Today's Stational Church: March 16, 2006

Today's Stational Church Station is the Church of St. Mary Trastevere


In the heart of Transtiber, in a beautiful Romanesque square stands the church of St. Mary. On the spot of this church, shortly before the birth of Christ, oil gushed out of the ground. Mary carried Christ "the Anointed One" (reference to the oil) in her arms. The Mother of God is today's stational leader to Christ, the Light of the world.

We fly to your patronage, Holy Mother of God. Do present our humble prayers to Him, whom you did bring forth, the King that rules heaven and earth. Help us, good Mother, that He may keep us away from the broad road, which leads to darkness and perdition and take us on the narrow but sure way to eternal light and life.It is Thursday, four weeks from the great Eucharistic Thursday. May today's Eucharistic action give us light to see the right way and strength to follow it. And Christ is the "Way," and Mary, our leader to this "Way"—Per Mariam ad Jesum!

Let us pray: Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the help of Thy grace, that being duly intent on fasts and prayers, we may be delivered from enemies of soul and body. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

(Source: St. John Cantius)

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March 16, 2006 Lenten Quotation

"Few people would give their lives even for a just person, and all of us face death with reluctance, even in a just cause. How great a Savior we have then, and how deeply we ought to ponder his love for us! It is a clear proof of his divine goodness that when the appointed time came, he did not hesitate to suffer and die for the wicked and the unjust. In the gospel it is said that no one is good but God the Father; and so unless our Savior had been his Son, sharing in the Father's very substance, he could not have shown such great goodness toward us. By this proof, therefore, we can recognize in him that good man for whom someone might have the courage to die.

"Once people have understood the extent of Christ's goodness toward them and his love has been poured into their hearts, they will long not only to die for this good man Christ, but to die voluntarily." Origen of Alexandria

Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain

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The Church and Christ are Inseperable

The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has said what I have been trying to say for years.

Speaking to about 30,000 people in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father said that there is "a deep, inseparable, and mysterious connection" between Jesus and the Church founded on his apostles. Warning against "individualistic" approaches to faith, and the temptation to separate individual piety from "organized religion," the Pope said: "There is no conflict between Christ and his Church."

In commissioning the apostles, the Pope explained, Jesus left a clear sign that he wanted a constant presence in the world, to bear witness to Him and spread the Gospel. The Pontiff said that "the entire mission of the incarnate Son has a community goal."

Despite the inevitable weaknesses of human agents, the Pope continued, the Church reflects the face of Jesus Christ. Today's Church, led by bishops to whom the faith was passed down from the original apostles, remains intimated linked with the Savior, and in the teachings of the Church "we can read the truth of Christ."

The Holy Father prompted warm applause from the large crowd when he drove home the point: "The slogan that was fashionable a few years ago-- 'Jesus Yes, Church No'-- is completely irreconcilable with the intentions of Christ." Pope Benedict has continued the pattern set by Pope John Paul II, offering weekly meditations on a set topic. For the first several months of his pontificate he continued the series begun by his predecessor, with weekly meditations on the psalms and canticles of the Divine Office. At his February 15 audience he wrapped up that cycle of talks, which Pope John Paul had begun in April 2001, having covered all of the psalms and canticles. (Source: CWNews)

I agree wholeheartedly with the Holy Father's words. It is quite clear that Our Lord created ONE Church on St. Peter in Matthew 16:18. And only the Catholic Church, with St. Peter as the first pope, can trace itself back to the time of Christ; no other denomination can do this because for nearly 1500 the Catholic Church was the only denomination of Christianity.

In today's world we live in a society where the Church is ignored and secularism embraced. Yet, as the Holy Father said previously on April 18, 2005, "Being an 'adult' means having a faith which does not follow the waves of today's fashions or the latest novelties. A faith which is deeply rooted in friendship with Christ is adult and mature. It is this friendship that opens us up to all that is good and gives us the knowledge to judge true from false, and deceit from truth."

These words from the homily that began the conclave that would elect him and his words today both illustrate the same theme - Jesus Christ and the Church are one. For the Church has never shifted position to the times, rather, like Christ, it will remain true until the very end.

In the words of St. Joan of Arc, said before she was condemned to death for Christ, "About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know they're just one thing, and we shouldn't complicate the matter."

