Met this coming out of the loo...

Glad I'd already been.

How it's Done

 

And there you have it.  ;)

(I love being a homeschooling Mom!  I couldn't bear to miss all this kind of fun if I weren't!)

On the Feast off St. Raphael

Prayed today to St. Raphael the Archangel, who besides being the patron saint of apothecaries; blind people; bodily ills; the diocese of Madison, WI, druggists; the archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa; eye problems; guardian angels, in general; happy meetings; insanity; lovers; mental illness; nightmares, nurses; pharmacists; physicians; the archdiocese of Seattle, Washington; shepherds; sick people; young people, and people who seek spouses...

 (breath)

is also the patron saint of travelers. 

So, yes, indeed we prayed to St. Raphael.  And to the good St. Thomas Aquinas, who has always been our automotive go-to saint...  because, we need a new car!

The Durango has an inoperable transmission illness and is no longer a dependable family vehicle. Doggonit, anyway. But, to be perfectly honest, we didn't really expect that it would be a long-term solution.  The Durango was rather a "stop-gap" car between Vegas and real life (when the a/c on the old Honda Odyssey died)  We have been expecting to replace it -- and, it seems that "sooner or later" is suddenly "now."

 So, after some looking around and researching, we found what looked like a good car for what looked like a good deal in (of all places) Overland Park, Kansas.  Which, though it sounds like an extreme commute to go car shopping (considering we live in Iowa) is only three hours away. 

So, it was just a little road trip today with Dan, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Raphael, and me along.

And, though we went specifically to look at another Honda Odyssey, we came home with this:

A Toyota Sienna

Isn't it purty? It's a used car -- actually a 2004 -- but it's got a reasonable number of miles on it for the years and was meticulously cared for by its owner (unlike the Odyssey that was parked right next to it); it looks brand spanking new, inside and out (unlike the Odyssey) and drives like a dream (unlike... etc.).  And we got it for a song!  So, we're all very pleased.  An easy-to drive car for me (she's mine!), with good gas mileage (for Dan), and plenty of cup holders (to make the children happy!) Perfect!  Just what we prayed for.

Thank-you, St. Thomas and St. Raphael!

Disputes

Watching an excellent Ken Burns documentary about the Roosevelts this afternoon. (We love Ken Burns' documentaries!) Hearing of Teddy Roosevelt's Portsmouth Treaty (where he corralled the Russians and Japanese and for which he received the Nobel peace prize), William, in indignation, fixes me with an accusing eye and demands to know, "And why have I never heard of these disputes?!"

And why have I never heard of these disputes?

Uh, yeah... sorry about that, William. (Smirk) I guess it just never came up over tea and toast. (Sheesh. Too much pressure for a mom of just barely average IQ here... And, man oh man, do you remind me of TR!)

LOTR Risk

The little boys found out about this game by finding *just* the board at a thrift store... But couldn't find the whole game or replacement pieces for sale anywhere (we don't think they make them any more!). So, being the enterprising little Tolkien fans that they are, Gabe and William researched it, found the best price on eBay, bid on it, won the bid, paid for it (trading cash for Dad's cc) -- and it arrived today in the mail!

No more school this day!

And I'm good with that. Just one more beauty of being home schoolers! Real life education at its best + some good old-fashioned reading and understanding of instructions ( these are intricate!) + strategy and scoring -- and classic literature thrown in, to boot! Who needs text books!?

 

 

 

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Just in time for the Feast of St. Margaret Mary, the Saint to whom Our Lord revealed the devotion to His most Sacred Heart, we were able, with the assistance of our good friend, Fr. Borja, to bless our family and our home with the Enthronement of The Sacred Heart of Jesus.  We had agreed beforehand with Father, to set a date to come have dinner with us and be our master of ceremonies, so to speak, but a priest doesn't need to be present for this wonderful devotion.  Just make sure you have your image blessed first, and follow the following formula:

The Ceremony

1. All gather around the image of the Sacred Heart; father, mother, and children nearest to the priest
(in that order).
.
(Our Enthronement Ceremony: Thursday, October 15th, the feast of St. Teresa of Avila. Our five youngest children and big brother, Frater Philip, were present with Dan and me, along with my mother and my two sisters, Linda and Donna.  Our presiding priest was great family friend, Father Carlos Borja. If you cannot have a priest present, you may still enthrone the Sacred Heart with the father of the family presiding.  Just have the image blessed beforehand.)

2.  Priest, in surplice and white stole, blesses the image.

(Here's our image in a carefully chosen place of honor in the corner of the kitchen where everyone passes many times throughout the day. It's a combined statue of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, with a special place for a votive candle and a holy water font.  Found in rough shape in an antique shoppe in Florence, CO a couple years ago, Frater Philip recently restored it for us just for the occasion.It turned out just beautifully!)

The Blessing

v Adjutorium nostrum innomine Domini.
(v. Our help is in the name of the Lord.)

R. qui fecit coelum et terram.
(R. Who hath made heaven and earth.)

V. Dominus vobiscum.
(V. the Lord be with you.)

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
(R. And with thy spirit.)

