Please join in the second day of the Novena for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. It is available at Cirque de moi.Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Please join in the second day of the Novena for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. It is available at Cirque de moi.Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain
The Discovery of The True Cross by Gustave Dore
I adore You, O glorious Cross, which was adorned with the Heart and Body of my Savior Jesus Christ, stained and covered with blood. I adore You, O Holy Cross, out of love for Him, Jesus, who is my Savior and my God.
(Pope Pius IX declared that reciting this prayer five times on Friday will free five souls from Purgatory and 33 souls by reciting it on Good Friday. This prayer should be recited before a crucifix with a contrite heart and praying a few minutes for the Pope).
Holy Virgin Mary, there is no one like Thee born in the world among women, Daughter and Handmaid of the Most Highest King, the Heavenly Father, Mother of Our Most Holy Lord Jesus Christ, Spouse of the Holy Spirit:
Pray for us with St. Michael the Archangel and all the powers of Heaven and all the Saints before Thy Most Holy and Beloved Son, the Lord and Master.
Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, ...
Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
“Behold, for you I have established a throne of mercy on earth—the tabernacle—and from this throne I desire to enter into your heart. You can come to me at any moment, at any time; I want to speak to you and desire to grant you grace.” “My Heart overflows with great mercy for souls, and especially for poor sinners. If only they could understand that I am the best of Fathers to them and that it is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from My Heart . . . For them I dwell in the tabernacle as King of Mercy. I desire to bestow grace upon souls”
(Words of Jesus to St. Maria Faustina)
Earlier this year I posted a link to the Cardinal Newman Society's review of Catholic university websites, many of which posted links to abortion promoting places. I was outraged over this because a Catholic university must, first and foremost, stand up for Catholic values. That is why I am extremely pleased that Georgetown University is revising its website to remove links to groups that perform or encourage abortions.This is wonderful news, and I ask you to please join me in praying for an end to abortion and for all of God's children to have a chance at life - the most basic of all principles.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in Your love for us, protect against the wickedness of the devil, those helpless little ones to whom You have given the gift of life.Touch with pity the hearts of those women pregnant in our world today who are not thinking of motherhood.Help them to see that the child they carry is made in Your image - as well as theirs - made for eternal life.Dispel their fear and selfishness and give them true womanly hearts to love their babies and give them birth and all the needed care that a mother can give.We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.
Image Source: Use with Permission (Wikipedia)
Please join me in a novena for Vocations to the Priesthood that K has started on her blog. I'm completely humbled and so grateful that she started this novena for me!We need priests, and we all need to follow our vocations in life. Everyone is a sinner and in need of God's strength to fulfill their vocations. Please join me in this novena for more priests, religious brothers and sisters, and more dedicated lay people. We all are in need of God's mercy, so please join me in prayer.
Visit K's Blog for Day One
Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Feast (1969 Calendar): April 25Double of the II Class (1955 Calendar): April 25
Today is the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist, as well as the Greater Litanies (Major Rogation Day). Of St. Mark, it may be said:
- He is one of the four Gospel authors
- He was likely the unnamed young man present at Jesus' arrest (Mk 14:51-52)
- He was the son of a Christian woman in Jerusalem named Mary
- He had a miraculous escape from prison
- He was the cousin of St. Barnabas
- He had a falling out with St. Paul (later reconciled when he visited St. Paul in prison)
- His Gospel was probably written in Rome around 60 AD
- He died as a martyr after a pagan mob tied a rope around his neck and dragged him through the streets of Alexandria in Egypt.
St. Mark's body is buried under the High Altar at St. Mark's Basilica in the main plaza in Venice, Italy.
St. Mark's Day As A Former Holy Day of Obligation
The first catalog of Holy Days comes from the Decree of Gratian in c. 1150 AD, which shortly thereafter gave way to Decretals of Pope Gregory IX in 1234, which listed 45 Holy Days. In 1295, Pope Boniface VIII enacted the decretal Gloriosus which "commanded that each of the feasts of the twelve apostles, four evangelists, and four doctors of the Church be celebrated as an officium duplex" (The Cambridge History of Medieval Canon Law by Anders Winroth and John Wei).
