MikeLigalig.com

kingdom of God.' The journey of the Church, and our own personal journeys as Christians, are not always easy; they meet with difficulties and trials. To follow the Lord, to let his Spirit transform the shadowy parts of our lives, our ungodly ways of acting, and cleanse us of our sins, is to set out on a path with many obstacles, both in the world around us but also within us, in the heart.

"But difficulties and trials are part of the path that leads to God's glory, just as they were for Jesus, who was glorified on the cross; we will always encounter them in life! Do not be discouraged! We have the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome these trials!"

The Holy Spirit fills us with the gift of courage, he raises us up just like he raised Jesus and Paul, to persevere in our Christian journey, living with Christ and seeking to bring others to live with Him.

In the olden days, bishops were accustomed to slap those who had just been confirmed on the cheek, to communicate to them that they need to be willing to suffer in order to be a Christian. Christians are going to get slapped around, but Jesus has given us his peace so that when we're slapped on one side, we have the courage to turn the other cheek with dignity.

That's what St. Paul did when he got up and returned preaching the Gospel, a Gospel that includes the necessity to undergo many hardships to enter God's kingdom.

At the end of the Gospel today, Jesus talks specifically about the great divider, the devil, and the type of havoc he was about to unleash. "The ruler of the world is coming," Jesus said, but "he has no power over me."

Jesus would go on to defeat the devil once and for all in Calvary, even though to the eyes of the world, he seemed totally defeated. The reason why Jesus freely allowed himself to suffer so much, he said, was "because the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me." It was precisely through his suffering, in other words, that he showed his loving obedience for the Father and the path to authentic peace.

Likewise the devil will have no power over those who live in Jesus' peace, no matter how many sufferings we have to endure. These sufferings, as so many - especially the martyrs - have attested over the centuries, give us a chance to show that we love Jesus no matter how much we need to undergo to remain true to him who loved us so much to die for us.

The hardships we undergo are an opportunity for us to show that Jesus - and the peace he brings us through communion with him -  is worth living for, suffering for, and dying for.

During this Year of Faith, we ask God for the grace to understand better the truths God teaches us today and to put them into practice.




http://www.catholic.org/homily/yearoffaith/story.php?id=50725&page=2

    By Fr. Roger J. Landry
    4/30/2013
    Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

There seems to be a shocking contradiction between what Jesus says in the Gospel to us today and what St. Paul experienced in the first reading.

"Peace I leave with you; peace I give to you," Jesus tells the apostles in the Upper Room and through them to all of us. Yet in the first reading, we see that St. Paul experienced not peace but persecution. Some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came and persuaded the crowds to kill Paul. "They stoned him, dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead."

It's important to note that the people who had stoned Paul were not stupid. The reason they supposed he was dead was not just because he was unconscious as a result of getting hit repeatedly in the head, but because he wasn't breathing. And it's very likely that he wasn't breathing because he was, in fact, dead. Just as dead as St. Stephen was after Saul presided over his stoning outside the gates of Jerusalem.

But St. Luke tells us that "when the disciples gathered around him" to pray for him, "he rose and entered the city." That verb "rose" is the very same one to describe what happened to Jesus Easter Sunday. St. Luke is not so subtly indicating that it was through the insistent prayers of the Christian community, led by St. Barnabas, that God brought Paul back to life.

And we see what he did as soon as he had arisen. Doubtless with black eyes and many bumps and bruises, "he got up and entered the city." He wasn't going to let the mobs intimidate him to silence. With great confidence in the Lord, and with great love for others for whom Jesus died, he returned to finish the job of proclaiming the Gospel that he had begun before the storm of stones rained down on him.

A little later in today's first reading we read that Paul and Barnabas "strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, 'It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.'"

Paul and Barnabas were themselves undergoing those hardships in announcing that kingdom and, as Jesus had once said before, to enter the kingdom we need to "agonize to enter through the narrow gate."

Entering the kingdom from the beginning was not going to be walking barefoot over a bed of roses, since, we are, after all, entering into communion with a crucified king.

These hardships, this agony, are not incompatible, however, with Jesus' promise to give us his peace. In fact, it's because we're dwelling in the peace he promises that we are able to confront our hardships with the faith with which Jesus, and Paul, and so many Christian martyrs have confronted theirs.

We often believe that peace is the absence of war, of conflict, of pain, the type of tranquility pleaded for famously by Rodney King when he asked, "Can't we all just get along?"

But Jesus said that the peace he was offering was different. "Not as the world gives do I give it to you," he said.

Earlier in his public ministry, when Jesus was describing what it took to be a disciple, he had said, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword." Then he went to describe that the sword would cut deeply: families would be divided, we would have crosses to carry, we would be hated, and even some of those who killed us would think that they were honoring God.

This is not because Jesus intended division. Rather he wanted to bring a unity so great among us that it would resemble the unity between the Father and the Son.

But Jesus knew that despite his intentions, he would in fact be a source of division, because those who didn't want to accept the Gospel, those who wanted to keep their own kingdoms rather than enter into the kingdom of God, would wage war to maintain the status quo.

We see this in the envy that husbands feel and exercise when their wives start spending more time with Jesus in prayer or the brutal ribbing teenagers will take when they announce to their peers that they think God may be calling them to the priesthood or consecrated life.

The peace that Jesus brings is the definitive peace treaty between God and the human person through the forgiveness of our sins. It's a peace that the world cannot give or rob. It's a peace that remains and strengthens even when all Hell breaks loose upon us as it did against Jesus in Jerusalem and against Paul and Barnabas in Galatia.

The lessons of today's readings are still as relevant as ever. Just days ago, Pope Francis mentioned to young people he was about to confirm in St. Peter's Basilica, that to be a Christian means to be ready to embrace the Cross of hardship and persecution while maintaining our peace through our union with the Prince of Peace.

"Paul and Barnabas say that 'we must undergo many trials if we are to enter the ...

Luoy pod intawon...

In a touching example of animal devotion, a wolf-dog appears to be sobbing at his master's grandmother's grave. Named Wiley, the wolf-dog was fond of it's owner's late grandmother Gladys. The watery-eyed dog is seen in a viral video as he puffs his cheeks in and out in emulation of a human sobbing, and is sure to bring a tear to any animal lover.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The heart-breaking video was posted to YouTube earlier this month by user SarahVarley13. The family gathers around him the dog, his handler saying "We miss her too," as she comforts the dog.

The video has garnered some 362,000 views since going online. The video has also been posted to the Web site of the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center, a Ventura County, California, shelter that specializes in the care of wolf-dogs and horses. The LARC Web site describes Gladys as "a family member, and a supporter" of the animal rescue center.

"She will be forever missed, especially by Wiley," the site reads.

Sarahvarley13 writes under the video that Wiley is one of a number of "service wolves" that help veterans returning from war deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, providing therapy and care through LARC and a program called Warriors and Wolves.

"I am not a vet so I can't say if he's reverse sneezing as some of you are stating," Sarahvarley13 says, responding to queries.

"I can tell you that he has never done that before and hasn't done it since. I may be anthropomorphizing his actions but its how I'm choosing to deal with loss .

"Also, for those stating he is dying, I promise he's not. We have a veterinarian on staff at the sanctuary and Wiley is just fine."

http://www.catholic.org/hf/family/story.php?id=50718

Eternal Father,
I offer Thee the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
with all its love,
all its sufferings and all its merits.

First ---

To expiate all the sins
I have committed this day and during all my life.

Gloria Patri.

Second ---

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

Gloria Patri.

Third ---

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

Gloria Patri.

A Poor Clare sister who had just died, appeared to her
Abbess who was praying for her, and said to her: "I
went straight to heaven, for, by means of this prayer,
recited every evening, I paid all my debts."

