In mostly hidden and unseen ways, there have been countless women from the beginning of Christianity to contemporary times that have supported the Church in a variety of ways:

• Financially (from purchasing Church property, liturgical vestments and vessels, commissioning sacred art to feeding the poor and tending to the abandoned);
• Spiritually (through prayer, sacrifice and fasting);
• Education (teaching children, adult converts, living an intentional Christian life as an example for those around her);
• and in numerous, boundless ways that Christ Himself has called her to.

This blog, “Patronessa”, has one goal: With a focus on Catholic women (but men are certainly welcome too), this is intended as an aid to nurture and encourage your Catholic Faith so that you in turn can be a “Patroness” to those around you and encourage all those you come in contact with to live a full, vibrant and joyful Faith: Your Family, your Parish, your Priest and your Work.

I can only share what I myself have been given: A generous helping of Redemptorist Spirituality (under the gentle guidance of St. Alphonsus Liguori, I’ve developed a strong Marian devotion…in particular to Our Mother of Perpetual Help…with a careful heart to protect and include the most rejected and abandoned among us) as well as a good strong dose of Opus Dei direction (embracing St. Josemaría Escrivá’s teachings on how to sanctify daily life to best bring glory and honor to God). I’m a mixed bag…but I’m also a work in progress.

I’ve learned that as long as you are of good will and have a sincere heart, God will indeed guide you and open your eyes to what He wants you to understand. Not a cradle Catholic? Not from a strong Catholic family or upbringing? Born in the 60’s, 70’s, or later with no strong foundational understanding as to what “Catholic” means or is? Liturgically, Traditionally, Culturally or otherwise? Don’t fret! Although it’s important to embrace our Traditions and our rich Catholic Heritage, God will lead you where He wants you. Study the Saints, read the Catechism, embrace the Sacraments…the wonders of our Faith will unfold before you in ways that you can’t imagine and bit by bit you will find yourself being transformed.

Our God is a gentle God. If you have lived a very secular, worldly lifestyle up till recently, He will indeed still work with you and happily so. I know this from experience so put aside all fears of not “being Catholic enough” and accept that where you are right now is God’s work, He himself has called you and is ready to get started.

Supporting the Body of Christ: that’s you! Each of us together, the Church, is the Body of Christ. Let’s encourage each other and strengthen our Faith so that we can grow in love for Our Lord…and…come to a deeper understanding that yes indeed, Jesus is Alive and Well and deeply in love with each of us…in a very real and personal way.

I live in the Saskatoon Diocese (Saskatchewan, Canada), so I will include resources and reminders for events and activities locally and from around the province. If you live elsewhere and would like me to mention something special happening in and around your community, feel free to send it to me via the Contact Form and I may include it in a future update.