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Ondoy Felix, mao lagi nga dili kita karon kahibalo unsa ang mga katalagman, here are the signs of the times is a really what´s happening. We are also experiencing flash floods here in Germany inspite of our summer weather.

Praise the Lord! Lipay ko nga dili jud dako ang damage, dili jud ta masipyat ug sampit sa Kahitas-an kay ana-a ra sa iyang kamot ang atong kaluwasan.

This is in my opinion  an arrogant expenditure, just to think of hungry people in our country since she is not in the position to present a policy to alleviate poverty.  When will she open her eyes about the harsh realities at home?

St. Clare
(1194-1253)


 
One of the more sugary movies made about Francis of Assisi pictures Clare as a golden-haired beauty floating through sun-drenched fields, a sort of one-woman counterpart to the new Franciscan Order.
The beginning of her religious life was indeed movie material. Having refused to marry at 15, she was moved by the dynamic preaching of Francis. He became her lifelong friend and spiritual guide.

At 18, she escaped one night from her father’s home, was met on the road by friars carrying torches, and in the poor little chapel called the Portiuncula received a rough woolen habit, exchanged her jeweled belt for a common rope with knots in it, and sacrificed the long tresses to Francis’ scissors. He placed her in a Benedictine convent which her father and uncles immediately stormed in rage. She clung to the altar of the church, threw aside her veil to show her cropped hair and remained adamant.

End of movie material. Sixteen days later her sister Agnes joined her. Others came. They lived a simple life of great poverty, austerity and complete seclusion from the world, according to a Rule which Francis gave them as a Second Order (Poor Clares). Francis obliged her under obedience at age 21 to accept the office of abbess, one she exercised until her death.

The nuns went barefoot, slept on the ground, ate no meat and observed almost complete silence. (Later Clare, like Francis, persuaded her sisters to moderate this rigor: “Our bodies are not made of brass.”) The greatest emphasis, of course, was on gospel poverty. They possessed no property, even in common, subsisting on daily contributions. When even the pope tried to persuade her to mitigate this practice, she showed her characteristic firmness: “I need to be absolved from my sins, but I do not wish to be absolved from the obligation of following Jesus Christ.”

Contemporary accounts glow with admiration of her life in the convent of San Damiano in Assisi. She served the sick, waited on table, washed the feet of the begging nuns. She came from prayer, it was said, with her face so shining it dazzled those about her. She suffered serious illness for the last 27 years of her life. Her influence was such that popes, cardinals and bishops often came to consult herâ€"she never left the walls of San Damiano.

Francis always remained her great friend and inspiration. She was always obedient to his will and to the great ideal of gospel life which he was making real.

A well-known story concerns her prayer and trust. She had the Blessed Sacrament placed on the walls of the convent when it faced attack by invading Saracens. “Does it please you, O God, to deliver into the hands of these beasts the defenseless children I have nourished with your love? I beseech you, dear Lord, protect these whom I am now unable to protect.” To her sisters she said, “Don’t be afraid. Trust in Jesus.” The Saracens fled.




Comment:

The 41 years of Clare’s religious life are poor movie material, but they are a scenario of sanctity: an indomitable resolve to lead the simple, literal gospel life as Francis taught her; courageous resistance to the ever-present pressure to dilute the ideal; a passion for poverty and humility; an ardent life of prayer; and a generous concern for her sisters.

Charity   

The true meaning of charity is more the giving of what you are than of what you have. 

Kini ba, manggahin sila sa ilang kik-kik!

Bakikaw bitaw nga nag pakiko kiko sa Willy unya adunay longon ni Cory, sakto lagi nga gi-cancel unta ang show unya gipatuyangan ang coverage sa kay anhing Cory.
In my opinion Willy´s reaction is right.

Si Bugsay tu-a sa Taiwan.

Purbiday Day, masa-ag man gani ko sa Sawang!

"Sea level readings indicate that a significant tsunami was not generated," the warning center said in a bulletin. "Therefore, the tsunami watch issued by this center is now canceled."

According to the geological survey, a 6.4-magnitude quake struck near the south coast of Honshu, Japan, 12 minutes after the Indian Ocean quake. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory following that quake, but said that the expected wave would be under 2 feet.
This is the latest news from CNN.

At least we can breath a sigh.

Nitaw-aw ko sa midnight news sa German TV, mao man ang gi-flash, busa susiha ninyo, kay naigo ang Tokio, Japan. Molabay jud ni sa Pinas kay apil man ta sa earthquake faults. Please check on this ask the where abouts of our friends like Bennelyn, also the coastal areas of Davao might be affected.

Monday, August 10, 2009
St. Lawrence
(d. 258?)



The esteem in which the Church holds Lawrence is seen in the fact that today’s celebration ranks as a feast. We know very little about his life. He is one of those whose martyrdom made a deep and lasting impression on the early Church. Celebration of his feast day spread rapidly.
He was a Roman deacon under Pope St. Sixtus II. Four days after this pope was put to death, Lawrence and four clerics suffered martyrdom, probably during the persecution of the Emperor Valerian.

Legendary details of his death were known to Damasus, Prudentius, Ambrose and Augustine. The church built over his tomb became one of the seven principal churches in Rome and a favorite place for Roman pilgrimages.

A well-known legend has persisted from earliest times. As deacon in Rome, Lawrence was charged with the responsibility for the material goods of the Church, and the distribution of alms to the poor. When Lawrence knew he would be arrested like the pope, he sought out the poor, widows and orphans of Rome and gave them all the money he had on hand, selling even the sacred vessels to increase the sum. When the prefect of Rome heard of this, he imagined that the Christians must have considerable treasure. He sent for Lawrence and said, “You Christians say we are cruel to you, but that is not what I have in mind. I am told that your priests offer in gold, that the sacred blood is received in silver cups, that you have golden candlesticks at your evening services. Now, your doctrine says you must render to Caesar what is his. Bring these treasuresâ€"the emperor needs them to maintain his forces. God does not cause money to be counted: He brought none of it into the world with himâ€"only words. Give me the money, therefore, and be rich in words.”

