In a day and age where every lady dreams of her knight in shining armor and struggles to find him. When doors are not normally opened for ladies by gentleman and when women generally want to be equal with men this book is as fitting (or even more so) today as it was in 1877 when it was written.

Thomas Foley, Bishop of Chicago in 1877 said: This work is "fitted for our times. It will be of vast service to many mothers and daughters in the Church, by showing them how they may practically conform their lives to the bright pictures of womanly virtue you have so felicitously portrayed."

This wonderful book, The Mirror of True Womanhood, was written by Rev. Monsignor Bernard O'Reilly. It covers so many beautiful topics involving true womanhood with Mary as our shining example. From home-life, a woman's love, supernatural virtues, a living faith, hospitality, making our homes a paradise, biblical examples of virtuous women, stewardship, resourcefulness, spirit of charity, education of our children, childhood, building religious character, city life vs. farm life, generosity, formation of boys and girls in childhood, Christian idea of service, social duties and many, many more topics!

This book is chalk full of real life examples about woman and how they mold the men of the world and how they inspire virtue in the home. Today woman think that their power lies in working and providing an income, in making their way in the world. This book shows in so many ways how special the woman is that molds the world though the children she raises, the home that she keeps and the husband that she loves and honors.

One of the most impressive stories in this book (so far, as I haven't finished reading it yet) is about St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland. Because she was so full of virtue, love of God and charitableness she would never allow anyone to leave her table without first saying the meal prayer at the end of the meal. It was not uncommon for people to get up and leave after they were done. Instead of using her queenly authority she, in a more delicate way, provided those finished with their meal with plenty to drink until everyone had finished their meal. In this way she was able to insure that all gave their thanks to God in a most charitable manner.

There are several secular and Protestant books on the market, even a few Catholic ones, that try to show how a woman is head of the house and how she influences her family and even beyond with her womanly talents. One of the more famous biblical quotes for this sort of topic is also stated in this book: "Who shall find a valiant (brave-hearted) woman? ... The heart of her husband trusteth in her... She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands... She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night... She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow." - Proverbs xxxi. This book far exceeds those other books in explanation and its so thoroughly Catholic that it would be hard for any other book to compare to this one.

Mirror of True Womanhood, is one of those books that holds its place in every Catholic home's library, as a wonderful wedding gift, a gift for any young lady, for any mother-to-be as well as one that should be read over and over again. There is true beauty in womanhood and it has its own special place. Not a place that is the same as man's but is different yet equal in importance. The same author has also written a book for men titled "True Men as We Need Them." I imagine it is equally fitting for men in our times. These two books can be found in ebook version online for free.
Download them here:
Mirror of True Womanhood                   True Men as We Need Them

Two more weeks until the 2011-2012 Holy Simplicity Planner starts! Get your copy now in time to get the most use out of your home*school*Liturgical Year planner! Plan next years lessons, yearly goals, daily task sheet and more!

Catholic Life
Imprimatur 1908

Catholics have ever loved Mary, and since the earliest ages there never existed a Catholic Church where her intercessory power was not fully acknowledged as in our own days. Hence at all times we find either her pictures, statues (often on the wayside), oratories or sanctuaries, festivals and confraternities. Hence, also, the many public devotions, indulgenced prayers, rosaries, scapulars and medals.

The month of May is specially consecrated to her. The devotions this month should, if possible, be performed in union with the congregation in a public church; but if unable to attend, they can be made at home in presence of an altar furnished according to taste and means. These pious exercises are sure to bring down blessings on ourselves and our homes.

We should not forget, however, that these exterior devotions to Mary do not avail much unless accompanied with earnest desires and efforts to imitate her virtues, especially purity of conscience, resignation in sufferings, and the faithful discharge of the duties of our state of life. Who could approve of the devotion of a mother of a family who would hear Mass in honour of the Blessed Virgin, or visit her shrines, when her children's care and domestic concerns required her presence at home? Who could be satisfied with the genuineness of a person's love for Mary, who on returning from her altars, speaks ill of others, judges rashly of them, or provokes them to anger? Such persons rather do an injury to our Blessed Mother. True devotion to Mary always supposes fervour in the service of the Almighty.

"Bring to her altar things that are fair,

Blossoms the sweetest and jewels most rare,

Tapers whose starry flames token our love,

Upward aspiring to praise her above.

Lay at her spotless feet Nature and Art,

But let the crowning gift e'er be thy heart."

Example - Alphonse Ratisbonne

Alphonse Ratisbonne, the son of a rich Jew, was born at Strasburg May 1, 1814. He was highly educated, but cared little for religion save to detest Christianity. Having set out on a tour to see the world, he visited Rome, and there became acquainted with Baron de Bussiere, who was a fervent convert, and who tried to persuade him to become one also. Ratisbonne replied with a scornful smile and even blasphemy.

De Bussiere's zeal was increased by the genuine pity he felt for his friend's spiritual blindness, and he felt himself inspired to argue no further, but to try the effects of our Lady's intercession.

Accordingly he gave him a miraculous medal, requesting him to wear it around his neck, which Ratisbonne promised reluctantly to do. Meantime De Bussiere got Count de la Ferronays, late Ambassador to Russia, and several other friends to pray fervently for his conversion. The Count died a few days later, and while the Church of St. Andrew was being prepared for the funeral obsequies, Ratisbonne entered it by chance about midday. What happened is best described in his own words: "Oh, what prayers the good Baron must have said for me! How happy I am! How good God is!

What a plentitude of grace and happiness! How deserving of pity are those who haven't the Faith! I was only a minute in the church, when suddenly I felt myself seized with inexpressible trouble. I raised my eyes, and the edifice disappeared from my view, except a single spot which was a blaze of light. In the midst appeared the Blessed Virgin, tall, brilliant, full of majesty and sweetness, just as she is represented on the medal. I felt drawn towards her.

She made a sign to me as if to kneel down, but did not speak; but I understood what she would have said. O my God! this happened to me, who a half-hour previously blasphemed and had such a hatred against the Catholic religion."

The celestial vision changed the disposition of his heart. He burst into tears, and was instantaneously converted from Judaism to Catholicism. After proper instruction, he was baptized. Later on he renounced the brilliant prospects held out by immense wealth and rare talents, and became a member of a religious Order.

May is almost upon us! Its time to update the Liturgical Bullentin Board again if you are joining us in this year long project. The Liturgical Year Bulletin Board helps to teach kids (and adults too!) how the Catholic Church's Liturgical Year works. It features a saint of the day according to the St. Andrew's Missal, whom the Church dedicates each month to along with each day of the week and special prayers for those times, the Liturgical Colors for each season in the Liturgical Year, as well as the which Rosary mysteries to say and which specific days of the week.

If you are new to our calendar feel free to join! All of the pieces are free to down load on our Liturgical Year Bulletin Board page. Below are the pieces for May; the Saints for May as well as the title for the month and prayers for the month of May which is dedicated to Our Lady.

The month of May is a busy one!