Conversion of Paul
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, the day when God knocked Saul off his horse, took away his sight and miraculously created a new man on fire to serve the Lord.
This is a painting by Caravaggio, Conversion on the Way to Damascus; a few years ago a good friend gave us a print of this for our home. I love how the artist keeps the focus on Paul, there on the ground arms extended... READ MORE
Sweet Victory
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
I appreciated Rebecca’s post about finding the bliss of the Christmas season. It always amazes me how I can so clearly remember the meltdowns and epic failures, but sometimes forget to note those moments of perfection, however brief they may be.
But her post did just that for me—it reminded me of one of the highlights of our Christmas celebration. It was actually during Advent, the feast of Our Lady... READ MORE
Of Fairies, Shakespeare, and John the Baptist
Posted by DariaSockey in Faith on Friday, June 24, 2011
Our homeschool group is putting on a one-hour version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream this Saturday, missing by only one day the traditional Midsummer’s Night, which in medieval days was celebrated not on the 21st, but on June 24th, the feast of the birth of St. John the Baptist. Luke 1:26 suggests that John was born six months before Jesus, hence the timing of this feast.
Sometimes called “the summer... READ MORE
Do You Love the Divine Mercy Devotion?
Posted by Danielle Bean in Faith on Thursday, April 21, 2011
For those unfamiliar with The Divine Mercy, EWTN offers a helpful background and history of this devotion. I especially like their description of the message of the Divine Mercy:
The message of mercy is that God loves us — all of us — no matter how great our sins. He wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let... READ MORE
Crock Pot O' Gold
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Thursday, March 17, 2011
If you act now, you could get this in your crock pot to have ready in time for tonight’s dinner. It’s sure to be worth the effort!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you, and may the luck o’ the Irish be with you all year.
Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
from The Food Network
Ingredients
2 stalks celery, halved
4 carrots
1 medium onion, cut in 4 wedges
4 to 6 red potatoes, quartered
1 4-pound corned beef... READ MORE
Simple Little Christmas
Posted by Danielle Bean in Faith on Wednesday, December 22, 2010
How are you doing these days?
Are you making the most of these final days of Advent, finding pockets of prayer in your days, and finishing up last-minute preparations for the upcoming feast all while maintaining an abiding sense of peace and joy?
Or are you falling somewhat short of that ideal?
These can be challenging days for a mom, but here’s a reminder for you today:
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
... READ MOREIncredible, Edible St. Nick
Posted by Danielle Bean in Food on Monday, December 06, 2010
We did it! We baked him!
And all were pleased. Everyone, that is, but one 5-year-old who was pretty put-out to discover that the jolly old saint’s mustache was eaten by an older sibling while he was busy upstairs with Playmobil.
But on the whole, a success. Hope your feast day is happy too!
Turkey Delight
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Monday, November 15, 2010
I read with great interest the comments in Danielle’s post about brining a turkey (and I’ll just admit right here I have no idea what that’s all about). But I am doing all the research I can because for the first time ever, Paul and I are responsible for the bird at the Swenson Family Feast.
I’m feeling a little nervous.
For one thing, Paul is shooting our turkey. Have you ever done this? I’m excited... READ MORE
On the Feast of Francis
Posted by Danielle Bean in Faith on Monday, October 04, 2010
When Fr. Matt announced at the end of Mass yesterday morning that, in honor of the Feast of St. Francis, there would be a blessing of the pets at noon, we Beans did some quick calculations in our heads.
Living 30 minutes from our church, it would require a bit of rushing, but we decided that yes, we could do it.
We could, in fact, hurry home, pick up the dog, grab a couple of our favorite chickens... READ MORE
Tour The Basilica
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Reviews on Thursday, August 05, 2010
It’s the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major today.
And it’s not too late to take a tour, as the Vatican website now offers incredible virtual tours of all the Papal Basilicas.
Be sure to use the arrow keys to look around.
