Thursday, May 25, 2006
If You Liked the Saint for the Year Devotion...

...then you'll love this!

(Moved to the top due to popularity)

The creator of that devotion had the brillant idea of starting another devotion where we receive a fruit/gift of the Holy Spirit. With Pentecost approaching, it would be great not just to pray for all the gifts/fruits but to focus on one special one. I received the gift of wisdom in the drawing, and I have been really praying for greater wisdom now. Just like the Saint for the Year devotion, this is a way to grow closer to God.

If you would like to join this devotion please read the introduction that the woman doing this has written, and just leave your name in the comments box. I will leave all results in the comments box, so please check there after you ask for one to be pulled for you.

Introduction:


Many people have enjoyed having a patron saint "pick" them for the year ... There has been many testimonies on all the connections and intercessions that have occurred. How wonderful it is to know that we are not walking alone!

In the same sense, we are doing the same thing with Pentecost and the Holy Spirit "picking" a fruit and gift just for us to reflect on and pray about for the year.

Curious? Read on ...

As we approach Pentecost, let's reflect on what happened to the Apostles on that day and what happened to us when we were confirmed.

The Holy Spirit is first introduced to a Catholic the day that they are baptized, because the entire Holy Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — are invoked at the ceremony. During Confirmation, God the Holy Spirit comes upon the person, accompanied by God the Father and God the Son, just as he did at Pentecost. The Feast of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit from heaven to earth upon the 12 apostles and the Virgin Mary, occurring 50 days after Easter and 10 days after Jesus' Ascension (Acts 2:1–4).

This sacrament is called Confirmation, because the faith given in Baptism is now confirmed and made strong. Sometimes, those who benefit from Confirmation are referred to as "soldiers of Christ". This isn't a military designation but a spiritual duty to fight the war between good and evil, light and darkness — a war between the human race and all the powers of hell.

Confirmation means accepting responsibility for your faith and destiny. Childhood is a time when you're told what to do, and you react positively to reward and negatively to punishment. Adulthood, even young adulthood, means that you must do what's right on your own, not for the recognition or reward but merely because it's the right thing to do. The focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4) and gave them courage to practice their faith. We, as Catholics, believe that the same Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives them the same gifts and fruits.

Traditionally, the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit are charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, long-suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, and chastity. These are human qualities that can be activated by the Holy Spirit. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts are supernatural graces given to the soul.

When was the last time you thought about these blessing bestowed upon you? Have some of your "fruits" rotted or dried up? Are your gifts sitting on a shelf, collecting dust?

To commemorate Pentecost, how about asking the Holy Spirit to look inside you, deep inside you and pick out one particular fruit and one particular gift that is unique to you that He wants you to pray about? He may want you to develop this gift and fruit. He may want you to share this gift and fruit. He may want you to be an example of your fruit and gift. Only you and the Holy Spirit will know. You may have an instant connection with the fruit and gift that the Spirit picks for you. Or you may wonder what in the world is He thinking? Everyone's will be different and everyone's will be unique, just for them.

I would suggest doing some research on your particular fruit and gift and then reflecting on how they play in your life. Do a lot of listening, the Holy Spirit will be doing a lot of talking!

To have a fruit and gift for the year, please contact me. I have a container full of all the fruits and all of the gifts and will be happy to pick one and send it to you. Just let me know!

God bless!

92 comment(s):

del_button May 10, 2006 at 7:12 AM
Anonymous said...

Sounds great, please draw for me! :-)

del_button May 10, 2006 at 7:45 AM
babychicken said...

please draw for me and for my husband. thanks.

del_button May 10, 2006 at 8:06 AM
Anonymous said...

I would appreciate you drawing for me and my husband. Thanks. Have a blessed day!!

del_button May 10, 2006 at 8:42 AM
Anonymous said...

Please draw for me...

God Bless,
Peggy

del_button May 10, 2006 at 8:44 AM
Anonymous said...

Draw for me, please! :)

del_button May 10, 2006 at 9:51 AM
Anonymous said...

