When I stood at the altar 7 years ago, I could have never imagined what would happen in the next 7 years: mother to 4, several job changes, a growing business, a move, and some emotional issues that I’ve had to work through. All I knew is that I loved my husband and we would be starting an adventure together.
 

After first vespers of the fifth Sunday of Lent we enter the beautiful but solemn season of Passiontide. 

I love July not just because it’s yet another reminder of Summer –despite the weather so far here in Britain- but because it is the month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Christ. An extra moment as it were in our cycle of prayer and worship to think, reflect and ponder again on the immeasurable sacrifice that Jesus paid for each and every one of us by His death on the Cross. 

June, as we know, is the month dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. When I read the headline the other day that married persons are 14% less likely to suffer a heart attack it got me thinking about how mind, heart and body stand more of a chance of being healthy and wholesome from a physiological perspective, if we see the needs of all three from the spiritual perspective first.

In our marriage prep course, one of the questions is, “Do you think your past could be a problem to your relationship?” And I am often surprised at the naivety of couples who simply reply “no,” because the last time I looked, we are all a little wounded. 

A happy and holy feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to you and your families. This great and beautiful feast following Pentecost was established universally by Pope Pius IX in 1856 at the request of the French bishops where the devotion had a long and strong history.

The Irish have a great saying: ‘If you don’t go away, you can’t come back!’ which I think is a perfect way to describe how Christ’s ascension to heaven, after spending 40 intimate risen and glorified days with his Mother and close friends, must have felt and should still feel for us today.