Francesca LaRosa, a Catholic composer and singer/songwriter, who desires to glorify the Lord and serve His Church through her ministry. Her prayerful music, particularly her Psalms project, brings the listeners in an encounter with Jesus Christ, the Word of God Himself.

‍Francesca's beautiful music will be featured in Pietra Fitness’ forthcoming prenatal video fitness series. We had the pleasure to interview Francesca to help you get to know the woman behind the music. 

‍

Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get into music and get started with your ministry?

I am a Catholic composer, and I write music for word-for-word Psalms to be used during the liturgy. I have been setting the Psalms to music through deep discernment and prayer. I write a lot of those with my mom and my husband, and I really enjoy serving the Lord in that way.

I grew up in Indianapolis and started playing the piano when I was four. When I was nine, I began to play the piano with my dad at Mass. We had a family worship band–my sisters would sing, my dad and uncle played guitar, I played piano, my brothers and cousins ran sound, and my aunt played bass. We always loved to worship the Lord together as a family.

I studied music education at Ball State University; I thought I was going to be a teacher or a missionary after graduating, but instead, I was offered the job as music director at the parish where I grew up. It was such an honor to serve there for 3 ½ years before feeling called to pursue my music.

I thought 2020 was going to be my year to really pursue my music dream (laughs). I was leading a girls’ choir for the archdiocese when the pandemic hit and all of that stopped. During that time my husband and I began dealing with infertility, and I wasn’t really able to write or sing anymore. I stopped writing lyrics; I was really struggling.

It was a really difficult time for me. I started composing instrumental piano pieces because I wanted to help people overcome their own suffering. I started an instrumental piano channel called ‘Keys of Peace,’ where I wrote songs for people battling cancer, people struggling with infertility, people struggling with miscarriage, people struggling to just hang on. I wrote a piano song everyday and prayed for these people—that was my ministry.

I was super honored that my Keys of Peace ministry got taken up by the Hallow app and Pietra Fitness, and I was amazed at how the Lord could work through my own suffering. Praying through [my suffering] and focusing on other people in my brokenness helped me out of that difficult time and led me into my Psalm ministry. I started releasing my Psalms every week, and now I compose music full-time.

I’m incredibly blessed that my husband is a music producer, and together, we write and create music for the Church. Doing ministry together as a couple is such a blessing!

‍

What drew you to the Psalms? How did you get started with that particular project in your music? 

I grew up singing at Mass, and we always used the Psalm of the day. Some of these were word-for-word from the Lectionary, but starting in high school, my parish really started using the exact Psalm of the day, and many times it was in chanted-verse form.

As beautiful as they were, I had never been introduced to chant before, so as a composer my mom told me “I think you can write one of these.” I said: “I don’t know how to write a Psalm. I write songs not Psalms.”

She told me to close my eyes, and she began reading the Scripture over my hands and praying over me. Through her prayer I heard these melodies of how these psalms would go.

I really feel like they are melodies from heaven. I write them with metered verses but also with chanted verses as well; I am writing my own chant now. I have really fallen in love with the Psalms because they hit on every single human emotion. It’s such a beautiful chapter of the Bible, and I especially love it because Jesus prayed the Psalms. I find it to be a powerful experience to say the same prayers as our Lord.

‍

How has praying the Psalms helped your spiritual life? 

As Catholics we hear the scriptures at Mass but I feel like I don’t know the scriptures that well. I feel like I know music well but I never felt like I knew the Word of God.

I have friends who know the Bible by heart who can verbalize different chapters of the Bible at a moment’s notice; they quote Scripture, love Scripture, and live it. I desire that for myself. To dive into the Scriptures with my mom has been a brand new, powerful experience for me.

I love being Catholic because I deeply love the gift of the Holy Eucharist. Another gift from heaven is God’s Word - Scripture. I want to focus on both gifts because Jesus is the Word made flesh. I think we need to know it better.

We have a lot of resources for learning and knowing Scripture in 2022, like the Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz; I think we are finding ways to live out Scripture in a deeper way, and to be a part of that is such an honor.

