Melanie Rigney's Blog, page 92
March 1, 2015
On the Nightstand: March 2015
A few weeks ago, Pope Francis named St. Gregory of Narek a Doctor (teacher) of the Church. 
Doctors are recognized not only for their sanctity but also for what we can learn from them, generally through their writings.
You may not have heard of Gregory of Narek–I hadn’t but then, it’s women saints who generally stir my soul–but he was an Armenian priest and monk who died near the beginning of the eleventh century. I’m looking forward to learning more about him and deepening my spirituality this...
Being Christ in Our Lives: Jolene and Stephanie LeRoy
I don’t have a daughter of my own, but if I did, I hope she’d be like Stephanie LeRoy… and I hope I’d be a mother as loving as Jolene LeRoy.
Jolene is the Faith Community Nurse at Our Lady of Mercy in Aurora, Illinois. What a 
gift she is to the parish, providing holistic support—physical, emotional, and spiritual—and connecting people who need more than the ministries OLM offers to additional resources.
Jolene was kind enough to arrange for me to speak at the parish last fall, and when we went...
February 25, 2015
Wednesday’s Woman: St. Milburga
The Basics:Born in the 7th century in England; died after 700 in England; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, February 23. Philanthropist; woman religious.
The Story:They were three sisters, Milburga, Mildred and Mildgytha, and all became saints. Milburga, the oldest, served as abbess of the Wenlock convent her family founded. She was known for her humility and healing gifts. It is said that she loved the country, whether it meant going 
about to see people in the area or time in the convent...
February 24, 2015
Our Father, Who Art in Heaven
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.
A couple of years ago, I gave a two-day retreat on prayer. The retreat covered a lot of ground: the history of prayer; formed prayer vs. spontaneous prayer; prayer traditions; the origins of the rosary, the Divine Mercy chaplet and more; the lives and practices of those like Teresa of Avila and
Ignatius Loyola who in essence defined prayer styles; journaling; time...
February 23, 2015
Returning Catholics FAQs: About Being a Godparent
O n Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics , a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
I’m thinking about coming back to the Church because my sister asked me to be a godparent to her baby. What will that involve?
First, the technical requirements: You need to be at...
February 18, 2015
Wednesday’s Woman: St. Geltrude Comensoli
The Basics:Born January 18, 1847, in Italy; died February 18, 1903, in Italy;canonized April 26, 2009, by Benedict XVI; feast day, February 18. Woman religious.
The Story:From the time she was very young, Geltrude, born Caterina Comensoli, was drawn to the Eucharist and to adoration, spending time in worship before the Blessed Sacrament. Health and
family issues kept her from becoming a woman religious until she was in her thirties. Geltrude then joined forces with Father Francesco Spinelli to...
February 17, 2015
Whoever Loves Me
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.
And so it ends today, this part of ordinary time for the liturgical year. It ends with some sadness and challenge: In the first reading from Genesis 6, God is so grieved with his people that He starts over, sparing only Noah and his family and a few pairs of animals. In the Gospel reading from Mark 8, Jesus becomes a bit exasperated that, like the Pharisees and He...
February 16, 2015
Returning Catholics FAQs: About Infant Baptism
O n Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics , a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
Why do Catholics baptize infants?
Why not? Seriously, why not? Why wouldn’t you give an infant the best gift of all—God’s salvation? Not to mention the trust and love shown in sele...
February 11, 2015
Wednesday’s Woman: St. Catherine de’ Ricci
The Basics:BornApril 23, 1522, in Italy; died February 1, 1590, in Italy;canonized June 29, 1746, by Benedict IV; feast day, February 13. Woman religious and mystic.
The Story:At first, they didn’t believe her. Even as a Dominican novice, Catherine experienced ecstasies that led her community to question just what was happening. Catherine withstood the tests she was put through and those around her came to accept her unique gifts. For twelve years beginning when she was twenty, Catherine exper...
Wednesday’s Woman: Catherine de’ Ricci
The Basics:BornApril 23, 1522, in Italy; died February 1, 1590, in Italy;canonized June 29, 1746, by Benedict IV; feast day, February 13. Woman religious and mystic.
The Story:At first, they didn’t believe her. Even as a Dominican novice, Catherine experienced ecstasies that led her community to question just what was happening. Catherine withstood the tests she was put through and those around her came to accept her unique gifts. For twelve years beginning when she was twenty, Catherine exper...
