The weekly “little of this, like of that” feature here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
{The giveaway is closed. Thanks for commenting!}
Guess what! Lent is coming soon!
What this means is that very shortly you will be given the opportunity to start on the project you have been contemplating, or to make more beautiful the habits you have instilled already — praying in the Domestic Church!
With delicate foresight, Mother Kirk* has given us two beautiful seasons in which the awkward notions that have crept up on us poor parents can be seamlessly put into practice. Or rather, she offers us built-in seams, so to speak, that cover up our uncertainty about when and how to begin this all-important yet strangely hard-to-implement custom of praying together as a family.
Those seasons are Advent and Lent.
Beginning again — that merciful gift the Church gives us! Lent is a chance to begin again.
Comes a day when the ashes get pressed onto our foreheads and it certainly doesn't seem odder for us to announce, “your Father and I will be praying Vespers this Lent. You may join us at our little prayer table if you are willing to refrain from being monsters. It will only be for 10 minutes, so perhaps you can manage it.”
And they just do. Or you put them to bed. Either way. Praying occurs. (David and I spell it out in the book. It happens — it truly does!)
To facilitate this endeavor, I am offering you a chance to win two items — and then, when the giveaway is over, a discount on them. One is my book, The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home.
Even to this day, someone will ask me, “But how will I teach my children all that they need to know to live their faith,” and it flashes across my brain: “Rosary — night prayers — the Liturgical Year — live your own faith — Lent is a good time — make a place in your home –” and I think, “if only there were a book I could give her!”
So here you go.
In this book there is, courtesy of Deirdre, among others, a charming little drawing of a little pocket oratory. I had found a photo of a vintage one, and it's one of the (or perhaps the most) pinned pin I have.
Our friend Nanci has beautifully recreated these pocket oratories, and has graciously offered our readers a custom version (the value is $35), which means that you get to choose specific icons and prayers, as well as the material for the cover, which can be wool felt or real leather (nappa lamb's leather).
The inside is a lovely linen. You can see different versions on Nanci's website. I am sure that you could send Nanci your own special medals or crucifix if you were wondering how to use them fittingly.
This pocket oratory is really beautifully made and captures the charm of the antique one perfectly. For someone on the go — let's say a traveling husband who would like a mobile oratory that can fit in a pocket (it's about two inches square!), or a person whose desk needs a discreet corner for that “loving glance” at holy things that so helps us pray — this oratory would be a tremendous gift.
Leave a comment on this post to enter the giveaway!
And onto our links:
- A nice article about the importance of telling our own history in stories. I never knew anyone for telling stories like the Chief does, so I appreciated this reminder.
- Ever wonder about how our spelling in English got to be the way it is? This video combines that appealing cartooning with a good explanation. It will help ease those spelling drills to know that all those vexing words bring a little piece of the collective memory along with them.
- I always love videos and information about how things are made, and why. The f-hole in violins.
- I know every one of my kids would have enjoyed watching this video (probably over and over!): The 107-year-old Hulton Bridge was imploded outside of Pittsburgh in dramatic fashion on Tuesday morning. The century-old bridge was replaced by a newly constructed bridge which opened in October. (I must say the new one is rather boring.)
- Time to think about gardening — this no till/no dig method is one I try to use, but I need to work on improving the soil as I do it.
- It's always inspiring to see others' methods: gardening with raised beds.
- Risk compensation. As you read this article, try to think about child-raising as well. There are always risks, and the temptation we are now experiencing is to do our utmost to give the appearance and get the feeling of making a life that entails zero risk. And that's not only not possible, it backfires, which is the point of the article. I also thought it was interesting that the topic was football, but the author used contraception as an example of the point he was trying to make about risk compensation — confirming a theory I have, which is that you have to see what people say when they aren't talking about a subject directly. When the issue at hand is condoms, all the experts assure us they solve all the problems. When the issue is football (or what have you), the complexities of life in other areas are acknowledged.
- A good long read by Romanus Cessario, in honor of the feast celebrated earlier this week: Aquinas, Doctor for the Ages. I can't resist some quotes:
Speaking of Aquinas, the pope says, “In him, the Church’s Magisterium has seen and recognized the passion for truth; and, precisely because it stays consistently within the horizon of universal, objective, and transcendent truth, his thought scales ‘heights unthinkable to human intelligence’” (Fides et Ratio, no. 44).
In natural philosophy, Thomists defend the realism of creation, or what some theologians might want to designate the scandal of creation. [my emphasis — a great phrase!]
