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Featured
Health & Wellness
 — 
4
 Min read

Healthy Habits for Families: Simple Practices That Strengthen Body, Mind and Heart

Raising a healthy family doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, some of the best habits are the simple ones — practiced consistently and together.

Pietra Fitness
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Featured
Spirituality
 — 
Dec 11, 2023
 — 
4
 Min read

Whether you’ve remained steadfast in your observances for Advent or feel like you haven’t embraced the spirit of this liturgical season, you still have a few days left before Christmas to finish strong. 

And, the Church in her wisdom, has set aside these final days for a unique meditation on the coming of Christ called the O Antiphons.

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In the seven days leading up to Christmas Eve (December 17-23), we sing the ancient and poetic “O Antiphons.” 

These antiphons are short prayers said or chanted during the Magnificat prayer of Vespers, as well as the Alleluia verse at daily mass. (You may also recognize them from the start of each verse in the hymn “O Come Come Emmanuel”).

The O Antiphons highlight a different title of the Messiah. Drawing on scriptural imagery of the Old Testament, these antiphons emphasize humanity’s longing for the Messiah and to proclaim the coming of Christ as the fulfillment of this longing.  

The O Antiphons are a symbol of hope to a weary people.

They are rooted in the Book of Isaiah and appeared in their current form between the 6th-8th Centuries. They have also been arranged in a specific and meaningful way. 

Beginning with the last title and taking the first letter of each one - Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia - the Latin words “ERO CRAS” are formed which means “Tomorrow, I will come.”

After the waiting of Advent, He who we called upon by each of His titles appears to answer us with a final promise– “Tomorrow, I will come.”

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Exploring the Titles:

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‍O Sapientia (O Wisdom): December 17th

‍O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge

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O Adonai (O Lord): December 18th

‍O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!

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O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse): December 19th

O Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God’s love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!

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O Clavis David (O Key of David): December 20th

O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!

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O Oriens (O Rising Sun): December 21st

O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and
in the shadow of death.

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O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations): December 22nd

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

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O Emmanuel (O God with Us): December 23rd

O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!


Praying with the O Antiphons:

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Read and Meditate

Begin each morning with reading the O Antiphon of the day along with the accompanying scripture verses from the Book of Isaiah. Take some time to meditate on the words throughout the day. 

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O Sapientia (O Wisdom) Isaiah 11:2–3; 28:29

O Adonai (O Lord) Isaiah 11:4–5; 33:22

O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse) Isaiah 1:1; 11:10

O Clavis David (O Key of David) Isaiah 9:6; 22:22

O Oriens (O Rising Sun) Isaiah 9:1

O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations) Isaiah 9:5; 2:4

O Emmanuel (God with us) Isaiah 7:14

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Sing O Come O Come Emmanuel

Sing the appropriate verse of the day of O Come O Come Emmanuel  as you light the candles on your Advent wreath before dinner time. 

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Pray Vespers

Vespers is the evening prayer of the Divine Office (also called the Liturgy of the Hours). And since the O Antiphons are prayed or chanted during Vespers, the O Days are perfect for taking up this treasured prayer. Many parishes also offer Vesper services during this week for you to attend.

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Jesse Tree

The Jesse Tree is a traditional Advent activity and one that is particularly good to do with young children. It illustrates the Story of Salvation and shows how God prepared for Jesus to be born through many generations. Each day of Advent, you read Scripture about someone on Jesus’s family tree and hang an ornament symbolizing the story.

If you’ve already been doing a Jesse Tree during Advent, you’ll see the O Antiphons pop up during this time. If not, you can print or make ornaments for each of the O titles of Christ to display in your home. 

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Prayer Journal Prompts

Use the day’s antiphon as a writing prompt in your prayer journal. Write down your thoughts on the antiphon and the accompanying scripture verses or use them to write your own poem or prayers. 

As we approach the culmination of Advent, the O Antiphons provide a profound opportunity for reflection and prayer. By incorporating the O Antiphons into our Advent practices, we not only connect with centuries of Christian tradition but also reorient our hearts toward God.

These ancient prayers invite us to truly embrace the heart of the Advent season and prepare us to at last receive Christ at Christmas. 

May these days of prayer and reflection lead you to a joyous celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

O Antiphons: A Powerful Way to Pray in the Final Days of the Advent Season

In the seven days leading up to Christmas Eve (December 17-23), we sing the ancient and poetic “O Antiphons.”

