Our Holy Father has spread joy & hope all around the world leading up to his World Meeting of Families | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special
¡Biénvenidos, Padre!
“Don’t walk alone, always be encouraged. Walk with courage. Courage gives you joy, and joy gives you hope. Always move with courage, and always move with hope. Ask GOD for these.” ~ Pope Francis tells young girl in Spanish (this translated message transcends to all of us) … Similarly, Bishop Mike advised me to always look at the †cross† to refresh my soul with new hope, ♥love♥ and trust. | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special
As Pope Francis journeys on his well-anticipated trip to America (Philly to D.C. to NYC)
Pope Francis has addressed the *U.S. Congress* | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special
our awareness has been raised on how we take care of our environment … and each other.
Pope Francis has connected with my previous home: el Valle | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special
We also must consider how we take care of ourselves, in terms of our own †spiritual† health.
Pope Francis lifted up this young man’s spirits for taking care of his family | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special
Lately, I’ve reflected on my self-centered tendencies and been praying to be relieved of them in order to put my life in GOD’s hands. This hasn’t been easy. Fortunately, more messages have reminded me to get more †spiritually-fit.
Has this already been part of our genetic disposition* or is this something that we can learn**?
Courtesy United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
*Spiri†ual DNA
M is for …
Maryknoll‘s Father Finch uses a molecule metaphor about our spirituality already being part of our †souls, from the Holy Spirit to uncover GOD’s mysteries. By following these “spiritual† genetic instructions,” we serve and lead faithfully.
en español | Courtesy United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
**Spiri†ual Bootcamp
First, we must make sure that we maintain our religious practices for the mind:
- Go to Confession every month
- Pray the Rosary everyday ~ offering our daily duty to be closer to the Holy Spirit
- Scapular ~ “form me and shape me, Mother, in the form of Your Divine Son” (Marian way of life)
Furthermore, we must stay in good physical shape, so we have capable bodies:
- Calisthenics are effective to take care of our temples ~ this activity is more ideal for our spirit than pop culture (e.g., watching TV, going online)
Courtesy The Lake
Bearing in mind and ♥heart♥ all of the above advice plus last week’s scripture, I realize now more than ever that I’m no better than anyone else in the way that I treat others and ought to be treated; after all, as said every Ash Wednesday:
For you are dust, and to dust you shall return. ~ Genesis 3:19
That being said, let’s follow the Pontiff‘s solid guidance to seek from GOD: courage –> joy –> hope ~ as I’ve studied this leadership practice for several years:
Encourage the ♥Heart♥
Courtesy Maryknoll
Spiritual Sources
- ABC. (2015, Sept. 4). “Pope Francis and the People.” [TV special].
- EWTN. (2014). Women of Grace “Marian Devotion: For Such a Time As This.”*
- Finch, Fr. Raymond J. (2015, Sept. 20). Reflections from Maryknoll.** [Email].
Inspired by Pope Francis | Courtesy Maryknoll
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