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Today's Stational Church

Today's Lenten Station is at the Church of St. Cecilia in Trastevere of Rome:

In the heart of Transtiber Rome, entered by way of a Baroque gateway portal and a cheerful courtyard, towers the splendid church of St. Cecilia, in which is buried St. Cecilia, the virgin-martyr. In the fifth century, this church was one of the most celebrated churches in Rome. On Ash Wednesday, the church was St. Sabina, the martyr-matron. On Wednesday of the first week of Lent, we visited St. Mary Major. On this third Wednesday, it is again a woman—the virgin-martyr and "glory of the early Church," St. Cecilia, who leads us to "the Son of Man, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."One reason why Christians often are lacking in joy and holy enthusiasm is their lack of purity. We know how the flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh. The two cannot live in the same house. One of the two must go. St. Cecilia knew no compromise. Her baptismal garment was never stained by impurity.

Let us pray: O God, the restorer and lover of innocence, turn towards Thee the hearts of Thy servants; that being inflamed with the fervor of Thy Spirit, they may be found both steadfast in faith and fruitful in good works. Through Christ, Our Lord.Amen.

(Source: St. John Cantius)

Also, read up on the history of this devotion. There are indulgences concerning this devotion (if you actually go to the church) too.

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My Lenten Reading

While searching through St. Blog's Parish Hall, I came across Monk?, which posted an interesting piece of information concerning the Benedictine Order. Specifically, Chapter 48 of the Rule of St. Benedict that requires the monk to receive a book from the library to read through during the days of Lent. The blogger posted a link to recommended books.

I, myself, am reading two books. The first, is "The Spiritual Vision of Pope Benedict XVI: Let God's Light Shine Forth", which is a book that includes various speeches and letters by Pope Benedict XVI. The book is entirely the Holy Father's thoughts, and I have enjoyed it immensely. I plan on posting excerpts and my general review of the book next week.

The second book is "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. The book, however, is proving very difficult to read. I have passed the sections on author's life and the meditations. Tomorrow I will start reading Chapter 1 of Our Lord's Passion. Please join me in reading it online so that I may discuss it with someone else.

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Wisdom for March 14, 2006

Archbishop Fulton Sheen:

The good of sacrifice makes the effort worthwhile “The violin strings, if they were conscious, would complain when the musician tightened them, but this is because they do not see that the sacrificial strain was necessary before they could produce a perfect melody. Evils actually become lighter by patient endurance and benefits are poisoned by discontent.”

Blessed Mother Teresa:

"Find Jesus, and you will find peace."

Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain

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Today's Stational Church

During Lent, many people celebrate a tradition called praying the Stational Churches. Many pilgrims will journey each day to a different Church in Rome during Lent. We can, however, join them spiritually in prayer each day.

I will continue to post these daily if anyone is interested.

Here is today's Stational Church:

The Station today is at the sanctuary of St. Balbina—a Roman virgin, who lived in the second century and whose remains, along with those of her father, the martyr St. Quirinus, lies under the altar. This church stands on a slope of the Aventine Hill.S t. Balbina followed Christ. To Him she gave her home that it might henceforth be His home where He would "have mercy on His people according to His great mercy and blot out their iniquity" and where they would seek His face, and finding it, "relate all His wonders, and be glad and rejoice and sing praise to the name of the Most High."I seek Your face! Your face, O Lord, will I still seek. Turn not away Your face from me.

Let us pray: Of Thy goodness, we beseech Thee, O Lord. Continue to help us in the observance of this holy fast, that having learned our duties from Thee, we may accomplish them by the help of Thy grace. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

For the Liturgy of the Hours today and the prayer of the Church please see this website.

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St. Maximilian

Today we remember St. Maximilian (not Maximilian Koble). St. Maximilian was a Roman who lived from 274 to 295 AD. An account of his final words has still preserved to today. Maximilian, at 21 years old, gave his life up for the Glory of Christ.

Brought before the proconsul Dion, Maximilian refused enlistment in the Roman army saying, "I cannot serve, I cannot do evil. I am a Christian."

Dion replied: "You must serve or die."

Maximilian: "I will never serve. You can cut off my head, but I will not be a soldier of this world, for I am a soldier of Christ. My army is the army of God, and I cannot fight for this world. I tell you I am a Christian."

Dion: "There are Christian soldiers serving our rulers Diocletian and Maximian, Constantius and Galerius."

Maximilian: "That is their business. I also am a Christian, and I cannot serve."

Dion: "But what harm do soldiers do?"

Maximilian: "You know well enough."

Dion: "If you will not do your service I shall condemn you to death for contempt of the army."

Maximilian: "I shall not die. If I go from this earth my soul will live with Christ my Lord."

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A new book: The Collar, A Year of Striving and Faith Inside a Catholic Seminary

I was very pleased to see that one of my readers emailed me the other day concerning a book they wrote. This is the email:

Thanks for your blog!