Pietra Fitness
Featured
Health & Wellness
 — 
Dec 4, 2023
 — 
4
 Min read

Nothing chases away the winter chill like a mugful of a warm beverage. 

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite warm drink recipes (other than coffee and tea) perfect for cozying up on a cold night and that will help keep you healthy during the busy holiday season. 

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‍Hot water with Lemon and Ginger

This easy-to-make drink helps you stay hydrated while also giving your immune system a boost, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation. It’s also an excellent option to treat symptoms of the common cold or flu. 

Combine 1 cup boiling water with 1⁄2 freshly squeezed lemon. Add some honey to taste. You can also finish it off with 1 cinnamon stick or piece of ginger for some added benefits. 

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Bone Broth Hot Chocolate

Bone Broth is a rich, flavorful stock that is packed with nutrients. It contains collagen which the body uses to make connective tissue; it also contains calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which contribute to bone strength. 

You could use it in a soup or stew or you can add it to a smoothie or, everybody’s winter favorite–hot chocolate!

Just add a ½ cup Bone Broth to this hot chocolate recipe:

  • 1 cup whole milk 
  • 1 ½ tbsp maple syrup
  • 1-2 tbsp cacao powder
  • vanilla
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1 scoop collagen (optional)

Warm it on the stove and enjoy!

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Golden Milk Latte

The ingredient that gives this drink its unique yellow color is turmeric. Turmeric contains many antioxidants to help boost your immune system and the additional spices of cinnamon and ginger can help protect against heart disease, lower blood sugar levels, and improve brain function. 

‍Find the recipe here. 

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Hot Toddy

A Hot Toddy with its combination of spirits, hot water, lemon, and honey offers some surprising health benefits, and has been known to alleviate symptoms of the common cold or flu, particularly a sore throat. Of course, with all alcoholic beverages, moderation is important. 

Lemon provides a high dose of healing vitamin C which help keeps your immune system strong.  and honey has antimicrobial benefits. Cinnamon, which is often used as a toddy garnish, contains anti-inflammatory properties and studies have shown that it has also helped pre-diabetic people control their blood sugar levels.

Here’s a recipe for this delicious drink:

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  • ¾ cup boiling water
  • 1 ½ ounces liquor of choice like whiskey, brandy, or bourbon
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons honey, to taste
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste
  • Garnish with lemon round and/or 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

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Mulled Wine

If you’re looking for another alcoholic warm beverage for your next Christmas party, Mulled Wine is a perfect fit. It’s a warm, spiced wine that will fill your home with delightful scents and your body with some delicious and healthful flavors too.

Again, moderation is key to enjoying the health benefits of mulled wine. 

Wine offers your body antioxidants which can help boost your immune system as well as reduce cardiovascular stress. Spices like cinnamon and ginger have also been linked to improved cardiovascular health.

Find the full recipe here.

Here's to a season of warmth, health, and happiness. Cheers to embracing the cozy moments and nurturing your body with these delightful drinks.

If you enjoyed these recipes, why not share the warmth? Spread the love by sharing this post with your friends and family.

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Warm Beverages to Bring You Health and Comfort this Winter

Nothing chases away the winter chill like a mugful of a warm beverage.

Pietra Fitness
Featured
Spirituality
 — 
Nov 7, 2023
 — 
3
 Min read

Are you familiar with the Miraculous Medal? It’s a powerful sacramental that is worn by millions of Catholics around the world and has many miracles attributed to it.

St. Maximilian Kolbe called it “our weapon with which to strike hearts” and “a bullet with which a faithful soldier hits the enemy, that is evil, and thus rescues souls.”

This devotion might just change your life.

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The Miraculous Medal began with a series of apparitions of Mary to St. Catherine Labouré in Paris, France.

Close to Midnight on July 18, 1830, a young French Daughter of Charity novice awoke to a beautiful child bathed in a heavenly light. Catherine followed the child to the chapel where all the candles were lit. She heard a rustling

Our Lady appeared again on November 27, 1830; this time, however, Mary stood on a globe with her feet crushing the head of a serpent. She wore rings on her fingers from which dazzling rays of light beamed.

The Blessed Mother told Catherine that these rays symbolize the graces that she gives to all who ask for them and the stones on her ring that do not shed light represent the graces that people forget to ask for.

An oval then appeared around the Blessed Mother, with the words “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”  

The image turned, revealing the design for the second side of the medal–the letter M, intersected at the top with a cross and a bar, along with the hearts of Jesus and Mary surrounded by twelve stars.

