BRAVO ! ! !
WHAT WISDOM AND WIT SHE HAS !!! I REALLY MISS THOSE OLD NUNS THAT USED TO SMACK MY HANDS WITH A RULER (LOL) - THOSE WERE THE GOOD OLD DAYS (ROFL)! YOU KNOW WHAT - - THOSE OLD SISTERS WERE WITH IT, THEY ALWAYS HAD A SENSE OF HUMOR AND ALWAYS TAUGHT YOU A LESSON WITHIN THAT HUMOR!!
AGAIN, BRAVO . . . FOR WELL-SEASONED NUNS!!!
 

Her blog really is quite wonderful!
 

I find it difficult to understand how a piece of cloth can have any meaning to anyone. But of of course, I find it hard to understand how a book of history (the bible) can have any meaning to anyone also. Oh well, I guess that's just me.
 

Well, "Tom" you continue to believe in a book written by men to control man as being inspired by god, and I'l continue to be a Bay City Roller fan, thank you. :)
 

Can you find it hard to understand how a simple photograph of a persons dead mother, a simple watch from someones father who has passed away, or a knitted afghan from someones deceased grandmother could have meaning? They remind you of a friend, of a love, and of a person who is dear to you. Not really complicated, actually.

Again, the point of the blog isn't, "Does the scapular mean anything to you?" The point of the blog is an explanation of what Catholics believe about the scapular. And, if you had read it carefully instead of posting a comment trying to get a rise out of me and others, you would have seen that.

On your page you say you are open minded. Honestly, Glenda, I haven't experienced that from you. Everything isn't a battle, we can have the free exchange of ideas without attacking each other I hope.
 

I've noticed Father V that "getting a rise out of someone" maybe the only way to start a true exchange of ideas.

Oh yes Father, I am very open minded in trying to understand other people's views about religion. I think I do a better job at that than almost all religious people. Father understanding doesn't mean agreeing with.
 

I never said that. Understanding though does mean listening respectfully and not always throwing sharp or negative questions or statements out.
 

I LOVE the way she writes!! This was a great blog - and totally helpful to me! Thank you, Father and Sister! :)
 

She has a wonderful writing style! She must have been great in the classroom.
 

Well, thx for this blog...I was thinkin' about wearing scapular and don't know why I was a bit afraid..Last time in Medugorje I've met one girl who wear it and I decided that it's time...and I'm so happy about it! It's a big gift from God and Mary.And I'm happy also cause st.Theresa from Child Jesus is my patron...now I'm in her "carmelitan family'....;)))

greets for you, father V;)
 

I am not sure if "Carmelitan" family is a word, but in any case, it's a good family to be in!
 

Grace is what the scapular is all about! It is a reminder to pray, a reminder of Our Lady's love for us, and a reminder of our Lord's passion (as they can be a little itchy sometimes, and it gives us something to offer it up!)

About the fear: it's more about love. We wear it because Our Lady asked us to, she loves us and has our best interest in mind, and simply wants to lead us to Jesus. On the grace point: Think of it like taking medicine even when we feel better: if the doctor said take it for 10 days, you keep taking it even if you feel better after 6 days. Why? The doctor knows best!

Also, Our Lady asked us to, and that's good enough for me!
 

hahaha, sister mary martha is too funny!!!! i love the way she explains this. honestly, i don't think glenda really reads the blogs past the first sentence or maybe even past the title. or else, she'd get it. she keeps coming back, so something tells me she may want to get it, but she always has her mind made up on what to say. the answers are right there in the blog to the very questions that she poses.

i thank God for people like you and sister mary martha who devote their lives to God and bringing others to Him.
 

Sister is wonderful! Very catchy and clever title! She's a riot when talking about people trying to get over. What order is She? Sounds like the wonderful Sisters of St. Joseph who taught me in grade school. Bravo!!
 

Great post!
 

thank you for the great blog.
what a wonderful read!
i've been thinking of the scapular for quite a while...questioning i guess.
this came at a good time.
 

Thank you so much for sharing. I remember my first encounter with "Brown". I didn't know what it was or what it was for, but a very dear friend of mine gave a brown scapular because she could tell that I felt very nervous and apprehensive about a Spiritual journey that I was about to emark upon. (a whole other story) This was one of my first lessons on the Catholic church. :) ~Peace
 

I absolutely loved this. Sister Mary Martha is one of my favorites and I enjoy her sense of Humor. When I was growing up we moved alot and because of this I was taught by several different orders of Sisters over the years. I loved them all and miss them. Every now and then I will run across a group of sisters who still wear their habits and I thank God for them.
Like the scapular they are a visible sigfn of God's love for us.
God Bless both you and Sister Mary Martha Father.
 