Lawrence replied that the Church was indeed rich. “I will show you a valuable part. But give me time to set everything in order and make an inventory.” After three days he gathered a great number of blind, lame, maimed, leprous, orphaned and widowed persons and put them in rows. When the prefect arrived, Lawrence simply said, “These are the treasure of the Church.”

The prefect was so angry he told Lawrence that he would indeed have his wish to dieâ€"but it would be by inches. He had a great gridiron prepared, with coals beneath it, and had Lawrence’s body placed on it. After the martyr had suffered the pain for a long time, the legend concludes, he made his famous cheerful remark, “It is well done. Turn me over!”

Miracles   
Your Spirit in the bread and the fire in your cup are true miracles which our lips receive

Nice to hear you did have a lot of fun. Cheers. Mr Bean , anus man ta magkita ug usab? Kanang mag-tagay, ha?

A tsunami would reach the coastlines of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia within one to three hours.

According to the geological survey, a 6.4-magnitude quake struck near the south coast of Honshu, Japan, 12 minutes after the Indian Ocean quake. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory following that quake, but said that the expected wave would be under 2 feet.
CNN

ps
Heaven forbids, hope you are all safe folks, please get in touch with the latest news and most of all pray!

St. Dominic
(1170-1221)



If he hadn’t taken a trip with his bishop, Dominic would probably have remained within the structure of contemplative life; after the trip, he spent the rest of his life being a contemplative in active apostolic work.
Born in old Castile, Spain, he was trained for the priesthood by a priest-uncle, studied the arts and theology, and became a canon of the cathedral at Osma, where there was an attempt to revive the apostolic common life described in the Acts of the Apostles.

On a journey through France with his bishop, he came face to face with the then virulent Albigensian heresy at Languedoc. The Albigensians (Cathari, “the pure”) held to two principlesâ€"one good, one evilâ€"in the world. All matter is evilâ€"hence they denied the Incarnation and sacraments. On the same principle they abstained from procreation and took a minimum of food and drink. The inner circle led what some people regarded as a heroic life of purity and asceticism not shared by ordinary followers.

Dominic sensed the need for the Church to combat this heresy, and was commissioned to be part of the preaching crusade against it. He saw immediately why the preaching was not succeeding: the ordinary people admired and followed the ascetical heroes of the Albigenses. Understandably, they were not impressed by the Catholic preachers who traveled with horse and retinues, stayed at the best inns and had servants. Dominic therefore, with three Cistercians, began itinerant preaching according to the gospel ideal. He continued this work for 10 years, being successful with the ordinary people but not with the leaders.

His fellow preachers gradually became a community, and in 1215 he founded a religious house at Toulouse, the beginning of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans).

His ideal, and that of his Order, was to link organically a life with God, study and prayer in all forms, with a ministry of salvation to people by the word of God. His ideal: contemplata tradere: “to pass on the fruits of contemplation” or “to speak only of God or with God. “

 
Witnessing Sacredness   

Whether it is a prayer card or statue, a photo or piece of jewelry, the different ways that we carry our spirituality around with us bear witness to the sacredness of everyday life. 

Makalingaw inyong mga litrato nga higala, thanks for posting.

Friday, August 07, 2009
St. Cajetan
(1480-1557)



Like most of us, Cajetan seemed headed for an “ordinary” lifeâ€"first as a lawyer, then as a priest engaged in the work of the Roman Curia.
His life took a characteristic turn when he joined the Oratory of Divine Love in Rome, a group devoted to piety and charity, shortly after his ordination at 36. When he was 42 he founded a hospital for incurables at Venice. At Vicenza, he joined a “disreputable” religious community that consisted only of men of the lowest stations of lifeâ€"and was roundly censured by his friends, who thought his action was a reflection on his family. He sought out the sick and poor of the town and served them.

The greatest need of the time was the reformation of a Church that was “sick in head and members.” Cajetan and three friends decided that the best road to reformation lay in reviving the spirit and zeal of the clergy. (One of them later became Paul IV.) Together they founded a congregation known as the Theatines (from Teate [Chieti] where their first superior-bishop had his see). They managed to escape to Venice after their house in Rome was wrecked when Charles V’s troops sacked Rome in 1527. The Theatines were outstanding among the Catholic reform movements that took shape before the Protestant Reformation. He founded a monte de pieta (“mountain [or fund] of piety”) in Naplesâ€"one of many charitable, nonprofit credit organizations that lent money on the security of pawned objects. The purpose was to help the poor and protect them against usurers. Cajetan’s little organization ultimately became the Bank of Naples, with great changes in policy.

Soul’s Journey   

Grief is not an illness that requires a cure; rather, it is a call to embark on a journey of the soul. 

Kuyaw -wa nimo Inday Raqs nga mapatubo man nimo ang upo, lami kana gisahon. Unsa man diay ang inyong weather? Na-a  abot basta magkugi lang, bilib jud  ko nimo.

TRANSFIGURATION   Today, 6th August,  is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord on Mt Thabor. This event clearly gives to us the promise of eternal life. For here Moses and Elijah appeared with Our Blessed Lord in glory, not as dead persons, but alive. How many souls must our Masses see into that same glory and how grateful those souls will be for what you do for them. They will never forget us.

HEAVEN And we ourselves have that same goal, which is Heaven. Our parents and grandparents, if they have gone before us into eternity, are now most likely younger than we are ourselves. It has long been the view of theologians that in Heaven we will be at the peak of our physical age, in fact the very fulfillment of the worldly ambition for eternal youth. The Fountain of Eternal Youth is in fact the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. And we can see this promise in the Transfiguration where the long dead prophets appeared in glory with Christ. And here is a striking example in our own time. In 1995 Daniel Horne of Hampshire in the UK had to have emergency surgery for an enlarged heart. A few months afterwards, while watching a TV program called “Children’s Hospital” Daniel said to him mother: “That is the machine I had”. The TV was showing a heart by-pass machine. “He could not have seen it”, says his mother, “as when he went into the operating theatre he was unconscious”. Daniel told his mother of a lady that took him to Heaven. He said the lady looked a bit like her, so she thought it might be her own mother. She showed Daniel a photo of her mother but he said: “No, no, no, that’s not her”. Later she got out a photo album and showed Daniel a picture of her mother at a much younger age. “That’s the lady that took me to Heaven”, he said. He told his mother that he was not frightened, that the lady talked to him without speaking and he said: “You feel really happy. It’s really nice and sunny there, like a park”. *

ASSUMPTION Today or tomorrow you can begin a novena in honour of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. This Feast also confirms for us the hope of eternal life, for the Blessed Virgin was assumed â€" body and soul â€" into Heaven. If you start today you will finish on the Feast of St Maximilian Kolbe. If you start on the 7th you will finish on the Feast of the Assumption.