In 1642, His Holiness Pope Urban VIII issued the papal bull Universa Per Orbem which mandated the required Holy Days of Obligation for the Universal Church to consist of 34 days as well as the principal patrons of one's one locality (e.g. city and country). Those days were the Nativity of Our Lord, the Circumcision of Our Lord, the Epiphany of Our Lord, Monday within the Octave of the Resurrection, Tuesday within the Octave of the Resurrection, Ascension Thursday, Monday within the Octave of Pentecost, Tuesday within the Octave of Pentecost, Most Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi, the Finding of the Holy Cross, the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Dedication of St. Michael, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter and Paul, St. Andrew, St. James, St. John (the December feast day), St. Thomas, SS. Philip and James, St. Bartholomew, St. Matthew, SS. Simon and Jude, St. Matthias, St. Stephen the First Martyr (the December feast day), the Holy Innocents, St. Lawrence, St. Sylvester, St. Joseph, St. Anne, and All Saints.
Ultimately Universa Per Orbem helped bring more uniformity to the Church since some parts of the Catholic world observed even more holy days of double precept (i.e., mandatory attendance at Mass and rest from servile work). One of those former days kept in some places as the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist.
For instance, in modern-day Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, which were included in the ecclesiastical province of Mexico, the feasts were regulated by the Third Council of Mexico in 1585, as American Catholic Quarterly Review states:
"In these parts besides those already mentioned, the faithful observed as holy days of obligation St Fabian and St Sebastian (January 20th), St Thomas Aquinas (March 7th), St Mark (April 25th), St Barnabas (June 1), the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin (July 2), St Mary Magdalene (July 22), St Dominic (Aug 4), the Transfiguration (Aug 6), St Francis (Oct 4), St Luke (Oct 18), St Catharine (Nov 25), the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin (Dec 18).
And while our ancestors in the New World in Florida and Louisiana would not have kept St. Mark's Day as a Holy Day of Obligation, it was kept as a day of abstinence from meat on account of it being the Major Rogation Day. See A History of Holy Days of Obligation & Fasting for American Catholics for more information on this forgotten history.
St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy
Prayer:
Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal
Well this last Sunday when I got back from meeting the diocese about my own vocation to the priesthood, I watched the final episode of God or the Girl. I was overall very pleased with the series although I wish more of them would have entered the seminary. I'm extremely happy for Mike, who obviously loves his job, as well as Joe, who is serving God as a lay counselor.
I was actually somewhat disappointed in Dan. I hope he serves the Lord as a youth minister, but in my own opinion, he really needs to focus more of the group's time on studying the faith and the Bible. I think that his inability to defend the Church against the fundamentalist's accusations show this. I agree with Gerald's statement that Dan is under too much of an evangelical influence; he needs to just focus on quiet contemplation and prayer and apologetics above some other things.
However, I'm very happy for all of them to have made a decision. I'm was so happy for Steve when announced his decision to enter the seminary. It was so heartfelt and poignant as he stood before his parish and announced His decision. I wish him the best, and I ask all of you to join me in praying for Him and for greater vocations to the priesthood in general. Think about it, without the priesthood we would not have the Eucharist. For hundreds of years priests and Christians in general were murdered for their faith, and today we live in an age where we can worship without fear. Yet, only a small percentage of Catholics attend Mass! Hundreds of years ago, nearly all Catholics attended Mass and would even accept martyrdom for Jesus Christ.
This series has really helped us remember the importance of vocations, but it also brought to mind the need for lay Catholics committed completely to the faith. We must be the light shinning in the darkness for Christ; we must proclaim the Good News!
Prayer for Vocations:
Help parents and teachers to share the faith and to encourage young people to explore religious vocations. Guide all people, Lord, in your ways of compassion, truth, and peace, that we may find happiness in fulfilling our vocation. Amen.
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I was actually somewhat disappointed in Dan. I hope he serves the Lord as a youth minister, but in my own opinion, he really needs to focus more of the group's time on studying the faith and the Bible. I think that his inability to defend the Church against the fundamentalist's accusations show this. I agree with Gerald's statement that Dan is under too much of an evangelical influence; he needs to just focus on quiet contemplation and prayer and apologetics above some other things.
However, I'm very happy for all of them to have made a decision. I'm was so happy for Steve when announced his decision to enter the seminary. It was so heartfelt and poignant as he stood before his parish and announced His decision. I wish him the best, and I ask all of you to join me in praying for Him and for greater vocations to the priesthood in general. Think about it, without the priesthood we would not have the Eucharist. For hundreds of years priests and Christians in general were murdered for their faith, and today we live in an age where we can worship without fear. Yet, only a small percentage of Catholics attend Mass! Hundreds of years ago, nearly all Catholics attended Mass and would even accept martyrdom for Jesus Christ.
This series has really helped us remember the importance of vocations, but it also brought to mind the need for lay Catholics committed completely to the faith. We must be the light shinning in the darkness for Christ; we must proclaim the Good News!