Mary instructed Catherine to have a medal made of this image and promised great graces to those who wear it. Indeed, there have been many stories of miraculous physical and spiritual healings through the intercession of the Blessed Mother by those who wear the medal.

This small medal is full of meaning and symbolism, and serves as a powerful reminder of the important role the Blessed Mother plays in the lives of the faithful:

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The Immaculate Conception

The inscription on the medal affirms that Mary was as the Scripture says “Full of Grace” or conceived without the stain of original sin.

Pope Pius IX would declare this truth a dogma of the Church more than 20 years after Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure. This dogma emphasizes her ability to be a pure vessel for Christ and her ability to give a free and total yes when asked to be the Mother of God.

The Miraculous Medal helped pave the way for this dogma.

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Mediatrix of Grace

The medal also illustrates Mary as the “Mediatrix of Grace.” Jesus, through the “Yes” of his Blessed Mother, became the mediator of our salvation so we recognize Mary as a conduit of grace for the Church on earth.

Through both the symbolic rays of light coming from her hands and the intertwined M and cross on the back, the medal reminds us of Mary’s role in our salvation and invites us to approach Jesus through Mary.

Queen of Heaven and Earth

The medal depicts Mary as standing on a globe and crushing the head of the serpent, making it clear that she reigns as Queen both in heaven and on earth.

The whole world falls under her mantle of protection. Through her Son, Mary has the power to vanquish the evil one and can protect us from spiritual harm. Her arms are open to embrace those who come to her.

Mary told St. Catherine Laboure that despite being a Mother who wants to help her children so many people never turn to her. Don’t make that mistake!

Invite the Blessed Mother into your life. Wear the Miraculous Medal as a reminder to pray its prayer: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

The Miraculous Medal: The Story Behind this Special Marian Devotion

The Miraculous Medal is a powerful sacramental that is worn by millions of Catholics around the world and has many miracles attributed to it.

Pietra Fitness
Featured
Physical Fitness
 — 
Nov 7, 2023
 — 
4
 Min read

In a culture that has cheapened the gifts of our bodies and our sexuality by promoting promiscuous and problematic behaviors, Catholic parents need a way to teach their children the truth about their bodies even from a young age. 

The Theology of the Body (TOB) offers an integrated vision of the human person–a body and soul composite–that will serve as an unshakable foundation as your children grow up. And it’s never too early to introduce it to your kids. 

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What is Theology of the Body?

Theology of the Body is a series of 126 talks presented by Pope John Paul II during his Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square from 1979-1984. These lectures presented the Church’s teachings on the human person, sexuality, and marriage.

It offers a profound reflection on the nature and dignity of the human person based on biblical and theological principles, and explains how our bodies communicate these invisible realities. 

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Why Theology of the Body for Kids Matters

Theology of the Body is an invaluable tool for parents to teach their children about the gift of our bodies.

While your children might be too young for “the talk,” Theology of the Body helps you create a foundation on which you can build upon as they get older.

Here’s what it can offer your kids:

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Understanding God's Plan for the Body: 

Our bodies aren’t accidental or insignificant, they are purposeful and beautiful. They are not just physical entities but have a spiritual and theological dimension. 

Theology of the Body reveals God's plan for our bodies and sexuality, and illuminates the ways in which human love can and should reflect God’s love in the Trinity.

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Respect for Human Dignity: 

Teaching your children about the Theology of the Body instills in them a profound respect for the dignity of every human being. It emphasizes that every person regardless of age, gender, or background, is a unique and precious creation of God.

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Formation of Healthy Relationships: 

The teachings of the Theology of the Body promote healthy and pure relationships. Kids who understand these principles are better equipped to build strong, loving, and lasting relationships based on mutual respect and self-giving love.

It helps children prepare for their future vocation as well. 

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Countering Cultural Messages: 

In today's culture, young people are bombarded with messages that often distort the meaning and purpose of human sexuality. 

Schools are introducing concepts about gender and sex earlier and earlier, normalizing behaviors not in line with biology or God’s plan for men and women. However, you can help your students go against the culture and stay true to the faith.  

Having a foundation in the teachings of Theology of the Body can help your children stand strong in the truth against harmful influences.

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Introducing Pietra Kids! TOB Series

Children need an accessible and age-appropriate way to learn about the Theology of the Body, which is why Pietra Fitness has created a new series for children focused on this vital topic. 

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Introducing the new Pietra Kids! TOB series. 

We will offer two series one for grades K-5 and the other for 6-8 that introduce children to the important teachings of the Theology of the Body while also helping them to move and use their bodies for the glory of God. 