‍

Do you have a favorite Psalm?

I don’t want to be cliché and say Psalm 91, but it’s so powerful to me: ‘Be with me Lord when I am in trouble – You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shade of the Almighty, Say to the LORD, ‘My refuge, my rock, my God in whom I trust’. It’s such a powerful passage the Lord has given us– to think about being with Him when I am in trouble… That’s so comforting. 

I also love Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want and Psalm 51: Create in me a clean heart, O God. Have mercy on me , O God in your goodness in your compassion wipe out my offense.

I love so many of them. One of my favorites is Psalm 18: I love you Lord my strength. That one is like a love story to me. There’s not a lot of Psalms that say “I love you Lord”; many ask for help in times of struggle! But to go back to the Lord and say I love you…I like that one a lot. 

Those are the ones that stick out to me.

‍

‍Where can people find you and your music online?

You can check out my music on Youtube and Spotify. It is also available on my website along with sheet music if you are a musician or a singer. You can also support my and my husband’s mission on Patreon. 

‍

Come pray with Francesca LaRosa’s beautiful and peaceful music in our soon-to-be released prenatal fitness series. 

‍

‍

Saints throughout the centuries have spoken on the power of Our Lady’s intercession and the importance of praying the rosary. 

Many Catholics find it easy to say the prayers of the Rosary, but many find it difficult to actually meditate on these great mysteries of our faith while doing so. 

Reading the Scripture associated with each decade can help but using Ignatian Meditation can allow you delve even deeper into this timeless prayer. 

‍

‍

Ignatian Meditation takes its name from St. Ignatius of Loyola–founder of the Jesuits and a great spiritual master of the Church. 

Ignatian Meditation, also known as Imaginative Prayer, engages the mind and heart to enter more fully into prayer and conversation with God. It helps make the scriptures come alive and facilitates a personal encounter with the Lord. 

It can also help you meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary. You can use Ignatian Meditation to pray with a single mystery of the Rosary or with all five decades. It is also a unique way to pray with your family or small group. 

‍

Steps to Ignatian Meditation 

‍

‍Become aware of the presence of God

Begin your prayer by recognizing God’s presence within you (and in the Eucharist if you decide to pray using this method during Adoration). Offer this time to Him and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your mind and heart during this time of prayer. 

‍

‍Put it in Context

Each mystery of the rosary focuses on an event in the life of Jesus, many of which include His Blessed Mother. Read the scripture passage associated with each mystery to once again familiarize yourself with the event.

Here are the scripture passages for the Rosary:

‍The Joyful Mysteries–

The Annunciation: Luke 1: 26-38
The Visitation: Luke 1: 39-45; 56
The Nativity: Luke 2: 6-7
The Presentation: Luke 2: 22-24
The Finding in the Temple: Luke 2: 41-52

‍The Luminous Mysteries–
The Baptism of Jesus: Matthew 3: 13-17, Mark 1: 9-11, or Luke 3: 21-22
The Wedding at Cana: John 2: 1-11
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven: This mystery encompasses many passages in the Gospels, giving you many options to choose from. Some good passages to start with are Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 2:1-12 or Luke 5:1-11
The Transfiguration: Matthew 17: 1-9
The Institution of the Eucharist: Matthew 26: 19; 26-30, Mark 14: 22-26, or Luke 22: 14-20

The Sorrowful Mysteries–
The Agony in the Garden: Matthew 26: 36-46, Mark 14: 32-42, or Luke 22: 39-46
The Scourging at the Pillar: Mark 15: 11-15
The Crowning with Thorns: Matthew 27: 27-31 or Mark 15: 16-20
The Carrying of the Cross: Matthew 27: 32-34, Mark 15: 21-23, Luke 23: 26-32, or John 19: 16-17
The Crucifixion and death of Jesus on the Cross: Matthew 27: 35-61, Mark 15: 24-47, Luke 23: 32-56, or John 19: 16-42