Kind regards
Ben Forshaw
FOSS

*Judging from the description Daniel seems to have been taken to the ante chamber of Heaven as described by St John Bosco. This is St John Bosco’s description of the ante chamber: “It suddenly seemed to me that I was standing on a small mound or hillock, on the rim of a broad plain so far reaching that the eye could not compass its boundaries lost in vastness â€" broad imposing avenues divided the plain into grand gardens of indescribable beauty… none of the plants we know could ever give you an idea of those flowers … the very grass, the flowers, the trees, the fruit..all were of singular and magnificent beauty”. St Dominic Savio explained to Don Bosco that this was not Heaven but only the ante chamber, as no human being could look on Heaven and live. This explanation is also confirmed by the seer Julia: “In those vast areas leading up to Heaven the parks are unimaginably beautifully cared for ..in those parks I saw birds like swallows. They are not afraid of people as on earth.”

Transfiguration of the Lord




All three Synoptic Gospels tell the story of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-9; Luke 9:28-36). With remarkable agreement, all three place the event shortly after Peter’s confession of faith that Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus’ first prediction of his passion and death. Peter’s eagerness to erect tents or booths on the spot suggests it occurred during the Jewish weeklong, fall Feast of Booths.
In spite of the texts’ agreement, it is difficult to reconstruct the disciples’ experience, according to Scripture scholars, because the Gospels draw heavily on Old Testament descriptions of the Sinai encounter with God and prophetic visions of the Son of Man. Certainly Peter, James and John had a glimpse of Jesus’ divinity strong enough to strike fear into their hearts. Such an experience defies description, so they drew on familiar religious language to describe it. And certainly Jesus warned them that his glory and his suffering were to be inextricably connectedâ€"a theme John highlights throughout his Gospel.

Tradition names Mt. Tabor as the site of the revelation. A church first raised there in the fourth century was dedicated on August 6. A feast in honor of the Transfiguration was celebrated in the Eastern Church from about that time. Western observance began in some localities about the eighth century.

On July 22, 1456, Crusaders defeated the Turks at Belgrade. News of the victory reached Rome on August 6, and Pope Callistus III placed the feast on the Roman calendar the following year.



Comment:

One of the Transfiguration accounts is read on the second Sunday of Lent each year, proclaiming Christ’s divinity to catechumens and baptized alike. The Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent, by contrast, is the story of the temptation in the desertâ€"affirmation of Jesus’ humanity. The two distinct but inseparable natures of the Lord were a subject of much theological argument at the beginning of the Church’s history; it remains hard for believers to grasp.

Growing to God   

Growth is a process that does not always go straight ahead. 

thirty minutes for a pig?  I want to be a pig!

saksto ka Inday daBins, mawala imong halitosis! Tolog nako kay kadlawon na diri, kamo sa diha adios.

Ondoy Glacier, anus-a man ka magpalitrato nga gahukas? Wala baya ko malimot. Di-a gaandam nako ug gatas.

ps
1. glacier_71
2. grace
3. dabinsi
4. jams
5. hofelina

Wala kapa kasolay Belle? 

The freedom of expression was upheld in her terms and that a president can only serve 6 years was also Cory´s legacy as it is written in the Phil Constitution which might be altered soon. Cha-cha anyone?

Nadal´s view in my opinion is  negative to Fil-Ams.  There must be some good points worth mentioning.

North Korea makes a high profile on this news without respect to human lives.

I think misty experienced what is called fascination which is fleeting.

A fisherman´s rod!

Many years ago, as a young priest traveling in Europe, I encountered an unusual ceremony and have never seen it since. Outside the confessional, in a semicircular formation, knelt the penitents, one after the other, as they came from receiving absolution. A long, slender pole was affixed to the confessor’s Dutch door. Periodically his hand would take the pole and move it randomly over the heads of the kneeling penitents, finally tapping one of them on the shoulder. With that, the selected penitent blessed himself and departed.



This procedure continued until all had been tapped and thereby dismissed. I was told that the pole was called the “Fisherman’s Rod” and served to indicate that an indulgence had been granted to the penitent, having performed his penance on his knees and patiently waited for the Rod to send him on his way.


Can you tell me where and when this practice was commonly in vogue?


To answer your question, I called Father Cyprian Berens, O.F.M., who spent some years as a confessor at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.


Father Cyprian told me that until the time of Pope Paul VI, there was attached to the doors of all the confessionals in the four major basilicas a rod that looked something like a fishing pole.


Confessors in these basilicas have their faculties from the Apostolic Penitentiary which has charge of all matters of the internal forumâ€"both sacramental and non-sacramental. Among its responsibilities is directing things concerning the usage and granting of indulgences.


Confessors in these basilicas were able to grant an indulgence to anyone who asked for it by kneeling outside the confessional and waiting for a tap on the head or shoulders with the rod.


Among explanations of the practices were ideas that the one asking the indulgence sought a kind of spiritual knighthood or wanted to offer himself or herself to God in the spirit of sacrifice.


Under Pope Paul VI, there was a complete revision of indulgences and a new Enchiridion of Indulgences was published.


Father Cyprian speculated that this practice in the basilicas had become a kind of curiosity or novelty and that this became a reason for eliminating it.




