{Details on the giveaway at the end of the post.} THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.
Better to light a candle — or light a bonfire! — than curse the darkness.
I am uncharacteristically giving you a full week to prepare for something that will be wonderful. It's a little complicated, but wonderful.
Next Wednesday is a high holy day (a solemnity). But it's a day that has slipped out of memory, and I'd like to propose to you that we all do something to rescue it — for the sake of this world of ours, and to give glory to God in his amazingly detailed plan of salvation.
I'm going to propose that you have a bonfire. Or something as close to one as you can manage, if it's cold, or too drought-ridden, or what have you, where you are.
So you know that the Supreme Court is going to be handing down a decision on the fate of marriage in this country by the end of the month, most likely. It's a cause for real prayer, fasting, and repentance. Yes, repentance — because the poor souls who want to undermine the proper arrangement of things are merely taking to the logical conclusion attitudes, actions, and laws that supposedly moral people have lived with for a long time. Attitudes like approving of cohabitation and blinking at pornography; actions like separating the marital act from its haven, the marriage bond; laws allowing killing the child in the womb and accepting that a marriage can be broken without recourse — in short, doing away with all those walls that seemed so confining but really, kept the people together and protected the weak.
What did we think was going to happen?
We need to ask forgiveness. We need to help our leaders in the Church see that it's their duty to be sorrowful for bringing all this about, or at least cooperating out of a false sense of charity.
Dear reader Sarah called my attention to the fact that next week has two feasts that are quite significant and germane to this very issue: the feast of Saints Thomas More and John Fisher on the 22nd, and the great Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist on the 24th.
I find this very significant.
We need to get ready.
Read this marvelous essay by Fr. James Schall on “A small Point of Doctrine.” In it he explains that yes, More (and Fisher) resisted to the death for something that hardly seems worth it, it's so small a point — but it is worth it.
“We sometimes think that it might be nobler to die upholding the truth of the Incarnation than in upholding, say, chastity, as Maria Goretti did. But the truth is that Catholic teaching is a whole; the denial of any one of its teachings, when logically stretched out, undermines the whole order. And someone will always be found to stretch it out. Not only is this teaching of the coherence of the whole true on the revelational side of Catholicism’s content, it is also an integral whole on its philosophical side. Both reason and revelation belong together in one coherent whole. Indeed, we can say that if even one central doctrine, taught or understood as infallible, is, in fact, clearly untrue, the whole edifice falls. Belief would be no longer feasible.”
“More was a scholar who saw the intimate connection between mind and reality. He saw that the function of the Successor to Peter is to uphold clearly, wisely, and compassionately, the truths handed down to be explained and affirmed in every age. He saw that he must “witness” to this “abstract truth,” even if he must stand alone, and lonely, in an obscure cell to do so. Had his “witness” not been so firm, Henry might well have laid claim to rule, not only the city, but the mind.”
John the Baptist is a most opportune saint to remind us of the beauty of the intimate sisterhood of women (the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth) and the sacredness of the child in the womb (“For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy”).
It helps us ponder the Incarnation and indeed the nuptial meaning of the human body.
His birth is celebrated at a time that has been called “Summer Christmas” — for June 24th is 6 months before December 24th (remembering that Jesus was born at the deepest night), and just after the summer solstice, as Christmas is just after the winter one.
You see how God shows us the meaning of “I must decrease, He must increase.” In this way, Christianity takes the workings of the cosmos for her own, rescuing them from the grip of the pagans, who only understand one aspect of how the universe is made and can't help perverting it.
Traditionally, Catholics have a bonfire on the vigil of this feast, the night of the 23rd. There are many lovely customs associated with the celebration. One is to throw any palms leftover from Holy week right in the fire. I plan to do that, for sure.
You can read about this feast on Catholic Culture: the bonfire post is taken from this very book by Mary Reed Newland, the writer who most impressed upon me as a young mother the need to stay close to the liturgical year of the Church. I know you will love her!
How adorable is this old copy of mine?
Sophia Press has re-issued her book, and I'm giving away a copy — it makes a great companion to our book, The Little Oratory. In fact, in our book we didn't go to great lengths to include every liturgical celebration in detail, simply because we knew there is Newland's book for you to consult.
