Category: The WORD

Posted in ADVENT, MORNING Prayers, The WORD

Saturday of the First Week of Advent – 9 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saturday of the First Week of Advent – 9 December

“Let us adore the Lord, the King who is to come.“

Daily Meditation:

You shall weep no more.

He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; 
when he hears it, he will answer you.
Isaian 30:19

The prophetic promise is so great.
What our God has done is so complete a victory over sin and death.
In the midst of my day today, can I let myself imagining that salvation
touching and transforming me?
And can I patiently wait for God’s work to take effect in me
– letting him open my heart, day by day?
Imagining “true liberty” today, let us walk in His ways.

Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction,
yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more but your eyes shall see your Teacher.
And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left,
your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:20-21

Today’s Daily Reflection – Intercessions:
Let us pray to God our Father, who from of old has called
his people to salvation:
Lord, protect your people.

You promised to plant the seed of justice among Your people,
– protect the holiness of your Church.
Lord, teach all men and women to listen to Your word,
– and help believers to persevere in holiness.
Keep us in the love of Your Spirit,
– that we may receive the mercy of Your Son who is to come.
Father most merciful, strengthen us to the last,
– until the day of the coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

You received without payment;  give without payment. Matthew 10:8

Closing Prayer:
Lord of Hope,
Dare I? Can I really hope?
From out of the darkness
I sense a dim light ahead,
the light of Your coming into the world.
I so long for the time
when You are no longer hidden from me
and my deepest desire is
to trust in Your warm voice I hear behind me,
guiding me along a hidden path I do not know.
Dry my tears,
heal my wounds
and help me
to wait for the dawning of the dim light ahead,
with a brighter vision
of healing and freedom.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.saturday of the first week - 9 dec 2017

“Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.”

 

 

 

Posted in ADVENT, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, CHRISTMASTIDE!, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, The CHRIST CHILD, The WORD

ANNOUNCING a Novena to the Christ Child in preparation for Christmas

Posted on by AnaStpaul

ANNOUNCING a Novena to the Christ Child in preparation for Christmas

In the birth of Jesus, God comes to us and asks us to receive Him, so that He can be born in our lives and transform them and our world, by the power of His love.    The Christmas liturgy also invites us to contemplate Christ’s birth against the backdrop of His paschal mystery.   Christmas points beyond itself, to the redemption won for us on the Cross and the glory of the Resurrection.   May this Christmas fill you with joy in the knowledge that God has drawn near to us and is with us, at every moment of our lives”. …Pope Benedict XVI

Join us for the Christmas Novena to the Christ Child beginning 9 days before Christmas on 16 December.   Each day will feature a Scripture Reflection and prayer.   Let us dispose ourselves to receive the coming Lord.   With great desire, with joy full of hope, with a heart that is free and capable of great love, for after all, we are made in His image and likeness and He is love!ANNOUNCING - CHRISTMAS NOVENA TO THE CHRIST CHILD begins 16 DEC - 2017

Posted in ADVENT, CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, DOCTORS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 December  – The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 December  – The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
with all your strength and with all your mind ………………Luke 10:22luke 10 - 22

REFLECTION – Love for Christ pierced Mary’s heart in such a way that no part
of it was left unkindled.   Mary thus fulfilled the first commandment of love
in all its fullness and without the slightest imperfection…………St Bernardlove for christ - st bernard - 8 dec 2017

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help us to imitate Your Immaculate Daughter Mary in her love for You.   Grant us the grace to love You as much as she, all our lives and grant, that through her help and her prayers, we ourselves may come to You , cleansed from our sins. O Mary Immaculate, mother of our Lord, Pray for us! Amenimmaculate mary - pray for us

Posted in ADVENT, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The WORD

Friday of the First Week of Advent – 8 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Friday of the First Week of Advent – 8 December

“Let us adore the Lord, the King who is to come.”

Daily Meditation:
In him we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of our trespasses,
according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us…Ephesians 1:6

In the busiest of times, it is often difficult to realise
that our worst enemy is our own sinfulness.
When we do realise that, however, we can really beg God to save us.
Today, let’s say the prayer Jesus gave us,
devoutly and as a real Advent prayer.

Our Father, in heaven,
may Your name be holy;
may Your kingdom come;
may Your will be done,
on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today, Your faithful bread for the journey.
Forgive us our sins,
the way we forgive the sins of others.
Don’t let us be overcome by temptation,
but deliver us from all evil.

Today’s Daily Reflection – Intercessions:
Through His Son, God the Father revealed His glory to
men and women. Therefore, let our joyful cry resound:
Lord, may Your name be glorified.

Teach us, Lord, to love each other,
– as Christ loved us for God’s glory.

Fill us with all joy and peace in faith,
– that we may walk in the hope and strength of the Holy Spirit.

