, their power undone, By her who bore God’s only Son. O Virgin Mother, Queen of grace, Thy name reveals thy tender face. Through thee we find the Savior’s love, And rise to dwell with Him above.

9/11. Those two numbers instantly direct our minds to one of the darkest days in American history--but also to the stories of heroism and bravery that took place on that September day, 24 years ago. Where were you when you heard about 9/11? What do you remember about that day? And how do you try to honor the lives of those who were lost today? We'd love to hear from you, OLOW family. Tell us in the comments below.

Sunday is a day of rest, but for professional football players, it's a day of action. Fortunately, many NFL teams have dedicated team chaplains, including Catholic priests, to care for players' spiritual needs. Check out the linked article from the Knights of Columbus to learn more about the ministry of NFL chaplains. https://www.kofc.org/en/news-room/columbia/2022/january/gridiron-fathers.html

Happy birthday, Mary! Today we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Check out this video to see what today's feast day is all about and why it matters--and then consider giving Mary a great gift by joining us for daily Mass! Our weekday schedule is Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 9:00 AM.

Should we seek suffering out? That could be one interpretation of today's Gospel. But let's look more closely. The cross is what the world did to Jesus because of his perfect love for all mankind in perfect obedience to the Father. In other words, in a fallen world, selfless love inevitably leads to suffering. Christ invites us first and foremost not to suffer, but to love selflessly--and to accept whatever suffering might come our way as a result of our fidelity. This Sunday, let's ask Jesus to help all of us at OLOW to better follow his perfect example of self-giving love. #SundayScripture

Today we celebrate St. Teresa of Calcutta, also known as Mother Teresa, founder of the Missionaries of Charity. The MCs are still going strong, in India and around the world. In fact, they serve the poor and dying here in the United States. And if you're looking for an opportunity to live out the corporal works of mercy, looking into volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity on Mother Teresa's feast day sounds like a great place to start! OLOW family, follow the link for more information, or search online for the nearest MC house and contact them directly. https://missionariesofcharity.org/volunteers_readmore.html

St. Gregory the Great (c. 540-604 AD) is one of the most important popes in Church history. He strengthened the papacy's role in preserving Church unity, standardized the Latin Rite liturgy and chant, initiated evangelizing missions to England, and issued pastoral guides to assist bishops in their ministry. But despite all his accomplishments, this "great" saint never made it about himself. Instead, he called himself "the servant of the servants of God" - a title that popes continue to use to this day. St. Gregory the Great, pray that all of us at Our Lady of the Woods might follow your example of servant leadership!

Today, we celebrate all workers! As the Church teaches, work isn't supposed to be dreary toil; instead, it's an opportunity for each of us to contribute our talents to the wider good, becoming more human in the process. Thanks to everyone in our OLOW family who works, and enjoy your big day!

What is the beautiful thing about helping those who cannot pay you back? It brings you closer to God. OLOW, just as we cannot repay him for anything we have received, so too the poor cannot repay us. And in our generosity, we understand a bit more the relationship between God and man. It's humbling!

John's death is so incredible. Like Jesus, his preaching gets him in trouble. Like Jesus, he is mocked at his death. Like Jesus, his death brings many to God - paving the way, in fact, for more of his followers to come to Jesus. St. John the Baptist, pray for us here at OLOW!

On this Memorial of St. Augustine and #TheologyThursday, we ask, "Why didn't Augustine like donuts?"

St. Monica's prayers and tears unleashed a torrent of grace in her son's life. Augustine went from "wayward adult child" to a saint and Doctor of the Church as a result. May our prayers and tears do the same!

In today's Gospel, Jesus sketches out a vision of the future, which includes all of us at OLOW - a great multitude of people entering the Church to "recline at table" in God's Kingdom. May our numbers increase so that many might be saved!

On St. Rose's feast day, we ask - are YOU a Rose? Many Catholic women are!

On the Octave Day of the Assumption, we remember - Mary is the Queen Mother of heaven, the one who always brings our prayers at OLOW before her son.

During his life, St. Bernard founded almost 80 monasteries! He worked tirelessly for the salvation of all. In your own life, who is equally tireless on behalf of God? Let Fr. Bob know in the comments!

The Book of Psalms is one of the great treasures of the Church, but why is it so? Check out this #truthbeautygoodness video to learn more!

We may wonder what Jesus is speaking about today, but it becomes clear that he means his Passion. His anguish represents his great desire to complete his mission and save the world. His zeal is for us at OLOW - glory to you, Jesus, for the great gift of your saving death and resurrection!

Today we celebrate Mary's Assumption and remember - where she has gone, we can surely follow - with God's help! Join Fr. Bob and our whole parish family on this holy day of obligation to celebrate. Simple Mass at 9:00 AM and Mass at 7:00 PM.

