Boise

Country: United States
State or province: Idaho

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Lucy Stamm
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A Catholic Herb? - 2024-06-16

June 23, 2024

Surprising questions awaited us during our busy Father’s Day session. So, thank you again for your prayers for the Boise Catholic street evangelization effort.

Two couples descended on the table, just as I was beginning to set up. When they found out we were giving away Rosary, they asked the almost exclusively Catholic question: “Are these blessed?” When they found out they were, three of the four chose two Rosaries apiece (although I’d asked them to limit themselves to only one). But they each had someone in mind who “needed one of these”. True. May they and their fellow family members who receive a Rosary, grow in faith all the way to Catholic Sainthood!

A family with 4 children (perhaps 4-10 years old) went by, the father signaling “no” to our offer of a free Rosary. But a few moments later, he came back, accompanied by one his older daughters. He is a non-Catholic Christian, but remembered the Rosary from his youth. I gave him a quick refresher on the Christ-centered prayer experience. The girl was looking longingly at the pretty colored Rosaries, but I told her she could have one “only if it’s okay with your dad”. He nodded, so she chose one. I encouraged him to take one, too, which he did. As they were leaving, the other preteen daughter came up to get one. Not too much later, the other children had come and chosen one as well. Meanwhile, the father talked about the importance of Christ and forgiveness. I agreed, noting how astonishing it is that God forgives men when He didn’t even forgive the angels. Our visitor agreed. May God bless the family with unity in Christ.

Another family with 4 children had stopped earlier when the mom wanted a Rosary. They were Catholic and the parents were familiar with the devotion. After the mom and children had each had a chance to receive a Rosary, I made sure the dad knew he was welcome to have one, too. The only “neutral colored” one left on the table was the large chain Rosary with hematite stones. I assured he that he could have that one, that it would be perfect for a prayer warrior, which all dads need to be. He gladly accepted. Now, the second oldest daughter had been the only family member to decline a Rosary. So, I offered the dad a Green Scapular to give to her, which he gladly accepted. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for that girl (and for all of us) now and at the hour of our death. Amen!

“Stephen” put in an appearance as I was helping some children choose Rosaries, quietly making his typical “imaginary friend” remark. I only had time to give him a welcoming “hi” and grin, which he returned, and he was gone. May God continue to draw Stephen to Himself!

“I have no use for rosemary!” said a woman who had paused just past our table, then turned and came back. “Rosemary? The herb?” our evangelist asked, puzzled. “You’re giving away herbs?” asked the lady. “No, we’re giving away Rosaries.” “Well, I don’t worship Rosaries,” said the lady. “Neither do we! We worship God alone.” “Oh, well, I guess that’s okay.” Then the evangelist quickly described the Rosary as a tool that helps us time our meditations on the life of Christ. She showed our visitor the Rosary pamphlet and where to find each of the 20 stories in the Bible. Still not interested in receiving an actual Rosary, our visitor did accept the pamphlet to study later. May God open her heart and calm her fears.

A man, wearing a baseball cap with a military branch logo, came directly to the table before I could offer him a Rosary. “Logan” does his own non-Catholic Christian street ministry. He offered me a card, complete with QR code for his church. (For some reason, I felt compelled not to touch it.) Then he asked if I needed prayer. I asked him to pray about something that’s challenged me for more than thirty years. His prayer was a generic, “Lord, you know what her issue is. I don’t need to know. Your will be done.” In turn, I asked God to bless Logan and grant him what he needs.

A woman, part of a small group, stopped for a Rosary. Her mom had died just last week, and the Rosary reminded her of her. “She’s praying for you,” I ventured. The woman nodded, accepted the pamphlet with the Rosary prayers, and thanked me. May God draw her back to His Church!

As I was making my way back to the car after the session, a passing couple demanded to know where I was going. “Home?” I replied. It turns out that they are non-Catholic Christians trying to follow the Holy Spirit’s inspiration. Seeing the wagon carrying our Christian signs, they had thought I was going to set up at some trade how, and were wondering where it was. I explained our apostolate in the business park every Sunday, and offered them a Rosary. They didn’t want one, but I explained the devotion to the woman and how it helps people grow closer to Christ. She did take the pamphlet. We encouraged each other, for the continued safety of the city, to remain faithful to Christ.

Many families were out and honoring their father. Altogether, I gave away a near-record 30-35 Rosaries and its pamphlet on how to pray it, as well as a Divine Mercy prayer card, and a Green Scapular.

Please pray for us again today. Ask God to send people to us with hearts prepared to perceive their need for Our Savior Jesus Christ and His Holy Catholic Church, and that much good fruit for His Kingdom comes of today’s effort.

God’s love stretches to each unique human being. So, thank you again for your prayers and other support for this apostolate. In turn, may God protect and greatly bless you and all those you love!

Go with the strength you have” (Judg 6:14).