Help all mankind, Lord, in Your loving mercy,
– be near to those who seek You without knowing it.

You call and sanctify the elect,
– though we are sinners, crown us with eternal happiness.

Closing Prayer:
Jesus, protector,
I long for Your coming.
The promise of new light is there
if only I can believe.
Protect me from dangers
and lead me through the gloom and darkness
to the joy I so long to find in You.
Lift me from my lowly sins
and give me the promise of salvation
with no more shame,
only the light and saving grace of Your love.
Let the ancient dream be fulfilled in You
and peace come to this life and world.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

“Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.”friday of the first week of advent - 8 december 2017

Posted in ADVENT, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 7 December – The Memorial of St Ambrose (c 340-397)- Father and Doctor of the Church

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Thought for the Day – 7 December – The Memorial of St Ambrose (c 340-397)- Father and Doctor of the Church

St Ambrose exemplifies for us the truly catholic character of Christianity.

He is a man steeped in the learning, law and culture of the ancients and of his contemporaries.   Yet, in the midst of active involvement in this world, this thought runs through Ambrose’ life and preaching – the hidden meaning of the Scriptures calls our spirit to rise to another world.

It is all for HIM, all for the WORD made flesh, all for GOD that we live!

St Ambrose Pray for us!st ambrose - pray for us 2

Posted in ADVENT, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 December – The Memorial of St Ambrose (c 340-397)- Father and Doctor of the Church

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 December – The Memorial of St Ambrose (c 340-397)- Father and Doctor of the Church

But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light…1 Peter 2:91 peter 2-9 - 7 dec 2017

REFLECTION – “All the children of the Church are priests. At Baptism, they received the anointing that gives them a share in the priesthood. The sacrifice that they must offer to God is completely spiritual – it is themselves.”…St Ambroseall the children of the church - st ambrose - 7 dec 2017

PRAYER – Holy Father, teach me to offer myself to You with all my thoughts, words and actions. Let me also exercise my “common priesthood” by faithful participation at Holy Mass and in all my encounters with my neighbour. St Ambrose, holy father, teacher of the saints, pray for us! Amenst ambrose pray for us - 7 dec 2017

Posted in ADVENT, MORNING Prayers, The WORD

Thursday of the First Week of Advent – 7 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thursday of the First Week of Advent – 7 December

“Come to us and save us, Lord God almighty.”

Daily Meditation:
“On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:  We have a strong city; he sets up victory like walls and bulwarks.   Open the gates, so that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.  Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace – in peace because they trust in you…. ” Isaiah 26:1-3

The reading from Isaiah is another promise of a day of victory,
when the tables will be turned on injustice.
Today, let’s turn to our God, with all our needs.

Part of our Advent journey is about learning to hope
– learning to imagine what we can’t see.

Let’s go through our day today, desiring freedom
with a growing confidence in our God who promises to save us.

Come and set us free, Lord, God of power and might.
Let Your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

Today’s Daily Reflection – Intercessions:
Christ is the wisdom and power of God and His delight is to
be with the children of men. With confidence, let us pray:
Draw near us, Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, you have called us to Your glorious kingdom,
– make us walk worthily, pleasing God in all we do.

You who stand unknown among us,
– reveal Yourself to men and women.

You are nearer to us than we to ourselves,
– strengthen our faith and our hope of salvation.

You are the source of holiness,
– keep us holy and without sin now and until the day
of Your coming.

Closing Prayer:
God of strength and protection,
I turn to You because I need help.
I long to be free enough
to trust that I can lean on You.
But I become afraid.
Help me to trust in You, Lord.
Your strength and power
are a gentle place of protection.
Be a safe refuge when I am being trampled.
I long for Your help, Your protecting care.
Help to deliver me from the cold
loneliness of these dark nights.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

“Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.”thursday of the first week of advent - 7 dec 2017

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on CHARITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 December – The Memorial of St Nicholas (270-343)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 6 December – The Memorial of St Nicholas (270-343)

Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them….Isaiah 58:7isaiah 58 7

REFLECTION – You will find out that Charity is a heavy burden to carry, heavier than the kettle of soup and the full basket.   But you will keep your gentleness and your smile.   It is not enough to give soup and bread.   This the rich can do.   You are the servant of the poor, always smiling and good-humoured.   They are your masters, terribly sensitive and exacting master you will see.   And the uglier and the dirtier they will be, the more unjust and insulting, the more love you must give them.   It is only for your love alone that the poor will forgive you the bread you give to them….St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)it is only for your love - st vincent de paul - 5 dec 2017

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to give some part of whatever I possess to those who have less.   Let me strive to give help in any way I can to those who are less fortunate than I am.   Dearest St Nicholas, you were an icon of charity, Pray for us! Amenst nicholas - pray for us - 5 dec 2017

Posted in ADVENT, MORNING Prayers, The WORD

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent – 6 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent – 6 December

“Let us adore the Lord, the King who is to come.”