Rationalism does not prepare the mind to believe that God sent his Son into the world to be its way, truth, and life.
The desire to know the truth that God has placed in the human heart will not disappear, nor will the two wings of faith and reason on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of this truth. Thomas Aquinas illumines the dynamics of this upward flight.
In the old calendar, today is the feast of St. Martina. As we move towards Lent, it's good to begin a gentle wondering about what God might be asking of us… he's gently “sowing the seeds” in our hearts. Let's live our Lent this year! On Pinterest, I have a board: Lenten work for children living the liturgical year.
Also: Candlemas is Tuesday!
From the archives, it might be helpful to take a few steps to avoid February burnout before it happens.
And if you're planning a wedding, here are some tips about wedding flowers!
Don't forget to leave a comment to win a book and a pocket oratory! This giveaway is closed — congratulations Hannah Marie!
_____________
*Mother Kirk is a (perhaps gratuitous) reference, as our C. S. Lewis fans will recall, to The Pilgrim's Regress. She is the traditional church, the mother who shelters us. “Kirk” is Scottish for church!
Andrea says
Love your blog and always enjoy the links!
Martha says
Thank you for sharing all of your advice and wisdom! I am a young woman not yet married or with children, but I love to read your posts and learn more so when the time comes I am ready to raise a happy and holy family.
Alicia says
Thank you for your blog! Always so inspiring & enjoyable. The pocket oratory is so lovely- the original photo & the new version.
Mary says
Oh, Leila, the Pocket Oratories are simply lovely! Thank you for sharing this information. We Catholics are so very blessed, having such a rich heritage. God is good! Have a beautiful and blessed weekend. Pax.
Natalie says
It is very nice of Nanci to offer to give one of these beautiful prayer aids to a reader. Please enter me. And thank you for continuing to ignite the fire needed to live the liturgical year at home with my family.
Cate says
The pocket oratory would be perfect for my deployed husband!
Leah says
Wow. The Pocket Oratories are absolutely beautiful! Especially for someone who struggles to make a permanent place for prayer in a modestly-sized home, this would be very helpful.
Angela says
I love, love, love that sweet oratory. I’d love to have it in my purse! And if I don’t win, I’d pay good money if someone wanted to make me one:)
Annmarie B. says
Thank you for the kind offer Leiia. This is my 34 lent as a Mom. Jim and I are looking forward to living it with four of our daughters who are still at home one in middle school and three in high school! God is good! May He bless you! Annmarie
Emily says
Oh, how beautiful are the pocket oratories?! I would absolutely love to win one!
Dcn. Bob Connor says
Wait – am I the only guy thinking these things are beautiful, and would want one? Granted, I am sure my bride would end up with it, even if it were I to “win.” Her prayers helped get me where I am – of that I am certain – so, in a way, she likely deserves it more (and knowing how it works, if she gets it, I benefit, regardless). God Bless.
Margaret says
The pocket oratory is beautiful! I’ll have to make one myself if I don’t win!
Kathy Houle says
My husband and my dad both travel for work, the pocket oratory is perfect for them or for my desk at work too!
Carly says
Thank you so much for the giveaway! I want to make this a good Lent for me and my family!
Rachael says
I am always trying to think of ways to get my family praying together more often. This would be a great thing to have in time for Lent.
Christine says
The pocket oratory is beautiful and your book has been on my wish list since it was released! Thank you for all you do.
Toni Graham says
I thank you so much for the wisdom, practical help, and beauty that you give to your readers in each and every “Like Mother, Like Daughter” post. I happened upon LMLD quite by accident when a stranger in a Catholic on-line community I am a part of posted a link to one of your posts. That was several years ago, and I am so pleased for that “happy accident”! Yours is the only blog I read.
Please enter me in the giveaway for the miniature, pocket oratory. It is charming! I am always looking for prayer helps, and this is unique and beautiful.
Amy says
Those oratories are lovely. I do so enjoy reading over posts from the archives.
Michelle says
Can’t express how much I love the idea of the pocket oratory, and the recreation of the vintage one is beautiful!
Sarah says
Would love that pocket oratory! Thank you for your little corner of beauty on the Internet <3
Annette says
I love my pocket oratory! Nanci made it for me as a birthday gift (so I don’t need to be entered to win one) and it goes everywhere with me. I kept it with me as I kept vigil by my mother’s bed as she died, and it reminded me to pray constantly. Lovely give away to get us ready for Lent!
