PRAYER CHAPEL OF SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

FOUNDER OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS;

PILGRIM OF CHRIST, TEACHER OF DISCERNMENT

Please enter the devotional prayer chapel with a few moments of silence. Quiet your thoughts, and place yourself in the Presence of Almighty God. May holy Saint Ignatius of Loyola help you in your pilgrimage towards holiness. This prayer chapel expresses the heart of Saint Ignatius of Loyola's spirituality; discerning God's Will, finding God in all things, deep love for Christ and His Church, generous apostolic service, daily conversion through prayer and living always Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam - "For the Greater Glory of God"

 

Theme: Seeking God's Will, discernment of spirits, generous service, love of Jesus Christ, holiness in daily life, and living for the greater glory of God.

Entrance Prayer

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, You called Saint Ignatius of Loyola from the life of a soldier to become a faithful servant of Your Kingdom. Through conversion, generous obedience and prayer, he learned to seek Your Holy Will in all things. Saint Ignatius inspired many to follow You with undivided hearts.

As we gather in this chapel dedicated to his honour, grant us the grace to listen attentively to Your voice, to discern Your Will with wisdom, and to serve You generously in every circumstance of life.

May Saint Ignatius lead us ever closer to Your Sacred Heart.

Amen."

Scripture Reading

Romans 12:2

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the Will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection

Saint Ignatius of Loyola discovered that true greatness is found not in earthly honours, but in following Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. After being wounded in battle, Ignatius experienced a profound conversion that led him to dedicate his entire life to the service of God.

Through prayer and careful discernment, Saint Ignatius learned to recognise God's gentle guidance in the movements of the heart. His Spiritual Exercises have helped many to deepen their relationship with Christ, grow in prayer, and seek God's Will with confidence.

As founder of the Society of Jesus, Saint Ignatius encouraged people to love the Holy Eucharist, remain faithful to the Church, serve generously wherever there was need, and to strive always for the greater glory of God.

Saint Ignatius reminds us that God is present in every part of our lives. When we prayerfully seek His guidance and generously respond to His call, our ordinary daily work becomes a joyful offering of love.

LITANY OF SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

Response: Pray for us

Saint Ignatius, faithful servant of Jesus Christ,

Response

Saint Ignatius, pilgrim of Christ,

Response

Saint Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus,

Response

Saint Ignatius, faithful son of the Church,

Response

Saint Ignatius, teacher of discernment,

Response

Saint Ignatius, devoted to the Holy Eucharist,

Response

Saint Ignatius, man of deep prayer,

Response

Saint Ignatius, courageous witness of faith,

Response

Saint Ignatius, guide of souls,

Response

Saint Ignatius, example of generous service,

Response

Saint Ignatius, faithful disciple of Christ,

Response

Saint Ignatius, teacher of the Spiritual Exercises,

Response

Saint Ignatius, patron saint of retreats,

Response

Saint Ignatius, patron saint of soldiers,

Response

Saint Ignatius, witness of joyful conversion,

Response

Saint Ignatius, servant of the greater glory of God,

Response

Saint Ignatius of Loyola,

Response

Prayer for Discernment

"Saint Ignatius of Loyola, faithful guide in seeking God's Holy Will, pray for us.

Teach us to recognise the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit amid the distractions of daily life. Help us to choose always what leads us closer to Jesus Christ, and to reject whatever draws us away from His love.

Grant us wisdom in our decisions, courage in our difficulties, and generous hearts ready to serve wherever God calls us.

May every thought, word and action be offered for the greater glory of God.

Amen."

Prayer for Families and Communities

"Saint Ignatius, intercede for our families and communities.

Pray that our homes may become places of prayer, wisdom and joyful service. Help parents to guide their children in faith, encourage young people to seek God's vocation with courage, and strengthen all who labour in the service of others.

Pray for our Holy Church, for the Holy Father, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, missionaries, all religious leaders, teachers and catechists. May they faithfully proclaim the Gospel and inspire many to know and love Jesus Christ.

Pray for our communities and nations, that justice, peace and charity may flourish among all people.

Lead many souls to the love and mercy of Christ.

Amen."

Closing Prayer

"O God, You called Saint Ignatius of Loyola to serve Christ with an undivided heart, and to lead souls to the knowledge of Your Holy Will.

Grant that, through his prayers, we may grow in discernment, persevere in prayer, and joyfully dedicate our lives to Your service.

Teach us to seek You in all things, to love Your Church faithfully, and to become generous witnesses of the gospel in every circumstance.

