Melanie Rigney's Blog, page 27
January 9, 2019
Wednesday’s Woman: St. Dafrosa
The Basics: Born in the 4th century in Italy; died 362 in Italy; canonized precongregation; feast day, January 4. Wife, mother, martyr.
The Story: The two-year reign of Julian the Apostate was a horrible time to be a Christian. It’s estimated the emperor put hundreds of 
people to death. That’s the macro level. At the micro level, we look at the family of Flavian and Dafrosa.
The first to die was Flavian, who we’re told had his face branded as a slave after he refused to embrace new government...
January 8, 2019
Protesting Too Much
Note: On Tuesdays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.
Everybody was tired—and hungry. They also were probably getting pretty cranky. Can you blame the disciples for asking Jesus to send members of the crowd on their way? But instead, the Hospitality Master tells his followers to feed the masses.
They don’t get it, of course. They never get it when Jesus is speaking 
of something beyond the tangible. But they trust i...
January 2, 2019
Wednesday’s Woman: St. Fanchea
The Basics: Born 6th century in Ireland; died c. 585 in Ireland; canonized precongregation; feast day, January 1. Woman religious.
The Story: Fanchea’s story includes an inspirational tale of sibling evangelization. Like so many of the precongregation canonized, Fanchea’s family is full of saints, including all three of her sisters (Lochina, Carecha, and Darenia) and her brother Enda, but more on him later. Another commonality for Fanchea with other women saints: She’s said to have been beaut...
January 1, 2019
Pondering in Our Hearts
Note: On Tuesdays and some Sundays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.
It had been, ahem, a rather unusual year or so for the young girl.
First, Mary is betrothed to Joseph. (I will not enter the debate about what exactly that meant, whether they were “engaged” or had entered into a marriage not planning to consummate the union.) Then an angel tells her she’s going to conceive in a unique way. Then she goes to visi...
Friends in Faith: Lisa Julia Hill-Sutton
In the 18 months or so I’ve known her, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Lisa Julia Hill-Sutton as anything less than serene. Maybe it’s due to her strong faith that has weathered some storms, including the loss of a husband and a son many years ago and, more recently, the loss of two beloved dogs. That serenity also shows in the sensitive, beautiful photos she takes for families, conferences, and commercial and editorial clients.
Lisa Julia draws strength from her calling as a lay Dominican 
(she’...
On the Nightstand: Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
Well, seriously, how do you not admire the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, both Nobel Peace Prize laureates? I’m grateful to my friend Blythe Gifford for giving me this book for Christmas; I’ve been meaning to read it for two years.
In this time when it seems everything is changing, it’s a reality check to consider these two men experienced 
decades of oppression in one form or another. Yet, their faith fills them with joy, and joy leads to positive change if we embrace it.
I’m struck by this quo...
December 26, 2018
Wednesday’s Woman: St. Eanflaed (Enfleda)
The Basics: Born April 19, 626, in England; died December 11, 704, in England; canonized precongregation; feast day, November 24. Queen and woman religious.
The Story: Legend has it that Eanflaed became the first person baptized in England’s Northumbrian region because her father, King Edwin, promised to have the sacrament conferred upon her if he was successful in a battle. He was, and so Eanflaed’s journey as a Christian began. (Edwin also is said to have converted, doubtless pleasing his C...
December 25, 2018
Your God Is King
Note: On Tuesdays and some Sundays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.
It’s true! Your God is King!
He is King as a helpless newborn, lying in a crude box, dependent 
on his parents for sustenance and safety.
He is King when he is presented in the temple forty days later.
He is King a few years later when He lingers in the template, worrying his parents for three days.
He is King during the years we don’t know about...
December 19, 2018
Wednesday’s Woman: St. Eadburh (Edburga)
The Basics: Born in England; died in 751 in England; canonized precongregation; feast day, December 12. Princess, woman religious.
The Story: We talk today about how out of touch people are, texting and tweeting instead of holding face-to-face conversations. And yet, those interactions that aren’t conducted in person have a rich history in Christian support.
Eadburh, or Edburga, it appears began life as a princess, or at least as the daughter of people of means. She joined the Benedictine sis...
December 18, 2018
As Commanded
Note: On Tuesdays and some Sundays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. (Matthew 1:24, NABRE)
It has become one of my favorite scripture verses, Matthew 1:24 when Joseph awakes from his dream. He’s been planning to quietly divorce Mary, what with her being pregnant with someone else’s baby and all. But then there’s...