My name is Jonathan Englert and I want to let you know about my new book being published by Houghton Mifflin April 7. I followed five seminarians through one year of seminary in an effort to tell the story of priesthood and the calling to religious life in a way that it hasn't been told before. The result is The Collar, A Year of Striving and Faith Inside a Catholic Seminary. Whenever you get a chance, please check out the book's website for more information: http://www.thecollarbook.com/

Please let me know what you think of the site. I would appreciate anything you might suggest or be able to do to get the word out about the book.

Thanks.
Jonathan

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Our Journey in the Shadows

Pope Benedict XVI stated that our journey of faith "progresses more in the shadows than in full light." But, as yesterday's Gospel illustrates, we too shall one day see the glory of Christ's light. And on that day, Christ's light shall be the only light in the world that matters.

Catholic World News has a good article for our Lenten journey:

Commenting on the day's Gospel reading, which recounted the story of the Transfiguration, the Pope observed that no one can "live on Mt. Tabor," seeing Jesus in his full glory, in the course of ordinary life. The daily pilgrimage of faith is a more mundane affair, he said; it requires courage and perseverance during times of "obscurity or even of complete blackness.

There are rare occasions, the Pope said, when God provides a special insight to believers "especially prior to severe trials." These experiences, similar to those experienced by the apostles on Mt. Tabor, are "a foretaste of what will be the joy of heaven," he said.

However, the more typical experience of faith is guided by an "inner light" rather than such extraordinary experiences, the Pontiff continued. He recommended that the faithful follow the example of the Virgin Mary by meditating on the Scriptures and by trying to find God's messages "in the events of our own lives, seeking to read therein the messages of Providence."

During the season of Lent, the Pope encouraged the faithful to "the greatest attention" to the "the mysterious voice of the Lord." He told his audience that the annual Lenten Retreat at the Vatican, concluded the previous day, had given him and other leading Vatican officials a week "completely dedicated to listening to the Lord, who always speaks to us."

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Quotations on the Eucharist

"The soul that receives the Divine Blood becomes beautiful, as being clothed in a more precious garment, and it appears so beautifully aglow that if you could see it you would be tempted to adore it" (St. Mary Magdalene di Pazzi).

Go to adoration as one who would go to heaven, to the divine banquet. Our Lord will give us an audience of grace and love. He is waiting for us. He is longing for us." (St. Peter Julian Eymard)

The Lord has confirmed His presence in the Eucharist by a manifold miracles.

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Prayers for Sharon

After journeying over to Sharon's blog, I saw the pain of loss firsthand. Sharon has just suffered a miscarriage. This is certainly a painful time for her and her family, and I offer her my prayers and support. Please include Sharon in your prayers and let her know that you are praying for her. Just hearing of another's prayers can make a person feel better.

Prayer:

O Lord, it is you who have called us all by name and redemned us by your Precious Blood. May all who suffer and mourn from miscarriages be comforted by you, who laid down your life for us all. Jesus, my love, I trust in you! Have mercy on us all and bring to eternal glory all of your children. Amen.

Mother Mary, comforter of the afflicted, pray for us! Amen.

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The Age of Martyrs Continues: 2005

Just this week I read the somber reality that the day of martyrs is not over. In 2005 Fides, the news agency for the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, reported 26 missionaries died for serving the Gospel message of Our Lord: "Go forth and make disciples of all nations."

These people are living example of the need for an adamant faith in our times. It is only by God's grace that these people could have laid down their lives. Now these men and women surely have been rewarded with eternal life. Let us keep their souls in our prayers nonetheless, but let us also pray that the continued persecution of Catholics and Christians immediately ceases. Everyday Catholics are forced to celebrate their faith in fear in certain countries. They need our prayers as brothers and sisters in Christ.

According to Fides, in 2005, one bishop, 20 priests, two religious brothers, two nuns, and one lay missionary were murdered for their work for the poor and spreading the Gospel. And this is the 21st Century! We must realize the love that is required to be a Catholic. As Catholics we all are called to possess that same love for Christ that we would rather lay down our lives for Him than offend him. Only through love of the Eucharist and continual prayer can we hope to achieve such a beautiful faith.

These figures from Fides, however, were finalized before the December 28, 2005, murder of Ursuline Sister Clementine Brantschen from South Africa. The 74-year-old Swiss nun was shot during a robbery. The bishop that died in 2005 was Bishop Luigi Locati, an Italian who was working in Kenya. Pope Benedict XVI wrote, in his book On the Way to Jesus Christ: "Missionary work requires, first and foremost, being prepared for martyrdom, a willingness to lose oneself for the sake of the truth and for the sake of others."

