Tag: popefrancis

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Pope Francis’ 82nd Birthday Cake

Posted on by AnaStpaul

I hope we don’t have indigestion with such a big cake!”
Pope Francis joked Sunday as he celebrated his 82nd birthday (December 17) with health care providers and families assisted at the Santa Marta Dispensary. The children presented the Holy Father with a huge cake.happy birthday to you - pope francis 82nd birthday 17dec 2018

In words of thanks to those gathered, the Holy Father said that if Our Lady had lived in Rome she would have surely taken Jesus to this dispensary.

He noted that “working with children is not easy but it teaches us a lot.”

“It teaches me, that in order to understand the reality of life, you have to lower yourself, as we lower ourselves to kiss a child. They teach us this. The proud, the proud cannot understand life, because they are not able to lower themselves.”

“All of us,” Pope Francis continued, “professionals, organisers, nuns, all – give many things to children but they give us this announcement, this teaching: to lower oneself. Lower yourself, be humble and in this way you will learn to understand life and people. And all of you have this ability to lower yourselves. Thank you so much for this, thank you so much!”

Posted in ADVENT, BREVIARY Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The CHRIST CHILD, The INCARNATION, The NATIVITY of JESUS, The WORD

Advent and Christmas Wisdom with St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787))

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Advent and Christmas Wisdom with St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787))

18 December

Jesus made Himself a child to gain our confidence and our love.

“Consider that the Son of God has made Himself little in order to make us great. He has given Himself to us, that we might give ourselves to Him.   He has come to show us His love, that we may respond to it by giving Him ours.   Let us, therefore, receive Him with affection, let us love Him and call upon Him with all our needs.

“A child gives easily” says St Bernard. Children readily give whatever is asked of them. Jesus came into the world as a child to demonstrate that He was ready and willing to give all.   If we wish for light, Jesus has come to enlighten us.   If we desire strength, He will strengthen us.   If we wish for pardon, He has come to pardon us.   In short, He has come to give us all that we need.

O my Jesus, You have descended from heaven to give Yourself entirely to us.   How can we turn our backs on You?   I have been loved by You and I have also been ungrateful.  O my Redeemer, forgive the injuries that I have committed against You.”advent with st alphonsus - o my jesus 18dec 2018

Scripture

“It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep….Let us cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.”
Romans 13:11,12

Prayer

O LORD AND RULER
of the House of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush
and gave him the law on Sinai:
Come and redeem us with outstretched arms.

Advent Action
Are we in the core group of Christians who embody and live the purest form of the Gospel?   Or do we find ourselves among the masses that acknowledge Jesus, enjoy being Christian but don’t pursue it at any deep level?   The two requirements in the Gospel are that we repent and believe.   If we repent, we do no wrong and speak no lies. If we believe with all our hearts, we follow the Star to the Manger.   Let these last few days be a time when we begin the journey to the Christmas core – to the Christ Child.   “Let us make ourselves ready to celebrate Christmas by contemplating Mary and Joseph- Mary, the woman full of grace who had the courage to entrust herself totally to the Word of God;  Joseph, the faithful and just man who chose to believe the Lord rather than listen to the voices of doubt and human pride.   With them, let us walk together toward Bethlehem.” ...Pope Francis – Angelus, 22 December 2013o-lord-and-ruler-18-december

Posted in ADVENT, DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL Apostolic EXHORTATIONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS

Advent and Christmas Wisdom with St Alphonsus Liguori

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Advent and Christmas Wisdom with St Alphonsus Liguori

15 December – Saturday of the Second week of Advent

The greatest sorrow of Jesus

“Consider Jesus, who revealed to the Venerable Agatha of the Cross, that which afflicted Him more than any other sorrow was hardness of the hearts of humanity.   This sorrow, was the bitter chalice that Jesus begged the Father to remove from Him, saying, “Let this chalice pass from me.  ” What chalice?   The contempt with which His love was treated. Our Lord revealed to St Catherine of Siena that this was the reason that He exclaimed from the cross, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”

Knowing this sorrow, let us change our will, repent of our sins and resolve to love God. In this way, we shall then find peace, that is, the divine friendship that we seek.   We beg the Lord for the necessary grace to execute what we propose.   We call upon our Blessed Lady and ask that she not cease to pray until we are changed and made into what God wishes us to be.”

Scripture
“So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.”
Matthew 17:12b

Prayer (St Alphonsus)

“O my most amiable Jesus,
how much have I caused You to suffer?
In the future,
I will love You above all things,
ready to give up my life a thousand times,
in order to accomplish Your will.
Mary Holy Mother,
I beg your prayer and loving care.
Please help us all.
Amen”

Advent Action
Today’s Scriptures encourage us to look for the signs of Jesus, who will restore life to us. “Lord, help me see the signs of Your coming.   Let me not be blinded by the glare of business or the millions of lights in malls and on trees.   Rather, let me look for You in the small things of the day, with my heart longing for You.    “Christ dwelt for nine months in the tabernacle of Mary’s womb.   He dwells until the end of the ages in the tabernacle of the Church’s faith.   He will dwell forever, in the knowledge and love of each faithful soul.” [Blessed Isaac of Stella (c 1100-1170) Cistercian Monk]   Amen!”advent with st alphonsus - so also will matthew 17 12 - o sovereign god 15dec2018

“Now is the time to say to Jesus: 
“Lord, I have let myself be deceived;
in a thousand ways I have shunned Your love, 
yet here I am once more, 
to renew my covenant with You. 
I need you. 
Save me once again, Lord,
take me once more into 
Your redeeming embrace”.