The Heroic Act



Many years ago, as a child of 11 or 12, I read a book on Fatima. At the end of the book was a pledge called a heroic act where persons pledged to give all the indulgences they earned during life and after death to the souls in purgatory.


I made this act and I have never seen anything about this since and I can’t find the book it was in. Do you know anything about it?





There is indeed a practice of piety called the Heroic Act. It has been encouraged by the Theatine Order. It is called heroic because of the complete selflessness involved in the practice. According to T.C. O’Brien in the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Religion, persons who make the heroic act offer to God any and all indulgences they might gain, as well as all expiatory works and all prayers offered for them after death.


The Heroic Act should not be confused with St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s act of total consecration to Mary or the offering made by “victim souls.”


De Montfort urged that the most perfect devotion to Mary was in consecrating self entirely to her, and Jesus through her, becoming a slave of Mary. That means completely consecrating self to Mary for all eternityâ€"body, soul, spiritual and material possessions, the atoning value and merits of our good actions and the right to dispose of them, past, present and future.


The act of “victim souls” is to accept suffering without reservation in union with the self-offering of Christ in atonement for sin. O’Brien remarks that this offering is not to be made lightly or easily permitted by a spiritual director.


I would say the same of the Heroic Act and total consecration. They should not be spur-of-the-moment actions but thoughtful and mature acts.

Dia ra diay ang text;

It is not quite correct to say there are only three ways to gain an indulgence. The Enchiridion established three general grants followed by other grants attached to particular pious works or prayers. General grants of partial indulgences are made: 1) for those who raise their minds to God with humble confidence in the performance of their duties and in bearing the trials of life and add some pious invocation; 2) to the faithful who give of themselves or their goods in the spirit of faith and mercy to serve their brothers and sisters in need; and 3) to the faithful who, in the spirit of penance, voluntarily deprive themselves of what is licit and pleasing to them.


These general grants are followed by others attached to particular prayers and acts such as reading the Scriptures, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and prayer before a crucifix.


Indulgences obtained under the norms before Paul VI’s new norms remain valid. But now you can obtain indulgences only under the new norms. Since you asked about it in particular, the Portiuncula Indulgence attached to a visit to a parish or quasi-parish or cathedral church on August 2 is contained in the new Enchiridion. Besides a visit the person must say an Our Father, the Creed and some other prayer for the intention of the Holy Father.


For this there is a plenary indulgence if the person is completely detached from sin. Otherwise there is a partial indulgence in accord with the individual’s dispositions. Also part of the usual conditions attached to the reception of a plenary indulgence are the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Ang among Bol-anon nga kaponongan, nag suporta ug seminarista diha inday Angie.

Dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica




First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the Liberian basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God in 431. Rededicated at that time to the Mother of God, St. Mary Major is the largest church in the world honoring God through Mary. Standing atop one of Rome’s seven hills, the Esquiline, it has survived many restorations without losing its character as an early Roman basilica. Its interior retains three naves divided by colonnades in the style of Constantine’s era. Fifth-century mosaics on its walls testify to its antiquity.
St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as patriarchal cathedrals in memory of the first centers of the Church. St. John Lateran represents Rome, the See of Peter; St. Paul Outside the Walls, the See of Alexandria, allegedly the see presided over by Mark; St. Peter’s, the See of Constantinople; and St. Mary’s, the See of Antioch, where Mary is supposed to have spent most of her life.

One legend, unreported before the year 1000, gives another name to this feast: Our Lady of the Snows. According to that story, a wealthy Roman couple pledged their fortune to the Mother of God. In affirmation, she produced a miraculous summer snowfall and told them to build a church on the site. The legend was long celebrated by releasing a shower of white rose petals from the basilica’s dome every August 5.




Comment:

Theological debate over Christ’s nature as God and man reached fever pitch in Constantinople in the early fifth century. The chaplain of Bishop Nestorius began preaching against the title Theotokos, “Mother of God,” insisting that the Virgin was mother only of the human Jesus. Nestorius agreed, decreeing that Mary would henceforth be named “Mother of Christ” in his see. The people of Constantinople virtually revolted against their bishop’s refutation of a cherished belief. When the Council of Ephesus refuted Nestorius, believers took to the streets, enthusiastically chanting, “Theotokos! Theotokos!”

In Community, Possibilities   

In our efforts to be human God, does not leave us to fend for ourselves…. In communityâ€"communionâ€"we are reminded that everything is possible. 

I started this topic to hear your views. 
I have read that the confession as a sacrament gives us the chance to reconcile with God, but we still have the burden for committing sins, here come indulgence in view.  Indulgence compensate for the consequence of our erring. This saves us from purgatory partly or full. ako sang pangitaon ang complete text to share it with you.
God is love for He always gives us the grace to stay near Him, and if we stray we are still welcome in His fold.

This is thrilling you have to deliver all you have within a few minutes, since this is only during coffee break. The kick is high kay basin or hinaut pa nga masakpan!

Baje kining nagkapyot kay dili man borakon ang bitiis, ang ointment akong pag-too, Vicks Vaporub aron hapdos, ha ha ha ha!

This is a hot area, especially if the lady wears nothing except an apron!

I was 19 and a freshman in Rafael Palma College before now UB. I was so in-love with a guy and I was not oblivious of the busy street, naligsan ko sa  pedicab!

quickie sa Kusina, ma-censor kaha ko ni-ani? Dali-a ninyo ug tan-aw basin mapapas dayon!

Inday Raqs, congrats! Nakaluwas ra jud ka! Yehey another baby! Padag-hanon ang mga kaliwat Bol-anon. Salamat sa kahitas-an.
Full moon na karon ang akong isip ana-a ninyong mga buntis kay ting-anak ang buwanon.

Sa atong nakat-onan unsa man ang inyong pagtoo, unsa ang boot ipasabot sa polong nga indulhensya?

Sakit palandongon ang atong mga kaliwat nga Pilipino mapogos molangyaw aron ang pamilya mabulahan ug ang mga anak maka-human sa pagtoon. Sa layong lugar isip nga langyaw unsa man ang atong sandigan kon dili ang atong dakong pagtoo Kaniya. Bisan unsa pa ang biay-biay solod sa atong dughan siya ra ang malig-on nga kadangpanan.God bless.

