Too much of a good thing? A reflection-examen on balance
One good thing out of balance can inhibit the benefit of another good thing. Learning the lessons of beauty and flowers.
Margaret Rose Realy, Obl.OSB
Margaret Rose Realy, Obl. OSB, is a contemplative living an eremitic life. Margaret reveals her love of nature, learning about the Creator through his creation, in her books, columns, and presentations.
Latest articles by Margaret Rose Realy, Obl.OSB
5 Ways to create a Rosary garden
If you'd like to grow some beautiful flowers in honor of Mary in your yard, here's a basic guide.
A garden devotional to Our Lady’s Seven Sorrows
The devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady began in the 14th century, brought through a revelation of St. Bridget of Sweden.
The meaning of thorns and their discovery on the Shroud of Turin
Thorns, thistles, and bits of pollen were discovered on the Shroud of Turin, and offer possible tangible evidence of Christ's suffering on the cross.
The ‘Tree of Death’ haunts many a cemetery
The yew, with its gnarled bark, poisonous needles, and ability to "come back from the dead" offers delightfully spooky -- and religious -- symbolism.
The deeper Christian symbolism of evergreens
Did you know that holly is meant to recall the Crown of Thorns?
No Christmas tree? Try these plants for a little holiday joy
Gifts of greenery for those who are isolating due to the coronavirus pandemic.
How to make your garden a Catholic prayer space
Gardening is a way to enhance our faith life and practice heavenly virtues. Here's how to make your own "garden of visible prayer."
Colors, flames and flowers: How to represent the Holy Spirit and today’s saint
Jude, the saint of impossible causes, is often associated especially with the Spirit
A Bible verse, a saint, and a song to enable you to embrace aging
There is an ease as expectations become more realistic and truths are easier to embrace ...
Who am I to you, Lord? Why surrendering as we really are is so tough
Aleteia's Margaret Rose Realy reflects on what she learned from an at-home icon-writing retreat
The 1st difficulties of finding God: How an icon-writing retreat taught me about me
Benedictine Oblate Margaret Rose Realy is leading us through an at-home retreat that involves creating an icon. The hard work has begun.
Need an at-home retreat and want to finish with something beautiful? How’s this for a creative idea
Artist and gardener Margaret Rose Realy guides us through a book that aims to bring readers closer to Christ as they are creating an icon (yes! non-artists can do it too!).
When we’re depressed or feeling blue, pray this prayer from Padre Pio
If you find yourself in a state of darkness, the key is "to reach" in prayer.
Spiritually adopting children to protect them against demonic influences
Being a "spiritual auntie" to many children sounds sweet, but it's a warrior's calling.
Spiritual adoption: What it is, why we do it, and the joy it brings
Our Lord and I enter into a holy alliance each November 1, secretly taking up the needs and intentions of one chosen soul.
What I learned from Our Lady’s hide and seek game
It is in the littlest of things that I find the Holy.
How to pray the Angelus for Lent
It's an easy prayer that requires you to stop whatever you are doing for 20 seconds at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m.
This amazing flower has 12 symbols of Lent in every bloom
The passion flower is one of the few plants that can be traced back to pre-literary times as a teaching tool for religious practices
Suffering from anxiety? Start drawing this image…
Strangely, painting an image that both attracts and revolts me brought me peace