Pope Francis – The Joy of the Gospelnow-is-the-time-to-say-to-jesus-15-dec-2018-from-the-joy-of-the-gospel

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, PAPAL PRAYERS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

The Holy Father’s Prayer Intention for December 2018

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The Holy Father’s Prayer Intention
for December 2018

In the Service of the Transmission of Faith

That people,
who are involved in the service and transmission of faith,
may find,
in their dialogue with culture,
a language suited to the conditions
of the present time.

the holy father's prayer intention decembe 2018 - 1 dec 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, SAINT of the DAY, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 21:20–28 – “Look up and raise your heads”

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One Minute Reflection – 29 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 21:20–28, Thursday of the Thirty Fourth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Francesco Antonio Fasani OFM Conv (1681 – 1742)

“Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”...Luke 21:28now when these things begin to take place - luke 21 28 - 29nov2018

REFLECTION – “Babylon falls because of its corruption;  Jerusalem because of its distraction; its failing to welcome the Lord who comes to her rescue.   She did not feel the need of salvation.   She had the writings of the prophets, Moses and this was enough.  But sealed writings!   She left no room for salvation, her door was closed to the Lord!   The Lord was knocking at her door but there was no willingness to receive Him, to listen, to be rescued by Him.   And so she falls…
Corruption gives you a sort of happiness, it gives you power and it also makes you feel self-satisfied, however, it doesn’t leave room for the Lord, for conversion.   The word corruption speaks of many things today – of not only economic corruption but corruption with so many different sins.   The worst kind of corruption is the spirit of worldliness.
When we think of the end of time, with all of our sins, with our history, let us think of the banquet which will be freely offered us and let us lift up our heads.   Do not give way to depression:  Hope!   Reality is ugly.   There are many, many people, cities and people, so many people who are suffering; many wars, so much hatred, so much envy, so much spiritual worldliness and so much corruption.   Yes, it’s true!   All of this will fall!
Let us ask the Lord for the grace to be prepared for the banquet that awaits us, always with our heads held high.”…Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 27 November 2014when we think of the end of times - pope francis 29 nov 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, creator of all Light and creator of all good, grant that we may look up to You always and know that by Your Light and your goodness we are safe in this world of corruption.   May the Light of our Lord Jesus, make the path He has set out bright and clear and may the prayers of St Francesco Antonio Fasani be a help in our struggle.   Lead us, Lord, in Your kindness and mercy to the banquet which awaits us.  We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st francesco antonio fasani pray for us no 3 - 29 nov 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 21:12–19

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One Minute Reflection – 28 November – Today’s Gospel:  Luke 21:12–19, Wednesday of the Thirty Fourth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876)

“But not a hair of your head will perish.”...Luke 21:18

REFLECTION – ” In difficult times, one must believe that Jesus is before us and does not cease to accompany His disciples.   Persecution is not in contradiction to the Gospel but rather is part of it.   As if to say that none of man’s suffering, not even that which is most minute and hidden, is invisible to the eyes of God.   God sees and certainly protects and He will give His redemption.   There is in fact in our midst, Someone who is stronger than evil.   Christians therefore, must always be found, on the “opposite side” of the world, that chosen by God – not persecutors but persecuted, not arrogant but meek, not charlatans but submissive to the truth, not imposters but honest men and women.”…Pope Francis General Audience, 28 June 2017but not a hair of your head - luke 21 18-in difficult times - pope fancis 28 nov 2018

PRAYER – Shed Your clear light on our hearts O Lord, so that walking continually in the way of Your commandments, we may never be afraid, never be deceived or misled but by Your strength, stand firm in our faith.   For Your Son, walks before us, beside us and behind us.   The Holy Spirit of Your love fills us.   Let nothing put us to shame  . Grant that by the prayers of St Catherine Labouré and all Your saints, we may be strengthened for the journey.   Through our Lord Jesus, in the Holy Spirit, God eternally and forever, amen.st catherine laboure pray for us - 3 - 28nov2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

One Minute Reflection – 26 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 21:1-4

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One Minute Reflection – 26 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 21:1-4 – Monday of the Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury and he saw a poor widow, put in two copper coins.   And he said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them, for they all contributed out of their abundance but she out of her poverty, put in all the living that she had.”…Luke 21:1-4

REFLECTION – “However, in the mystical sense, the woman who placed two small coins in the treasury, is not to be forgotten.   Great indeed is that woman who was worthy to be preferred before everyone else according to the divine judgement!   Might it not be she who has drawn the two Testaments out of her faith for the help of all humankind?   Therefore, no one has done more than she and no one has been able to equal the greatness of her gift, since she joined faith to mercy.   And you, too, whoever you are…, do not hesitate to bring to the treasury, two coins, full of faith and grace.”…St Ambrose (340-397) Father & Doctorluke 21 1-2 - he looked up and saw the rich - might it not be she who has drawn the two testaments - st ambrose - 26 nov 2018

“In a certain sense the Church is a widow somewhat, because she is waiting for her Bridegroom to return… Of course, she has her Spouse in the Eucharist, in the Word of God, in the poor but she is waiting for Him to return.   This woman wasn’t important, no one knew her.   Nothing.   She did not shine of her own light.
Likewise, the great virtue of the Church is not shining of her own light but rather reflecting the light that comes from her Spouse.   Especially since over the centuries, when the Church wanted to have her own light, she was wrong.   The Church receives light from there, from the Lord and all the services we do in the Church, help her to receive that light.   When a service is lacking this light, it’s not good because it causes the Church to become rich, or powerful, or to seek power, or to lose her way, as has happened so many times in history, it happens in our life when we want to have another light – our own light, which is not really that of the Lord.   When the Church is humble and poor and even when the Church confesses her misfortunes — we all have them — the Church is faithful.
Let us pray to this widow who is surely in heaven that she may teach us to be like the Church, renouncing all we have and keeping nothing for ourselves but instead giving all for the Lord and for our neighbour.   Always humble and without boasting of having our own light but “always seeking the light which comes from the Lord.”…Pope Francis (Santa Marta, 24 November 2014)this poor widow - luke 21 3-4 - let us pray to this widow pope francis 26 nov 2018

PRAYER – God our Father, You give us a share in the one bread and the one cup and make us one in Christ.   Help us to live as Your children and by our lives to bring Your salvation and joy to all the world.   May the Holy Spirit fill us with all His gifts and virtues so that we may await the coming of Your Son, guided by His Light and may Mary, the blessed Virgin, accompany us, guarding and giving us her prayerful help.   Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.blessed virgin mary mother of god pray for us 26 nov 2018

Posted in CHRIST the KING, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The SIGN of the CROSS

One Minute Reflection – 25 November – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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One Minute Reflection – 25 November – Today’s Gospel: John 18:33–37 – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

“You say that I am a king.   For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.   Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.”...John 18:37