The Glorious Mysteries–
The Resurrection: Matthew : 1-10, Mark 16: 1-14, Luke 24: 1-12, John 20: 1-20
The Ascension: Matthew 28: 16-20, Luke 24: 45-53, or Acts 1: (1-) 9-12
The Descent of the Holy Spirit: Acts 1: 1-14 or Acts 2: 1-4
The Assumption of Mary: Luke 1: 26-33
The Crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven and earth: Revelation 12: 1-6

‍

Place yourself in the scene

After reading through the passage once or twice, close your eyes and imagine the scene. Spend time experiencing this scene either by placing yourself in the shoes of one of the characters or by placing yourself in the story. 

“Use” your five senses. What do you see, hear, taste, smell, and touch in this place? 

Who is there? What are they doing? How do they interact with one another and with you? 

St. Ignatius encourages us to speak to one of the characters in the scene, what do they say?

Then consider how you feel as you pray with this passage. Are you filled with feelings of love or gratitude? Do you feel sorrow or some fear? Bring these feelings to the Lord.

‍

‍Let God surprise you 

Don’t go into this time of prayer with any agenda; rather, open your mind and heart to hear whatever God wants you to hear.

During your meditation, don’t worry about following the scene exactly as it plays out in Scripture; if you feel yourself being pulled in a particular direction or being drawn to stay longer in a particular moment, follow that. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you where you need to go. 

‍

‍Talk to God about your experience

Speak with Christ about whatever movements of the heart have occurred. Ask Him what He wants you to take away from this meditation. Then hold these thoughts and God’s words to you in your heart as you begin praying the decade. 

‍

As we celebrate the Most Holy Rosary during this month of October, consider making the time to contemplate each mystery of the Rosary using Ignatian Meditation. Or, try our new Rosary series where each class is a meditation on a particular aspect of the Rosary.

‍

‍

‍

‍

Your body goes through a lot of changes throughout the nine months of your pregnancy–from the first trimester morning sickness to the emerging baby bump in the second to the Braxton Hicks Contractions in the third.

Pregnancy might seem like the time to sit back and relax—you feel fatigued, your back aches, and putting shoes on alone feels like an Olympic sport. 

But in most pregnancies, sitting around won’t help. In fact, The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week during a healthy pregnancy, as it offers some amazing benefits for both you and your little one. 

‍

‍

Improves your mood

Women today are probably aware of the warning signs of postpartum depression and anxiety but did you know women are also susceptible to these conditions during a pregnancy? 

Antenatal depression and anxiety are common with about 10% of women experiencing an increase in these feelings while expecting. 

Exercise, of course, can help improve your mental and emotional health by releasing endorphins and diminishing stress. Research has shown that aerobic exercise during pregnancy helped reduce depressive symptoms in first-time moms. ¹

‍

Increases energy levels

Whether it's the first trimester fatigue or pregnancy-induced insomnia, expecting women will often report feeling tired or sluggish. Gentle to moderate exercise can help improve your energy levels during the day as well as your quality of sleep, giving you the rest your body needs. 

‍

Reduces the risk of pregnancy complications

Exercising during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of developing complications like Gestational diabetes and Pre-eclampsia, which can cause premature birth and other health issues for you and your baby. 

Gestational diabetes, or high glucose levels, is the most common complication you face during pregnancy. Exercise helps your muscle cells use more of your body’s glucose and can help make your body more sensitive to insulin, keeping your blood sugar levels lower for a longer time. 

However, if you do develop Gestational diabetes, exercise can help regulate your blood sugar levels and manage your symptoms. 

Exercise can also help reduce your risk of Pre-eclampsia by lowering blood pressure.

‍

Eases pain and discomfort

Pregnant women become well acquainted with all of the aches and pains that come with growing a baby. Hormones, a change in posture, and loosening ligaments cause pain in your lower back and pelvis that can last for several months during your pregnancy. Incorporating gentle movements and exercise can help manage your discomfort. 

