I received one of those silly chain emails today (you know, the ones that tell you to forward it to everyone you know… or else!) This one, however, was entitled “St. Theresa’s Prayer.” I figured it was a chain-prayer thing; a nice thought, but a bit silly IMO. Usually, I read it and delete it. This one, however, really got me a bit mad. Here’s the body of the email:
*PLEASE READ AND SEND BACK…YOU’LL SEE WHY
Don’t know how many Catholics there are out there receiving this message, but in case anyone is interested, Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little Ways… Meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love. She is also the patron Saint of flower growers and florists. She is represented by roses. May everyone be blessed who receives this message.
Theresa’s Prayer cannot be deleted. REMEMBER to make a wish before you read the poem. That’s all you have to do. There is nothing attached. This is a powerful novena. Just send this to four people and let me know what happens on the fourth day. Do not break this, please. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of reward.
(Did you make a wish?) If you don’t make a wish, it won’t come true.
Last Chance to Make a Wish.
Code:
May today there be peace within.
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly
where you are meant to be.....
May you not forget the infinite possibilities
that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and
pass on the love that has been given to you....
May you be content knowing you are a child of God....
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow
your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is
there for each and every one of you....
Send This to 7 People within the next 5 minutes and your wish will come true Please send this back…you’ll see why.*
I was incensed! A stupid chain email is a powerful Novena? Do they have any idea what a Novena is?? It certainly isn’t "make a wish, read a poem and forward it to your friends!
Make a
wish to get what you want? Who wrote this, Jiminy Cricket??
Send it to four people and see what you get on the fourth day?? Don’t forget to toss a pinch of salt over your shoulder and avoid any black cats on the way to work…
What really got me in a fit was that I got this email forwarded to me from a so-called Catholic! It’s nothing but silly silly superstitious pap that inspires people to bury inverted statues of St. Joseph in their yards to help them sell their houses. The fact that someone tried to masquerade this as a Catholic prayer really burns me up.
Sorry for the tirade, but this stuff drives me up a wall. I thought I’d post it so you could tell your Catholic friends and relatives to avoid this kind of garbage.