Daily Meditation:
We reflect today on a promise of a day full of hope
of plenty, of peace. We ask for the grace to be open,
to respond to whatever the Lord is offering us in these precious days
of preparation and anticipation.
No matter how difficult our situation, we can trust in the Lord;
we can eat and be satisfied.

I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

On that day it will be said:
“Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
This is the LORD for whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” Isaiah 25:9-10a

Today’s Daily Reflection – Intercessions:
The Word of God humbled Himself to dwell with us so
that we might see his glory. Rejoicing in hope, let us call
upon him:
Emmanuel, be with us.

Ruler, just and righteous,
– bring justice to the poor and the oppressed.

King of peace, You beat swords into plowshares and spears
into pruning hooks,
– turn hatred into love and our grievances into forgiveness.

You do not judge by appearances,
– recognise those who are Your own.

When You come with power and might upon the clouds,
– grant that we may come before You without shame.

Closing Prayer:
Lord of all,
You are a God of plenty, a Lord who provides
for us in our need.
As I begin these early days of Advent
help me to believe that You know what I need.
Give me the courage to listen to Your voice
and the freedom
to open my heart to the graces You are
offering me to place my trust in You.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

“Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.”wednesday of the first week of advent - 6 dec 2017

Posted in ADVENT, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 December – The Memorial of Blessed Philip Rinaldi

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 5 December – The Memorial of Blessed Philip Rinaldi

A shoot shall sprout from the stump….Isaiah 11:1isaIAH 11 1

REFLECTION – “What must you do to have life? Before all else, the first thing you have to do is pray for courage every day to carry the cross the Lord has assigned you. Then let each of you do your own work really well, the work proper to your state, as God wants it and according to your condition.” – Blessed Philip Rinaldiwhat must you do to have life - bl philip rinaldi - 5 dec 2017

PRAYER – Give us the grace, Lord, to have courage to carry our crosses with Christ, Your Son, so that we may come in humility and purity of heart to celebrate His joy in eternal life. Blessed Philip Rinaldi, pray for us, amenbl philip rinaldi pray for us - 5 dec 2017

Posted in ADVENT, JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers, The WORD

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent – 5 December 2017

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent – 5 December 2017

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:
A shoot shall sprout from the stump.
Our God can transform our weakness, our sin, all conflict and all division.
From every life-less stump – where any future hope has been cut off
– a shoot of new life can sprout.
He shall judge the poor with justice,
and decide aright for the land’s afflicted.

We need to really hear this “good news” so that our hearts can begin to be softened
to hear how profoundly our God desires to help us
and to make things right with all of creation.
Throughout the day today, we can lighten our spirits
as we turn to God and pray:
Let me rejoice at the coming of your Son, for me!

Justice shall flourish in his time and fullness of peace forever. Psalm 72

Today’s Daily Reflection – Intercessions:
To the eternal Word who became man
to reveal to us the new and living way.
Let us make our humble prayer:
Come, Lord, and save us!

God in whom we live and move and have our being,
– come teach us that You have made us Your own.

You are not far from each of us,
– show Yourself to all who search for You.

Father of the poor and consoler of the afflicted,
– set captives free, give joy to those who mourn.

You hate death and love life,
– free all mankind from eternal death.

Closing Prayer:
God of forgiveness,
I turn to You in my great weakness
and beg for Your help.
Let me feel the joy growing in my heart
as I anticipate Your coming.
I hear the message of the prophets of old
and know that the Messiah will bring
new life and new ways of living.
From the humbleness of my life,
help me to grow and bloom
and hear the words
that will change the world.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

“Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.”Tuesday of the first week of advent - 5 dec 2017

Posted in ADVENT, MORNING Prayers, The WORD

Monday of the First Week of Advent – 4 December 2017

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Monday of the First Week of Advent – 4 December 2017

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:
That He may instruct us in His ways.
Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

We want to begin this journey by rallying ourselves
to turn to the Lord with great hope.
In the midst of many discouraging challenges in our lives
and the violence in the world around us,
we desire to spend this day in anticipation of the graces
our God desires to give us.

They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again. Isaiah 2

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you;
but say only the word and my soul will be healed.

Today’s Daily Reflection – Intercessions:
Christ the Lord, Son of the living God, light from light,
leads us into the light and reveals His holiness.
With confidence, let us make our prayer:
Come, Lord Jesus!

Light that never fades, dispel the mists about us,
– awaken our faith from sleep.

Guard us from all harm today,
– may Your glory fill us with joy.

Give us unfailing gentleness at all times,
– toward everyone we meet.

Come to create a new earth for us,
– where there will be justice and peace.