Prayer for Vocations:
Compassionate Heart of Jesus, graciously listen to our prayers. Give us generous hearts to respond to your call in our lives. Lift up courageous men and women willing to follow after your heart as priests, sisters, brothers, and deacons.
Help parents and teachers to share the faith and to encourage young people to explore religious vocations. Guide all people, Lord, in your ways of compassion, truth, and peace, that we may find happiness in fulfilling our vocation. Amen.
I'm very thankful for Dymphna's Well to post about this week to just abstain from television. Here are some statistics on her blog:1) The average American home has the TV on for a total of 7 hours, 40 minutes per day.
2) The average American watches 4 hours of TV per day.
3) The average American child UNDER 6 spends a total of 2 hours per day watching some type of screen media.
4) The average parent spends 38.5 minutes per WEEK in meaningful conversation with their children.
5) 54% of 4-6 year olds say they would rather spend time watching TV than spend time with their fathers.
6) Between 1993 and 1996 the percentage of homicides covered by television news increased 721%. During the same period, actual homicides decreased by 20%.
Some television channels can be great including much of EWTN, but even when we watch those good programs, we can lose valuable family and prayer time. So, please join me this week in turning off the TV and spending more time in prayer.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I offer to you my life and time and ask you to bless me. Lord of mercy and goodness, I specifically offer to you my efforts to abstain from television this week. I offer them in reparation of my sins and those of the whole world. Bless me efforts Lord by your love made visible on the Cross so that my small works may serve You completely and amount to something. Amen
Blessed Mother Teresa: "It is a kingly act to assist the fallen"
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Padre Pio: "I would undergo death an infinite number of times rather than deliberately offend the Lord" (Letters I p 910).
O God, Who didst exalt blessed Mark, Thine Evangelist, by the grace of preaching the Gospel, grant we beseech Thee, that we may ever profit by his teaching and be defended by his prayers. Through our Lord.Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal
Monday, April 24, 2006
I was able to get several more results for the Saint for the Year Devotion, so I wanted to be sure to post them here:
John- St. Frances of Rome and St. Paula
Mary - St. Rose of Lima and Our Lady of Guadalupe
Stephanie- St. Mary of the Incarnation 06/02
Christine - St. Dunstan
Kalanna - Sts Philip the Apostle and James the Lesser
The response to this devotion has been incredible. I originally posted about this back in 2005, and I'm still getting requests. If you are interested in having a special patron saint chosen for you for this year, please see my original post. If you'd like to look at some of the results, see the results page.
Total # of Participants so far: 398
May the prayers and friendship of these friend's of God bring us closer to Our Lord!
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John- St. Frances of Rome and St. Paula
Mary - St. Rose of Lima and Our Lady of Guadalupe
Stephanie- St. Mary of the Incarnation 06/02
Christine - St. Dunstan
Kalanna - Sts Philip the Apostle and James the Lesser
The response to this devotion has been incredible. I originally posted about this back in 2005, and I'm still getting requests. If you are interested in having a special patron saint chosen for you for this year, please see my original post. If you'd like to look at some of the results, see the results page.
Total # of Participants so far: 398
May the prayers and friendship of these friend's of God bring us closer to Our Lord!
Blessed Mother Teresa: "If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one"
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Padre Pio: "The devil has only one door through which to enter into our soul; the will. There are no secret doors. There is no sin, if it has not been committed willfully. When the will does not consent, there is no sin but human weakness."
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Today is Divine Mercy Sunday and also Low Sunday. Likewise, it is the Octave Day of Easter. Our Lord revealed special messages concerning His Divine and Endless Mercy to St. Faustina. He appeared to her between 1930 and 1938, and on Good Friday of 1937, He asked for a special a Novena to precede this Sunday. Today we especially thank God for the merciful institution of the Sacrament of Confession. The title of "Divine Mercy Sunday" began on May 23, 2000.
Our Lord said to St. Faustina:
"My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the fount of My Mercy" (699).Today is the day to turn to God again and live again the joy of Easter - Jesus Christ is Risen from the dead! For information on this day including the Chaplet and the Image of Divine Mercy, see Faustina.org
Concerning the image at the top of this post, Our Lord told St. Faustina: "I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over its enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory." (48)
St. Faustina, ora pro nobis!
Friday, April 21, 2006
Today I'm leaving for a two-day trip, so I won't be able to blog until Sunday after I get back from my meeting with the diocese. Please keep me in your prayers during this rather busy time.
