| If we perk up our spiritual ears and listen as we | | | | to others is reflected in the title of a recent book |
| read the lives of the saints, little gems of | | | | about his life: "Pray, Hope and Don't Worry" |
| inspiration can be unearthed and carried with us | | | | (Aventine Press, 2009,by Diane Allen). Such a |
| like a magic rock in our pockets. These nuggets | | | | simple mantra could help us solve a multitude of |
| are applicable in every time and century. The | | | | problems. |
| stories of the saints are both mysterious and | | | | My garden is graced by a statue of Saint Francis. |
| enlightening. When we dig deeply into the fabric of | | | | Born in about 1181, this monk began his youth as |
| their daily lives, it is like mining for gold. We come | | | | a poet and troubadour but soon turned to a |
| away not only with reverence and awe, but also | | | | simple life of poverty, pilgrimage and prayer. Saint |
| we can use their golden examples to improve our | | | | Francis is said to have spoken with the animals, |
| 21st century lives. | | | | taming a wolf who had terrified a small village and |
| The story of Mother Theresa of Calcutta has | | | | preaching to the birds who would land on his head |
| circled the globe and caused us to reflect on | | | | and arms. Legend has it that on his deathbed, |
| whether we are giving enough. While caring for | | | | Francis thanked his donkey for carrying him |
| the poor, homeless and diseased in India with her | | | | through his life and that the donkey wept. Deep in |
| immense love, she inspired the world to learn how | | | | his story, we find that Francis died singing praises |
| to 'make a difference.' Here's one of her quotes | | | | to the Lord. Whatever your faith or spiritual |
| to put on your mirror: "Do not think that love, in | | | | persuasion, would it not be wonderful to die |
| order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. | | | | singing? Here's another little gem I want to carry |
| What we need is to love without getting tired." | | | | with me. Perhaps we should try singing a little |
| This should get you started on your day! | | | | more each day. |
| Padre Pio was a saint deeply rooted in the | | | | One definition of sainthood is "anyone who is |
| Catholic tradition. This 20th century priest lived the | | | | heaven, whether recognized here on earth or |
| same schedule for 50 years, performing mass | | | | not." My definition would read: anyone who is in |
| and listening to confessions, and never taking a | | | | heaven, whether they are here on earth or not. |
| day off. Although he bore the wounds of the | | | | We can deep dig into the mine within our hearts, |
| stigmata, his devotion, compassion and miraculous | | | | and the hearts of the saints, and find golden |
| healings spread far and wide. His favorite advice | | | | inspiration. |