As in all of our Pietra Fitness classes, these series will combine strengthening exercises, sacred music, and Christian mediation–in this case, age-appropriate meditations on the foundational teachings of Pope St. John Paull II’s Theology of the Body including: 

  • How each person is created out of love 
  • the uniqueness and sacramentality of each body
  • the complementarity of male and female bodies
  • unconditional love
  • self-mastery, 
  • purity of heart and more! 

Login to the Pietra Kids! Studio or sign up for a free trial of our new Family Plan to get started.

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How to Introduce Your Catholic Kids to Theology of the Body + Why it Matters

Catholic parents need a way to teach their children the truth about their bodies even from a young age.

Pietra Fitness
Featured
Health & Wellness
 — 
Oct 23, 2023
 — 
6
 Min read

Fertility Awareness is tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle by recognizing and interpreting the physical signs of fertility that accompany the hormonal changes her body goes through during that cycle. 

And it’s come a long way from the “Calendar Method” which perpetuates the myth that “every woman ovulates on Day 14 of her cycle.” 

The Fertility Awareness Methods available today empowers women to know and take care of their unique body. It’s safe, it’s effective, and it can be used to improve a woman’s overall health.

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What does the Church Teach of Fertility Awareness?

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The Church promotes Fertility Awareness among married couples as an alternative to methods of contraceptives such as condoms and birth control. 

Contraception has no place in a Catholic marriage because it eliminates a person’s ability to love fully and fruitfully within a marriage

Despite the language that is often used by secular sources, Fertility Awareness is not birth control. It doesn’t seek to control a woman’s body; rather it allows a husband and wife to discern their family size in cooperation with God–remaining open to His plan for their life and family. 

Tracking a woman’s fertile time not only helps maintain the spiritual health of a marriage, it also benefits the physical health of the woman.

And the great news is that you don’t need to be engaged or married to use or benefit from Fertility Awareness; it can and should be used by women who want to better understand and take care of their bodies.

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Dispelling the Myths about Hormonal Contraception

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Hormonal Contraception wreaks havoc on a woman’s body and is completely contrary to women’s health.

Instead of offering wholeness to women, hormonal birth control suppresses a healthy body’s ability to function naturally, causing some dangerous side effects. Studies have shown that Hormonal Birth Control increases a person’s risk for heart attack, stroke, blood clots, liver tumors,  HPV, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. ¹

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Fertility is not a disease to be treated; it’s a valuable indicator of a woman's overall health. 

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Health Benefits of Fertility Awareness

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Firstly, fertility awareness can help women and their healthcare providers identify potential gynecological issues, such as irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Your cycle also impacts many other aspects of a woman’s health, including: 

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Bone health
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For many years, researchers have believed that post-menopausal bone loss is caused by the lack of estrogen that occurs after menopause; however, new research has shown that progesterone plays an active role in maintaining women’s bone and in osteoporosis prevention. ²

Normal ovulatory cycles are necessary for developing bone mass that will last you past your reproductive years. 

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Brain health
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Estrogen and Progesterone play a major role in brain development. Estrogen creates plasticity in the brain and improves cognitive function; progesterone regulates glial cells (also known as the “glue” of the central nervous system) and helps to stabilize mood. 

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Heart health
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Estrogen and Progesterone levels in a healthy cycle also affect your heart health. Estrogen helps prevent heart disease caused by coronary artery calcification.³ Progesterone helps decrease blood pressure. 

Other research suggests that “shorter total reproductive duration [defined as the time from menarche to menopause] was associated with a higher risk of incident total heart failure hospitalization in post menopausal women.”

Finally, fertility Awareness helps you work with your body, not against it. Reading your body’s fertility signs can help you make decisions that will enable you to make decisions more in line with your health and fitness goals. 

As a woman’s body goes through several hormonal changes over the course of her cycle, the needs of the body–from nutrition to exercise–change too. Knowing where you are in your cycle can help you make decisions that maximize your health. 

For instance, your follicular phase (or the weeks leading up to ovulation) when your hormones are at the lowest levels, is the perfect time for high intensity and strength training. During this phase, your body can better access stored carbs and more easily build/maintain muscle. 

Then during your luteal phase after ovulation, your hormones are much more in-flux so lower-intensity workouts with more recovery time are ideal during this phase. 

‍Adjusting your diet and fitness routine to your menstrual cycle can help you feel your best. 