Shannon says
The little pocket oratory is so lovely!
Kirsten says
What perfectly timed advice, and a perfectly timed giveaway opportunity to boot! I was just looking at your book and thinking it would be oh-so-helpful in our home, and then you posted the little oratory, and I can’t get over how beautiful and inspiring and wonderful it would be to have one. Thank you! God bless you and yours as Lent approaches.
Rosebud says
A pocket oratory – what a brilliant idea!
Lisa Spencer says
This is beautiful – and portable for those of us who are semi-gypsies!
Rachel says
The Little Oratory has been a big help to me and my family over the past year, and the pocket oratory would a wonderful way to extend that prayerful spirit outside the home. I always enjoy the helpful links and thoughts that LMLD offers us–thank you!
Brittany says
It’s beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing!
Jennifer McLane says
I would love the book and the little pocket oratory. What a wonderful idea. Jen Mc
Heather says
My church bookclub is reading The Little Oratory as our February selection, and we will be meeting to discuss it shortly after Lent begins. So excited about this as I’ve been wanting to read/discuss it since it came out. I already own a copy, but if I win I would love the opportunity to pass it along to a friend. And the pocket oratories are GORGEOUS! Love them! This is exactly what my husband would appreciate having with him as he travels for work and stays in hotels each week.
Jenny Kumar says
Beautiful plus this is something with small children that is important to instill.
Piper says
The pocket oratories are beautiful! What a wonderful idea! Thank you for offering one in this giveaway. And thank you for offering your book, too! These are both excellent tools for living Lent.
In general, I also wanted to thank you for your website. It is such a treasure trove of wisdom and encouragement! May God bless you.
Cami says
I have this book in my Amazon cart! I was nervous to order it {now} because we are moving soon and at the moment, my husband isn’t a big fan of buying more stuff to pack. I get it. But if I WON it, it would simply be God’s will to get it in my hot little hands in time for Lent and implement this upcoming season with the littles (3 under age 4, so far). My 4 year old in particular is really starting to establish his faith. It’s beautiful. And the pocket oratory would be useful for any of us to use but I’m thinking my husband might like carrying it on him to pray with at work, perhaps. I would also be interested in one as a gift for my best friend. Thanks for the opportunity!
Diana says
Thanks for the opportunity!
Kansas Mom says
The pocket oratory is lovely!
Windham Holtsclaw says
The book, along with the beautiful pocket oratory, would be lovely to have this Lent! Thank you for the giveaway!
Hannah says
How lovely!
Rosemary says
I just drove over the new Hulton bridge this morning! And it is indeed quite a bit more boring than the old one, I’m said to say. (I had to laugh because chunks of the old one are still sitting in Allegheny River. Goodness.)
Cathy L. says
Such a great giveaway! I actually have 3 copies of your book on my ‘to-purchase’ list right now….one for myself, another for my newest sister-in-law (as of last May), and the third for my soon-to-be newest sister-in-law (as of this upcoming June).
Rebecca says
What a lovely pocket oratory! If I won, I would give it to a priest friend.
Thanks for an awesome website, Leila.
Christine P. says
We’ve been trying to figure out how to “do” Lent, for the first time with a child old enough to start noticing that something is different. This would be a very helpful resource, I’m sure!
Anni says
What a sweet idea!
Shannon says
I’ve had my eye on these sweet little pocket oratories!! So beautiful!
Valerie says
I really like the pocket oratory! I should get one for my husband so he can have it handy while traveling for work.
Mary Ellen Barrett says
The pocket oratory is lovely. I seem to recall my Nana possessing one and I would love to have one.
kelly says
LOVE the Pocket Oratory!!!!
Thank you for sharing this!!
Carolyn says
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win such lovely prizes. Also thank you for sharing all your wisdom on faith and other matters with everyone. Your blog is my go to for answers about faith and homemaking! It is a blessing to be able to have that resource!
Emily says
The pocket book oratory is lovely. I think I may have to get some for gifts!
Claire Rebecca says
Those pocket oratories are lovely!
Downyduck says
I would love to win either of these precious items to assist in the spiritual growth of my family. Thank you for the opportunity and a blessed Sexegesima Sunday to you 🙂
Maria says
Oh, the little oratory is great! I’ve never seen anything like that. Has me wondering if I could make one, though probably it would be pretty sad if I did, my sewing skills aren’t what they would be if I’d lived a few centuries ago, ha, or even close for that matter! I think I plan on reading your book, by the way during Lent. Maybe pre-Lent just a little too. We’ll see.