Bring us one day into the everlasting glory of heaven, where, together with Saint Ignatius and all the saints, we shall praise You forever.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen."

Saint Ignatius of Loyola; pray for us

Jesus, King of Mercy; we trust in You

Our Lady of the Way; pray for us

Saint Joseph, Guardian and Patron of the Church; pray for us.

NOVENA TO SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

The Novena to Saint Ignatius of Loyola is a time of prayer, discernment and generous service. Through his powerful intercession, we ask for the grace to seek God's Holy Will in all things, and to deepen our friendship with Jesus Christ. We ask for the grace to persevere in prayer, to make wise and holy decisions, and to live each day for the greater glory of God.

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, in Your infinite goodness You called Saint Ignatius of Loyola from worldly ambition, to wholehearted service in Your Kingdom.

Through his conversion, prayer and faithful discernment, Ignatius discovered that true joy is found in following Jesus Christ without reserve. By the gift of the Spiritual Exercises, he has guided souls to know, love and serve You more faithfully.

Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of Saint Ignatius, grant me the grace to seek You above all things. Help me to recognise Your Voice, to trust Your loving Providence, and to follow Your Holy Will with courage and generosity.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, faithful servant of Christ, I confidently ask for your loving intercession.

(Here mention your intention.)

If it is God's Holy Will, obtain for me the favour I now seek.

Teach me to examine my life honestly and to grow in holiness through daily prayer. Guide me to love the Holy Eucharist and Sacred Scripture. Pray that I may become a faithful witness to the gospel.

Help me to place all my gifts, talents and opportunities at the service of God and neighbour, always seeking the greater glory of God.

Pray for the Church, for the Holy Father, for bishops, priests, deacons, religious, missionaries, all religious leaders, educators, catechists and all who labour to spread the gospel. Pray for families, and for youth discerning their vocation. Pray for all who seek wisdom, peace and holiness.

Lead me always closer to Jesus, His Blessed Mother, and Saint Joseph, that one day I may rejoice with you and all the saints and angels in the everlasting happiness of heaven.

I thank you, dear Saint Ignatius, for your loving prayers and entrust myself completely to the Mercy of Almighty God.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Saint Ignatius devotion to God"

PRAYER CHAPEL OF SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS

DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, MYSTIC OF DIVINE LOVE, SERVANT OF THE CROSS

Please enter the devotional chapel with a few moments of silence. Quiet your thoughts and place yourself in the Presence of Almighty God. May holy Saint John of the Cross help you in your pilgrimage towards holiness. This prayer chapel highlights the Carmelite spirituality of Saint John of the Cross, and emphasizes contemplative prayer, loving union with Christ, hope through suffering, fidelity to the Cross, purification of the heart and joyful confidence in God's transforming Love.

Theme: Union with God through prayer, love of Christ Crucified, purification of the soul, hope in suffering, humility, and faithful perseverance.

Entrance Prayer

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, You called Saint John of the Cross to follow You along the narrow path that leads to everlasting life. Through prayer, silence and loving surrender, Saint John came to know the transforming power of Your Cross, and the immeasurable depths of Your Divine Love.

As we gather in this chapel dedicated to his honour, we ask that we be drawn into deeper friendship with You. Teach us to trust You in times of darkness, and to persevere through every trial. May we seek You above all earthly things.

May Saint John of the Cross lead us ever closer to Your Sacred Heart.

Amen."

Scripture Reading

John 12:24

"Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."

Reflection

Saint John of the Cross understood that the journey to God often passes through periods of darkness, suffering and purification. Rather than seeing these as signs of God's absence, John recognised them as moments in which the Lord gently prepares the soul for a deeper union with His love.

Though imprisoned, misunderstood and tested, Saint John never lost hope. His heart remained fixed upon Christ Crucified. From John's trials came some of the Church's greatest spiritual writings, filled with hope and confidence in God's Mercy.

St John teaches us that prayer is a loving encounter with God, where the soul learns to surrender completely to His Will. As we let go of selfishness, fear and undue attachment to earthly goods, Christ fills our hearts with His peace and transforms us through His grace.

Difficulties and dry times in prayer throughout our lives may be borne graciously, as a time of character testing; a "dark night of the soul." They, too, pass.

Saint John reminds us that every cross carried with love becomes a pathway to resurrection, and that beyond every night of faith shines the everlasting light of God's Presence.

LITANY OF SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS

Response: Pray for us.

