Devotee

I was talking with one of my small group leaders about my life and how I was struggling at home to have a strong relationship with my father. He encouraged me to have hope and pray to God to bless my relationship with my dad.

Then, he told me something I will never forget: “Always remember God is your Father, too. No matter what, you always have Him.”

My eyes widened and my heart opened in that moment. I realized God was my Father. I heard religious education teachers and my mom talk about “God, the Father” growing up, but no one ever talked to me about God, my Father.

I was so joyful, so thankful, and so at peace in that prayer. I broke down in tears in that moment, totally and completely accepting God as my Father.

Since that prayer, my life is so much more peaceful, even when I experience struggles. I trust that I have a Relentless Father who is always guiding me, seeking a deeper relationship with me, and desiring that I open my heart to Him. 🤍

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In a time when the God the Father and fatherhood is ignored, denied and degraded ⁠–⁠ the Lord's prayer is a sweet present from Jesus that reminds us that fatherhood is a gift.

As we continue our journey this Lent, may we renew our relationship with our Loving Father, and pray for our own fathers, whoever our father figures are, or our husbands that may they always have the grace to live their primary call ⁠–⁠ to lead us closer to our Father God. 🙏🏻🙏🏼🙏🏽

“The message that Our Lady continues to spread in Lourdes recalls the words that Jesus spoke at the very beginning of his public mission, which we hear several times during these days of Lent: ‘Repent, and believe in the Gospel, pray and do penance.'

Let us accept Mary’s invitation which echoes Christ’s and ask her to obtain for us that we may ‘enter’ Lent with faith, to live this season of grace with inner joy and generous commitment.”

— Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

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Today, as we commemorate the Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Sick Day, we pray for everyone suffering from the Corona Virus, especially those who have no access to proper health care and support. We also pray for all those who are working in the frontline, risking their safety just to serve the sick.

May the Blood of Jesus and Mary's blue mantle of protection cover you from any harm.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. 🙏🏻🙏🏼🙏🏽