Christ Has Risen, Alleluia!

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." – Matthew  28: 5-6. 

Hello my lovely readers. I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter celebration. Christ has risen, Alleluia!!! Let us rejoice and be glad! :) I'm so sorry for not posting on my blog during Holy Week. I really wanted to but I've been extremely busy with school, as it is my last semester of college. Also, I have been attending Mass non-stop. Our Holy Thursday Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church was so beautiful. The Mass of the Lord's Supper is always one of my favorite Masses of the year! Once the liturgy concluded the priest processed with Jesus around the church inside and out. Then the entire congregation followed the procession outside and everyone carried their own candle. It was so beautiful! Plus, we have an amazing choir!!! Our choir also sang during St. Paul's Passion service on Good Friday. They are just so good it gives me goosebumps thinking about their angelic voices.

This year I also attended the Easter Vigil Mass with my friend Rachel. I had never been to an Easter Vigil Mass before. It started out with the church in complete darkness. Then the Easter candle was lit and everyone received a small candle with the flame of the Easter candle. We all prayed together with our little candles in the church while the priests sang hymns of praise. It was so cool! Even though all the lights were off the candles were so bright that it illuminated the entire interior of the church. After, we blew out our candles and a few lights came on for the seven readings that followed. When the readings and psalms concluded the priests prepared for giving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist to the catechumens and candidates. I was so happy to see all of those people become Catholic! It was so amazing!!! But, as you can tell, it was a very long Mass. It took nearly 4 hours to complete. We got there at 8:00pm and didn't leave until after midnight. However, it was a very joyous experience and I'm glad that I was able to go.

Then I went to Easter Sunday Mass the next morning with my family. The choir was amazing again! I kinda feel bad for our choir because they sing for all of the major services during Holy Week. That's a lot of time singing and practicing...but they do such a great job and it makes the Mass extra special. Yes, going to two Easter Masses was a lot for me, but just thinking about what Jesus did for us—it was nothing. He gave so much of Himself for us that He was willing to undergo such a tragic death to save our souls from eternal separation from God. I was so thankful to give my time to Him and thank Him for His Passion.

On Easter Sunday night my family watched the last episode of The Bible TV series. If you haven't watched it before you really should. It is such a great way to visually see the Bible unfold on the screen. The last episode was perfectly timed with Easter. We watched Jesus' Passion, death, and resurrection. It was pretty violent for a TV show. I was so horrified just thinking about how this really happened to my beloved Jesus in real life that I started to cry. I don't think it was as bad as watching the Passion of the Christ...but it was still really moving and emotional for me to watch.

I liked how this episode didn't just end with the resurrection. It continued beyond that point when the Apostles went to spread the message of Christ and it showed St. Paul's conversion. Of course I know the story of St. Paul, he is the patron saint of my home parish. But watching his story really made me not like him at first because he was persecuting Christians. I had totally forgot that he was responsible for the death of St. Steven until I watched the show the other night. But he truly became a new man in the light of Christ. He spread Christ's message far and wide. Plus, his writings make up about half of the New Testament. I personally love his writings to the Corinthians about "love." He describes it so well, just how love truly is. He was given such an amazing gift from the Holy Spirit to write like that. I'm very impressed!

Anyways, I wanted to say one more thing on this post. I want to thank my Lord Jesus Christ for answering a prayer of mine that I had been praying about for a long time. I have decided to take my education to the next level the following semester. I am going to be attending graduate school for a Master's degree in Catholic Studies. I had prayed a lot at the SEEK conference about going to graduate school. I was always thinking about going for Digital Media or Graphic Design to enhance my knowledge in the digital arts. But something in my heart didn't feel that it was right for me. When I went to confession at SEEK the priest said to "follow the desires of your heart" when discerning graduate school and God's will for my future. Well, my greatest desire is to be united with Christ for eternity and my greatest passion is living out the Catholic faith. I began to think of combining my artistic talent with my faith and using it to glorify God in Catholicism.