The patron saint of priests, he personifies service to the Lord.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009
St. John Vianney
(1786-1859)


 
A man with vision overcomes obstacles and performs deeds that seem impossible. John Vianney was a man with vision: He wanted to become a priest. But he had to overcome his meager formal schooling, which inadequately prepared him for seminary studies.
His failure to comprehend Latin lectures forced him to discontinue. But his vision of being a priest urged him to seek private tutoring. After a lengthy battle with the books, John was ordained.

Situations calling for “impossible” deeds followed him everywhere. As pastor of the parish at Ars, John encountered people who were indifferent and quite comfortable with their style of living. His vision led him through severe fasts and short nights of sleep. (Some devils can only be cast out by prayer and fasting.)

With Catherine Lassagne and Benedicta Lardet, he established La Providence, a home for girls. Only a man of vision could have such trust that God would provide for the spiritual and material needs of all those who came to make La Providence their home.

His work as a confessor is John Vianney’s most remarkable accomplishment. In the winter months he was to spend 11 to 12 hours daily reconciling people with God. In the summer months this time was increased to 16 hours. Unless a man was dedicated to his vision of a priestly vocation, he could not have endured this giving of self day after day.

Many people look forward to retirement and taking it easy, doing the things they always wanted to do but never had the time. But John Vianney had no thoughts of retirement. As his fame spread, more hours were consumed in serving God’s people. Even the few hours he would allow himself for sleep were disturbed frequently by the devil.

Who, but a man with vision, could keep going with ever-increasing strength? In 1929, Pope Pius XI named him the patron of parish priests worldwide.




Comment:

Indifference toward religion, coupled with a love for material comfort, seem to be common signs of our times. A person from another planet observing us would not likely judge us to be pilgrim people, on our way to somewhere else. John Vianney, on the other hand, was a man on a journey with his goal before him at all times.


Quote:

Recommending liturgical prayer, John Vianney would say, “Private prayer is like straw scattered here and there: If you set it on fire it makes a lot of little flames. But gather these straws into a bundle and light them, and you get a mighty fire, rising like a column into the sky; public prayer is like that.”

Minute Meditations
Love in Godly Ways   
It is in and through the Holy Spirit that we are able to know God, that God is able to know us, and that we are able, in grace, to live and love in godly ways

Hallo Bugsay, nindot ning imong contribution, salamat jamo!

August 3, 2009

St. Peter Julian Eymard

(1811-1868)

 

Born in La Mure d'Isère in southeastern France, Peter Julian's faith journey drew him from being a priest in the Diocese of Grenoble (1834) to joining the Marists (1839) to founding the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (1856).
In addition to those changes, Peter Julian coped with poverty, his father's initial opposition to Peter's vocation, serious illness, a Jansenistic striving for inner perfection and the difficulties of getting diocesan and later papal approval for his new religious community.

His years as a Marist, including service as a provincial leader, saw the deepening of his eucharistic devotion, especially through his preaching of Forty Hours in many parishes.Inspired at first by the idea of reparation for indifference to the Eucharist, Peter Julian was eventually attracted to a more positive spirituality of Christ-centered love. Members of the men's community, which Peter founded, alternated between an active apostolic life and contemplating Jesus in the Eucharist. He and Marguerite Guillot founded the women's Congregation of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament.

Peter Julian Eymard was beatified in 1925 and canonized in 1962, one day after Vatican II's first session ended.

Comment:

In every century, sin has been painfully real in the life of the Church. It is easy to give in to despair, to speak so strongly of human failings that people may forget the immense and self-sacrificing love of Jesus, as his death on the cross and his gift of the Eucharist make evident. Peter Julian knew that the Eucharist was key to helping Catholics live out their Baptism and preach by word and example the Good News of Jesus Christ.

God of Beauty
 
To deprive ourselves of beauty is to deprive ourselves of an important reminder of God, who is Beauty itself.

Cel, I´m glad to hear thatyour Pa is out of ICU, gastos lagi jamo. Malooy ang Ginoo adunay mga therapist aron mao-lian iyang kosog.
Ikaw Day, pag-amping kay nag sabak pod ka. This is your first baby, be careful of your health also.

Manay

FYI, this is the website source of my postings;
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/minute/

fyi, this is the website where i get my postings on theme like these.
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/minute/

Mga higala si Ondoy Calle, presidente sa dajong! Molansar kini siya sonod pohon pagka gobernador sa Bohol.

A Penn State University study concludes that satisfactory sexual intercourse for couples typically lasts only three to 13 minutes, which counters the robust claims that satisfactory sex requires more time.

In their study, Eric Corty and Jenay Guardiana, researchers at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, surveyed 50 members of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research who've collectively seen thousands of patients over several decades. About two-thirds of them responded to the survey and rated a range of time lengths for sexual intercourse -- from penetration to ejaculation -- under the categories of "adequate," "desirable," "too short" or "too long."

The results, the study continues, should help to change expectations and "prevent distress" among those who feel they're not involved in sexual activity long enough before climax.

"These results may also be beneficial to couples in treatment for sexual problems by normalizing expectations," Corty said.

"If both people are enjoying the experience, that's what matters," he said. "If it's five hours, great. If it's five seconds, great. Relax and have a good time and don't worry about how long it lasts."

E-mail David Templeton at dtempleton(at)post-gazette.com

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)

quickie in car.

the husband should bring the money and shut his mouth, this is the secret of the success.

Loy akong i-advance akong greetings kay mola-ag ko sa week-end, from the bottom of my heart;

Best wishes on your birthday!



kanang tagay sa sunod na lang pohon Loy!God bless.