Saint John of the Cross, 

Response:

Saint John, faithful servant of Jesus Christ,

Response

Saint John, devoted to the crucified Christ,

Response

Saint John, faithful son of Carmel,

Response

Saint John, Doctor of the Church,

Response

Saint John, teacher of contemplative prayer,

Response

Saint John, guide of souls,

Response

Saint John, faithful reformer,

Response

Saint John, model of humility,

Response

Saint John, witness of hope,

Response

Saint John, companion of those who suffer,

Response

Saint John, teacher about Divine Love,

Response

Saint John, faithful servant of the Cross,

Response

Saint John, comforter of the discouraged,

Response

Saint John, example of perseverance,

Response

Saint John, radiant witness of holiness,

Response

Saint John of the Cross, pray for us.

Prayer for Deeper Union with Christ

"Saint John of the Cross, faithful friend of Jesus and teacher of the interior life, pray for us.

Help us to remain faithful in prayer, especially when we feel weak or discouraged. Teach us to trust God, even when His ways are hidden from us. Help us to know that God's Love is always leading us toward holiness.

Strengthen us to carry our daily crosses with patience and hope. May every trial draw us closer to Christ, purify our hearts, and fill us with the peace that only He can give.

Help us to seek God above all earthly things and to love Him with our whole heart.

Amen."

Prayer for Families and Communities

"Saint John of the Cross, intercede for our families and communities.

Pray that our homes may become places of prayer, forgiveness and peace. Help us to encourage one another during times of suffering and to remain steadfast in faith through every difficulty.

Strengthen priests, religious, missionaries and all who dedicate their lives to the service of Christ. Pray for those who are lonely, imprisoned, misunderstood or burdened by heavy crosses.

May our families, communities and society become living witnesses of hope, charity and joyful trust in God's loving Providence.

Lead many souls to the healing love of Jesus Christ.

Amen."

Closing Prayer

"O God, You filled Saint John of the Cross with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and an ardent love for Christ Crucified.

Grant that, through his prayers, we may persevere faithfully in prayer, embrace our crosses with hope, and grow each day in loving union with You.

Teach us to seek the treasures of heaven above all else, and to trust completely in Your Divine Providence. Help us to become joyful witnesses of Your redeeming Love.

Bring us one day into the everlasting glory of heaven, where, together with Saint John of the Cross and all the saints, we shall praise You forever.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen."

Saint John of the Cross; pray for us

Jesus, King of Mercy; we trust in You

Our Lady of Mount Carmel; pray for us

Saint Joseph, Guardian and Patron of the Church; pray for us.

NOVENA TO SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS

The Novena to Saint John of the Cross is a time of prayer, interior renewal and complete trust in God's loving Providence. Through St John's powerful intercession, we ask for the grace to persevere in prayer, to embrace the Cross with hope. to grow in humility, and to seek ever deeper union with Jesus Christ.

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, in Your infinite goodness You gave the Church Saint John of the Cross as a faithful teacher of contemplative prayer and Divine Love.

Through his life of humility, suffering and unwavering trust, St John discovered that every soul is called to intimate union with You. Even in darkness and hardship, he remained faithful to Christ. St John proclaimed that Your Love transforms every cross into a path toward eternal joy.

Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of Saint John of the Cross, grant me the grace to remain faithful in prayer. Help me to trust You in every trial, to carry my daily cross with patience, and to surrender my whole life into Your loving hands.

Saint John of the Cross, faithful servant of Christ, I confidently ask for your loving intercession.

(Here mention your intention.)

If it is God's Holy Will, obtain for me the favour I now seek.

Teach me to seek God above all earthly things, to persevere through difficulties with hope, to love the Holy Eucharist, and to become a faithful witness of the gospel.

Pray for the Church, for priests, religious and missionaries, and for families. Pray for those who suffer, for those who feel abandoned or discouraged, and for all who long to know the peace of Christ.

Lead me always closer to Jesus and His Blessed Mother, that one day I may rejoice with you and all the saints in the everlasting happiness of heaven.

I thank you, dear Saint John of the Cross, for your loving prayers and entrust myself completely to the Mercy of Almighty God.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Saint John of the Cross in prayer"

BEAUTY OF THE CHURCH

 

                                                                          Freepik

Thus the Congregation has added to the beauty of the Dominican Order which, in itself, has a very special likeness to the beauty of the Church. 

“I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of Thy House and in the place where Thy glory dwelleth.”