My suggestion today is that you plan ahead to next week, as I will do. Learn about Thomas More: Read Thomas More: A Portrait in Courage, an inspiring biography that can be shared with the family, and watch the great movie A Man for All Seasons (quotable and definitely the Chief's favorite movie ever!). Consult Catholic Culture for some ideas for your celebration. (The image of St. Thomas More on my kitchen corner cupboard is painted by David Clayton. Contact him at his site to find out how to get one.)
Maybe make the 23rd a day of penance and prayer, or this coming Friday. Really pray for our lawmakers, judges, and executives. Let's decide to give up something that day for the sake of our country and our freedom.
Then, on the evening of the 23rd, the vigil, have a great bonfire! Invite your friends and neighbors! Let the penance cease! Let's ask John the Baptist to show us the way to living in love and justice.
This is how we transform the world!
{You will notice the cover is different from my “new” one — and you might be familiar with some of the photos!}
To have a chance to win a copy of The Year and Our Children by Mary Reed Newland, leave a comment below. If you share this post on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest, leave another.
We'll announce the winner on Friday!
Charla says
Somehow I have missed mention of this book before…I need it!
What a wonderful idea…we will plan to participate!
Sarah says
What a great Catholic tradition! Our family will be lighting up our little fire pit that night and praying for our country.
Jeanne says
Looks like a great book – I definitely need a copy!
Mary Lou says
This book is wonderful Leila! I would love to enter the chance to give one to our grown children ~ and we’ll be with you in spirit and bon-fire too. Our son John was born on the feast of St. John and named after St. John the apostle (and his Dad which meant we had to give him a second name to keep the two straight, thus John Karl after Karl Leisner!). So we have every reason to fast ‘n feast!!
Kristina says
We will be praying for the same intentions as you have mentioned.
Lord Have Mercy!
Both of these books have been on my “list.”
Thank you! Blessings, Kristina
Beth says
I have a great love for St. John the Baptist, the Holy Forerunner. Thank you for the suggestion for fasting an praying, those often slip my mind in day to day life.
Julie says
Thank you for the reminders to pray. What a thoughtful giveaway. As always a great post.
Beth says
I also tweeted this post.
Cassandra Brungardt says
Pray without ceasing. There is always so much to pray for!
Isabelle says
I would love to win, but I live in the UK, so ignore me as appropriate!
When I was growing up in France the Feu de la Saint-Jean (Bonfire of St John) was one of the highlights of the year. No presents or anything, just a BIG fire in front of the parish church. We would make a circle around it and dance around. It was pretty awesome. I wish I had more than a postage-stamp garden…
Leila says
Isabelle and any foreign readers, if you win we will send you the Kindle edition!
Ellie Fitzpatrick says
Looks like we will be having some bbq next week! Such a great idea.
Toni Graham says
I would love a copy of the book!
Also, this June 23 is my 25th anniversary, and June 25 is my birthday!
My husband, Greg, and I already have _The Little Oratory_, and we would love to have this “companion” book. We are soon to move to a new home, and look forward to setting up a “little oratory” there.
Sarah says
Thanks for this reminder to live more on these feast days and make them efficacious!!- linking them to what is presently at risk and playing out in our society. I love the idea of a bonfire for the vigil of the feast of St John the Baptist! Thank you Leila!
Kayla says
Starting my life over as a converted catholic and this blog has been great for so much. I really like the bonfire idea. Being new in the faith, I enjoy seeing other catholic family’s traditions. 🙂
Greg Graham says
I am Toni’s husband. I am also interested in your new book.
Paul says
I n Ann Arbor, we will be gathering with 50+ friends for a Mass and bonfire blessing, that evening.
Any members of the local St. Greg’s Pocket would be most welcome.
Teresa says
I’d like to win!
Teresa says
And I shared on Facebook.
Kris S. says
We are in the beginning stages of starting our family, so would love to win this book!
Kris S. says
And I shared on Twitter.
Taryn B says
We’re Anglicans who are exploring the Catholic faith. I’d love this book!
Joanne B. says
Well, I know the kids will love a reason to have a bonfire! Thanks for the beautiful explanation.
Annie says
What great ideas! I have the Little Oratory and would love the other book as well.