Amen.

Let us take a moment from our day to pray for our friends, loved ones, and even strangers that are suffering from some kind of health problem(s).


Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Amen.

Quote from: hubag bohol on April 29, 2013, 08:36:00 AM
Family is like Votives: bisan unsaon, family lang gihapon...

He he he ! How adorable !

Quote from: chicogon on April 16, 2013, 02:56:41 AM
Go No. 1

He he he !

he he he, how beautiful ! A couple that prays together...stays together. God  cements the love of two people...

Same for me, too, Brother. Kalingaw ko maka dungog nija, I'm actually seeing a spiritual director to help me discern further on this matter. This past month, Vince, I undertook a pilgrimage to the Basilica in Holy Hill, Wisconsin, a very beautiful place for Marian Adoration. Visiting the place has re-ignited this calling. I will also like to endorse to you to visit a catholic retreat by yourself sometime. Sometimes its necessary. Ayaw pa hadlok, bro. I'll pray for you as well. Pray for me, too. please.

God Bless.

Strong in faith, rejoicing in hope, burning with charity, on fire with zeal, in humility of heart and persevering in prayer, Redemptorists as apostolic men and genuine disciples of St. Alphonsus follow Christ the Redeemer with hearts full of joy; denying themselves and always ready to undertake what is demanding, they share in the mystery of Christ and proclaim it in Gospel simplicity of life and language, that they may bring to people plentiful redemption.

(Constitution #20)

It's a matter of trust

Those simple-looking words tell us clearly where it all begins. Therefore, if our desire to follow Christ begins with God, then it follows that God will make sure we receive sufficient indication of what it is He wants us to do. We don't need to worry about that. It is a call that depends completely on our trust in God. As someone once said to me: "We have to let go and let God be God."

What can I do?

You should find a spiritual director who can help you interpret what God is saying to you through the everyday events of your life. That person could be a priest from your parish, a sister who taught you, or another Catholic professed religious person you are comfortable with and respect.

Read the Scriptures, meditate on each passage with the guidance of your spiritual director. You will experience a moment of peace when you realize where God wants you to be.


https://www.redemptorists.net/discernment.cfm

Actually, I think this misunderstanding of discernment begins even before we start the process. It goes back to that "desire" we suddenly experience to serve Christ, which we suspect is our own. What we tend to forget is the fundamental truth that this "desire" does not come from us â€" it comes from God.

St. John tells us: "Love consists in this, not that we have loved God, but that God has loved us first." What he's saying is that without God, you and I have no story to tell, we can't even love. Because each of our stories begin with God coming to us first and loving us first. It is the Lord who takes the first step not because we are who we are, but because He is who He is: a God whose very name is Love.

He takes the first step because, as Jesus declared to His disciples, apart from Him "we can do nothing" (Jn 15:5). He takes the first step because He yearns for us first, which is the only reason why we yearn for Him in return.

A question of trust in God: Hearing the call

Over the years as Vocation Director, I have had occasion to speak to many men who have told me that they were discerning if they had a vocation to life as a priest or brother. To several I have responded rather surprisingly that they were on the wrong track; that they should not be "discerning" but doing something else.

It begins with God

The problem today with this buzz word discernment is this: it often turns what should be a vital conversion to God, the experience of the breath of God on one's life, the stirring of our deepest and noblest aspirations, into a cold examination and spiritless calculation of risk, preferences and rewards, and the ceaseless rummaging for signs. Instead of increasing trust, discernment â€" as practiced by many â€" stifles it, robs our search of all enthusiasm, and overrides the three virtues of faith, hope, and love as the primary factors in our decisions. I like to use the image of men acting like pilots in an airplane who continue to put their vocation in a "holding pattern" as they wait for that message from the tower telling them: "Everything is clear. You can now proceed to land on the narrow runway of Apostle Airport!"

In the matter of a vocation, discernment is only one element, and believe it or not, the one we have least control of, though it commandeers most of our attention and is the one we are most anxious to embark upon.

I dont know why, but I want to ask you, Brother Vince, this question: "Have you thought about it recently?"

You know what I'm talking about.

An old acronym may serve here: ACTS.

That is, there are different kinds of prayer, as determined by what it seeks or is trying to say: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplication.

Adoration is the first act of the virtue of religion. Have you ever seen a sunrise or a mountain vista that made you want to cry aloud in sheer joy at the beauty you experienced? It is our destiny and highest joy, to find Someone to worship, to kneel before. Adoration is at the very heart of the spiritual life. It is the scene in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 4, where the 24 elders prostrate themselves before the throne of God, cast the honor of their golden crowns before him, and sing, "Holy, holy, holy. You are worthy, O Lord." No one else is truly holy; no one else is worthy, worth it, worth all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. All sin and misery come of forgetting this truth, and going after the worship of false gods, whether these are corruptions of real religion, or mere creatures like sex, money, and power.

Contrition is the awareness and expression of being merely a creature, and a weak and flawed creature at that, in the presence of the Holy One. We make mistakes; we fail; we fall. To realize that and to pray is comforting and relaxing, for it just confesses who and what we are and the way things are. No need to pretend. God loved us before we existed and knows all our faults. God is merciful. God forgives no matter how many times we fail.

Thanksgiving is joyous praise of God. One who can thank God for everything, good and bad, is a truly happy person. Gratitude and joy are so closely related. And gratitude is a basis for expecting further favors. A little girl compliments her grandmother on her wonderful pie â€" and asks for more.

Supplication. From the viewpoint of ordinary language and the human condition, this is what prayer means â€" petition. We ask God for what we need. All prayer is asking. The Our Father is a list of petitions, from "hallowed be thy name" to "deliver us from evil." If God is bothered by prayers of petition, it is His own fault. Jesus has urged us, "Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Mt 7:7).


https://www.redemptorists.net/dimensions.cfm

What I truly admire about the Apostles is their trials and tribulations in spreading forth the Gospel. Imagine the zeal and strength that they received after Pentecost ! Such zeal for the Word of God. Amazing.

Brother Vincent,

Christ gave each of the apostles the cup; I believe the "cup" was the cup of suffering - not necessarily martyrdom. Tradition says John was immersed in a vat of boiling oil; but he emerged from it unharmed. It was then he was banished to the desolate Isle of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. He lived to old age because it was in Our Heavenly Father's plan. I believe that God loved the apostles equally and totally; he just had a different plan for each of them. Everything manifests according to His purpose...

"I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus. "

Revelation 1:9

MG,

I pray that our Blessed Mother Mary, the Glorious Archangel Michael protect and watch over you and answer your prayerful necessities. Don't have anxiety, instead, cast that into the Most Loving Heart of Our Mother Mary, who will protect you and your baby. May God Bless You.


Regards,

We beseech Thee, O Lord, in Thy mercy, to have pity on the soul of Thy handmaid; do Thou, Who hast freed her from the perils of this mortal life, restore to her the portion of everlasting salvation. Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.

Quote from: jorgeanna on April 24, 2013, 11:12:56 PM
kuyawa man ni oi. gatoo og dli samokon sa iyang konsensya

luoy pod intawon ang mga bata nga nag pangita sa ilang inahan ! God have mercy on her soul ! And on the soul of her husband !

Quote from: mg on April 29, 2013, 12:27:45 PM
Thank you Lorenzo I really want my baby to be safe and sound.

MG,

Perform the prayer to St. Gerard. In addition to these prayers, I will also recommend you get your regular checkup with your Obstetrician. The Physician in me comes out, lol.

God Bless You !

MG,

I would endorse you to complete a devotional prayer for protection and intercession from St. Gerard Majella, who is the Patron Saint of Mothers and Pregnancy.