REFLECTION – “But what is the “truth” that Christ came into the world to witness to?   The whole of His life reveals that God is love – so this is the truth to which He witnessed to the full, with the sacrifice of His own life on Calvary.
The Cross is the “throne” where He manifested His sublime kingship as God Love, by offering Himself in expiation for the sin of the world, He defeated the “ruler of this world” (Jn 12: 31) and established the Kingdom of God once and for all.   It is a Kingdom that will be fully revealed at the end of time, after the destruction of every enemy and last of all, death (cf. I Cor 15: 25-26).   The Son will then deliver the Kingdom to the Father and God will finally be “everything to everyone” (I Cor 15: 28).
The way to reach this goal is long and admits of no short cut, indeed, every person must freely accept the truth of God’s love.   He is Love and Truth and neither Love nor Truth are ever imposed, they come knocking at the doors of the heart and the mind and where they can enter they bring peace and joy.   This is how God reigns, this is His project of salvation, a “mystery” in the biblical sense of the word, a plan that is gradually revealed in history.”….Pope Benedict XVI 26 November 2006john 18 37 - for this i was born - but what is this truth - pope benedict - 25 nov 2018 - christ the king

“When did Jesus reveal Himself as king?   In the event of the Cross!   Those who look at the Cross cannot but see the astonishing gratuitousness of love.   One of you could say, “Father, that was a failure!”.   It is precisely in the failure of sin — sin is a failure — in the failure of human ambitions – the triumph of the Cross is there, the gratuitousness of love is there.   In the failure of the Cross, love is seen, a love that is gratuitous, which Jesus gives us.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 22 November 2015when did jesus reveal himself as king - pope francis - 25 nov 2018 christ the king no 2

PRAYER – Lord God, You gave the peoples of the world as the inheritance of Your only Son;  You crowned Him as King of Zion, Your holy city and gave Him Your Church to be His Bride.   As He proclaims the law of Your eternal kingdom, may we serve Him faithfully and so share His royal power forever.   We make our prayer, through Him and with Him and in Him, our King and our Redeemer, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.our lord jesus christ king of the universe - 25 nov 2018.no 2

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, SAINT of the DAY, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 20:27–40

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One Minute Reflection – 24 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 20:27–40 – Saturday of the Thirty Third Week in Ordinary Time, Year B – The Memorial of St Andrew Dung-Lac & Companions, Vietnam Martyrs

“Now he is not God of the dead but of the living;  for all live to him.”...Luke 20:38

REFLECTION – “ Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the earthly one.   The first man was from the earth, earthly;  the second man from heaven.   ” If we thus act, beloved, then we shall nevermore die in time to come. Even though our bodies may decay, we shall be living in Christ as he himself affirmed: “Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”   We are assured, on the witness of our Lord Himself, that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the saints are alive.   For it was concerning them that our Lord said:  “All are alive for him, for he is not God of the dead but of the living.”   And the apostle Paul said, speaking of himself:  “For me, life is Christ, death gain. I long to depart and be with Christ.”   And again:  “So long as we are in the body, we are away from the Lord  . For indeed, we walk by faith, not by sight.”   This is what we believe, my dearest brethren.   Besides:  “If we have placed our hope in this world only, we are the most pitiable people of all.”
Life in this world, as you yourselves can see, is just the same for animals, wild beasts, birds and ourselves and it can even be longer for them.   But what is proper to humans is what Christ gives us through His Spirit, provided we sin no more – life without end…: “The wages of sin is death;  the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”…St Pacian, Father of the Church (c 310–391) (Biblical references: 1Cor 15:49.47; Jn 11:25; Phil 1:21.23; 2Cor 5:6-7; 1Cor 15:19; Rm 6:23)luke 20 38 - he is not god of the dead - what is proper to humans - st pacian - 24 nov 2018

“It is not this life that will serve as a reference point for eternity, for the other life that awaits us; rather, it is eternity — that life — which illumines and gives hope to the earthly life of each one of us! If we look at things from only a human perspective, we tend to say that man’s journey moves from life to death. This is what we see! But this is only so if we look at things from a human perspective. Jesus turns this perspective upside down and states that our pilgrimage goes from death to life – the fullness of life!” …Pope Francis – Angelus, 10 November 2013if we look at things from only a human pope francis - luke 20 38 now he is not god of the dead - 24 nov 2018

PRAYER – O God, source and origin of all fatherhood, who kept the Martyrs Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions faithful to the Cross of Your Son, even to the shedding of their blood, grant, through their intercession, that, spreading Your love among our brothers and sisters, we may be Your children both in name and in truth and thus come to our resurrection with Jesus Christ, Your Son.   Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.st andrew dung lac pray for us 24 nov 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 19:45–48 – ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’

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One Minute Reflection – 23 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 19:45–48 – Friday of the Thirty-third week in Ordinary Time and the Memorial of St Columban (543-615)

And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’ but you have made it a den of robbers.”…Luke 19:45-46and he entered the temple and began to drive out - luke 19 45-46 - 23 nov 2018

REFLECTION – “Have I learned to watch over myself, that the temple of my heart is only for the Holy Spirit? Purify the temple, the inner temple and watch. Be careful, be careful: what happens in the heart. Who comes in and who goes out, the feelings, the ideas… Do we speak to the Holy Spirit? Do we listen to the Holy Spirit? Watch out. Let us be attentive to what happens in our temple, in (us) ourselves.”…Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 24 November 2017let us be attentive - pope francis 23 nov 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, in the life of St Columban you combined a zeal for mission and a love of the monastic life.   May his prayer and example, prompt us to love You above all things, to listen and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who teaches us to be true ‘stones’ of the temple, building up the Body of Christ.   May we always we aware, that our actions affect the whole building of Your Church.   Grant us the grace, that by our lives, we may strengthen and increase the household of the Faith.   We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever amen.st columban pray for us 23 nov 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 17:26–37

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One Minute Reflection – 16 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 17:26–37, Friday of the Thirty Second week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the memorial of St Margaret of Scotland (1045-1093) and St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302).