Thank you for the chance to win!
Christine P says
I’d love a copy!
Claudia says
How lovely it would be to win this! I have a beautiful family to share it with. I am grandmother to 5 little boys, under age 10, and now have a granddaughter, too. Much to be thankful for!
Heather says
Thanks for the heads up on the feasts. So helpful to have enough notice to plan accordingly. We love bonfires and have them several times a year, but it will be wonderful to have it infused with more meaning and significance.
Eva says
I would love to have this book.
Mimi says
Thank you for this and for the giveaway. We can always use more help in discovering ways to celebrate the liturgical year!
Teri says
I would love this for my family!!
Calee says
I’ve always wanted to host a bonfire to properly discard palm crosses, leftover blessed eggs and the other bits of blessed things we always acquire during Orthodox holy week. I’m thrilled to see there is actual precedent!
Chloe says
Both these books are so special! I would love to be considered. Thank you for your generous offer.
Layla says
This book has been on my list for ages. Thanks for the opportunity!
Nicole says
we love the Little Orotory! This book looks great as well!
Margaret says
Sounds like a wonderful read!
Sasha says
We’ll be bonfiring next Wednesday!
Sasha says
Sharing on Facebook… Sarah Walter Kotlinski
Caitlin says
How so I not have this book already!?! It looks amazing!
Catalina Boada says
I would love a copy. Thank you!
Sarah says
I would love to win this book! Practical ways to live our faith out with the feasts…I am in!!
Becky Hensler says
I found you via Dwija, and I’m so glad I did. This is a wonderful idea!
Kate says
That book looks lik a wonderful way to incorporate more of the feast days into daily life! I’d love a copy 🙂
Megan says
Wonderful post and a great call to action! Would love to have this book to start working on establishing traditions for my family!
Laura says
I’d love to win!
Pam says
I’d love to have this book for great ideas to use with our family. We’ll be fasting on Friday, too.
Leslie says
I’d love to have a copy of this book! We’d definitely put it to good use here.
Laura Omvig says
I would love to have this book and what a great way to be a holy family.
In Christ,
Laura
Kim A says
Looks like a good day to burn that brushpile down by the pond! Away evil spirits!!
Trista says
Shared this on Twitter! Thanks for bringing my attention to these great feasts.
Renee says
My French-Canadian mom has always told us of the traditional bonfires in Quebec for the feast of St. John the Baptist. Thank you for this opportunity!
Jenny says
I’d love a copy. I have never heard of it, but it looks like it would be a great complement to The Little Oratory.
Maureen says
Looks like a great resource! Would love to win!
Tabitha says
I would love this book!
Maureen says
Pinned to Pinterest!
Michele says
What a wonderful giveaway!
Marie says
The books looks lovely! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. The bonfire idea is awesome. My husband loves any excuse to have a bonfire.
Mary McGuinness says
What a wonderful book! I’d love to have a copy. Thank you for today’s post and the reminders it contains.
Natalie says
I would absolutely love a copy of this book!!!!
Kristina B says
That book sounds awesome! And whether or not I’m able to have a bonfire (with our 115 degree heat over here, and my super tiny yard), I’ll definitely be praying. I’ve been praying over those issues for a while now anyway as my brother has been struggling with them on a personal level and the urgency of it in his life has escalated recently as well. I hadn’t thought of asking Elizabeth and John the Baptist to join my in those prayers, though – I really like what you drew out of his story.
Valerie says
This book looks like it would be a wonderful addition to our home library. I will most likely be buying it for our family if I don’t win it.
Melanie says
I would love to delve into these books! We’re considering having a little bonfire with friends next Tuesday. Thanks for the inspiration!
KaraL says
Love the idea of a bonfire for St Jihn the Baptist. That’s definitely a tradition my kiddos will love.
Melanie says
Pinned on Pintrest!
Melanie says
Pinned on Pintrest!
Kate says
I would love to win a copy of this book!
Kelsey says
What a blessing this would be to our family! We will definitely be having a bonfire!
Ina K says
I would love a copy of this! As a new Catholic, I appreciate any advice and help with raising a Catholic family. <3
Ina K says
Shared on Facebook!
Dixie says
My heavens, I would love to have this book. We will make sure to mark the feasts next week!
