We've had so many grandchildren enjoying their cousins this summer...

...it seems appropriate to reflect on this mystery of the rosary and to thank the Lord for the blessing of family and the delight the cousins take in one another. We are saying good-bye to our daughter today and relishing the memory of all the fun and laughter of visiting families, the celebration of three birthdays, the smiles, the memories from the past, the night prayers (not to mention night swimming), and all the joy that life can bring even in the midst of a evil culture.

Bradi Barth: The Visitation

Advent is a good time to meditate on The Visitation. It was Mother Teresa's favorite mystery of the rosary because, she said, Mary was the first missionary of charity hurrying to see her elderly cousin as soon as she learned she was pregnant. And one of my very favorite depictions of The Visitation is Bradi Barth's. Most artists show the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, but few show the two unborn children greeting each other. But Bradi Barth gives us a window into the womb.

And here's a little bit about Bradi Barth herself. Praise God for the talents he showers on people. Each of us has gifts to share. And what a lovely one He endowed on Bradi Barth. Thank you, Jesus!