“Whoever seeks to gain his life, will lose it but whoever loses his life, will preserve it. I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.”…Luke 17:33-34

REFLECTION – “Today the Church, the Lord, with His goodness, tells each one of us, ‘Stop, stop, not every day will be so.   Do not get used to this as if it were eternity.   There will be one day that you will be taken, while the other one will remain, you will be taken, you will be removed.’    It means going with the Lord, thinking that our life will end.”…Pope Francis Santa Marta, 17 November 2017whoever seeks to gain his life - today the church, the lord - pope francis - 16 nov 2018

“So you see, my brothers, that we have been given every inducement, to amend our lives. We have been called by God and now it is up to us to return to Him, while we still have time to One, who is ready to receive us.   For if we renounce sinful pleasures and practice self-control, by refusing to yield to our evil desires, we shall share in the mercy of Jesus.
You must know, however, that the day of judgement, like a flaming furnace, is already approaching.   Sun, moon and stars will be consumed and the whole earth will become like lead melting in the fire.   All that each man has done, whether openly or in secret, will then be brought to light.   Therefore, a very good way of atoning for our sins is by being generous to the poor.   Fasting is better than prayer but almsgiving surpasses both, for love covers a multitude of sins.   Nevertheless, prayer delivers the soul from death, if it proceeds from a good conscience.   Happy the man who is found rich in these virtues; by relieving the poor, he himself will be relieved of his sins.
To make sure that none of us is lost, we must repent from the bottom of our hearts.”…Anonymous author, second century, An Ancient Christian Writer – An excerpt from A Homilyso you see my brothers, anonymous auther 2nd cent - 16 nov 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, 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 of St Gertrude and St Margaret of Scotland, we may experience the joy of Your presence in our hearts and courage at times of suffering.   Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.st margaret of scotland pray for us 16 nov 2018

st-gertrude-the-great-pray-for-us-16-nov-2017

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – Feast of All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – Feast of All Saints and Blesseds of the Jesuits

“If our church is not marked by caring for the poor,
the oppressed, the hungry, we are guilty of heresy.”if-our-church-st-iggy-31-july-2018

“Be generous to the poor orphans and those in need.
The man to whom our Lord has been liberal
ought not to be stingy.
We shall one day find in Heaven as much rest and joy
as we ourselves have dispensed in this life.”

St Ignatius Loyola SJ (1491-1556)be-generous-to-the-poor-orphans-31-july-2018

“Take care, take care, never to close your heart to anyone!”

St Peter Faber (1506-1546)take-care-take-care-never-to-close-your-heart-to-anyone-st-peetr-faber - 2 aug 2018

“To do the will of God,
man must despise his own –
the more he dies to himself,
the more he will live to God.”

St Peter Claver SJ (1581-1654)to do the will of god - st peter claver - 5 nov 2018 all jesuit saints

“God gave Himself to you:
give yourself to God.”

St Robert Southwell SJ (1561-1595)god gave himself - st robert southwell - 21 feb 2018

“Any friend of the poor, is a friend of God.”any-friend-of-the-poor-is-a-friend-of-god-bl-john-sullivan-19-feb-2018

“Take life in instalments.
This one day now.
At least let this be a good day.
Be always beginning.”

Blessed John Sullivan SJ (1861-1933)take-life-in-instalments-bl-john-sullivan-19-feb-2018

“I hold that every poor man,
every vagrant, every beggar,
is Christ carrying His cross.
And as Christ, we must love and help him.”i hold that every poor man - st alberto hurtado - 5 nov 2018 - all jesuit saints and blesseds

“Christ roams through our streets
in the person of so many
of the suffering poor, sick and dispossessed
and people thrown out of their miserable slums.
Christ huddled under bridges,
in the person of so many children
who lack someone to call father,
who have been deprived for many years,
without a mother’s kiss on their foreheads…
Christ is without a home!
Shouldn’t we want to give Him one,
those of us who have the joy of a comfortable home,
plenty of good food,
the means to educate
and assure the future of our children?”

St Alberto Hurtado SJ (1901-1952)christ roams through our streets - st alberto hurtado - 5 nov 2018 all jesuit saints.jpg

” To serve Christ is to love this concrete Church
and to serve her with generosity
and with the spirit of obedience.”to-serve-christ-is-to-love-this-concrete-church-pope-francis-31-july-2018

“Ask for the grace of shame;
the shame that comes from the constant dialogue of mercy with Him;
the shame that makes us blush before Jesus Christ;
the shame that puts us in tune with the heart of Christ who is made sin for me;
the shame that harmonises our heart in tears and accompanies us in the daily following of “my Lord”.

Pope Francis SJ – 31 July 2013 on the Feast of St Ignatiusask-for-the-grace-of-shame-pope-francis-31-july-2018

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:12–14 – “Invite the poor…”

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One Minute Reflection – 5 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:12–14 – Monday of the Thirty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of All Jesuit Saints and Blesseds

“invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind…..You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”…Luke 14:13-14b

REFLECTION – “This means choosing gratuitousness rather than self-seeking and calculating to obtain a reward, seeking interest and trying to increase your wealth. Indeed, the poor, the simple, those who ‘don’t count’, can never reciprocate an invitation to a meal.   In this way Jesus shows His preference for the poor and the excluded, who are the privileged in the Kingdom of God and He launches the fundamental message of the Gospel which is to serve others out of love for God.

Today, Jesus gives voice to those who are voiceless and to each one of us, He addresses an urgent appeal, to open our hearts and to make our own, the sufferings and anxieties of the poor, the hungry, the marginalised, the refugees, those who are defeated by life, those who are rejected by society and by the arrogance of the strong.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 28 August 2016lyke 14 13-14 - invite the poor - today jesus gives voice - pope francis - 5 nov 2018

“He himself had wanted to be born in poverty, to welcome the poor into His company, to serve the poor and put Himself in the place of the poor, to the point of saying that the good and evil we do to the poor, will be held by Him to have been done to His own divine person (Mt 25:40).   What more tender love could He have shown the poor!   And what sort of love could we be showing Him, I ask you, if we don’t love what He loved?   So much so, that loving the poor, is to love Him as He would wish and imitating Him, is to serve Him rightly and honour Him as we ought…”…St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) – Extract from a report concerning the state of the work, 11/07/1657loving the poor is to love him - st vincent de paul - 5 nov 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, teach us humility, to give and not to count ever the cost to ourselves, to take the lowest part and the back seat – teach us Lord, to strive and not to seek for glory, save for that of Your Kingdom.   Let us see Your Face, His Face, He our Teacher, our Saviour in the face of all those in most need.   May all those great Jesuit Saints standing before that Face, pray for us!   We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who we beg, have mercy on us all, who seek rewards for our own sakes, amen.all you jesuit saints and blesseds pray for us - 5 nov 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 November – Today’s Gospel: Mark 12:28b-34