As we clearly see the age of martyrs is not over, so let us keep all missionaries in our prayers. The world is in need of prayers desperately.

Prayer for Missionaries

O Almighty God, Lord of the harvest of souls, we ask You to guide and bless all who have gone forth to preach the gospel. Endow them with the gifts of generosity and concern. Send your Holy Spirit on them, that He may strengthen them in weakness, comfort them in trials and direct their efforts. May He open the hearts of their hearers to receive Your message. Let Your revelation enlighten all minds for the salvation of souls, and let Your love heal every heart and body for the happiness of each person. May all people consciously acknowledge You and serve You by living the teachings of Your Son. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Image Source: Believed to be from the AP

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It's a Beautiful Day

Blessed Mother Teresa: "God speaks in the silence of the heart, and we listen. And then we speak to God from the fullness of our heart, and God listens. And this listening and this speaking is what prayer is meant to be: oneness with God, oneness with Jesus."

This Saturday morning, please join me in praying the Morning Liturgy of the Hours. On this day please start you're day in prayer focusing solely on the heart of Jesus. If you can pray the Rosary. But above all, especially since we are in Lent, let us pray the Rosary and other devotions. Let Jesus Christ be the center of our day.

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Prayers Intentions for This Evening

At the end of this day I pray the Stations of the Cross, recalling the passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Our King.

I also add the following intentions to my evening prayers:

• For the Conversion of sinners
• For greater vocations to the priesthood
• For Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, who is recovering for a heart ailment
• For the conversion of abortionists and all who support the murder of the unborn

O Almighty and Eternal God, in the presence of Thy divine Majesty, I humbly adore Thee and thank Thee for all Thy blessings. Grant me the grace to know how I have offended Thee, and to be truly sorry for my sins.

Lord, answer my prayers for the conversion of abortionists and their supporters. May all of your children one day embrace the Catholic Church and turn away from sin to value the light of every one of your children. Lord God, have mercy on us sinners. We depend on your mercy to fill us with the truth and the light of life. Amen

Holy Mary, pray for us this evening that we may remain in the grace of God. Amen

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Texas Abortions on Teenages Reduced

With today being the "Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers", I continue to focus on the need for these people's conversion. The truth is that the nurses, receptionists, technicians, and even abortion supporters are people like us created in God's image. The saddest thing is that some of them are Catholics that betray Christ's teachings through the Church.

The truth is that we are winning. Have faith! With South Dakota passing a ban on abortion and more and more pro-life laws passed, we are moving closer to a day when abortion will be illegal. Let us continue to focus on prayer. As Catholics, prayer must be the center of our lives. Let us also focus on the Cross, the heart of the Christian life.

Previously this week, the New York Times published a story saying that parental notification laws do not work. This is a lie! A study was published in this weeks New England Journal of Medicine stating that abortions have drastically dropped because of the state's parental notification law passed in 2000. The Texas law requires abortionists to notify the girl's mother 48-hours before the murder of her child.

Because of this law, the study finds that "abortions on 15 year-olds dropped 11 percent, on 16 year-olds dropped 20 percent, and fell 16 percent on 17 year-olds" (Source: Life News)

Pray, Pray, and Pray for the end to abortion! Please join me in praying for this today.

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Susan Tassone on Purgatory

We as Catholics know there is a temporary state between Heaven and Hell called purgatory. This place is where all people who die in God's friendship - without mortal sin on their souls - but have less serious sins can be purified. St. Paul alluded to purgatory.

1 Cor 3:15 "The one whose work is burnt down will suffer the loss of it, though he himself will be saved; he will be saved as someone might except to be saved through fire."

We however can help the souls in purgatory called "The Holy Souls" to reach Heaven through our prayers, indulgences, and having Masses said in their name.

One activist for the Holy Souls was Susan Tassone. An interview was conducted with her about her work to help the souls of those in purgatory. I highly recommend this interview. And for those wanting to know more information on purgatory, please see my post "Purgatory."

Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory

O gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament,
ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory,
Have Mercy on them.

Be not severe in Your judgments, but let some drops
of Your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames.

And, Merciful Savior, send Your angels to conduct
them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.

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St. Dominic Savio

Today the Church remembers St. Dominic Savio, (1842-1857) who lived a very short but devout life. By the age of five he was an altar server. He was a student of St. John Bosco.

St. Dominic Savio was born in Riva, Italy and joined the Oratory in Turin under St. John Bosco at the age of 12 to become a priest. Young St. Dominic even founded the Company of the Immaculate Conception, a group dedicated to devotional acts and also assisting St. John Bosco.