After much prayer I had received a letter in the mail that changed everything. I was accepted into the program with an award from the university that was overly generous. I'm thrilled to begin this new endeavor! But now I need to concentrate on my studies and projects for this semester so I can graduate. With that said, I will no longer be posting on my blog until the summer. But please feel free to keep following me on Twitter or Pinterest. Thanks for all of your prayers! I'm so grateful to everyone who has prayed for me. God is good! God is great!!! Alleluia!

           

We Have A Pope!

"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." – Matthew 16:18 

Habemus Papam!!! After waiting for a quite and while, watching seagulls taking turns sitting on the Vatican chimney, is was such a relief to see white smoke appear from the tiny smokestack on the night of March 13, 2013. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He took the name of Pope Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. He is the first Pope to take that name and he is also the first non-European Pope the church has ever seen. Along with that, he made history as the first Jesuit to be elected as the successor of Peter.

Pope Francis is a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina. This is a huge turning point for the Church, since the Holy See is now coming from somewhere other than Europe. I believe this will engage other cultures more-so into the Roman Catholic faith. I'm sure the Latin American countries had a huge fiesta in honor and celebration of their newly elected Pope. As I watched the news that day I saw Cardinal Dolan reflect on the election of the new Pope, stating, "Can you imagine when Pope Francis goes for World Youth Day, which may probably be his first international trip in July to Brazil, can you imagine the welcome he'll get, a Pope from Latin America? You can imagine the joy in our Latin American brothers."

When I heard Cardinal Dolan's response I thought he must have read my mind. I was thinking the exact same thing! This is wonderful news for our Latin American friends who will be hosting Pope Francis in Rio de Janeiro this summer. I am so happy for them and for our Church! Even though Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was an unlikely choice for the pontificate, I think he was most definitely the best choice—by far. I had never heard of him before he stepped out as Pope. But, he seems like such a sweet, kind, humble, and holy man of God. Our Church needs someone like him to reach out to the young people, which he will be doing this summer. I'm sure he never expected to be the Pope; but here he is, fulfilling the duty God has entrusted to him.

Yesterday, March 14th, the 76-year-old Argentinian celebrated his first Mass as Pope in the Sistine Chapel among his fellow Cardinals. He gave a short homily in Italian, although he is also fluent in Spanish, English, German, French, and Latin. Being very versatile in several languages will also help him to communicate better with the members of the Church.

I personally like that he remains true to himself, being a very simple man, and also has a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, as do many other Latin Americans. Immediately after he was elected as Pope he addressed the crowd in St. Peter's square and said he intends to pray and ask the Madonna "that she may watch over all of Rome."

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Feel free to check out the following links for more news and updates about the Pope:
Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/03/14/world-watches-as-cardinals-convene-for-2nd-day-papal-conclave/
NBC News: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/14/17307513-pope-francis-celebrates-first-mass-emphasizes-gospels?lite

          

It's Time For You To Shine!

"You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light." – 2 Samuel 22:29

This past weekend, during Sunday morning Mass, I felt a bit sad when I didn't hear our Holy Father's name read aloud after the consecration of the host. The reality has finally settled in that our Church is without a Pope. Although I am supportive of Pope Emeritus' decision, it's hard to imagine what kind of papacy will transpire within the coming days, weeks, or months. We certainly need someone who will be a strong and devout leader in these difficult times for the Church. I pray that whomever God selects, through the Cardinals, they will be a hit with the young people at World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro this summer. It is with today that we begin to take a step in a new direction for the Catholic Church. Today was the first day the Cardinals met for a pre-conclave meeting. Once the actual conclave begins they will be isolated from the world until a final decision has been made for a new pontiff.

Since the resignation of Benedict XVI there have been a lot of reports and rumors in the media about scandals within the Catholic Church and the Vatican itself. These news sources are not the most trustworthy and should be taken with a grain of salt. There may be some truth to corrupted politics and power within the Vatican, but most of it is twisted and exaggerated to the extreme. Unfortunately, the Church is not perfect because it is run by people. However, Jesus, who founded the Catholic Church, is perfect and will see to it that it becomes perfect at the end of time.