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One Minute Reflection – 4 November – Today’s Gospel: Mark 12:28b-34 -Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) and St Felix of Valois (1127-1212)

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.’
The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’   There is no other commandment greater than these.”...Mark 12:30-31

REFLECTION – “You cannot love God without loving your neighbour and you cannot love your neighbour without loving God.   In effect, the visible sign a Christian can show, in order to witness to his love for God to the world and to others, to his family, is the love he bears for his brothers, is the love of his people.   The Commandment to love God and neighbour is the first, not because it is at the top of the list of Commandments.   Jesus does not place it at the pinnacle but at the centre, because it is from the heart that everything must go out and to which everything must return and refer.
In the Old Testament, the requirement to be holy, in the image of God who is holy, included the duty to care for the most vulnerable people, such as the stranger, the orphan and the widow (cf. Ex 22:20-26).   Jesus brings this Covenant law to fulfilment, He who unites in Himself, in His flesh, divinity and humanity, a single mystery of love.
Now, in the light of this Word of Jesus, love is the measure of faith and faith is the soul of love.   We can no longer separate a religious life, a pious life, from service to brothers and sisters, to the real brothers and sisters that we encounter.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 26 October 2014)you shall love the lord your god - mark 12 30-31 - in the light of this word of jesus - pope francis - 4 nov 2018

PRAYER – God power and mercy, by whose grace, Your people give You praise and worthy service, help us to see Your face in our neighbour.   To love them all as we love You.   Save us from faltering on our way and grant us the joys You have promised  . St Felix of Valois and St Charles Borromeo kindly assist our journey by your prayers. Through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.st felix of valois pray for us - 4 nov 2018

st-charles-pray-for-us-3-4 nov 2017

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD the FATHER, MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY SOULS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 2 November – The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

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Quote/s of the Day – 2 November

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

We believe that Jesus died and rose again,
so we believe, that God will bring with Jesus,
those who have died, believing in him.…

1 Thessalonians 4:141 thes 4 14 - we believe that jesus died and rose - 2 nov 2018

“He who saves a soul,
saves his own and satisfies
for a multitude of sins.”

James 1:20james-1-20-he-who-saves-a-soul-saves-his-own-2-nov-2017

“The whole Church observes this practice
which was handed down by the Fathers –
that it prays for those who have died
in the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ,
when they are commemorated
in their own place in the sacrifice itself
and the sacrifice is offered,
also in memory of them, on their behalf.”

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Churchthe whole church observes this practice - st augustine - 2 nov 2018

“What great power the holy souls in purgatory
have over the heart of God!
If we realised this fact
and averted to all the graces
that we can gain through their intercession,
these souls would not be so forgotten.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)what-great-power-st-john-vianney-2-nov-2017-21

“If today we are remembering
these brothers and sisters of
ours who lived before us and are
now in heaven, they are there
because they were washed in the
Blood of Christ, that is our hope
and this hope does not disappoint.
If we live our lives with the Lord,
He will never disappoint us.”

Pope Francisif-today-we-are-remembering-pope-francis-2 nov 2017

Posted in PAPAL PRAYERS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

The Holy Father’s Prayer Intention for November 2018

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The Holy Father’s Prayer Intention
for November 2018

In the Service of Peace

Let us pray together
that the language of love and dialogue
may always prevail
over the language of conflict 

holy fathers prayer intention nov 2018

Posted in franciscan OFM, papal ENCYCLICALS, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, SAINT of the DAY

Quote of the Day – 30 October – The Memorial of St Angelo of Acri OFM Cap (1669-1739) Preacher

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Quote of the Day =30 October – The Memorial of St Angelo of Acri OFM Cap (1669-1739) Preacher

Pope Francis writes:

“The preacher has the wonderful but difficult task of joining loving hearts, the hearts of the Lord and His people.
The dialogue between God and His people further strengthens the covenant between them and consolidates the bond of charity.
In the course of the homily, the hearts of believers keep silence and allow God to speak. The Lord and His people speak to one another in a thousand ways directly, without intermediaries.   But in the homily, they want someone to serve as an instrument and to express their feelings in such a way, that afterwards, each one may chose how he or she
will continue the conversation.”

…Pope Francis – Evangelii gaudium – The Joy of the Gospel, 143

the preacher has the wonderful but difficult task - evanelii guadium the joy of the gospel 143 - pope francis - 30 oct 2018

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

One Minute Reflection = 30 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:18-21

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One Minute Reflection = 30 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:18-21 – Tuesday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – The Memorial of St Angelo of Acri OFM Cap (1669-1739)

“What is the kingdom of God like?   And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden and it grew and became a tree and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”..Luke 13:18-19

REFLECTION – “In the language of the Gospel, the seed is the symbol of the Word of God, whose fruitfulness is recalled in this parable.   The Word of God makes things grow, it gives life. …Because this is the power that makes the life of the Kingdom of God sprout within us.   And thus is the Kingdom of God, a humanly small and seemingly irrelevant reality.   To become a part of it, one must be poor of heart, not trusting in their own abilities but in the power of the love of God;  not acting to be important in the eyes of the world but precious in the eyes of God, who prefers the simple and the humble.   When we live like this, the strength of Christ bursts through us and transforms what is small and modest into a reality, that leavens the entire mass of the world and of history.   This opens us up to trust and hope, despite the tragedies, the injustices, the sufferings that we encounter.   The seed of goodness and peace sprouts and develops, because the merciful love of God makes it ripen.”…Pope Francis = Angelus, 14 June 2015

“To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?   It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”...Luke 13:20-21