July 31, 2009

St. Ignatius of Loyola

(1491-1556)

 

The founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune when a cannon ball shattered his leg. Because there were no books of romance on hand during his convalescence, he whiled away the time reading a life of Christ and lives of the saints. His conscience was deeply touched, and a long, painful turning to Christ began. Having seen the Mother of God in a vision, he made a pilgrimage to her shrine at Montserrat (near Barcelona). He remained for almost a year at nearby Manresa, sometimes with the Dominicans, sometimes in a pauper’s hospice, often in a cave in the hills praying. After a period of great peace of mind, he went through a harrowing trial of scruples. There was no comfort in anythingâ€"prayer, fasting, sacraments, penance. At length, his peace of mind returned.
It was during this year of conversion that he began to write down material that later became his greatest work, the Spiritual Exercises.

He finally achieved his purpose of going to the Holy Land, but could not remain, as he planned, because of the hostility of the Turks. He spent the next 11 years in various European universities, studying with great difficulty, beginning almost as a child. Like many others, he fell victim twice to the suspicions of the time, and was twice jailed for brief periods.

In 1534, at the age of 43, he and six others (one of whom was St. Francis Xavier) vowed to live in poverty and chastity and to go to the Holy Land. If this became impossible, they vowed to offer themselves to the apostolic service of the pope. The latter became the only choice. Four years later Ignatius made the association permanent. The new Society of Jesus was approved by Paul III, and Ignatius was elected to serve as the first general.

When companions were sent on various missions by the pope, Ignatius remained in Rome, consolidating the new venture, but still finding time to found homes for orphans, catechumens and penitents. He founded the Roman College, intended to be the model of all other colleges of the Society.

Ignatius was a true mystic. He centered his spiritual life on the essential foundations of Christianityâ€"the Trinity, Christ, the Eucharist. His spirituality is expressed in the Jesuit motto, ad majorem Dei gloriamâ€"“for the greater glory of God.” In his concept, obedience was to be the prominent virtue, to assure the effectiveness and mobility of his men. All activity was to be guided by a true love of the Church and unconditional obedience to the Holy Father, for which reason all professed members took a fourth vow to go wherever the pope should send them for the salvation of souls.



Comment:
Luther nailed his theses to the church door at Wittenberg in 1517. Seventeen years later, Ignatius founded the Society that was to play so prominent a part in the Catholic Reformation. He was an implacable foe of Protestantism. Yet the seeds of ecumenism may be found in his words: “Great care must be taken to show forth orthodox truth in such a way that if any heretics happen to be present they may have an example of charity and Christian moderation. No hard words should be used nor any sort of contempt for their errors be shown.” One of the greatest twentieth-century ecumenists was Cardinal Bea, a Jesuit.

Quote:
Ignatius recommended this prayer to penitents: “Receive, Lord, all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. You have given me all that I have, all that I am, and I surrender all to your divine will, that you dispose of me. Give me only your love and your grace. With this I am rich enough, and I have no more to ask.”

Dealing with God
 
We do not need to worry about giving God what we have…. God is a good business partner. A deal with God has guaranteed returns.

Aduna koy posting bahin sa medicinal  effects of lemongrass (tanglad). Taas gamay apan well-explained.

di-a ra diay;
http://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=16147.0

Try lemongrass tea. Since I was telling friends about the efficacy of tanglad to reduce hypertension, we are all lemongrass tea drinkers now. Inday Bambi sa Apotheke, makaseguro ka nga zitronengrass tee imong mapalit, last week I bought 250 grams , 7,20 Euro akong gibayad. Kon mogamit ka ug 5 grams daily, dugay kini mahorot.

The Body of Christ

Many receive Holy Communion today without the knowledge of what it is, that they are truly partaking the body of Christ.
A miracle happen in  Lanciano Italy the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano…
This continues to happen around the world…

Click on the site below for more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbg_dhI4XCs

To get the optimal benefits of green tea, you must drink 12-15 cups everyday!

July 30, 2009

St. Peter Chrysologus

(406-450?)

 

A man who vigorously pursues a goal may produce results far beyond his expectations and his intentions. Thus it was with Peter of the Golden Words, as he was called, who as a young man became bishop of Ravenna, the capital of the empire in the West.
At the time there were abuses and vestiges of paganism evident in his diocese, and these he was determined to battle and overcome. His principal weapon was the short sermon, and many of them have come down to us. They do not contain great originality of thought. They are, however, full of moral applications, sound in doctrine and historically significant in that they reveal Christian life in fifth-century Ravenna. So authentic were the contents of his sermons that, some 13 centuries later, he was declared a doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIII. He who had earnestly sought to teach and motivate his own flock was recognized as a teacher of the universal Church.

In addition to his zeal in the exercise of his office, Peter Chrysologus was distinguished by a fierce loyalty to the Church, not only in its teaching, but in its authority as well. He looked upon learning not as a mere opportunity but as an obligation for all, both as a development of God-given faculties and as a solid support for the worship of God.

Some time before his death, St. Peter returned to Imola, his birthplace, where he died around A.D. 450.

God’s Nature
 
The nature of God is to give, to pour out the love which is the divine nature.

God’s Nature
 
The nature of God is to give, to pour out the love which is the divine nature.

July 29, 2009

St. Martha


 

Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus were evidently close friends of Jesus. He came to their home simply as a welcomed guest, rather than as one celebrating the conversion of a sinner like Zacchaeus or one unceremoniously received by a suspicious Pharisee. The sisters feel free to call on Jesus at their brother’s death, even though a return to Judea at that time seems almost certain death.
No doubt Martha was an active sort of person. On one occasion (see Luke 10:38-42) she prepares the meal for Jesus and possibly his fellow guests and forthrightly states the obvious: All hands should pitch in to help with the dinner.

Yet, as biblical scholar Father John McKenzie points out, she need not be rated as an “unrecollected activist.” The evangelist is emphasizing what our Lord said on several occasions about the primacy of the spiritual: “...[D]o not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear….But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:25b, 33a); “One does not live by bread alone” (Luke 4:4b); “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness…” (Matthew 5:6a).

Martha’s great glory is her simple and strong statement of faith in Jesus after her brother’s death. “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world’” (John 11:25-27).



