Open Letter to Graduating High School Seniors
I’ve spent the last 4 years as a catechist to high school seniors. Before that I spent 4 years with confirmation classes and middle school students, but focusing on sending students out to college and beyond high school has been some of my most fruitful experiences. I would like to...
22
May
2013
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Mary’s “Lectio on Life”
In her Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), Mary says, “He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.” That line used to bother me. It sounds mean. I have often asked Our Lady what she meant by it exactly. I love the way she answered. Some years...
22
May
2013
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Dominican Sisters and The American Bible Challenge
As you might be aware of the Dominican Sisters of Mary have been contestants on this season’s “The American Bible Challenge” and will be appearing in the final at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT Thursday, May 23 on The Game Show Network. We had the opportunity to ask Sr. Maria Suso some questions about...
20
May
2013
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Fighting for LIFE on Facebook
We’re touted as the pro-life generation. I have no doubt of that, but how are we still losing to a popular culture of death? Let me give you some background information. I attended a Christian university in Texas with deep roots to Baptist traditions. Last week, I was on Facebook...
20
May
2013
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Faith is Love in Action
Praise the Lord, I’ve survived yet another year of college! It wasn’t pretty. There was a lot of caffeine and a lot of hair pulling and a lot of wanting to drop out of school, but by the grace of God I survived. Unfortunately, this means that I am getting...
18
May
2013
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Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 95: Revolution in Austin
Episode 95 Feedback: From The Bartlett Here is a possible topic to discuss. Competition – is it a virtue or a vice? If Jesus lead a sports league, would all the kids get trophies? What about in the free market, many demonize the free market and a key catalyst in...
17
May
2013
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The Continued Misadventures of a Catholic Politcal Advocate
Today I got another lesson in political advocacy. You might recall- Wanted Concerned Catholic Voters Mr Henrichson Went to the Capitol About a month ago I was blessed with the opportunity to represent my fellow Catholics in front of the staff of Eddie Rodriguez. You may also recall that, that...
17
May
2013
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The Best Me
Last week marked the premature end of an all-too-short era in the Williston house when, after a remarkable temper tantrum by my son, Lincoln, we decided to sell the Wii and Xbox on Craigslist. It all started, as most family crises do, with a father/son matchup in Mario Super Sluggers,...
16
May
2013
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Confession and Pentecost; Grace and Power
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6 This verse is not like Confession; this verse is Confession. Four things happen. I entrust myself to God...
15
May
2013
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Ten Beautiful Books For Summer Reading {for all ages}
This isn’t a list of THE ten books you should read, but just ten of the thousands of books you should read. I do not dare suggest that I know everything about literature. But I do know that: 1. My life has been changed by the books I’ve read 2....
15
May
2013
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Meditations on Mama Mary (Review: “The World’s First Love”)
Oh, May: the month of flowers, of the fullness of spring, of mothers, and especially of the Blessed Mother, Mary, the Mother of God. I must confess that I didn’t quite realize the convergence of these annual symbols when I selected my next book for this column; the Holy Spirit...
14
May
2013
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Growth in Sober Consideration
“As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts are above your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9) There often seems to be a subliminal attitude, which originates in Protestant circles but pervades many Catholic parishes. Because Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection have...
14
May
2013
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The Author
Julia Motekaitis
Julia is a Floridian beach girl who may have ended up in Central Texas reluctantly, but in a way that can only be described as divine intervention. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Psychology/English where she met her pen pal, a College Station native, who plays a mean fiddle and makes a miraculous meatloaf. She moved to Aggieland to work for St. Mary's Catholic Center of Texas A&M University as a director of Social Ministries and married her aforementioned pen pal, Bronius. Julia loves independent films, road trips, dark chocolate, rainy days and run on sentences. They live happily with their three young sons and hope to help each other get a step closer to heaven each day and love and serve their community.
Julia is a freelance writer and has written for a local publication in Bryan/College Station called AbouTown Press and also blogs at www.mama-jules.blogspot.com and www.beata-vita.blogspot.com.
Photo: AFP
Quiet Thunder
From a canopy of umbrellas open, eyes and hearts are lifted heavenward.
Flags are waved, and prayers are uttered through misty rain. Hope rushes smoky white from an ancient chimney for what seems an eternity.
A stirring on the balcony and silence falls. Quiet thunder is coming.
Millions gather to glimpse the face and hear the name, who shall this flock call their shepherd?
A man emerges, unadorned and humble. A gentle slight wave to greet us. Pope Francis will be his name. Yet there is so much more than meets the eye. A heart swelling with tender compassion to wrap around the world entirely, a voice which can shake heaven and earth with words of Truth.
A collective sigh of relief, an exhilarating revelation. The waiting is done.
All who witness this moment are left with this knowledge that the world has not given up, it is evident that the Church is alive and well. Pope Francis, Papa, you are blessed with our prayers. You are welcomed with arms outstretched. Guide us to the sacred heart of Jesus, our Savior, so we the world may encounter Him, through us!
Habemus Papam!
*Quiet Thunder was inspired by this article by Jose Maria Poirier.
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Lauren Gulde
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Julia