Closing Prayer:
Loving God,
I know that all is Your creation
and everything and all of us,
are being drawn back toward Your loving heart.
Help me to be a person of peace,
to speak about it in an uneasy world,
and to live it among the people
You have put into my life every day.
Light in me a desire to prepare for Your coming
to stand in the darkness, waiting, eager and filled with joy.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen. (Creighton Online Ministries)

“Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.”monday of the first week of advent - 4 dec 2017

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 December – The Memorial of St John Damascene (676-749) Doctor of the Church

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 December – (676-749) Doctor of the Church

I have much more to tell you but you cannot bear it now…John 16:12john 16 12

REFLECTION – God knows all things and provides what is profitable for each one.
He revealed what it is to our benefit to know.   But He kept secret what we are
unable to bear now……….St John Damascenegod knows all things - st john damascene - 2016 image

PRAYER – Lord Jesus, help me to meditate on Your Revelations every day.   Grant that by learning fully what You have revealed, I may one day in heaven attain the knowledge of all that You did not reveal.   St John Damascene Pray for us!st john damascene pray for us 2016

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 3 December 2017

For the sake of the joy which lay before him he endured the cross………….Heb 12:2Hebrews 12 - 2 - 3 dec 2016

REFLECTION – I am in a country whee all the niceties of life are lacking.
But I am filled with many inner consolations. Indeed, I run the risk of crying my eyes out because of my tears of joy!…..St Francis Xavier (Saint of the Day)I am in a country - st francis xavier - 3 dec 2016

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, grant me the inner consolation to possess spiritual joy in all circumstances, Let me be so united with You that I will joyfully bear with all tribulations. St Francis Xavier be my example and pray for me! Amenst francis xavier - pray for us - 3 dec 2016

Posted in ADVENT, JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers, The WORD

The First Sunday of Advent – Year B – 3 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Today the Church begins the season of Advent, which is divided into two parts, from the first Sunday to 16 December, we prepare for the future coming of Jesus and from 17 to 24 December, we recall his historical coming.   The Church is a pilgrim Church.   It journeys between this twofold coming of Jesus.   During this journey, the Church, like any other pilgrim, goes through a threefold experience of loneliness, hope and watchful waiting.   In moments of crises and struggles, we feel that we have been abandoned by God.   It is not that God has deserted us but that we have forgotten or ignored His presence with us.   Even in such situations, we have to believe that another world is possible.   It is only those who see the invisible who can do the impossible.   We ought to hop for the intervention of the Lord and wait for it patiently, just as the Church waits vigilantly for the second coming of the Lord.   As we begin this season of Advent and a new Liturgical Year today, let us ask the Lord to grant us a deep sense of security and assurance during our journey of faith, a journey towards a new world of love, joy and peace.

Come, Lord Jesus! Come and visit your people.
We await your coming. Come, O Lord!

Father, all powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere
to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
When he humbled himself to come among us,
he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago
and opened for us the way to salvation.

Now we watch for the day,
hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours
when Christ will come again in his glory.

And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven
we proclaim your glory
and join in their unending hymn of praise:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest.

Today’s Readings – Daily Meditation:
Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem dwell secure.
We begin Advent coming to the Lord who promises to keep us safe. In awe we say:

“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul!”
Psalm 25

Let’s begin this week with a deeply felt prayer.
Even if we don’t know exactly what we need or long for,
today, let’s try to express our desire for God’s help and assistance.

The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah. Jeremiah 33

He guides the humble to justice,
he teaches the humble his way.
Psalm 25

Today’s Daily Reflection – Intercessions:
To God our Father, who has given us the grace
to wait in graceful hope for the revelation of
our Lord Jesus Christ, let us make our prayer:
Show us Your mercy, Lord.

Sanctify us in mind and body,
– keep us without sin until the coming of Your Son.

Make us walk this day in holiness,
– and live upright and devout lives in this world.

May we be clothed in our Lord Jesus Christ,
– and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Lord, help us to stand watchful and ready,
– until Your Son is revealed in all His glory.

Closing Prayer:
Lord God,
I sense Your power, Your might
and I stand in awe, painfully aware
of how poor and weak I am before You.

As I begin this Advent journey,
teach me to turn to You in my fear and sorrow.
I don’t want to keep making my heart hard against You
turning a deaf ear to Your invitation.