REFLECTION – “There are three measures:  of the flesh, of the soul and of the spirit.  This is truer of the spirit in which we all live.   The woman, who prefigures the church, mixes with them the virtue of spiritual doctrine, until the whole hidden inner person of the heart is leavened and the heavenly bread arises to grace.   The doctrine of Christ is fittingly called leaven, because the bread is Christ.   The apostle said, “For we, being many, are one bread, one body.”   Leavening happens when the flesh does not lust against the Spirit, nor the Spirit against the flesh.   We mortify the deeds of the flesh and the soul, aware that through the breath of God it has received the breath of life, shuns the earthly germs of worldly needs.”…St Ambrose (340-397) Father & Doctoer- Exposition of the Gospel of Luke, 7.the parable of the seed and the leaven luke 13 18-21 pope francis st ambrose - 30 oct 2018

PRAYER – True light of the world, Lord Jesus Christ, as You enlighten all men for their salvation, give us grace, we pray, to herald Your coming by preparing the ways of justice and of peace. Help us Lord, that we may sprout and bear fruit, fitting to grow and be a home of comfort to our neighbour.   By the prayers of St Angelo of Acri, who bore the seed of Your Word to many, may we too be heralds of Your Kingdom.   Through Jesus our Lord, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st angelo of acri pray for us no 2 - 30 oct 2018

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:46–52 – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Feast of Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles of Christ

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One Minute Reflection – 28 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:46–52 – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Feast of Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles of Christ

And Jesus said to him, “Go your way, your faith has made you well.”   And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.…Mark 10:52

REFLECTION – “We are always in need of salvation.   And all of us should take this step everyday – from beggars to disciples.   And thus, the blind man sets out behind the Lord, becoming part of His community.   The one they wanted to silence, now witnesses aloud to his encounter with Jesus of Nazareth and “all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God”.   Let us also allow ourselves to be called by Jesus and let us be healed by Jesus, forgiven by Jesus and let us follow Jesus, praising God.   So be it!”…Pope Francis – General audience, 15 June 2016mark 10 52 and immediately he received his sight - pope francis - we are always in need of - 28 oct 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, You taught us to call upon Your name, through the preaching of the Apostles.   Open our eyes each day, grant that we may see Jesus Your Son at our side, open our ears that we may hear His voice, open our mouths that we may beg forgiveness and proclaim the good news as we follow the way Your Son carved out for us.   At the intercession of Sts Simon and Jude, may Your Church continue to grow and to hope in Your love.   We make our prayer through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.sts simon and jude pray for us 29 oct 2018

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

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One Minute Reflection – 27 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:1-9 – Saturday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and I find none. Cut it down, why should it use up the ground?’…Luke 13:7

REFLECTION – “Unfortunately, each of us strongly resembles the tree that, over many years, has repeatedly shown that it’s infertile.   But, fortunately for us, Jesus is like a farmer who, with limitless patience, still obtains a concession for the fruitless vine.   “Let it alone this year” the invincible patience of Jesus!   Have you thought about the patience of God?   Have you ever thought as well of His limitless concern for sinners?   How it should lead us to impatience with ourselves!   It’s never too late to convert, never.   God’s patience awaits us until the last moment.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 28 February 2016luke 13 7 - and he said to the vinedresser - unfortunately each of us strongly resembles the tree - pope francis 27 oct 2018

PRAYER – Come to help us in our weakness, God of mercy, forgive the sins of Your people and as nothing we can do is worthy in Your sight, save us through the intercession of the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ.   We make our prayer through Jesus with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.bl mother of our lord pray for us - 27 oct 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HOPE, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:39–48

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One Minute Reflection – 24 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:39–48 – Wednesday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time. Year B and The Memorial of St Anthony Mary Claret CMF (1807-1870) and St Luigi Guanella (1842-1915)

“But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into…”…Luke 12:39but know this if the householder - luke 12 39 24 oct 2018

REFLECTION – “There is need of living well but, there is even more need of dying well.   A good death is everything, especially today, where people think only of things and enjoyment here on earth, rejecting eternity.” … St Luigi Guanella (1842-1915)there is need of living well - st luigi guanella - 24 oct 2018

“The disciple is one, who awaits the Lord and His Kingdom.   May the Virgin Mary help us, not to be people and communities dulled by the present, or worse, nostalgic for the past but striving toward the future of God, toward the encounter with Him, our life and our hope.”...Pope Francis – Angelus, 7 August 2016the disciples is one who awaits the lord - pope francis - 24 oct 2018

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to keep my death constantly before my eyes, for this is my final account.   I pray You for a holy life that my death may be holy and that I may come to You and live for all eternity with You.   When my hour is come, bid me come to You, Lord.   Hear the prayers of your Saints, Anthony Mary Claret and Luigi Guanella, who lived each moment of their lives for the glory of Your Kingdom.   We ask this through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st anthony mary claret pray for us - 24 oct 2018

st-luigi-guanella-pray-for-us-24 oct 2017

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

One Minute Reflection – 21 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

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One Minute Reflection – 21 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:35-45 – Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, the Memorial of Blessed Karl of Austria (1887 – 1922)

“For the Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”…Mark 10:45mark 10 45 for the son of man came not to be served but to serve - 21 oct 2018

REFLECTION – “In the biblical tradition, the Son of Man is the one who receives from God “dominion, glory and kingship”.   Jesus fills this image with new meaning.   He shows us that He enjoys dominion because He is a servant, glory because He is capable of abasement, kingship because He is fully prepared to lay down His life.   By His passion and death, He takes the lowest place, attains the heights of grandeur in service and bestows this upon His Church”…Pope Francis – Canonisation Mass, 18 October 2015mark-10-45-for-the-son-of-man-came-not-to-be-served-he-enjoys-dominion-pope-francis-21-oct-2018.jpg

PRAYER – Holy Father, grant me an operative faith, a faith that will move mountains. Enlighten my soul with Your Light, Goodness, Power and Wisdom.   Let my faith be an image of You by lively deeds and love and by conforming myself to Your Will in all things.   Blessed Karl of Austria, amidst the fineries of your earthly kingship, you longed only to serve the God of all and searched for complete closeness and abandonment to Him, teach us by your prayer, to serve God alone with upright hearts and thus manifest a true faith, through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.bl karl of austria pray for us 21 oct 2018

Posted in GOD the FATHER, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:1–7 and the Memorial of St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562)

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One Minute Reflection – 19 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:1–7 – Friday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562)

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not, you are of more value than many sparrows.”...Luke 12:7

