LEAVES Website for November-December 2005 Issue
Excerpted from "Leaflets" column
November is the month the Church remembers the Holy Souls. As Catholics, we are called to pray for the deceased. Each day in November, try to remember to say a quick prayer for a family member, a friend, a co-worker or those in your parish or community who have died.
While flowers on gravesites give us comfort, having Masses said on behalf of deceased loved ones and remembering them in prayer provides true and eternal benefit to them. Another way to remember them is to light a candle in church for them. Just as the flame illuminates the darkness, ask the Lord to bring your loved ones into the light of His presence.
Are there faith traditions that were practiced by parents and grandparents who are gone now? Are they practices that would be good for you to continue? If they attended daily Mass, try to add a few weekday Masses in your schedule. If they prayed the Rosary, pray one daily after their example. Did they read the Bible? If so, commit to reading the Bible.
However you remember your deceased family and friends, don't forget to include a spiritual element in those remembrances. Also, while we set aside time for remembrance of our beloved dead during November, we should commit to keeping them in mind in a continuing manner.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
… God grant you abundant blessings always - Father Thomas Heier, C.M.M.
There is much to be said for Christmas religious music that praises and exalts the Nativity of Our Lord. I had these CDs in my car: "Noel Autour du Monde: Christmas Around the World," "The Three Tenors' Christmas" and "Merry Christmas from Vienna" with P. Domingo, Y Huang and M. Bolton.
I also had the CD "Pope John Paul II: the Pope and the Rosary," the Holy Father reciting the 15 decades of the Rosary. I listen to these to and from work. It is a 50-minute ride, but sometimes can be a two-hour ride because of weather or traffic conditions.
This beautiful religious music and prayers have filled my car with unending peace, serenity and love. The effect is overwhelming. Even the most disagreeable, hardened and argumentative individuals are beautifully affected by this music. They become calmer, apologetic for their negative dispositions, and they display empathy. I was startled when a disgruntled teenager became positive while listening in my car. He didn't even insist on listening to his own brand of loud, unsettling music on the radio.
"Christmas Around the World" is sung in French, German, Spanish, Czech, Swedish, Polish and Irish. I was pleasantly surprised when my neighbor's hyperactive children were calm in the car as they listened to this record. Afterwards my neighbor happily ran out and bought a copy of the CD for her home! Incredible situations occur when I play "The Pope and the Rosary." Traffic moves, traffic improves! I highly recommend this to people who travel a lot by car.
What better way can we seek God in prayer but to listen to the prayerful music of the Pope reciting the Rosary? I truly believe God is smiling upon us as we listen to this heavenly music and prayers - Nora Ann Margaret.
Friend to Grandmothers
Last month I was at my wit's end with family problems. I had turned them over to the Lord and all the saints for over two years and the problems kept getting worse.
One day I picked up the Sep-Oct LEAVES and read the article about St. Ann. I felt I was being directed to a new friend, one I had everything in common with since we were both grandmothers and the problem was related to my children and indirectly hurt my grandchildren.
I called my friend and gave her a copy of the article and she gave me a novena to St. Anne that she found. We both started the novena and within two novenas my prayers were answered.
A problem that was ongoing for two years was solved by a person who got involved in it and helped us. It should not even have concerned him. When I called my friend to tell her what happened, we both rejoiced and gave thanks together.
Now we are praying the novena for her daughter who has an ongoing relationship with someone for seven years and it is indirectly affecting her daughter, my friend's granddaughter.
We have spread the word and copied the article. It is hanging on the bulletin board at her place of employment and my sister and her prayer group have joined in the novena - B.B.
Excerpted from Father Engelmar Testimonies
There is now available a booklet of the life of Fr. Engelmar Unzeitig, C.M.M. You may receive a free copy of it by sending a stamped (postage for one ounce, currently 37 cents), self-addressed envelope to us at:
I was a stay-at-home mom and babysat other children for extra income. When I was in financial need, I'd pray to Fr. Engelmar for help, hoping I would win the lottery, but instead, he would send me another family in need of a babysitter. I received more than financial assistance from those I babysat. I received love, hugs and friendships from the children and their families. I feel such pride that I helped nurture and teach these children. Fr. Engelmar also interceded in selling our home, along with St. Joseph. I am eternally grateful for the answers and gifts I have received from Fr. Engelmar. He truly is a saint to me - M.M.R.
+ + +
I made a novena in honor of Fr. Engelmar. I asked for his intercession on something I was sure had no answer. I prayed every night and morning. My prayer was answered and it is a true miracle to me. I still cannot express what he did for me. Not only did he answer my prayer, but he opened a totally unexpected door. Thank you so much, Fr. Engelmar! I will continue to pray to you and let everyone know what you can do if one believes - Name Withheld.
+ + +
I prayed to Fr. Engelmar the nine-day novena, then another nine days and favors were received. Thank you to Fr. Engelmar. My daughter and I are feeling better - E.M.