Tamara says
We are getting ready to move and I was just thinking I need to burn the old palms! How much better to do it for such a solemnity! Thanks for the encouragement, the call to prayer and fasting, and the giveaway too.
Tamara says
Shared on Facebook
Mary says
Thank you for speaking up for truth!
Hilary says
this looks like a great resource! Thanks for the chance to win.
carolyn says
I’d love the book. I’m taking the summer to reorganize and prioritize things around here. And with myself.. that book would really be something that would help! Worth a try!
Brandi Tejeda says
Oh, I would love this book! Going on my list of books to buy! 🙂 unless I win, of course.
Rakhi McCormick says
What a great tradition!!
Mary says
Count us in!
Liz says
The book looks amazing! Thank you for the chance to win!
Lori Richmond says
OHH! I have wanted a copy of this book forever but I couldn’t get my hands on a used copy! I am so happy to see it in re-print!
Robynn says
A bonfire sounds terrific. We will also be making the 23 a day of penance and prayer.
Rebekka says
I live in Denmark and the entire country is covered in bonfires on “the eve of St Hans” (Johannes=John). And they are all Lutherans. But it’s great fun.
Deborah Johnson says
Love this! Shared on Facebook, & Pinterest – don’t understand Instagram though!
Cassie W says
I just bought this book last week. I would love to win a copy to donate to our church library though!
Adele says
We are having our bonfire on Sunday as we can’t convince people to visit us during the week (we live in the boonies). So a very timely post. The book sounds truly lovely as well.
Jennyann1126 says
As always thank you for the inspiration and kick in the pants when we need it! 🙂
Katie says
Would love this book for our family!
Amber Haake says
Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration and the great giveaway opportunity!
Sarah @ Two Os + More says
I would love to add this book to our liturgical living bookshelf !
Sarah @ Two Os + More says
I would love to add this book to our liturgical living bookshelf !
Amy says
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. This book looks like a great companion volume to A Continual Feast by Evelyn Vitz.
Julianne says
what a great exhortation! I’ve been looking to do more with our kids. Thanks for the instructive advice!
Melody says
I sure do love your blog. Unusual depth and always something to delight as well. Thanks for the giveaway!
Elizabeth says
I’ve been meaning to get this book!
Jacki Weishaar says
Our bonfire will probably have to be candles this year 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win. I’ve heard such great things about this book.
Marcia Roe says
Love these ideas!
Marcia Roe says
Pinned on Pinterest under Domestic Church!
Betsy M says
Love this idea. We have been having bonfires with our friends from church and this is a great excuse to have another one! This book has been on my wish list. Thanks for the chance to win.
Anna says
consider me entered! This looks great 🙂
Julia Mooney says
This was a lovely post. My parents have been looking for an excuse to use their fire pit and this might be the occasion! I’d love a copy of the book.
Mary Keane says
John the Baptist was imprisoned defending marriage, as well! Wonderful idea and thanks for the reminder about the feast days coming up. It’s so easy to forget them when I can’t get to daily Mass very often. Since it’s “summer Christmas,” maybe we could make gingerbread boys and bite off their heads!
Thanks for the giveaway, too. I have The Little Oratory and love it.
Patty G says
What a treasure! I’d love to win this book!
Jen Arch says
love this idea! I was just thinking about how we need to celebrate the solemnities more and the 24th is also my mother’s birthday incidentally. thanks for the encouragement for prayer and fasting too.
Rebecca says
As always, great giveaway, and wonderful ideas for participating/celebrating the Liturgical year!
Maria says
Any excuse for a fire! But this is a really good reason to have one. Than you.
Maria says
Just shared to FB! Glad to see that book in print again.
Christy says
The encouragement and practical suggestions found in this post are the the hallmarks of LMLD! Thank you so much for your blog. I would love to win this book!
Kristi says
Thanks for this beautiful post — one of our children is named John so this feast will be (even more) special in our family next week. I would love to win a copy of that book, I remember your discussion of it in The Little Oratory and it sounds great!
Heather says
I would love to win a copy of this book. Of course, I’ll just have to buy it if I don’t. 🙂
AnnieB says
Thanks for bringing this book to our attention! I’d love s copy!