REFLECTION – “Strain not after tears, strive not for sentiments of devotion, do not force your heart.   Rest rather in interior solitude.   Dwell therein quietly, waiting until God’s will be accomplished in you.   When it shall please Him to send you tears, oh, how sweet will those tears be, for is not your impatience that has secured them:  they are the fruits of humility and of peace.   On your part, then, you must receive them with the deepest self-effacement, allowing God to work in you.   Note well, that if ever you fancy this desire or the securing of these affections to be in any measure due to yourself, you will infallibly expose yourself to the losing of them.”…St Peter of Alcantara – Treatise on Prayer and Meditation’

st peter of alcantara pray for us - 19 oct 2018

PRAYER – My Lord and patient God, help me to practice patience in doing good.   No matter what may occur, allow me to face each day with quiet courage and without complaint, knowing You are always at my side and that all is part of Your divine plan.  I pray for total abandonment to Your Will.   Grant that by the intercession of St Peter of Alcantara, we may grow in trust, leaving all in our Father’s hands.   We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL MESSAGES

Thought for the Day – 14 October – Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

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Thought for the Day – 14 October – Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Today, 14 October 2018, in Rome, Pope Francis will Canonise the following (announced on 19 May 2018):

– Paul VI (Giovanni Battista Montini), Supreme Pontiff;

– Oscar Arnulfo Romero Galdámez, Archbishop of San Salvador, Martyr;

– Nunzio Sulprizio (1817-1836) Announced by Pope Francis on 19 July 2018:   Details here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/07/19/pope-francis-announces-that-he-will-canonise-blessed-nunzio-sulprizio-in-october/

– Francesco Spinelli, Diocesan Priest, Founder of the Institute of the Sisters Adorers of the Most Holy Sacrament;

– Vincenzo Romano, Diocesan Priest;

– Maria Katharina Kasper, Virgin, Founder of the Institute of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ;

– Nazaria Ignacia de Santa Teresa de Jesús (née: Nazaria Ignacia March Mesa), Founder of the Congregation of the Missionary Crusaders of the Church.

Let us ask our new Saints to pray for the Church and the whole world!

Saint Nunzio Sulprizio, Pray for Us!saint nunzio sulprizio - pray for us 14 oct 2018

Saint Pope Paul VI, Pray for Us!saint pope paul vi - pray for us.14 oct 2018

Saint Oscar Romero, Pray for Us!st oscar romero pray for us - 14 oct 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JOY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

One Minute Reflection – 14 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:17–30 –

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One Minute Reflection – 14 October – Today’s Gospel:  Mark 10:17–30 — Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

“You lack one thing – go, sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven and come, follow me.”...Mark 10:21

REFLECTION – “Jesus’ reply is clear:  “I tell you there is no-one who has given up everything and has not received everything”.   If you gave up everything. You will receive everything, in that overflowing measure with which God gives His gifts.   You will receive everything. …. Everything!”…   The Lord does not know how to give less than everything – when He gives something, He gives Himself, which is everything. …the sign that we are on the ‘everything and nothing’ path, of the forsaken fullness, is joy.   It is no surprise that “the rich young man’s countenance darkened and he went away saddened”. …amid the trials and difficulties, the saints had a cheerful face, a generous outlook and joy in their heart.   This is the sign”….Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 28 February 2017you lack one thing go sell - mark 10 21 - the lord does not know - pope francis 14 oct 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, open our hearts to Your grace.   Teach us Your ways  . May we always be intent upon doing Your will. With You, in You and for You! Grant that the prayers of our Blessed Mother Mary, St Donatian and all Your holy saints in heaven, grant us Your gifts and with them true joy.   We make our prayer through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.blessed virgin holy mother mary pray for us 14 oct 2018st donatian pray for us 14 oct 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:27–28

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One Minute Reflection – 13 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:27–28 – Saturday of the Twenty seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Edward, King and Confessor  (c 1003-1066)

Blessed is the womb that bore you...Luke 11:27blessed is the womb that bore you luke 11 27 - 13 oct 2018

REFLECTION – “What a grace it is when a Christian truly becomes a “cristo-foro”, which means “bearer of Jesus” in the world!   Above all for those who are experiencing situations of grief, of despair, of darkness and of hate.   This can be understood from many fine details – from the light that a Christian conserves in his eyes, from the foundation of peace which is not undermined even on the most complicated of days, from the wish to begin to love again even when we have experienced many disappointments.

In the future, when the story of our days is written, what will it say about us?   That we were capable of hope, or that we put our light under a bushel?   If we are true to our Baptism, we will spread the light of the hope — Baptism is the beginning of hope, that hope — of God and we will be able to pass on to future generations the meaning of life”…Pope Francis – General audience, 2 August 2017what a grace it is when a christian truly becomes cristo-foro-bearer of jesus - pope francis 13 oct 2018

PRAYER– Almighty Father, let Your light so penetrate our minds, that walking by Your commandments, we may always follow You, our leader and our Guide in the path of Him who suffered and died for our love.   May Our Lady and Blessed Mother, keep us ever in her care and may the prayers of St Edward, King and Confessor, who consecrated himself and gave up his riches to the poor to follow the way of the Lord, please pray for us.   Through Jesus Christ, our Lord in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever,amen.our lady of fatima pray for us - 13 oct 2018st edward king and confessor - pray for us - 13 october 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:15–26

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One Minute Reflection – 12 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:15–26 – Friday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Wilfrid (c 633-709)

But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you…Luke 11:20

REFLECTION – “The finger:   “It is by the finger of God that [Jesus] casts out demons.” If God’s law was written on tablets of stone “by the finger of God” (Ex 31,18), then the “letter from Christ” entrusted to the care of the apostles, is written “with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2Cor 3,3).   The hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus” invokes the Holy Spirit as the “finger of the Father’s right hand.”…CCC 700but if it is by the finger luke 11 20 - the finger CCC700 - 12 oct 2018

Jesus reacted with firm and clear words, He did not tolerate this, because those scribes, perhaps without realising it, were falling into the gravest sin – denying and blaspheming against God’s Love which is present and active in Jesus.
And blasphemy, the sin against the Holy Spirit, is the one unforgivable sin— as Jesus said — because it comes from closing the heart to God’s mercy which acts in Jesus….Pope Francis – Angelus, 10 June 2018and blasphemy the sin against the holy spirit - pope francis - 12 oct 2018

PRAYER – Almighty Father, let Your light so penetrate our minds, that we may walk always in that light and follow Your Son, the Way, the Truth and the Life.   Fill us with understanding and may the Holy Spirit guide us in love.   Allow the intercession of St Wilfrid who learnt of Your light and brought it to his land and taught his people, to help us all.   We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st wilfrid pray for us - 12 oct 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Lady POVERTY, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, SPEAKING of ....., The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:25–37 – Seeking : The Good Samaritan

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 8 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:25–37 – Monday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Speaking of – Seeking : The Good Samaritan

As long as anyone has the means
of doing good to his neighbours
and does not do so,
he shall be reckoned a stranger
to the love of the Lord.

