saints and fishers
fishing november 3rd
O Saint 
Anne, I feel comforted when I am near you, for I am like one of the shepherds, one of these poor people whom Jesus chose. So many worries overwhelm me at times and I am often filled with sadness. I am afraid that I will fall into despair due to the tensions that surround me... tensions that I myself may have provoked. You invite me never to be discouraged, but to place my burdens in your heart and in the heart of your Grandson Jesus. Saint Anne, I especially entrust to you this particular situation in my home, my work, my transportation, where I feel so inadequate before you, before my children, in front of all my friends – I give thanks to Our Lord Your Grandson Jesus for your great love—for the joy that fills my days in spite of the worries and many many mistakes. I have faith that you will answer my prayer.
This prayer is for today
When growing up, after Mass every Sunday we gathered as a family at the statue of St Anne – lighting a candle, praying for the souls of important people in our family, often for relief from money troubles, praying for peace, kneeling before the statue, praying that St Anne would intercede for us before God… faith that we would once again be able to hold it together.
I must have been 2 or 3 but I clearly remember Mass in the chapel set up in the school cafeterial of St Ann Highland in Memphis. I know this was our first parish, because I was mom’s first successful pregnancy after five miscarriages. Father Thomas Nenon was the pastor, who was spiritual guide for my mom and dad in those stressful times of establishing a new home after two years separation during WWII—brought statue and relic of St Anne from Canada for them, led them in rosary after rosary – led mom in instructions to convert to Catholicism.
So many memories at the feet of the Lord’s grandmother.
“Good St Anne, Grandmother of Jesus, pray for us and grant us our request: for peace in the world, for repose of the souls of Father Nenon, Father Cashin, for special intention…..
Mom would lead the prayer – the silence would belie the many sorrows and stresses she and dad would never reveal, that we would only know or guess till long after both she and dad were gone.
Always let your family know what your prayers are about.
Even a hint, so that “where two or more are gathered…” “…it will be given.”
This past week my right elbow is getting sorer
My car is just a wreck, especially after the rear-end collision Saturday so now my neck is hurting too..
My bills are on hold, the bank account is less stable than a pingpong ball.
I still have a funny little dog, grandkids who like to spend time with me, make cookies with me, fish and camp; great friends who see me through so many troubles… ups and downs. The world – my life -- is not flat.
