Words of Inspiration: July 8, 2006

Archbishop Fulton Sheen -

"It has been my lot to spend much time with men who have suffered in prisons, death marches, Siberia, concentration camps and other forms of Communist tortures. But I have never known any one of them who ever said a harsh word against his persecutors. Like some trees which bathe with perfume the ax which cuts them, they had nothing but pardon for those who did them violence. They hated Communism, but they loved the Communists."

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Pray for the Holy Father as he visits Spain

Please pray for the Holy Father as he prepares to travel to Valencia, Spain today to defend the family! Spain is 94% Catholic, but Socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has done a lot against the Church and, therefore against Christ.

Since taking office in 2004, Zapatero's government has either adopted or discussed legislation in favor of:

* Same-sex marriage legislation;
* Fast-track divorces;
* Curbing religious education in state schools;
* Supporting embryonic stem-cell research;
* Easing abortion laws;
* Reducing or eliminating public funding for the church.

Just days ago, the Prime Minister funded an event organized by the Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals and Bisexuals, in Valencia!!! These people insulted the Holy Father and carrying signs around saying "I'm not waiting for you" and even worse, "God does not exist"!!! There is to be a nude cycling contest when the Holy Father arrives!! (Source)

The Holy Father is scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister on Saturday, July 8, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday local time. The Prime Minister has refused to attend the Mass where the King and Queen of Spain will attend with an expected 1.5 million Spanish citizens.

Spain is a highly Catholic nation but is falling to the "dictatorship of relativism". We must pray for the success for the Holy Father's visit.

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Blessed Roger Dickenson, Blessed Ralph Milner, & Blessed Lawrence Humphrey

Queen Elizabeth I of England

Today the Church remembers Blessed Roger Dickenson, Blessed Ralph Milner, & Blessed Lawrence Humphrey. All of them were persecuted by Queen Elizabeth I of England during the persecutions against the Catholic faith.

Blessed Ralph Milner, a farm laborer and father of eight chidren, was brought into the Church by the good example of his neighbors. He was arrested after he made his first Communion. For what crime - being Catholic! However, the jailer liked Blessed Ralph Milner, so he allowed him to move about more freely than the other prisioners. So, Blessed Ralph Milner helped to get supplies to Father Stanney, a Jesuit and Blessed Roger Dickenson, an undercover diocesan priest.

Fr. Roger Dickenson and Ralph Milner were caught and brought to trial. Fr. Dickenson was charged with the crime of being a Catholic priest while Ralph was charged with assisting him in his ministry. The judge wanted to show mercy, so he said to Ralph Milner: "All you have to do is visit a Protestant church, just for a few minutes, to say you have been there. I'll let you go free to be with your family."

He refused the offer to publically deny the Truth of the Catholic faith and even pretend to accept the doctrinal errors of protestant churches. Blessed Milner and Father Dickenson refused to deny the Church - they were excuted on July 7, 1591 in Winchester, England.

Blessed Lawrence Humphrey recently converted to Catholicism because of Father Stanney. He also was martyred - at the age of 21. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered. All there were beatified in 1929.

All three of these men show us the example that we are to live. For they knew the Truth of Christ was only 100% complete in the Catholic faith. For these men were willing to die for Catholicism. It was been persecuted over and over again. But, it has continued to grow! Sacred Scripture comes to mind: "For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God." (Acts 5: 38b-39a)

Men will not lay down their lives for something that isn't worth dying for. I pray that all non-Catholics see the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith. I ask that all of us, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, pray for the health and intentions of each other.

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Words of Inspiration: July 7, 2006

Words of Wisdom from St. Padre Pio:

"Make a particular effort to practice sweetness and submission to the will of God, not only in extraordinary natters, but even in the little things that occur daily. Make these acts not only in the morning, but also during the day and in the evening, with a tranquil and joyful spirit. And if you should fail in this, humble yourself, make a new proposition, get up and continue on your way" (Letters III p 708).

If you have not done so, read about the Miracles of St. Padre Pio.

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Pope Benedict XVI visits Valencia, Spain

On July 8-9, 2006, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, will visit Valencia, Spain for the 5th World Meeting for Families. The family is extremely important. Without a loving and pious family, children can grow up not knowing God. As the Catechism states, "The family is the original cell of social life. It is the natural society in which husband and wife are called to give themselves in love and in the gift of life" (2207).

