This year we began a new tradition in our home. For each member of our family we requested one Mass be said as a birthday present. Instead of having the Mass said on our birth date, the Mass was chosen on a special Saint's Feast day. This year I did the choosing of the Saints for each member of the Family but next year I hope the children will help choose their favorite saint. My husband is Jewish, but I thought it was important to request one for him as well, regardless of religion a Mass has wonderful benefits for our Soul. Pope Benedict XVI said,
"The Holy Mass would be of greater profit if people had it offered in their lifetime, rather than having it celebrated for the relief of their souls after death."
Today the 8AM Mass at our Church was offered for my daughter Alina who is 12 years old. She was so excited to see her name in the bulletin on Sunday as all the Mass intentions are listed each week. Today is the Feast of Bl. Mother Theresa of Calcutta. Alina has watched programs on Mother Theresa and I knew this would be a wonderful saint to intercede for her.
During the summer when our son, Asher, had a Mass said for him I noticed a wonderful thing that night. He went and found his Bible which he received for Christmas and asked that his father read it to him before bed. We always read the Bible as a family each night but usually Asher has different books he likes read before he falls asleep. On the day the Mass was said he sought out his Bible and wanted it read to him as he fell asleep. He continued this for several days after the Mass was said. In a small child, like my son who is only 5 years old, the effects of grace seem more transparent. The Mass was truely a gift for his soul.
Here are the Feast days we chose this year:
Asher age 5- Feast of John Mary Vianney
Kostin age 8- Feast of St. Joseph
Alina age 12 -Feast of Bl Mother Teresa
Grandma- Feast of St. Faustina
Seth- Feast of Padre Pio
Blythe (me)- Feast of Bl. Pope John Paul II
For those of you not farmiliar with requesting a Mass, contact your Parish or speak to a priest. Usually there is a customary donation which is made when requesting the Mass.
For many of us the snow and cold this year have been a source of suffering. So many struggling to stay warm. The cold is just one form of suffering that many have had to endure. Yet within the storms that swirl around us there is also much joy. Our Lady helps us to see the sweetness in the crosses we carry and the fruits that can come when we unify our suffering to that of her Son's suffering. 
