The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion launched

The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion launch at Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show (Photo provided by Nancy Ward)

It was such fun to meet many of the co-authors of The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion at the book launch last month at the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show. What a thrill to be one of the authors of this classic book of daily reflections!

When my copies of The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion arrived in my mailbox, I was elated. What a joy to have this in my hands and leaf through it to see the abundance of wisdom flowing from these CatholicMom.com authors to moms everywhere.

I looked up my pages that I wrote a year ago to review the dates that I selected for my personal reflections. When I read what I had written, I remembered typing those words, editing them, and sending them to Sarah Reinhard. Reading them now gives me a little chill of excitement and a dose of humility. Why? I realized that these reflections were not my words, but like the quotes that begin each entry, those of the Holy Spirit. He inspired me with the words he gave me to inspire others. I can unabashedly recommend this precious book because I believe the Holy Spirit inspired the other authors as well.

I selected January 2, the Feast of St. Seraphim of Sarov, because I loved his devotion to the Holy Spirit. One of his sayings, “Acquire the Holy Spirit and thousands around you will acquire salvation” is as challenging as it is mysterious.

For April 7, “Today’s Good News,” I began with a favorite quote from Pope Francis, well known as the Pope of evangelization.

“Jesus wants evangelizers who proclaim the good news not only with words, but above all by a life transfigured by God’s presence.” Pope Francis (Evangelii Gaudium no. 259)

August 12, the feast of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, gave me the opportunity to get to know her better. She inspired me to write, “Leave the Doing to God” with this theme:

“Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to him. That is all the doing you have to worry about.” That date is also “Middle-Child’s Day” and I had fun reminiscing about my role as the middle sister.

My fourth contribution comes up on November 7 with “Name Your Battles” and a familiar scripture for that day, Philippians 4:12-14.

I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” How fitting for this group of writers who were empowered with the strength of the Lord and the leadership of Lisa Hendey and Sarah Reinhard to produce this impressive volume.

Join me in a year of special moments we can treasure together as these passages unite us in the Spirit no matter where we are reading them.

(© 2016 Nancy HC Ward)