Wondeful blog, as usual. I am looking forward to tuning in to this dear Sister's site.

Before I received my vocation to become a sister-proper (as one might say) and was in Formation in the Carmelite Order's secular branch I was working in a baking shop whilst studying theology at Uni.

One day this woman came in to the shop and whilst at the counter her eyes widened and she exclaimed loudly, "I can see Jesus!" Before I had a chance to pass out, I realised that my scapular had shifted it's way up and was poking out of my blouse. There was Jesus under my chin for all to see.

Now there's witness for you!

Fondest blessings

Sr K

PS I too love the habit and hope and pray that if God's will is on board I will be permitted (one or two matters in the way at the mo) the honour of wearing one.
 

Father V., how wonderful it is, how the Lord works in our lives if we are open to Him. In April of this year I ordered some things from EWTN, one of the items was a Brown Scapular. After it arrived and I looked at it in my hand, I recalled how years ago (about 50) my First Communion Scapular lasted, less then a year. So not wanting the same thing for this Brown Scapular I placed it in a drawer, thinking some day I'll give it away, and soon forgot about it.
Then today, I read this blog.

I know not Sister Mary Martha, yet, from this blog, I believe she must be very Inspirational and devoted to Our Lord. Her blogs must contain as much inspiration and devotion as Mother Angelica's talks on EWTN. Let us all thank Our Lord and offer prayers for more Great Servants of Our Lord as these Sisters. Sorry, we must also add prayers for our good priests too. Our world today is in such great need for good priest and sisters.

May the Divine Mercy's Graces be with you all always.

NHVETUSN Berlin NH
 

Hi Father~

I just wanted to chime in a kudo for Sr. Mary Martha...a great blog filled with razor sharp humor and a faithful statement of the church teachings. I'm further entrenched in your fan club now that I see we share the same taste in blogs!

As always, keep up the good work. You are always in my prayers!
 

I have to say I have never heard of "magic Mormon underwear." Care to enlighten? I'd be afraid to Google it!
 

Absolutely Awesome!!!! I swear it amazes me when someone can articulate something that obvious in such a humorous way.... I am just not gifted in that department, yet I can appreciate it in others! Thanks Father V for posting this... I am definitely looking up her blog!
 

I wear a scapular everyday. Mine was really getting worn. Last March I made the true devotion to Mary. I wasn't sure if I did with enough fervor. Well, I went into the adoration chapel shortly after and a man out of the blue, handed me a new scapular. I feel the Blessed Mother was telling me something through him. I never thought I was worthy enough to expect the Blessed Mother to listen to my prayers, but I came to see that she is truly our mother and wants the very best for each of us. Great post
 

"I wasn't sure if I did it with enough fervor." Don't fall in that trap! You did it, and now build on it. Don't worry about fervor, but faithfulness. That is what matters!

God love you!
 

Hello!

Sorry, what I was post this commeny in your blog. But it's very important.

My little cousin is very need to help. I was write more information on my MySpace page.
If you can - help him please!

Please, post link on my page in your blog or send link to your friends, if you can... Please...

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=230111868&blogID=314457717
 

HeY Fr. V . I got a question for you I carry a Scapular in my walet is that O.K. or I have to wear it? By the way the Blog was Execellent.
 

Wear it! Thanks for the kudo's on the blog, but they all belong to Sister!
 

So does it not "work" if you don't wear it?? ;-)

I'm sure you can guess what my thoughts on this subject are, so I won't elaborate. Admittedly this line of thinking concerns me a bit, but I can think of other things that I'd get way more fired up about. hehe...
 

No more than a picture of a loved one reminds you of them if you don't look at it!
 

Then why did you tell him to wear it? He asked you if it made a difference if he carried it in his wallet, or if he wore it, and you told him to wear it, thus implying that there is a difference in its efficacy based upon how it is positioned on or around one's body.

Sounds a little like superstition to me.
 

Ellie the difference is this. The Scapular promise speaks of wearing this garment in a specific way. Sure, I guess you could speculate and guess that carrying it or wearing it is just fine too. Maybe you would be right maybe not, but why take the chance?
To me having a the ichy wool against my chest is a reminder to live selflessly for God.
 