O Great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted Child of the Mother of God: enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and made you an angel of love. O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you did bear, like your Divine master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, you have been raised up by God as the Patron and Protector of expectant mothers. Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the lustral waters of baptism through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel



O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father.

[Say one Our Father and three Hail Marys after each of the following nine salutations in honor of the nine Choirs of Angels]

1. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity.
Amen.


2. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection.
Amen.


3. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility.
Amen.


4. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions.
Amen.


5. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil.
Amen.


6. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues may the Lord preserve us from evil and falling into temptation.
Amen.


7. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience.
Amen.


8. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works in order that we may attain the glory of Heaven.
Amen.


9. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted in the life to come to Heaven.
Amen.


Say one Our Father in honor of each of the following leading Angels:
St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael and our Guardian Angel.

Concluding prayers:

O glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.


Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.


Almighty and Everlasting God, Who, by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most glorious Archangel St. Michael Prince of Your Church, make us worthy, we ask You, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into Your Presence. This we ask through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Quote from: mg on April 29, 2013, 12:04:54 PM
Please inform if I posted this in the wrong forum

I am 8 months pregnant now and daghang nag silingan sige ingon nako nga magpuyo nako kay naay usa dinhi nga gidungog nga aswang. Ako gibantayan, grabe pud siya makatutok sa akong tiyan, tiguwang na siya ug nakapatay na jud kuno siya ug baby by just staring. Unsa may ayo pangontra ani niya kay sagunson na one week dili ko katulog sa kasaba sa kanas-kanas sa among atop (nipa ra ba) unya every night sige sakit ako tiyan and dili mahimutang akong baby sige lihok. I just want to play safe. Aside from the powerful prayers, unsay maayo pang pangontra ani niya oie? Thanks for any help and God Bless!

MG,

Perform a devotional prayer for protection to Our Mother of Perpetual Help , and perform the Chaplet to St. Michael the Glorious Archangel. The Intercession of Our Dearest Mother Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help is supreme and outstanding and powerful ! I am a firm believer in Our Dear Mother's Protection. Our Dearest Mother is crowned as Queen of Heaven; Queen of Angels, Queen of all the Saints, and Mother of God, The Lord Jesus Christ.

The Chaplet of St. Michael Archangel, who is the Glorious Prince and General of the entire Heavenly Army is very powerful. Devils are freightened of this prayer, they are freightened of St. Michael. He is the victor against satan in the war in heaven.

These two prayers are suffice for your protection. And Believe !!!

God Bless !

Quote from: hofelina on April 29, 2013, 06:11:04 AM
Shining Example    Minute Meditations
Forgiveness is possible and essential to our spiritual growth. And since Our Lady is at the heart of our kinship, cast yourself into her arms and ask her to show you how to forgive.

Truly a beautiful message. The Love that our Blessed Mother Mary gives us and pours out for us , directly links us to her most Divine Son, Jesus Christ. And in prostrating ourselves to the love of God , we are able to forgive those who trespass us as well as learn to repent for our own personal trespasses.

Blessed Mother, Oh Mother Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help send forth thy love and gentle prayers to us, poor sinners who have recourse to thee.

Blessed Mother of Perpetual Help, whisper to thy divine son Jesus Christ and beg him of our forgiveness. Assist us also, Dearest Mother, in our necessities. We ask this of you and in your divine Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.


Thank You, Dearest Mother. May our requests be answered accordingly to the benefit of our eternal soul.

Quote from: hofelina on April 29, 2013, 06:13:27 AM
St. Catherine of Siena
(1347-1380)



Size: A A

Listen to Audio
The value Catherine makes central in her short life and which sounds clearly and consistently through her experience is complete surrender to Christ. What is most impressive about her is that she learns to view her surrender to her Lord as a goal to be reached through time.

She was the 23rd child of Jacopo and Lapa Benincasa and grew up as an intelligent, cheerful and intensely religious person. Catherine disappointed her mother by cutting off her hair as a protest against being overly encouraged to improve her appearance in order to attract a husband. Her father ordered her to be left in peace, and she was given a room of her own for prayer and meditation.

She entered the Dominican Third Order at 18 and spent the next three years in seclusion, prayer and austerity. Gradually a group of followers gathered around herâ€"men and women, priests and religious. An active public apostolate grew out of her contemplative life. Her letters, mostly for spiritual instruction and encouragement of her followers, began to take more and more note of public affairs. Opposition and slander resulted from her mixing fearlessly with the world and speaking with the candor and authority of one completely committed to Christ. She was cleared of all charges at the Dominican General Chapter of 1374.

Her public influence reached great heights because of her evident holiness, her membership in the Dominican Third Order, and the deep impression she made on the pope. She worked tirelessly for the crusade against the Turks and for peace between Florence and the pope

In 1378, the Great Schism began, splitting the allegiance of Christendom between two, then three, popes and putting even saints on opposing sides. Catherine spent the last two years of her life in Rome, in prayer and pleading on behalf of the cause of Urban VI and the unity of the Church. She offered herself as a victim for the Church in its agony. She died surrounded by her "children" and was canonized in 1461.

Catherine ranks high among the mystics and spiritual writers of the Church. In 1939, she and Francis of Assisi were declared co-patrons of Italy. Paul VI named her and Teresa of Avila doctors of the Church in 1970. Her spiritual testament is found in The Dialogue.


Comment:

Though she lived her life in a faith experience and spirituality far different from that of our own time, Catherine of Siena stands as a companion with us on the Christian journey in her undivided effort to invite the Lord to take flesh in her own life. Events which might make us wince or chuckle or even yawn fill her biographies: a mystical experience at six, childhood betrothal to Christ, stories of harsh asceticism, her frequent ecstatic visions. Still, Catherine lived in an age which did not know the rapid change of 21st-century mobile America. The value of her life for us today lies in her recognition of holiness as a goal to be sought over the course of a lifetime.

Quote:

Catherine's book Dialogue contains four treatisesâ€"her testament of faith to the spiritual world. She wrote: "No one should judge that he has greater perfection because he performs great penances and gives himself in excess to the staying of the body than he who does less, inasmuch as neither virtue nor merit consists therein; for otherwise he would be an evil case, who for some legitimate reason was unable to do actual penance. Merit consists in the virtue of love alone, flavored with the light of true discretion without which the soul is worth nothing."

Patron Saint of:

Europe
Italy

St. Catherine of Siena, Pray for Us !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9qcVUz7tMU&feature=player_detailpage

2. “A Child My Choice”¹


Let folly praise what fancy loves, I praise and loves that Child
Whose heart no thought, whose tongue no word, whose hand
no deed defiled.

I praise him most, I love him best, all praise and love is his,
While him I love, in him I live, and cannot live amiss.
Love’s sweetest mark, laud’s highest theme, man’s most desired light,
To love him life, to leave him death, to live in him delight.
He mine by gift, I his by debt, thus each to other due,
First friend he was, best friend he is, all times will try him true.
Though young, yet wise; though small, yet strong; though man,
yet God he is:

As wise he knows; as strong he can; as God he loves to bliss.
His knowledge rules; his strength defends; his love doth cherish all;
His birth our Joy; his life out light; his death our end of thrall.
Alas, he weeps, he sighs, he pants, yet do his Angels sing;
Out of his tears, his sighs and throbs, doth bud a joyful spring.
Almighty babe, whose tender arms can force all foes to fly,
Correct my faults, protect my life, direct me when I die.

â€"St. Robert Southwell

1.An Excerpt from the “The Hound of Heaven”

I fled Him, down the nights and down the days:
I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
I fled Him, down the labyrinthine way
Of my own mind; and in the midst of tears
I him from Him, and under running laughter.
Up vistaed hopes I sped;
And shot, precipitated,
Adown Titanic glooms of chasmed fears,
From those strong Feet that followed, followed after.
But with unhurrying chase,
And unperturbed pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy,
They beat â€" and a Voice beat
More instant than the Feetâ€"
“All things betray thee, who betrayest Me.”

â€"Francis Thompson

the Catholic Church has a vast reservoir of beautiful poetry that testifies to God’s love for Creation and us. Poetry is an excellent tool of praise and acknowledgement of all that God has given us. Perhaps not as simple nor as easily entertaining as prose would be, poetry has an added facet that is not as evident in prose.

The beautiful aspect of poetry that sets it apart from prose is the added rhythm creating another layer of description that goes beyond words. For example, in the poem “The Hound of Heaven” I can almost hear the pounding of footfalls against the pavement. It as if with each step a word from the poem is pounded out against the ground. This rhythm creates a sense of urgency that one would feel in a footrace against God. I would argue that if Francis Thompson’s vision of “The Hound of Heaven” was depicted in prose, it would not have given the readers as much of an emotional impact at the prospect of being pursued by God and finally succumbing to His liberating love.

I have selected six poems by Catholic poets and writers who speak and write about God’s gracious gift of his love for His people. My advice is to read them purposefully and aloud to get the full effect. There are far more poems that are probably greater than these, but I selected some of my favorites (“A Child My Choice” is my particular favorite). Some are just excerpts because some of the poems are very long. For those you want to read the poems in total, you can click on the titles which are linked to the a page with the completed poem. If you are interested in more poems by Catholic or at least “Christ-haunted” poets, I would recommend the book Flowers of Heaven compiled by Joseph Pearce.

Now on to the poems (be prepared to be pursued by love and captured by God’s glory):

"Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  And you know the way where I am going."

-John 14:1-4, RSV

Such a wonderful and beautiful song !

Bless the lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worship you holy name

The sun comes up
Its a new day dawning
Its time to sing your song again
What ever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Bless the lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worship your holy name

You're rich in love and you're slow to anger
Your name is great and your heart is kind
For all your goodness i will keep on singing
10,000 reasons for my heart to find

Bless the lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worship your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Soon my soul will sing your praise un-ending
10,000 years and there forever more

Bless the lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worship your holy name

Bless the lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worship your holy name
I worship your holy name
I worship your holy name

Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worship your holy name
(Jesus I will)
I worship your holy name
I worship your holy name

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1WYo4eKdSE&feature=player_detailpage

Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus




I. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you." Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of...... (here name your request)
Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father....Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.


II. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you." Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of.......(here name your request) Our Father...Hail Mary....Glory Be To the Father....Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

III. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away." Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of.....(here name your request) Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father...Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.
Say the Hail, Holy Queen and add: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
-- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque




Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/heart/sh_novena.htm#ixzz2RmmrHNb2

Prayer of Repentance and Deliverance





Lord Jesus, you have endured me all these years with my sins, but nonetheless You pitied me;

I was led astray in every way, but now I will sin no more;
I have wronged You and I have been unjust;
I will be so, no more;
I renounce sin,
I renounce the Devil,
I renounce iniquity that stains my soul;
free my soul from all that is against Your holiness;

I entreat You, Lord Jesus, to rescue me from all evil; Come Jesus now, come now and abide in my heart;

Forgive me, Lord Jesus, and allow me to rest in You, For You are my Shield, my Redeemer and my Light and in You do I trust;

From today I will bless You Lord at all times;

I repudiate evil and all other gods and idols, for You are the Most High over the world, far transcending all other gods;
By Your mighty arm, rescue me from ill health, rescue me from being a captive, rescue me from trouble and defeat my enemy the Devil; come quickly to my help O Saviour!

Amen

The Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel

O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father.

[Say one Our Father and three Hail Marys after each of the following nine salutations in honor of the nine Choirs of Angels]

1. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity.
Amen.


2. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection.
Amen.


3. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility.
Amen.


4. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions.
Amen.


5. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil.
Amen.


6. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues may the Lord preserve us from evil and falling into temptation.
Amen.


7. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience.
Amen.


8. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works in order that we may attain the glory of Heaven.
Amen.


9. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted in the life to come to Heaven.
Amen.


Say one Our Father in honor of each of the following leading Angels:
St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael and our Guardian Angel.

Concluding prayers:

O glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.


Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.


Almighty and Everlasting God, Who, by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most glorious Archangel St. Michael Prince of Your Church, make us worthy, we ask You, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into Your Presence. This we ask through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

This is also another powerful prayer, Isles:






Heavenly Father, I bow in worship and praise before you. I cover myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ as my protection. I surrender myself completely and unreservedly in every area of my life to You. I take a stand against all the workings of satan that would hinder me in my prayer life. I address myself only to the True and Living God and refuse any involvement of satan in my prayer.

satan, I command you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to leave my presence with all your demons
I bring the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ between us.

Heavenly Father, I worship You and give You praise. I recognize that You are worthy to receive all glory and honor and praise. I renew my allegiance to You and pray that the blessed Holy Spirit would enable me in this time of prayer. I am thankful, Heavenly Father, that You have loved me from past eternity and that You sent the Lord Jesus Christ into the world to die as my substitute. I am thankful that the Lord Jesus Christ came as my representative and that through Him You have completely forgiven me; You have adopted me into your family; You have assumed all responsibility for me; You have given me eternal life; You have given me the perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ so I am now justified. I am thankful that in Him, you have made me complete, and that You have offered Yourself to me to be my daily help and strength.

Heavenly Father, open my eyes that I might see how great You are and how complete Your provision is for this day. I am thankful that the victory the Lord Jesus Christ won for me on the Cross and in His resurrection has been given to me and that I am seated with the Lord Jesus Christ in the heavenlies. I take my place with Him in the heavenlies and recognize by faith that all wicked spirits and satan himself are under my feet. I declare, therefore, that satan and his wicked spirits are subject to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am thankful for the Armor You have provided. I put on the Girdle of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Sandals of Peace and the Helmet of Salvation. I lift up the Shield of Faith against all the fiery darts of the enemy; and I take in my hand the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. I choose to use Your Word against all the forces of evil in my life. I put on this Armor and live and pray in complete dependence upon You, blessed Holy Spirit.

I am grateful, Heavenly Father, that the Lord Jesus Christ spoiled all principalities and powers and made a show of them openly and triumphed over them in Himself. I claim all that victory for my life today. I reject all the insinuations, and accusations, and the temptations of satan. I affirm that the Word of God is true and I choose to live today in the light of God's Word. I choose, Heavenly Father, to live in obedience to You and in fellowship with Yourself. Open my eyes and show me the areas of my life that do not please You. Work in me to cleanse me from all ground that would give satan a foothold against me. I do in every way stand into all that it means to be Your adopted child and I welcome all the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

By faith and in dependence upon You, I put off the fleshly works of the old man and stand into all the victory of the crucifixion where the Lord Jesus Christ provided cleansing from the old nature. I put on the new man and stand into all the victory of the resurrection and the provision He has made for me to live above sin.

Therefore, today I put off all forms of selfishness and put on the new nature with its love. I put off all forms of fear and put on the new nature with its courage. I put off all forms of weakness and put on the new nature with its strength. I put off all forms of lust and put on the new nature with its righteousness, purity, and honesty. I am trusting You to show me how to make this practical in my daily life.

In every way I stand into the victory of the ascension and glorification of the Lord Jesus Christ, whereby all the principalities and powers were made subject to Him. I claim my place in Christ as victorious with Him over all the enemies of my soul. Blessed Holy Spirit, I pray that You would fill me. Come into my life, break down every idol and cast out every foe.

I am thankful, Heavenly Father, for the expression of Your will for my daily life as You have shown me in Your Word.
I, therefore, claim all the will of God for today. I am thankful that You have blessed me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I am thankful that You have begotten me unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I am thankful that You have made a provision so that today I can live filled with the Spirit of God with love and joy and peace, with long-suffering, gentleness and goodness, with meekness, faithfulness and self-control in my life. I recognize that this is Your will for me and I therefore reject and resist all the endeavors of satan and his wicked spirits to rob me of the will of God. I refuse in this day to believe my feelings and I hold up the Shield of Faith against all the accusations and distortion and insinuations that satan would put into my mind. I claim the fullness of the will of God for my life today.

In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I completely surrender myself to You, Heavenly Father, as a living sacrifice. I choose not to be conformed to this world. I choose to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, and I pray that You would show me Your will and enable me to walk in all the fullness of Your will today.

I am thankful, Heavenly Father, that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, to the casting down of imagination and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and to bring every thought into obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, in my own life today I tear down the strongholds of satan and smash the plans of satan that have been formed against me. I tear down the strongholds of satan against my mind, and I surrender my mind to You, blessed Holy Spirit. I affirm, Heavenly Father, that You have not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. I break and smash the strongholds of satan formed against my emotions today and I give my emotions to you. I smash the strongholds of satan formed against my will today, I give my will to You and choose to make the right decisions of faith. I smash the strongholds of satan formed against my body today, I give my body to You recognizing that I am your temple. I rejoice in Your mercy and goodness.

Heavenly Father, I pray that now and through this day You would strengthen and enlighten me. Show me the way satan is hindering and tempting and lying and distorting the truth in my life. Enable me to be the kind of person that would please You. Enable me to be aggressive in prayer and faith. Enable me to be aggressive mentally, to think about and practice Your Word, and to give You Your rightful place in my life.

Again, I cover myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and pray that You, blessed Holy Spirit, would bring all the work of the crucifixion, all the work of the resurrection, all the work of the glorification, and all the work of Pentecost into my life today. I surrender myself to You. I refuse to be discouraged. You are the God of all hope. You have proven Your power by resurrecting Jesus Christ from the dead, and I claim in every way this victory over all the satanic forces in my life. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ with thanksgiving.

Amen.


Reference:
http://catholicprayerstotheworld.blogspot.com/2009/08/spiritual-warfare-prayer.html

Hi Isles,

You can find this prayer at Catholic Warrior Website:

http://www.catholicwarriors.com/pages/warfare_prayers.htm

I will also pray for you and include you in my daily prayers.  May God Bless You !

Prayer for a Spiritual Canopy


Dear Lord Jesus, please forgive me for all the times I have not submitted to your will in my life. Please forgive me for all my sinful actions, making agreements with the enemy, and for believing the devil’s lies. I now submit to you as my Lord, dear Jesus. Now I break every agreement that I have made with the enemy.

Lord Jesus, please have your warring angels remove and bind to the abyss all demons and their devices that had access to me because I believed their lies. I now ask you to establish a hedge of protection around me, over me and under me, and seal it with your blood, Lord Jesus Christ.

I now choose to put on the full armor of God and ask that you cleanse me and seal me, body, mind, soul and spirit, with your blood, Lord Jesus Christ. Please have your warring angels bind up and remove all demons, their devices, and all their power from within this protective hedge and have them sent to the abyss.

Please have your warriors destroy all demonic, occult or witchcraft assignments directed against me including all backups and replacements. Please have your warriors remove all trafficking people and send them back to their own bodies and seal them there with your blood, Lord Jesus Christ. Please have your angels stand guard over me and protect me from all the attacks of the enemy.

Prayer against Malefice

God, our Lord, King of ages, All-powerful and Almighty, you who made everything and who transform everything simply by your will; you who changed into dew the flames of the seven-times hotter furnace and protected and saved your three holy children:

You are the doctor and physician of my soul. You are the salvation of those who turn to you. I beseech you to make powerless, banish, and drive out every diabolic power, presence and machination; every evil influence, malefice or evil eye and all evil actions aimed against me.

Where there is envy and malice, give me an abundance of goodness, endurance, victory and charity. O Lord, you who love man, I beg you to reach out your powerful hands and your most high and mighty arms and come to my aid.

Send your angel of peace over me, to protect my body and soul. May he keep at bay and vanquish every evil power, every poison or malice invoked against me by corrupt and envious people.
Then under the protection of your authority may I sing with gratitude, “The Lord is my salvation; whom should I fear?” I will not fear evil because you are with me, my God, my strength, my powerful Lord, Lord of peace, Father of all ages. Amen.

Prayer against Evil

Spirit of our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Most Holy Trinity, descend upon me. Please purify me, mold me, fill me with yourself, and use me. Banish all the forces of evil from me; destroy them, vanquish them so that I can be healthy and do good deeds.

Banish from me all spells, witchcraft, black magic, demonic assignments, malefice, maledictions and the evil eye; diabolic infestations, oppressions, possessions; all that is evil and sinful; jealousy, treachery, envy; all physical, psychological, moral, spiritual and diabolical ailments; as well as all enticing spirits, deaf, dumb, blind, mute and sleeping spirits, new-age spirits, occult spirits, religious spirits, antichrist spirits, and any other spirits of death and darkness.

I command and bid all the powers who molest meâ€"by the power of God Almighty, in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviorâ€"to leave me forever, and to be consigned into the everlasting lake of fire, that they may never again touch me or any other creature in the entire world. Amen.

Breaking Curses

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, by the power of his cross, his blood and his resurrection, I take authority over all curses, hexes, spells, voodoo practices, witchcraft assignments, satanic rituals, incantations and evil wishes that have been sent my way, or have passed down the generational bloodline. I break their influence over my life by the power of the risen Lord Jesus Christ, and I command these curses to go back to where they came from and be replaced with a blessing.

I ask forgiveness for and denounce all negative inner vows and agreements that I have made with the enemy, and I ask that you Lord Jesus Christ release me from any bondage they may have held in me. I claim your shed blood over all aspects of my life, relationships, ministry endeavors and finances. I thank you for your enduring love, your angelic protection, and for the fullness of your abundant blessings.

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me; Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me; O good Jesus, hear me; within your wounds, hide me; let me never be separated from you; from the evil one, protect me; at the hour of my death, call me; and bid me to come to you; that with your saints, I may praise you forever and ever. Amen.

John was the only one to die of natural causes.

Religion has a very profound effect on the human body because it has the ability to influence relaxation responses, health behaviors, social support, coherence, and meaningfulness. There has been research that shows religion can influence health through psychobiological interpretation, through the superempirical interpretation. Religious practice not only can increase the spiritual health of the practitioner, but also the physical wellbeing. An example of this would be Hindus who exercise vis-à-vis Yoga techniques, which teaches breathing techniques, stretching of the muscles and also prayer and mantra that supposedly touches the divine (Grabara and Szopa, 2011).  In a research study conducted by Abdel-Khalek and Naceur (2007), a sample of 224 muslim college students from Algeria were recruited and the students were required to respond to five self-rating scales to assess religiosity, physical health, mental health, happiness and satisfaction with life. In the research, it showed that religiosity was higher among women than men. Religious activity was correlated with high physical health, mental health, happiness, satisfaction with life and optimism (Abdel-Khalek and Naceur, 2007).


Religious exercise not only influences relaxation response, health behaviors, social support, coherence and meaningfulness, but also provides a metaphysical explanation, a comforting that reminds those who practice a particular religion that one’s life does not end with one’s death. In this context, religion has an existentialist role, one that has been consistent with all human civilizations. If we look at the civilizations around the world, be they Hebrew, Japanese, Chinese, Aztec Indian, Incan Indian, Celtic, Mongol etc, religion played a role in each civilization and a concept of an afterlife was a common theme. This concept of an afterlife provides a spiritual , mental support, which manifests itself into physical experiences. In a research study by Lowis, Edwards and Burton (2009), individuals who were nursing home residents experience a sense of relief in practicing a religious faith because of an assurance in one’s salvation for the next life. The activity of these residents not only influenced the individual’s life, but those around them, and provided a sense of community for all (Lowis et al, 2009).


Religion and religious practice has shaped culture, politics, and social standing throughout the world  (Religion, Culture, History, 2013). One can see that religious exercise has a microscopic effect, referring to the personal effect practice has on the human individual, but also has a macro effect in how religion shapes the policies of nations, regions of the world, and interaction of different peoples.


Reference:

RELIGION, CULTURE, HISTORY A Philosophical Study of Religion. (2013). Kirkus Reviews, 81(4), 36.

Grabara, M., & Szopa, J. (2011). HEALTH BENEFITS OF DOING PHYSICAL EXERCISES YOGA REPORTED BY THE STUDENTS OF THE ACADEMY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN KATOWICE. Polish Journal Of Sports Medicine / Medycyna Sportowa, 27(2), 123-131.

Dear Lord! Fill our parents with Thy choicest blessings;
enrich their souls with Thy holy grace;
grant that they may faithfully
and constantly guard that likeness to Thy union with Thy Church,
which Thou didst imprint upon them on their wedding day.
Fill them with Thy spirit of holy fear,
which is the beginning of wisdom;
inspire them to impart it to their children.
May they ever walk in the way of Thy commandments,
and may we their children be their joy on earth
and their crown of glory in heaven.
Finally, Lord God, grant that both our father and mother
may attain to extreme old age
and enjoy continuous health in mind and body.
May they give Thee abundant thanks
because Thou bast bestowed upon them the great gift of parenthood.

Amen.

O Heavenly Father,
I commend my children unto Thee.
Be Thou their God and Father;
and mercifully supply whatever is wanting in me
through frailty or negligence.
Strengthen them to overcome the corruptions of the world,
to resist all solicitations to evil,
whether from within or without;
and deliver them from the secret snares of the enemy.
Pour Thy grace into their hearts,
and confirm and multiply in them the gifts of Thy Holy Spirit,
that they may daily grow in grace
and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ;
and so, faithfully serving Thee here,
may come to rejoice in Thy presence hereafter.

Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=wPI_DIqICP0

O Holy Infant Jesus of Good Health, I believe in the Infinite Goodness of Your Heart. Mercifully help me in my present necessity.

O Holy Infant Jesus of Good Health, I hope in the Boundless Mercy You show to those who humbly look up to You for help. Mercifully hear my petition and grant me the favor of Your kind help.

O Holy Infant Jesus of Good Health, I love you with all my heart. I entrust and consecrate myself to Your Most Loving Heart. Do hear my plea, I implore You, and mercifully extend to me Your Helping Hand.

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 Glory Be...

O God, the creator of all things, you framed the law of labor for the human race. Graciously grant, by the example and patronage of St. Joseph, that we may do the work you provide us and earn the reward you promise. Sustain us with your grace to live up to our duties in charity and justice. Amen.

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my many sins; to work with thankfulness and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop, by means of labor, the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, prudence and patience, never surrendering to weariness or difficulties; to work, above all, with purity of intention, and with detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account which I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all after thy example, O Patriarch Joseph. Such shall be my motto in life and death. Amen.

I endorse this prayer for students reviewing for board exams , upcoming term exams, pray this prior to your studies, and believe. Our Blessed Mother will , truly, help you. Believe !

Under thy patronage, dear Mother, and calling on the mystery of thine Immaculate Conception, I desire to pursue my studies and my literary labors: I hereby solemnly declare that I am giving myself to these studies chiefly to the following end: that I may the better contribute to the glory of God and to the promotion of thy veneration among men. I pray thee, therefore, most loving Mother, who art the Seat of Wisdom, to bless my labors in thy loving-kindness. Moreover I promise with true affection and a willing spirit, as it is right that I should do, to ascribe all the good that shall come to me therefrom, wholly to thine intercession for me in God's holy presence. Amen.



An indulgence of 300 days once a day.

Dear Anna,

I endorse this prayer for direct and compassionate intercession from Blessed Mother Mary. Pray this now, and find peace and consolation in knowing that your prayers will reach the Heart of Jesus Christ through the prayer of Mother Mary, the hope of sinners !

Kneeling at your feet, sweet Mother of God and Queen of Peace, I, your loving child, confidently turn to you in my need, seeking your intercession for peace of mind and comfort to my troubled heart. (Mention your petition here.)

O listen to me, dear heavenly mother. Come to my aid and refuse me not as I cry to you. For you are my mother, and you fail no one who has recourse to you, O Consoler of the afflicted, O Queen of Peace. Amen.

Amen, sister.

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=RWJLy3-iRQo

Quote from: chicogon on April 09, 2013, 05:42:39 AM


Ga viking ko, aw, biking diay... Sunday, April
7, 2013

Hi Fr. Roel ! Please know that I am praying for you ! Please include me in your prayers as well.

Your brother in Christ,
Bran Lorenz

Planning to go with my sister and some friends to Holy Hill in Wisconsin for a Catholic Retreat. Am filled with Grace and Happiness today, God is Good, truly!

Listening to the song entitled "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" as I prepare to go to work.

God's Graces is plentiful and Gracious is the Lord God, truly !

I ask special blessings for my entire family, I pray the Blood of Christ on the Cross to protect them, from the crown of their head to the soles of their feet. I submit all my worries, my anxieties, all of it to Jesus Christ my Lord. Special prayer request to St. Philomena and St. Jude Thaddeus to pray for me.

The Vietnamese rendition. Beautiful pod ba:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=j1imTCQYNEw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=447pp7zjdYQ

pray the rosary!

A PRIVATE REVELATION OF THE LIFE OF ST. PHILOMENA



We shall now review the story reportedly made by the saint herself to a religious sister of Naples, Italy in the late 19th c.who had great devotion to her. It is recorded that the saint had already obtained for the nun special graces from Jesus. The good sister used to go, after Holy Communion, to pray before a statue of St. Philomena. One day, as she felt in her heart a greater desire to know better the extent of the saint’s sufferings, she heard a voice full of sweetness addressing to her the following words:


----

"My dear sister, it was the tenth of the month of August that I died in order to live. It was then that I entered triumphantly into heaven, where my divine Spouse put me in possession of those everlasting joys which cannot be comprehended by the understanding of man… I am the daughter of a prince who governed a small state in Greece. My mother was also of royal blood; and as they were without children, and they both still idolaters, in order to obtain some, they used continually to offer to their false gods sacrifices and prayers.

A doctor from Rome, named Publius, now in Paradise, lived in the palace in the service of my father; he professed Christianity. Seeing the affliction of my parents, and moved at their blindness, and by the impulse of the Holy Ghost, he spoke to them of our faith, and even promised them posterity if they consented to receive baptism. The grace, which accompanied his words, enlightened their understanding, and triumphed over their will; they became Christians, and obtained the long-desired happiness that Publius had promised them as the reward of their conversion. At the moment of my birth they gave me the name of Lumena, in allusion to the light of faith, of which I had been, as it were, the fruit. And on the day of my baptism they called me Filumena, or daughter of light because on that day I was born to the faith. The affection, which my parents bore me, was so great that they would have me always with them.