We must pray for the Holy Father as he travels to this country that is 94% Catholic. However, the country has gone downhill under the current Prime Minister. Spain has abortion, divorce, and allows gay marriage. A horribly offensive protest by homosexual citizens will occur when he arrives in Spain. (Read more)

Pope Benedict XVI's schedule (CWN):

Saturday, July 8, 2006:

1. 9:30 AM - leaves Rome's Fiumicino airport
2. 11:30 AM - arrives in Valencia, Spain
3. 11:30 AM - Greeting ceremony with speeches by King Juan Carlos and the Holy Father
4. Following the Ceremony, he will board the Popemobile for the 10 minute trip into Valencia
5. In response to the July 3 metro accident that killed 41 people, Pope Benedict XVI will stop briefly at the Jesus Metro Station for prayer and to lay a floral wreath in memory of the victims
6. He will then arrive at the Cathedral where he will be given the keys to the City. In the Cathedral, he will meet with 1,500 priests and religious, leading them in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
7. He will then go to the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, where the Lord's cup from the Last Supper, is kept, to give a message to the Spanish bishops
8. After leaving there, he will go to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken to meet with the families affected by the July 3rd accident.
9. Late Afternoon -He will travel to "Generalitat" palace for a courtesy call on the Spanish royal couple and then meet with Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.
10. 8:30 PM - The Holy Father will make his first appearance at the World Meeting of Familes.

Sunday, July 9, 2006:

1. Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate Holy Mass to an expected 1 million people including King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia. His homily is expected to discuss family issues, and the Mass will be a special Mass for Families. At the Mass, he will use the actual Holy Grail, which Jesus used at the Last Supper.
2. After Mass he will lead the Angelus
3. Afterwards, in the sacristy, he will briefly meet with Mariano Rajoy Brey, the head of Spain's political opposition
4. He will depart for Rome.

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A Living Miracles: Terry Wallis

Terry Wallis' story is one of true inspiration. As you look upon his image above, what do you see? Do you see a crippled man that the world feels sorry for? Do you see someone that is suffering and does not experience the love of God? I see Jesus Christ through this man. This man is bearing a heavy Cross, but I see the love of Jesus Christ through him. You can see Our Lord best through the poor, hungry, homeless, unborn, sick, and despised. For Jesus Christ humbled himself to their state to raise us all to His divinity. Jesus Christ shines through this man.

Wallis, 42, has regained speech and movement nearly 20 years after a car accident. His brain began to grow tiny new nerve connections to replace the ones destroyed in the accident. Wallis is considered the only person in the United States to ever recover so remarkably after such a long time. As of right now, he needs help eating and cannot walk, but he can count to 25 uninterrupted. He is a miracle - a sign of God's love.





Story Source: LakeNewsOnline.com
Photo Source: AP Photo/Brian Chilson

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Prayer to the Holy Souls

I have found this prayer to the Holy Souls in the book,"Stories About Purgatory," 30 Days For The Holy Souls.

A PRAYER ADDRESSED TO THE POOR SOULS IN PURGATORY:

O Holy Souls in Purgatory, thou art the certain heirs of Heaven. Thou art most dear to Jesus, as the trophies of His Precious Blood, and to Mary, Mother of Mercy. Obtain for me, through thine intercession, the grace to lead a holy life, to die a happy death, and to attain tothe blessedness of eternity in Heaven. Dear suffering souls, who long to be delivered in order to praise and glorify God in Heaven, by thine unfailing pity, help me in the needs which distress me at this time, particularly (here mention your request), so that I may obtain relief and assistance from God.

In gratitude for this intercession, I offer to God on thy behalf the satisfactory merits of my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day (week, month, or whatever space of time you wish to designate). AMEN

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The Jesus Prayer

Blessed Cardinal Schuster

The classical form of the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

Fr. John Corapi recently talked about how this prayer is a wonderful prayer to say during our day. I completely agree. Please realize that the actual words of our short prayers can vary. Some versions will say, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me" while others say, "Lord Jesus, have mercy." Monks of old said, "Lord, make haste to help me. Lord, make speed to save me," throughout their entire day.