The point of the scapular is to be reminded: to pray, of Mary's love and intercession, of the obligations one takes upon themselves when enrolled in the scapular. To carry it in one's wallet doesn't allow for the reminder of wearing it around one's neck.

Again, does a picture of a loved one remind you of them if you don't look at it? Does the scapular remind you of all the above if you don't wear it?
 

I would imagine that the list is as long as my arm. ;-)

As for it not working or not, I didn't say. All I said was wear it!
 

Isn't the question What are we Hindu, a judgemental statement of jumping to conclusions while your leap of faith is supposedly gospel?

I found one common thread among all faiths, they teach the obedience to a chain of command. That chain of command leads to classification of people on the ladder rungs of leadership and the desire to climb up whether for themselves of a group.

That is what leads to all evils mankind does onto itself in the name of their faith's chosen Creator. This in turns makes every choice from then on the work of the devil hidden in the words of leadership convincing the blind faithful to sacrifice their lifetimes to the chain of command within their faith.

Now this chain of command becomes part of every social event with more than one person involved because someone has to lead the rest and in order to become a leader one must confuse those that follow as to need leading somewhere.

My point here is to not deny the subject of your faith, but point out how inaccurate the words are that lead people to follow blindly so that your institution of faith can rule the world order without the borders of political states of minds.

Right/wrong or good/evil are just two of the same but with views from politics and religions in the separation of church and state saying the same thing on the same matter at hand.

the price one pays for learning to understand the knowledge that allows thought, is that both church and state can't let that happen for all people. The institutions would loose their power to lead the ordered chaos in the world of fear for it is that same understanding that frees the will of choices to be made.

When the final conflict is over and the world as we know it ends. It will just return to what it was before mankind tried to dictate what the world could be.
The only change is we understand what we always denied by following the words of faith educated to live by from church and state.

Have a great day!
 

whys answers, I'll pray for you.

Meanwhile, work out your prepositions in fear and trembling.
 

I 'm glad to see your journey of faith has brought you here . Even we catholics like to get together and discuss different topics because there is SO much to learn that sometimes I feel like a 6 year old compared to what other adults seem to know. One reason why I like these blogs

Have you tried to go to a christian church on sunday just to see what goes on?
 

Hi Father. I had never heard of a brown scapular until your blog - it sounds like a great gift idea for family and friends.
 

Dear Brother V, I know what I am about to ask you below is not in the agenda of your perception to the brown scapular but I think that my concerns are just as important because they deal with more important issues, which will prevent millions of Catholics from going to hell.
A few years ago I wrote a letter to the Vatican and have since then not received any response. Could you please give me an answer to my concerns.
Regards,
Giuseppe Vittorio Vitali.


6th May 2001.

Dear Pope John Paul 2nd,

I am writing you a second letter, concerning the Ten Commandments that has been elaborated on in the book, The Catechism of the Catholic Church.

It concerns part three: Life of Christ, section two: the ten commandments, chapter two, article 5: the fifth commandment, you shall not kill. Under the subheading, legitimate defence no.2264, it states, "Love towards oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality. Therefore, it is legitimate to insist on respect for one's own right to life. Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow; If a man in self- defence uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful; whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defence will be lawful... Nor is it necessary for Salvation that a man Omit the act of moderate self-defence to avoid killing the other man, since one is bound to take more care of one's own life than of another's. No. 2265: Legitimate defence can be not only a right but a grave duty for someone responsible for another's life the common good of family or of the state."

When I read this, I am concerned to think that Jesus Christ came here on earth, was killed and raised for nothing. Isaac climbed up the Holy Mountain with His Father for nothing. If we the people of God rewrite the Law by adding loopholes, take the risk in defending ourselves and in the process kill our aggressor, then we are already guilty of planned murder. Does the scripture not say that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for another? Moreover, that if we do what is right in the eyes of the Lord even our enemy will love us. We should leave that loophole out, let God judge us if that situation occurs. The angels will guide us in those situations. To write it down, that it is ok to kill in self-defence as God's Law, is planned murder.