Kim F. says
That pocket oratory is just adorable! I hope that’s not irreverent to say. If I don’t win, I’ll be putting in some orders. I think my husband would love to have that at work.
jennybrown says
I sure hope to win this. If not, i will be purchasing one for our travelling family. Thank you!
Clara says
Oh, wow! I would love to win this for my husband! It would be great for his desk/briefcase.
This is the one blog I always read and I find such encouragement from you all. Thank you for all you do!
Kristi says
Wow, the pocket oratory is gorgeous! Would love to have one for my own occasional business trips and just for focused prayer in general. Thanks for holding the giveaway!
Mrs. B. says
I had never seen a pocket oratory before… what a sweet devotion inspired them! If I don’t win, I’ll have to think about making one by hand. Thank you, Nanci!
Leila, you make me laugh… “IF you are not monsters!”
I’m afraid I’m dragging my anxiety commitment into the building of our own little oratory… I’m afraid of hammering nails into the wall and then changing my mind – how silly is that?? I thought of putting things on the dining table and try different arrangements, but then a paralyzing thought hit me: what if I’ll want to add more icons later, and everything will look all wrong? So the icons sit upright on the serving cart, which is doubling as the oratory for now… not ideal with a curious toddler around. I need to re-read the post about how you arranged things above the fireplace in your dining room. I especially need to stop fretting about this… it will be beautiful!
Mrs. B. says
Ok, that should be “commitment anxiety”….
Stephanie says
Mrs. B., I hope this is all right, but your accidental “anxiety commitment” gave me a hearty laugh! Perhaps a Freudian slip? I don’t have too much commitment anxiety when it comes to decorating choices, but my brain definitely seems to have an “anxiety commitment,” that is, a commitment to being anxious! Like most things in life, lessening that commitment is a work in progress! 😉 I wish you well with your own work in progress on your decorating, and thank you for the laughter! 🙂
Mrs. B. says
Yeah, I thought that was a bit disturbing myself, maybe a little too revealing of something going on! Committed to be anxious!! Yikes!! 🙂
Evelyn says
I have your book already, but the pocket oratory not! It is so lovely, what a great idea. Perhaps I can pull out my machine and try one of my own if the odds are not in my favour:)
I also appreciate this simple suggestion of mother and father doing prayers, in their children’s presence or not, but invited nonetheless and seeing what their reactions are. Our children are still young, but the eldest might peek his head ..
Gabi Reczek says
Oh how lovely! The pocket oratory is so sweet and practical. Would love it! I already have your book 🙂
Tracy says
What a lovely pocket oratory! This is a timely giveaway (discount offer) because my life in in need of an extra prayer boost.
Margaret says
Lovely little pocket oratory!
Amy Z says
How cool is that! I’ve never heard of a pocket oratory. I’d love one.
New Mom says
Love the pocket oratory; love being a convert to Catholicism!
Alexandra says
I was just talking about this book THIS MORNING with another mom! So providential that this giveaway post came up today. Thank you!
Katie says
Leila,
Thank you for all your advice. I have three under three (until the Big Guy’s birthday next month), and have so appreciated everything from discipline tips to recipes to homemaking resources. I also greatly appreciate all your liturgical living resources. We have really enjoyed developing morning and evening prayer practices this Advent, and hope to refresh and continue living the liturgy this Lent.
Cristina says
I would love a pocket oratory! I have your book but I have never been able to figure out a suitable place in our house to put an actual oratory. A pocket version would at least anchor me wherever I’m praying and it also really appeals to my childhood love of having all the tiny things 😊💕
Taryn B says
I love the book and the pocket oratory. Beautiful. And I love your recommended invitation for children to join in prayer, “if you’re willing to refrain from being monsters.” Hilarious and true.
Janet says
Thank you for this precious giveaway! Have a beautiful day!
Donna Marie says
I LOVE this book! I lend it out regularly. If I end up winning, I know I will be giving a treasure to someone else to enjoy <3
Kelsey says
That pocket oratory is adorable! I would love!
Jill R. says
That pocket oratory is gorgeous. Such a good idea.
Stephanie says
Auntie Leila, if you don’t mind my asking, is your original pocket oratory from France? I am originally from France, and it did my heart good to see the French text in your photo! 🙂 There are so many beautiful cathedrals, monasteries, churches, chapels, and so forth to see in France – I’d love to know if this pocket oratory originated at one of them! 🙂 (This comment isn’t intended as a giveaway entry, just as a question on that point of curiosity! 🙂 In a bit of funny timing, I just started reading “The Little Oratory” this week!)