Only You can help me to soften,
to be like the clay in Your gentle potter’s hands.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen. (Creighton University)the first sunday of advent - 3 dec 2017 - stay awake

Posted in CHRIST the KING, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

NOVENA TO CHRIST KING in preparation for the Liturgical Feast of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Written by Prince Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha, Archbishop of Krakow

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA TO CHRIST KING
in preparation for the Liturgical Feast
of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Written by Prince Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha, Archbishop of Krakow

Day Seven
Following the Saints

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

1 Peter 1:15-16
. . . but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, “Be holy because I (am) holy.”

By their eloquent and attractive example of a life completely transfigured by the splendour of moral truth, the martyrs and, in general, all the Church’s Saints, light up every period of history by reawakening its moral sense.   By witnessing fully to the good, they are a living reproof to those who transgress the law (cf. Wis 2:12) and they make the words of the Prophet echo ever afresh: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Is 5:20)… St Pope John Paul II, The Encyclical Veritatis Splendor, 93

Prayer:  God, Father of all grace! In Your Saints You ceaselessly show us Your immeasurable kindness and Your care over the whole Church.   Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and King, You teach the saints the path to perfection and lettest them taste in this life the sweet fruit of Redemption.   May You give us strength so that we have courage to follow the way to sainthood, fortified by the example of all Your saints.
Jesus Christ, who takes joy in every soul that yearns to love You more than the world and one’s own life.   Lord and King, You wish to reign in the hearts of the
righteous and the honest, the poor and the humble, the suffering and the scorned, through the intercession of Your Servants, the Saints, be mindful of their souls and make them the kingdom of Your love, peace and truth.   May all the hearts cold and indifferent to the reverence and adoration of the Celestial Father be enkindled with love for Him. You who lives and reigns world without end.  Amen.

Prayer to Jesus Christ King of the Universe
by Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha (1927)

O Jesus, Lord of our hearts and immortal King of centuries, we hereby solemnly swear to You to stand faithfully by Your throne and by You. We swear never to blemish Your standard with unbelief, sectarianism or any other apostasy. We vow to You to persevere in the holy Catholic faith until we die.
May our posterity engrave it on our tombstones that we were never embarrassed because of our faith in You, Jesus the King and Your Gospel.   May You reign in our hearts through grace.   May You reign in our families through family virtues.   May You reign in our schools through genuine Catholic upbringing.
May You reign in our society through justice and concord.   May You reign everywhere, always and forever.   May Your standard be a guide for us all, may Your Kingdom extend to every corner of the earth! Amen

Let us pray:   Almighty God, the powerful King of all creation, we humbly beseech You to send the hosts of angels for our protection so that we may serve You with devotion, with no hindrance and in peace.   We beseech You through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amenday seven - novena christ the king - 23 nov 2017

Posted in CHRIST the KING, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

NOVENA TO CHRIST KING in preparation for the Liturgical Feast of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Written by Prince Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha, Archbishop of Krakow

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA TO CHRIST KING
in preparation for the Liturgical Feast
of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Written by Prince Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha, Archbishop of Krakow

Day Six
Contemplating the Holy Family

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

Luke 2:51
He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

“Loving the family means being able to appreciate its values and capabilities, fostering them always.   Loving the family means identifying the dangers and the evils that menace it, in order to overcome them.   Loving the family means endeavouring to create for it an environment favourable for its development.   The modern Christian family is often tempted to be discouraged and is distressed at the growth of its difficulties;  it is an eminent form of love to give it back its reasons for confidence in itself, in the riches that it possesses by nature and grace, and in the mission that God has entrusted to it. “Yes indeed, the families of today must be called back to their original position.   They must follow Christ.”... St Pope John Paul II, The Adhortation Familiaris Consortio, 86

Prayer:  God, Father of mankind! You who came into this world through a family and showed it to us as a visible sign of love, mutual respect and kindness, let us learn to love anew, over and over again and find a way to happiness through contemplating the ideal of the Holy Family of Nazareth.   Jesus, who hast sanctified family life through Your Incarnation, to You we entrust every family, both such that lives separated from genuine happiness and such that enjoys the Divine gift of grace.
True happiness consists in a faithful fulfilment of the Divine will and the Nazarethan atmosphere of warmth and modesty.   Watch over all Catholic families on, give them Your blessing and let them find the true values that constitute and unite the family and are a way to find Your peace. Amen

Prayer to Jesus Christ King of the Universe
by Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha (1927)

O Jesus, Lord of our hearts and immortal King of centuries, we hereby solemnly swear to You to stand faithfully by Your throne and by You. We swear never to blemish Your standard with unbelief, sectarianism or any other apostasy. We vow to You to persevere in the holy Catholic faith until we die.
May our posterity engrave it on our tombstones that we were never embarrassed because of our faith in You, Jesus the King and Your Gospel.   May You reign in our hearts through grace.   May You reign in our families through family virtues. May You reign in our schools through genuine Catholic upbringing.
May You reign in our society through justice and concord. May You reign everywhere, always and forever.   May Your standard be a guide for us all, may Your Kingdom extend to every corner of the earth! Amen

