Author: Maria

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Holy Women and New Chapters: A Retreat for Catholic Women

From Saints to Second Acts

One of the perks of women’s ministry is the obvious: fellowship with women! This past weekend I had the pleasure of leading a parish retreat on Saints and Second Acts at the conclusion of a book study on My Badass Book of Saints as a seque into a book club about A Beautiful Second Act. What an honor for me to be able to share in this way!

Picture this: a room full of Catholic women, cups of coffee in hand, laughing together as connections were made or remade. What better way to bridge these two books than a retreat—a sacred pause to celebrate bold faith and step into our own renewed purpose in whatever new act is coming?

Bridging Badass and Second Act

The day kicked off with a 45-minute talk about befriending the saints, and seeking them in our daily lives. It was a light talk punctuated by stories of my favorite saints, especially Sister Blandina Segale, who was inspiration for the Badass book, and the astonishing and frightening St. Olga of Kyiv, whose appallingly violent first act was followed by a profound conversion to the Christianity is told in A Beautiful Second Act.

Next came the heart of the retreat—a small group activity to reflect on our faith journey. We settled into our groups by table, armed with markers and paper. First, each woman jotted down a “badass” moment from her past—maybe standing up for her faith or powering through a tough season—and a current challenge that might be the start of something new. Then, we shared and created group “maps”—timelines, pictures, or lists weaving our stories together.

The morning wrapped up with a second talk that examined our feminine genius and how, as women, we are deeply connected to the Blessed Mother. Notes from scripture and the Catechism emphasized the changing seasons in our lives and the opportunity for renewal and second chances. Ecclesiastes 3:1—”There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”—underscores that God ordains different phases, each with its own purpose.

In a cozy church hall, surrounded by saint statues and sisterhood, we bridged two books and countless stories. We talked about our bold roots and beautiful next steps—perfect for badass Catholic women like us. Ready for your second act?

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The Little Cross That Found Us

A Tangible Reminder of God’s Love

Remember the Tiny Jesus we were giving away? Here is Tiny Jesus with the Found Cross.

You know those moments when God just shows up? Not in a flashy, part-the-seas kind of way, but in the quiet, unexpected, deeply personal ways that remind you He’s got you?

We had one of those moments recently when my husband was in the emergency room. (He’s fine now, thank God—but that’s a story for another day.) While we were in the hospital, a kind nurse came in to check on us, and I happened to notice she was wearing a Tau cross. Now, if you know, you know.

“Hey,” I said, pointing at the little wooden cross, “are you a Franciscan?”

Her face lit up. “You know what this means?”

A Simple Question, A Big Connection

And just like that, a little spark of faith turned into something much bigger. She immediately went off to find the hospital chaplain so my husband could receive Holy Communion. Enter Fr. Jim—equal parts pastoral and hilarious. He came in, joked with us, prayed with us, and then handed my husband something truly special: a hand-carved wooden cross.

It turns out, a veteran makes these crosses from “found” wood—because, as the Vet explains, we all need to be found. Each cross has a tiny red dot on it, a reminder of the blood Christ shed for us. Simple. Beautiful. Powerful.

A Gift that Keeps Giving

I thought that was the end of it—just a sweet, grace-filled moment. But since that hospital stay, every follow-up appointment in the VA system has revealed something remarkable. Again and again, we’ve encountered that little cross. Nurses have them. Techs have them. And every time we see one, it’s like a joyful little nudge from God saying, I’m still here. I’ve got you.

Isn’t that just like Him? Showing up in the small, ordinary, and completely unexpected ways to remind us we are never alone?

God is good. And sometimes, He leaves little reminders in our path—just when we need them most.

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St. Kunegunde of Luxembourg: A Holy Empress

When we think of medieval queens and empresses, images of power, intrigue, and wealth often come to mind. But Saint Kunegunde of Luxembourg, a woman of royal blood and deep faith, offers a different kind of story—one of humility, service, and sanctity.

A Royal Beginning

Kunegunde was born around 980 into the powerful House of Luxembourg. When she was a young woman, she married Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, who would later become the Holy Roman Emperor. Their marriage was not just a political move but a partnership deeply rooted in faith. Together, they worked to strengthen the Church and promote Christian values in the Holy Roman Empire.

A Marriage of Devotion

Legend suggests that Kunegunde and Henry II lived in a chaste marriage, dedicating their lives to God. The historical accuracy around this claim is debated, but the fact they had no children is often used to support this claim. Nevertheless, Kunegunde was a devoted wife and queen. She supported her husband’s efforts in reforming the Church and took an active role in charitable works, helping to establish monasteries and churches throughout the empire.

Trials and Triumphs

Kunegunde’s life was not without trials. She was accused of adultery, which in her position, was tantamount to treason. In a dramatic act of faith, she is said to have walked barefoot across red-hot plowshares as a trial by ordeal—and emerged unscathed, proving her innocence.

I first heard of St. Kunegunde in elementary school, and then as a college student, studied about Bamberg, Germany and the important religious and historical features in the Cathedral. St. Kunegunde came up again, and I had a little moment of recollection, but it was fleeting. Year’s later, when my husband was stationed in Bamberg, I accompanied him and rediscovered St. Kunegunde. She is buried in the Cathedral of Bamberg alongside her husband, St. Heinrich II.

A Life of Holiness

After Heinrich’s death, Kunegunde renounced her royal privileges and became a Benedictine nun. She lived out her remaining years in prayer, humility, and service, finding her true calling in a life devoted to Christ. She passed away in 1033 and was canonized in 1200 by Pope Innocent III.

Her Legacy Today

Saint Kunegunde is a model of faithfulness, humility, and service. Her story reminds us that power and holiness are not mutually exclusive—that one can be both a leader and a servant of God. She is the patroness of Luxembourg and Lithuania, and her feast day is celebrated on March 3.

As we reflect on her life, may we be inspired to seek holiness in our own vocations, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for every challenge we face.

Do you have a favorite saint that models holiness for you?

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