Obedience Petal Meeting & Archery Adventure 4/25/21

The Little Flowers spent a beautiful Sunday afternoon honing their archery skills while learning about the virtue of obedience, and St. Joan of Arc. 

Verse: If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15

St. Joan of Arc (1412-1431) was a french peasant known to have visions of saints that gave her messages to enter into battles and speak to kings. She obeyed, though she’d prefer to stay home spinning wool beside her mother. She bravely entered battles carrying her banner with the Fleur de leis which is a symbol of the Trinity and Mary and was adopted by our city of St. Louis. Joan kept her hair short and often wore armor or military uniforms for practicality. She was once struck with an arrow, but recovered. She was martyred by being burned at the stake for her mysticisim and was later found innocent. Her feast day is May 30. St. Joan of Arc is the patron of soldiers and France.

We learned that our patron, St. Therese dressed up as Joan of Arc in play, and eventually joined her as co-patroness of France!

Quote:”I do not fear. I was born for this.” Her last words were, “Jesus, Jesus." 

We learned about the virtue of Obedience and discussed the boundaries of obedience regarding authority and conscience. It means quickly and cheerfully carrying out the wise direction of those responsible for me. The fourth commandment teaches us to obey.

We practiced archery, shooting straight arrows that obey our instruction. We made banners like St. Joan's that we used for targets for our arrows. We played, Mother Mary May I to better understand following God’s will instead of our own.

We were able to buy our own supply of bows and arrows, so be sure to borrow the equipment if a Little Flower would like to practice archery again (with adult supervision). 

We talked about how the Church, as directed by Christ, gave us the sacrament of Reconciliation so that we can find our ways back to Jesus if we disobey his commandments. We practiced the Act of Contrition: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend with your help to do penance, to sin no more, to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our savior, Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

The flower for Obedience is the white carnation because it reminds us of the Incarnation which came about through Mary’s obedience. White is the color of purity. The carnation is hearty and strong and gives off a sweet fragrance. 

We earned the Obedience petal. May God bless us and help us to obey. 

Everyone who persevered with their Lenten promises should have received their Holy Lent patch.

Next, we will earn Rosary patches by praying a daily rosary, or at least one decade of the rosary each day from May 1-May 30, Mary's month. A decade includes 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys and 1 Glory Be. Pick a regular time like on the way to school, or at bedtime to help you remember this holy habit Mary asks us to practice. The calendar will be e-mailed in case it wasn't picked up at the petal meeting. 

The Daffodils and Narcissus we planted in the fall to remember Industry and Truthfulness, were so beautiful in March and our Irises are blooming now. Did your Little Flower daffodils and Irises survive the winter? 

St Joan of Arc, Pray for Us!