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Meanwhile, we are called to be stewards of faith, hope, and love by shedding light upon the Catholic Church through our own lifestyle. By living in the light of Christ others will see our example and will desire to find that light within themselves. They will feel attracted your interior light, like a moth, and won't cease to look for it as long as they can see it in you. WOW! Wouldn't that be a real statement...if Catholics really lived Catholic!? It seems simple, and yet there are so many Catholics who have fallen away. Some are even embarrassed to be Catholic because of what the media has shaped Catholicism to be. It's a sad reality, which is why we need a good Pope in the coming era.

Whatever the outcome may be for our Holy See we still need to do our best to live the Catholic faith to the fullest and set an example for others. You may not even know how you could touch someone just by being yourself. For example, I had no idea that I genuinely touched my best friend Janelle Sanchez before we became friends. As we became closer friends over the years she wrote a book called Confessions of a Pure Heart and asked me to design the cover. I was pleased with her request, but little did I know that she wrote something so heartfelt about me in her own book! On page 48, she writes,

"People are naturally attracted to things that are good, and through your loving presence, you attract loving people to you. Have you ever heard the phrase, "Birds of a feather flock together?" It means that people who are alike become friends and associate with each other. When you start living a pure lifestyle, and God's love radiates from you like the sun, you will find people who are attracted to this light, no matter where you are. Though your current circle of friends may not appreciate this, some will—and those are the people who will bring you up and not tear you down.

I have a friend named Danielle Duet and she is one of the most cheery people I know. She is always smiling, always happy to see you, and always there with a big hug whenever you see her. Do you want to know how I met her? In the school bathroom. We were both commuters at the time (meaning we drove to college instead of living there). I had noticed she had a rosary hanging in her locker, and I thought about how unique it was to find another Catholic on campus, and decided I wanted to get to know her. I never really had the courage to introduce myself, until we were standing next to each other in front of the sinks. She smiled at me and just looked so friendly I couldn't help but say something, and we became such good friends that she designed the cover of this very book! 

It was her demanor that attracted me, God's love was evident in her life, and she didn't shove her rosary in my face and tell me to pray it. No, simply having it in her locker for her own use was enough for me to gather interest in her. Her very lifestyle attracted me, and now we are close friends."

I honestly had no idea she even wrote that about me until it was published. I was so shocked and amazed that after I read it I almost wanted to cry. Janelle is one of my very best friends! If I hadn't been living my life faithfully and in accordance with God's love on a daily basis I would have never met her. That is why it is ssssooooooo important to live as best you can with God's love pouring out from your heart and soul like a radiant beam of light. You never know who you'll meet or become friends with.

The love of God shown through happiness is contagious! Just smile at someone and see if they smile back. As Blessed Mother Teresa said, "Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."

That is the life we are called to live by God as Catholics in the Roman Catholic Church. If we all lived like that, as practicing Catholics, no one could ever say anything bad about the Church because they would be so overwhelmed with the love they see in it. So while we are in the transitional period between Popes, Sede Vacante, let us continue to pray for the Church and the new pontiff.

Let me leave you with a song by Owl City called Shooting Star. I was inspired to write this blog for you after listening to Adam Young's music. Even though he is a very popular music artist in the secular media I have heard some of his songs on Spirit FM 90.5, my local Catholic radio station. Apparently he writes songs and lyrics based on his faith as Christian. I never looked at his music that way until now. His songs are very good and I encourage you to listen to this one with an open heart and mind—cause' it's time for YOU to SHINE!

           

You Feel Like Home To Me

"For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." – 2 Corinthians 5:1

Isn't it wonderful that no matter where you are in this world God is always with you? Especially since the Catholic Church is universal, we can be united with Jesus in communion wherever we go. He remains constantly with us no matter how far we travel! Even when we are in an unfamiliar place, far from home, His presence is forever unchanging.

As I recall, being in Indiana over the summer, something amazing happened! After visiting a professor at the University Notre Dame I stepped onto the campus and had no idea where I was. I had been dropped off on the side of campus to meet with this professor and was trying to make my way back to a familiar area. Even though I've been to Notre Dame several times, I still don't know the entire layout of the campus. So basically I was lost.

