Excerpted from "Leaflets" column

     Summertime should provide moments of relaxation and recreation. There is a certain comfort in routines. However, at times we should break out of our normal everyday schedules and look toward the diversity of God's gifts. Summer can be the ideal time to do just that.

If you live in the city, take a bus or car ride to the country or to the beach. Stop by a roadside stand to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Even better, plant your own vegetables in a backyard garden or patio pots. Gardening can be very rewarding by offering an enjoyable opportunity for exercise, in addition to delivering a delicious supply of produce, herbs or flowers.

If you have some extra space, consider making your own outdoor shrine. You can keep it simple or be more elaborate in creating a special sacred place. In addition to religious book and gift stores, many home and garden stores now carry statues of Jesus, the Blessed Mother, St. Francis or angels. Add a couple plants or bushes and a place to sit and pray.

Use a permanent marker to turn bricks or tiles into stepping stones with Scripture quotes or favorite prayers on them. Use this prayer path for early morning or evening strolls. Take a few minutes to pray and meditate on the thoughts written on each stone before continuing to the next. After reading the stones, rest in silence and be open to the voice of the Lord.

If you live in the country, take a trip to a church in the city. The inside of a cool church can make for a refreshing break from the blazing sun and high heat of midsummer days. Soak up the peace and quiet while reflecting on the beauty and the message contained in the stained-glass windows, frescoes, statues and other art.

As more people are traveling for weekend respites and vacations, prayers are needed for their safety. Whether you are among the long-distance travelers or simply making your way out to your own back yard, remember to pray for safe roadways and peaceful journeys and to give thanks to the Lord for His bountiful blessings wherever you are. …

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

Excerpted from "Our Family Album"

<><><>Grandson Saves <>Grandmother from Injury

About 11 months before Christmas 2006, my mom underwent a very serious back surgery. Since then she hasn't been able to walk very well at all and is now in a wheelchair.

One afternoon before Christmas while I was away from home, my mom--who can be very stubborn at times--decided to climb up on a kitchen chair to look in the cupboards for a certain mug. My son was home with her. He had pleaded with her not to climb up on the chair. He was worried that she might fall off the chair.

      Well, my son's fear was realized. My mom lost her balance and started to fall backwards off the chair. He just happened to be right behind her and caught her in his arms. Though only 10 years old, he had the strength to catch her. He saved her from serious injuries that would have sent her back to the hospital.

I believe that this was truly a Christmas miracle. I honestly believe that my son had a Guardian Angel to help and guide him to do what had to be done to save my mom. I don't know how many 10-year-olds can catch an adult, but he did! I feel that my son's Guardian Angel gave him the physical strength to save his Nanny.

Thanks to my son, his Guardian Angel and God, they have saved my mom's life so that we could celebrate Christmas together as a family. This was the best Christmas gift I could ever receive. This was definitely a true Christmas miracle -- Jeannette Godin.

Hearing Aid Found

My husband lost one of his hearing aids. I immediately turned to St. Anthony. Two days passed and nothing happened. My husband wanted to order a new one, but I asked to please give St. Anthony one more day.

As I was emptying my clothes dryer of white clothes, there it was! I had soaked my whites with soap and bleach overnight, then washed them in the washing machine and dried them in the dryer.

I gave the hearing aid to my husband. He tried it on and it still worked. There is no doubt in my mind that this is a miracle! - P.D.C.

Faith Never Wavers

My dear wife Sue attended Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia and graduated in 1969. St. Therese was always her most beloved saint, and she prayed to her regularly even before her illness. She died on March 28, 2003, due to metastatic cancer, which turned into bone cancer.

I didn't know much about St. Therese, but in the last four months I have learned a good amount about her. When I started reading about her, the first thing that struck me was her "Little Way." My Sue was the image of that way of life. Her "little ways" were a joy to all who knew her. I was blessed to have her as my wife.

As Sue's illness and pain progressed, she prayed more and more to St. Therese. I couldn't understand her devotion to the saint, given the situation. Sadness and anger pervaded my soul. How could such a kind, beautiful, loving person as my Sue be struck down with such a horrible disease?

Sue's faith never wavered for one second. She died peacefully in the arms of our children. My heart has been broken since that terrible day.

About two months ago I walked into my bedroom and a strong smell of flowers filled the entire room. I couldn't determine the source, when suddenly it struck me that it must be Sue or St. Therese or both. That was the first peace that I had been able to find since Sue's death.

As I read more and more about St. Therese, I'm beginning to understand why Sue was praying to her. I believe that her suffering was akin to St. Therese's and she was praying for the strength and dignity that St. Therese displayed. Throughout her entire illness she did in fact endure with grace, strength and dignity. She was more concerned about my well-being than she was about her own pain.

I will love Sue forever and I will pray to St. Therese to always be at my Sue's side--Name withheld. 

Excerpted from Father Engelmar Testimonies

A novena to Fr. Engelmar Unzeitig, C.M.M., is now available. We will send a copy of the novena free to whoever requests it. Send your request with a stamped (postage for one ounce, currently 41 cents), self-addressed envelope to us at: