popefrancis – Page 9

DOMINICAN OP, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on FAITH, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28

Posted on August 8, 2018August 8, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 August – Wednesday of the Eighteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28 and The Memorials of St Dominic (1170-1221) and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop (1842-1909)

Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly...Matthew 15:28

REFLECTION – “Jesus points to this humble woman as a model of unwavering faith. Her persistence in beseeching Christ’s intervention is incentive for us not to become discouraged, not to despair when we are burdened by life’s difficult trials. The Lord does not turn away in the face of our needs and, if at times, He seems insensitive to our requests for help, it is in order to put to the test and to strengthen, our faith. We must continue to cry out like this woman: “Lord, help me! Lord, help me!”. In this way, with perseverance and courage. This is the courage needed in prayer. He can help us to find our way, when we have lost the compass of our journey; when the road no longer seems flat but rough and arduous; when it is hard to be faithful to our commitments.

It is important to nourish our faith every day, by carefully listening to the Word of God, with the celebration of the Sacraments, with personal prayer as a “cry” to Him — “Lord, help me!” — and with concrete acts of charity toward our neighbour.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 20 August 2017

PRAYER – Lord God, You gave St Dominic and St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, to the Church in their days, as lessons in total love, charity and zeal. We pray that they may help us in our times, by their merits, their inspiration, their words and their prayers. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-dominic-pray-for-us.8 aug 2017.pg st mary of the cross mackillop pray for us 8 aug 2018

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 14:22–36

Posted on August 7, 2018August 7, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 August – Tuesday of the Eighteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 14:22–36

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”…Matthew 14:31-33

REFLECTION – “Today’s Gospel reminds us that faith in the Lord and in His Word does not open a way for us where everything is easy and calm, it does not rescue us from life’s storms. Faith gives us the assurance of a Presence, the presence of Jesus who encourages us to overcome the existential tempests, the certainty of a hand that grabs hold of us so as to help us face the difficulties, pointing the way for us even when it is dark.

Faith, in short, is not an escape route from life’s problems but it sustains the journey and gives it meaning. This episode offers a wonderful image of the reality of the Church throughout the ages – a boat that, as she makes the crossing, must also weather contrary winds and storms which threaten to capsize her. What saves her are not the courage and qualities of her men, the guarantee against shipwreck is faith in Christ and in his Word. This is the guarantee, faith in Jesus and in His Word. We are safe on this boat, despite our wretchedness and weaknesses, especially when we are kneeling and worshipping the Lord, like the disciples who, in the end, fell down before Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God!”...Pope Francis – Angelus, 13 August 2017 faith in short is not an escape route - pope francis - 7 aug 2018

PRAYER – Almighty God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, You enabled St Pope Sixtus II and his companions to lay down their lives for Your Word and to bear witness to Jesus, never fearing as they were tossed around in the tempest but always trusting in Your saving grace. Give us a ready and true faith, the courage to profess it and to hold tightly to the hand of Your Son in all of life’s storms. May the prayers of St Pope Sixtus, his companions and St Cajetan, fill us with strength. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st pope sixtus II - pray for us - 7 aug 2018 st-cajetan-pray-for-us.7 aug 2017

MARIAN PRAYERS, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The TRANSFIGURATION

Thought for the Day – 6 August – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord – Today’s Gospel: Mark 9:2–10

Posted on August 6, 2018August 6, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 6 August – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord – Today’s Gospel: Mark 9:2–10

This invitation from the Father is very important. We, the disciples o f Jesus, are called to be people who listen to His voice and take His words seriously. To listen to Jesus, we must be close to Him, to follow Him, like the crowd in the Gospel who chase Him through the streets of Palestine.

Jesus did not have a teaching post or a fixed pulpit, He was an itinerant teacher, who proposed His teachings, teachings given to Him by the Father, along the streets, covering distances that were not always predictable or easy. Follow Jesus in order to listen to Him. But also let us listen to Jesus in His written Word, in the Gospel. I pose a question to you: do you read a passage of the Gospel everyday? Yes, no… yes, no… half of the time … some yes, some no. It is important! Do you read the Gospel? It is so good; it is a good thing to have a small book of the Gospel, a little one and to carry in our pocket or in our purse and read a little passage in whatever moment presents itself during the day. In any given moment of the day I take the Gospel from my pocket and I read something, a short passage. Jesus is there and He speaks to us in the Gospel! Ponder this. It’s not difficult, nor is it necessary to have all four books: one of the Gospels, a small one, with us. Let the Gospel be with us always, because it is the Word of Jesus in order for us to be able to listen to Him.

From the event of the Transfiguration I would like to take two significant elements that can be summed up in two words: ascent and descent. We all need to go apart, to ascend the mountain in a space of silence, to find ourselves and better perceive the voice of the Lord. This we do in prayer. But we cannot stay there! Encounter with God in prayer inspires us anew to “descend the mountain” and return to the plain where we meet many brothers weighed down by fatigue, sickness, injustice, ignorance, poverty both material and spiritual. To these brothers in difficulty, we are called to bear the fruit of that experience with God, by sharing the grace we have received.
And this is curious. When we hear the Word of Jesus, when we listen to the Word of Jesus and carry it in our heart, this Word grows. Do you know how it grows? By giving it to the other! The Word of Christ grows in us when we proclaim it, when we give it to others! And this is what Christian life is. It is a mission for the whole Church, for all the baptised, for us all – listen to Jesus and offer Him to others.
Do not forget! this week listen to Jesus! And think about the matter of the Gospel, will you? Will you do this? Then next Sunday you tell me if you have done this, that you have a little book of the Gospel in your pocket or in your purse to read in little stages throughout the day. and this is what the christian life is listen to jesus and offer him to others - transfiguration 2 - 6 aug 2018

And now let us turn to our Mother Mary and entrust ourselves to her guidance in pursuing with faith and generosity this path of …., learning a little more how to “ascend” with prayer and listen to Jesus and to “descend” with brotherly love, proclaiming Jesus.

Pope Francis -16 March 2014

BREVIARY Prayers, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The TRANSFIGURATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection 6 August – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord – Today’s Gospel: Mark 9:2–10

Posted on August 6, 2018August 6, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection 6 August – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord – Today’s Gospel: Mark 9:2–10

And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”...Mark 9:7 this is my beloved son listen to him mark 9 7 - 6 aug 2018

REFLECTION – …”And the path of Jesus is another, Jesus triumphs through humiliation, the humiliation of the cross. But, as this would be a scandal for them, Jesus lets them see what will come next, what is after cross, what awaits us, all of us. This glory and this heaven. And this is very beautiful, very beautiful because Jesus and this feels good, always prepares us for the test. In one way or another but this is the message. It always prepares us. It gives us the strength to go on in moments of trial and to win with its strength. Jesus does not leave us alone in the trials of life, He always prepares us, He helps us as He prepares these (the disciples) with the vision of His glory. And so they remembered this moment, to bear the weight of the humiliation. And this is the first thing that the church teaches, that Jesus always prepares us and rehearses with us. He does not leave us alone, never!
“This is my beloved son. Listen to him.” This is the message which the Father gives to the Apostles, the message of Jesus prepares them to see His glory, the message of the Father is “Listen to him.” There is no moment in life which cannot be fully lived by listening to Jesus. In beautiful moments, stop and listen to Jesus, in bad moments, stop and listen to Jesus. This is the way, He will tell us what we need to do, always.”…Pope Francis 25 February 2018 he does not leave us alone never - pope francis - transfiguration homily feb 2018 - 6 aug 2018

PRAYER – Father, at the Transfiguration in glory of Your only-begotten Son, You confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness to Jesus of the prophets Moses and Elijah. You foreshadowed what we shall be when You bring our sonship to its perfection. Grant that by listening to the voice of Jesus, we may become heirs with Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever and may Mary, our tender and caring Mother, help us to be bright rays of the saving light of her Son Jesus. Amen mary beloved mother-pray for us all

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 July – Today’s Gospel: John 6:1–15 and the Memorial of St Martha

Posted on July 29, 2018July 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 July – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Today’s Gospel: John 6:1–15 and the Memorial of St Martha

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” – Luke 10:42

“Our Lord’s words teach us that though we labour
among the many distractions of this world,
we should have but one goal.
For we are but travelers
on a journey without as yet a fixed abode;
we are on our way, not yet in our native land;
we are in a state of longing, not yet of enjoyment.
But let us continue on our way
and continue without sloth or respite,
so that we may ultimately arrive at our destination.”

St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor
(Sermo 103, 1-2, 6: PL 38, 613, 615)

One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him,
“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?”…John 6:8-9

“Before the suffering, loneliness, poverty
and difficulties of so many people,
what can we ourselves do?
Complaining doesn’t resolve anything
but we can offer the little that we have,
like the lad in the Gospel.
We surely have a few hours of time, certain talents, some skills….
Who among us doesn’t have “five loaves and two fish” of his own?
We all have them!
If we are willing to place them in the Lord’s hands,
they will be enough to bring about a little more love,
peace, justice and especially joy in the world.”

Pope Francis – Angelus, 26 July 2015

CONFESSION/PENANCE, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on PRAYER, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 27 July – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 13:18–23

Posted on July 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 July – Friday of the Sixteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 13:18–23

“As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it;
he indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty and in another thirty.”…Matthew 13:23

“Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus invites us today to look inside ourselves: to give thanks for our good soil and to tend the soil that is not yet good.

Let us ask ourselves if our heart is open to welcome the seed of the Word of God with faith.

Let us ask ourselves if our rocks of laziness are still numerous and large; let us identify our thorns of vice and call them by name.

Let us find the courage to reclaim the soil, to effect a conversion of our heart, bringing to the Lord in Confession and in prayer, our rocks and our thorns.” …Pope Francis (Angelus, 16 July 2017)

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us!

BREVIARY Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 July – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

Posted on July 22, 2018July 21, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 July – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while.”...Mark 6:31

REFLECTION – “So they got into the boat and went away by themselves to a deserted spot”… The people followed them. They showed how concerned they were for their salvation by the effort they made in going along the deserted road, not on donkeys or in carts of various kinds but on foot. In return Jesus welcomed those weary, ignorant, sick and hungry people, instructing, healing and feeding them as a kindly saviour and physician and so letting them know how pleased He is by believers’ devotion to Him.”…Saint Bede the Venerable (c 673-735) Father & Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Saint Mark’s gospel, 2 ; CCL 120, 510)
“Today we could pray during this mass for our shepherds, that the Lord may give them the grace to walk with the people and to be present for them with much tenderness and closeness. When people find their shepherd, they feel that special sensation only felt in the presence of God. The amazement comes from the feeling of the closeness and tenderness of God in the shepherd.”…Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 30 January 2018 come away with me - mark 6 31 and so they got into the boat - st bede - 22 july 2018

PRAYER – Be gracious, Lord, to us who serve You and in Your kindness increase Your gifts of grace within us, so that fervent in faith, hope and love, we may be ever on the watch and persevere in doing what You command. Guard, protect and inspire our own shepherds, our priests who serve Your people, keep them faithful, loyal and prayerful. May our Mother, the most Holy and Pure Blessed Virgin Mary, keep our priests and all of us at her side. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, one God with Holy Spirit, forever and ever, amen. bl virgin mother mary protect and pray for our priests - 22 july 2018

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, ON the SAINTS, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The RESURRECTION

Quote/s of the Day – 22 July – Feast of St Mary of Magdala

Posted on July 22, 2018July 22, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 22 July – Feast of St Mary of Magdala

“Just as a woman
had announced
the words of death
to the first man,
so also, a woman was the first
to announce to the Apostles
the words of life.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

“…Sometimes in our lives,
tears are the lenses
we need to see Jesus…”

Pope Francis 2 April 2013

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 July – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8

Posted on July 20, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 20 July – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8

” And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless…”.…Matthew 12:7

“I desire mercy”:
namely, the loyalty of a heart,
that recognises its own sins,
that mends its ways and returns,
to be faithful to the covenant with God.
“And not sacrifice”:
without a penitent heart,
every religious action is ineffective!”

” If our heart is closed,
if our heart is made of stone,
then the stones will end up
in our hands and, then,
we will be ready
to throw them at someone.”

Pope Francis – General audience, 13 April 2016

EUCHARISTIC Adoration, ON the SAINTS, PAPAL MESSAGES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SUFFERING

Pope Francis announces that he will Canonise Blessed Nunzio Sulprizio in October

Posted on July 19, 2018July 19, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Pope Francis announced this morning, 19 July 2018, during an Ordinary Public Consistory that he will canonise an additional person on October 14 along with Blessed Paul VI and Blessed Oscar Romero.

It is fitting that Blessed Nunzio Sulprizio, who died at the age of 19, be canonised during the Synod whose theme is Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment. Now with the addition of Blessed Nunzio, the canonisation will include people from every walk of life: clerical, religious and lay.

Blessed Nunzio was born in Pescosansonesco in Italy in April of 1817. He lost both of his parents while still a child and was brought up by an uncle. His uncle exploited him, not allowing him to go to school and forced him to work in his blacksmith shop. Regardless of extreme cold or intense heat, he was forced to carry enormous weights over great distances. Nunzio_Sulprizio.svg_-e1528562206450

He found refuge before the Tabernacle where he would keep Jesus company.
After contracting gangrene in one of his legs, he was sent to a hospital for people with incurable diseases in Naples. He suffered tremendously on account of the pain. Yet, he is known to have said such things as:

Jesus suffered so much for us and by His merits we await eternal life. If we suffer a little bit, we will taste the joy of paradise.
Jesus suffered a lot for me. Why should I not suffer for Him?
I would die in order to convert even one sinner.
When asked who was taking care of him, he would respond: “God’s Providence”.

Once he got better, he dedicated himself to helping other patients. But his health took a sudden turn for the worse. He died from bone cancer in May of 1836 before he reached his 20th birthday.

my snip - bl nunzio

Pope Paul VI said the following when he Beatified Nunzio on 1 December 1963:

Nunzio Sulprizio will tell you that the period of youth should not be considered the age of free passions, of inevitable falls, of invincible crises, of decadent pessimism, of harmful selfishness. Rather, he will rather tell you how being young is a grace… St Philip used to repeat: Blessed are you, young people, who have the time to do good.

It is a grace, it is a blessing to be innocent, to be pure, to be happy, to be strong, to be full of ardour and life – just like those who receive the gift of fresh and new existence should be, regenerated and sanctified by baptism. They receive a treasure that should not be foolishly wasted but should be known, guarded, educated, developed and used to produce fruit for their own benefit and that of others.

He will tell you that no other age than yours, young people, is as suitable for great ideals, for generous heroism, for the coherent demands of thought and action.

He will teach you how you young people can regenerate the world in which Providence has called you to live and how it is up to you first to consecrate yourselves for the salvation of a society that needs strong and fearless souls.

He will teach you that the supreme word of Christ is to be the sacrifice, the cross, for our own salvation and that of the world. Young people understand this supreme vocation. (vaticannews.va)

beato-nunzio-sulprizio-777x437

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 July – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 11:20-24.

Posted on July 17, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 17 July – Tuesday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 11:20-24.

“But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgement than for you..”…Matthew 11:22

REFLECTION – “The final judgement is already in progress, it begins now over the course of our lives. Thus judgement is pronounced at every moment of life, as it sums up our faith in the salvation which is present and active in Christ, or of our unbelief, whereby we close in upon ourselves. But if we close ourselves to the love of Jesus, we condemn ourselves. Salvation is, to open oneself to Jesus, it is He who saves us.”…Pope Francis – General Audience, 11 December 2013

PRAYER – Almighty God, to whom this world with all its goodness and beauty belongs, give us grace joyfully to begin this day in Your name and to fill it, with an active love for You and for our neighbour. Grant us the grace to repent of our sins, to turn to the Cross of Your Son and to beg Him in His great love and suffering to forgive us again! Mary, Holy Mother, intercede for us in our weakness and help us to turn our backs on sin and look only at the face of Christ. Amen mary immaculate holy mother of god - pray for us - 28 may 2018

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 July – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 10:34-42,11:1.

Posted on July 16, 2018July 16, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 July – Monday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 10:34-42,11:1.

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me...Matthew 10:37-38

REFLECTION – “A further means of staying faithful, Daughters, is perfect detachment from father, mother, relations and friends in such a way that you are God’s alone. And to possess this great good you have to strip yourself of everything and have nothing of your own. The apostles had just such a detachment. For one cent you will have a hundred, as many women, as many mothers which Providence, Daughters, will never fail you. Don’t you have any courage at all to give yourselves to the God who is so mindful of you? Never claim you are saving something for your own livelihood; always put your trust in Providence. Rich people can fall into need through the accidents that often happen but they will never be in want, who intend to rely solely on God.
Isn’t it good, Daughters, to live like this? What is there to fear? For God has promised that people who care for the poor will never lack anything. O my Daughters, would you not love God’s promises better than the world’s deceits? God is obliged to provide for all our needs.”…St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) – Conferences to the Daughters of Charity

PRAYER – Grant us Your Grace O Holy God almighty, rule over our hearts and bodies this day. Sanctify us and guide our every thought, word and deed according to the commandments of Your divine Son, so that now and forever Your Grace may free us from the world and save us for Yourself. “May the Virgin Mary, first disciple and missionary of the Word of God, help us to take the message of the Gospel to the world, in humble and radiant exultance, beyond every rejection, incomprehension or tribulation. Amen”… Pope Francis blessed virgin mary - first missionary - pray for us - 16 july 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38

Posted on July 10, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom..…Matthew 9:35

REFLECTION – “This is the central message of every Christian mission. When a missionary goes, a Christian goes to proclaim Jesus, not to proselytise, as if he were a fan trying to drum up new supporters for his team. No, he goes simply to proclaim: “The kingdom of God is in our midst!”.
But what is this kingdom of God, this kingdom of heaven? They are synonymous. We think immediately of the afterlife: eternal life. Of course this is true, the kingdom of God will extend without limit beyond earthly life but the good news that Jesus brings us — and that John predicts — is that we do not need to wait for the kingdom of God in the future: it is at hand. In some way it is already present and we may experience spiritual power from now on.
The condition for entering and being a part of this kingdom, is to implement a change in our life, which is to convert, to convert every day, to take a step forward each day. It is a question of leaving behind the comfortable but misleading ways of the idols of this world: success at all costs, power to the detriment of the weak, the desire for wealth, pleasure at any price. And instead, preparing the way of the Lord: this does not take away our freedom but gives us true happiness…Pope Francis (Angelus, Dec 4, 2016) matthew 9 35 - jesus went around - the condition for entering - pope francis - 10 july 2018

PRAYER – All-powerful God, to serve You is to reign. Your love gave the saints Victoria and Anatolia the courage to proclaim the truth of Christ and by their mission of preaching of the Kingdom, to suffer a cruel martyrdom. Grant that by their prayers, our lives bear witness to the faith we profess and our love bring others, to the peace and joy of your gospel. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen sts victoria and anatolia pray for us 10 july 2018

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL DECREE, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MARRIAGE, MARRIED LOVE, QUOTES on the FAMILY, SAINT of the DAY, SPEAKING of .....

Quote/s of the Day – 8 July – The Memorial of Sts Priscilla and Aquila – Patrons of Catholic Marriage and Families

Posted on July 8, 2018July 8, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 8 July – The Memorial of Sts Priscilla and Aquila – Patrons of Catholic Marriage and Families

Speaking of Marriage and the Family

“Authentic married love is caught up into divine love . . .
so that this love may lead the spouses to God . . .
and in God, they find the strength,
to carry on their roles and responsibilities.”

Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World), 48

“Merciful love is supremely indispensable
between those who are closest to one another:
between husbands and wives,
between parents and children,
between friends
and it is indispensable
in education and in pastoral work.”

“The future of humanity passes by way of the family.
It is therefore indispensable and urgent,
that every person of good will should endeavour
to save and foster the values and requirements of the family.
I feel that I must ask for a particular effort in this field,
from the sons and daughters of the Church.
Faith gives them full knowledge of God’s wonderful plan,
they, therefore, have an extra reason for caring for the reality
that is the family in this time of trial and of grace.
They must show the family special love.
This is an injunction that calls for concrete action.”

St Pope John Paul (1920-2005)

“We speak a lot about behavioural problems,
mental health, the well-being of the child,
the anxiety of the parents and the children—
but do we even know what a wound of the soul is?
Do we feel the weight of the mountain
that crushes the soul of a child in those families,
where members mistreat and hurt one another
to the point of breaking the bonds of marital fidelity?
What effect do our choices — often poor choices—
have on the souls of children?”

Pope Francis
24 June 2015

“During these days, we will reflect in particular on the family,
which is the fundamental cell of society.
From the beginning the Creator blessed man and woman,
so that they might be fruitful and multiply
and so the family then,
is an image of the Triune God in the world.”

Pope Francis
23 February 2014

To be continued……

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Posted on June 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

“Their sound has gone out into all the earth
and their words to the ends of the world”

Psalm 19

“Where Peter is,
there is the Church.
Where the Church is,
there is Jesus Christ.
Where Jesus Christ is,
there is eternal salvation.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
One of the original four Doctors of the Church

“There is one day for the passion of two apostles.
But these two also were as one;
although they suffered on different days, they were as one.
Peter went first, Paul followed.
We are celebrating a feast day, consecrated for us by the blood of the apostles.
Let us love their faith, their lives, their labours,
their sufferings, their confession of faith, their preaching.”

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church

“There must be general rejoicing, dearly beloved,
over this holy company whom God has appointed
for our example in patience and for our confirmation in faith.
But we must glory even more in the excellence of their fathers,
Peter and Paul, whom the grace of God has raised
to such a height among all the members of the Church
that He has set them like twin lights
of eyes in that Body whose head is Christ.”

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father & Doctor of the Church

Today the Lord repeats to me, to you…: Follow Me!
Waste no time in questioning or in useless chattering;
do not dwell on secondary things but look to what is essential and follow Me.
Follow Me without regard for the difficulties.
Follow Me in preaching the Gospel.
Follow Me by the witness of a life shaped by the grace you received in baptism….. and holy orders.
Follow Me by speaking of Me, to those with whom you live, day after day,
in your work, your conversations and among your friends.
Follow Me by proclaiming the Gospel to all, especially to the least among us,
so that no one will fail to hear the word of life,
which sets us free from every fear
and enables us to trust in the faithfulness of God.
Follow Me!

Pope Francis – Homily 29 June 2014

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Thought for the Day – 18 June – Pope Francis: to love your enemies, prayer is the way

Posted on June 18, 2018June 18, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 18 June – Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 5:38-42

Pope Francis: to love your enemies, prayer is the way

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

“Pray for the one who hurt me?” the Pope asked. “Yes,” he answered, “because it changes lives.” If we think it is impossible, then pray, the Pope said. Pray every day for the grace to forgive and the grace to love.

“This advice: ‘Be holy, for I the Lord your God, am holy.’ And then: ‘You shall be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect’,” the Pope remarked. Forgiveness and prayer are the way to do this. “This is the way of holiness,” he said. “If all men and women of the world learned this, there would be no wars, there would not be.”

Wars begin “in bitterness, rancour, the desire for revenge, to make someone pay. But that destroys families, destroys friendships, destroys neighbourhoods, destroys so much,” he said. For Pope Francis, this is why we must pray always for the grace not to hold grudges and for “the grace to pray for our enemies, to pray for the people that do not love us, the grace of peace.”

If we make this our daily prayer, the Pope continued, even just praying one prayer a day for our enemies, this is how we will “win” and make progress “on the path of holiness and perfection.” In the end, “evil is overcome by good,” he said, and “sin is won with generosity.” “Prayer is an antidote against hatred, against wars, these wars that start at home, which start in the neighbourhood, which begin in families,” he said.

The Pope said if he knows that someone wants to hurt him and does not love him, “I pray especially for him.”

“Pray for there to be peace.”

“Prayer is an antidote against hatred.”

Pope Francis 19 February 2017

CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, MARY, MATER ECCLESIAE, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, PAPAL PRAYERS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 21 May 2018 “Mary’s Month!” – The First Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church

Posted on May 21, 2018May 20, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 21 May 2018 “Mary’s Month!” – The First Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church

Prayer to Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of our Faith
By our Holy Father, Pope Francis

Mother, help our faith!
Open our ears to hear God’s word
and to recognise His voice and call.
Awaken in us a desire, to follow in His footsteps,
to go forth from our own land
and to receive His promise.
Help us to be touched by His love,
that we may touch Him in faith.
Help us to entrust ourselves fully to Him
and to believe in His love,
especially at times of trial,
beneath the shadow of the cross,
when our faith is called to mature.
Sow in our faith the joy of the Risen One.
Remind us that those who believe are never alone.
Teach us to see all things with the eyes of Jesus,
that He may be light for our path.
And may this light of faith,
always increase in us,
until the dawn of that undying day,
which is Christ Himself, your Son, our Lord!
Amen

Prayer to Mary at the conclusion of the Encyclical Lumen Fidei (29 June 2013)
Image of Mary – Our Lady of the Column in St Peter’s Basilica

MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on TRUTH, SPEAKING of ....., The HOLY GHOST

Quote/s of the Day – 15 May – Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – Speaking of: The Holy Spirit

Posted on May 15, 2018May 15, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 May – Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

“Speaking of : The Holy Spirit

“Come O Holy Spirit, Come!” Pope Francis

“Let us be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Allow Him to speak to our hearts
and He will tell us this:
God is Love!”

“Submit to the Holy Spirit
which comes from within
and He will lead you on the path to
Holiness.”

“The Holy Spirit upsets us
because He moves us,
makes us walk,
pushes the Church forward.”

“Let us renew each day
our trust in the
workings of the Holy Spirit
and open our hearts to
His inspiration.”

“The Holy Spirit gives us Joy!
He is the author
and creator of Joy.”

“Through the Holy Spirit,
the Father and the Son come to dwell in us,
do we live in God and of God,
is our life really animated by God?
How many things do I put before God?”

“The truth of Christ,
that the Holy Spirit teaches us
and gives us, always and forever,
involves our daily lives.
Let us invoke Him more often,
to guide us on the path
of Christ’s disciples.”

“Holy Spirit may my heart be open
to the Word of God,
may my heart be open to good,
may my heart be open
to the beauty of God, every day.”

Pope Francis

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL MESSAGES, PAPAL PRAYERS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC

1 May – The Holy Father’s PRAYER INTENTIONS for MAY 2018

Posted on May 1, 2018May 1, 2018 by AnaStpaul

1 May – The Holy Father’s PRAYER INTENTIONS for MAY 2018

MAY

EVANGELISATION:

The Mission of the Laity

That the lay faithful, may fulfil, their specific mission,
by responding with creativity, to the
challenges, that face the world today.

the holy father's prayer intentions for may 2018 - 1 may 2018

EASTER, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 April – Friday of the Second Week of Eastertide

Posted on April 13, 2018April 12, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 April – Friday of the Second Week of Eastertide

…”for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”… Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name. And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ…Acts 5:38,40-42 then they left the presence - acts 5 40-42

REFLECTION – “We cannot keep ourselves shut up in parishes, in our communities, when so many people are waiting for the Gospel! We cannot be Christians part-time. If Christ is at the centre of our lives, He is present in all that we do.”…Pope Francis we cannot keep ourselves - POPE FRANCIS - 13 APRIL 2018

PRAYER – Almighty, ever-living God, grant us the grace to bear the hardships of this life with a steadfast mind, even as You strengthened the Apostles and all the Saints after them, whom no threats could daunt, no pains or penalties break. Dear sweet St Margaret of Castello, you who disregarded your own sufferings to help those who suffer more, pray for us! Through Jesus our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. bl margaret of castello - pray for us 13 april 2018

DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SPEAKING of ....., The RESURRECTION

Quote/s of the Day – 5 April – Easter Thursday Fifth Day in the Easter Octave

Posted on April 5, 2018April 8, 2023 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 5 April – Easter Thursday Fifth Day in the Easter Octave

“O Death, where is your sting?
O Hell, where is your victory?
Christ is Risen and you are overthrown.
Christ is Risen and the demons are fallen.
Christ is Risen and the Angels rejoice.
Christ is Risen and Life reigns.
Christ is Risen and not one dead remains in the grave.
For Christ, being Risen from the dead,
is become the First Fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father & Doctor of the Church

The Lord’s triumph, on the day of the Resurrection, is final.
Where are the soldiers the rulers posted there?
Where are the seals that were fixed to the stone of the tomb?
Where are those who condemned the Master?
Where are those who crucified Jesus?
He is victorious and faced with His victory,
those poor wretches have all taken flight.
Be filled with hope:
Jesus Christ is always victorious.”

St Josemarie Escrivá (1902-1975), The Forge, 660

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL MESSAGES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – – 24 March – The Memorial of Bl ÓSCAR ROMERO (1917-1980) Martyr

Posted on March 24, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – – 24 March – The Memorial of Bl ÓSCAR ROMERO (1917-1980) Martyr

“anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant and anyone who wants to be first among you, must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.”… Matthew 20:26-28

REFLECTION – “Archbishop Romero invites us to good sense and reflection, to respect for life and harmony. It is necessary to renounce “the violence of the sword, of hate” and to live “the violence of love, that left Christ nailed to the Cross, that makes each one of us overcome selfishness and so that there be no more such cruel inequality between us”. He knew how to see and experienced in his own flesh “the selfishness that hides itself in those who do not wish to give up what is theirs for the benefit of others”. And, with the heart of a father, he would worry about the “poor majority”, asking the powerful to convert “weapons into sickles for work”.
May those who hold Archbishop Romero as a friend of faith, those who invoke him as protector and intercessor, those who admire his image, find in him the strength and courage to build the Kingdom of God, to commit to a more equal and dignified social order.”…Pope Francis 23 May 2015 (Letter of Pope Francis on the Beatification of Bl Óscar Romero) archbishop romero invites us to good sense - pope francis - 24 march 2018

PRAYER – Almighty and everlasting God, You gave Blessed Óscar Romero, grace to fight to the death for the true faith. Let his prayer enable us to endure every trial for love of You and to make all haste on our way to You, in whom alone is life. We make our prayer, through our Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen. bl oscar romero - pray for us -no 2. - 24 march 2018

DOCTORS of the Church, LENT, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 27 February – The Memorial of St Gregory of Narek (950-1003) – Doctor of the Church and Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent, Year B 2018

Posted on February 27, 2018February 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 February – The Memorial of St Gregory of Narek (950-1003) – Doctor of the Church and Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent, Year B 2018

We welcome you, St Gregory of Narek, as our newest Doctor of the Universal Church, with gratitude and joy!
Gregory’s Book of Lamentations was the source of consolation and guidance for generations in times of immense suffering. His monastery survived for a thousand years but was destroyed by the Turks during the genocide.
Armenians lost Narek but they still have the book they call by that name “Narek”, in his honour and many Armenians have traditionally slept with a copy of the work under their pillows.
The words of Gregory, too, are consonant with Pope Francis’ call on all Catholics to reach out to God in our brokenness with humble and contrite hearts.
Perhaps we should allow St Gregory to help us through our Lenten journey this year?
As Gregory wrote in the Lamentations, “Hear the prayers of my embattled heart for mercy, when I cry out to you, ‘Lord,’ in my time of need.”

St Gregory of Narek- Doctor of the Universal Church, pray for us! st-gregory-of-narek-pray-for-us-27 feb 2017.2.

All you Holy Martyrs and Saints of Armenia, pray for us! armenian-martyrs-ico-pray-for-us-27 feb 2017

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL MESSAGES, PAPAL PRAYERS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS

Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace: 23 February 2018 Especially for People of Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan

Posted on February 23, 2018February 24, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace: 23 February 2018

Especially for People of Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan

Pope Francis has called on all local Churches to join him in a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, on 23 February (Friday of the first week of Lent). On 4 February he said:

“In the face of the tragic protraction of situations of conflict in different parts of the world, I invite all the faithful to a special Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace next 23 February, Friday of the First Week of Lent. We will offer it in particular for the populations of the Democratic Republic of Congo and of South Sudan. As on other similar occasions, I also invite non-Catholic and non-Christian brothers and sisters to associate themselves to this initiative in the way they consider most opportune, but all together.

Our heavenly Father always listens to His children who cry to Him in sorrow and anguish, who “heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). I make a heartfelt appeal so that we also listen to this cry and, each one of us in his/her own conscience before God, ask ourselves: “What can I do for peace?” We certainly can pray but not only: each one can say concretely “no” to violence in as much as it depends on him or her. Because the victories obtained with violence are false victories while working for peace does everyone good!”

Daily Prayer for Healing from Racism

Loving God, You hold us in Your hands
for we are all made in Your image.
Help us to celebrate our differences.
Help us to use our diversity
to share with each other
the richness of our many cultures,
languages and backgrounds.
Help us to dissolve racism
still found in our hearts
and in the Church
and help us work for a loving society
in which none are despised
and discriminated against
by virtue of their colour.
We ask this through Jesus, our Lord,
who taught His disciples
to see beyond all human division
and reach out to the good within each person.
In the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever.
Amen.

LENT, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 February 2018 – Tuesday of the First Week of Lent and The First Memorial of Saints Francisco (1908-1919) and Jacinta (1910-1920)

Posted on February 20, 2018February 19, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 February 2018 – Tuesday of the First Week of Lent and The First Memorial of Saints Francisco (1908-1919) and Jacinta (1910-1920)

“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit..” …John 12:24

REFLECTION – “In Lucia’s account, the three chosen children found themselves surrounded by God’s light as it radiated from Our Lady. She enveloped them in the mantle of Light that God had given her. According to the belief and experience of many pilgrims, if not of all, Fatima is more than anything this mantle of Light that protects us, here, as in almost no other place on earth. We need but take refuge under the protection of the Virgin Mary and to ask her, as the Salve Regina teaches: “show unto us… Jesus”. the three chosen children - pope francis canonisation homily - 20 feb 2018
“The Lord, who always goes before us, said this and did this (Jn 12:24). Whenever we experience the cross, He has already experienced it before us. We do not mount the cross to find Jesus. Instead it was He who, in His self-abasement, descended even to the cross, in order to find us, to dispel the darkness of evil within us and to bring us back to the light.”…Pope Francis at the Canonisation of Saints Francisco and Jacinta on 14 May 2017

the lord, who always goes before us - pope francis - 20 feb 2017 - sts francisco and jacinta

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, just as the little children, Francisco and Jacinta, were chosen to be bearers of Your message, grant we pray, that by their prayers on our behalf, we too may Your bearers of light. Be with us, holy Mother, during our Lenten journey to the Resurrection of your Son, help us to become like little children and in that new purity, shine with His Light. Through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. sts francisco & jacinta - 20 feb 2018

LENT, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 February – The First Saturday of Lent 2018

Posted on February 17, 2018February 16, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 17 February – The First Saturday of Lent 2018

And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician but those who are sick; I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”...Luke 5:31-32 luke 5 31 32

REFLECTION – “I am a sinner, whom the Lord has looked upon.”…Pope Francis

PRAYER – Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight and give Your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ.
Rest Your weary ones.
Bless Your dying ones.
Soothe Your suffering ones.
Pity Your afflicted ones.
Shield Your joyous ones.
And all for Your love’s sake. Amen…St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church watch, o lord - st augustine - 17 feb 2017

JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MERCY, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 15 February – The Memorial of St Claude de la Colombiere S.J. (1641-1682)

Posted on February 15, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 15 February – The Memorial of St Claude de la Colombiere S.J. (1641-1682)

This is a special day for the Jesuits, who claim today’s saint as one of their own. It’s also a special day for people who have a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a devotion Claude de la Colombière promoted, along with his friend and spiritual companion, St Margaret Mary Alacoque. The emphasis on God’s love for all was an antidote to the rigorous moralism of the Jansenists, who were popular at the time.

Claude showed remarkable preaching skills long before his ordination in 1675. Two months later, he was made superior of a small Jesuit residence in Burgundy. It was there he first encountered Margaret Mary Alacoque. For many years after he served as her confessor.

As a fellow Jesuit and as a promoter of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Saint Claude must be very special to Pope Francis who has so beautifully emphasised the mercy of Jesus. The emphasis on God’s love and mercy are characteristic of both men.

“The past three centuries allow us to evalutate the importance of the message which was entrusted to Claude. In a period of contrasts between the fervour of some and the indifference or impiety of many, here is a devotion centred on the humility of Christ, on His presence, on His love of mercy and on forgiveness. Devotion to the Heart of Christ would be a source of balance and spiritual strengthening for Christian communities so often faced with increasing unbelief over the coming centuries.
May the canonisation of Claude La Colombiere be for the whole Church an appeal to live the consecration to the Heart of Christ, a consecration which is a self-giving that allows the charity and mercy of Christ to inspire us, pardon us and lead us in His ardent desire to open the ways of truth and life to all our brothers and sisters!”…St Pope John Paul II, during the canonisation of Saint Claude (31 May 1992)

St Claude de la Colombiere, pray for us! st claude - pray for us - 15 feb 2018

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 16 January – The Memorial of St Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) Apostle of Sri Lanka

Posted on January 16, 2018January 16, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 16 January – The Memorial of St Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) Apostle of Sri Lanka

“Saint Joseph shows us the importance of transcending religious divisions in the service of peace. His undivided love for God opened him to love for his neighbour; he ministered to those in need, whoever and wherever they were. His example continues to inspire the Church in Sri Lanka today. She gladly and generously serves all members of society. She makes no distinction of race, creed, tribe, status or religion in the service she provides through her schools, hospitals, clinics and many other charitable works. All she asks in return is the freedom to carry out this mission.