Oremus.  Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui Sanctorum tuorum imagines pingi non reprobas, ut quoties illas oculis corporis intuemur, toties eorum actus et sanctitatem ad imitandum memoriae oculis meditemur, hancquaesumus, imaginem in horem et memoriam sacratissimi Cordis Unigeniti Filii tui Domini Nostri Jesu Christi adaptatam bene + dicere et sancti + ficare digneris; et praesta ut quicumque coram illa, Cor Sacratissimum Unigeniti Filli tui suppkiceter colere et horare studuerit, illius meritis et obentu a te gratiam in praesenti, et aeternam gloriam obtineat in futurum. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting god, Who dost approve the painting and sculpturing of the images of Thy saints, so that as often as we gaze upon them we are reminded to imitate their deeds and sanctify; vouchsafe, we implore Thee, to bless and sanctify this image made in honor and in memory of the Most Sacred Heart of Thy only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; and grant, that whosoever, in its presence will suppliantly worship and honor the Most Sacred Heart of Thy only begotten Son, may obtain through His merits and intercession grace in this life and everlasting glory in the world to come.  through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Here the priest sprinkles the image with holy water.)

3.  Then the father (or, in his absence, the mother or some other member of the family) enthrones the image in the place of honor prepared for it.  This is the symbolic act of Enthronement!

4. All stand while the Apostles' Creed is recited as an act of faith on the part of the family.

5. Everyone is seated while the priest addresses a few words to those present, reminding the members of the family of what the Sacred Heart expects from families which have acknowledged Him as King; recalling the magnificent promises of the Sacred Heart; urging the family to live its Enthronement, and frequently to renew the act of consecration which they are about to make.

6. All kneel, while the priest and the father (or father alone, or his representative) recite the official Act of Consecration.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart

(Recited by the priest and the father together, or father alone -- or representative -- if priest is absent.  This formula is required for indulgences and may not be changed.)

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Who didst make known to St. Margaret Mary Thine ardent desire to reign over Christian families, behold us assembled here today to proclaim Thine absolute dominion over our home.

Henceforth we purpose to lead a life like unto Thine so that amongst us may flourish the virtues for
which Thou didst promise peace on earth, and for this end we will banish from our midst the spirit of the world which Thou dost abhor so much.

Thou wilt reign over our understanding by the simplicity of our faith.  Thou wilt reign over our hearts by an ardent love for Thee; and may the flame of this love be ever kept burning in our hearts by the frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist.

Deign, O Divine Heart, to preside over our meetings, to bless our undertakings both spiritual and temporal, to banish all worry and care, to sanctify our joys and soothe our sorrows.  If any of us should ever have the misfortune to grieve Thy Sacred Heart, remind him of Thy goodness and mercy towards the repentant sinner.

Lastly when the hour of separation will sound and death will plunge our home into mourning, then shall we all and every one of us be resigned to Thy eternal decrees, and seek consolation in the thought that we shall one day be reunited in heaven, where we shall sing the praises and blessings of Thy Sacred Heart for all eternity.

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the glorious Patriarch St. Joseph off Thee this our Consecration and remind us of the same all the days of our life.

Glory to the Divine Heart of Jesus, our King and our Father!

7.  The priest here asks those present to say with him one Our Father and one hail Mary for all the absent members both living and dead, so that all may share in the graces of the Enthronement.

8.  All recite with the priest (or head of the family) the following:

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Glory be to Thee, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for the infinite mercy Thou hast bestowed upon the privileged members of this family.  Thou has chosen it from thousands of others as a recipient of Thy love and a sanctuary of reparation wherein Thy most loving Heart shall find consolation for the ingratitude of men.  How great, O Lord Jesus, is the confusion of this portion of Thy faithful flock as we accept the unmerited honor of seeing Thee preside over our family!  Silently we adore Thee, overjoyed to see Thee sharing under the same roof the toils, cares, and joys of Thy innocent children!  It is true we are not worthy that though shouldst enter our humble abode, but Thou hast already reassured us, when Thou didst reveal Thy Sacred Heart to us, teaching us to find in the wound of Thy Sacred Sid the source of grace and life everlasting.  In this loving and trusting spirit, we give ourselves to Thee, Thou Who art unchanging Life.  Remain with us, Most Sacred Heart, for we feel an irresistible desire to love Thee and make Thee loved.

May our home be for Thee a haven as sweet as that of Bethany, where Thou canst find rest in the midst of loving friends, who like Mary have chosen the better part in loving intimacy of Thy Heart!  May this home be for Thee, O beloved Savior, a humble but hospitable refuge during the exile imposed on Thee by Thine enemies.

Come, then Lord Jesus, come, for here as at Nazareth, we have a tender love for the Virgin Mary, Thy sweet Mother, Whom Thou hast given us to be our Mother.  Come, to fill with Thy sweet presence the vacancies which misfortune and death have wrought in our midst.