Please draw for my husband, Jim, my son, Brian, and myself. Thanks so very much and may God Bless!

del_button May 10, 2006 at 9:59 AM
Marie Cecile said...

It never hurts to know where we falter in our gifts of the Spirit, may I have one drawn for me please.

Thank you so very much, God Bless

del_button May 10, 2006 at 11:53 AM
Anonymous said...

Please draw for me.
Thank You,
Iris

del_button May 10, 2006 at 4:03 PM
Anonymous said...

Draw for me please!

del_button May 10, 2006 at 7:10 PM
Matthew said...

Here's the first group of results. Just let me know you see this message. I'll have the next group of results soon.

Cathym - Counsel and Chastity
Jim - Counsel and Charity
Bryan - Counsel and Generosity
Kim - Understanding and Joy
Peggy - Fortitude and Generosity

T - Knowledge and Self Control
& her husband - Wisdom and Joy

Baby Chicken - Fear of the Lord and Self Control
and her husband - Piety and Self Control

Iris - Wisdom and Joy

del_button May 10, 2006 at 9:08 PM
Anonymous said...

Moneybags,
We received the results.
Thank you so much!!
God's blessings to you!
With love and smiles,
T

del_button May 10, 2006 at 9:15 PM
Anonymous said...

Seen and am very giggly. Post coming soon. :D Thanks!

del_button May 10, 2006 at 10:11 PM
Jean Heimann said...

I'm in -- can certainly use all the gifts and fruits with the new ministries I'm involved with at the present time and in the fall.

Thanks for doing this. I'm keeping you in my prayers.

God bless,
Jean

del_button May 11, 2006 at 12:28 AM
Anonymous said...

Please count me in too!!

del_button May 11, 2006 at 7:18 AM
Anonymous said...

Love it! Please pick one for my husband Brian and myself.
Christine T.

del_button May 11, 2006 at 7:31 AM
Anonymous said...

Thank you and please, thank your friend, you don't know what comfort you have given me.

Iris

del_button May 11, 2006 at 7:51 AM
babychicken said...

Kudos to 'our lady of devotion.' Thank you for the gifts of your time and faith.

del_button May 11, 2006 at 7:52 AM
Anonymous said...

Me too, please, Moneybags - thanks!

del_button May 11, 2006 at 2:26 PM
Auroramike71 said...

I love it and St Valentine has been a blessing to me. Count me in!

Auroramike71

del_button May 11, 2006 at 3:00 PM
Matthew said...

Here's a few more results. Please just drop me a line again that you see this. I'll pass on your thanks to the kind woman who started this all. Please say a prayer for her.

Marilyn - Fear of the Lord and Modesty
Neil - Knowledge and Modesty
Allison - Fortitude and Modesty
Abby - Knowledge and Peace
Nicky - Understanding and Chastity
Jean - Fear of the Lord and Peace
Matthew - Wisdom and Joy
Deanna - Fear of the Lord and Chastity

I'll have more results soon.

Trust in God! God Bless!

del_button May 11, 2006 at 4:01 PM
Matthew said...

Here are more:

Christine T - Fortitiude and Generosity
Brian - Piety and Peace
T.O. - Understanding and Joy
Auroramike71 - Wisdom and Gentleness

del_button May 11, 2006 at 4:56 PM
Anonymous said...

Got it!! Thank you so much and God Bless you both!

del_button May 11, 2006 at 6:32 PM
Anonymous said...

Got it, Thanks so much!
Deanna

del_button May 11, 2006 at 7:41 PM
Anonymous said...

Thank you and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are so appropriate for us!
Christine T and Brian T

del_button May 11, 2006 at 7:43 PM
Anonymous said...

Thanks, Moneybags. You and your friend are in my prayers.

del_button May 11, 2006 at 8:00 PM
Jean Heimann said...

Thanks, Moneybags.

You and your friend and your special intentions are in my prayers.

God bless you!
Jean

del_button May 11, 2006 at 9:28 PM
Anonymous said...

Am I missing something or did you pass over me?

Have a great day and God bless!

del_button May 12, 2006 at 12:57 PM
Julie D. said...