Let us pray:  Almighty God, the powerful King of all creation, we humbly beseech You to send the hosts of angels for our protection so that we may serve You with devotion, with no hindrance and in peace.   We beseech You through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amenday-six-novena-christ-the-king-22-nov-2017

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on MERCY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 November – The First World Day of the Poor

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One Minute Reflection – 19 November – The First World Day of the Poor

Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being.   Do it for the Lord.……….Colossians 3:23colossians 3-23

REFLECTION -“We do not cease praying so long as we continue to do good.
The prayer of the heart and of good deeds has more value than the prayer of the lips.”…………….St Augustinewe do not cease praying-st augustine

PRAYER – Dear God, move me to make a morning offering to You with total sincerety each day and then grant that all my deeds may be a devout continuation of that prayer. Open my eyes to those who need me in any way, let me see as You do and do as You do. On this First annual World Day of prayer for the Poor help us all to start again sweet Shepherd, to become the shepherds of our neighbour, the and helper of all in need, in Him who showed us the way, with the Holy Spirit who breathes in us, amen.if there are poor - pope francis - 19 nov 2017

Posted in CHRIST the KING, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, The WORD

NOVENA TO CHRIST KING in preparation for the Liturgical Feast of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Written by Prince Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha, Archbishop of Krakow

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NOVENA TO CHRIST KING
in preparation for the Liturgical Feast
of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Written by Prince Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha, Archbishop of Krakow

Day Two
Through Jesus Christ and in Him

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

Hebrew 1:1-2a
In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets;  in these last days, he spoke to us through a son . . .

Jesus is frequently ignored and ridiculed, is announced to have been a king of the past and not to be the king of the present, let alone of tomorrow, is pushed into the junk room of issues and personages that should not be mentioned aloud and publicly…(Benedict XVI, address during the encounter with young people at Błonia Field in Cracow, 27 May 2006)

PRAYER – God, the Father of all mercy and solace, the kindest Lord and King!   You haVE sent Your only Son to make the world believe that You arE its only love, happiness and meaning of existence.   Our Lord is not only the Redeemer but that He also loves
every soul and hath shed His Blood for everyone.    May Your Kingdom arrive sooner in the souls of those who are paying this homage to You today;  in our families, parishes and the entire Nation.   You who livest and reigns world without end. Amen.

Prayer to Jesus Christ King of the Universe
by Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha (1927)

O Jesus, Lord of our hearts and immortal King of centuries, we hereby solemnly swear to You to stand faithfully by Your throne and by You.   We swear never to blemish Your standard with unbelief, sectarianism or any other apostasy.   We vow to You to persevere in the holy Catholic faith until we die.
May our posterity engrave it on our tombstones that we were never embarrassed because of our faith in You, Jesus the King and Your Gospel.   May You reign in our hearts through grace.   May You reign in our families through family virtues.   May You reign in our schools through genuine Catholic upbringing.
May You reign in our society through justice and concord.  May You reign everywhere, always and forever.   May Your standard be a guide for us all, may Your Kingdom extend to every corner of the earth! Amen

Let us pray:  Almighty God, the powerful King of all creation, we humbly beseech You to send the hosts of angels for our protection so that we may serve You with devotion, with no hindrance and in peace.   We beseech You through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.DAY TWO - novena to christ the king - 18 november 2017

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 November – The Feast of the Dediciation of the Basilicas of Sts Peter and Paul

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One Minute Reflection – 18 November – The Feast of the Dediciation of the Basilicas of Sts Peter and Paul

To you all, God’s beloved in Rome, called to be his holy people…..Romans 1:7romans 1 - 7

REFLECTION – “The present feast therefore deserves to be more than a local solemnity;  its extension to the Universal Church is a subject for the world’s gratitude.   Thanks to this Feast we can all make together in spirit today the pilgrimage, which our ancestors performed with such fatigue and danger, yet never thought they purchased at too high a price its holy joys and blessings. “Heavenly mountains, glittering heights of the new Sion!”  There are the gates of our true country, the two lights of the immense world.   There Paul’s voice is heard like thunder;   there Peter withholds or hurls the bolt.   The former opens the hearts of men, the latter opens Heaven.   Peter is the foundation-stone, Paul the architect of the temple where stands the altar by which God is propitiated.   Both together from a single fountain, which pours out its healing and refreshing waters” …Bishop Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609).there are the gares of our true country - Bishop Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 - c 609). - 18 nov 2017

PRAYER –  Lord God, give Your Church the help of the Apostles Peter and Paul, who first brought it the knowledge of the faith;  may they always obtain for it an increase of grace and continue to run with us on our journey home to You.   Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen.sts peter and paul pray for us - 18 nov 2017

Posted in franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 November – The Memorial of St Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231)

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One Minute Reflection – 17 November – The Memorial of St Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231)

Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of this present world but let your minds be remade and your whole nature thus transformed…Romans 12:2

