Zephyr Hill

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Surprising Revelations About 5 Beloved Catholic Saints

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Through the ages, the saints of the Church have continued to inspire and fascinate the faithful. And we are always learning new things about them, as discoveries are made over time!

Here are some newer revelations about five beloved Catholic saints:

King Saint Erik of Sweden

The patron of Sweden and beloved by the Swedes, King Erik IX was a tour-de-force in his native country, aiding the spread of Christianity, codifying laws and conquering the marauding Finns. His image is featured on the coat-of-arms of Stockholm. Our son, Erik, is named after this great 12th century king. Nicknamed “Erik the Lawgiver,” legend had it that he was swarmed in battle by his enemies, mocked and then stabbed repeatedly and beheaded. But was it really just the stuff of folklore?

Interestingly, a thorough forensic exam of his remains in 2014 showed the “legends” were based in reality:

  • His neck vertebra had indeed been severed
  • Multiple stab wounds marred his legs
  • There were older skull wounds suffered during his crusade against Finland
  • Isotope analysis uncovered a diet rich in freshwater fish, which King Erik likely ate during the medieval Church’s many fast days.

On April 23, 2014, Erik IX’s reliquary was opened at a ceremony in Uppsala Cathedral.

Saint Erik, pray for us!

Saint Martin de Porres

The Third Order Dominican who served our Lord in 16th century Peru was well known for his humility, love of the poor and sick, and rapport with animals (have you read the mouse story?).

We know that Martin was biracial (Spanish and African) and because of his lower social status he always sought to put himself last. It is said that when his convent was mired in debt and struggling financially, he implored his superiors, “I am only a poor mulatto, sell me!”

In recent years, a facial reconstruction was done, seeking to get a better idea of the “true face” of this saint with a heart of gold. The image at right is the reconstruction based on his physical skull (relic) at the age of 61. At left, you can see a painting that was done of him while he was still living, which now appears to be very accurate!

Saint Juan Macias

Another saint dear to the heart of the Dominicans also hailed from Peru, Saint Juan Macias. He was assistant doorkeeper until his death in 1646; sometimes, more than 200 souls crossed the threshold each day seeking material and spiritual assistance. Miraculously, Juan never lacked for food to give the poor, no matter how hard the times were. Somehow, the supply never ran out and no one went away hungry.

Not surprisingly, he was a very close friend of Martin de Porres!

A facial reconstruction was also undertaken for Saint Juan Macias, and the old print at left isn’t too far from the mark.

Saint Jerome

We all probably have preconceived notions about what the education of children was like prior to our modern age of “progress” and “enlightenment.” We also have images in our minds of stern, austere Church fathers from centuries past, buried among dusty books and scrolls.

That’s why this advice from St. Jerome, given 1,500 years ago, to a mother of a little girl, may comes as a surprise. It is refreshingly balanced and wise. Homeschoolers, take note!

“Let her have an alphabet of little letters made of ivory, so that she may play with them and in this way learn, while amusing herself. When she is a little older, let her try to form each letter in wax with her finger, guided by another’s hand. Then, let her be invited, by prizes and presents suited to her age, to join syllables together. Let her have companions to learn with her, so that she may be spurred on by emulation and by hearing their praises. She is not to be scolded or browbeaten if she is slow….the greatest care must be taken that she does not acquire a hatred of study because such an aversion is very difficult to shake off.” – Letter to Laeta, Saint Jerome, 4th Century A.D.

Saint Rose of Lima

We can’t mention Peruvian saints without talking about Saint Rose of Lima!

In her stories, we learn about the many extremes of her life – she was very austere, very devoted to Our Lord, and also very beautiful. In fact, it is said that to dissuade would-be suitors, Rose cut her hair and smeared her face with pepper to irritate the skin. Taking a vow of virginity, she lived at home, working tirelessly to help her family while also submitting herself to the most extreme penances and mortifications imaginable. At one point, Rose wore a spiked silver crown, with thorns facing inward to pierce her skin.

In 2015, a realistic reconstruction was undertaken by scientists from the University of Saint Martin de Porres in Peru and the Brazilian Anthropological and Dental Legal Forensics Team. Rose died at age 31 when the official portrait by Angelino (at left) was done.