St. Dominic lived centered on prayer. His nights were spent in deep prayer, and he wished to do continuously "little things" for the glory of God. He died on March 9, 1857, from lung problems, after receiving the Last Sacraments.

Pope Pius XII officially canonized him in 1954.

Prayer:

Dear Saint Dominic, you spent your short life totally for love of Jesus and His Mother. Help youth today to realize the importance of God in their lives. You became a saint through fervent participation in the sacraments, enlighten parents and children to the importance of frequent confession and Holy Communion. At a young age you meditated on the sorrowful Passion of Our Lord. Obtain for us the grace of a fervent desire to suffer for love of Him.

We desperately need your intercession to protect today's children from the snares of the world. Watch over them and lead them on the narrow road to Heaven. Ask God to give us the grace to sanctify our daily duties by performing them perfectly out of love for Him. Remind us of the necessity of practicing virtue especially in times of trial.

Saint Dominic Savio, you who preserved your Baptismal innocence of heart, pray for us.

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Prayer Intentions for this Evening

I end this day in the Prayer for the Liturgy of the Hours and pray for the following Intentions:

• That all abortionists and their staff may repent for their sins and convert
• For the poor and the poor souls in purgatory
• For the Intentions of the Catholic forum that I put together
• For the children of Kenya, of whom, only 28% are immunized against disease
  

(There is a pious story that soon after the death of a certain Poor Clare nun, she appeared to her Mother Superior - who was praying for her soul - and made the following revelation: " I went straight to heaven because I paid all my debts by virtue of this prayer (below)." Please note that this prayer is not meant to take the place of making a sincere Confession. It is meant only as a prayer to foster true contrition and reparation.)

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with all its love, all its sufferings and all its merits. To expiate all the sins I have committed this day and during all my life.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

To purify the good I have done poorly this day and during all my life. Glory be, etc.

To supply for the good I ought to have done, and that I have neglected this day and all my life.
Glory be, etc.

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Day of Prayer for the Conversion of Abortionists

Every March 10th, abortion activitists actually observe a "Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers"! These are people that not only perform abortions but the technicians, nurses, and clinic workers that promote and help women chose to kill their unborn children. This is madness!

Thankfully, I watched EWTN Mass tonight and Fr. Frank Pavone, leader of Priests for Life, mentioned a new initiate. This initiate makes March 9th an annual day of Prayer for the Conversion of Abortionists.

We can do all things through the power of God's grace as today's Gospel reading illustrates. Let us pray for the conversion of all who chose to murder their own children.

"Lord,

I lift up to you all abortionists and their staff, including: all technicians, nurses, receptionists, counselors, chaplains, and all who are employed or voluntarily assisting with the killing of the unborn in any way. I place each one of them in the innermost recesses of Your Sacred Heart -- Your heart of mercy, compassion and love for all Your children.

I pray that they will accept the supernatural graces that You give them this day to rennounce the: the horrific killing of Your children, the psychological, physical, and spiritual harm that they are doing to women through their actions, and the tremendous spiritual, physical, and psychological harm they are doing to themselves.

Give them an abundance of courage and strength to say "No" to murder and to escape the culture of death and the constant torment and resentment that they experience in their lives.

As they approach You, encourage them to draw nearer, remove the veil that covers their eyes and blinds them to the truth. Pour out Your tender, loving mercy upon them that they will see the truth, the reality, and the consequences of their actions. Draw them into the light of your love and penetrate their souls with the light of truth, the light of Your knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

I pray this in the Holy name of Jesus through the intercession of Our Blessed Virgin Mary.For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on them, and on all the whole world!

...

---- Copyright Jean M. Heimann, February 9, 2006

Fr. Frank Pavone recommends actions for today and tomorrow to promote the culture of life:

a) Pray for the conversion of all abortionists.

b) Read the testimonies of the former abortion providers.

c) Write a letter to your local papers quoting one or more of these testimonies and inviting local abortionists to conversion.

d) Read some of the testimonies of those who have been injured by abortion (see http://www.priestsforlife.org/postabortion/index.htm), and write a letter that helps educate others about the devastating effects of abortion.

e) Gather with groups who pray in front of abortion centers and pray for the conversion of the abortionists who work there.

f) Publicly challenge abortionists – again, through letters or calls to media programs – to describe the abortion procedure in detail to the public, and to tell the women who make abortion appointments about the dangers of the procedure and about the alternatives they have.

g) Tell your priest/pastor about this special observance and invite him to speak about it from the pulpit.

Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened" (Mt 7:7-8)

Don't stop praying because abortionists have converted because of prayers. We are winning the pro-life cause because of prayer.

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