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. Each individual must be free, alone or in association with others, to seek the truth and to openly express his or her religious convictions, free from intimidation and external compulsion.

As the life of Saint Joseph Vaz teaches us, genuine worship of God bears fruit not in discrimination, hatred and violence but in respect for the sacredness of life, respect for the dignity and freedom of others and loving commitment to the welfare of all.” (From the Homily of Pope Francis on the Canonisation of St Joseoph Vaz – 14 January 2015)

“Joseph Vaz was on fire with faith. Guided by the example of his Divine Master, he travelled the whole Island, going everywhere, often barefoot, with a rosary round his neck as a sign of his Catholic faith. As a true disciple of Jesus, he endured innumerable sufferings with joy and confidence, knowing that in those sufferings too God’s plans were being fulfilled. His heroic charity, shown in a particular way in his selfless devotion to the victims of the epidemic in 1697, earned him the respect of everyone.
May the example of Father Joseph Vaz speak to your hearts…He welcomed everyone as a child of God. And because of this love his name is now invoked as a blessing, here in Sri Lanka and throughout the world. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Mt. 5: 9). When lasting peace comes, all Sri Lankans will be blessed and your country will be restored in its full dignity and greatness. May Almighty God achieve this through you. Amen.

May Almighty God through the intercession of Our Lady and of blessed Joseph Vaz achieve this through you.” (St Pope John Paul on the Beatification of St Joseph Vaz – 21 January 1995)

st joseph vaz pray for us no 2 - 16 jan 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 16 January – The Memorial of St Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) Apostle of Sri Lanka

Posted on January 16, 2018January 15, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 January – The Memorial of St Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) Apostle of Sri Lanka

“Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Spirit”…Matthew 28:19

REFLECTION – “I encourage each of you to look to Saint Joseph as a sure guide. He teaches us how to go out to the peripheries, to make Jesus Christ everywhere known and loved…. Saint Joseph gives us an example of missionary zeal…. Leaving behind his home, his family, the comfort of his familiar surroundings, he responded to the call to go forth, to speak of Christ wherever he was led. Saint Joseph knew how to offer the truth and the beauty of the Gospel in a multi-religious context, with respect, dedication, perseverance and humility. This is also the way for the followers of Jesus today. We are called to go forth with the same zeal, the same courage, of Saint Joseph…” Pope Francis at the Canonisation of St Joseph Vaz, 14 January 2015

PRAYER – Lord God, may we too glorify You by our lives as St Joseph Vaz did! Grant us, we pray, Your grace, that we may, in union with the Church throughout the world, sing a new song to the You and declare Your glory to all the ends of the earth. May the prayer of St Joseph Vaz, intercede on our behalf, to assist us to imitate his zeal and love. Amen st joseph vaz - pray for us - 18 jan 2018

CATHOLIC Quotes, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 9 January – “Speaking of Conversion”

Posted on January 9, 2018January 9, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 9 January – “Speaking of Conversion”

“Do not have Jesus Christ on your lips
and the world in your heart.”

“We recognise a tree by its fruit
and we ought to be able to recognise
a Christian by his action.
The fruit of faith should be evident in our lives,
for being a Christian is more than making
sound professions of faith.
It should reveal itself in practical and visible ways.
Indeed it is better to keep quiet about our beliefs
and live them out,
than to talk eloquently about what we believe
but fail to live by it.”

“It is not that I want merely
to be called a Christian
but to actually BE ONE.
Yes, If I prove to be one,
then I can have the name!”

“Wherever the bishop shall appear,
there let the multitude also be;
even as, wherever Jesus Christ is,
there is the Catholic Church.”

St Ignatius of Antioch (37-105) Bishop & Martyr

“God loves each of us
as if there were
only one of us.”

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church

“Without the Way, there is no going,
Without the Truth, there is no knowing,
Without the Life, there is no living.”

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) The Imitation of Christ

“Belief is a wise wager.
Granted that faith cannot be proved,
what harm will come to you if you gamble
on its truth and it proves false?
If you gain, you gain all;
if you lose, you lose nothing.
Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.“

Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer and Catholic theologian

“The Catholic Church is the only thing
which saves a man from the degrading slavery
of being a child of his age”

“To become a Catholic is
not to leave off thinking
but to learn how to think.”

G K Chesterton (1874-1936)

“Holiness cannot be bought.
Neither can it be earned by human strength.
No, “the simple holiness of all Christians,
ours – the kind we are called to every day,
can only be attained with the help
of four essential elements:
courage, hope, grace and conversion.”

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“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

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EVANGELISATION:

The Mission of the Laity

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St Ignatius of Antioch (37-105) Bishop & Martyr

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) The Imitation of Christ

Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer and Catholic theologian

G K Chesterton (1874-1936)

Pope Francis (24 May 2016)

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St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor
(Sermo 103, 1-2, 6: PL 38, 613, 615)

Pope Francis
24 June 2015

Pope Francis
23 February 2014

St Ambrose (340-397)
One of the original four Doctors of the Church

Prayer to Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of our Faith
By our Holy Father, Pope Francis

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer and Catholic theologian