St Irenaeus (130-202) Father of the Churchas long as anyone has the means - st irenaeus - 8 oct 2018 - speaking of seeking the good samaritan

No one has ever been accused for not providing ornaments
but for those who neglect their neighbour,
a hell awaits with an inextinguishable fire
and torment in the company of the demons.
Do not, therefore, adorn the church
and ignore your afflicted brother,
for he is the most precious temple of all.

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Churchno one has ever - st john chrysostom - 16 jan 2018

We must speak to them with our hands
before we speak to them with our lips.

St Peter Claver (1580-1654)we must speak to them with our hands - st peter claver - 23 may 2018

We should strive to keep our hearts open
to the sufferings and wretchedness of other people
and pray continually, that God may grant us,
that spirit of compassion,
which is truly the Spirit of God.

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)we should strive to keep our hearts open - st vincent de paul - 8 oct 2018 - speaking of seeking the good samaritan

Since God is perfect in loving man,
man must be perfect in loving his neighbour.

St Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850)since god is perfect - st vincent pallotti - 8 oct 2018 - speaking of seeking the good samaritan

All our religion is but a false religion
and all our virtues are mere illusions
and we ourselves are only hypocrites
in the sight of God,
if we have not that universal charity for everyone –
for the good and for the bad,
for the poor and for the rich
and for all those who do us harm,
as much as those who do us good.

St John Vianney (1786-1859)all our religion is but a false religion - st john vianney - 4 aug 2018

“This parable is a splendid gift for us all and also a task!
To each of us Jesus repeats what He said to the doctor of the Law:
“Go and do likewise” (v. 37).
We are all called to follow the same path of the Good Samaritan,
who is the figure of Christ:
Jesus bent down to us, He became our servant
and thus He has saved us,
so that we too might love
as He loved us, in the same way.”

Pope Francis – General audience, 27 April 2016this parable is a splendid gift - pope francis - speaking of seeking the good samaritan - 8 oct 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 7 October – Our Lady of the Rosary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 7 October – Our Lady of the Rosary

Open your petals, like roses planted near running waters…Sirach 39:13
“To discover whether people are of God,
I have found no better way than the following.
Observe whether they say the Hail Mary and the Rosary.”to-discover-whether-people-st-louis-de-montfort-7 oct 2017

“The Rosary is the most powerful weapon
to touch the Heart of Jesus, Our Redeemer,
who loves His Mother.”the rosary is the most powerful - st louis de montfort 7 oct 2018

THE SEVEN BLESSINGS OF THE ROSARY

“The Rosary, recited with meditation on the mysteries, brings about the following marvellous results:

1. It gradually gives us a perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ;
2. It purifies our souls, washing away sin;
3. It gives us victory over all our enemies;
4. It makes it easy for us to practice virtue;
5. It sets us on fire with love of Our Blessed Lord;
6. It enriches us with graces and merits;
7. It supplies us with what is needed to pay,
all our debts to God and to our fellow men
and finally, it obtains all kinds of graces for us from Almighty God.”

St Louis Marie Grignion De Montfort (1673-1716)the-seven-blessings-of-the-rosary-st-louis-de-montfort-7 oct 2017

“When reciting the Rosary,
the important and meaningful moments
of salvation history are relived.
The various steps of Christ’s mission are traced.
With Mary the heart is oriented
toward the mystery of Jesus.
Christ is put at the centre of our life,
of our time, of our city,
through the contemplation and meditation
of His holy mysteries
of joy, light, sorrow and glory.”

Pope Benedict XVIwhen reciting the rosary - pope benedict - 7 oct 2018

Basilica of Saint Mary Major – Saturday, 3 May 2008

“Mary joins us, she fights at our side.
She supports Christians in the fight
against the forces of evil… through the Rosary.”mary joins us in the fights against evil - opope francis - 7 oct 2018

“Do you pray the Rosary each day?”

Pope Francisdo you pray the rosary each day - pope francis 7 oct 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:17–24 and the Memorial of St Bruno O.Cart. (c 1030-1101)

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One Minute Reflection – 6 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:17–24 – Saturday of the Twenty-sixth week in Ordinary Time and the Memorial of St Bruno O.Cart. (c 1030-1101)

“Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you but rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the babes…” Luke 10:20-21I give you praise Father - luke 10 21 - 6 oct 2018

REFLECTION – “We were chosen out of love and this is our identity.
I have chosen this religion, I have chosen?… NO, you have not chosen.
He is the one who chose you, called you and bound Himself to you.
And this is our faith.   If we do not believe this, we do not understand what the message of Christ is and then we do not understand the Gospel.
He fell in love with our smallness and for this reason He chose us.   And He chooses the little ones – not the great, the little ones.   If you want to understand something of the mystery of Jesus, lower yourself, make yourself small.   Recognise that you are nothing. And not only does He choose and reveal Himself to the little ones but He calls the little ones:  ‘Come to me, all you who are tired and oppressed, I will give you rest’.   But does He not call the gre  at? His heart is open but the great cannot hear His voice because they are full of themselves.   To listen to the voice of the Lord, one must become small.”….Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 23 June 2017we were chosen out of love - pope francis - 6 october 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, You called St Bruno to serve You in a life of solitude. Amidst this world’s changes, help us, by his prayers, to set out hearts always on You.   Heavenly Father, let me realise that You guide our lives through Your Providence, Your Word and Sacraments.   Help me to be obedient to the rules for my state in life and so be obedient to Your will for me.   Grant that the prayers of St Bruno may assist us as we strive to grow in humility.   Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your Son in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen.st bruno - pray for us - 6 oct 2018