Stephanie says
Also, that comment was apparently an unintentional exercise in using variants of the word “origin”… Sorry for all the repetition – not the finest grammatical moment to be sure! 😉
Janet says
I’m going to guess Quebec. There was a large French-Canadian immigration into central Massachusetts around 1900. In protestant Massachusetts, it would be necessary to write “I am Catholic. In case of accident {call a priest]” My grandfather was one of them.
Stephanie says
Oh, what an interesting bit of historical information! Thank you! I had wondered if it might be from Canada, but didn’t realize that there’d been such a substantial movement of French-Canadians into Massachusetts (as opposed to Maine, Louisiana, and select other states/territories/regions). Something to read up on further! I hope your grandfather found a good life in Massachusetts! 🙂
Stephanie says
Oops – I just re-read the post and realized that it sounds like the pocket oratory pictured with the French text is one of which you found a photograph, Auntie Leila, not one that you own. If so, my apologies for the confusion, and I guess that we can just continue to speculate about its geographic origins! 😉
Mrs. B. says
Stephanie, I’m from Italy, and one of the things I miss most is the abundance of churches and holy places! It’s good when you stumble upon a church during errands, and you’re inspired to go in and pray and be quiet for a bit. It’s good that everyone has this opportunity, not just the already-pious – who knows how many have converted because of an accidental visit to a church! Here in America going inside a church has to be wanted and planned, unless you’re in a big city with a church here and there… not quite the same thing.
Stephanie says
Mrs. B., so true! In Western Europe one comes upon churches and chapels even in the most unexpected, little “hole in the wall” (I mean this in a nice way, not a negative way) types of places, like turning the corner while running errands on a city street! It does give a different atmosphere and experience of things. What surprises me the most here, I think, is to find church doors locked some of the time. Maybe it’s a Catholic/Protestant difference, or maybe it’s an American thing, or maybe it’s a factor of our modern times (maybe they’re locked now in France and I haven’t realized it), but I grew up with the (perhaps erroneous) belief that most churches were accessible 24/7!
Mrs. B. says
Well, this is interesting, because my experience in Italy is that most secondary churches (those that are not considered tourist-worthy, but sometimes even these are locked!) close after the last Mass before lunchtime and reopen around 3pm or even later. I think it’s mostly a security measure against the all-too frequent thefts… or maybe it’s the Southern Europe way of life! So when I came here and tentatively sought to visit a church I was surprised to find it always open! At least where I am (Northern VA)
Stephanie says
Oh! That is interesting! I think I need to clarify my earlier comment: I wasn’t raised in the faith, so in childhood, my belief/expectation about churches being accessible at any time came from limited experience visiting churches (which, now that I think about it, probably never occurred outside of peak hours anyway) and from multiple history lessons that described churches being open as places of prayer and sanctuary for anyone anytime. So it happened that my first experiences encountering churches that were closed happened in the States, I think in adolescence, still before I converted. As an adult, I have, in fact, now that I reflect on it, encountered churches in France that are closed outside of Mass times, particularly in small villages where neighboring village parishes take turns holding Mass for, say, a whole month at a time, on a rotating schedule (such that one village’s church may go largely unused for a month while its communicants attend a neighboring village’s church, and then vice-versa, except with maybe three or four villages participating, not just two). I have not encountered this so much in large cities. Anyway, somehow, the impression of “church accessibility” being very different in Europe than in the US remains, but it probably is largely due to how many more such places of worship there are in Europe and to the way in which one can encounter them with frequency in one’s daily journeys. Thanks for an interesting discussion! 🙂
annie says
I’m hoping to officially start using my home altar this Lent. It’s been in the works for awhile and I’m hoping it will really center our domestic church. Thanks for your inspiring book and blog!
Anamaria says
Like so many others, I would love a pocket oratory for my husband! I’m sure he would appreciate it while praying the liturgy of the hours away from home.
Erica Ford says
Those pocket oratories are absolutely beautiful!
Melanie says
I love the pocket oratory…*almost* makes me wish I had a traveling husband to buy one for…but we would use one for our own family travels!
Barb says
I would love this! It is beautiful!
Elizabeth says
The pocket oratory is beautiful!
Katrina Snyder says
A pocket oratory seems like a great gift for first communion or confirmation. Thanks for the giveaway and the links!
Angie W says
I have been eyeing up this book for awhile now. Would love to win it!