‍

Prepares you for labor

Exercise can help prepare you to undergo the physically intensive challenge of labor and delivery by strengthening your muscles, improving your stamina, and enhancing your heart health. Studies have also shown that regular exercise during pregnancy can even reduce the need for a cesarean section. ²

‍

Benefits for Baby

Prenatal exercise is not only good for you, Mama– it’s good for your baby too. Exercise during pregnancy: 

-encourages full-term delivery

-normalizes birth sizes 

-stimulates healthy growth throughout childhood

-decreases risk for chronic illness in both child and mother ³

‍

Pietra Fitness Online Studio now offers pregnancy resources and prenatal and postnatal fitness classes to help keep you and your baby happy and healthy. 

‍

Our first resource is a series of informational videos from Dr. Jillian Stecklein, PT, DPT, a recommended provider on My Catholic Doctor who specializes in women’s health. Dr. Stecklein will walk you through the birthing journey, nutritional needs during pregnancy, how to activate the pelvic floor, exercise considerations for pregnancy, postpartum care and more. 

Our new prenatal classes were designed to assist moms to feel comfortable in their changing bodies and help improve the nervous system by calming the mind and nervous system, which will aid in pain management during labor. 

The classes will also aid in building stamina and strength, as well as help in balancing changing hormones and reducing stress. And of course, as in all of our classes, it includes prayer and Scripture readings that will nurture your soul during this beautiful season. 

‍

‍Sign up and get started today!

‍

As Christians, we are called to live an integrated life, a life in which our whole selves–body, mind, and spirit–glorify God. 

The saints knew this and lived it well. They also knew the challenges that came with it.

Sometimes it will feel easier to give into idleness and mediocrity. Sometimes scrolling social media or binge-watching television will seem more alluring than daily prayer or working out.  

But before you give into the temptation to accept less than what God made you for, particularly in your fitness journey, look to the words and examples of your heavenly friends. 

‍

‍

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body." -St. Paul in his Letter to the Corinthians

‍

“Man, though made of body and soul, is a unity. Through his very bodily condition he sums up in himself the elements of the material world. Through him they are thus brought to their highest perfection and can raise their voice in praise freely given to the Creator. For this reason man may not despise his bodily life. Rather he is obliged to regard his body as good and to hold it in honor since God has created it and will raise it up on the last day.” 

–Pope Saint Paul VI 

‍

“The body, in fact, and only the body, is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine. It has been created to transfer into the visible reality of the world, the mystery hidden from eternity in God, and thus to be a sign of it”

 –Pope Saint John Paul the Great 

“Remember that bodily exercise, when it is well ordered, as I have said, is also prayer by means of which you can please God our Lord.”
–St. Ignatius of Loyola 

Do everything for love. That way there are no little things. Everything is big. 

–St. Josemaria Escriva

‍

“Ad maiorem Dei gloriam—All for the greater glory of God.” 

–St. Ignatius of Loyola

‍

“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” 

–St. Catherine of Siena

‍

"I can do all things in Him who strengthens me." 

–Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians

‍

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew.” 

–St. Francis de Sales

‍

“Let us love God, but let it be with the strength of our arms and with the sweat of our brows…” –St. Vincent de Paul

‍

‍

When the slow summer months turn to Back-to-School Night and Teacher Conferences, kids’ assignments and extracurriculars, new work deadlines and house projects, it’s easy to feel scattered, overwhelmed, and even burnt out.

Many parents struggle with establishing a rhythm and routine to help their families actually thrive throughout the school year.

Creating a Rule of Life for your family will allow you to live a life of peace and connection, even during the busiest seasons.

‍

The concept of a Rule of Life originated with the Father of Western Monasticism –St. Benedict. St. Benedict wanted his followers to live a balanced life of prayer and work (“Ora et Labora”) because he believed that was the key to holiness.

For more than 1,000 years, the Rule of St. Benedict has provided structure to those living in monasteries by creating a rhythm of work, prayer, and recreation. It has also served as a model for other religious communities in how they order their day to fully live out their calling.

However, a Rule of Life is more than a schedule. It describes a community’s spirituality and purpose, helps establish priorities, and sets the standards for daily tasks.