O most faithful Friend, hadst Thou been here in the midst of sorrow, our tears would have been less bitter; the comforting balm of peace would then have soothed these hidden wounds. which are known to Thee alone.  Come, for even now perhaps, there is drawing near for us the twilight of tribulation and the decline of the passing days of our youth and our illusions. Stay with us, for already it is late, and a perverted world seeks to envelope us in the darkness of its denials while we wish to adhere to Thee Who alone art the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Repeat for us those words Thou didst utter of old, "This day I must abide in this home."

Yes, dear Lord, take up Thy abode with us, so that we may live in Thy love and in Thy presence, we who proclaim Thee as our King and wish no other!  May Thy triumphant Heart, O Jesus, be forever loved, blessed, and glorified in this home!  Thy Kingdom Come!  Amen!

9.  (All stand.)  To thank the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the grace of the Enthronement, and to proclaim this loving Mother as the queen of the home, all recite the Hail Holy Queen. (If so desired, an Act of Consecration to the Heart of Mary may be added, and her image installed near the Sacred Heart.)

10. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Have mercy on us! (3 times)
     Immaculate Heart of Mary: Pray for us
     St. Joseph: Pray for us.
     St. Margaret Mary: Pray for us.
     (All) Glory to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus forever and ever! Amen.

11. The priest gives his blessing: Benectio Dei omnipontentis, Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, descendat super vos et maneat semper. Amen. May the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, descend upon you and remain forever. Amen.

12.  then the members of the family and the priest sign the Certificate of the Enthronement, which should be framed and hung near the image of the Sacred Heart or kept in the family archives.

13.  Then are announced the following indulgences to be gained by members of the family (Raccolta 1943, page 536)

   1. a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions, on the day of the Enthronement.
   2. an indulgence of 7 years for all the members of the family who, at least contrite of heart assist at the ceremony of the Enthronement in their home.
   3. an indulgence of 3 years -- once a year, on the day they renew their official act of consecration before the likeness of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
   4. a plenary indulgence on the same day under the usual conditions.

Note: The CEREMONY of the Enthronement is only the beginning: the following practices will help you LIVE the Enthronement.

This is the TRUE reign of the Sacred Heart in your family:

1.  Frequent and even daily attendance at Mass by at least one member of the family, and Communion of Reparation.  Recite the "Mass of St. John" during the day.

2.  Observance of the First Friday of each month.

3.  Daily Family Rosary before the enthroned image of the Sacred Heart with renewal of the act of consecration (Short form).

4.  Celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart by the entire family; attendance at Mass, Communion for the extension of the reign of the Sacred Heart through the Enthronement; family gathering and celebration at home, with renewal of Enthronement; special party for the children.

5.  Observe the month of June, the month of June, the month of the Sacred Heart; keep flowers before the "throne."  Mass and Communion as often as possible.

6.  Assist at Holy Hour in Church.

7. Night Adoration in the home.  Any hour between 9 and 6, by any one or all the members of the family at least once a month.

8.  Celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the 22nd of August. Mass \, Communion;Consecration of the family to the Immaculate Heart.

9.  Make the five First Saturdays in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

10.  Practice devotion to the Holy Ghost. Recite the "Rosary of the Holy Ghost."

Special Occasions on Which the Family Should Renew the Act of Consecration

(Prayer of Thanksgiving may be added.)

1. Feast of the Sacred Heart; Christ the King.

2. Anniversary of the Enthronement.

3. Anniversary of parents and children.

4. At births: after Baptism in the Church consecrate the children to the Sacred Heart before the"throne" in the home.

5.  At First Communion: prepare the children before the image of the Sacred Heart in the home.  When they return from Church, let the children renew the act of consecration made for them by parents at birth.

6.  Before a departure from home: to join the army, the convent, the seminary, before marriage, etc.

7.  On the return of an absent member of the family.

8. On days of great family joys: in times of sorrow, sickness and death.

Note: There is no more appropriate way for a young couple to begin their married life, than to enthrone the Sacred Heart in their new home.

Renewal of the Consecration of the Family

(Can be said at night prayers in union with all families in which the Sacred Heart of Jesus has been enthroned.)

Most sweet Jesus, humbly kneeling at Thy feet, we renew the consecration of our family to Thy Divine Heart. Be Thou our King forever!  In Thee we have full and entire confidence.  May Thy spirit penetrate our thoughts, our desires, our words, and our woks. bless our undertakings, share in our joys, in our trials and in our labors.  Grant us to know Thee better, to love Thee more, to serve Thee without faltering.

By the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Peace, set up Thy kingdom inour country. Enter closely into the midst of our families and make them Thine own through the solemn enthronement of Thy Sacred Heart, so that soon one cry may resound from home to home: "May the triumphant Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved, blessed, and glorified forever!" Honor and glory to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary! "Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our families!"
+ 300 days indulgence, Raccolta, p. 143

Nihil Obstat: Vincent Davis, SS. CC.
Nihil Obstat: John Tracey Ellis, Censor Librorum

Imprimi Potest: William J. Condon, SS. CC., Provincialis, Aug. 5, 1955
Imprimatur: Patrick A. O'Boyle, Archbishop of Washington

* And when all is done...

Serve Cake!

(*Here, enjoying a feast of Tres Leche cake with Father Carlos and Frater Philip serving -- Gabe looking on in anticipation.)