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Resources to Get Started

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If you want to begin tracking your cycles using Fertility Awareness Methods, Natural Womanhood and Managing Your Fertility offer a plethora of resources to help you feel informed and to direct you on the next steps. 

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Fertility Awareness and How it Benefits a Woman's Overall Health

The Fertility Awareness Methods available today empowers women to know and take care of their unique body.

Pietra Fitness
Featured
Spirituality
 — 
Sep 28, 2023
 — 
4
 Min read

Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen.

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Many children growing up in the Catholic faith learn this short prayer invoking their guardian angel; however, perhaps because of the cutesy depiction of angels in art or the misrepresentation of them in the media, very few believers give much thought to these powerful beings.

But you should.

The great saint Padre Pio implored others to pray that child-like prayer to their angel:

Oh, if only all men knew how to understand and appreciate this very great gift that God, in the excess of His love for men, has assigned to us this celestial spirit! Recall frequently his presence: you ought to fix your mind’s eye upon him. Thank him, pray to him…Repeat often [this] beautiful prayer…How great will be the consolation, when, at the hour of death, your soul will see this angel, who is so good, who has accompanied you throughout your life, who was so ample in his maternal care!

Today we celebrate the feast of the Guardian Angels, so let’s take some time getting to know them and building up a relationship that will last for your whole life.

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Catholic Teaching on Guardian Angels

The modern, secular world often refers to loved ones who have passed as “guardian angels” but that’s not consistent with the Church’s teaching on our heavenly protectors.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that angels are “spiritual, non-corporeal beings…[who] are servants and messengers of God.  (CCC 328-329) that have existed since creation.

They continuously behold God face to face and we believe that at Mass, we join in their endless adoration and worship of Him.

Human life, from its beginning until death, is surrounded by their prayer and care. Sacred Scripture offers many examples of angels as the “mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word” (Psalm 103).

They are heralds and servants in God’s plan for salvation– “they closed the earthly paradise; protected Lot; saved Hagar and her child; stayed Abraham's hand; communicated the law by their ministry; led the People of God; announced births and callings; and assisted the prophets…” (CCC 332)

While the theology of angels is primarily shrouded in mystery, Catholic tradition also holds that an angel stands beside each believer providing both physical and spiritual protection and leading him to eternal life. We call these beings “Guardian Angels.”

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Growing in Friendship with Your Guardian Angel

See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Be attentive to him and heed his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin. My authority resides in him. If you heed his voice and carry out all I tell you, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foe (Ex 23:20-22).

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So how can you keep your angelic friend close? How can you hear and follow his guidance and allow him to lead your home?

Firstly, don’t try to name your Guardian Angel.

According to the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy: “The practice of assigning names to the Holy Angels should be discouraged, except in the cases of Gabriel, Raphael and Michael whose names are contained in Holy Scripture.”

Naming something denotes authority over it, which humans certainly do not have over the angels. Many experts also discourage you from trying to learn the name of your guardian angels for fear of unknowingly and accidentally opening yourself to the influence of fallen angels.

Secondly, pray to him every day; the little prayer at the beginning of this post is a perfect way to invite him into your day and the habit of praying it will attune your heart and mind to his presence.

Your Guardian Angels, like God, respect your free will so they can’t fight your battle against sin and evil for you, but they can fight alongside you–protecting you from bodily harm, guiding you away from temptation, shielding your mind and heart from spiritually dangerous situations.

Ask for his intercession for particular intentions or people in your life; talk to them as you would your dearest friend about your day, your thoughts, your fears, your joy. Ask for their help before an important conversation, in resolving disagreements, or in finding a parking spot.

Acknowledge his presence when you go to Mass or adoration, or when you pray. Invite him to help you pray and worship as you ought.

He is there to help you.

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Angel of God, My Guardian Dear: How to Stay Close to your Guardian Angel

Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen.

Pietra Fitness
Featured
Health & Wellness
 — 
Sep 25, 2023
 — 
5
 Min read

Everyone has heard of the importance of friendship, but did you know that meaningful relationships aren’t just good for your soul but for your body too?

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Several scientific studies show that engaging in meaningful social relationships have short and long-term effects on your physical and mental health.

For instance, while studying mortality across industrialized nations, researchers found that “...individuals with the lowest level of involvement in social relationships are more likely to die than those with greater involvement.”¹ Researchers also found that social involvement also reduced mortality risk among adults who had documented medical issues. 