Sr M Joseph Sweetnam. History of the Congregation of St Catherine of Siena in King William's Town. Page 177

                                       

HOLY TERTULLIAN; PRAYER

 

Holy Tertullian;

"Prayer cleanses from sin, drives away temptations, stamps out persecutions, comforts the fainthearted, gives new strength to the courageous, brings travellers safely home, calms the waves, confounds robbers, feeds the poor, overrules the rich, lifts up the fallen, supports those who are falling, sustains those who stand firm."

Catherine Nicolette;

These words from Holy Tertullian speak about the nature of prayer. Let us never underestimate the power of prayer. At all times - whether we feel strong or weak, afraid or joyful, let us pray. And when words fail us, let our hearts simply turn towards God.

For prayer is not an escape from life; it is the strength with which we face life. Prayer may not always still the storm around us, but it can still the storm within us. Prayer may not immediately change our circumstances, but it opens our hearts to the grace by which God can transform them.

Therefore, whatever tomorrow may bring, pray and do not despair. Pray and do not give up; pray so you do not lose hope. When the road is difficult, pray. When the burden is heavy, pray. When you have fallen, pray - and rise again.

For the hand that reaches towards God in prayer will never reach into emptiness. God hears the cry of the humble and strengthens the weary. The Father raises the fallen and protects the vulnerable. Divine Providence gives courage to those who trust in Him.

Let us therefore determine to become people of prayer - people whose faith is stronger than their fear. Let us become a people whose hope is greater than our difficulties, and whose trust in God cannot be shaken.

May we pray in the morning, throughout the day and in the night. May our very lives become a prayer.

For in prayer we discover not simply the answer to our needs, but the Presence of God Himself. When we journey with God, we never walk alone.

Image by Catherine Nicolette

PRAYER CHAPEL OF SAINT TERESA OF ÁVILA

DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; MYSTIC OF PRAYER, REFORMER OF CARMEL

Please enter the devotional prayer chapel with a few moments of silence. Quiet your thoughts and place yourself in the Presence of Almighty God. May holy Saint Teresa of Avila help you in your pilgrimage towards holiness. This prayer chapel expresses the spirituality of Saint Teresa of Ávila; contemplative prayer, close friendship with Christ, perseverance through trials, humility, reform of the heart, love of the Holy Eucharist and joyful confidence that "God alone is enough." 

Theme: Deep prayer, friendship with Jesus Christ, interior holiness, humility, perseverance, and complete trust in God's love.

Entrance Prayer

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, You called Saint Teresa of Ávila to draw ever closer to You through the life of prayer. Filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit, she taught that prayer is a loving friendship with You, Who never cease to call us into the depths of Your Heart.

As we gather in this chapel dedicated to her honour, open our hearts to Your presence. Teach us to seek You in silence, to trust You in every trial, and to persevere faithfully in prayer until our lives become a joyful witness of Your love.

May Saint Teresa lead us ever closer to Your Sacred Heart.

Amen."

Scripture Reading

John 15:4

"Abide in Me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me."

Reflection

Saint Teresa of Ávila discovered that the deepest happiness is found in friendship with Jesus Christ. She devoted her life to prayer, teaching that true prayer is not merely speaking to God, but spending time with Him in loving friendship.

Through perseverance, humility and complete trust in God's grace, Saint Teresa renewed the Carmelite Order, and encouraged countless souls to seek holiness through an interior life centred on Christ.

Even amid difficulties, suffering and misunderstandings, Saint Teresa remained joyful because her confidence rested entirely in God. She often reminded others that everything passes away, but God alone is enough.

Saint Teresa teaches us that every soul is called to become a dwelling place for God. As we open our hearts through faithful prayer, Christ transforms us from within, filling us with His love, peace and wisdom.

LITANY OF SAINT TERESA OF ÁVILA

Response: Pray for us.

Saint Teresa, 

Response

Saint Teresa, faithful servant of Jesus Christ,

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Saint Teresa, who loved prayer,

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Saint Teresa, faithful daughter of Carmel,

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Saint Teresa, Doctor of the Church,

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Saint Teresa, friend of Jesus,

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Saint Teresa, teacher of the interior life,

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Saint Teresa, faithful reformer,

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Saint Teresa, example of humility,

Response

Saint Teresa, model of perseverance,

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Saint Teresa, who had great love for the Holy Eucharist,

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Saint Teresa, faithful contemplative,

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Saint Teresa, guide for those seeking holiness,

Response

Saint Teresa, comforter of the discouraged,

Response

Saint Teresa, witness of joyful hope,

Response

Saint Teresa, radiant servant of God's love,

Response

Saint Teresa of Ávila, pray for us.