REFLECTION – “Extend your mercy towards others, so that there can be no one in need whom you meet without helping. For what hope is there for us if God should withdraw His Mercy from us?”…–St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)extend your mercy towards others - st elizabeth of hungary - 17 nov 2017

PRAYER – Lord God, as You have taught Your Church that all the commandments are summed up in the love of You and of our neighbour, grant that as we follow St Elizabeth of Hungary in doing works of charity, we may be numbered among the blessed in Your Kingdom. May the prayers of St Elizabeth help us to give constant love and service to the afflicted and the needy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, in union with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity. Amenst eliz of hungary pray for us 17 nov 2017

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 November – The Memorial of St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

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One Minute Reflection – 16 November – The Memorial of St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

My dear friends, do not be taken aback at the testing by fire which is taking place among you, as though something strange were happening to you; but in so far as you share in the sufferings of Christ, be glad, so that you may enjoy a much greater gladness when his glory is revealed….1 Peter 4:12-131 peter 4 - 12-13

REFLECTION – “Bodily and spiritual affliction are the surest sign of Divine predilection. Gratitude for suffering is a precious jewel for our heavenly crown… Man should always firmly believe that God sends just that trial which is most beneficial for him.”…St Gertrude the Greatbodily and spiritual affliction - st gertrude - 16 nov 2017

PRAYER – Lord God, You made the heart of St Gertrude the dwelling-place of Your love. Grant to us that the power of Your protecting hand may keep us unshaken in the face of our ancient enemy and all his hidden snares.    Lighten our way so that, through the prayers of intercession by St Gertrude, we may experience the joy of Your presence in our hearts and courage at times of suffering. Amenst gertrude the great - pray for us - 16 nov 2017

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 November – – The Memorial of St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Doctor of the Church

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One Minute Reflection – 15 November – – The Memorials of St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Doctor of the Church and St Raphael Kalinowski (1835-1907)

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God ….Matthew 5:8

REFLECTION – “The surest and quickest way to attain perfection is to strive for purity of heart.   Once the obstacles have been removed, God finds a clear path and does wonders both in and through the soul.”…St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Doctor of the Church

“God refuses only the person who does not admit his own weakness; He sends away only the unhappy proud person. You must “hold him” well and strongly, with a poor spirit, with a poor heart, with a life entirely poor…”St Raphael Kalinowski (1835-1907)

the surest and quickest way - st albert the great - 15 nov 2017god refuses - st raphael kalinowski - 15 nov 2017PRAYER – Lord God, You made St Albert great by his gift for reconciling human wisdom with divine faith. Help us so to follow his teaching that every advance in science may lead us to a deeper knowledge and love of You. May his prayers on our behalf be a succour to us all.   We ask too for the intercession of the blessed Father St Raphael that his zeal and perseverance may be the driving force of our lives.   Through our Lord Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.st albert the great - pray for us - 14 nov 2017st raphaelk kalinowski - pray for us - 15 nov 2017

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 November

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One Minute Reflection – 14 November

My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me…..John 10:27

REFLECTION – “The higher we go, the more we can hear the voice of Christ.”…Bl Pier Giorgio Frassatithe higher we go - bl pier - 14 nov 2017

PRAYER – Jesus my Lord and God, help me to climb high enough to hear Your voice.   Help me to strive daily to attain knowledge of You with a heart that longs for and loves you.   For it is Your voice and Your embrace I reach for. Amen

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 November – The Memorial of St Martin of Tours (c 316-397)

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One Minute Reflection – 11 November – The Memorial of St Martin of Tours (c 316-397)

Remember your leaders who preached the word of God to you and as you reflect on the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith….Hebrews 13:7-8

REFLECTION – ““I have served you as a soldier. Let me now serve Christ.   Give the bounty to these others who are going to fight but I am a soldier of Christ and it is not lawful for me to fight.”…St Martin of Toursi have served you as a soldier - st martin - 11 nov 2017

PRAYER – Lord God, You were glorified by the life and death of St Martin.   Renew the wonders of Your grace in our hearts so that neither death nor life may separate us from Your love.  Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, with You in union with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity.  St Martin, continue to intercede for us, amen.st martin of tours pray for us 11 nov 2017

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 November – The Memorial of St Leo the Great (c 400-461) Doctor of the Church

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One Minute Reflection – 10 November – The Memorial of St Leo the Great (c 400-461) Doctor of the Church

No temptation has overtaken you, that is not common to man. God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength but with the temptation, will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it....1 Corinthians 10:13

REFLECTION – “Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation, for there is no conflict without an enemy, no victory without strife.”…St Pope Leo the Great (c 400-461)virtue is nothing without - st leo the great - 10 nov 2017

