Undoer of Knots

Friends, I am asking for a favor. I try not to get all preachy up in here, but we really need to start praying. Our world desperately needs peace. ISIS in Iraq and Syria is particularly terrifying,but there is also the Gaza strip, the Ebola outbreak and countless other world and local problems.

The causes for these problems are deep and complicated. I'll leave the debating and intelligent commentary to more qualified people. But, I am asking you to pray with me.

My family has a great devotion to the Undoer of Knots. We have brought her some pretty big knots... some of our own and those of our friends and extended family... and we have seen first hand how quick she is to intervene. I pray to Our Lady Undoer of Knots each morning for all sorts of intentions... that Novice or Sister that's driving me crazy, my friend's dad in the hospital, another friend with cancer, financial situations, shoulder injuries... and she answers. Powerfully.

Please, join me in praying each day for peace in the world (especially in the Middle East) through the intercession of Our Lady Undoer of Knots. Don Bosco said, "Trust in Mary, Help of Christians and you will see what miracles are." The Undoer of Knots may be a different title, but it is the same Mary. The same loving Mother that can't stand to see her children in pain. Let's storm heaven and get some big miracles.

Below is an article about the devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots from the September issue of the Word Among Us. It gives you some background and includes a beautiful prayer at the end.

Let's pray and expect miracles!!

1 down, 11 to go!

Today marks one month since my entrance into the Novitiate. Normally, I don't celebrate month-aversaries, but this year is unlike any other year.

For the Salesian Sisters, the Novitiate is two years long. The first year is called the Canonical year. In simple terms that means that Canon Law dictates that I don't spend time outside of the Novitiate for 365 days.

Are you on lock down? Does this mean that you never leave the building? Won't you go crazy?

Calm down. We are not chained to our desks. We leave the Novitiate for lots of things: classes, trips to the grocery store, outings to Dairy Queen, teaching Religious Education classes, the usual. And (gasp) they even let us go places by ourselves! But, we don't spend the night away from the Novitiate.

So, the clock is ticking. 365 days of intensity. 12 months. And I've already made it through 1. Woo! Piece of cake. So far.


In this short span of one month, God's grace is already at work.

* We are taking Theology and Philosophy classes at a small college for women religious. It really is a beautiful place, and Sisters from all over the world come to study there. The classes are great, but there is also the added perk of awesome food at the cafeteria and an unlimited supply of coffee. You know how much coffee means to me.

* I had a homework assignment written, stapled, and in my binder to turn in 3 days, 3 DAYS, before it was due. And that was not just a one time event... I've done that for 3 different assignments! If you know anything about my study habits in college, you know that this is nothing short of a miracle.

* We have beautiful grounds (remember - middle of nowhere country) and I like to go outside to take walks, pray the rosary, or have some alone time. On more than one occasion, I have found myself stopping to get on my hand and knees to pull weeds. Of my own free will. Ask my mother. This is monumental, people.

* There is ice cream in this house ALL THE TIME. I have even turned it down once or twice.

And today, we received our copy of the Constitutions of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. They were composed by Don Bosco himself (with minor changes over the years) and contain our rule of life. We will spend the next two years studying them closely and allowing them to sink into our hearts as we prepare (God-willing) to become FMA.

You are in my prayers!!