Angie W says
I would love a chance to win this book!
Julie says
I love the pocket oratory. I think those would make beautiful first communion gifts for the child who already has many rosaries.
KB says
A pocket oratory – oh my goodness, how perfect! My husband would love one. Perfect for his desk at work. Nanci is a genius! 🙂
Heather H-M says
I have never seen a pocket oratory before, it is truly lovely. I think this would work very well for my children who don’t wear necklaces. they could instead place their patron saints medals in the little oratory and carry along in purse or pocket. I really love it! Thanks for this blog, too I really enjoy it!
Clare Usmar says
I am really taken by the pocket oratory. What a beautiful object to help one worship during the day and when travelling. I didn’t know such things existed, so thanks for enlightening me.
Susanna says
Oh, I bet my husband would love a pocket oratory too. Such a great idea!!!
Kim says
LOVE LOVE LOVE the pocket oratory!!
Shawna says
Oh Lent! How you sneak up on me each and every year and I have so many good intentions. Grant me Lord that we may be drawn closer to you through our little efforts.
Please enter me and thank you for the encouragement and all of the information you provide.
Elizabeth says
I agree with Margaret, above – if I don’t win the pocket oratory, I will definitely have to make myself one. This mother of five young children would, therefore, be very happy to win! 🙂 But I am mostly commenting to ask a question about Candlemas candles: Do they have to be at least 51% beeswax to be “blessable”?
Alea says
I looked into that around Thanksgiving, as a family discussion came up about that. I don’t remember what I read (maybe on the USCCB site) , but it said the church doesn’t require 51% beeswax candles anymore, even for liturgical use. But maybe it’s still recommended? We wondered because our alter server candles are oil burning, but look like candles. Should they be real candles?
Tracy says
Yes, Candlemas candles must be at least 51% beeswax.
Leila says
Tracy, do you have a source for saying this? I don’t think so… our very particular Anglican Use friends (to whose Candlemas service we will go on the 2nd) just say in the bulletin: Bring your household candles.
Alea says
I would love to win either of those items. I own the book already, but there are so many people I would like to gift it to! And I’m with the others about winning or making my own pocket oratories. They would be a great way to start our lent with a reminder to pray for our family.
sibyl says
One of these days I am going to win a giveaway! This is the one I’m really hoping for!
Love, love, love these beautiful little sacramentals.
Michelle says
How beautiful!
Kelly says
Thank you so much for bringing the Little Oratory to us! I had never heard of this tradition and would love to enter the giveaway!
Bridget says
What a lovely little thing!
Esther says
I would love to be entered for the giveaway! I would love to have your book and the pocket-size is perfect!
Lara says
What a treat it would be to win such a beautiful piece!
Laura says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Elizabeth says
Ooh! I love these little treasures! Perfect for an Easter basket! Thanks for the link to her shop!
Sue says
I’ve never seen pocket oratories before. Thank you so much for offering this giveaway!
Lisa says
Lovely oratory- thank you for the giveaway!
Jill says
Thank you for your wonderful book and a chance to win!
Karie says
Thanks for the give away. Love ur blog!
Katie says
Oops, it’s Katie not Karie
Sue K says
That pocket oratory is such a sweet idea!
mary says
Thank you for your wonderful blog and the giveaways you are offering. May God bless you for all of your efforts and kindness.
Lynn Osborne says
What wonderful gifts! Thanks for the chance to win!
Julie says
Oh this would be lovely! Such a great giveaway!
Julie
Denise says
Those pocket oratorys are a great idea.
Libby Jane says
Oh my word! That little pocket oratory is so cool!
Mary Ann Van Atta says
I would love to win the pocket oratory! The book too 🙂
Lauren says
How beautiful!
ali says
Pocket Oratory would be a perfect gift for my son who receives this First Communion on his 8th birthday this spring.
Celeste says
The pocket oratories are fascinating. I have never seen one, or if I did growing up, I don’t remember it. Something funny – your blog was recently pointed out by one of my favorite bloggers. I had never been here before. But the funny thing is that I have had your book on my amazon.com Wish List for several months now. I have wanted to incorporate more family prayer and more involvement with the traditions and prayer practices of the Church, which is why your book interested me. It seems too coincidental that I was brought here!
Tracy says
What a beautiful ministry this is. The pocket oratory is just lovely.
God bless your work.