It is out of fear that we write such loopholes because of our accumulated sins in disobedience to all Ten of the Commandments. If we do what is right, then we will not have any enemies. We will all be one people and not killers of our neighbours, like some hypocritical states right now. It is our misinterpretation of the Law that creates havoc and finally disbelief of it. We misinterpret it so that it can suit our disgraceful lifestyle. In this manner, we are creating an evil god (satan the beast) and not a Good One Jehovah in ourselves. In Revelation 2: 8-11. It says that we must prove ourselves faithful Even to Death and we Will receive the Crown of Life. Revelation 21: 8. But as for the cowards and those without faith and those who are disgusting in their filth, murderers, fornicators and those practicing sorcery, idolaters and all the liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur. This means the second death.

Proverbs 3: 11-12. The discipline of Jehovah, O my son, do not reject and do not abhor his reproof because the one whom Jehovah loves he reproves, even as a father does a son in whom he finds pleasure. For more go to the web site http://myweb.absa.co.za/gvv1

With brotherly affection,

Giuseppe Vittorio Vitali.

PS. 1st Peter 2: 20-25. For what glory is it, if, when you are buffeted for your faults, you bear it patiently? But if, when you do well, and suffer for it, you bear it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even to this were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps. Who committed no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously. Who himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
PS. 2nd January 2004. The Catholic Church states in chapter three, article 9, paragraph 3: 3: The Church is Catholic, No. 852. Missionary path of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. 852 Missionary paths. The Holy Spirit is the protagonist, "the principal agent of the whole of the Church's mission."345 It is he who leads the Church on her missionary paths. "This mission continues and, in the course of history, unfolds the mission of Christ, who was sent to evangelize the poor; so the Church, urged on by the Spirit of Christ, must walk the road Christ himself walked, a way of poverty and obedience, of service and self-sacrifice even to death, a death from which he emerged victorious by his resurrection."346 So it is that "the blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians."347
I find it disturbing to read that in one part of this book it preachers - killing in self defence is one's duty; and in another part - self-sacrifice even to death, emerging victorious in the resurrection. It reminds me of the schizophrenic tendencies I have found in the Koran. May the Lord give the church a conscious memory to divide the good from the evil, which the church finds unconsciously confusing amongst its members. May the left hand know what the right hand is doing, so that the body will not be confused; but be accepted Holy and True in catholicity, the City of Golden Truth. It is in giving that we must not look at how much we are giving, or act charitable because someone is watching. Contrarily, in taking someone's life we must be well aware of the corruption that will befall Christ's Body, Matthew 6: 3.
 

It has always been allowable to defend one's life, even if it means striking a lethal blow. Is it neccesary? No. Allowable? Yes. Think of David, Samson, and others.
 

I am thinking of Jesus. God forbid, I am not saying that I would not give the lethal blow but what I am saying is that I know that it is a sin to do it but I also have hope that if I ever do fall into that situation the Good Lord might forgive me if I truly repent of my sin. You are living with the belief that it would not be a sin if you gave the lethal blow, therefor no hope of redemption because you do not believe you need redeeming. How can the Holy Spirit forgive you if you do not believe you need the Holy Spirit to forgive you on this. Is that not paramount to blaspheming against the Holy Spirit?
 

I have been redeemed by Our Lord's bloody passion, and I am being redeemed every day by His grace. I, as we all are, am in need of Our Lord for everything. God gave us life, and life is good. To defend what is good is also a good. In striking a lethal blow, the moral object is not to kill, but to defend.
 

That is precisly what the assailant also believes, that they are doing the right and good thing, and by the way how will you know for sure that the assailant would have killed you if you give the first lethal blow? Forgive them Lord Jesus for they know not what they do or believe.
The point is that I can not participate in the Catholic Eucharist because the same book also tell me that if I do not believe wholeheartedly everything they preach to be correct is correct, then it would be incorrect for me to participate.
Here is another letter I wrote the Vatican.

6th February 2002.

Dear Pope John Paul 2nd,

This is my third letter, which I am writing to you with reference to the book, "Catechism of the Catholic Church." In my first letter, I raised the disputed issue of killing in self-defence. I was delighted when I heard through the television media your confession on behalf of the Catholic Church that it is wrong to kill in the name of God. I hope and pray that it also meant in self-defence. I also hope and pray that my second letter to do with the Ten Commandments will be addressed and confirmed.

This brings me to another dispute, which concerns me. In the same book Part Two: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery. Section Two: The seven Sacraments of the Church. Chapter One: The Sacraments of the Christian Initiation. Article 3, subheading 4 No.1355 it says, Because this bread and wine have been made Eucharist ("eucharisted," according to an ancient expression), "we call this food Eucharist and no one may take part in it unless he (I presume you mean they) believes that what we teach is true, has received baptism for the forgiveness of sins and new birth and lives in keeping with what Christ taught."