Nevertheless, I just decided to walk aimlessly along a random path and enjoy the beauty of the day. It was really sunny and the trees were swaying so gently in the wind. The campus was gorgeous...of course... it's Notre Dame, Our Lady's school. However, I really didn't know where I was going or what I would find. But sure enough I came across the Basilica and the Main Building in the center of campus. 

My first thought was, "I wonder if I can go in the church now? I hope it's open to visitors!" As I checked a sign in the front of the Basilica I found a listing of the Mass times. I saw that Mass was being held at 11:00am. Immediately I double checked my phone and it said 11:07am. 

"Perfect! I can go to daily Mass now, how wonderful!" I thought. I slowly opened the doors not to arouse anyone from prayer. As I quietly made my way into the church I was overwhelmed with its beauty! (Seriously, if you've never been inside the Sacred Heart Basilica at Notre Dame this is something you must experience at least once in your lifetime, especially if you're a Catholic.) Starting to walk inside the nave of the church I realized Mass was not going on. Assuming that they were a little late I sat in the pews for a few minutes. However, I kept seeing tourists and cleaning people perusing about the Basilica. 

Finally, I asked a lady working there where Mass was being held. She said it was in the crypt underneath the Basilica. I had heard of the crypt, but I had never gone there before. Eventually I made my way down and entered in the middle of the priest's homily. From there I took a seat and participated in the rest of the Mass.

How amazing!? I wasn't even looking for Jesus and He just put Himself right in front of me. He brought me to Mass that day when I didn't even know when or where it was. God literally put me in the right place at the right time. Although I was 15 minutes late, I still enjoyed the Mass and all it had to offer. Believe me, having Jesus with me for the rest of the day was such a blessing.

After that, the rest of my trip was just as amazing! One of my parish priests from home came to Notre Dame to celebrate Mass the Sunday I happened to be up there. He included my intentions during the Mass inside the Basilica. It was a wonderful service and I'm so happy he was there with me.

Just reflecting on this event makes me think about how God always draws you closer to Him even when you may be unaware of it. He is doing things right now, in your life, to help you reach the Kingdom of Heaven each and every day. No matter where you are, He will always make a path for you to seek Him. Although He clears this path for us, it is ultimately up to us to accept it and to choose Him with our free will.

Even when we are physically far away in an unfamiliar place, like I was, He will get you to where you need to be. With an open heart, He will assist you in your journey and help you to find your home in Him. And looking back, that's what it felt like...home. Once I found where the Mass was I felt like I was home. He is home to me.

When I realized that I was home with Him I didn't feel so lost anymore. I left the church that day feeling reassured about God's plan for my life. Although I still don't know how and why certain things happen, I do know God is constantly making an effort to show me the right path. He is also continuously working in your life to help you find your home in Him...our one and eternal home.

Just the other day I heard a song by a new country singer, Sarah Darling, called "Home to Me." It's a beautiful song that really touched my heart. It is lively, upbeat, and fun to listen to. Although the song is referring to a relationship between a man and a woman I can see how it can relate to our personal relationship with God. Because God is everywhere and He is our heart's dwelling place it makes perfect sense when she says, "Anywhere, anyplace I go...you feel like home to me." She also describes her love by stating, "I found the center of the universe." In all of those respects, the song has a great message and really makes you think about finding your home, your enteral home, from a Christian perspective.

Thanks for reading my blog! You are in my prayers. God bless and enjoy the song.

          

Be Satisfied With Me

"Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you." – Psalm 63:3

Happy St. Valentine's Day!!! ❤ Today is the feast day of a wonderful saint who was a priest and martyr for the faith. St. Valentine is the patron saint of love, couples, young people and happy marriages. For many many years now, people have been exchanging Valentine cards to express their love and affection for one another. This goes back to a legend of St. Valentine. While he was in jail, on the eve of his death, he wrote a farewell note to the jailer's daughter and signed it "From your Valentine."

Although this day is meant to commemorate a great saint, it has become commercialized to the extreme.  Around the end of January you can't go into a store without seeing hearts, balloons, and dazzling cards with red and pink sparkles. However, these materialistic goods can be used as a kind gesture from the heart if given in moderation and for sentimental value. I personally love giving and receiving Valentine cards or eating Valentine cookies with friends and family. It's a time to show how much you truly care about those you love and hold close to your heart.

