Announcing a new book by Sr. Anne Marie Walsh, Society of Our Lady Of The Most Holy Trinity (SOLT). These thoughtful reflections have been most helpful to our cherished monthly support group participants. Now these reflections, along with other treasures, are all together in one book to help you on your spiritual journey.
“Gathering The Light” is a collection of articles, reflections and poetry. Many of the articles have appeared in various Catholic publications. It is set up in such a way that it can be used for personal reflection, book studies and support groups.
We have been using a reflection from this collection every time we meet as the “Facing Our Immortality” cancer support group. In the midst of serious illness, or perhaps because of it, the desire to know the deep things of God becomes even more active and especially efficacious.
The format of “Gathering The Light” offers focal points of light meant to help us see what perhaps we have not seen before. Each article, with a few exceptions, hovers around one-thousand words. It is very manageable for busy persons trying to go a little deeper in their relationship with God. At the end, some questions for reflection are provided if needed.
This book is available for purchase from Amazon, please link here – Gathering The Light: Treasures Out Of The Darkness.
In The Heart Of The Blessed Mother,
Sr. Anne Marie Walsh, SOLT
“Facing Our Immortality” by Sr. Anne Marie Walsh, SOLT
“I was diagnosed with my first cancer 13 years ago at the age of 48. After surgery and treatment I was free of cancer until three years ago when I was diagnosed with a different, more aggressive form of cancer. After treatment, I am currently again cancer-free. It is worth mentioning that the treatments I chose both times, were a mix of the conventional, alternative and spiritual (I always immediately seek out the reception of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, blessings from our Priests, and prayers of the whole community.) Many people, when receiving a dread diagnosis, one as frightening as cancer, struggle with understanding how a loving God could allow such a thing. As a result they lose faith or even leave the Church. The mystery of suffering is not easy. It challenges everyone of us at some point in our lives. Here is my experience and what I have learned from dealing with this mystery in my own life.” Sr. Anne Marie Walsh, SOLT
Additional Books
- “The Other Side” by Michael H. Brown
- “The Secret Of The Rosary” by St. Louis De Montfort
- “Praying Through Cancer” by Susan Sorensen
Prayers
- Catholic Prayer Resources
- “The Holy Rosary”
- “The Holy Rosary” video series by Jack Soriano
- “The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy”
- “The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy” Divine Mercy Song Video
- “The Rosary of Abandonment” by Fr. Dolinda Ruotolo
- A Prayer to St. Joseph
Oh St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen
Glorious wonder-worker, St. Peregrine,
You answered the divine call
With a ready spirit,
And forsook all the comforts of the world
To dedicate yourself to God
In the Order of His Most Holy Mother.
You labored manfully
For the salvation of souls;
And in union with Jesus Crucified
You endured the most painful sufferings
With such patience
As to deserve to be
Healed miraculously
Of an incurable cancer
In your leg by a touch
Of his divine hand.
Obtain for me
The grace to answer
Every call of God
And to fulfill His Will
In all the events of life.
Enkindle in my heart
A consuming zeal
For the salvation of souls;
Deliver me from the infirmities
that afflict my body
(State your intention(s) here)
Obtain for me
Perfect resignation to the sufferings
It may please God to send me,
So that, imitating our Crucified Savior
And His Sorrowful Mother,
I may merit eternal glory in heaven. Amen.
St. Peregrine, pray for me
And for all who invoke your aid.
St. Peregrine, pray for me
And for all who invoke your aid.
St. Peregrine, pray for me
And for all who invoke your aid.
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,
by the Divine Power of God,
cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Resources
Catholic Charities offers several ministries to assist those in need of care, including housing, St. Raphael Counseling, shelter and support for women via Marisol Services. You can find more about these services by linking here.
Social Services Support: Mother Cabrini Shrine offers a comprehensive list of social services resources on their website. They have links to mental health services, food, emergency cash and housing. Please link to their website here for more information.
When the time comes that a loved one needs more help as their illness progresses, the loved one and family members can get very overwhelmed. This emotional and delicate time can sometimes lead someone, tragically, to consider ending their life. When one is in this fragile emotional state it is important to know that there are spiritually positive resources that can help them make a more natural and peaceful transition, without actively taking their life. This is a difficult conversation and there is help. To learn more about hospice resources and FAQ’s related to the Church’s position on physician assisted suicide, link here.
We are also available to facilitate a conversation with the Archdiocese and help guide you to the resources that you or your loved one need during this time. The more we pray and the more we learn about our eternity, the more peace we will have when this time comes, for it comes for all of us. God Bless you. “Jesus, I Trust In You.”
YouTube:
Do you have a recommendations that may assist our followers in their spiritual journey with cancer? Please let us know by filling out this short form. Please also include a link, thank you and God Bless you,
Facing Our Immortality 