Here's a beautiful fact about today's priest-martyr saint: he had an incredible devotion to Mary and died on the eve of her Assumption. As such, we NEVER pray Evening Prayer for St. Kolbe - instead, we are always celebrating the Vigil of the Assumption.

God has created so much natural beauty, and you can see some of the best meteors of the year right now! NASA has you covered with all the details of how to experience God's #truthgoodnessbeauty https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/perseids/

Which is it? Let us know what YOU think in the comments, OLOW friends!

In today's Gospel, Jesus continues his teaching on true wealth, which is stored in heaven. But he begins by referring to the Church as the "little flock," which shows his tender concern for all. That's why we call Fr. Bob PASTOR - he's our shepherd!

St. Dominic's mother once had a dream that she would give birth to a son who would set the world ablaze with his preaching. But in the dream, her son was a dog with a torch in his mouth - St. Dominic! You can always spot him in art because that dog is nearby... #truthbeautygoodness

Want to learn one incredible fact about today's feast? Watch our video, and come celebrate with us! Mass offered at 9:00 AM today.

According to an Argentinian newspaper, the Holy Father really enjoys the sport, though he doesn't get to play much anymore.

Happy feast day to all parish priests, especially Fr. Bob! Today we celebrate the patron of them all, St. John Vianney, a humble French priest who often spent 10-16 hours in the confessional - all to bring Jesus' mercy to sinners.

Jesus has some "hard words" today, but we note at the end of the Gospel that the message is really one of hope - be rich in what matters to God! Love for him and our neighbor is the best way to store up riches in heaven. May we all do so at OLOW!

The Society of Jesus is known for a lot. But Jesuits have a special charism for higher education. In fact, 27 colleges and universities in the U.S. are Jesuit-affiliated, including institutions like Boston College, Creighton, Marquette, and Gonzaga. On the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, we pray that all Jesuits and the colleges they run will be inspired by the Society's illustrious founder, who did all things "for the greater glory of God!"

Today, young people from the United States will gather in Rome as part of a special National U.S. Pilgrim Gathering for the ongoing Jubilee Year. The program will include a procession featuring American saints, Eucharistic Holy Hour, and presentations by speakers like Bishop Robert Barron. Whether any of those gathered are from Our Lady of the Woods or not, let's lift them up in prayer!

Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati has been beloved by Catholics for decades. And later this year, this gregarious, adventurous, and holy young man will be recognized as a saint. Let's take this opportunity to ask soon-to-be-saint Pier Giorgio Frassati to pray for us, and to bless all our young adults and youth here at Our Lady of the Woods!

In addition to reading Latin and German, the Holy Father speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese.

There's an old adage: God helps those who help themselves. But, as it turns out, the best way to help ourselves is to ask God for his help. That's what Jesus is telling us in today's Gospel: our Father loves us and wants to give us what we truly need. And God invites us to ask, seek, and knock at his door, not because he needs us to remind him of what we need, but because he knows it is good for us to ask him! It is suitable for us, his children, to go to our loving Father. So this Sunday, think about what we need at Our Lady of the Woods, and ask God for it in prayer. As long as you knock, he will answer. #SundayScripture

Today is the feast of Jesus' grandparents: Saints Joachim and Anne. Like the Lord, we love our grandparents at OLOW. Believe it or not, there is an entire association devoted to Catholic grandparents, aiding them in their task of passing on the faith and keeping prayer in the heart of family life. If you want to learn more about the Catholic Grandparents Association, just visit the link! https://www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org/about-us/our-mission/

The Michigan Catholic Conference asks all Catholics to write their elected officials in Lansing in support of funding for essential support services in all schools, including nonprofit schools like Catholic schools. This funding provides for safe and secure buildings, access to healthy meals and mental health assistance, and more. Visit micatholic.org/SupportStudents for an easy-to-use form for contacting state legislators.

Today is the feast day of St. James the Greater, known throughout much of the world as Santiago. In fact, St. James' tomb in Spain is the destination of one of the most famous pilgrimages in the world: El Camino de Santiago. Learn more about this pilgrimage route in today's video!

The relationship between cousins can be life-giving. Just ask the Blessed Virgin Mary and her cousin, Elizabeth. Today is Cousins Day, so it's a great excuse to pick up the phone and give any cousins you might have a call! We'll remind Fr. Bob, too.

The feast day of St. Bridget of Sweden is a great time to explore the Catholic history of Scandinavia. There might be no better way to do that than to read the great epic, Kristin Lavransdatter. Written by Nobel Prize winner Sigrid Undset in the 1920s, it tells the story of a noblewoman's life in medieval Norway. Undset's immersive writing places the reader both amidst Kristin's struggle between good and evil and within the thick culture of Catholic Scandinavia. Give it a read and let Fr. Bob know what you think of it. #TruthGoodnessBeauty

Summer is a good time to get away for a bit of relaxation, so we'd love to know: Have you gone on any great vacations so far? Or do you have one coming up?

