Clinging to My Rosary

My rosary is light pink crystal beads. 
I got it for First Communion.
I am sure, but don’t’ actually truly remember. 
I had an unusual First Communion.

We never prayed the Rosary at home growing up,
but when I was in college or after
I taught myself the essentials. 
Our Father, ten Hai
l Marys, Glory Be… 
then the creed?  I know in that last 20 years or so
they have added that Fires of Hell prayer. 
My mother hated that
and said it was not official
and not theologically sound. 
From what I hear of it, I would agree. 
But I just don’t pray that part. 

Besides, the Rosary is not meant to be a group prayer. 
I learned that in a class from Fr. Bill Traylor. 
It seems phony to me when we pray it as a group.

I have trouble putting certain
so I tend to ponder the favorites: 
Nativity.  That’s the mystery. 
The rest is pretty clear cut,
in one way of thinking about it. 
It comforts me.  It helps me sleep. 
When I am really worried or panicky,
I sleep with my Rosary or wear it under my clothes. 
When I feel it, I feel calmer.  It works for me.

Reading --- what are your favorites?

I Heard the Owl Call My Name, read in grade school.  A priest in Alaska (?) working with Native Americans and gains perspective.
City of Joy, read as adult.  A Polish priest moves to a poor slum in Calcutta -- also gains perspective.  A great GREAT book.
The Cry of the People, classic by Penny Lernoux.  A study of the Catholic Church in Latin America during the 1960s-1980s.  Makes you proud. I read it in 2001.
Fifty Years in a Jealous Marriage.  Of course!  Rev. Jim Lex' memoirs that I co-wrote during the 1990s.
The Secular Journals of Thomas Merton.  Found a copy at my parents.  It was my Granny Long's.  70 years old and still pertinent.  Easy to read, too.

What are your favorite reads that are about Catholics?  And how good is The Power and the Glory?

It is Lent, and I am proud of the family.  Mike and I are eating healthy and walking several times a week.  I have been attending a great Centering Prayer Workshop at St. Anthony Parish (Evansville).  Sr. Tasto, OSB, is leading.  She is a national talent, right here in SW Indiana at Ferdinand.

Mary is putting away the cell phone earlier, giving up most carbonated drinks, went to the Source and Summit Retreat and is trying to give up meat for the last three weeks.

Rob is in college and has tolerated my nagging well:  "It's almost Lent, what are you doing?"  "It is Ash Wednesday, want to come to church?  Surely you can find some ashes somewhere?"  "How about Sunday Mass at St. Anthony and a free dinner?"