I commented last night but don't see it here ... hmmm ...

Well, second time's the charm maybe? Please sign me up for the drawing also! Thanks!

del_button May 12, 2006 at 1:49 PM
Anonymous said...

Please draw for me, and my eldest daughter, Anna, who is graduating high school in a couple of weeks, and her younger sister, Mary, who makes her confirmation on June 10. Thank you! Dot

del_button May 12, 2006 at 2:31 PM
Anonymous said...

Thanks. Draw for me too. eu

del_button May 12, 2006 at 2:58 PM
Matthew said...

Andy:

Sorry about that. You got Understanding and Goodness

del_button May 12, 2006 at 3:02 PM
Marie Cecile said...

Was I forgotten too? May I please have one drawn for me too.

del_button May 12, 2006 at 5:46 PM
Anonymous said...

Hi, Please draw one for me, thanks so much!
:)

Hannah-10134

del_button May 12, 2006 at 5:52 PM
~pen~ said...

oh, yes - after the undeniably cool St. David pick for me, i am trusting the Spirit to lead you in my drawing as well.

thank you :)

del_button May 12, 2006 at 5:57 PM
Anonymous said...

Please draw for me.
Thank you,
Jeanne K.

del_button May 12, 2006 at 6:37 PM
Anonymous said...

I'm in!

Please draw for me, Toni, my husband Steve, and our sons Ken, John, Dan, and Chris.

Thanks and God bless you.

Toni

del_button May 12, 2006 at 6:52 PM
Anonymous said...

please draw for me
kjs

del_button May 12, 2006 at 7:07 PM
Matthew said...

Here are more requests. Let me know you see my message.

I'll post more results soon as I get them.

Marie Cecile - Wisdom and Self Control
Eu - Wisdom and Goodness
Dot - Knowledge and Patience
Anna - Knowledge and Goodness
Mary - Piety and Joy
Julie D - Understanding and Gentleness

del_button May 13, 2006 at 1:51 AM
Anonymous said...

Moneybags,

As always, thanks for being the constant inspiration!

del_button May 13, 2006 at 8:04 AM
Audrey Yu said...

Moneybags, I'm interested too. Pls have one drawn for me too. Thank you!

del_button May 13, 2006 at 8:32 AM
Matthew said...

Andy,

Thank you for your kind words!

Everyone,

I will try and post more results later today.

God Bless!

del_button May 13, 2006 at 8:35 AM
Matthew said...

Here are more results! Just let me know that you receive my message :)

Toni - Counsel and Modesty
Steve - Counsel and Generosity
Ken - Fear of the Lord and Charity
John - Counsel and Gentleness
Dan - Wisdom and Patience
Chris - Fear of the Lord and Peace
Jeanne K. - Knowledge and Self Control
M2 - Knowledge and Patience
Hannah - Piety and Gentleness

del_button May 13, 2006 at 8:53 AM
Matthew said...

Here's more:

Kjs - Counsel and Gentleness
Louise - Fear of the Lord and Chastity
Audrey - Counsel and Patience

del_button May 13, 2006 at 9:05 AM
Anonymous said...

Moneybags, I want to thank you for your part in helping to spread this devotion - God will truly bless you! In my introduction to this devotion, I mentioned researching the fruits and gifts so you can get a better understanding of what you will be praying for ... these are good sites to start ... http://www.secondexodus.com/html/catholicdefinitions/fruitsofthespirit.htm and http://www.secondexodus.com/html/catholicdefinitions/giftsofthespirit.htm along with http://www.thecentering.org/fruits.html.

May God truly hear all your prayers and use you as His holy vessel!

Marianne

del_button May 13, 2006 at 1:19 PM
Saint Peter's helpers said...

Moneybags, please also draw a gift for me. Thank you and God bless you.

del_button May 13, 2006 at 2:01 PM
Julie D. said...

