Feast of St. Maria Goretti

Today, on the feast of St. Maria Goretti (my confirmation saint), our lilies are in full bloom! The orange, deep red, white and yellow lilies are bursting with color this week.

It's always been a desire of mine to own a home with a yard that is sprinkled with flowers that grow all summer long. Growing up, my mom would cut a fresh bouquet from what we had growing around the house and place it either on the dining room table or at the family altar next to a statue of Mary. I hope to carry on this tradition for my girls.

This framed image titled, "Aspiration" 1897, was given to me from my Aunt Mercy the year of my 16th birthday. It's a print of the watercolor painted by British artist, Henry Ryland. It now hangs in the girls room of our new house. Interestingly, the year this was painted, the young Maria Goretti was only 7 years old. It is a beautiful and stunning image. My hope is that it will inspire my girls to live a life of holy purity and encourage them to ask St. Maria Goretti for her intersession.

Lilies from our back yard

Bouquet of home grown flowers

There are flowers springing up all around the yard. It will take me awhile to learn them all. This arrangement is composed of daisies, lilies, and vibrant magenta Bee Balm.

St. Maria Goretti, ora pro nobis!

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Custodians of Beauty

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