Having a Rule of Life isn’t just beneficial for those called to life in a monastery. Lay individuals and families can also benefit from this traditional Christian tool.

Creating a Rule of Life as a Catholic family helps you order your days toward God, and through this order brings freedom and peace to a home.

‍

Creating Your Family’s Rule of Life 

Pray to the Holy Spirit

Before you create your Rule of Life, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this process. Remember, you are creating more than just an efficient schedule for your family, you are responding to God’s call for your life. Ask for the grace to do this wholeheartedly.  

‍

Establish your Fundamental Principles

Before you dig into the details that make up your day-to-day life, you will first need to understand your family’s core values. Some families may refer to this as their mission or vision statement, and it will help guide you in the next stages of creating your Rule.

Although every Catholic family shares the universal call to holiness, no Catholic family will look exactly the same in their pursuit of this end. Creating a family mission statement will help you clarify your family’s unique call.

What matters most to you and your family? What kind of family do you want to be? What goals do you have as a unit? What makes your family special?

‍

Reflect on your Vocation

In A Mother’s Rule of Life, author Holly Pierlot reflected on the duties of her vocation as a wife and mother and created a routine based on what she calls the “Five P’s.”

The Five P’s focus on five major priorities of married life (in order of importance): Prayer, Person, Partner, Parent, Provider.

The Five P’s will guide you through the responsibilities and obligations of your vocation. Below you will find questions to consider when creating your rule. Jot down the answers for later reference.

‍

1. Prayer (Relationship with God): We were made for relationship with our Heavenly Father. However, our relationship to God often suffers when life gets hectic; instead of putting God above everything else, we tend to put everything else before God. Making time for prayer is essential for the Christian life.  What types of prayer should you include in your day/week? (Of course, as a Catholic, you should include weekly mass and regular confession, as well as some form of daily prayer). When is the best time for you to pray as an individual and as a family? Are there any natural lulls in your day that would allow for uninterrupted personal prayer?
2. Person (Relationship with yourself): Have you heard the saying: “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” After our relationship with God, we need to prioritize taking care of our own physical, mental, and emotional needs so we can best love and serve those around us. How much sleep do you need to get each night? When do you plan to exercise? What basic hygiene tasks are needed each day? When can you engage in your hobbies or spend time with friends?
3. Partner (Relationship with your spouse): Next, you need to prioritize your marriage. If you are called to this vocation, you are tasked with a sacred duty–to help your spouse get to heaven. Your marriage also acts as a building block for your family. The stronger your marriage, the stronger your foundation. You need to intentionally work to build it up. When and how can you connect with your spouse each day? Is there a regular time each week for date night? What little things can you do to help your spouse with his/her tasks? What does your marriage need to thrive?
4. Parent (Relationship with your children): If you have children, consider their physical and spiritual needs and how you are called to care for them. If your kids are old enough, invite them to participate in this brainstorming activity alongside you. How much sleep do they need each day? What basic hygiene tasks do they need to accomplish? What do your children need to do for school or extracurriculars, hobbies and exercise? What do they need to grow in their relationship with God through prayer and the sacraments? When and how can you spend intentional time with your kids?
5. Provider (Relationship with your work, both in and out of the home): Whether you work inside or outside the home, you act as a provider for your family. What are your duties to your home? To your employer and job? What can you do better to keep your home organized? What financial goals are you working toward? How can you be good stewards of what God has given you? While this area is probably the most time consuming, it’s important to note that it lands at the bottom of the list of priorities. When scheduling your tasks for each day, keep your priorities in mind and keep first things first.

‍

Write it Down

Now that you have a full list of your priorities and necessary tasks, you need to set aside time each day to complete them.

Some families thrive on using a block schedule to organize their days, while other families might use their Rule to create a less formal daily to-do list. Do what works best for you.

Be realistic in creating your Rule and setting your schedule. If you plan your prayer time for 6:00am and you have a difficult time getting up until 7:00, you might find yourself failing to maintain this habit.

