IVF or Surrogacy?

Please check our Heidi Hess Saxton's article Should I Try IVF or Surrogacy?

Holy Mother Church has such great wisdom, which guides and protects us in all of our needs...

Thank you Heidi for such a great post!!!

Saint Helena ~ August 18 ~ pray for us

Saint Helena

Holy and blessed Saint Helena, with the anguish and devotion with which you sought the Cross of Christ, I plead that you give me God's grace to suffer in patience the labors of this life, so that through them and through your intercession and protection, I will be able to seek and carry the Cross, which God has placed upon me, so that I can serve Him in this life and enjoy His Glory ever after. Amen.

August 18 ~ Saint Jane Frances of Chantel

Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to him. That is all the doing you have to worry about.

Fidelity toward God consists in being perfectly resigned to his holy will, in enduring everything that his goodness allows in our lives, and in carrying out all our duties, especially that of prayer, with love and for love. In prayer we must converse very familiarly with our Lord, concerning our little needs, telling him what they are, and remaining submissive to anything he may wish to do with us...

We should go to prayer with deep humility and an awareness of our nothingness. We must invoke the help of the Holy Spirit and that of our good angel, and then remain still in God's presence, full of faith that he is more in us than we are in ourselves.

There is no danger if our prayer is without words or reflection because the good success of prayer dependsd neither on words nor on study. It depends upon the simple raising of our minds to God, and the more simple and stripped of feeling it is, the surer it is.

We must never dwell on our sins during prayer. Regarding our offenses, a simple humbling of our soul before God, without a thought of this offense or that, is enough...such thoughts act as distractions.

Saint Jeanne de Chantal, from Wings to the Lord

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Prayers:

AN ACT OF ABANDONMENTTO DIVINE PROVIDENCE

By Saint Jane Frances De Chantal

Mass Petitions

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There will be a Mass offered for the Apostolate of Hannah's Tears on September 8, 2008. Anyone who would like to have their names placed on the altar at this Mass, please send in your petitions to Hannahs.Tears@gmail.com
God Bless You!

Immaulate Heart of Mary

Let us renew our trust in the one who, from heaven,

watches over us with maternal love at every moment.

—POPE BENEDICT XVI, General Audience, August 13th, 2008

O most pure heart of Mary, full of goodness, show your love towards us. Let the flame of your heart, O Mary, descend on all people. We love you immensely. Impress on our hearts true love so that we may long for you.

O Mary, gentle and humble of heart, remember us when we sin. You know that all people sin. Grant that through your most pure and motherly heart, we may be healed from every spiritual sickness. Grant that we may always experience the goodness of your motherly heart, and that through the flame of your heart we may be converted.

Amen.

O' Mary heal our broken hearts

that we may find peace in your

only Son

Patron Saint of the Pro-Life Movement

St. Maximillian Kolbe

Patron Saint

Pro-Life Movement

A Rule of Life

for Those Consecrated

to the Immaculate Virgin,

by Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe

O Lord Jesus Christ who said, "greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends," through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions .....(mention them here).

Through the Knights of the Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us all an example of unselfish love for all men --- a love which was inspired by true devotion to Mary.

Grant O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen in order to better love and serve our fellowman in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian.

Amen.

(Say 3 Hail Marys and a Glory be....)

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There will be a Mass offered for the Apostolate of Hannah's Tears on September 8, 2008. Anyone who would like to have their names placed on the altar at this Mass, please send in your petitions to Hannahs.Tears@gmail.com

God Bless You!

Still Birth

Please pray for all the couples that are eduring the pains of a still birth today... as a mother is giving birth to a son or daughter who will be born in silence. May Our Lady of Knock, who also appeared in great silence bring them the comfort only she and Our Lord can give.

Hail Mary,

full of grace

the Lord is with thee

Blessed art thou

Among Women

and Blessed

is the fruit

of thy womb Jesus.

Holy Mary

Mother of God

pray for us sinners

now and at the hour of

our death.