Rachel says
What a lovely book!
Mary Eileen says
June 23rd is our wedding anniversary; this could be a great custom in the making..!
I’d love a copy too.
Laurel says
I don’t know how I missed this before now! Would love to win a copy!
Laura S. says
Thanks for the giveaway — I would be interested to read.
Angela says
Would love to add this book to my library!
Lina says
If the draw is open to Canadians, I’d love to win this book!
Kathia says
Oooh I’d love that book! Sharing this post on FB too. 🙂
Robin says
I think I will buy this book…but winning it would be more fun! Thanks for the early reminder and I’m definitely going to be lobbying for a bonfire. John the Baptist is one of our patrons!
Macrina says
What a blessing to win this book
Anne-Marie Cummings says
Thank you for the chance to win this timely book. I wasn’t raised with these traditions and yet in raising my children I see the need to bring the Faith alive by enjoying its richness. It is never-the-less difficult without communities to encourage these traditions but we must keep them going in our homes.
Amy says
I love her other book! I have been wanting this one as well!
Thank you for keeping us busy mamas updated on the “important” news and heads up on next week!
Christine says
Thank you for the message and the giveaway!
Brittany says
Love to win!
Megan Koren says
I’d love to win this book — it’s been on my wishlist for some time. 🙂
Elizabeth says
Thank you for the inspiration to celebrate this solemnity. Two years ago on that day, I lost a baby to miscarriage. The readings for the day spoke to my heart and they give me comfort each year. I look forward to celebrating this special day yet again. God bless you, Leila.
Sarah R says
Would love a copy of this book for my large family 🙂
Theresa says
I’d love this book to help me better inspire my children to learn the Catholic faith.
Theresa says
I tweeted! @searchofsimpler
Helena says
Thanks for sharing about this book. Penance and bonfire planned, and I’ll buy the book if I don’t win it!
Dyan Schisler says
This would be great!
Anne Marie M says
Love the book! Just shared on Facebook. I’ve got kids who need their own copies 🙂
Regina says
The book that you recommended is written by a professor of mine from the University of Dallas! My father LOVES A Man for all Seasons, I remember watching it as a girl and the impression it made on me. Thank you for the reminder of both, I’ll show it to my girls this week
Grace says
Thank you for the reminders–about the solemnity next week, and the upcoming Supreme Court decision. We love living the Liturgical Year, and would really enjoy the book.
Donna says
Thank you for this lovely informative post and book introduction. Perfection!
Emily says
About two weeks ago, a Protestant friend asked for suggested resources on living the liturgical year in her home and with her small children. My two book recommendations were….The Little Oratory–which I have and love—and The Year and Our Children–which I have not yet read, but have heard such wonderful things about. I’d like to claim to be so unselfish as to send my friend the book, should I win, but I fully admit I would keep it for my own!
Nicole says
This book sounds wonderful! Thank you for the giveaway, and we are now planning a bonfire for the 23rd. I had not heard of this tradition!
Vaughn says
Just ordered The Little Oratory…but could pass it on to someone else when it arrives!
Dianna says
I’ve heard such wonderful things about this book and would love a copy.
Dianna says
Repinned on Pinterest!
A.R. Danziger says
We live in a city and are going camping on the 25th so our bonfire will have to be delayed, but thanks so much for the reminder to pray and do penance!
Donna L. says
Thank you for the chance to win this!
I think we will start readying the bonfire spot down below….
What an amazing idea!
Monica k says
Thank you for the reminder! Right now we are too dry for a bonfire but I’ll be looking for worthy substitutes
Sarah C. says
These both sound like great resources for living the liturgical year! Now if I could only get my act together (and finish purging) so our home is reasonably clean, then I could start to incorporate more of these types of activities into our home!
Monica k says
Shared on Facebook too!
Kate says
I would love this book! There is very little to no Catholic culture where I live. Just a handful of families dotted across the country who are so encouraged by blogs and books like these! I am South African so it would have to be a Kindle version. Ihave a Kindle version of Little Oratory and need to add a hard copy of both books to our library but for now, Kindle will do!
Gina says
Thank you for the post and the lovely reminder to celebrate the church year and to pray for our country. Blessings to you and your family.