Comment:
Scripture commentators point out that in writing his account of the raising of Lazarus, St. John intends that we should see Martha’s words to Mary before the resurrection of Lazarus as a summons that every Christian must obey. In her saying “The teacher is here and is asking for you,” Jesus is calling every one of us to resurrectionâ€"now in baptismal faith, forever in sharing his victory over death. And all of us, as well as these three friends, are in our own unique way called to special friendship with him.

As I see TBTK is a highly profile organization and a foundation at that. The political support is immense up to Malacanang, so who could challenge  their purpose and ask to divulge their financial records to check transparency?
Do they really serve the people of Bohol?

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 11:19-27.
And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother.
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home.
Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
(But) even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you."
Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise."
Martha said to him, "I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day."
Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,
and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
She said to him, "Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world."


today´s Gospel is timely for your needs Inday , I will include you and your father  in my prayers. Please take good care also because of your present situation.

take care always,
Manay

halfcrazy, why are you angry? You don´t have to print them in capital to express this and you don´t have to belittle us as of wala miy kalibotan. This is an opinionated expression. I doubt you, you must be sick. I met a person this time with sick postings, sorry to say this but I feel you are one.

morag kapin 80 naman tingali ni siya, apan kosog lang gihapon ang personlidad.

I watched again Basic Instinct together with my son 15, he was amazed about the sizzling role of Sharon Stone. It was too much for him

I have one request: AYAW PATAKA OG COMMENT KUNG WALA KA KAHIBAW. KATAW-ANAN LANG KA.

Wala man ko magpataka ug comment, I just use my right to express my opinion. Kinsa man ang nagkatawa, ang gidaman.
Kon uglaing nga nia ko sa gawas dili kini nagpasabot nga ako dili updated.  Sabagay ang user name morag timing ang iyang description. How about making to the full?

What is missing here is the proper form of communication.
In my opinion, Loida´s act was unqueenly to lambast the organizers in this form. Uwaw kaayo ang nahitabo, her name will never be forgotten, and no matter how honest are the intentions of the organizers  there will be  malicious talks.
Activities in this caliber have written agreements. So this statement is a baloney;
Another VRS said that "it's sad to say that both parties have no written agreement." "The winners don't know their role because beauty pageants in Bohol have no contracts so definitely the winners don't know their role during their year. It's about time that the organizers should be professional since the beauty pageant industry is alive."

I think it's time I got a divorce... so I can marry husband No.6: Serial bigamist walks free after saying 'I do' five times

Read more: http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/article-1202504/Glamour-model-Emily-Horne-walks-free-court-admitting-bigamy-fourth-time.html#ixzz0MXbZ5SIm

Faith and Beauty
 
Embracing the beauty of the world’s mystery and unexplained depths is cause for rejoicing. How could this not be God’s will for us?

July 28, 2009

St. Leopold Mandic

(1887-1942)

 

Western Christians who are working for greater dialogue with Orthodox Christians may be reaping the fruits of Father Leopold’s prayers.
A native of Croatia, Leopold joined the Capuchin Franciscans and was ordained several years later in spite of several health problems. He could not speak loudly enough to preach publicly. For many years he also suffered from severe arthritis, poor eyesight and a stomach ailment.

Leopold taught patrology, the study of the Church Fathers, to the clerics of his province for several years, but he is best known for his work in the confessional, where he sometimes spent 13-15 hours a day. Several bishops sought out his spiritual advice.

Leopold’s dream was to go to the Orthodox Christians and work for the reunion of Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy. His health never permitted it. Leopold often renewed his vow to go to the Eastern Christians; the cause of unity was constantly in his prayers.

At a time when Pope Pius XII said that the greatest sin of our time is "to have lost all sense of sin," Leopold had a profound sense of sin and an even firmer sense of God’s grace awaiting human cooperation.

Leopold, who lived most of his life in Padua, died on July 30, 1942, and was canonized in 1982.

Comment:

St. Francis advised his followers to "pursue what they must desire above all things, to have the Spirit of the Lord and His holy manner of working" (Rule of 1223, Chapter 10)â€"words that Leopold lived out. When the Capuchin minister general wrote his friars on the occasion of Leopold’s beatification, he said that this friar’s life showed "the priority of that which is essential."

Gift of Wisdom
 
Where there is love and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.

pasabta ko palihug, kinsa man ang naka-angin nga wala siya kasakay? Tickets like this has an expiry date of one year. To make this kind of contest credible, they ( the organizers) could have done something to give her the prize she deserved as a winning contestant.

July 27, 2009

Blessed Antonio Lucci

(1682-1752)

 

Antonio studied with and was a friend of St. Francesco Antonio Fasani, who after Antonio Lucci’s death testified at the diocesan hearings regarding the holiness of Lucci.
Born in Agnone in southern Italy, a city famous for manufacturing bells and copper crafts, he was given the name Angelo at Baptism. He attended the local school run by the Conventual Franciscans and joined them at the age of 16. Antonio completed his studies for the priesthood in Assisi, where he was ordained in 1705. Further studies led to a doctorate in theology and appointments as a teacher in Agnone, Ravello and Naples. He also served as guardian in Naples.

Elected minister provincial in 1718, the following year he was appointed professor at St. Bonaventure College in Rome, a position he held until Pope Benedict XIII chose him as bishop of Bovino (near Foggia) in 1729. The pope explained, "I have chosen as bishop of Bovino an eminent theologian and a great saint."

His 23 years as bishop were marked by visits to local parishes and a renewal of gospel living among the people of his diocese. He dedicated his episcopal income to works of education and charity. At the urging of the Conventual minister general, Bishop Lucci wrote a major book about the saints and blesseds in the first 200 years of the Conventual Franciscans.

He was beatified in 1989, three years after his friend Francesco Antonio Fasani was canonized.

Comment:

As Pope Paul VI wrote in 1975, people today "are more impressed by witnesses than by teachers, and if they listen to these it is because they also bear witness" (Evangelization in the Modern World, #41).

Glorious Word
 
The joy of the Resurrection reminds us that suffering does not have the last word. The final word will be the glorious resurrection.

