Browsing the January 2017 archive of FR. THOMAS’ COLUMN
The Past is in the Past (The 2nd Meditation) (Part 1, Chapter 10)
Posted by Father Thomas Galarneault on 1/11/17
Part 1, Chapter 10
We continue the meditations that St. Francis De Sales gives. Today, we are on the second one. Each of the meditations starts with us in preparation, and the first step is to “Place yourself in the presence of God” (Introduction to the Devout Life, 13). ... Read More »
Meditation on Creation (The 1st Meditation) (Part 1, Chapter 9)
Posted by Father Thomas Galarneault on 1/10/17
Part 1, Chapter 9
These meditations will be very personal and intimate. So during the course of these ten meditations, I will be writing very little. Please take the time to pray with the meditations and spend time in a quiet place with no tv, or other distractions ... Read More »
Meditation leads to Purification (Part 1, Chapter 8)
Posted by Father Thomas Galarneault on 1/08/17
Part 1, Chapter 8
In order for us to get rid of the roots, we need to have contrition, that is, we need to feel sorry. This is more than just feeling sorry because we want to get out of trouble or because it caused some hurt feelings. This ... Read More »
We have to get to the Root of the Matter (Part 1, Chapter 7)
Posted by Father Thomas Galarneault on 1/08/17
Part 1, Chapter 7
I like to look at flowers. They are beautiful. Roses, Tulips, Mums… the list could go on and on. Still, there is one flower I am not too fond of and that is Dandelions. Why, because they are a weed and they are extremely ... Read More »
Confession: Is that really a sin??? (Part 1, Chapter 6)
Posted by Father Thomas Galarneault on 1/07/17
Part 1, Chapter 6
Many times as a priest people ask about confession. There is much confusion about this beautiful Sacrament. St. Francis De Sales in Chapter 6 talks about a taboo subject in our day. Confession is avoided at most costs. We don’t like to admit that we ... Read More »
Rome wasn't built in a day (Part 1, Chapter 5)
Posted by Father Thomas Galarneault on 1/06/17
Part 1, Chapter 5
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Nor will perfection, or as close to perfection as we can get in this life happen in a day. It takes time. There will be steps in the right direction and then steps backwards. Holy people are not made in an ... Read More »
Highway to Heaven (Part 1, Chapter 4)
Posted by Father Thomas Galarneault on 1/05/17
Part 1, Chapter 4
I drive a lot of miles. I need to be able to trust that my car will get me from point A to point B with no problems. I know how to do simple maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations and filling the car ... Read More »
The Grass is Greener on the Other Side (Part 1, Chapter 3)
Posted by Father Thomas Galarneault on 1/04/17
Part 1, Chapter 3
We are not all called to be Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Each of us has a particular vocational call from God. And we live this out in our own unique manner. In living our vocation, we are each called to holiness. This is the universal ... Read More »
To be Devout or not to be, that is the question. (Part 1, Chapter 2)
Posted by Father Thomas Galarneault on 1/03/17
Part 1, Chapter 2
Looks can be deceiving. Many times we see someone, we make a judgment. Imagine that you have not seen the image below before. What would we think? Is the man a criminal, has he done something wrong? There would be many thoughts going through our ... Read More »
Journey with St. Francis De Sales: "Introduction to the Devout Life" (Part 1, Chapter 1)
Posted by Father Thomas Galarneault on 1/02/17
Part 1, Chapter 1
Today begins a series of writings on the Book Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis De Sales. It is a classic and lots could be said. For more information on St. Francis De Sales click on the link provided. Short Biography of St. Francis ... Read More »