Also, please remember to pray the Divine Mercy Novena for Saturday, the final day of the novena. Here's a link to that day's prayers since I won't be able to post them.
God Bless and peace be with you all!
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Also, please remember to pray the Divine Mercy Novena for Saturday, the final day of the novena. Here's a link to that day's prayers since I won't be able to post them.
God Bless and peace be with you all!
I received this email:
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I am asking prayers for my dear friend Jane. She just found out she has Acute Lukemia, and only has 3 to 5 months to live. At this time the family has not told her. Jane knows what she has is not curable,but does not know how short life will be. As I was talking to her today, she said she is not afraid to die, but she is not ready. Meaning may be there is something else she should do. I ask her, "If you were to die would you want to know, or to live life day by day?" Her answer was she wanted to live day to day and not know. She is a Catholic and says her Rosary everyday. So, please keep her and her family in your prayers.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
I look back to April and May 2005 and remember a very calm yet tired-looking man as our Pope. The burden of responsibility must have been intense, but after that, Benedict XVI has truly blessed the Church.
Here is a brief list of some of his work this past year:
- August: World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany
- October: Synod on the Eucharist
- November 13: Beatifies Charles de Foucauld, Maria Pia Mastena, and Maria Crocifissa Curcio
- December: Open Beatification for 43
- January: Releases "Deus Caritas Est" (God is love)
- February: Elevates Cardinals
- March: Drops title of "Patriarch of the West"
Update: Thank you so much, everyone. She's already feeling better. Your prayers have worked!
Hello, everyone.
I would like to ask you all to please pray for my mother. She is beginning to get a sinus infection, and I'm sure we all know how horrible it is to go through those. Please pray to the Lord with me asking that He heal her quickly.
Mother Mary, pray for her! Amen.
Thank you!
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Hello, everyone.
I would like to ask you all to please pray for my mother. She is beginning to get a sinus infection, and I'm sure we all know how horrible it is to go through those. Please pray to the Lord with me asking that He heal her quickly.
Mother Mary, pray for her! Amen.
Thank you!
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Thanks to John from the St. Blogs Parish Hall for reminding me that today the Church remembers my patron saint for 2006. As most of you know, I received this saint through the Saint for the Year drawing, where individuals have a name randomly picked from them out of a container of 1,500 names. I am unable to fulfill more requests now because the kind person doing the drawing of the names is not available, but I would gladly relay the name to her if you would like a saint. It may take a few weeks though. I apologize.
Anyway, today the Church remembers St. Apollonius the Apologetic. He lived in 185, and lived the faith until his death. He was a Roman Senator, who was charged as a servant by one of his slaves. Now, the law at that time dictated that any slave that brings a charge against his master must be executed, so the slave was immediately executed.
Sextus Tigidius Perennis demanded that Apollonius renounce the faith, but Apollonius refused. In one of early Christianity most eloquent and brillant defenses of the faith, Apollonius revealed himself as a true servant of God. Apollonius, however, was condemned and beheaded - faithfully serving God to the very end.
Because he was my patron saint, I knew that God had revealed him to me for a reason. I had never heard of him and made sure to research him. And, it's only April but when I look back on this year, I've really tried to become more eloquent at defending the Catholic faith like Apollonius. I've set up websites and talked with numerous people in person and online. While I doubt any of them rushed out to convert, I hope and pray I left a mark on them that God will use to bring them to the Church. I'm very thankful for having St. Apollonius as my patron.
St. Apollonius the Apologetic, pray for me!
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Anyway, today the Church remembers St. Apollonius the Apologetic. He lived in 185, and lived the faith until his death. He was a Roman Senator, who was charged as a servant by one of his slaves. Now, the law at that time dictated that any slave that brings a charge against his master must be executed, so the slave was immediately executed.
Sextus Tigidius Perennis demanded that Apollonius renounce the faith, but Apollonius refused. In one of early Christianity most eloquent and brillant defenses of the faith, Apollonius revealed himself as a true servant of God. Apollonius, however, was condemned and beheaded - faithfully serving God to the very end.
Because he was my patron saint, I knew that God had revealed him to me for a reason. I had never heard of him and made sure to research him. And, it's only April but when I look back on this year, I've really tried to become more eloquent at defending the Catholic faith like Apollonius. I've set up websites and talked with numerous people in person and online. While I doubt any of them rushed out to convert, I hope and pray I left a mark on them that God will use to bring them to the Church. I'm very thankful for having St. Apollonius as my patron.
St. Apollonius the Apologetic, pray for me!
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