Moneybags, thanks so much for this. Often just when I have needed to remember to lighten up St. Vitus has popped into my mind (patron saint of humor who was drawn for me this year). So I am looking forward to the Holy Spirit working through me praying about Understanding and Gentleness. I think I am on the path to understanding, however, seeing Gentleness was humbling because I definitely could use that but often lack it. Thanks!

del_button May 13, 2006 at 2:05 PM
Julie D. said...

Wait a minute ... having reviewed the fruits and gifts list I didn't see gentleness anywhere. So ... where did that come from?

del_button May 13, 2006 at 3:57 PM
Anonymous said...

Please draw a gift for me. Mary3

del_button May 13, 2006 at 5:22 PM
Harrison said...

Please draw for me.

-Harrison

del_button May 13, 2006 at 7:47 PM
Matthew said...

A few more results:

Mary3 - Knowledge and Patience
St. Peter's Helper - Knowledge and Modesty
Janet - Fear of the Lord and Generosity

del_button May 13, 2006 at 8:46 PM
Anonymous said...

Please draw for me
Joan T

del_button May 14, 2006 at 12:18 AM
Saint Peter's helpers said...

Thank you and God bless!

del_button May 14, 2006 at 2:08 AM
Anonymous said...

May we please have a drawing.

Thank you and God bless.

del_button May 14, 2006 at 7:49 AM
Essy said...

Oh, I'd love to particpate too.

del_button May 14, 2006 at 8:59 PM
alicia said...

me too! alicia huntley
ahuntley@interserv.com
http://fructusventris.stblogs.org

del_button May 14, 2006 at 9:38 PM
Anonymous said...

Please draw for me, too. I could really use this about now.

Stephanie G

del_button May 15, 2006 at 12:26 PM
Anonymous said...

Please draw for me -
-anonymous**

del_button May 15, 2006 at 12:52 PM
Anonymous said...

Thank you, moneybags! God bless you.
Dot

del_button May 15, 2006 at 3:24 PM
Anonymous said...

dTHANK YOU I WOULD LOVE THAT!
bauermarcia@yahoo.com

del_button May 16, 2006 at 8:21 AM
Unknown said...

This sounds like a great way to begin my new life as a woman of "independent means".

I would appreciate you drawing one for me. I will await word from you.

Maggie

del_button May 16, 2006 at 9:36 AM
Anonymous said...

Please draw for me and for my husband.

del_button May 16, 2006 at 8:20 PM
Laura H. said...

Can I still do this? If so, draw for me please!

del_button May 16, 2006 at 8:28 PM
Matthew said...

Everyone,

Thank you for showing such patience. I am still awaiting a reply email from the woman drawing the gifts/fruits. So, whenever I get the email, I will post the results.

I'm sorry for the delay.

del_button May 17, 2006 at 8:12 AM
Anonymous said...

We received the results. Thank you so much for drawing and posting them. God bless you in your studies and in all you do.

Toni
(Steve, Ken,John, Dan, and Chris)

del_button May 17, 2006 at 12:23 PM
Anonymous said...

I would like to apologize for the delay in getting the fruits and gifts for everyone ... I haven't had a chance to get online for a couple of days due to many prior engagements. I'm busy trying to get caught up with all the emails and requests now ... if you don't have yours, please let Moneybags know!

God bless you!

del_button May 17, 2006 at 3:06 PM
Matthew said...

Here are some more results. Please let me know you see this message.

Stephanie G. - Piety and Generosity
Alicia - Fear of the Lord and Kindness
Harrison - Wisdom and Self Control
Essy - Wisdom and Modesty
Michelle - Wisdom and Goodness
Ric - Knowledge and Gentleness
Loretta -Wisdom and Gentleness
Joan T. - Understanding and Peace

God Bless you all!!!

del_button May 18, 2006 at 2:10 AM
Anonymous said...

Hi Moneybags!

I have written you on how wonderful Saint for a Year has been to my family and to myself...
thank you again!!

I am ready for Pentacost. I prepare each year with a mini fast for forty days before. I can't begin to fathom how difficult it must have been for Jesus during the time he walked the earth after his death and resurrection. Imagine the pain of leaving Heaven to return to earth? What more could he have done for us?

