by Sister Susan Marie | Dec 21, 2020 | Discernment Sundays - Chat Room, Salesian Spirituality, St. Francis de Sales
The recipient of this letter, a laywoman, seems to have undergone a conversion of some kind (a “new beginning”). Notice how St. Francis stops short of commanding her to cut out the use of musk and scent – he said he “restrained the...
by Sister Susan Marie | Dec 14, 2020 | Discernment Sundays - Chat Room
How/why does Jesus’ afflictions bring us tranquility?2. What does it mean to love Jesus’ death, his grief, his torment, his being spat upon, vituperated, deprived, his being hungry and thirsty and despised? Is this masochistic? 3. Discuss St. Francis...
by Vis Editor | Dec 7, 2020 | Discernment Sundays - Chat Room, St. Francis de Sales
The word halcyon means calm or peaceful. What can this bird with its mythical ways teach us about being calm and peaceful? In St. Mark’s account of when Jesus calmed the storm, he mentions that Jesus said to the sea, “Peace! Be still” (Mark 4:39)....
by Sister Susan Marie | Nov 30, 2020 | Advent, Discernment Sundays - Chat Room, Salesian Spirituality, St. Francis de Sales, Visitation Outreach
What is the intention of Holy Church for Advent?2. What does it mean that Mary was conceived without sin, and what significance does it have for Advent?3. How can St. John the Baptist help us enter more deeply into the Advent season?4. How can we better use Advent to...
by Sister Susan Marie | Nov 23, 2020 | Discernment Sundays - Chat Room
What do you know about the feast of the Presentation of Mary? When we look at ourselves, what kind of personal weaknesses of self-love do we have concerning the “two nations” struggling “within our wombs?” What are some ways that we can battle...
by Sister Susan Marie | Nov 16, 2020 | Discernment Sundays - Chat Room, Salesian Spirituality, St. Francis de Sales
If we are to uproot our affections from earthly things as we get older, should we also withdraw from our earthly responsibilities? When should we start doing this? How do we do this in our day-to-day lives? Why are people today reluctant to prepare for death, or talk...