Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



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Kristin
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Posted: Nov 13 2009 at 2:35pm | IP Logged Quote Kristin
Can you recommend any spiritual books which are intended to be used at home as a personal retreat? I'm primarily thinking of using this for myself, but am also interested in hearing about those which might be used with my husband/children.


Thank you!
Kristin

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MaryM
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Posted: Nov 14 2009 at 1:56am | IP Logged Quote MaryM
Mostly I've seen "do-it-yourself" retreat books based on St. Ignatius' spiritual exercises. I'm sure there must be others though. I did do a search at Aquinas and More Books because they have nice category breakdowns which are usually pretty helpful. They listed these books in the Spiritual Growth - Books about Retreats/Meditation section. Don't know if anything there sounds helpful. I'm interested in getting the Advent & Christmas with Fulton J. Sheen book - it's been recommended here before.



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Olivia
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Posted: Nov 14 2009 at 10:23am | IP Logged Quote Olivia
I've been reading The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur: The Woman Whose Goodness Changed Her Husband from Atheist to Priest .

Very inspiring and encouraging.

"Product Description
This inspiring book gives you a splendid example of how to live as a Christian in a secular environment that can be indifferent or hostile to your Faith. For Elisabeth Leseur had two great loves: God and her husband Felix, who was an atheist."

I quote one of the reviewers: ""The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur" is unique because it is the spiritual diary writings of a married woman. There are many married women today seeking holiness in their lives as wives and mothers. This is a book for them! They will find profound and useful spiritual direction in the words of Elisabeth Leseur, whose love for God gave her a steadfast, faithful and fruitful love for her husband. I can't recommend this book highly enough to women who are seeking holiness in their vocation of marriage."

Towards the end of the book Elisabeth gives her own spiritual monthly retreats which she composed and practised herself. One day a month she focuses on one aspect of the faith. I will have to get the book and give you a few examples when I next have a chance. I recommend at least reading this book and hope to try the 'retreat' myself one day.
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Olivia
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Posted: Nov 16 2009 at 7:43am | IP Logged Quote Olivia
I've got the book here now.
Some of the themes Elisabeth Leseur focused on (one a month) are:
Silence, mortification, humility, love of souls, to meditate upon love and serve our crucified Savior, obedience, poverty of spirit, prayer, abandonment to God...

She writes about the theme, which could be meditated on. She also has specific things she likes to do during the retreat day, eg Mass if possible, read a chapter of The Imitation of Christ, examination of conscience and a couple of prayers.

In my opinion her writings are beautiful and especially relevant to to vocation of marriage.
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DianaC
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Posted: Nov 16 2009 at 8:46am | IP Logged Quote DianaC
I am thinking of gettingthis based on several recommendations. The reviews on Amazon are also outstanding.
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Kristin
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Posted: Nov 16 2009 at 10:11am | IP Logged Quote Kristin
Thank you, ladies, for the ideas

Mary, I'm enjoying looking through the book list you linked to ...

The Elizabeth Leseur book sounds very beautiful - thank you, Olivia, for taking the time to give me more info on the topics covered.

Diana, I Believe in Love is a fantastic book! I can honestly say that it changed my life and the same is true for one of my dearest friends



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