Amen

May Our Lady of Silence remind us where we truly belong: absorbed in God in childlike contemplative prayer

Miscarriage Ministry Support

Guest writer Kambra Malone has a few words to share about "Back In His Arms Again Ministry"

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Dear Friends of Hannah's Tears,

I am writing you today to tell you of a ministry that my husband and I along with Fr. H. Blubaugh began in 2005. It is called "Back In His Arms Again". We felt called to begin this ministry after the loss of our son, Gabriel Francis. Since May 2005 we have been approved and distributed throughout the Columbus diocese. Not only do we help families in need during the loss of their baby, we also have made presentations at many area churches, hospitals, the National convention of "Newborns In Need" and most recently recorded a program with Fr. Frank Pavone which aired on June 1, 2008, "Gospel of Life" program. In addition we have recorded two radio programs with our local Catholic station, St. Gabriel Radio, "Yes Lord!" program.

One of our most recent projects is establishing a "Garden of Holy Innocents" at each of the four Catholic cemetery's in Columbus Ohio. This would provide a place of healing and prayer for families that experience the loss of a baby. We anticipate the completion of these burial "Gardens" in the next year.

We receive 50-100 emails and phone calls per month from around the USA, and we have received several international phone calls. Our ministry provides anything from burial layettes, caskets, funeral home support, hospital transportation, etc... the whole idea is to bring together resources from our community and beyond to help families give their babies a respectful and dignified burial. It is evident from our rapid growth in the past three years, that we need to help families through the Catholic faith to find healing and peace.

Fr. Frank Pavone, will soon be helping us to grow even further on a National level. We are looking forward to expanding so we may help as many families as possible.

Please find our web address below to learn more about our ministry to honor precious little lives.

http://www.backinhisarmsagain.com/

In Christ and for LIFE,

Kambra Malone

Director ~ Back In His Arms Again

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Please find a list of prayers under the title (scroll down on the right side of the blog page) Loss of a Child: Miscarriage, Still Birth...

Mother of Life Shrine

Mariam Mother of Life Shrine

Shrine of Holy Innocents

Help support The Shrine Dedicated To Children Who Have Died Unborn and our ministry to the parents who have lost unborn children. Pray with us for the protection of children, born and unborn.

The Church of the Holy Innocents

128 West 37th

StreetNew York, NY 10018

Phone: (212) 279-5861

Saint Dominic

Saint Dominic of Guzman, 1170-1221

A Spaniard who founded the Dominicans, "Father of the Friars", fought the Albigensians in France, and received the Rosary from Virgin Mary.

Reflection: “God has never refused me what I have asked,” said Saint Dominic. How could God refuse to respond to the single intention of His Saints, which is His own — the salvation and sanctification of souls? Saint Dominic has left us the Rosary that we may learn, with Mary’s help, to ask what pleases God, and then to pray easily and simply with the same trust.

Sources: Les plus illustres captifs, by Rev. Fr. Calixte de la Providence, Trinitarian (Delhomme et Briguet: Lyons, 1892), Vol. I; Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints, a compilation based on Butler’s Lives of the Saints and other sources by John Gilmary Shea (Benziger Brothers: New York, 1894).

Saint Albert of Trapani

Lord God, you made St. Albert of Trapani a model of purity and prayer, and a devoted servant of Our Lady. May we practise these same virtues and so be worthy always to share the banquet of your grace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayers of the Carmelite Proper

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It is of great importance to understand as Catholic Christians that when we suffer and offer it to God as a prayer, this becomes a great treasure, which seems to be beyond all human understanding. We must learn to unite our sufferings to Jesus on the Cross, just as many saints did in days past. "Be NOT Afraid!"

Bl. Edmund Bojanowski

The Lord is so good!

I was in search of the Saint of the day and found that Bl. Edmund is also chosen for August 7. His story is so beautiful, his life a gift to Our Lord... His love for Our Lady was heroic as he was given a gift of serving others.

"Bl. Edmund Bojanowski loved God and loved man. He was a man of prayer. His love for people, demonstrated by heroic deeds, was born of deep union with God through prayer. He drew from it the strength to serve man. That love grew in him on his knees and later bore fruit. Through prayer his whole life became a ceaseless service to the needy, especially children. For him, God's affairs were also human affairs, and love of God was love of man."