Don’t create a Rule for your ideal persona, rather create a realistic one that helps you be the best version of yourself.

‍

Be Flexible

Remember that your Rule is there to serve you. It exists to help guide your days, not dictate them. Leave room for spontaneity and growth.

Your Rule of Life will not be a fixed document, but one that changes with you as your season of life changes. Revisit your Rule often and revise as necessary.

‍

After Jesus, Mary was the most important person to ever live.

The Catholic Church has always revered Mary and recognized her importance in the lives of its people. It has even elevated four teachings on Mary to the status of dogma, or a divinely inspired teaching. These four dogmas emphasize Mary’s personal relationship to God and her essential role in Salvation History.

But why were these teachings so important that the Church proclaimed them as Dogmas? While these teachings may seem to focus solely on the identity of Mary, they actually help us understand important truths about the identity of Christ Himself. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “What the Catholic faith believes about Mary is based on what it believes about Christ, and what it teaches about Mary illumines in turn its faith in Christ” (487).

So what are the four Marian Dogmas of the Catholic Church? Let’s take a look. 

‍

‍

Divine Motherhood

The first Marian Dogma identifies Mary as the Mother of God, or Theotokos, a Greek word meaning “God-bearer.”

This title went uncontested for the first centuries of the Church not only because it has scriptural evidence (Luke 1:43) but also because it follows logically from the acknowledgment of Christ’s divinity. Mothers do not give birth to a “nature,” but rather a person; therefore, if Mary is Jesus’ mother and Jesus is God, then Mary is the Mother of God. 

The Council at Ephesus proclaimed this dogma in 431 primarily as a response to the Nestorian heresy that casted doubt on Jesus’ dual natures as both fully God and fully Man. This teaching plays an integral part in christological dogma as it affirms Jesus’s identity through the recognition of his mother. 

Through her Divine Motherhood, Mary lovingly cooperated in the salivic work of her Son. For this reason, the Catechism writes, “she is a mother to us in the order of grace” (968). Not only did she become the Mother of God, but she also became the Mother of the Church and of each one of us.

‍

‍

‍

Perpetual Virginity

The second Marian Dogma states that Mary is “Ever-Virgin.”

Mary’s virginity before the birth of Christ is clearly stated in Scripture (see Luke 1:26-27) and helped to clarify Jesus’ role as the long-awaited Messiah, foreshadowed by the prophet Isiah: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel” (7:14). Having a virgin conceive and bear a child, an ordinarily impossible task, magnifies God’s glory in the Incarnation. 

However, the Church also believes that Mary maintained her virginity even after Christ’s birth.

Catholic biblical scholars believe that Mary had taken a vow of virginity before the Annunciation and advocate that she would have kept this vow even after giving birth to Jesus. Her virginity is seen as more than a physical, bodily reality; it also expresses her interior reality–singularly consecrated to God.

‍

‍

‍

Immaculate Conception

The third dogma recognizes Mary as “without-sin.”

The teaching of the Immaculate Conception often confuses people, including Catholics. While some mistakenly believe this teaching speaks about Jesus’ conception, it actually focuses on Mary’s conception.

The Church believes that Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin even from the moment of her conception in her mother’s womb. The angel Gabriel’s greeting at the Annunciation affirms this belief: “Hail, Full of Grace…” Gabriel calling Mary by this title was not a promise of the future, but a recognition of this unique gift already given. 

It’s not that Mary didn’t need a Savior. In the Magnificat, she clearly states that her “spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” However, unlike the rest of humanity, who received salvation after Christ’s death, Mary received the fruit of redemption by way of anticipation. 

God preemptively gave her the grace merited from Christ’s death and resurrection, in order for Mary to give her fiat–her free and total yes– and take on her role as the Mother of God. 

The dogma of the Immaculate Conception is one of the two times in Church History that the Pope has invoked Papal Infallibility, further emphasizing its importance. 

