Rose Sweet: Woman of Faith, Woman of Courage

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation and Our Friend Rose Sweet

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family and Faith is blessed to have Rose Sweet as part of our team as Vice President of our board. Rose has quite a story of faith and also have courage as she has been blessed with the “new beginnings” God has provided on her journey. Enjoy Rose’s own words and how the Lord stayed close even when she was fleeing from him.

Rose’s Story

“My childhood dreams were pretty normal for a girl growing up in the fifties and sixties. I just wanted to be married forever, have a wonderful husband, lots of kids, and—of course—a warm and cozy home. Because I had inspiring, loving nuns who taught me, I also dreamed of being a religious sister. Eventually I decided I could blend the two by teaching my kids all about God and how much he loves us and how to love him in return. My plan was set!

But I had no idea of the right thinking, relationship skills, and maturity required to make good choices. I blew it . . . three times. I married young and hastily to get out of my parents’ house and that lasted nine months before he started beating me. I quickly remarried because I had bought a house, adopted a child and needed a husband to finish the “happiness plan.” I was blinded by my own selfish desires to create a perfect life on my own terms and rarely gave God a thought. After three difficult years that marriage imploded and I was alone again—and afraid. I was in my thirties now and—gulp—aging quickly! In one last, desperate attempt at making my dream come true, I married a third time outside the Church. It shortly fell apart and I then was faced with the truth of who I was, how I had failed, and the sinfulness, fear, and pride that needed to be rooted out. I called to God with a broken and open heart and he heard my cries.

The next few decades of being alone and single were painful and sweet at the same time. Through prayer, the rich and mysterious teachings of the Church, and good spiritual direction, God continued to reveal his love for me and the plans he had for my loving him in return. That meant slow and steady detachment from the things to which I had clung for so long. Did my dreams come true? YES! He took his rightful place in my heart. Through my ministry to others he continues to fill my life with countless “children” who I love, console, nurture and teach; and he gave me the best home ever: a warm and cozy place safe within the arms of Holy Mother Church.”

Divorce and Healing

Rose Sweet is a national Catholic author and speaker on the topics of healing from broken relationships, including divorce and separation. Since she has experienced the pain and the “changes” of divorce herself, she truly understands. Please visit Rose’s website and learn more about her ministry. She has much guidance and wisdom on the topic of healing “after divorce”. Her story is amazing, and her life work is to help those who have experienced the pain of divorce and others to find the "Love that Never Fails". Be sure to check out Rose's list of book titles she has authored on her website and consider purchasing a book for yourself or a friend!

A Prayer for Divorced and Separated

Lord, thank you for the gift of life and love. Thank you for the Holy Spirit our guide. We come to you to pray for all those people and families affected by divorce. We ask for your healing presence in their lives. We thank you for all the gifts you give us throughout life, especially for new beginnings and helping us through moments of despair. Through the intercession of St. Raymond Nonnatus we lift our prayers for the divorced and separated. Help us to be a beacon of light to those who need your healing presence in tough times. We ask this in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

When it comes to healing and “accompaniment” in the transitional times families sometimes face, please keep the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith in mind. We offer our prayers, support groups, retreats, catechesis and outreach to families in crisis. With the guidance of our Board of Directors and with Rose Sweet as part of our team, we are here for you.

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