“Let us then bear in mind that as we celebrate our sacred liturgies, our sacraments and our special prayers, Christ, the source of light, shall come to us to be ever present to strengthen us, instruct us, inspire us and give us HOPE that HIS light will never burn out as long as we live in faith without a shadow of doubt that darkness will ever defeat us”.
Christ said: I am the light of the world; the one who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have light and life~ John 8:12
Our faith reminds us that we are never alone in this journey called life. When our hearts are overwhelmed with worry, fear, anxiety, stress…the list goes on. Anything that feels like the weight of a cross, we are not alone. We can bring those special intentions we hold in our hearts to Jesus. We can share our concerns and our hopes with HIM. We can bring HIM our special prayers for family and friends. Light a candle, a simple candle and feel the power in your prayers.
When a candle is lit in church, it symbolizes the ongoing nature of our prayer. The candle will remain lit, even after the person who lit the candle has left the church. The candle symbolizes this special prayer we bring before the altar.
Today, we took Kailee and Lauren to a very special place ~ The Abbey in Farfa Sabina. This beautiful Basilica is dedicated to Mary. It dates back to the 6th century around 554. It’s in the most picturesque setting, up the mountain road. It’s isolated and secluded, surrounded by gorgeous trees and greenery. Yet, the most charming village is within. It offers the most spectacular view from up in the mountain. I think it’s a hidden treasures many overlook on their Italian vacation. It is worth the visit if you are in the area.
While inside, I lit a candle for all my loved ones needing extra special prayers. Holding special intentions for my mom’s brother, my Uncle Teddy (my God Father). He is back home in the hospital in Boston, going through significant treatment for his blood cancer. He has a tough month ahead and certainly deserves prayers. Auntie Kathy too. Also, my cousin Lisa is in another Boston hospital awaiting treatment for a liver transplant. As we lit the candle for them, I also said special prayers for so many others. My mom, my brothers, my best friend Kim and her daughter Jess, my cousin Kim and the rest of my family (of course all the Smarties). There are so many special intentions I hold in my heart. I know prayers are covering everyone. I am a believer God knows the secrets we hold within, even if we can’t get the proper prayers out. The power of prayer is a beautiful thing. I have seen it work in my own life.
After texting my mom tonight, she told me I need to light a bonfire. I think God knows mom. HE really does.
A little history on this beautiful Abbey from the internet:
From its origins to the 9th century
“The origin of the Abbey is still uncertain, but the almost certain identification of San Lorenzo Siro with the bishop of Forum Novum (Vescovio) in 554 would ascertain the foundation, in the sixth century , of this important center of faith and spirituality .
According to tradition, the monastery , towards the end of the sixth century , was destroyed by the Lombards, and rebuilt around 680 by Saint Thomas of Maurienne , with the help of the Duke of Spoleto Faroaldo II and Pope John VII : he was arrived in Farfa from Jerusalem , following a vision of the Virgin Mary , who urged him to look for a place called Acuziano in Sabina, where he could found a monastic community.”
Walking into this beautiful sacred place is an incredible feeling. To sit on the pew in silence is to feel a sense of peace. Allowing my heart to be heard was needed today. Being far away from home, knowing family is going through something feels extra heavy. Sometimes, all we can do is release it off of our hearts. Give it to the Lord. Pray, trust, believe. Even when our prayers are not answered. That is when we have to trust HIS will, not ours.
I think we all go through something in our lives that changes us. It can knock us to our knees. So many people turn away from their faith and God when these storms come. They get angry when something in their life is devastating. Where do you put all of that hurt. Why would God allow us to suffer such great loss? Why would Jesus turn his back on us? But, does he? Personally for me, in my life, heartbreaks have only lead me closer to Jesus. My suffering has forced me to turn to Jesus, trusting HE will provide the strength to endure in my season of suffering, heartbreak and loss. Do we easily forget the suffering Jesus himself endured? Unfortunately, life is not always happiness and joy. Suffering is part of our lives. But, we are reminded that even the darkest of days has only 24 hours.
Weeping may endure for the night, but JOY comes in the morning ~ Psalm 30:5
Whatever is weighing heavy on your heart, try giving it to Jesus. It may surprise you how much weight is taken off of your heart. I wish you all could experience this beautiful place and setting. I hope you enjoy the photos I took and it brings you along on this journey with me. Italy has so much history to take in. For the faithful, there is an abundance of stunning cathedrals, basilicas and churches. Each more stunning than the last. There is such serenity sitting in the silence of your thoughts, in one of these sacred places, while saying your special intentions.
The light will burn, everlasting hope will remain. Never lose hope of better days. This too shall pass. Try turning to God in the waiting. HE will provide the best company you could ever ask for. You may be surprised too, you may find yourself renewed in strength.
Con amore ~ With love. 