Pope John Paul II

Blessed Edmund Bojanowski

Thank God humbly for the grace of His holy inspiration. May the holy fire of God's love glow more brightly and ardently in your heart so that neither difficulties nor anything in the world would lessen the zeal in your heart in this spiritual endeavor." Encouragement of Blessed Edmund

Profile
A member of a wealthy, landed, Polish noble family. He studied literature at universities in Breslau and Berlin. Contracted tuberculosis in his 20s. He dedicated his life to the service of abandoned children, the sick, and poor, teaching and spending his fortune in the service of the needy. He founded reading rooms and libraries to provide books and learning to the poor, and started the first daycare centers in the country. He funded assistance for the sick, supported orphanages, and worked in both himself. Founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Immaculate Virgin Mary whose 4,500 sisters continue the work around the world. Two years before his death Edmund entered the seminary, but did not survive long enough to graduate or be ordained.

If you would like to read up on the history of Bl. Edmund Bojanowski go to the link below.

Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception

PRAYER in petition for graces through the intercession of

Blessed Edmund Bojanowski

Founder of the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception

God, Heavenly Father, giver and source of all goodness, I implore You through the intercession of Blessed Edmund, Who loved You with all his heart, placed boundless trust in You and refused You nothing in his life, to grant me the graces... Confident of the intercession of the Immaculate Servant of the Lord, I beseech You, that Your Servant Edmund, guardian of children, the poor and the sick, becomes for the People of God a saintly intercessor in all their needs. Amen
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory...

For graces received through the intercession of Blessed Edmund Bojanowski please inform:

The Little Servant Sisters ~ 1000 Cropwell Road~ Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

~Let us all lift our cross to Jesus at the foot of the altar~

The cross that you endure is real and it has been made especially for you. Let no one ever compare their cross with yours! Each of us has pain, suffering and emotions that belong to the one who bares the pain. Comparing our crosses in this life just adds to the grief... it goes in circles like a cat chasing it's tail. May we all find the peace we need in all of our trials.

Anyone who needs to compare their cross with someone else needs much prayer and hope. Let us pray for each other...

God Bless!

Transfiguration of the Lord

The TRANSFIGURATION of OUR LORD

Reflection: From the contemplation of this glorious mystery we ought to conceive a true idea of future happiness. If this idea enters our souls, we will think nothing of the difficulties or labors we meet with here, but will regard with great indifference all the goods and evils of this life, provided we obtain our portion in the kingdom of God’s glory.

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O' Mary Conceived without sin, our true Mother in Heaven, please help us all to realize the glory Our Lord has for us beyond the sufferings and trials of this world. Help us to respond with our yes to God as you did. Amen

"YES LORD" Back In His Arms Again Interview

Below is a note from my friend Kambra, she is the foundress of "Back In His Arms Again Ministry", you may find out more about their ministry as you listen to their interview or go to http://www.backinhisarmsagain.com/ . Although this may not be something that affects you personally, this may be a resource that you will want to share with a friend in need.

God bless and keep you all!

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Hello Friends of "Back In His Arms Again" ministry,

Please visit www.dccwyeslord.com to listen to our first radio program airing this week "Yes Lord!" on St. Gabriel Radio. Also, our second radio interview will air on August 17,18, 24 &25. In addition you can listen our TV program with Fr. Frank Pavone by going to www.gospeloflife.com Show 22.

Wishing you a wonderful week.
Always for LIFE,
Kambra & Shawn Malone
http://www.backinhisarmsagain.com/

August 4th ~ Saint John Vianney

So great was St. John Vianney's insight into people's problems that by 1855 the number of his visitors was said to be 20,000 annually, and a special railroad booking office had to be opened in Lyons... you want a miracle?, go to Philomena , he used to say, I don't do miracles.


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Catechism on Suffering by Saint John Vianney

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We should consider those moments spent before the Blessed Sacrament as the happiest of our lives.

St. John Vianney



I think that you will receive much out of the "Catechism on Suffering"... What does it mean to you? Suffering with love is the answer...

My prayer is that God, give us the strength and the courage to suffer with love. Let us continue to pray for each other.

Blessings for a beautiful day!
Hannahs.Tears@gmail.com

Difficult Prenatal Diagnosis Support

If you are struggling with a difficult pregnancy diagnosis? Have been told that there is no hope?

Consider checking out Benotafraid.net is an online outreach to parents who have received a poor or difficult prenatal diagnosis .

