I woke up this morning thanking my parents and God for bringing me into existence on my birthday. I thought it would be good to begin my next year with a clean slate. So, I left the house early and went to Confession. I felt relieved and peaceful after hearing the prayers of forgiveness. Sometimes I am reminded of hurtful things I have done decades ago. Those memories can stay with me. I am grateful that I can bring those things to God, receive absolution, and dismiss them. After Confession, I stayed for Mass and saw 2 friends there, an extra gift. Today is also the Feast day of Mother Cabrini, whose shrine I visited on Saturday. I listened to the priest talk about her and thought about how she dedicated her life to serving the immigrants of this country. She opened orphanages, hospitals and free schools for the children. Mother Cabrini was actually from Italy and sent to the United States to care for the Italian residents. She crossed the ocean over 60 times as she laid the foundation of her mission. An immigrant herself, Mother Cabrini became an American Citizen. Her order still cares for the poor, neglected, and immigrants of all nationalities in several countries. Her biography states that she was not simply a “humanitarian”, but a lover of God who dedicated her life to His will. I am honored that my birthday is on her Feast day. I am in awe of her faith and feel I have much to learn from her.

I Found God today feeling blessed on my birthday.