Man-Made Stars (Photography)

How Saint Philomena Found me a Husband

By Cara E. Ruegg You often hear it said, “To Saint Philomena, God refuses nothing.” Saint John Vianney was the author of those words. He loved Philomena. Pauline Jaricot, another devotee of Philomena, who was alive during the Cure’s time and who was healed by Philomena herself, came to him one day with relics of this dear saint, and told him, “Have full confidence in this great saint; she will obtain for you all that you ask.” John Vianney claims he felt a love enkindled in his heart for Philomena soon as he got hold of her relics. He often referred to her as his “dear little saint”, going so far as to blame all the miracles wrought through him, on her. In fact, when he was at death’s door and the doctors had given up all hope of his recovery, it was through the intercession of Philomena that he was miraculously cured. (www.philomena.org/vianney.asp) Despite all this, despite the fact so many saints and even popes have praised her to the skies, I never thought

Louis Martin: A Heroic Father and Sufferer of Mental Illness

A Family of Saints: Part Three By Cara E. Ruegg Therese walking with her father -- The discovery of Orion Picture of Therese praying with her father After Zelie Martin’s death, Mme. Guérin, taking to heart Zelie’s dying request, suggested to Louis that he move to Lisieux so as to be closer to her and Zelie’s brother. This would become a new home to the Martin children, and Mme. Guérin another mother. However, Louis Martin, was initially torn at the prospect of moving. His aged mother lived in Alençon and family graves resided there; he also was quite fond of the countryside and many of his close friends and his confessor advised against his moving. Louis turned to his two eldest and said to them, “I am asking your advice, children, because it will be solely on your account that I make this sacrifice, and I would not wish to impose one upon you also.” Both girls assured him they only wanted his happiness, but he figured out their desires, and selflessly p

My Home Water Birth During a Snowstorm

By: Cara E. Ruegg You were four days late and I was anxious for your arrival. My last midwife appointment, I was told I was measuring two weeks ahead; it was implied maybe I had gestational diabetes after all but I had been monitoring my sugars with my glucometer, something I thought far more accurate anyway, and fasting and after meals was still normal even with dessert, so I don’t think it was that. The midwife suggested I consider an ultrasound to check your weight to see if we should do the hospital route. She said she was trained to handle shoulder dystocia even at home but would prefer more hands. I remembered with your brother how inaccurate that last ultrasound was, nearly two pounds off. I also later did research and found maternal outcomes were better when the woman didn’t know her child would be big. It made sense. Fear is the enemy of labour. I was told though if you came before the ultrasound, we’d just go ahead with the home birth, so I was now ready for you to come, wher

C.Ruegg

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