Candice says
Gee, I actually feel guilty entering this competition after reading everyone else’s comments. I think there are more deserving people than me to win this gift. But who know’s what God has in plan…
Sandy says
Lovely giveaway! What a great idea the pocket oratory!
Josie says
The pocket oratory is just beautiful! I do have your book, so in case I get picked, please feel free to pass it along to another! God bless and thanks for the chance!
Erica says
Thank you for the reminder to begin again. I would love to win the pocket oratory!
Jeni G says
What a beautiful pocket oratory!
Chloe Sasagawa says
What a beautiful giveaway! I’m about to have my first baby and my husband is going to be traveling frequently. This would be wonderful for him for praying in hotel rooms across the country and world!
Chloe
Kate says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Caitlin says
Would love to win the beautiful pocket oratory, or to buy one later!
I am bookmarking the “risk” article for later reading, as soon as the baby is not climbing all over me! (So, in a few years…) This topic has been on my mind this past week after an argument with a new pediatrician about my son’s vaccine schedule. I feel it in a lot of discussions about birth choices, too. We want to believe that if we just make the perfect choices, we will be doing exactly the right thing and nothing bad will ever happen. Then we feel a need to attack others who weight the options differently, because it makes us doubt ourselves. But that’s just not life. Do your research, pray, make your decisions, and move on.
Love! a compulsive LMLD reader, Caitlin
Ebere says
The gifts would make my Lent.
Jennifer says
I appreciate all your giveaways and, of course, the always enlightening blog.
Catherine says
The pocket oratory is wonderful! I second the idea that it would make a great First Communion or Confirmation gift. I would love to win one.
I finally have my home altar going. I got your book, Leila, immediately, but it took awhile to read (I can only read religious books in the bathroom – ). After reading it, it also took me, as other readers have expressed, a long time to figure out where I could put a home altar. I finally got a piece of furniture in August off of Craig’s List, but then school started (we homeschool), and all I could manage was to begin congregating all my religious items there. Right before Christmas I got a few religious pictures/items placed, but it is yet to be DONE. It has definitely been and continues to be what you would call a “work in progress”. That is unfortunately the only way I get anything done. 😛
You have truly been invaluable to me though, Auntie Leila. I love your blog and all your advice. It always seems to be exactly what I need to hear, whether you are addressing caring for the home or raising the kids or living the faith or coping with our current world.
I have your book, as I said, but I would love to win another one to give as a gift. I have already bought two extra and given them to a friend and one of my sisters, but I still have 4 other sisters and plenty of friends.
The section on what to do if your spouse is not living the faith and helping with the passing on of it was greatly appreciated. My husband was raised Catholic and was practicing when we met and got married, but has not been practicing now for 7 1/2 years. I believe he will return some day, but in the meantime I struggle with carrying the weight of passing on the faith all by myself. Getting a home altar established and into a habit of using it may be very helpful for him (having a central spot in the home that is set apart for God and made holy has GOT to have an impact, right?).
Thank you for all you do in helping us all establish and live the domestic church. God bless.
Laurel says
I’ve always loved pocket oratories but was never sure where to find them. So glad to see your friend is making them! They are beautiful!
Betsy says
These look lovely! Thanks for the chance to win one.
Susan says
What a beautiful little sacramental — and a lovely way to recall throughout the day to pray …. even as we tend the children, the home, or the little garden plot…. thank you for posting these wonderful little encouragements and inspirations!
Maria says
What a wonderful idea the pocket oratories are. I think I’ll spend February making some with all the medals I have collected to give away to people lying in hospitals, to children going to universities or on long trips away from home. I would love to receive a sample, please.
Theresa says
I love the idea of an oratory in the home and one in your pocket! So perfect.
Eireann says
The pocket oratory is precious!
Mona says
Thank you, Leila. I was at a retreat this weekend at a Dominican retreat center and there was your book sitting out for all to peruse. I love the little pocket oratories. I have a couple old ones which are in pretty bad shape and would love a new one.
Maureen says
I love your reminder that Lent is a time for starting anew – my husband and I will certainly talk about how to make prayer a bigger part of our growing family. And I think if I do not win your book, I will buy it to that end!
Cassandra Brungardt says
I have never seen a pocket oratory! What an excellent idea.
Robin says
Absolutely lovely! I would love to have this for my husband!
Thank you for all you do!
Lora says
Lovely pocket oratories!
Jennie says
Oh wow, I love the idea of a pocket oratory. And you’re right, Lent is the perfect time to being again in attempting to establish a family prayer time.
