Radiant

For the last 20 years, I have been staying at Benedictine monasteries whenever I need a break from the noise to remember how to hear God’s voice again. This past summer, I scheduled a visit to pray over a few decisions I needed to make.⁠
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This is where Brother Edmund found me once again. ...⁠
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Brother Edmund told me of some work he had been doing outside, building a fence around a garden at the nearby priory. That particular day was very hot, and Brother Edmund, in his mid-70’s, had been chopping wood. He confessed he was worn out. I worried aloud about the amount of manual labor he was doing, especially in the heat.⁠
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Then he declared in a tone so clear and true it struck me deep in my bones: “There are many forms of prayer.”⁠
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What a relief that prayer doesn't look one way!⁠
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Our prayer lives are multifaceted. And when we truly bring Christ into every aspect of our lives, anything can be an opportunity for prayer. ⁠
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Read more:

Prayer doesn’t always look how you think it should - RADIANT There are many forms of prayer. When the posture of our heart is forever before our Creator, our very lives become prayer.

In a world that is so confused over what it means to be a man or woman, the Catholic faith is such a gift. With the example of numerous female saints, Church teachings and the guidance of our Blessed Mother, we can truly find a beautiful image of authentic womanhood to emulate.⁠
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One of the best ways I have been formed in an understanding of true femininity is through the teachings of Pope St. John Paul II. This influential modern saint wrote a lot about God’s intentional design of creating mankind as male and female and what that means for the human person. One thing that John Paul II focused on in his theology of the body is how the human person can only come to fully know oneself and how he or she is made in the image of God through an embrace of his masculinity or her femininity. Yes, our feminine nature is an essential part of our humanity. ...⁠
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But if you have not yet found your spouse, alongside this recognition of authentic femininity comes a season of singleness that can often feel like a long and monotonous waiting game. While the deep longing for a spouse is not something to look past and deem meaningless, there is still meaning to be found in your life in the meantime.⁠
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How can you embrace your authentic femininity as a single woman?⁠
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Glad you asked!⁠
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Therese Burch dives into this topic, offering concrete ways to thrive in this season.⁠

Embracing your authentic femininity as a single woman - RADIANT Through loving my friends and family, giving myself to them through my time, energy, gifts and talents, I am embracing my femininity.