Almsgiving, Fasting, Prayer
Over the years, Christians and Catholics have developed customs and traditions that try to help people turn toward prayer. Here are some that developed!
• When we hear a siren (fire engine, ambulance, police) we say a pray for the people who are in trouble as well as the fire fighters, officers or medical emergency crew involved.)
• Before a meal, we pray grace.
• When passing by a church, we make the Sign of the Cross, men tip their hats.
• When passing by an abortion clinic or euthanasia location, we say a Hail Mary.
• When we see a funeral procession or pass a cemetery, we say a prayer or place our hand over our heart and men tip their hats.
• During a bad story, we light a candle at home and say a prayer asking for protection.
• When we hear a church bell, we say a prayer.
• When we lose something, we pray to St. Anthony.
• When we pass a hospital, we say a prayer.
• In school, we print “JMJ” (the initials of Jesus, Mary and Joseph) or AMDG (which stands for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, a Latin phrase meaning, “For the greater glory of God”) at the top of a class paper, in order to bring God into one’s schoolwork.
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• During a bad storm, we light a candle at home and say a prayer asking for protection.