"Benotafraid.net is an online outreach to parents who have received a poor or difficult prenatal diagnosis. The family stories, articles, and links within this site are presented as a resource for those who may have been asked to choose between terminating a pregnancy or continuing on despite the diagnosis. The benotafraid.net families faced the same decision and chose not to terminate. By sharing our experiences, we hope to offer encouragement to those who may be afraid to continue on."

Our Lord has supplied us with many faithful souls within the Church to bring support to those in need. If you or someone you know could use a helping hand, please consider contacting "Be Not Afraid Ministry" . Pope John Paul II, always told us, "be not afraid!" This is something we need to take to heart.

Never fear!

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Pre-Natal Diagnosis by Fr. Frank Pavone

Humanae Vitae Pledge

Take a look and support Humanae Vitae!

Sign the Humanae Vitae Pledge

August Prayer and Intercession

The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for AUGUST 2008

General:
That the human family may learn to respect God’s plan for the world and become ever more aware that Creation is God’s great gift.

Mission:
That the answer of the entire people of God to the common calling to holiness and mission may be promoted and fostered by means of careful discernment of charisms and constant commitment to spiritual and cultural formation.

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Also in your charity could you please pray for a Catholic man named Dr. Jeffrey who is having neurological sufferings? I know this is away from our topic matter but I received a call the other day from a friend asking for prayers for this young doctor. Thank you in advance for all that you offer.

August 2 First Saturday

Saint Peter Julian Eymund, 1811-1868, Pierre-Julien Eymard A Marist, and founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament the lay Servants of the Blessed Sacrament.

First Saturday Devotions

Feast of Our Lady of the Angels

First Friday of August 2008

On this First Friday in honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we also celebrate the feast of St. Alphonsus de Ligouri. If you would like to meditate on the stations of the cross today, here is A Scriptural Way of the Cross with Meditations by Saint Alphonsus Liguori

Prayer of Saint Alphonsus Liguori to the Blessed Virgin

Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin! O my Mother! Thou who art the Mother of my Lord, the Queen of the world, the advocate, hope, and refuge of sinners! I, the most wretched among them, now come to thee. I worship thee, great Queen, and give thee thanks for the many favors thou hast bestowed on my in the past; most of all do I thank thee for having saved me from hell, which I had so often deserved. I love thee, Lady most worthy of all love, and, by the love which I bear thee, I promise ever in the future to serve thee, and to do what in me lies to win others to thy love. In thee I put all my trust, all my hope of salvation. Receive me as thy servant, and cover me with the mantle of thy protection, thou who art the Mother of mercy! And since thou hast so much power with God, deliver me from all temptations, or at least obtain for me the grace ever to overcome them. From thee I ask a true love of Jesus Christ, and the grace of a happy death. O my Mother! By thy love for God I beseech thee to be at all times my helper, but above all at the last moment of my life. Leave me not until thou seest me safe in heaven, there for endless ages to bless thee and sing thy praises. Such is my hope. Amen.

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As we pray and continue to hope for children, could I please ask you to pray for those that are considering abortion? I just received an email requesting prayer for a lady named Maria who is contemplating abortion.

For those of us that hope for life and those of us whom have lost our little ones we beg you oh Dear Lord to take those in your hands that are considering abortion and we ask you to fill them with peace and hope. Knowing that You Lord will take care of their needs. Amen.

Share Your Journey

Do you have a story to tell? Below this post is a shared email from someone who wanted to share her adoption journey... If you have a story to share or a miracle of faith, please let us know we'd like to share it with others that we may build the body of Christ.

Adoption Story

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Happy Feast Day St. Ignatius!!!

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

- Prayer against Depression -

O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand,Your purpose, Your will through all things.

By Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Prayers Needed

Dear Prayer Warriors,

I don't usually ask the readers for help, but in your charity could you please pray for a friends nephew and some others that were in an accident. Please find below the email received.