The Jesus Prayer originates in the early sixth century, with Diadochos, who taught that repetition of the prayer leads to inner stillness. Even earlier John Cassian recommended this type of prayer. In the fourth century, Egypt's short "arrow" prayers were practiced.

Realize that this prayer, repeated throughout the day, is a very pious action. It does not go against Our Lord's command not to pray in "vain repetition" because Jesus' emphasis is on "vain" prayers, not on the fact they are repeated often. Jesus himself taught us the Our Father for us to repeat just two lines after Matthew 6:7! The important thing is that we must raise our hearts and minds to God. That is prayer!

Abba Macarius of Egypt said there is no need to waste time with words. It is enough to hold out your hands and say, "Lord, according to your desire and your wisdom, have mercy." If pressed in the struggle, say, "Lord, save me!" or simply, " Lord." He knows what is best for us, and will have mercy upon us. St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach always when necessary use words."

Fr. John Corapi said that if we can't concentrate on prayer because we are in pain or dying, just say the name of "Jesus".

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Words of Inspiration: July 6, 2006

St. Padre Pio:

"A lively faith, blind belief and complete adherence to the authorities constituted by God over you; this is the light that illuminated the steps of the people of God in the desert, and this is the light that always shines in the tip of those souls who are acceptable to the Father. This is the light that led the Magi to adore the newly-born Messiah" (Letters III p 404).

If you have not done so, read about the Miracles of St. Padre Pio. I'd love to hear your opinions on them.

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St. Maria Goretti

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which features a side altar dedicated to pro-life saints including St. Maria Goretti. Photo (c) A Catholic Life, 2021.

Optional Memorial (1969 Calendar): July 6

Today the Church remembers St. Maria Goretti, who died a martyr at the young age of 12 in 1902.

St. Maria Goretti was born on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, Italy to Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini. She was baptized the next morning. She was raised as a pious farm girl, one of six children, who grew in holiness. In 1896 the family moved to Ferriere di Conca and shortly afterward, St. Maria's father died of malaria. The Goretti family was forced to move onto the Serenelli farm to survive.

On July 5, 1902, St. Maria Goretti, at the age of 12, was attacked by Alessandro Serenelli, a farm hand, who wanted to rape her. He had repeatedly suggested impure things to her previously, but this time hatred filled him. St. Maria Goretti refused sexual relations first and foremost because it was a sin outside of marriage. She desperately fought to stop Alessandro, a 20-year-old, from abusing her. She kept screaming, "No! It is a sin! God does not want it!"

Alessandro Serenelli began to choke St. Maria Goretti and then stabbed her 14 times. The young girl survived in a hospital for two weeks, where she forgave her attacker and asked God to forgive him. She died holding a crucifix and a medal of Our Lady.

Years later, while in prison, Alessandro had a vision of Maria. He saw a young girl, dressed in white, gathering lilies in a garden. She then smiled, came near him, and encouraged him to accept an armful of the lilies. As Alessandro took them, each lily transformed into a still white flame; St. Maria then disappeared. This vision led to Alessandro's conversion. He later testified at her cause for beatification. At the end of his life, Alessandro wrote, "I ask pardon of the world of the outrage done to the martyr Maria Goretti and to purity. I exhort everyone to keep away from immoral shows, from dangers, from occasions that can lead to sin."

She was beatified on April 27, 1947, and canonized on June 24, 1950, by Pope Pius XII. Her mother was present at her canonization - the only time a mother has ever been present for her child's canonization. She was the youngest officially recognized saint of the Catholic Church. She is a model of purity - a model all of us should try to imitate. St. Maria refused to break the Commandments and for that, she was rewarded with eternal life. Remember Our Lord's words, that we are to adhere to every Commandment of the Church, even the least important (Mt. 5:18-19). St. Maria is a model for all of us, especially the youth, to follow.

Pope Pius XII presides over the canonization of Saint Maria Goretti at St. Peter's Basilica (photo by Jack Birns, 1950)

Official Prayer to St. Maria Goretti

Oh Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God's grace, did not hesitate even at the age of twelve to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity, look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation. Teach us all, and especially youth, with what courage and promptitude we should flee for the love of Jesus anything that could offend Him or stain our souls with sin. Obtain for us from our Lord victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we earnestly beg of thee (here insert intention), and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen.

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