The reconstruction at right shows a lovely young woman with regular features and eyes larger than most traditional renderings. Rose’s lineage was Puerto Rican/Spanish.


If you love to learn about the saints, here are some of my favorite titles from TAN books:Saintly Women of Modern Times – on sale for $5 right now!

Lives of the Saints, For Every Day in the Year

Saints and Sinners of Calvary – a great companion for this year’s Lenten journey!

A Dictionary of Quotes from the Saints – excellent for meditation, or as source material for writers and bloggers!

 

 

10 Small Resolutions You Can Actually Keep + a $100 Giveaway

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If you’ve failed with New Year resolutions in the past because they were unrealistic or overwhelming, here are 10 “small” things you can try in 2024 that will actually end up making a big difference.

#1 Don’t Get Seconds

No need to try a new, expensive or complicated diet. How about not going back for seconds at meals? In a competition with my husband a few years ago, I lost 15 pounds using this method. To ensure success, make sure you enjoy your one and only serving and eat slowly. Later on in the evening, if feeling unsatisfied, you can enjoy a (sugar-free) beverage..

#2 Do One Good Thing for Your Town

One easy way to get started is to simply attend city meetings. You can get your finger on the pulse, meet a few new people, and find out what needs to be done. I’m not talking about big projects, but little things like cleaning up at the park or volunteering at a town event. Here’s another idea: adopt a stray dog or cat and then have it fixed, thereby preventing the cycle of pet overpopulation in your community.

#3 Start a Weekly Family Activity

It’s not hard to set aside some time one day a week for family fun. This is something that everyone can look forward to, like a game night or a hike or dancing to music. Even the simplest things make children so happy. If I sit down for 15 minutes with my first grader and play tic-tac-toe, she’s thrilled! Incorporating this one new habit will bring your family closer and get everyone off screens.

#4 Spiritual Reading

Fill your mind and soul with the good, the true and the beautiful. You can start with the easily attainable goal of 10 minutes each day. The Bible, lives of the saints, Christian classics (Chesterton, Lewis, Belloc, etc.) and even religious poetry are great places to start. Sit in a quiet place and let your children know they shouldn’t disturb you. Later on in the year, you can work up to 15 or 20 minutes. You’ll find that if you do this consistently, your children will start to mimic you, so it’s a good idea to have some religious books for them to read and look at as well.

#5 Save Three a Day

Try to put aside $3 per day into a secure container. You can do this with pocket change and whatever random bills you get in change from that day’s purchases. Some days it might be a little less, or a little more, but aim for $3.00. If you don’t want to fool with cash, try an app like Chime which will do it automatically for you. At the end of 2024, you’ll have about $1095 to spend on Christmas or whatever you like!

#6 Learn a Language

I’ve been on the DuoLingo app for one year and counting. Most language apps take just 3-5 minutes each day and that’s very little investment for a great reward. I know it’s more fun to pick an “exotic” language like Russian or Chinese, but you’ll have a MUCH greater chance of success if you choose one that’s practical and which you can actually use in real life. For example, because I’m able to try out my Spanish skills at the local restaurant, and chat with my Mexican brother-in-law, I’m more likely to want to keep learning.

Besides DuoLingo, there’s also Rosetta Stone. If you don’t want to use a smart phone, the Rosetta Stone CD’s are often available for free at local libraries.

#7 Make Your Home Nicer

Choose one home improvement project each month and work on it together as family. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, and should be weather-appropriate. Some ideas:

  • Mulch around your trees and plants
  • Power wash and scrub outside walls
  • Give your front entrance/porch a quick makover
  • Wipe and/or touch up your baseboards or window trim
  • Install a new set of curtains or blinds

#8 Write a Note

Once a week, write a quick note or postcard and send to a friend, family member or shut-in. You can check the local newspaper for notices of “card showers” for upcoming birthdays in the community.  This act of kindness takes about five minutes and the price of one stamp but will make you and someone else feel much better.

#9 Learn a New Skill

Again, I’m not talking about anything different. You could watch a YouTube video about how trim boy’s hair, change the oil in your car, or bake yeast rolls. Have you ever tried to make jelly? It’s not hard at all and you can use store bought juice. It makes a great homemade gift!