If you have a spouse or a special someone to share the day with it can be a lot more enjoyable! Maybe the two of you have a date planned for the evening or an outing with a group of friends. If you're a Catholic couple, maybe you'll spend it in Adoration with Jesus. Or maybe you'll stay at home and watch a fun and uplifting romantic comedy together. Whatever it may be, it is always nice to be with the one you love.

That being said, I do feel for all of the single folks out there. Not having a Valentine on Valentine's Day can be tough; especially when you see lots of other couples walking around, holding hands, and staring into each other's eyes. Everybody wants to be loved—and it's okay to feel this way. But it's not okay to dwell on it so much that it brings your spirits down. Remember, moping is not hoping.

One of my friends that I talked to last night emailed me a beautiful prayer today. It is a prayer written by St. Anthony of Padua and it's perfect for singles on Valentine's Day. After reflecting on this prayer, Be Satisfied with Me, I feel as though Jesus is asking for our trust and complete surrender as Catholic singles in waiting. He wants us to fall totally and completely in love with Him first before we meet the right "one." Although I know my greatest love is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, there is a certain plan He has for me that only He knows. He has a plan for all of us! What we need to do is pour out our love for Jesus and then things will just fall into place according to His great plan. The more we plan on our own the more we could possibly be getting in the way of His bigger and better plan for us.

So whether you are single, married, divorced, or widowed let us give all of our fears to Jesus and have Him enlighten us with His hope and love. Let us be satisfied with Him and know that all things happen in His own good time.

Notre Dame Basilica Wedding

Be Satisfied With Me by St. Anthony of Padua

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
To have a deep soul relationship with another,
To be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But to a Christian, God says, "No, not until you are satisfied,
Fulfilled and content with being loved by Me alone,
With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me.
With having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.

Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found,
Will you be capable of the perfect human relationship,
That I have planned for you.
You will never be united to another
Until you are united with Me.
Exclusive of anyone or anything else.
Exclusive of any other desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning, to stop wishing, and allow Me to give you
The most thrilling plan existing... one you cannot imagine.
I want you to have the best.
Please allow Me to bring it to you.

You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things.
Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am.
Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you.
Just wait, that's all. Don't be anxious, don't worry.
Don't look around at things other have gotten
Or that I have given them
Don't look around at the things you think you want,
Just keep looking off and away up to Me,
Or you'll miss what I want to show you.
And then, when you're ready, I'll surprise you with a love
Far more wonderful than you could dream of.

You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready,
I am working even at this moment
To have both of you ready at the same time.
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me."

Welcome to the Desert

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." – Mark 1:15

Hello Catholic friends! Guess what? During the month of February my blog turns a year old. Wow! I can't believe I've been doing this for a year now. I started blogging for Lent last year and never knew it would become more then just a few posts. I'm so happy to continue writing on here and to share my thoughts with each one of you. Thank you for supporting me with your love and prayers over the last year. For this, I am truly grateful!

So as you know today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Today Catholics around the world attend Mass and receive ashes on their forehead in the shape of a cross. This symbol is a reflection of our sinfulness and our willingness to change those sinful ways. During Lent we are given the opportunity to fast and grow in our faith by doing charitable deeds for others. As we enter into the desert we should be open to the Holy Spirit for direction and guidance. With His love we can endure whatever hardships our brought our way.

As we step out into the desert this year Catholics are faced with a shocking surprise. Pope Benedict XVI has stated that he will be resigning from the papacy on February 28, 2013. His announcement on Monday caught everyone off guard. He said his decision to resign was due to the fact that his age has made it hard to adequately fulfill the duties entrusted to him. Although I am sadden by this shocking news, I believe it is a good decision on his part. Since the Holy Father didn't feel he could actively lead the Church anymore I think someone who can should step up and take on those responsibilities.