Dear Friends,
I would like to update you all and continue to ask for prayers for my nephew Andrew, the former marine who was in a motorcycle accident Sunday in California. He is in very critical condition with numerous broken bones and lung damage. Several vertebrae were fractured and it is too early to know if there is permanent spinal cord injury. He underwent an 8 hr plus surgery yesterday to fix the vertebrae and he will have to go back for several surgeries this week to fix both broken legs (multiple breaks in each leg) and a severely broken/shattered wrist. We are praying that his body will be able to survive all this trauma. He is not the only person injured in this accident and I would like to ask for prayers for the others as well. A father that was riding in the group had his leg severed in the accident and lost his son in the accident as well. The motorcycle riders were struck by a vehicle that crossed the center line.

Also, I am taking up a spiritual bouquet for Andrew as it will boost his moral when he comes out of his surgeries this week as well as support his parents and siblings to see the body of Christ praying for one another even when we do not personally know each other.

Thank you for you prayers!

In Christ,
Ann

You may send your spiritual bouquet's to hannahs.tears@gmail.com and I will forward them to Ann. Please address the subject line as "Spiritual Bouquet", thank you again for your kindness. You will be richly rewarded for you charity!

God Bless You,
Hannah's Tears

"Love Can't Heal Without the Pain"

Mark Mallet has a song called "Without the Pain"... Within this song he says, "Love can't heal without the pain". None of us like to feel the pain, but in order to heal we all must go to the pain. In order for us to move on and live we must feel the pain... you are not alone, God the Father has sent us his only son, who is truly present in the tabernacle sitting before the foot of the altar this is where we will find the healing to our pain. Our Lady is with you, Jesus is with you, our prayers are with you.

Mass offering and the feast of Saint Martha

July 29, 2008, 7:00 AM at St. Patrick Church, Columbus, Ohio, there will be a Mass offered for the intentions of the Apostolate of Hannah's Tears, each of your intentions will also be remembered on this day. If you are unable to attend the Mass in Columbus, please consider going to a Church in your local area to be in communion with the intentions of this ministry and for those whom we serve.

This is also a day to remember Saint Martha, who devoted her life to loving service to Our Lord. I believe her life of faithfulness and service is something each of us can ponder as we learn to accept God's holy will in each of our lives.

St. Martha
Virgin (First Century)

Martha was the sister of Mary of Bethany. We know only what we read about her in the Gospels of Luke and John. Whatever is said about her early life comes to us from apocryphal writings which usually are no more than the work of somebody's imagination. We know that she busied herself preparing a meal for Jesus and his disciples, then went to Jesus to complain that Mary did nothing while she had to do all the housework. It was at that time Jesus reminder her that Mary had chosen "the best part".

We see her again when, at the tomb of her brother Lazarus, she pronounces those profound words of faith which have come into our funeral liturgy: "I know He will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus told her: "I am the resurrection and the life: whoever believes in me, though he should die, will come to life;...Do you believe this?" "Yes Lord", she replied, "I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God; he who is to come into the world."

NOVENA TO SAINT MARTHA

O glorious Saint Martha,
I have recourse to your protection and aid,
And as proof of my affection and faith
I promise faithfully to complete this novena.
Comfort me in my difficulties
And intercede for my family
With your intimate friend, our Savior,
That we may always hold God in our hearts
And be provided for in our necessities.
I beg your supplications
Especially in behalf of the favor
I ask of you in this novena.

[State your intention(s) here...]

I ask you, Saint Martha,
By your intercession to help me
In overcoming all my difficulties
And to teach me to become great
In the Kingdom of Heaven
By becoming as humble as you
In this world.
Amen.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...

This novena may be said each Tuesday in devotion to St. Martha. May Our Lord bless and keep you today and always, as we all work in humble service to the Father. I want each of you to know that this ministry is not about one particualar parish or one group of people, this ministry has been built for all of you that need to know that we are here for you within the Church to hear the cry of your heart. Remember in this ministry we become like Simon of Cyrene, which means he who hears. You are not alone in your cross Jesus and Our Lady are with you and we are here to encourage you. If any of you are new to this site, please feel free to email us anytime to let us know of your prayer requests that we might place them on the altar and lift them to the Lord.

God Bless,

Hannah's Tears

Do you have a low basal body temperature?

This may be old news to some of you, but for those of you that are not aware that your body temperature might be revealing something very important to your health, check out this article:
WHAT YOUR BASAL TEMPS REVEAL ABOUT THYROID FUNCTION

"The Cross of Infertility"

Ok... there seems to be a continuation here, while trying to help a reader find the transcript of Marie Meaney's article "Embracing the Cross of Infertility", I found this new article which is an interview with both husband and wife by John Mallon.

