Grace Filled Lemons

Featured Saints:

• Aug 8: St. Dominic
• Aug 11: St. Clare of Assisi
• Aug 14: St. Maximilian Kolbe

Herbal Focus:

Holy Basil + Rose Petal Tea — Supports emotional balance, clarity of thought, and heart-centered devotion. A lovely nod to St. Clare’s contemplative spirit and St. Maximilian’s deep peace under pressure.

Holy Basil & Rose Petal Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried holy basil (Tulsi)
• 1 tablespoon dried rose petals (organic, food-grade)
• 2 cups freshly boiled water
• Optional: a slice of orange, a few crushed cardamom pods, or a drizzle of raw honey

Instructions:

1. Combine holy basil and rose petals in a teapot or heat-safe jar.
2. Pour 2 cups of freshly boiled water over the herbs.
3. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes for a light floral brew, or up to 30 minutes for a deeper infusion.
4. Strain into your favorite mug.
5. Add honey, orange, or cardamom if desired.

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Benefits:

•  Holy Basil (Tulsi) is revered in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogen—supporting the body’s stress response, improving clarity, and promoting emotional balance.
•  Rose Petals are known to soothe the heart, ease tension, and gently support hormone and digestive health. Spiritually, roses have long been associated with Our Lady and divine love.

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Monday

• Breakfast: Overnight oats with chia, almonds, and banana
• Lunch: Quinoa bowl with roasted sweet potatoes and tahini dressing
• Dinner: Vegetable curry with coconut milk and basmati rice
• Intention: Pray for those seeking truth and wisdom (in honor of St. Dominic)

Tuesday

• Breakfast: Warm spelt muffin with honey and a cup of holy basil tea
• Lunch: Lentil salad with cucumber, tomato, and mint
• Dinner: Baked salmon, roasted zucchini, lemon rice
• Intention: Pray for writers, teachers, and preachers of the faith

Wednesday (Optional Fasting)

• Breakfast: Herbal tea or fruit only
• Lunch: Spelt toast with tomato and basil
• Dinner: Clear broth soup with greens and barley
• Intention: Fast for purity and deeper union with Christ

Thursday

• Breakfast: Yogurt with spelt granola and dried fruit
• Lunch: Lentil stew with thyme and rosemary
• Dinner: Baked potatoes with garlic chive cashew cream
• Intention: Pray for young women discerning religious life (St. Clare)

Friday (No Meat)

• Breakfast: Warm cinnamon barley with raisins
• Lunch: Chickpea patties with tzatziki and tabbouleh
• Dinner: Creamy mushroom risotto and side salad
• Intention: Pray for peace, prisoners, and those who suffer for the faith (St. Maximilian Kolbe)

Saturday

• Breakfast: Rosemary scones with berry jam
• Lunch: Tomato-basil soup and grilled cheese on spelt
• Dinner: Roasted vegetable tian with herbs
• Intention: Pray for contemplatives and those hidden in prayer

Sunday (Feast Day Prep for the Assumption)

• Breakfast: Lemon ricotta pancakes and herbal tea
• Lunch: Herbed roast chicken, green beans, rosemary potatoes
• Dinner: Lavender shortbread and rose tea
• Intention: Thank God for Mary’s example of surrender and beauty

With gratitude,

Laura

*P.S. A gentle reminder: if your health or energy doesn’t allow for a full meal plan right now, please don’t feel bad about that. Healing and nourishment look different for everyone. Maybe just pick one recipe to try—or simply enjoy the inspiration. And if even that feels like too much this week, that’s okay too. Let grace carry you, not guilt. You’re doing the best you can, and that is more than enough.