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...