Embracing the Cross of Infertility: An Interview with Marie & Joseph Meaney


At this point it seems that http://www.hli.org/ is not working at this time, but when they do get up and running again, I do highly suggest that you take a look at ordering the cd from their catalogue called "Embracing the Cross of Infertility".

All for the Glory and Honor of God,
Hannah's Tears

* This has just been added to this post as of 3pm July 26, 2008*
PS. one more thing.... The Grief of Infertility There is no “normal” definition for mourning

Saints Anne and Joachim

Happy Feast Day!

Saints Ann and Joachim, parents of the Virgin Mary, at the Golden Gate

Painting by Giotto

"Dear Spouses,

It is through your love that God seeks to realize the power of His Divine Love. The future of the world and of the Church is at stake!"

John Paul II

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Someone just sent me this article that I felt you all might appreciate, if you haven't already read it. This piece comes from Zenit and was posted yesterday. How timely considering the celebration of Humanae Vitae. I pray that the words from this interview fill you all with hope and encouragement from someone who is suffering the pains of primary infertility and is learning to embrace her cross with hope.

I feel that there are many in the Church that could learn from this article, we all have different crosses in this life, but it is also good to understand what another may be going through.

See what you think A Spiritual Answer to Coping With Infertility

God bless you,

Hannah's Tears

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26th July
Ss. Joachim and Anne

parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

protectors of the Carmelite Order

By tradition Joachim and Anne are considered to be the names of the parents of Mary, the Mother of God. We have no historical evidence, however, of any elements of their lives, including their names. Any stories about Mary's father and mother come to us through legend and tradition. We get the oldest story from a document called the Gospel of James, though in no way should this document be trusted to be factual, historical, or the Word of God. The legend told in this document says that after years of childlessness, an angel appeared to tell Anne and Joachim that they would have a child. Anne promised to dedicate this child to God (much the way that Samuel was dedicated by his mother Hannah). For those who wonder what we can learn from people we know nothing about and how we can honour them, we must focus on why they are honoured by the church. Whatever their names or the facts of their lives, the truth is that it was the parents of Mary who nurtured Mary, taught her, brought her up to be a worthy Mother of God. It was their teaching that led her to respond to God's request with faith, "Let it be done to me as you will." It was their example of parenting that Mary must have followed as she brought up her own son, Jesus. It was their faith that laid the foundation of courage and strength that allowed her to stand by the cross as her son was crucified and still believe. Such parents can be examples and models for all parents. Anne (or Ann) is the patron saint of Christian mothers and of women in labour.

Readings:

Jeremiah 7:1-11

Psalm 83(84):3-6, 8, 11

Matthew 13:24-30

Celebrating 40 Years of Humanae Vitae

40 YEARS OF "HUMANAE VITAE" (PART 1) Interview With Dr. Thomas Hilgers

and

Heidi Saxton has a beautiful article on her "Behold Your Mother" site about St. Joseph and celebrating Humanae Vitae

"Climbing the Mountain of Faith"

Here are two readings that have truly touched my heart.  I pray that they touch yours also.

God Bless, 

Hannah's Tears

Romans 1:11-12

For I long to see  you, that I may share with you some spiritual gift so that you may be strengthened, that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by one another's faith, yours and mine.

Psalm 147:1-11

Praise the Lord for he is good;

sing to our God for he is loving:

to him our praise is due.

The Lord builds up Jerusalem 

and brings back Israel's exiles,

he heals the broken-hearted,

he binds up all their wounds.

He fixes the number of the stars;

he calls each one by its name.

Our Lord is great and almighty;

his wisdom can never be measured.

The Lord raises the lowly;

he humbles the wicked to the dust.

O sing to the Lord, giving thanks;

sing psalms to our God with the harp.

He covers the heavens with clouds;

he prepares the rain for the earth,

making mountains sprout with grass

and with plants to serve man's needs.

He provides the beasts with their food

and young ravens that call upon him.

His delight is not in horses

nor his pleasure in warriors' strength.

The Lord delights in those who revere him,

in those who wait for his love.