Here’s a good question to ask yourself: What is something that you frequently have to pay others to do that wouldn’t be too hard for you to do yourself? THIS is a skill worth learning, and as a bonus it will save you money.

Americans use to be a lot more self-reliant and this was a real source of pride. You’ll never enjoy this wonderful feeling of accomplishment until you learn to do something on your own.

#10 A New Night Routine

Before you go to bed, don’t pull out your phone. Instead, enjoy a book, or a conversation with your spouse or just meditate and pray. This simple change in the last 15-20 minutes of your day will help you to relax your mind and sleep better.

And now a giveaway!

Use the entry form below to enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card or Paypal cash – your choice!

Giveaway is open to US & CAN. To enter head below! Giveaway is open to US &CAN and ends on 01/21/24 at 11:59pmEST. Good luck!

 

Disclosure: All opinions are 100% mine. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network.All opinions and experiences are Conservamom‘s. Open to US or Can residents only , must be 18+. The confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted through email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product fulfillment to winner(s) of the giveaway. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to see your product featured in an Event you can contact Elia mome@conservamome.com

Sr. Mary Wilhelmina: “To Be Black is Nothing.”

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Newly published by TAN, The Life of Sr. Mary Wilhelmina
tells the story of the indomitable founder of the traditional Benedictine Sisters of Mary,
whose body was found apparently incorrupt in May of 2023.

The First Call

An early vocation at the age of 17, Mary Elizabeth Lancaster was a descendant of black slaves from Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Faced with very few choices in terms of religious life due to her skin color, she joined the Oblate Sisters of Providence, a black order, in 1941. She spent nearly fifty years in the order as a schoolteacher, comically referring to them as “a kaleidoscope of good days and bad days that I was constantly praying to be delivered from.”

The Second Call

Incredibly, at the age of seventy, this spunky sister packed her bags and set off to found a new order in 1995. Distressed by the loosening of standards, social upheaval in the Church and what she viewed as “misrepresentation of the documents of Vatican II,” Sister Wilhelmina began the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, with the help of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter.

She had written to the Fraternity a year earlier: “Although I have been professed fifty years as an Oblate Sister of Providence, I am ready to begin anew serving Mother Church…”

For the Benedictines of Mary, Mass would be the center of their spirituality. The nuns attend daily Mass in Latin (i.e. the Extraordinary Form) in accord with Pope Benedict’s Summorum Pontificum. There is also a special reverence for the holy priesthood, and daily chanting of the Divine Office, which is the official prayer of the Church.

Words of Faith

One of this book’s shining merits is Sister Mary Wilhelmina’s poetry throughout. As I read through the lines, aspects of her personality and charism made themselves manifest. Her deep love for God:

For He is All and we are naught
Him only we adore.
No greater good can e’er be sought;
Let’s love Him more and more!

Her humor, when admonished to eat to keep strength up as her health declined:

For love of God, I eat this snack,
Although I’m old and dumb and black.

Her faith and optimism:

I never tired of loving God
Although I’m surely dying;
Now that I’m nearly under sod
It’s home to heav’n I’m flying.

In her journals, tenacity shines through:

Perseverance in faith, hope and charity is important, and we must pray continually,
asking for the salvation that Christ has won for us. Never, on this side of the grave,
can we relax and say “I need not fight any more.”

Faith and the Color of Your Skin

Sister was well aware of the racial tensions in society, but viewed it all through a spiritual lens as a free daughter of God.

Paying a visit to her old order 2003 was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching for Sister Wilhelmina. Staunchly opposed to what she saw as an inordinate focus on race and racial politics in the church and in society, she was uncowed when a fellow oblate declared, “You’re Black first and Catholic second.” Sister’s decisive reply echoed what she had already told the Pope: “To be black is nothing. To be Catholic is everything!”

And she asked this very insightful question about their priorities: “What are Oblates witnessing? Is it wonderful blackness? Or the wonders of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, True God and True Man Who said, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” Oblates like to sing “We’ve come this far by faith.” This faith is in whom? And in what?”

Like many well-meaning “causes” in this vale of tears, racial politics can become an idol to replace God.

