Books on Catholic Parenting

Lately, we have given a number of talks on the responsibility of parents to be the primary educators of their children in the Faith.  In addition to our Raising Catholic Kids for Their Vocations (TAN, 2019), we have begun recommending a great new book by our friend Fr. Carter Griffin, Forming Families, Forming Saints (Emmaus Road, 2024).

Drawing on his own experience as a seminary rector and the wisdom of the Church concerning Christian formation contained in the Program for Priestly Formation, Fr. Griffin examines the four basic areas that the Program outlines: human, spiritual, intellectual, and apostolic.  In each area he examines relevant virtues and illustrates them with examples from the lives of the saints and his own pastoral experience.

This book helps parents understand more concretely their task to form their children in the Faith and provides practical examples and inspiration for doing so.  Our task as parents is to help our children get to heaven.  Of course, it’s only by God’s grace that  we can do so, but it helps to have a clear picture of what growing in holiness as a family looks like.  Fr. Griffin gives us that picture with his book.

Post: The Smiling Saint

The Smiling Saint

The Smiling Saint

On Saturday we visited the Sanctuary of Saint Ursula Ledochowska in Pniewy, a small town near the city of Poznan.  Sr. Mary Ursula  of Jesus was the Foundress of The Congregation of the Ursuline Sisters of the Agonized Heart of Jesus. Her incorrupt body is buried here.  On May 18, 2003 John Paul II canonized Mother Ursula and on March 5, 2009 the Senate of the Republic of Poland passed a resolution concerning the 70th anniversary of her death and proclaimed her as an exemplary patriot.

The more I learn about St. Ursula the more I think that she is becoming my new Saint friend and that I want to start asking her to intercede for me as I follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance to evangelize others.  Mother Ursula told her sisters to love God above all, and to live a life of simplicity, humility, self-sacrifice, and creativity in serving others.  She regarded  smiling, serenity, and kindness as the most credible proof of being united with Christ.  She taught that holiness is accessible to everyone and is based on deep love of God and others, shown in performance of everyday duties. When she died those who knew her said:  “A Saint has passed away…”   She is referred to as “The Smiling Saint.”

“Oh Lord, let me be like a ray of sunshine that brings comfort and joy everywhere, which everywhere proclaims Your glory and goodness, which is like your smile,        O Lord Eternal One” (St. Ursula).             

Saint Ursula,  pray for us!

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