According to his brother, Pope Leo has played Wordle with his family!

Hospitality is a virtue. So why does Jesus seem to diminish Martha's efforts in today's Gospel? It's all a matter of priorities. While activity is good, we must first receive, as Mary does. In fact, the most fruitful human activity is to receive from God. If our busyness cuts us off from receiving from God, it can easily lead us to spiritual dryness and the harmful illusion of self-sufficiency. And when we reach this point, it can be hard to know what activity God is actually calling us to, and to carry it out with love. Here at OLOW, we're all busy. But let's never forget to "choose the better" part like Mary did by prioritizing time to receive from the Lord in prayer and contemplation. #SundayScripture

C.S. Lewis wasn't Catholic, but the Anglican writer was incredibly gifted at communicating the Christian faith, including through fiction. His "Space Trilogy" is no exception. Including titles like "Out of the Silent Planet," "Perelandra," and "That Hideous Strength," Lewis' works explore heady themes like evil and redemption, but in ways that are both imaginative and engaging. His "Space Trilogy" is a great read on these long summer days. Give these books a read, and let Fr. Bob know what you think! #GoodnessTruthBeauty

The Brown Scapular is a popular Catholic devotion that was entrusted to the Carmelite Order by the Blessed Mother in 1251. It is said that those who wear this brown wool garment when they die "shall not suffer eternal fire." But what exactly is the Brown Scapular devotion? And how does the promise associated with it really work? Today, the memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel seems like a good day to find out! So watch the linked video, and let Fr. Bob know what you learned! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlXSQWFNdIc

Today is National Give Something Away Day. It may seem random, but since charity is an integral part of the Christian life, we shouldn't need much of an excuse to share our possessions with those in need. So OLOW family, take a moment and think about it. What excess clothing, furniture, or other possessions can you part with today? You'll help someone else and free yourself to be more attached to God!

Bishop Prevost was made a Cardinal on September 30, 2023, which means he wore the red hat for one year and seven months before being named pope.

Today is Sea Sunday, a day devoted to praying for and remembering seafarers. Mary, Our Blessed Mother, is known as "Stella Maris" - the Star of the Sea, because she guides us to Christ and has long been associated with interceding for those at sea. So OLOW family, why not pray a decade of the rosary today for those who serve us on the seas? Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for our seafarers!

If God cares about the sparrows, just imagine how much he cares about you, who were created in his image and redeemed by his blood. Whatever you might be going through, God loves you and is there with you in the midst of it. Something to ponder as you watch the summer songbirds today! Have a blessed summer Saturday, and we'll see you at Mass: Saturday at 4:00 PM or Sunday and 9:00 & 11:00 AM.

St. Benedict founded the Benedictines in 529 AD, and they've been known for "ora et labora" - prayer and work - ever since. But you don't have to be a monk or nun to embrace this way of life. Many Benedictine monasteries have groups of associated lay people, called oblates. They live the Benedictine charism in the world and stay united to their monastery through prayer and occasional retreats. Follow the link to locate a Benedictine monastery near you and learn about how you can become an oblate! https://archive.osb.org/intl/confed/nacong.html

Today, we celebrate the 120 Martyr Saints of China. Including both missionaries and native Chinese, these martyrs were put to death between 1648 and 1930 for their ministry and/or refusal to renounce their Catholic faith. Difficulties for Chinese Christians continue today, and yet the faith persists. Here is a beautiful painting by Ren Yifang (early 20th century) of the Holy Family's flight to Egypt, depicted as Chinese peasants. #TruthGoodnessBeauty

July is National Ice Cream Month, so let us know: what's your favorite flavor?

Taken from a line by St. Augustine, expounding on Psalm 127, it means, "Although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one."

Today we bring to a close the great feasts of Christ in June with Corpus Christi. Lord, may we always revere you here at in your body, blood, soul, and divinity!

No matter what you are doing this weekend, take time for private prayer, and of course, Mass! Worship with us: Saturday at 4:00 PM or Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM.

On this Juneteenth, as the United States commemorates the end of slavery, we ask, "What is the connection to the Exodus?"

Let's see what you're cooking up this summer. Share your favorite meal with the entire OLOW family!

In 1987, Robert Prevost earned his doctorate in canon law from the Angelicum in Rome. His dissertation was on the office and authority of priors in the Order of St. Augustine. (Yes, he's whip-smart!)

In Genesis, Jacob the patriarch blesses each of his children in the way that is appropriate to him. Today, let's give thanks for our fathers - those who bless us and call us onward in the life of faith.

Have a blessed Flag Day, OLOW friends!

Lord, we give thanks for your great preacher, St. Anthony, and ask that, through his intercession, we here at OLOW may always secure what is needed for our salvation. Amen!