Psalm - prayer

God our Father, great builder of the heavenly Jerusalem, you know the number of the stars and call each of them by name.  Heal hearts that are broken, gather together those who have been scattered, and enrich us all from the plenitude of your eternal wisdom. 

"Infertility"

This article is beautifully written by a Catholic couple who definitely know the pains of infertility. Please consider reading this as you seek God's will regarding your faith, fertility and God's plan for your life.
"Babies Deserve Better What You Need to Know If You're Struggling with Infertility"

Christopher West's Theology of the Body

As you browse through this blog site please notice the many links to the right side of this page. There are many support sites regarding Fertility Care Support in America and Internationally, also sites regarding Catholic Teaching and Fertility.

If you have any suggestions regarding this site or comments, please let us know.

Saint Elijah ~ Father of Carmel

Fr. Elijah

Yesterday, July 20, was in memory of the feast of St. Elijah. As we reflect upon this picture of Elijah being fed by the crows, let us remember that God the Father is caring for us in all of our needs.

Catholic Infertility Articles

Infertility Treatments, in Accord With Church Teaching

The moral status of in vitro fertilization (IVF) Biology and method

Infertility Treatments, in Accord With Church Teaching by Dr. Thomas Hilgers

Marriage & Infertility/Article to prove IVF is not the answer... etc.

"AGENTS OF CHANGE" Catholic Wold Report

Begotten Not Made: A Catholic View of Reproductive Technology, by John M. Haas, Phd., S.T.L.

Fertility Disorders and the Billings Ovulation Method Dr. Pilar Vigil P. Faculty of Biological Sciences Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

Hannah's Tears ~ prayers & devotions

Miraculous Medal

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration

Rosary

Divine Mercy

“Be Fruitful and Multiply ~ Your Many Gifts of Love”

My wonderful friend Heidi Hess Saxton has started a site for "Extraordinary Moms Network", please check out her beautiful site. It's a new beginning as we learn to share our hearts of love with all God's children.

I was recently asked by Heidi to write an article for her site as a guest writer... I was truly humbled. I could not have accomplished this beautiful piece without her guidance, please go to


“Be Fruitful and Multiply ~ Your Many Gifts of Love”


God bless you all throughout the following week to come, as my family and I will be away for a much needed rest. Please know that you will be in my prayers as well as all those who are a part of this ministry.

Don't forget Our Lady of Mt. Carmel's feast day July 16th, this coming week... she loves you all so very much!

Saints Anne & Joachim ~ Faith and Perserverance ~ Novena for Life

This is a prayer for "Faith and Perserverance", please join us!

Novena for Life - Saints Anne & Joachim

Parents of Mary

Grandparents of Jesus

About Saints Anne & Joachim

The Novena Prayer:

Good parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grandparents of our Savior, Jesus Christ, When life seems barren, help us to trust in God's mercy. When we are confused, help us to find the way to God.

When we are lost in the desert, lead us to those whom God has called us to love.

When our marriage seems lifeless, show us the eternal youth of the Lord.

When we are selfish, teach us to cling only to that which lasts.

When we are afraid, help us to trust in God.

When we are ashamed, remind us that we are God's children.

When we sin, lead us to do God's will.

You who know God's will for husband and wife, help us to live chastely.

You who know God's will for the family, keep all families close to you.

You who suffered without children, intercede for all infertile couples.

You who trusted in God's will, help us to respect God's gift of fertility.

You who gave birth to the Blessed Mother, inspire couples to be co-creators with God.

You who taught the Mother of God, teach us to nurture children in holy instruction.

You whose hearts trusted in God, hear our prayers for ... (mention your requests here).

Pray with us for the ministry of Catholic family life.

Pray with us for the ministry of Natural Family Planning.

Pray with us for all who give their time, talent and treasure to this good work.

Hail Mary... Our Father... Glory be...

God of our fathers, you gave Saints Anne and Joachim the privilege of being the parents of Mary, the mother of your incarnate Son. May their prayers help us to attain the salvation you have promised to your people. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

About Saints Anne & Joachim:

Each year the Church venerates the memory of Saints Anne & Joachim on July 26th. An ancient story dating to the first centuries of the Church's life recalls how Saints Anne & Joachim, like Abraham and Sarah, were scorned by their neighbors because they had no children.