Kristi says
The pocket oratory is precious! So want it 🙂 Auntie Leila, I just got your book, since we are becoming Catholic and I need the guidance.
Karen says
Love reading your blog. Thank you the giveaways. I would love to be a winner!
Ngofamilyfarm says
So very beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win such precious things!
-Jaime
Annie says
Lovely! I have your book and it is wonderful. God bless you.
Melissa says
We are a young family. My oldest is just getting old enough to say something beyond his night prayer. Your book would be such a help.
Teri in VA says
Love the pocket oratory, and the reference to Mother Kirk!
Terri says
The pocket oratory is just delightful. I’m on the road a lot and would love to have one. I hope I win, but will happily purchase some of these regardless. Thanks for calling these lovelies to our attention.
Jill says
I would love the pocket oratory and I would love to read your book! Double win….
Robin says
Oh, that’s so lovely! And I love your videos. We watched the “tapestry” video about 4 or 5 times. My boys were enchanted!
Mary says
I seem to remember my grandma having a pocket oratory. What a lovely gift this would make!
Mary says
Oh how lovely! I would like to have one, be particularly nice when we are away from home visiting family & have not prayer corner then. Also nice for my husband to use when he works night at answering service & has time for extra prayer & study. …Thank you for considering…
Karen says
The pocket oratory is such a great idea! I’m putting one of them on my wish list. What a great prayer aid to stow in a purse.
melissa says
I’m new to your blog, but glad I’ve found it. What a nice giveaway!
Megan says
The pocket oratory is lovely!!!
Rae Pingel says
I’m enjoying your book already but would love having another to give as a gift. The pocket oratory is lovely!
Erika says
Thank you for all your inspiring posts. Such lovely gifts.
Shannon E says
Thanks for the chance to win a pocket oratory. Such a clever idea.
Dianna says
What a lovely pocket oratory! My husband travels every month, so this would be particularly nice for him.
Ona says
What a generous gift this is! Thank you so much for this opportunity. I do have your wonderful book, but would love to give a copy to a sweet new mama in our parish. Plus, I have had my eye on these beautiful pocket oratories….what a blessing! God bless & Mary keep!
Kathleen Benitez says
Oh, those pocket oratories are beautiful! And inspirational, as well.
KelLee says
I just love your blog. Every January I unsubscribe to all the extra emails and blogs…. except yours. Your blog made the cut because it feeds my soul, helps me in parenting and homeschooling. Thank you for all your wisdom and inspiration. I love the idea of a portable oratory, as our home one is the heart of our home!
Annie R says
Lovely pocket oratory! And I’ve had your book on my wishlist before I realized you also had this blog. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experiences!
Emily M says
How lovely! I may have to devise my own, if I don’t win!
Katy says
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d love to
win your book, and the small oratory looks really neat. I’ve never heard of that before!
Lisa P says
Would love to win the book! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with all of us 🙂
Jenny says
I’d love to win a pocket oratory.
Edelweiss says
Have never before seen the pocket oratory. Love!
Emily g says
What a wonderful giveaway for a beautiful item! Thank you! I’m excited as these would make wonderful godchildren gifts!
Wanda says
This little pocket size oratory would be welcome as I travel the roads each day retrieving little grandchildren from school. Teaching them prayers and reciting is a time gift I give them.
Hannah Marie says
Thanks for sharing, I heard lovely things about this book!
Gloria says
The pocket oratory is lovely and your book is wonderful. Thank you!
Joyce says
It is such a joy to teach our children and your book looks very interesting!
I am enjoying your blog very much!
Maddy says
The pocket oratory is lovely!
I would be so excited to win one!
I would love one with the Holy Family and the Holy Trinity.
Erin says
I have been so wanting to read this book! And the pocket oratory is wonderful- something a person could keep
forever and would end up with their children one day.
Heather says
That pocket oratory is such a neat idea and looks well-implemented!
Celeste says
That pocket oratory is truly delightful! I am one of the ones that pinned the original pocket shrine image, so I’m particularly pleased to see this!
Caitlin says
I would love to win the book! I always love the Bits and Pieces feature. It exposes me to ideas I would never happen on myself. 🙂
FarmAndAway says
Wow, a pocket oratory? That’s great. I already love and love to gift the book.
Chris says
Oh, how neat!
Matthew says
Beautiful.
Monica K says
That pocket oratory is lovely! I’d get one customized for my husband.
Joe Sales says
I’ve always wanted one of Nanci’s pocket Oratories. The Book from what I hear is pretty awesome too 🙂