St. Peter of Alcantara (Feast Day October 26)

1499 – October 18, 1562

Peter was born in Alcantara, Spain in 1499. His father was the governor of the province, and his mother came from a noble family. He was privately tutored and attended the University of Salamanca. After he returned home from university, he joined the Franciscans. He went on to establish several friaries. When Peter was not preaching, he would spend long periods in solitude. He was known for frequently experiencing ecstasy, a state where he was entirely consumed with the warmth and light of the Holy Spirit. These euphoric moments were common during his prayer and meditation. Some claim to have witnessed him levitate. Peter served as a spiritual director and confessor to St. Teresa of Avila. It is said that he slept only 90 minutes each night; he is the patron saint of the Nocturnal Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

·   Imagine you are with Peter, James, and John when Jesus is transfigured. What would it be like to see what they saw on the mountain that day?

·      Why do you think Jesus wants Peter, James, and John to wait to tell others what they saw?

·      What does it mean to “fall prostrate”? Why is it fitting for the apostles to fall prostrate before Jesus?

·      St. Peter of Alcantara liked to spend time alone. Do you like to spend time alone? Why or why not?

Visit a Science Center

Jesus’ transfiguration was a supernatural event. In the natural world, transfiguration is the science of turning one thing into another thing. In honor of today’s Gospel, take the whole family to a local science museum, science center, or technology-related exhibit. If you can’t go to a museum, search the Internet for some cool science experiments that you can do at home!

Asparagus Roll Ups

This recipe “transfigures” asparagus to a delightful side dish or appetizer! It is sure to be a hit, even for people who don’t love asparagus.

Ingredients:

12 slices white bread, crust removed

One and a half 8ounce pkg cream cheese

2 Tbsp chopped green onions

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

24 fresh asparagus

1 ¼ cups melted butter

Parmesan cheese

Using a rolling pin, flatten each piece of bread. Combine cream cheese, bacon, and green onions. Spread bread with cheese mixture, covering entire piece of bread. Place 2 asparagus on each slice of bread. Roll up and place seam side down on greased baking sheet. Brush each roll up with butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake at 400 F for 12 minutes or until slightly brown. They will go fast!

Hail Mary

Ask the Blessed Mother to pray for those intentions that are most important to your family. Say a Hail Mary for each intention, filling the blank with a name or situation you want to lift up in prayer.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for ______________________________ now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

During the season of Lent, what color do you see in the church? What does this color represent?

Fast from electronic screens for one evening this week, offering your sacrifice for the intentions in your Family Prayer.

The “law and the prophets” is a shorthand expression for the entire Old Testament. Jesus completely fulfilled the Mosaic Law and Old Testament Prophesies. The New Covenant in Jesus perfects and fulfills everything in the Old Testament.