Our city, in southern Ohio, has long been known as a strong fortress of the Catholic faith. We have one of the largest Catholic/Christian-based home-schooling communities in the country, and our tight knit Catholic community expands into Indiana and Kentucky. (And, even up into Dayton, Ohio!) We are surrounded by Catholic Churches (many of them works of astoundingly beautiful architecture and/or decor). We have so many faith-building opportunities to choose from, that we often have a hard time narrowing down our choices.
Our city is also the birthplace and headquarters of the Angelico Project, an organization focused on returning art to its true beauty and purpose. They do so much, I could never share it all in one blog, so please do an online search for "The Angelico Project," and see what they have to offer (which will make you jealous if you don't live here in "our" tristate area!)
Today, I chose an "easy," daytime devotion that is available year round, Adoration/Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (i.e. I made a Holy Hour with Jesus!) It seems so simple, but the gifts of such an effort are always palpable.)
This evening, we planned an outing with some friends, driving out to Indiana to hear a presentation from the local (but nationally known) Exorcist in residence (for the Diocese of Indianapolis). Now that is a uniquely Catholic opportunity right there! Nothing like a "light dinner," followed by a dessert of insight into exorcism! I doubt that they'll have anything on the menu that I can eat, with my current healing diet, but that won't stop me from going
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This Saturday, I will drive to Dayton to watch a play put on by the students of The Chesterton Academy of St. Joseph (of which, one our sons-in-law is the Headmaster). From what I have witnessed in the past, these high school students at this Catholic, classical education school are very talented, and well taught, in dramatics and voice. They are presenting a performance of Macbeth, one of my all-time favorite dramas.
Next week, our own parish, Old St. Mary's Church, will be performing a special, Lenten musical oratory, With organ music and classically trained singers, guaranteed to lift our hearts and souls to heaven.
After that, who knows what we'll find. Easter is just a bit over three weeks away, and Holy Week is always jam-packed with special devotions practiced only during that week, as we solemnly prepare to recall the sacrificial death of our Savior, on Good Friday. As I've mentioned before, my husband and I always watch the Passion of the Christ on Good Friday, stopping to pray the sorrowful mysteries at appropriate times during the movie. When we were younger, we always went to church for the veneration of the Cross, a very passionate and moving tradition, something that every Catholic should experience on Good Friday, if possible. It's humbling, but also stirs up so many beautiful emotions, reflecting on Christ's love and painful sacrifice for all of us, and for our salvation. Whatever you choose to do with your own family, make sure to bring Jesus and His cross into the forefront of your Holy Week devotions.
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