PRAYER – Lord God, You built Your Church on the firm foundation of the Apostle Peter and You promised that the gates of hell would never overcome it. So too, may we trust in Your power, that by our faith we may receive the grace to withstand the enemy who will not prevail against us. May your Holy Spirit grant us the grace of fortitude to withstand our temptations, supported by the prayers of St Pope Leo the Great, keep us ever faithful to Your love. Amenst pope leo pray for us - 10 nov 2017

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 November – Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran

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One Minute Reflection – 9 November – Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran

He has strengthened the bars of your gates, he has blessed the children within you.…Psalm 147

REFLECTION – “Today’s feast, brothers, ought to be all the more devout as it is more personal.   For other celebrations we have in common with other ecclesiastical communities, but this one is proper to us, so that if we do not celebrate it nobody will.   It is ours because it concerns our church;  ours because we ourselves are its theme.   You are surprised and even embarrassed, perhaps, at celebrating a feast for yourselves.   But do not be like horses and mules that have no understanding.  Your souls are holy because of the Spirit of God dwelling in you;  your bodies are holy because of your souls and this building is holy because of your bodies.”…St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)today's feast, brothers, - st bernard - 9 nov 2017 - dedication st john lateran

PRAYER – Almighty God, as we recall with joy, the Dedication of this house of Yours on each recurring anniversary, listen to Your people’s prayer and grant that our worship here may be a sincere and holy service, honouring Your Name and bringing us the fullness of redemption. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.feast of the dedication of st john lateran - 9 nov 2017

Posted in CARMELITES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 November – The Memorial of St Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880-1906)

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One Minute Reflection – 8 November – The Memorial of St Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880-1906)

“Father, I will that where I am, they also whom you have given me may be with me….” John 17:24john 17 24

REFLECTION – “Jesus’ desire is for us to be with Him in communion.   This is what He aches for, His deepest desire that He prays for.   This is what Jesus was doing the night before He died.” …St Elizabeth of the Trinityjesus' desire - st elizabeth of the trinity - 8 nov 2017

PRAYER – My Lord and my God, You have prayed that I may be in You and You in me.   This is the guiding consolation of my life and the source of my prayer.   Lead me to Yourself, guide me and teach me that I may never stray from You.   Holy St Elizabeth of the Trinity, in your young life you followed the way of the Lord, the way of the Cross, doing all for God by the love of the Holy Spirit.   Please pray for us, amen.st elizabeth pray for us

Posted in MORNING Prayers, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 November – The Memorial of Bl Anthony Baldinucci SJ (1665-1717)

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One Minute Reflection – 7 November – The Memorial of Bl Anthony Baldinucci  SJ (1665-1717)

After this I had a vision of a great multitude,
which no one could count,
from every nation, race, people and tongue….Revelations 7:9revelations 7 9

REFLECTION – “All Saints is “our” feast, not because we are good but because God’s holiness has touched our life.   The Saints aren’t perfect models but persons run through by God.   We can compare them to the windows of churches, which let the light enter in different shades of colours.   The Saints are our brothers and sisters who received the light of God in their heart and transmitted it to the world, each one according to his own “shade.”  However, they were all transparent; they too struggled to remove the stains and the darkness of sin, so as to have God’s kindly light pass through.   This is the purpose of life: to have the light of God pass through and also the purpose of our life…..Pope Francis – 1 November 2017the saints = pope francis

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, may I love and respect Your Saints and by their lives, gain inspiration and assistance.   Grant me to obtain an example from their way of life, fellowship in their communion and aid through their prayers.   Bl Anthony Baldinucci, displayed a great zeal for teaching and converting sinful souls by his love for the Passion of Your Son and great love for the Holy Eucharist, help me Father to imitate his passionate love.   Bl Anthony Baldinucci, pray for us all, amen.bl anthony baldinucci pray for us - 7 nov 2017

Posted in MORNING Prayers, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The HOLY SOULS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 November

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One Minute Reflection – 5 November

With so many witnesses in a great cloud on every side of us, we too, then, should throw off everything that hinders us, especially the sin that clings so easily, and keep running steadily in the race we have started….Hebrews 12:1

REFLECTION – “In Catholic tradition, devotion to the saints is not merely a mark of respect or a brief prayer on certain occasions….but a deeply felt spiritual communion, an attentive study of the precious examples and lessons, which the saints give us to cheer and encourage us.”…St Pope John XXIIIin catholic tradition - st pope john 23 - 6 nov 2017

PRAYER – Oh bless us O Holy Father, in Your saints, in the suffering army in Purgatory and in Your angels!   May those who stand in adoration with You in Heaven and those who cry out for mercy, be our intercessors as we struggle to throw off everything that hinders us on our way to You and them!   Eternal Father, may we reach our heavenly goal by their constant prayer.   As we pray for the Holy Souls and they for us, may the Saints and angels be our champions, amen.