And when skin color turns into an obsession, it can “get ugly” (to use a Southern expression), blurring our perception not just of self, but of our brothers and sisters. When race is our primary means of identifying as a child of God, it can be a hindrance to true humility and holiness. My personal experience of being a minority of literally one throughout my school years in Mississippi bears this out.

As Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection once wrote “Adoring God in truth means recognizing Him for what He is and recognizing ourselves for what we are.”

As a very learned woman, Sister knew well the struggles and oppression of many races and peoples over the centuries, but she knew that the answer was not a cultural revolution which sought to overthrow the moral order: “Is there no other freedom for the Black man than the freedom which the devil offers? Freedom without God; freedom without integral family life; freedom without private ownership of property; freedom without freedom!”

Freedom to Serve

Sister found her freedom in loving God and serving him in Missouri with the traditional order she founded. God has rewarded these faithful sisters, increasing their number, elevating their priory into an abbey, and bringing about the creation of a sister house in Ava, Missouri. Although Sister Wilhelmina passed away in 2019, her faith and devotion and many writings continue to sustain the community as it continues its mission on Earth.

Among God’s many favors, the divine intervention that probably turned the most heads was the discovery of Sister Wilhelmina’s apparently incorrupt body in May of 2023, four years after burial, when it was exhumed for reinterment due to water damage. Jack Klein, owner of Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Gower and issuer of her death certificate, confirmed Sister had not been embalmed and was contained only in a wooden coffin.

And her fellow sisters couldn’t help but further notice that the habit (i.e. the clothing worn by a religious) was in near-perfect condition. Sticking with the traditional black habit her whole life was very dear to Sister’s heart, even thought it put her at odds with progressives, and the Benedictines of Mary suppose that God preserved it as a reward for her faithfulness. The current Mother Abbess Cecelia said, “We think she is the first African American woman to be found incorrupt.”

My family has visited the Benedictines of Mary several times over the years; our plan is to visit again in 2024 to see the new burial site. Sister Wilhelmina’s body is now installed in a glass box in the abbey church. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the country have visited since May of 2023!

You can learn more about the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles here, and purchase this wonderful biography from TAN at 15% off when you sign up for their newsletter. Besides poetry, Sister Wilhelmina was very musical and that tradition lives on as her sisters have produced many beautiful CD’s (four have topped the Billboard Classical chart)!

Washing Tips: How to Keep Your Socks White

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Who doesn’t love a nice new pair of soft white socks? It’s too bad that they get dingy so quickly! White socks, especially athletic socks, can be the hardest garments to keep looking nice. Here are some quick tips for restoring them (close to) to their former glory.

Bleaching:

If you want to be more cautious, color-safe bleach is specially formulated to be gentler on fabrics while still providing the whitening power of traditional bleach. Just follow the instructions on the bottle.

If you’re fine with bleaching, the trick is to pre-soak socks in 1 gallon of water with 1/4 cup of bleach. Then launder as usual with warm or hot water.

Pre-Treat:

Doing a little bit of prep work will maximize the end results. Here’s how to treat different kinds of stains on socks.

  • For grass, spray on a stain remover and let it sit for a while before washing.
  • For mud and dirt, first hand wash in the sink with cool water and a little bit of detergent. Then, launder as usual.
  • For blood stains, rinse in cool water as soon as possible first rinse the worst of it off in the sink using warm water. Next, scrub the stain with a bar of soap and rinse again. Launder as usual, adding either bleach or color-safe bleach.

Washing Techniques:

Look for detergents specifically formulated for white clothing, as they contain brightening agents that help remove stains and maintain the whiteness of your socks. These detergents are designed to penetrate deep into the fabric, lifting dirt and grime from the fibers.

But what exactly makes these detergents so effective? The brightening agents work by reflecting light, which helps to mask any discoloration or yellowing that may have occurred over time. Additionally, they contain enzymes that break down protein-based stains, such as sweat or food, making them easier to remove.

Line Dry:

Take advantage of the brightening power of sun by hanging your socks on the line to dry. You don’t have to do this with every load, of course, because it’s more time-consuming. Just try it every once in a while to fade old stains.

For more tips on sock care, and everything else you ever wanted to know about socks. check out The Thread blog! From the history of socks to the latest fashion trends, they’ve got it all covered.

