A Franciscan surprise (St. Anthony)

I went to morning Mass today and got a surprise.

Yesterday was the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, but since the Feast fell on a Sunday it was superseded. So the parish marked his Feast at this morning's Mass instead.

Several ladies dressed in Franciscan robes processed with a decorated statue of St. Anthony - lilies in hand. (Though i don't understand the dollars attached to the statue. An Italian custom?)

Father preached about St. Anthony, telling about him and some of the customs surrounding him'

At the end of Mass, some of the "Franciscan" ladies distributed bread in St. Anthony's honor.
I got two small loaves - one for me and one for the Good Looking One.

Thank you Lord. What a great way to begin summer!

Pax et bonum

Prayers

My formation session on Friday dealt with prayer.

I had to admit that lately my prayer life has become uneven.

On good days, my daily prayers include Mass, a rosary, some Bible reading, some spiritual reading, Night Prayers, and assorted short spontaneous prayers of praise, joy and supplication.

Sounds good - though there certainly could be and should be more if I am going to grow spiritually.

Alas, there have been too many days - especially of late - that have not been "good days."

Too tired, too stressed, too busy with end-of-the-school year business.

Of course, when I am tired and stressed, that's precisely when I need prayer.

I'm not beating myself up, but I do have to get back up to speed spiritually and have more "good days."

Maybe even some "better days!"


Pax et bonum