It was on this account that they carried me with them to Rome, in a journey that my father was obliged to make on the occasion of an unjust war with which the haughty Diocletian threatened him. I was then thirteen years old. Having arrived in the capital of the world, we three proceeded to the palace of the emperor, and were admitted to an audience. As soon as Decollation saw me his eyes were fixed upon me. He appeared to be prepossessed in this manner during the entire time that my father was stating with animated feelings everything that could serve for his defense.

As soon as he had ceased to speak, the emperor desired him to be no longer disturbed but that, banishing all fear, he should think only of living in happiness. 'I shall place at your disposal all the force of the empire, and shall ask in return only one thing, that is, the hand of your daughter.'My father, dazzled with an honor he was far from expecting, willingly acceded on the spot to the proposal of the emperor.

When we had returned to our own dwelling, my father and mother did all they could to induce me to yield to Diocletian' s wishes, and to theirs. 'What! I said to them, do you wish that for the love of a man I should break the promise I made two years since to Jesus Christ?    My virginity belongs to Jesus! I can no longer dispose of it.' 'But you were then too young,' answered my father, 'to form such an engagement', and he joined the most terrible threats to the command that he gave me to accept the hand of Diocletian. The grace of my God rendered me invincible, and my father, not being able to make the emperor allow of the reasons he alleged, in order to disengage himself from the promise he had given, was obliged, by his order, to bring me into his presence.

I had to withstand for some moments beforehand a new attack from my father's anger and affection. My mother, uniting her efforts to his, endeavored to conquer my resolution. Caresses, threats, everything was employed to reduce me to compliance. At last I saw both of them fall at my knees, and say to me with tears in their eyes, 'My child, have pity on thy father, thy mother, thy country, our subjects.' No, no, I answered them; God and that virginity which I have vowed to Him, before everything; before you, before my country! My kingdom is heaven. My words plunged them into despair.

They brought me before the emperor, who on his part, did all in his power to win me; but the emperor's promises, his allurements, his threats, were equally useless. He then got into a violent fit of anger, and influenced by the devil, he had me cast into one of the prisons of his palace, where I was forthwith loaded with chains. Thinking that pain and shame would weaken the courage that my divine Spouse inspired me with, he came to see me every day. And then, after having my chains loosed, that I might take the small portion of bread and water, which I received as food, he renewed his attacks, some of which, if not for the grace of God, would have been fatal to purity.

The defeats, which he always experienced, were for me the preludes to new tortures; but prayer supported me. I ceased not to recommend myself to Jesus and His most pure Mother. My captivity had lasted thirty-seven days, when, in the midst of a heavenly light, I saw Mary holding her divine Son in her arms. 'My daughter,' she said to me, 'three days more of prison and, after forty days, thou shall leave this state of pain.' Such happy news made my heart beat with joy.

But as the Queen of angels had added that I should quit my prison, to sustain, in frightful torments a combat far more terrible than those preceding. I fell instantly from joy to the cruelest anguish. I thought it would kill me. 'Have courage, my child,' said Mary then to me; 'art thou unaware of the love of predilection that I bare to thee? The name, which thou received in baptism, is the pledge of it for the resemblance which it has to that of my Son and to mine. Thou art called Lumena, as thy Spouse is called Light, Star, Sun as I myself am called Aurora, Star, the Moon in the fullness of its brightness, and Sun. Fear not, I will aid thee. Now Nature whose weakness humbles thee, asserts its law. In the moment of combat, grace will come to lend thee its force, and thy angel, who was also mine, Gabriel, whose name expresses force, will come to thy aid. I will recommend thee especially to his care, as the well beloved among my children.' These words of the Queen of virgins gave me again courage, and the vision disappeared, leaving my prison filled with a celestial perfume.

"What she had announced to me was soon realized. Diocletian, despairing of bending me, took the resolution of having me publicly tortured, and the first torment to which he condemned me was to be scourged. 'Since she is not ashamed,' said he, 'to prefer, to an emperor like me, a malefactor, condemned by his own nation to an infamous death, she deserves that my justice shall treat her as he was treated.' He then ordered my clothes to be taken off, and that I should be tied to a column; and, in the presence of a great number of gentlemen of his court, he had me beaten with such violence, that my body, bathed in blood, appeared but one single wound.

The tyrant, perceiving that I was going to faint and die had me removed from his eyes, and dragged again to prison, where he believed I would breathe out my last sigh. But he was disappointed, as I was also in the delightful hope of going quickly to rejoin my Spouse, for two angels, shining with light, appeared to me, and pouring a health-giving balm upon my wounds, rendered me more vigorous than I had been before the torture.

The next morning the emperor was informed of it; he had me brought into his presence, viewed me with astonishment, and then sought to persuade me that I owed my cure to the Jupiter whom he adored. 'He desires positively,' said he, 'that you should be empress of Rome.' And joining to these seductive words promises of the greatest honors, and the most flattering caresses, he endeavored to complete the work of hell which he had begun. But the divine Spirit, to whom I am indebted for my constancy, filled me at the moment with so much light and knowledge, that to all the proofs which I gave of the solidity of our faith, neither Dioclesian nor any of his courtiers could give any answer whatever.

It was then that his frenzy came on anew, and he commanded me to be buried, with an anchor to my neck, in the waters of the Tiber. The order was executed, but God permitted that it should not succeed. At the moment in which I was precipitated into the river two angels came again to my succor. After having cut the rope that bound me to the anchor, while the anchor fell to the bottom of the Tiber, where it has remained till the present time, they transported me gently, in the view of an immense multitude, upon the banks of the river.

This miracle worked happy effects upon a great number of spectators, and they were converted to the faith. But Dioclesian, attributing it to secret magic, had me dragged through the streets of Rome, and then ordered that I should be shot in a shower of arrows. I was stuck all over with them; my blood flowed on all sides. Whereupon he commanded me, exhausted and dying, to be carried back to my dungeon. Heaven honored me with a new favor there. I fell into a sweet sleep, and I found myself, on awaking, perfectly cured.

Dioclesian, having learned of it, cried in a fit of rage, 'let her be pierced with sharp darts a second time, and let her die in that torture.' They hastened to obey him. The archers bent their bows, they gathered all their strength; but the arrows refused to obey their intentions. The emperor was present; he became enraged at the sight; he called me a magician, and, thinking that the action of fire could destroy the enchantment, he ordered the darts to be made red in a furnace, and directed a second time against me. It was done, indeed; but those darts, after having gone over a part of the space which they were to cross to come to me, took quite a contrary direction, and returned to strike those by whom they had been hurled. Six of the archers were killed by them whereupon several among them renounced paganism, and the people began to render public testimony to the power of the God that had protected me.

These murmurs and acclamations made the tyrant fear some more painful accident; he therefore hastened to terminate my days, by ordering my head to be cut off. Thus did my soul take flight toward my heavenly Spouse, who placed me, with the crown of virginity and the palm of martyrdom, in a distinguished rank among the elect, who partake of the enjoyment of his divine presence. The day that was so happy for me, and saw me enter into glory, was a Friday, and the hour of my death was the third after midday, (that is to say, the same hour that saw my divine master expire)."



----

Such is, according to this revelation, the history of the martyrdom of St. Philomena. The facts of which it contains have been verified simply by the countless miracles that have accompanied devotion to this little saint. One so greatly loved by our Lord Jesus for what she generously underwent for love of Him. But since it has not pleased God to leave any other trace of so great a love and heroism, by what other means than that of such a revelation did He will that the precious knowledge of her come to our age? To our age! This word includes many reflections. It is the age of pride, it is the age of incredulity, the age of wandering passion and reason which questions the very thoughts and conduct of God. For this age, the divine wisdom of Providence, could choose, in His infinite measure, no means more suited than this to confound the pride of unbelief and to give triumph to His cause.

http://www.smaria.org/Life%20History.htm

THE SYMBOLS OF HER MARTYRDOM


The first of the figures on the stone which would indicate the kind of martyrdom the saint underwent (and which were all later substantiated reportedly by the saint herself) is an anchor; a symbol not only of strength and hope, but also of the nature of the martyrdom she underwent. One perhaps such as that to which the Roman emperor Trajan condemned St. Clement the second Pope, casting him into the sea with an anchor tied to his neck.