‍

‍

‍

The Assumption

‍This month, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption and its status as a Holy Day of Obligation should clue us in to its great importance. In fact, this dogma was the only other instance in which a pope has invoked Papal Infallibility.. 

Unlike our departed brothers and sisters, whose bodies and souls separated at the moment of death, the Church teaches that both Mary’s body and soul were brought to heaven at the end of her earthly life. 

The act of God assuming people into heaven does have Scriptural evidence (see: Enoich in Hebrew 11:5 and Elijah in 2 Kings) and the tradition of Mary’s Assumption dates back to the earliest Christians. 

The Church sees this great act of grace as a consequence of Mary’s Divine Motherhood and her Immaculate Conception. If death as we know it resulted from original sin, it makes sense that God would spare Mary, conceived without sin, from this fate. 

However, this dogma also emphasizes an important teaching for the faithful–the resurrection of the body. We can take comfort and find hope in Mary’s Assumption because it foreshadows what God will do for all of the faithful—Body and Soul rejoined in Heaven.

Like in all things, the Blessed Mother points us to her Son. Through knowing her, we can more deeply know Jesus. 

‍We at Pietra Fitness have a great devotion to Mary and her Immaculate Heart. We invite you to join us in following her example as a temple of the Holy Spirit and in doing so, grow closer to Christ. 

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

Now that the warm summertime weather has arrived, let me introduce you to your new best friend: the Smoothie. 

Smoothies are perfect for breakfast, as a post-workout treat, or a healthy snack anytime of day. They are simple to prepare (both on the spot and during your weekly meal preparation time) and always enjoyable. 

With almost endless possibilities, this versatile snack will never get boring. Plus it will help you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies, and keep you cool at the same time. 

Here are seven delicious and nutritious combinations for you to enjoy both from the comfort of your a/c or sitting poolside:

‍

‍

Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

• 2/3 cup plain yogurt or milk of choice
• 1 ripe banana
• 2/3 cup frozen blueberries
• 2 large frozen strawberries
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy, coconut, soy, almond)
• 2 teaspoons protein powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of honey, or to taste

‍

Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie

• 1 cup plain yogurt or milk of choice
• -1/2 lb. strawberries fresh
• -1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• -2 kiwis
• -1.5 cups ice
• -1/4 cup honey

‍

Mixed Berry Smoothie

• 1 ½ cups plain yogurt or milk of choice
• 2 cups mixed berries frozen (your choice of blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry)
• 1 banana 
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoon vanilla protein powder (optional)
• 1 cup spinach optional

‍

Hint of Mint Smoothie

• 1 cup coconut water
• 1½ cup green grapes
• 4½ cup fresh spinach, loosely packed
• 6 fresh mint leaves
• 4 slices pineapple, peeled
• 1½ cup frozen mango chunks

‍

Peach Blueberry Breakfast Smoothie

• 1 peach, pitted and chopped
• ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup milk of choice
• ¼ cup quick oats or granola
• 6-8 ice cubes (omit if using frozen fruit)

‍

Green Pea Citrus Smoothie

• 1 medium-large navel orange, peeled (or another kind of citrus fruit like lemon, lime, or grapefruit)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup frozen green peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup frozen mango, pineapple or banana
• Honey or other sweetener to taste (optional)

‍

Watermelon Smoothie

• 3 cups diced frozen watermelon cubes 
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt 
• 1/2 tablespoon honey 
• ½ cup water or milk of choice, as needed
• ¼ cup packed fresh mint leaves or basil plus an extra spring for garnish (optional)

‍

Additional Add-Ins for your Summer Smoothie

Of course you have almost endless possibilities when it comes to smoothie combinations, plus you can always add a little extra nutrition by tossing in one or more of these ingredients: 

‍

Protein Powder

Cacao nibs

Goji Berries

Nut Butters

Chia seeds

Flax seed

Hemp seeds

Oats

Extra fruits or veggies

‍

‍

On Independence Day, Americans commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence that signals the birth of our country. 

Parades, firework displays, barbecues, and other Fourth of July celebrations span the United States as extravagant signs of our patriotism.