Gina says
Shared on fb
Lora says
I’ve just recently come across this book and it’s on my wishlist!
Amanda says
Looks like a great resource!
Mary Ann says
Yes for bonfires! We have a firepit that we inherited from the former owner of our house–great way to make use of it and properly dispose of the hundreds of palm branches my children brought home on Palm Sunday! Thank you!
julie says
looks like a lovely book. thanks for the chance to win it.
Ann says
Would love to have a bonfire and this book!
Rose says
Jesus, have Mercy on us and on the whole world!
Patty G says
I’m happy to share this post on pinterest. Every family should have this book!
Beth T. says
Joanna Bogle has a lovely section on midsummer and St. John the Baptist’s birthday in her books on the liturgical seasons. It’s because of his birthday that Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream has a donkey in it.
Therese says
We have been praying every night with our children for weeks for our country. We will continue to pray and will plan to fast as well as some prayers are answered only with fasting, as Christ says. This book seems like a real treasure! I’m always on the lookout for great traditions to enrich our liturgical life in the home. It makes the faith so tangible to our little ones. The traditions my family practiced when I was little make up some of my favorite memories, and I realize, these very memories are an integral part of why I practice and share my faith today.
Maura says
Definitely have to add this to my library as a companion to the Little Oratory!
Kara says
Looks like such a great book. I can’t wait to start raising my son in my newfound faith. At 8 months old, he already sits on my lap for morning prayers. This book would be amazing for teaching him and any other future children :).
Kara says
Shared this post on Facebook!
Melissa says
I’d love a copy to inspire and engage my family!
Mary B says
This book looks wonderful !! i would love to add it to my shelves and even more so incorporate the activities in our Family life
mary
Kelly says
Would love to renew our celebration of the Liturgical year as a family.
Mrs. B. says
My husband is all fired up about this, ah ah, what a cheap pun 😉 It may be just a grill fire, though – I have no idea how to build a real bonfire, and I’m not even sure we’re allowed to have one where we live….
I have read How to Raise Good Catholic Children, and found it very good – I remember using the chapter about Baptism to prepare our older kids for the baptism of our youngest: beautiful, and the adults learned a lot, too! I am just disappointed that Sophia Press decided to edit the parts of the book concerning the old Mass: Leila, do you know if The Year and Our Children has been edited as well? Yes, I should ask SIP directly! Anyway, I’d love to win a copy, thank you for this chance!
Elizabeth says
I would absolutely love to win this!
Anna says
I would love a copy of this book. And I do recognize some of the cover pictures. Beautiful.
Anna says
And I shared on facebook.
Sara says
Tried to have a bonfire for Pentecost but it fell through… Glad I’ll have another chance next week! Thank you for the heads up.
Clara says
I love this plan!! We bought a fire pit for my husband last month, so we are set for a bonfire (of sorts)! I will even invite our parish priest over for the bonfire.
I would love to win this book. I remember you mentioning it before. (Longtime reader, infrequent commenter.) It sounds wonderful.
Clara says
I also tweeted about this. 🙂
Beth says
Thanks for the reminder about the bonfire. We might have smores to celebrate but will probably pass on the given the heat and fires already burning in FL right now. Please enter me into the drawing for the book because I am always looking for books to add to my library in building up my domestic church.
Enjoy the beautiful summer,
Beth
mary says
Thanks for offering this wonderful book as a giveaway!
Cecilia says
So, the first thing I thought about when I read the word “bonfire” was “s’mores” and then I proceeded, in that split second in my mind, how to justify incorporating eating s’mores at a liturgical bonfire feast… Anyway, now I’m hungry again.
Thanks for the giveaway! I’ve been rereading your book because our little oratory is need of some sprucing up. Perhaps a new book would provide inspiration!
Jenny says
Great post! I’m going to share this on my blog this weekend so more people can prepare to pray and celebrate these wonderful feasts.
Jenny says
I pinned this post!
Katie says
Would love to have a copy to use as guidance in my classroom and DRE work!
Katie says
Shared on Pinterest!
Valerie says
Sharing this…
Kathy says
Shared on facebook! Thanks for hosting the giveaway. 🙂
Kathy says
This book has been languishing on my amazon.com wishlist… if I don’t win, I need to just order it already!
