LEAVES Website for July-August 2004 issue

Excerpted from "Leaflets" Column

The September Apostleship of Prayer intention from the Holy Father is that "old people may be considered an asset for the spiritual and human growth of society." The value of the elderly is many times overlooked or underestimated. The sunset years often can offer the opportunity to devote more time and attention to matters of faith. Daily Mass or Eucharistic adoration might be possible when work obligations no longer present scheduling conflicts. Food pantry or soup kitchen tasks may be other avenues the active elderly can explore.     
    Some seniors support right to life groups by working in their offices or crocheting baby layettes or sewing baby quilts. Others visit hospitals and nursing homes, bringing religious reading or simply praying with patients. Some knit prayer shawls to give to those who are ill in body, mind or spirit.

With our mobile society there are many children who live far away from their grandparents. One way to keep that connection is by remembering the grandparents in nighttime prayers. Use the telephone to actually pray together at the same time. Say a simple "God bless you" before hanging up.

Grandparents can make up handwritten cards with their favorite prayers and send them to grandchildren. Grandparents and children can be prayer partners by praying for one another. Our last issue included a prayer before an examination. Grandparents can pray for their grandchildren during tests in school, sporting events, music or dance performances or any other competitions or endeavors. Grandchildren can pray that the aches and pains of grandparents are eased.

May God grant you abundant blessings always - Father Thomas Heier, C.M.M.

Excerpted from "Our Family Album"

Four years ago I began having blisters on the palms of my hands. They became very irritated and I treated myself for fungal infections, assuming that I got something at work because I'm a nurse.

The blisters starting spreading to my arms and became very irritated. I went to several doctors and they stated it was eczema.  However, despite using several different forms of cortisone, the blisters continued to spread and scar my skin as new lesions appeared.

Last October the lesions spread to my eyes. The pain and swelling were tremendous, and despite going to a dermatologist, they could not find what was wrong with me. I felt like I was going insane, as everyone at this point was saying that it was psychological and stress related. I knew it wasn't stress. I had gone through many stressful situations in the past and this was not a reaction to stress.

I was falling into despair and prayed for Our Lord Jesus Christ to help and guide me to someone who had the wisdom to treat me. After several months of suffering, my mother came to me with an idea. She said that, if we prayed to God and His angels and saints, particularly the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Ss. Joseph, Michael, Anthony, Pio and Our Lady, and stop to pray every hour for 12 hours, God surely would answer our prayers.

We started at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, and stopped to pray every hour until 9 p.m. that night. All day I could feel that God was with me. The pain in my eyes wasn't as intense as it usually was, and several times during the day I felt peace and knew that God was taking care of the situation.

The doctor's office called, saying the biopsy showed a chronic bacterial infection that could be treated with antibiotics to kill the organism that was infecting me all these years.

What a miracle! I am so grateful to Our Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father, Holy Spirit, Blessed Mother, Ss. Joseph, Michael, Anthony and Pio. Anyone who despairs because of the pain of disease, whether it's psychological or physical, should know that God is right by his side working to make him well again. Don't lose faith. He's waiting for you to just say, "Here I am, Lord. Fix me up!" - Name Withheld.

THREE LEAVES

Contemplative Gleanings

This quarterly of exceptional quotes for daily Christian living is easily folded for pocket or prayer book. Contemplative Gleanings reminds us of God's presence, helps us begin our reflective prayer, deepens our contemplative dimension, and gives us a spiritual lift wherever we may be.

This publication is also helpful for those who are homebound, in long-term facilities or who only have time for minute meditations. For information or for a complementary copy, write to: Contemplative Gleanings at 7101 E. Rosecrans #159, Paramount, CA 90723 or visit their website: www.catholic-forum.com/members/contemplative/.

Excerpted from Father Engelmar Testimonies

A "Novena in Honor of Fr. Engelmar Unzeitig" is now available. We will send a copy of the Novena to whoever requests it. Send your request, with a stamped (postage for one ounce, currently 37 cents), self-addressed envelope to us at:

LEAVES

P.O. Box 87

Dearborn, MI 48121-0087

+ + +

My donation is in honor of Fr. Engelmar. My husband's future with a company might have ended with a permanent lay off, however a small number of workers (especially young ones) were being hired. Although he is over 50, I knew he was a deserving applicant. He had to pass tests and interviews and was recommended by his new supervisor, a man who admired his work ethic and recognized his abilities. This person was a devout Catholic family man.

I sent for the booklet on the life of Fr. Engelmar and found the prayers within comforting and inspiring. I prayed on the train to work most weekdays, but it wasn't even a true novena, as on weekends Father was usually neglected. Some days, though, I read through two or three days' prayers, hoping for whatever outcome would benefit our family of four young people and for the grace to accept whatever decision came.

One happy morning my husband arrived home with the good news. He now earns a better salary with benefits, overtime and even a pension plan. When we entertained the young supervisor and his family, I asked him when he had begun working at the company. I learned that it was approximately the same time I had decided to appeal to Fr. Engelmar (which I did because many LEAVES readers claim he has helped them to find a good job). So this wonderful helper had begun his intercession on our behalf as soon as I had thought to ask him for it! Thank you, Jesus, Fr. Engelmar and all of God's angels and saints – Mrs. J.K.

My Garden

I stroll through my garden, and you are there
   in the soft fragrance that fills the air.
I stop awhile and say a prayer,
   for you are there.

 
I tend my garden with loving care,
   for every flower that's planted there
is a reminder of someone who loves to share
   a part of herself to show she cares.
I linger awhile and say a prayer,
   for you are there.

 
I pick a rose, a perfect bloom –
   I'll carry it back to put in my room –
a small reminder of you, my friend,
   of memories that will never end.
I stay awhile and say a prayer,
   for you are there.

 
I love my garden, a special place:
   filled with joy, peace and grace,
filled with cheer throughout the year,
   filled with love for those so dear.
I pause awhile and say a prayer,
   for you are there.

          By Ruth P. Regensburg

 Life

Life is growth and all growth starts from a seed.
Do not be afraid even in the face of death,
for that's what seeds will do – they die –
and so will we, so that fruition comes,
but God will give you everything you need.
Just live in the present moment
with no worries for tomorrow.
Have the inner peace of God,
and though you may taste sorrow,
remember we are being shaped for something great.
Disregard the looks of gloom.
I'm sure the smiles will break through
as seeds of love begin to bloom.

          By Sr. Marcella LaKoske, OP

Praying for Work

Prayer for Employment