Author: Maria

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Signs and Legacies of Faith

Today I’m playing at another blog, Reconciled to You with Allison Gingras celebrating the release of her book, Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God. It’s a beautiful testament to the power of faith in our lives. This delightfully engaging book will teach so much about the saints and the value of having sacramental items around us. However, you’ll want to read this for the beautiful tapestry of faith that is woven throughout Allison’s journey on the way to finding her Faith: her precious adoptive daughter.

I find myself caught up in some very worldly things these days. My husband and I are reviewing our retirement plans, my aging mother will soon require a new level of attention, and some accounts from estates need to be set in order.

It’s a matter of memento mori, especially in this month when prayers for the dead are at the forefront, but also a question of life. Or perhaps specifically, a matter of how we have lived our lives in a way that leaves something behind.

Have I left a footprint on this earth? More importantly, have I left a footprint on a heart?

Have I left a footprint on a soul?

I hope so.

Continue reading at Reconciled to You.

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Review: A Garden Catechism

Gardening has taken me by surprise, and I have grown to love the exercise in patience, the smell of rich fertile soil, and of course, the fruit of my labor whether it is a lovely bloom or a sweet luscious fruit. I have dear Margaret Rose Realy to thank for this blessing in my life.

I still wouldn’t call myself a gardener; I’m more of a let me throw something in the dirt and see what happens kinda gal and then sit back and enjoy the surprise. But still, Margaret is behind my shenanigans in the back yard.

Margaret’s previous books all taught me something about being being mindful and planning despite my confession to the contrary, but A Garden Catechism: 100 Plants in Christian Tradition and How to Grow Them is the book I didn’t know I needed.

A Garden Catechism is absolutely beautiful. The illustrations are delicate and lovely, and the content that teaches about the plants essential for this neophyte gardener. The catechesis is the chef’s kiss. I want to grow a beautiful garden that will delight my eyes, lift my heart, and enrich my soul. Watch out world! With this magnificent instruction manual, I’m going to hit the ground running. Come back in the spring so I can show off the results.

Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor (October 14, 2022

Paperback: 336 pages

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Review: Saints Like Me

Paraclete Press ages 2-5

My daughter recently sent me a short video of her oldest child reading a book. The sing-songy rhyme was punctuated by his delighted laughter as he pointed to each line as if he knew the words. I was flooded with memories of when his mother did the same with the very same book.

This precious boy loves books, and I look forward to the day I can introduce him to my favorites. In the meantime, his favorites are my favorites.

I’d like to share two of my current favorites for those of you who have special little ones in your life. First is the board book, Saints Like Me by Lisa M. Hendey and illustrated by Katie Broussard. It’s the perfect introduction to little virtues for little saints-in-the-making, filled with child-sized examples of living a virtuous life. Perfect for your little saints ages 1 through 3. And if your precious ones are a little older and ready for deeper conversation, you’ll want I’m a Saint In the Making. I highly recommend both!

Paraclete Press ages 5-9

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