This dazzling crown jewel of American Catholicism boasts 80 chapels and oratories, all alight with dozens of mosaics. Take a virtual tour today, OLOW family, and be refreshed by #truthbeautygoodness! See here: https://www.nationalshrine.org/virtual-tour/

ALL - without exception. This sign of unity and power, the Holy Spirit descending upon all gathered in Christ's name, is a beautiful prefigurement of the unity we will enjoy in heaven. Let's pray for that unity here at OLOW.

Today marks the anniversary of the start of the great liberation of Europe during World War II. Will you remember the dead today? Will you pray for them, OLOW family? Leave a 🙏🏻 in the comments below.

Want a deep dive into the life of today's incredible saint? Strap in - you're going to be amazed at what you learn! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J93a2eNALjg

According to some of his former employees in Rome, Pope Leo XIV generally prefers a glass of wine to one of Pope Benedict's favorite dinner drinks, Fanta. What's your beverage of choice at dinner?

This month, our recently departed Holy Father, Pope Francis had asked us to pray here at OLOW for the following: "Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world."

Jesus is no longer on earth, at least as he was during his ministry. But rather than a source of sorrow, this should bring us joy for two reasons. One, he goes ahead of us to prepare a place for us in his Father's house. And two, he doesn't leave us alone but sends his Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and transform us. That's what we'll be getting ready for: the solemnity of Pentecost. Join all of us at Our Lady of the Woods as we prepare for Pentecost by coming to Mass: 9:00 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

Happy feast of the Visitation! We know the scene well. After accepting God's plan to become the mother of God, Mary travels "with haste" to visit her cousin Elizabeth. However, the translation of this passage from Luke's Gospel, which was used until recently in England (the Jerusalem Bible), puts it differently. It says that Mary "went as quickly as she could." This translation makes the point clear: when we're filled with Christ, as Mary was, our hearts are moved to love and serve others to the fullest degree possible! Today, on the feast of the Visitation, our prayer here at Our Lady of the Woods is to receive Jesus' love into our hearts more fully, so that we can serve others as "much as we can" - just like Mary.

In 1968, St. Paul VI heroically reaffirmed the Catholic Church's insistence that human sexuality must be open to life. His encyclical, Humanae Vitae, has inspired many approaches to life-affirming fertility, including those championed at the Saint Paul VI Institute at Creighton University. Visit the link to learn more: https://saintpaulvi.com

May is almost over, and that means summer is right around the corner! Have any big plans this summer season? Let us know in the comments below. And with the more laid-back schedule, why not consider joining us for daily Mass? We have weekday Masses at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.

On Memorial Day, we remember those who have died defending our country and promoting the well-being of others abroad. Here is a prayer for today from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace, especially those from OLOW. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Is love a feeling? No, it's a choice. And in today's Gospel, Jesus makes something clear: the quality of our love is directly connected to what we do. In the case of Christ, we cannot claim to love him if we do not keep his word, follow his ways, and love as he loves. So OLOW family, let's take this opportunity to ask God to help us love him more and more fully every day. #SundayScripture

There are as many as 100 million Christians in China. Still, they experience brutal crackdowns from the government, including surveillance and restrictions on religious activity, and even a ban on those under 18 attending Mass. Today is the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, which Pope Benedict XVI instituted 17 years ago. Follow the link for more information--and please, join us at Our Lady of the Woods in praying for our Chinese brothers and sisters. https://www.churchinneed.org/a-call-for-christians-to-join-the-world-day-of-prayer-for-the-church-in-china/

St. Rita is linked to the "Legend of the Rose," an event near the end of her life. Laying on her deathbed in January 1457, the Italian widow and nun asked a relative to get her a rose from the garden. As it was the dead of winter, her relative didn't expect to find anything. But lo and behold, a single rose was found growing. For this reason, St. Rita is known as a patroness of impossible causes. St. Rita, pray for us at Our Lady of the Woods!

The Hail Mary is possibly the most recited prayer in the world. But oftentimes, we can speed through it without stopping to reflect on its powerful words. So, take some time now, which phrase from the prayer jumps out to you and resonates with your heart? Tell us in the comments below.

We here at OLOW are OVER THE MOON at the choice of Pope Leo XIV. May God grant his strength and peace as he begins his ministry!

What does it mean to love like Jesus does? If there's any doubt, consider the context of today's Gospel reading, during which Jesus gives his commandment for us to "love one another": the upper room, on the eve before his death on the cross. This isn't an accident. Instead, it's a witness to what loving like Christ looks like: self-emptying for the sake of another. That's what we are called to do with everyone around us. A tall task? Of course. But fortunately, we're equipped with the spirit of the one who already did it. Here at Our Lady of the Woods, let's devote ourselves to receiving Christ's love more fully, so we can better love like he does. #SundayScripture