Jill says
What a wonderful book to own…….I would love a copy!
Thank you for sharing all your wisdom with us!
Jill
Julia R. says
I would absolutely love to have a copy of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Moira says
Hooray, what fun ideas you have!
Libby Jane says
I like the bonfire as an act of opposition and fidelity. I had just begun reading an old library copy of this very book when i read this post! Guess it must really be time for it for me.
Gina says
Thank you so much for this opportunity to win! Our family has loved your book The Little Oratory. It has inspired. It is so special seeing each of our little ones delight in helping with our prayer table. Many blessings!
Katy says
My family would love a copy of this book! Thanks for hosting the giveaway and all you do to build the culture. 🙂
Lauren says
This book looks like such a wonderful resource. My family is looking forward to starting the bonfire tradition next week!
Denise says
I would love to have this book! The post was wonderful.
Mary Ann V. says
I have a copy of The Year and Our Children on my shelf but would love to win one for my daughter!
Veronica G says
great books to have, I would love to share more feast days with my family!!
Amanda L. says
My mom consulted that book many times when I was growing up. I would love my own copy!
Amanda L. says
Also shared on Facebook.
Kara says
Is the family book rooted entirely in US culture, or would it be good for those living outside of the States? Does anyone know? Thanks!
Karen says
Please enter me! I’d love to win a copy of this book!
Shari says
Please enter me! I’d love to win a copy of this book!
Shari says
Shared on Facebook as well- hubby is looking forward to the bonfire!
Ruth Anne says
Somehow, I didn’t know that this book existed! Would love a chance to win a copy, but definitely putting it on my “to buy” list!
Ruth Anne says
Pinned the post too!
Ruth Anne says
And tweeted!
Ruth Anne says
Shared on FB too, so very thought provoking thank you!
Maggie says
What a great book! Hope I win 🙂
Maria says
This book would be awesome to have!!
Mary says
Would love a copy of this book!
Eireann says
I would love this book! Thanks for sharing.
Karen says
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
Gail says
I would love this for my family!
Melanie says
Am I not too late? What a lovely book, it would get a work out here. 🙂
Lauralee says
I love The Little Oratory. The companion would be a nice addition to my library. I have started planning our bonfire for next week. We are going to use it as an excuse to build community.
Kaitlin @ More Like Mary says
Thanks for the heads up for St. Thomas More. He’s our parish’s patron and I didn’t realize his feast was coming up!
Ashley says
It’s always interesting to find out about old feast day traditions. We’re actually having our home blessed that evening, but a bonfire would be neat.
Lauren says
I’d love to win these books and am going to incorporate these feasts/solemnities and this most important intention into our week next week. Thanks for the idea. It was just the call to action we needed! God Bless!!
Emily G says
Would love this for my family of six! And I wish we could do the bonfire, but my husband works both those nights until 1am and I’m not sure the six littles and I are up for a bonfire without Daddy around.
Andrea says
That book looks wonderful! I would love it. Putting it on my wish list if I don’t win. Thanks!
Peggy says
That’s a great book! I would love to own a copy. Our small parish does a bonfire the evening of the 23rd. Always a good time.
Marjorie says
I love this idea! Such a great way to keep introducing my two young boys to the heroes of our faith! Thank you!
Marjorie says
I also pinned this!
Lisa says
Wonderful! I own one of her other books and this one has been on my buy list for a while. What wonderful ideas to celebrate too!
Lisa says
I also pinned this!
Terri T says
I would love to win this book! It sounds great! Also love the idea of the bonfire. I wish I knew more about these traditions. I grew up Catholic and my parents and gradparents very Catholic and maybe they did more of these traditions when they were children but then didn’t pass them on to us. I would love to pass them on to my children.
Megan says
What a great giveaway! Both of these books look great!!!
Jacqueline Novak says
Love my copy of The Little Oratory and would absolutely LOVE to win the other book to help me with living the liturgical year with my family!
Nina says
This book would go next to our copy of The Little Oratory. Thank you.
Donna Marie says
I love this book! Living the liturgical year in the home is such a beautiful thing <3
Mikayla D says
This would be a much welcome, and needed, help to our household. I’m struggling with raising the children in the faith. This is definitely going on my wishlist.