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1 month ago | 
catholicmom.com | Ivonne J. Hernandez
Ivonne J. Hernandez recalls the moment she learned we had a new pope, and reflects on the gift of the papacy for all of us. I was sitting on our living-room sofa when two separate sounds caught my attention.
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2 months ago | 
catholicmom.com | Ivonne J. Hernandez
Ivonne J. Hernandez invites us to look at the seemingly menial tasks of our everyday lives with a new set of eyes. A few years ago, I was organizing my closet and came upon a bag of undeveloped film … from the 1990s! I immediately started researching companies that could still develop those photos for me. The process of getting it done was cumbersome, so I put it off. But that little tangent took me off track from the task I had started.
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Feb 19, 2025 | 
catholicmom.com | Ivonne J. Hernandez
Ivonne J. Hernandez invites us to discover the source of authentic joy. When we hear the word conversion, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Do we think of the conversion of others, or do we think of our own? St. Paul was converted, and immediately he prayed. What happened in Damascus for three days? What is he doing? He prayed. Ananias was sent by the Lord to baptize him. He resisted for a moment, he was afraid to go to this persecutor of the Christians.
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Jan 21, 2025 | 
catholicmom.com | Ivonne J. Hernandez
Ivonne J. Hernandez encourages us to ponder the words of Pope Francis as he invites us to prepare our minds and hearts to experience this Jubilee Year of hope. We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.
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Nov 18, 2024 | 
catholicmom.com | Ivonne J. Hernandez
Ivonne J. Hernandez invites us to let go of old baggage that might be holding us back. If you ever watch people at the airport, you can easily guess who is a frequent traveler and who is not. Those who travel often seem to carry less stuff with them. They zoom past the security checkpoint and quickly grab a cab at their destination, while the rest of us are waiting in the baggage claim line. Young people going on an adventure also travel light.
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Sep 15, 2024 | 
catholicmom.com | Ivonne J. Hernandez
A simple question about remembrance prompted Ivonne J. Hernandez to reflect deeply on legacy, family, and the meaning of love. I was recently interviewed about my work. Toward the end of the conversation, the interviewer asked, “How would you like to be remembered?” It was interesting to have a few quick seconds to think about that. My response was that other than by my children and my family, I really do not care if I am remembered.
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Jun 17, 2024 | 
catholicmom.com | Ivonne J. Hernandez
Ivonne J. Hernandez recalls a pivotal moment in her relationship with God. Send Your Spirit, Lord, and transform us interiorly with Your gifts. Create in us a new heart that we may please You and be conformed to Your will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Apr 15, 2024 | 
catholicmom.com | Ivonne J. Hernandez
Ivonne J. Hernandez examines a common thread in the Resurrection stories. What is the first thing most of us do before buying an item or service? We look for reviews, usually first online, but if possible, we ask our family, friends, and neighbors for their experiences and recommendations. It’s all about trust, isn’t it? In the end, we are always searching for the truth. So what happens when we hear something that seems “too good to be true”?
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Mar 26, 2024 | 
catholicmom.com | Ivonne J. Hernandez
How can we make of our lives a pure and perfect sacrifice? Ivonne J. Hernandez looks to Saint Augustine for help. You never cease to gather a people to yourself, so that, from the rising of the sun to its setting, a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name. (Eucharistic Prayer III) What’s the first thing that comes to mind when we hear the word sacrifice?
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Feb 19, 2024 | 
catholicmom.com | Ivonne J. Hernandez
Ivonne J. Hernandez finds inspiration in the words of Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity as she seeks peace amid the chaos of daily life. Peace … we all yearn for it, yet we look around and don't see it. In our world, in our communities, in our homes, and in our own hearts, we see division; we see strife. As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes." (Luke 19:41-42) For he is our peace.