Making Plans for a Frugal yet Joyous Christmas

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It can be difficult to rein in spending at Christmas time because it’s a beautiful and joyous season, and the urge to celebrate God’s gift to the world with gifts and gatherings for friends and loved ones is natural. But it can all add up quickly, and if you figure in extras like food and entertaining and gift wrap and decorations, it’s not surprising that many families are stunned when they do the math and realize just how much they spent!

Start your Advent by contemplating the utter poverty and humility of the Child Jesus at Christmas.

He was humbled in the womb of the Virgin,
needy in the manger of the sheep,
and homeless on the wood of the Cross.
Nothing so humbles the proud sinner
as the humility of Jesus Christ’s humanity.”
St. Anthony of Padua

This frame of mind helps to keep your priorities straight when it comes to spending. And here are four simple ways to be more prudent about it.

Frugal Gifts

  • Set your Christmas budget early, ideally 3-6 months before the holiday comes.
  • Make a list and stick to it, thereby cutting down on impulse purchases. For the past few years, we’ve stuck to a plan of buying one “main” gift for each child and then a second small one.
  • Let go of guilt and pressure. Don’t buy according to what people “expect,” because that is completely antithetical to the whole idea of what a gift is all about. Don’t judge by what other people buy or spend on their families.
  • If you’ve stuck to your list and your budget, then you’re done. Don’t give in to all the sales advertised before Christmas. Sit back and enjoy the rest of the season with one big thing crossed off your list!
  • Homemade gifts are within anyone’s reach. Being Martha Stewart is not a pre-requisite! It could be as simple as a jar of cocoa mix with a bow tied around it, or a pretty basket full of assorted tea bags and a jar of honey.

Frugal Gatherings

Here are a few ways to make your parties and gatherings more budget-friendly.

  • Schedule at a time when a meal need not be served. Save by offering just drinks, or maybe a few light snacks.
  • Choose the pot luck option when appropriate.
  • Decorate in a frugal but festive way with fresh greens, red ribbon, holly sprigs and candles. You can always find dirt cheap decorations at thrift stores and yard sales.
  • Shift the focus from food to fun. The highlight of the evening could be a rousing game of Pit or Wits & Wagers rather than a 5-star buffet. Food is fleeting but memories are forever!
  • If serving alcohol, mix up punch. Offer also either red or white wine. If your friends are more into beer, invite them to bring their favorite 6-pack.
  • Gather with friends or family and do a free or inexpensive craft project together.

Frugal Pleasures

Remember that Christmas is a season, not just one day. And these activities don’t cost a lot; most are free.

  • Baking cookies
  • Watching a Christmas movie
  • Ice skating
  • Driving around to look at lights and decorations (tune your radio to the Christmas stations or bring along your playlist)
  • Playing board games and party games
  • Reading books out loud
  • Attending a live Nativity
  • Attending a local choral performance
  • Window shopping
  • Making paper dolls
  • Attending Christmas events at the local library, mall, etc.
  • Creating a gingerbread house

Frugal Food

It is with much embarrassment that I have to admit food has been one of our biggest expenditures at Christmas time. ‘Tis the season to indulge in many seasonal and long-awaited treats! But here are some things we are going to try this year.

  • Enjoy a simple Christmas dinner. Instead of making a traditional meal with pork or beef, we will have a brunch after gifts are opened. Breakfast is much cheaper than dinner!
  • Do a pantry inventory during Advent and start planning some cheap meals like soups, casseroles and stir-fry’s. This will save money and cut down on grocery shopping during the busy season.
  • Don’t make shopping trips when you’re hungry! Eat before leaving home.
  • Use online ordering and pick-up to avoid impulse buys.

While you’re at it, this is a really good time to survey your financial outlet. Make a plan to get credit card debt down and resolve not to spend money you don’t have this Christmas.

That’s a Wrap

Celebrating a more frugal Christmas should not make you feel like an Ebenezer Scrooge. After all, it was Mother Theresa who said:

“My prayer for you is that when Christ comes to you in Christmas,
He may find in you a warm home, warm love like that of a heart full of love,
like that of a simple shepherd who was the first one chosen to see Christ.”

That kind of love is something money can’t buy!

 

 

 

 

 

This post is made possible by a partnership with Intellifluence.