Even among more formal social involvement, such in the case of actively participating in a faith community, is also associated with living a long and healthy life.²

There’s several reasons why this is the case:

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Meaningful Relationships Can Enforce Healthy Behaviors

For better or for worse, your relationships play a major role in your health behaviors–or personal actions that influence health, disability, and mortality. Some behaviors such as smoking or heavy alcohol consumption can undermine health, while others like eating healthy and exercising will promote it. 

Engaging in friendships that encourage positive behaviors will help you develop and encourage your own healthy habits.³

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Related: Working Out as a Couple: How to Strengthen Your Relationship Through Exercise

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Meaningful Relationships Improve Mental Health 

Strong social connections are associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety because quality friendships contribute to one’s overall feeling of being loved and cared for.

This sense of social support and purpose reduces the impact of stress and the physiological effects associated with stress such as high blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones.

Engaging relationships can also help maintain cognitive function as we age. Meaningful conversations and social interactions stimulate the brain and may lower the risk of cognitive decline.

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Meaningful Relationships Improve Bodily Functions

Furthermore, studies have found that “...supportive interactions with others benefit immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular functions…”⁴  and have encouraged faster recoveries from surgeries or illness.

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How Meaningful Relationships Boost Wellness and Tips for Nurturing Them

Everyone has heard of the importance of friendship, but did you know that meaningful relationships aren’t just good for your soul but for your body too?

Pietra Fitness
Featured
Spirituality
 — 
Sep 11, 2023
 — 
4
 Min read

The Book of Psalms found in the Wisdom Books of the Old Testament, is a book not meant to be read, but rather prayed. In fact, Pope Benedict XVI called the Psalms: “the ‘prayerbook’ par excellence.”¹

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​​The Psalter is a collection of 150 hymns originally used in Temple worship by the Jewish people. Over time they have become a vital part of Christian prayer and worship as well, being recited daily at Mass and in the Liturgy of the Hours.  

Tradition attributes 73 Psalms to David, twelve to Asaph, eleven to the sons of Korah, two to Solomon, one to Moses, and others to Heman and Ethan.

The Psalms express the wide range of human emotions: joy, sorrow, gratitude, desire for God, despair, hope. For this reason, it resonates with people across time and place. Again, Benedict XVI said that the Psalms are given to us “...so that we might learn to address ourselves to God, to communicate with Him, to talk to Him about ourselves with His words, to find language for an encounter with Him.”

Christ Himself also prayed the Psalms; we see in the Gospels that the Psalms were 

constantly on his lips, reciting them in his prayer and teaching. 

If you wish to pray as Christ did you must pray with the Psalms. 

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How do you pray the Psalms?

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In the first centuries of the Church, the Psalms were the most common form of personal prayer and people often prayed all 150 psalms every week. (This was actually the basis for the 150 Hail Marys of the Rosary–until the recent addition of the Luminous Mysteries– which is why the Rosary has often been called the Little Psalter).

Farmers and workmen used to pray the psalms from memory while working out in the field or their shops, while women prayed them as they performed their domestic duties.

However, while the Church has maintained that priests and religious should pray with the Psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours, it is not emphasized among the laity as it once was. 

So how can the faithful today use it to express our interior life? 

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Pray the Liturgy of the Hours

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The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, is the daily prayer of the Church, imbuing your day with prayer. The USCCB writes that “The Hours are a meditative dialogue on the mystery of Christ, using scripture and prayer” and much of it is repeating the Psalms. 

This repetition allows us to take to heart the words, so that their language becomes part of our language of prayer. 

Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer are the most “important” of the hours so consider starting with one or both of these. You can find the full prayers for each day here or listen to them chanted here.

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Lectio Divina 

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Lectio Divina or “Divine Reading” is an ancient spiritual discipline involving a slow, thoughtful reading of the Scriptures. Read through the Psalm, meditate on its words and its meaning for your life. 

You can read through a new Psalm each day or find a Psalm that expresses whatever emotions you bring to prayer and meditate on it. 

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Spontaneous Prayer

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Make the Psalms a part of your life. 

‍Listen to them sung. Print out a few psalms and leave them around your home where you might see them as you go about your day. Text one to a friend or memorize one with your kids. 

You can even pray with them during your workout with the Pietra Fitness’ collection “Lord Make Haste to Help Me”  to help make the Psalms your words, your expression of love to God. Log in (or sign up) today to begin. 

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Praying With the Psalms: A Language for Our Encounter with God

The Book of Psalms found in the Wisdom Books of the Old Testament, is a book not meant to be read, but rather prayed.

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