While enjoying hot dogs by the pool and donning stars and stripes has its appeal, Patriotism in its most true and noble form goes much deeper than outward displays of pride.   

In fact, Patriotism, when correctly understood and practiced, can be considered a virtue.

‍

‍

‍The Virtue of Justice

The word Patriotism comes from the Latin word “patria,” which means father. Patriotism is a love for one’s Fatherland as well as love for your fellow children of that land. This love of country occurs naturally in humans. 

As a virtue, Patriotism acts as a particular expression of the Cardinal Virtue of Justice. 

Justice, of course, as defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1807, emphasis added)  “...consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor.”

It continues: “Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good.”

The virtue of Justice spurs people of good will to seek the common good of every person. As Catholics, we know that the common good should always point to Goodness Himself in whose image we were made.  

Piety is one of the sub-virtues of Justice. Piety recognizes God as the giver of life and authority, and that those with rightful authority require our honor and obedience (namely, our parents and our country). 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “Those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God, who has made them stewards of his gifts” (2238).

However, the Catechism also states: “No one can command or establish what is contrary to the dignity of persons and the natural law…Political authorities are obliged to respect the fundamental rights of the human person” (2235, 2237). 

If the authority of the state infringes upon the natural freedoms and rights of its citizens, we do not need to obey in the name of piety. However, if the state upholds our fundamental, God-given rights, we should give our respect and obedience. 

‍

Patriotism vs Nationalism

Unfortunately, many people misunderstand and eschew the idea of Patriotism, confusing it with the unvirtuous ideology of Nationalism. 

While often conflated and used interchangeably, the words “Patriotism” and “Nationalism” have distinct meanings. 

Nationalism is an ideology that considers a person’s nation as superior to all others and supports its own interests even at the exclusion and detriment of other nations and peoples. 

The virtue of Patriotism, on the other hand, does not require blindly following and unconditionally praising the State. Rather, it calls us to reasonable love for one’s country and respect for its leaders while also working toward the changes needed to ensure a truly Just society for all who live there. The duty of citizens “...includes the right, and at times the duty, to voice their just criticisms of that which seems harmful to the dignity of persons and to the good of the community” (CCC 2238). 

Our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, not in any country on earth. 

We cannot look at America like a god, deserving our unceasing worship and praise. But rather as a gift from God that helps and allows us to pursue our ultimate end: Worship of God. 

‍

Ways to Grow in the Virtue of Patriotism

‍

Go to Mass

As citizens of a free country, we have the ability to worship freely, which as Catholics means we can offer ourselves to God at Mass. We should not take this ability for granted, as many people around the world living in true oppression cannot safely and publicly worship. 

So before you indulge in your Independence Day celebrations, take advantage of this gift by attending Mass and thanking God for His generosity. 

‍

Pray for our Country

Speaking of mass, while you’re there, pray sincerely for our country and its leaders–whether you voted for them or not! Yes, really. 

‍

Learn about Catholic Social Teaching

The Church’s doctrine of Catholic Social Teaching focuses on matters of human dignity and the common good. It features seven major themes: Life and Dignity of the Human Person, Call to Family, Community, and Participation, Human Rights and Responsibilities, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers, Solidarity, and Care of God’s Creation. 

This doctrine offers Catholics “wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society.” ¹

‍Taking time to learn about these important topics and to read the documents that outline them will help you know how, as an American, you can love others and work to ensure the Common Good in this country. 

‍

Practice the Works of Mercy

Put Catholic Social Teaching into action by working in the service of your fellow countrymen through Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. For suggestions on ways to practice each of the Corporal Works of Mercy, check out our past blog post here.

‍

Participate in the political life of your country

The Catechism states: “It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom…Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community” (2239).

Start by voting in local and national elections, using Catholic Social Teaching to inform your vote. But you don’t have to stop there!

Contact public officials with your concerns, donate money to a candidate or cause, serve in your local government or on the school board, attend a city council meeting, and/or organize/volunteer with events that benefit those in your community. 

‍

‍