The second is an arrow, which, upon the tomb of other martyrs always signified the torment of being shot with an arrow similar to that by which the emperor Diocletian tried to put to death the generous Roman soldier, St. Sebastian.


The third is a palm, placed almost in the middle of the stone which is the sign of a brilliant victory gained over the cruelty of the persecuting judges, and the fury of the executioners.


Underneath is represented a lash, used to scourge criminals, and which was made of thongs of leather, loaded with lead. With an instrument such as this the body of Christ was scourged as well as those of the innocent Christians who were often beaten unto death.


After this are two arrows, so arranged that the first points upward and the other downward. The repetition of this may perhaps mark a repetition of the torments or some kind of miracle.


Lastly, a lily appeared, the symbol of innocence and virginity, which, with the palm and blood-stained vase already spoken of proclaims a two-fold triumph of St Philomena for the early Church who thus invited us to honor her under the traditional and glorious titles of Martyr and Virgin.

(Fl) LUMENA, PAX TECUM FT (AT) meaning:

Filumena, peace be with thee, Amen.

The removal of this stone revealed the sacred relics of the holy martyr and close beside, a broken vase whose sides were incrusted with dried blood. This blood was a sure sign that martyrdom had taken place and had been piously collected by the early Church who greatly venerated the remains of the martys including the saving of their blood in this way. Blood offered generously in imitation of Him who shed His sacred blood upon the cross for our salvation.

1 Listen, my children, to a father's instruction; pay attention, and learn what understanding is.

2 What I am offering you is sound doctrine: do not forsake my teaching.

3 I too was once a child with a father, in my mother's eyes a tender child, unique.

4 This was what he used to teach me, 'Let your heart treasure what I have to say, keep my principles and you will live;

5 acquire wisdom, acquire understanding, never forget her, never deviate from my words.

6 Do not desert her, she will keep you safe; love her, she will watch over you.

7 The first principle of wisdom is: acquire wisdom; at the cost of all you have, acquire understanding!

8 Hold her close, and she will make you great; embrace her, and she will be your pride;

9 she will provide a graceful garland for your head, bestow a crown of honour on you.'

10 Listen, my child, take my words to heart, and the years of your life will be multiplied.

11 I have educated you in the ways of wisdom, I have guided you along the path of honesty.

12 When you walk, your going will be unhindered, if you run, you will not stumble.

13 Hold fast to discipline, never let her go, keep your eyes on her, she is your life.

14 Do not follow the path of the wicked, do not walk the way that the evil go.

15 Avoid it, do not take it, turn your back on it, pass it by.

16 For they cannot sleep unless they have first done wrong, they miss their sleep if they have not made someone stumble;

17 for the bread of wickedness is what they eat, and the wine of violence is what they drink.

18 The path of the upright is like the light of dawn, its brightness growing to the fullness of day;

19 the way of the wicked is as dark as night, they cannot tell the obstacles they stumble over.

20 My child, pay attention to what I am telling you, listen carefully to my words;

21 do not let them out of your sight, keep them deep in your heart.

22 For they are life to those who find them and health to all humanity.

23 More than all else, keep watch over your heart, since here are the wellsprings of life.

24 Turn your back on the mouth that misleads, keep your distance from lips that deceive.

25 Let your eyes be fixed ahead, your gaze be straight before you.

26 Let the path you tread be level and all your ways be firm.

27 Turn neither to right nor to left, keep your foot clear of evil.

Sacred Tradition ; timeless and perfect in all of its forms.

THE APOSTLE'S CREED

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried, He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

THE OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.   Amen.

THE DOXOLOGY

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen. (this prayer is optional and may be said after all Glory Be to the Fathers.....)

O my Jesus, have mercy on us. Forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Take all souls into heaven, especially, those most in need of thy mercy. Amen.

THE HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

DECADE PRAYER

(Prayer for Priests):  God, our Father, please send us holy priests, all for the sacred and eucharistic heart of Jesus, all for the sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, in union with saint Joseph.  Amen.

THE SALVE REGINA

(Hail Holy Queen):  Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life our sweetness and our hope.  To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.  Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.  O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!

V: Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God

R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY

O God, by the life, death and resurrection of Your only begotten Son, You purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech You that while meditation on these  mysteries of the Holy rosary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

FATIMA PRAYER

Most Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - I adore thee profoundly.  I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifference's whereby He is offended.  And through the infinite merits of His Most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of Thee the conversion of poor sinners.

"Let this prayer be echoed all over the world." -   Mary

Fatima Prayer

My God, I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love You.  I beg pardon of You for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love You.

Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, pray for us. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us. Mary, Our Loving Mother, pray for us.

MEMORARE

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to Your protection, implored Your help, or sought Your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To You we come; before You we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in Your mercy, hear and answer us.  Amen.

IX. You continue to pray the rosary the same way throughout. If your intention is to pray a Chaplet (a single set of mysteries) at the end of the fifth mystery you will come back to the joiner, this is where the decades all join with the lower part of the rosary which contains the cross.  When you come to the joiner, you decide whether or not you wish to say another Chaplet or end.  If you decide to say another Chaplet you simply announce the next mystery and continue. If you wish to end, you simply say the Glory Be To The Father, the O My Jesus, The Our Father and end the rosary with the Hail Holy Queen and the sign of the Cross........

VIII. You will now come to the second decade or group of 10 beads, you will now pray the 10 Hail Marys while contemplating the appropriate mystery.

VII. After the 10th Hail Mary you will have completed the first of 5 decades which make up a Chaplet of the Rosary. You now come to another single bead, at this point, you pray the... Glory be to the Father... then (on the same bead) pray the O My Jesus... then (on the same bead) announce the next or second mystery. For example: if its Monday and your praying the Joyful Mysteries, the second Joyful Mystery is The Visitation.   At this point you pray the Our Father....

VI. Now this will bring you to the first decade, or set of 10 beads of the Rosary.  You will then pray 10 Hail Marys while contemplating the first mystery, example: The Annunciation.

V. On the next bead, which is a single bead, you announce the first divine mystery of contemplation.  For example, if it were a Monday, you would say the first Joyful Mystery is "The Annunciation", at this point you pray the "Our Father" prayer.

IV. On the chain or cord after the three beads, say the "Glory be..."

III. The next cluster has 3 beads. The "Hail Mary" prayer is said on these three beads. You pray the 3 Hail Marys while meditating on the three divine virtues of faith, hope, and love/charity.

II. On the single bead just above the cross, pray the "Our Father." This and all prayers of the rosary are meditative prayers.

I. Begin by holding the crucifix, saying "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (making the sign of the Cross while doing that), then say the Apostles Creed.

(Given to St. Dominic and Blessed Alan) Imprimatur: Patrick J. Hayes DD Archbishop of New York)

15. Devotion of my rosary is a great sign of predestination.

14. All who recite the rosary are my son, and brothers of my only son Jesus Christ.

13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.

12. All those who propagate the holy rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.

11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the rosary.

10. The faithful children of the rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in heaven.

9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the rosary.

8. Those who are faithful to recite the rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plenitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in paradise.

7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the rosary shall not die without the sacraments of the Church.