St. Lucy Yi Zhenmei (Feast Day February 19) 

December 9, 1815 – February 19, 1862 

Lucy Yi was born in 1815 in China. Lucy was the youngest child in her family and was very dedicated in her prayer life. At the age of 12, she decided to consecrate her life to God. She loved reading and learning. When she was 20 years old and pursuing her college education she fell ill. After her recovery Lucy took her spiritual life still more seriously. She knew she could not leave her family to become a nun because they needed her financial help. Instead, she prayed daily and worked to support them. After her father died, she lived with her brother and mother, using part of her time to teach the faith to children nearby. Lucy Yi later became a missionary, and while on a mission trip in 1862, she entered a region that was hostile to Christians. The local governor imprisoned and sentenced to death the priest and several missionaries in their group. She was among those who were sentenced to death because she refused to renounce her faith. The following day she was executed. St. John Paul II canonized St. Lucy Yi and her companions on October 1, 2000. 

·    What emotions do you think Jesus felt while he was in the desert? What do you think he thought or prayed about when he was there?

·    Today’s Gospel says that angels ministered to Jesus. Have you ever felt the presence of angels in your life?

·       Jesus said, “This is the time of fulfillment.” What does he mean by this?

·       St. Lucy Yi spent her time teaching the faith to children, much like a catechist would today. Who has helped you grow in your faith by their teaching and example?

Movie Night

Watch a family movie set in the desert. Consider The Prince of Egypt, Aladdin, or Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Pop some popcorn, grab some blankets, and enjoy your time together! Alternatively, select a movie where someone is alone for a long period of time like Up, Frozen, or Moana.

Grandma Bebe’s Beef Stew

You’ll be tempted to peek under the lid of this recipe when it smells so good!

1 envelope of dry onion soup mix

carrots, onions, and potatoes (as many as you like)

about 3 pounds beef stew meat (cut in chunks or one large roast)

2 cans Campbell’s Golden Mushroom Soup (or beef broth)

Combine the onion soup and one can of Golden Mushroom Soup. Mix with all the vegetables and put all in the bottom of a crock pot. Place meat on top of vegetables. Top with other can of Golden Mushroom Soup. Cook in crockpot on low for 6 to 8 hours or in a pan in the oven covered in tinfoil at 325 F for 2.5 to 3 hours.

The Our Father and Guardian Angel Prayer

We hear today of Jesus being tempted and the angels ministering to Him. Today, ask for God’s protection by praying the Our Father and calling on your Guardian Angel.

Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Guardian Angels Prayer

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard to rule and guide. Amen.

Purple is the liturgical color of Lent. Where do you see purple at Mass today?

Sometimes we are tempted into bad behaviors. As a family, identify one behavior that you would like to see improved in your household. Make a commitment to change that behavior for one week.

February 22^nd is known as Be Humble Day!