Pope Benedict realizes that the Church needs someone a bit younger and healthier to fulfill the obligation as Pope. This is a very humble act. Even though Pope John Paul II suffered to the very end during his pontificate, demonstrating loyalty and compassion for the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict has shown us a different approach. Instead of waiting until it gets to that point, he has humbly decided to remove himself so another can lead his beloved Church in the way it should be led. I believe he is showing us a great love for his fellow Catholics by doing this. It is sad to see all of the attacks on him in the media when the Holy See is only trying to do what is best for the Church. So let us continue to pray for Pope Benedict XVI and his future successor with whatever may happen in the days to come.

As we journey our way through Lent, walking alone in the desert, we realize as Catholics that we will soon be heading along that path ahead without a Pope. Until the Cardinal conclave can determine who will fill the seat of St. Peter, we will be living in a transitional period. I can imagine the Catholic Church will be attacked even more in the media during the selection of the new pontiff. That is why we must pray for God's Holy Will in this decision making. Let us lift up our Lenten offering with a loving heart for the new Pope. I just hope and pray we will have a great leader who will serve our Church as best he can in both good and bad times.

Maybe we will even have a new Pope by Easter! Although this decision is crucial and shouldn't be made in a hasty manner, it would be wonderful to celebrate Christ's Resurrection with a new member of the papal household.

         

Celebrate Life

January Birthday Girls!

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward." – Psalm 127:3

You know what's great about January? It's the first month of the year! ...And a new year means new beginnings. It also happens to be my birthday month, which I share with a couple of other good friends. It's a wonderful time of year when my friends and I get to celebrate the gift of life together.

When you think about a person's birthday you think of the day they came into this world. It's only the very beginning of their existence. From that day forward they are given the gift to live each and everyday until God calls them home. Life is a beautiful thing, which is why we celebrate it every year on our own special day. Life is precious. Life is God's own creation. Life is the most valuable aspect of the entire universe, which is why it should always be respected and protected.

However, many people these days have forgotten the value of life. People ignore the fact that the gift of life is what has given them the opportunity to be here today. At one point, all of us were formed in our mother's womb as a tiny fetus. As the days grew into months so did we grow into beautiful babies. But if someone had objected to our life and decided to abort us we wouldn't be here. In fact, we wouldn't have had a birthday because we would have never been born. How sad!?

Not only would we have never existed...but none of our friends would have been given the chance to know us. None of our teachers would have had the opportunity to teach us. Nobody would've had the chance to invite us to special events, like parties, dances, or sports games. Nobody would've given us hugs or kisses. And nobody would have known our kindness or felt the love from our heart that we share with others in the most generous way.

Recently, this month, thousands of pro-life people gathered in Washington DC for the March for Life. It was so amazing to watch all of those people stand up for the those who cannot speak for themselves. Even though I could not attend the event I had the opportunity to watch it live on EWTN.

As of now, it's been 40 years since the Roe vs. Wade abortion law was put into effect. Can you imagine!? That means for the last 40 years hundreds of thousands of babies have been murdered legally! These murders take place every day. In fact, the total estimate of deaths by abortion in the United States since then has risen to the total of 55 million. Fifty-five million!!! Do you realize how much that is? That is almost the same number of people that live in either France or Italy. And to top if off, the current president has included abortion as a part of woman's health care according to his HHS mandate that will take effect in August. How sick!

Although we can't change the fact that our own country has destroyed the lives of so many innocent children, we can stick up for what we believe in and celebrate life itself. As those wonderful people participated in the March for Life, we too, can participate in expressing our concern for those who have yet to see the light of day. I hope and pray that more women will realize how inhuman and barbaric abortion really is. Not only does it hurt the child, but it also hurts the mother in unimaginable ways. This, my friends, is not health care. More and more woman come out of an abortion depressed, feeling terrible remorse, regret, and heartache after the realization sets in. The womb of a mother should be the safest place for her child to grow. Let's keep praying for those women who have already had an abortion and those who are pondering it at this time. May they realize how precious and beautiful life truly is!

I encourage you to celebrate life each and every day. Life is a gift! As you can see, we are so blessed to be living and breathing right now. Although some are not so lucky, we can be the voice for them in this war on life. God has a plan for each of us, so let's make the most of it. As for those who are pro-choice here is the choice I'm asking you to make: choose LIFE!

The following video shows groups of Catholics gathered at the March for Life 2013 in Washington DC. Check it out! :)