I have underlined a part in which I find disturbing to believe. How many Catholics truly believe 100% in what the Church teachers? I would spare what I am writing to you about this matter if you can find just ten people. Let me assure you that you will not find even one, neither yourself because we are all sinners. Sinners do not know the whole truth. No individual Christian Church can hold a patent on the Body of Jesus Christ. The seven Churches in the book of Revelation testifies in corrective measures. The Body of Christ is there especially for the sinners who do not know the Truth; anyone who truly knows the Truth will not sin and will not require the Body of Christ because they would already be His Righteous Body. In 1st Corinthians 13: 12 it states, For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. In Matthew and Mark, we read, And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs, which fall from their master's table. Also in Luke 11: 8 we read, I say to you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. In addition, Luke 18: 9-14 we are reminded of the self-righteous who despises others.

Dear Brother John we are fishers of men let us not scatter the sheep to other pastures over the power that the Word of God brings. Let us rather move false mountains of religious beliefs so that they are made humble as a flat pancake through the small mustard seed of faith that we have. Proverbs 3: 11. My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction. It is precisely because of the darkness that the Light came into the world, so that they who receive will believe in the Light that will shine through from within them. No one will believe without first receiving the Truth. Let us give our faith to the poor in spirit and if it is true, they will believe. I am not saying that we should throw our pearls before swines but to give to them that ask, in the hope that the True Christ will be manifested through the belief of his promise at the last supper, in the remission of sin. In addition, to pray for them who are in unconscious need that someone as Great as Jesus Christ is missing in their lives.

With Brotherly affection,

Giuseppe Vittorio Vitali.

PS. 5th February 2003. Referring to the above statement, were one of the fundamental pillars of Jesus Christ's temple is not to kill each other, even in self-defence. By writing otherwise, you teach otherwise. Let me inform you what the Holy Spirit has instructed me to tell you. Metaphorically speaking, if your enemy cuts off your left ear and come after your right ear, it is better to let them have it rather than to kill them, if you are in a position of doing so. If you do not hear these words, I assure you, the last confession you will hear will be stones sounding like atomic explosions, send by the families of those that were killed. Luke 6: 29. And to him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke, forbid not to take thy coat also. Luke 19: 40. And he answered and said to them, I tell you, that if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
 

Those represent halo's.
 

Prissy, the bright light or 'halo' around the Blessed Virgin and the Child Jesus are the artist's way of expressing that they are holy, in that special way that God is Holy, and by extrapolation, Mary the Mother of God.

Good question.
 

LOL!! Prissy, you ask such central questions. :) I'm with you here.

You're going to get a big, long, protracted explanation for why Mary was sinless, and while these explanations can be interesting from an educational standpoint, with all due respect to my brethren whom the Pope has felt need to seperate me from, they hardly fit with the testimony of Scripture.

It seems to me that if Mary were sinless, God could have just circumvented the whole nasty business of the crucifixion by making us all sinless!! So I guess that means that God could have picked another route to assuage his wrath over human sin and provide propitiation for those sins, yet he still chose to torture his own son. But the point is that we cannot save ourselves, and ALL are sinful, thus Christ is provided to us as the outpouring of God's mercy and grace.
 

God could have circumvented the whole nasty business. He is God, after all and can do whatever He likes. However, as St. Thomas might say, the cross was most fitting to show the wages of man's sin and the depths of His Divine love.

For example, having the grace of the cross flow forward and backward though time, justifying the Old Testament saints, and forward through time, justifying such terrible sinners as you and I. He could also apply this grace to Our Lady, preserveing her from sin so that she might bear in her sinless flesh the Son of God.

Scripture is but half the word of God, my beloved seperated sister! Tradition fills in the details and leads to a fuller, historical, and apostolic understanding of the Church.
 

What a beautiful insight!!!!

Thank you, you are an inspiration

-Timothy Kendrick
PTSD:Pathways Through the Secret Door
ISBN 1430313196
 

Thank you sooo much for intoducing Sister to us. I look forward now everyday to visiting her website to see what she has to say!!
 

Well, my scapular busted and I need to get a new one. Scapulars are so uncomfortable to wear. But everytime I pull on it to make me comfortable it just keeps reminding me what it is, what it stands for, and who I am. Great Blob. The Sister is amazing too.