Please pick for me and my husband. Thank you and God Bless you!!
Maryann

del_button May 18, 2006 at 3:28 PM
Matthew said...

Here are more results.

Maggie - Piety and Charity
Ouiz - Understanding and Generosity
her husband - Fortitude and Gentleness
Laura H. - Fortitude and Faithfulness

God Bless you all!

del_button May 18, 2006 at 10:35 PM
Anonymous said...

Greetings,

Please draw one for me as well. Thank you for this....

God bless you!

rebecca s.

del_button May 19, 2006 at 12:50 PM
Anonymous said...

Thanks so much!

Stephanie G.

del_button May 20, 2006 at 2:00 PM
Enbrethiliel said...

+JMJ+

Please draw one for me, too, Moneybags. :)

Thank you.

del_button May 21, 2006 at 12:11 PM
Matthew said...

Please let me know you see this message.

I'll post more soon.

Enbrethiliel - Piety and Chastity

del_button May 21, 2006 at 2:42 PM
Unknown said...

Moneybags,
Please draw for me. Thanks!
God bless!

del_button May 21, 2006 at 4:41 PM
K said...

I can't believe I hadn't seen this post before, Moneybags. I must be slacking on my blog reading.

Am I too late to ask for one for my family?

del_button May 21, 2006 at 5:36 PM
Matthew said...

Maryann - Fortitude and Goodness
& her husband - Counsel and Goodness
Rebeca S. - Wisdom and Charity

del_button May 21, 2006 at 6:24 PM
Essy said...

Got it...and it is perfect! Thank you.

del_button May 21, 2006 at 8:23 PM
Anonymous said...

Dear Moneybags,

Thank you so much for this! Wisdom and charity....awesome. May God bless you.

rebecca s.

del_button May 21, 2006 at 10:01 PM
Darren said...

MB -

Please draw one of each for my wife and I.

Pax

del_button May 22, 2006 at 10:59 AM
Antonia said...

Moneybags, can you ask the lady to draw for me? Thank you; your Saint of the Year devotion has led me to such a whirlwind journey & I thank God for the gift of you!

del_button May 23, 2006 at 9:19 AM
Anonymous said...

Is it too late for you to draw for me?

del_button May 23, 2006 at 6:33 PM
Anonymous said...

Thanks for offering... please draw for me. Elizabeth

del_button May 23, 2006 at 6:34 PM
Anonymous said...

Please draw for me too! thank you,
Lauren K

del_button May 25, 2006 at 6:23 AM
Matthew said...

Here are more.

Antonia - Knowledge and Peace
Darren - Knowledge and Modesty
his wife - Understanding and Charity
K - Fortitude and Goodness
Danny Garland - Wisdom and Patience

del_button May 25, 2006 at 6:26 AM
Matthew said...

I'll post more later. Thank you, all for your interest in this devotion!

God Bless all of you!

del_button May 25, 2006 at 7:39 AM
Anonymous said...

Could you draw one for me, too? Thank you!

Laura G.

del_button May 25, 2006 at 9:04 AM
Deacon Bill Burns said...

I could use this as well. Please pick one for me.

Bill

del_button May 25, 2006 at 9:15 AM
Unknown said...

Wisdom and patience. Perfect! Thank you!

del_button May 25, 2006 at 9:39 AM
Antonia said...

Thank you, Moneybags! 'Knowledge & Peace'--both surprising & yet not unexpected. Will pray.

del_button May 26, 2006 at 8:11 AM
K said...

Fortitude and Goodness, how wonderful! Thank you, Moneybags!

del_button May 26, 2006 at 9:13 AM
Matthew said...

Here are a few more results:

Bill - Understanding and Peace
Laura G. - Knowledge and Patience
Lauren K. - Fear of the Lord and Goodness
Elizabeth - Piety and Patience
Mama T. - Fear of the Lord and Modesty

del_button May 27, 2006 at 12:50 PM
Anonymous said...

Thank you!

Laura G.

del_button May 27, 2006 at 9:22 PM
Darren said...

got mine and my wife's. thanks.



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