Prayer

"Saint Teresa of Ávila, teacher of prayer and faithful friend of Jesus, pray for us.

Help us to make time each day to sit quietly in the Presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Teach us to speak to Him with confidence, to listen with attentive hearts, and to trust Him completely in every circumstance.

When distractions trouble us, help us to persevere. When suffering comes, remind us that Christ walks beside us. May our prayer become a loving friendship that transforms our hearts and draws us ever closer to God.

Amen."

Prayer for Families and Communities

"Saint Teresa, intercede for our families and communities.

Pray that our homes may become places of prayer, peace and joyful love. Strengthen husbands and wives in faithful commitment, guide parents in wisdom, and inspire children to grow in holiness.

Pray for priests, religious, missionaries and all who dedicate their lives to God's service. Strengthen those who are weary, comfort those who suffer, and encourage all who seek to know God's Will.

May our communities become living witnesses of Christ's love through prayer, charity and humble service.

Amen."

Closing Prayer

"O God, You filled Saint Teresa of Ávila with wisdom, courage and an ardent love for prayer.

Grant that, through her prayers, we may grow in friendship with Jesus Christ, persevere faithfully in prayer, and seek holiness in every moment of our lives.

Teach us to trust completely in Your loving Providence, to serve others with generous hearts, and to become dwelling places of Your Holy Spirit.

Bring us one day into the everlasting joy of heaven, where, together with Saint Teresa and all the saints, we shall praise You forever.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen."

Saint Teresa of Ávila; pray for us

Jesus, King of Mercy; we trust in You

Our Lady of Mount Carmel; pray for us

Saint Joseph, Guardian and Patron of the Church; pray for us.

NOVENA TO SAINT TERESA OF ÁVILA

The Novena to Saint Teresa of Ávila is a time of prayer, interior renewal and complete trust in God's loving Providence. Through the powerful intercession of St Teresa, we ask for the grace to deepen our friendship with Jesus Christ and to persevere faithfully in prayer. We also ask for the grace to grow in humility, and to seek holiness through loving union with God.

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, in Your infinite goodness You gave the Church Saint Teresa of Ávila as a faithful teacher of prayer, and a courageous reformer of Carmel.

Through her life of contemplation, humility and unwavering trust, she led countless souls to discover the joy of friendship with Your Son, Jesus Christ. She taught that every soul is called to become a dwelling place where You delight to abide.

Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of Saint Teresa, grant me the grace to seek You each day in prayer. Help me to persevere through every difficulty and to trust completely in Your love. Grant me the grace to remain faithful to the path You have prepared for me.

Saint Teresa of Ávila, faithful servant of Christ, I confidently ask for your loving intercession.

(Here mention your intention.)

If it is God's Holy Will, obtain for me the favour I now seek.

Teach me to pray with a humble and trusting heart, and to love the Holy Eucharist. Guide me to seek God's holy Presence in every circumstance, and to become a joyful witness of the gospel.

Pray for the Church, and for priests, religious and missionaries. Pray for families, and for those who suffer. We pray for those who struggle in prayer, and for all who long to know the peace of Christ.

Lead me always closer to Jesus and His Blessed Mother, that one day I may rejoice with you and all the saints in the everlasting happiness of heaven.

I thank you, dear Saint Teresa, for your loving prayers and entrust myself completely to the Mercy of Almighty God.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Prayerful devotion in candlelit chapel"

PRAYER CARD FOR INTERCESSION OF PADRE PIO

 

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle

PRAYER TO HAVE A CHILD

 

IN PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD AND FOR YOUNG MOTHERHOOD

PRAYER TO HAVE A CHILD

Mother of Christ, you know, as no other mother can, the high dignity of motherhood. You know how immensely great is the privilege to call into this world a tiny soul destined to praise God forever in heaven.

This is the privilege I now seek, Mary!

Confidently I beg you to assist me, for I know that motherhood is so precious in your sight. And confidently, too, I hope for this blessing through your Divine Son, since Jesus loves little children and has said that we should allow them to come to Him.

It is for this blessing that I beg you to join to my petitions your own holy intercession, that I might be privileged to bring to Jesus a little one such as He so dearly loves, that He may bless the little one, that He may bless me, also, in my motherhood, and that He may then make us both grow in the wonders of His divine life.

Mother of Mothers,

Pray for me!

 

Pages 12 to 15.  “In Preparation for Motherhood and for Young Motherhood”, publishing details unknown