Posted February 18, 2014 Book: Bringing Lent Home with St. Therese of Lisieux: Prayers, Reflections and Activities for Families Author: Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle Ave Maria Press. Notre Dame, IN. 2013 An Excerpt from the Introduction: Saint Therese of Lisieux is an outstanding guide for our family Lenten journey. Her teachings are simple enough for children to grasp, yet her unique understanding of what is necessary to grow in holiness is extensive. During a season that is meant to transform hearts and souls, this book will provide and encourage a daily occurrence of family prayer and communication as you journey through Lent together. By following the suggestions regarding how your family can apply Saint Therese's wisdom to your lives, you will participate more fully with the rhythm of the Church regarding Lenten prayer, fasting and almsgiving. An Excerpt from the Book: A miracle was necessary and it was Our Lady of Victories who worked it . . . .All of a sudden the Blessed Virgin appeared beautiful to me. . . . What penetrated to the depths of my soul was the ravishing smile of the Blessed Virgin. . . .All my pain disappeared. Parent Reflection The Blessed Mother has much to teach us, she remained with her Son, Jesus, to the bitter end and witnessed every drop of blood he shed on our behalf. While in his agony on the Cross, Jesus gave his Mother, Mary, to all of us to be our Mother. While Mary won't always perform miracles for us as she did with Saint Therese the day she was cured of her illness, Mary will work miracles in our hearts and will indeed bring us closer to her Son. We need to ask her to guide us. Family Prayer All make the Sign of the Cross Parent: Dear Jesus, thank you for your Mother, Mary. Now let us listen to these words of Saint Therese. A parent or child reads the opening quotation aloud. All: Blessed Mother Mary, bring us closer to your Son, Jesus. Saint Therese, please pray for us. Amen. A story from Saint Therese's life One day Therese's illness left her begging for her family to come quickly to help her. They desperately tried to console her, but Therese knew in her heart that she had to turn to the Blessed Mother for heavenly help she urgently needed. Her sisters knelt by her bedside and prayed fervently. Therese also prayed with all her heart that the Mother of Heaven would take pity on her. Suddenly, Therese saw Mary "so beautiful that never had I seen anything so attractive. Mary smiled at Therese, and instantly all of Therese's pain and suffering vanished. She was cured! Fasting Today, fast from fear. If anything is causing you to be fearful, say a prayer and give the fear to God. Ask the Blessed Mother to help you hand over your fears. Almsgiving Ask the children to choose a family member whom they will secretly pray for throughout the day Prayer Today's intention: Let's pray for all those in seemingly impossible situations. Closing Prayer: Dear Jesus, please help our family to draw closer to you today. All pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. All through the day: The Blessed Mother wants to mother us.