St. Therese of Lisieux: the “Little Flower”

Posted on September 23, 2010 by paulcoholic

Today starts another Novena, this one to St. Therese of Lisieux, affectionately known to her devotees as “The Little Flower”. This nickname arose from her theology of “littleness”, as in doing all things, especially small, menial things, with great love and care, and also from her promise to “distribute” flowers from Heaven after her death. These are well known to her devotees (myself included) and are basically “signal graces” indicating Divine presence in your life.

Her theology is what caused Philip Maynard, in his excellent book, “To Slake a Thirst: The Matt Talbot Way to Sobriety” to regard her as the chief theologian of the Matt Talbot Way.

Here is a must read online biography of her:

EWTN’s Saints and other Holy People Home

(Via EWTN)

The novena starts in the next post.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to the Three Archangels for Alcoholics: Day Three

Posted on September 23, 2010 by paulcoholic

St. Michael, whose name means “Who is like God”, be our defender against the wickedness and snares of our addiction. Keep at bay the demons that pursue and try to overtake us and prevent us from living out our vocation as the adopted children of God.

St. Raphael, whose name means “God heals”, intercede on our behalf and obtain for us the healing we seek for our addiction. As the Patron of Happy Meetings, place in our path the people we need to help us on our way.

St. Gabriel, whose name means “Strength of God”, as the Angel of the Incarnation announced the coming of the Messiah to the Blessed Virgin Mary. As the Mother of our Lord perfectly accepted God’s will into her life, please assist us in discerning His will in our own, especially as we sometimes see it dimly and haphazardly through the confusion of our addictions.

We humbly ask this in the Name of Jesus, our Lord.

(Background on this Novena here)

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to the Three Archangels for Alcoholics: Day Two

Posted on September 22, 2010 by paulcoholic

We humbly ask this in the Name of Jesus, our Lord.

(Background on this Novena here)

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to the Three Archangels for Alcoholics: Day One

Posted on September 21, 2010 by paulcoholic

We humbly ask this in the Name of Jesus, our Lord.

(Background on this Novena here)

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to the Three Archangels for Alcoholics: Introduction

Posted on September 21, 2010 by paulcoholic

On September 29th the Church celebrates the Three Archangels: St. Michael, St. Raphael and St. Gabriel. Today starts a Novena to them, it ends on the 29th.

Some background:

St. Michael is a patron and defender of the Church and the chief angelic nemesis of Satan. His intercession can be invoked when you need to counter the “cunning, baffling, powerful” allure of alcohol. Not to blame Satan for your alcoholism, but it is a tool that he can use to keep you away from God.

St. Raphael is God’s Healer. He is also the Patron Saint of Happy Meetings (such as finding a spouse). His healing abilities are detailed in the Old Testament Book of Tobit. His intercession can be invoked in your constant battle against alcohol.

St. Gabriel is the Angel of the Incarnation. He told the Blessed Virgin Mary that she was to be the Mother of Jesus, the Messiah. He also told old Zechariah that he was to become the father of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin and the precursor to the Messiah. His intercession can be invoked to better perceive and understand God’s will.

My next post will start the Novena.

More info: Three Archangels

(Via EWTN.)

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)