Years of longing did not weaken their trust in God, but grief eventually drove Saint Joachim into the wilderness to fast and pray. Saint Anne, remaining at home, dressed in mourning clothes and wept because she had no child of her own. Seeing her mistress distressed, a servant girl reminded Anne to put her trust in God. Saint Anne washed her face, put on her bridal clothes and went to a garden to plead with God for a child.

Angels appeared to Saint Anne in her garden and Saint Joachim in the desert, promising that, despite their old age, they would give birth to a child who would be known throughout the world. The new parents ran to meet one another at Jerusalem's Golden Gate, and with a kiss rejoiced in the new life which God had promised would be theirs.

Saints Anne and Joachim are powerful intercessors for all married couples, expectant mothers and married couples who are having difficulty conceiving, as well as all who have grown old.

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Here is the site for a pdf. download of this beautiful prayer card:

http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/nfpweek/Novena.pdf

How to Bear Suffering

Check out this article by Fr. O'Sullivan..."How to Bear Suffering", by Fr. Paul O'Sullivan

Yes, I seem to be on the same page about suffering. Somehow it seems like something that we all need to learn at times, since we all find ourselves in moments of suffering. As you bear your cross today, may I ask you to please know that you are loved and that if you could lift your eyes to the Lord with just a small smile and tell Him that you love Him too...No matter, how hard that it may be, you will find peace, I know that you will. I pray that you will receive a small piece of that joy that you need to lift you up today. God Bless YOU!

Suffering Can Teach Us

Dearest Friends,

What is suffering? This I ask myself today, what is the reason for our suffering?

I believe that when Our Dear Lord allows suffering, He is also allowing us to learn. What can you learn from suffering, you ask?

Holy endurance, is something that we can receive when we suffer with patience and prayer. This is not something I obtain in my flesh, but a grace received from the Lord. As we suffer, we must lift our hearts and minds to the Lord as best we can. This is our prayer to Him. It may not seem like much, but you are doing more than you could ever imagine. Just in a moment of lifting your heart in thanksgiving as you are enduring your cross of pain and suffering, you will find joy in Him.

How can this be you ask yourself? It comes from total surrender. Surrendering to the Lord all that we are, most especially when we are found in a time of great struggle. We must not look within ourselves, but look to the Lord of Glory. Our Lord says in scripture, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." Surrendering ourselves to Him is not easy, but we must try...Let us empty ourselves into Our Lords Most Sacred Heart, pray simply "Jesus I trust in YOU". You will find peace in Him and in your suffering you will find a learned Holy Endurance and Trustful Surrender. Our suffering must be lifted to Him in prayer. May the Lord bless and keep you in your trials, remember that you are not alone, for the Lord Our God is with you always, go to Him who waits for you.

God Bless You,

Hannah's Tears

(small changes and corrections have been made as of 3pm July 7th 2008)

Saint Gabriel Possenti of Our Lady of Sorrows

I will attempt day by day to break my will into pieces. I want to do God's Holy Will, not my own!

~Saint Gabriel Possenti ~

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Love Mary! She is loveable, faithful, constant. She will never let herself be out done in love, but will ever remain supreme. If you are in danger, she will hasten to free you. If you are troubled, she will console you. If you are sick, she will bring you relief. If you are in need, she will help you. She does not look to see what kind of person you have been. She simply comes to a heart that wants to love her. She comes quickly and opens her merciful heart to you, embraces you and consoles and serves you. She will even be at hand to accompany you on the trip to eternity.

~ Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother ~

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Prayer Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

O God, You taught Saint Gabriel to dwell upon the sorrows of Your most sweet Mother, and You raised him to the glory of holiness and miracles. Grant that we may also share Our Lady's sorrows, and be saved by her protection and intercession.

Amen.

Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

Mass Offering for the Apostolate

Hi All~~~

The Apostolate of Hannah's Tears will be having a Mass offered by the Dominican Father's on July 29th, the feast of St. Martha, at St. Patrick Church in Columbus, Ohio at 7:00 A.M. Please send us your first names for those of you that would like to be placed on the altar for this Mass... Huband and Wife's first names only is fine...God knows who you are. If you are interested in being placed on this list please send your request to Hannahs.Tears@gmail.com, as soon as possible. Peace and Blessings...