As we all commonly have known that
garlic has numerous health benefits
and to name a few it boosts our immune
systm, safeguard against cancer, lower
blood pressure, reduces cholesterol
and helps unclog arteries as well as
relieves osteoarthritis pain.
Most interestingly garlic contains nitric
oxide synthetase (NOS), an enzyme
primarily responsible for causing the
penis to become erect. Studies show
that garlic can increase the production
of NOS in men who are low in this enzyme.
Garlic paste and minced garlic in oil are
available in the supermarket where you
can use it as a spread like butter to your
toasted bread, fried or boiled camote or
fried unripe plantain.
If you want the best benefit you can obtain
aged garlic ( Kyolic) in the Health Food
Store and had shown no side effects and
no bad breath. However, if you are getting
anticoagulant medication, you can consult
your health provider if you still need to buy
garlic supplement.
information about garlic re- aphrodisiac
obtained from the blog of a friend of my
astrologer friend.

A sincere birthday wishes to you and may you stay always in the Grace of the Lord..., Manay Tess

pila mo nga igsoon, delegate ang ubang trabaho sa mga relatives aron aduna kay free hand, kay ikaw man tingali ang mag-organize.
It is common to have renewal of vows, basin mosogot ang pari kon adto sa balay ang misa, with close families around, ug sa atong simbahan, daghang manokos sa imong handa, ma pordoy ka.
If you canvass some hotels for a long weekend with all inclusive for your parents, you might get some discounts kay ang September dili naman high season, these are my personal  opinion. God bless and good luck.

Manay

Walastik Gener, akala ko ikaw yung man on the porch!

July 25, 2009

St. James


 

This James is the brother of John the Evangelist. The two were called by Jesus as they worked with their father in a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had already called another pair of brothers from a similar occupation: Peter and Andrew. “He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him” (Mark 1:19-20).
James was one of the favored three who had the privilege of witnessing the Transfiguration, the raising to life of the daughter of Jairus and the agony in Gethsemani.

Two incidents in the Gospels describe the temperament of this man and his brother. St. Matthew tells that their mother came (Mark says it was the brothers themselves) to ask that they have the seats of honor (one on the right, one on the left of Jesus) in the kingdom. “Jesus said in reply, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We can’” (Matthew 20:22). Jesus then told them they would indeed drink the cup and share his baptism of pain and death, but that sitting at his right hand or left was not his to giveâ€"it “is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father” (Matthew 20:23b). It remained to be seen how long it would take to realize the implications of their confident “We can!”

The other disciples became indignant at the ambition of James and John. Then Jesus taught them all the lesson of humble service: The purpose of authority is to serve. They are not to impose their will on others, or lord it over them. This is the position of Jesus himself. He was the servant of all; the service imposed on him was the supreme sacrifice of his own life.

On another occasion, James and John gave evidence that the nickname Jesus gave themâ€"“sons of thunder”â€"was an apt one. The Samaritans would not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to hated Jerusalem. “When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?’ Jesus turned and rebuked them...” (Luke 9:54-55).

James was apparently the first of the apostles to be martyred. “About that time King Herod laid hands upon some members of the church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also” (Acts 12:1-3a).

This James, sometimes called James the Greater, is not to be confused with James the Lesser (May 3) or with the author of the Letter of James and the leader of the Jerusalem community.



Comment:
The way the Gospels treat the apostles is a good reminder of what holiness is all about. There is very little about their virtues as static possessions, entitling them to heavenly reward. Rather, the great emphasis is on the Kingdom, on God’s giving them the power to proclaim the Good News. As far as their personal lives are concerned, there is much about Jesus’ purifying them of narrowness, pettiness, fickleness.

Unconditional Love
 
Love within a family is unconditional, and this kind of environment is necessary not only for children but also for adults who need a space of healing from wounds inflicted in the marketplace.

if a million corrupt people die, there will still be enough millions who are committed to corruption, this is simply a vicious cycle.

This move must also hold true for Diwal-wal.

July 24, 2009

St. Sharbel Makhlouf

(1828-1898)

 

Although this saint never traveled far from the Lebanese village of Beka-Kafra, where he was born, his influence has spread widely.
Joseph Zaroun Maklouf was raised by an uncle because his father, a mule driver, died when Joseph was only three. At the age of 23, Joseph joined the Monastery of St. Maron at Annaya, Lebanon, and took the name Sharbel in honor of a second-century martyr. He professed his final vows in 1853 and was ordained six years later.

Following the example of the fifth-century St. Maron, Sharbel lived as a hermit from 1875 until his death. His reputation for holiness prompted people to seek him to receive a blessing and to be remembered in his prayers. He followed a strict fast and was very devoted to the Blessed Sacrament. When his superiors occasionally asked him to administer the sacraments to nearby villages, Sharbel did so gladly.

He died in the late afternoon on Christmas Eve. Christians and non-Christians soon made his tomb a place of pilgrimage and of cures. Pope Paul VI beatified him in 1965 and canonized him 12 years later.



Comment:
Pope John Paul II has often said that the Church has two lungs (East and West) and it must learn to breathe using both of them. Remembering saints like Sharbel helps the Church to appreciate both the diversity and unity present in the Catholic Church. Like all the saints, Sharbel points us to God and invites us to cooperate generously with God's grace, no matter what our situation in life may be. As our prayer life becomes deeper and more honest, we become more ready to make that generous response.

Quote:
When Sharbel was canonized in 1977, Bishop Francis Zayek, head the U.S. Diocese of St. Maron, wrote a pamphlet entitled “A New Star of the East.” Bishop Zayek wrote: “St. Sharbel is called the second St. Anthony of the Desert, the Perfume of Lebanon, the first Confessor of the East to be raised to the Altars according to the actual procedure of the Catholic Church, the honor of our Aramaic Antiochian Church, and the model of spiritual values and renewal. Sharbel is like a Cedar of Lebanon standing in eternal prayer, on top of a mountain.”

The bishop noted that Sharbel's canonization plus other beatification cases prove “that the Aramaic Maronite Antiochian Church is indeed a living branch of the Catholic Church and is intimately connected with the trunk, who is Christ, our Savior, the beginning and the end of all things.”

Resurrection in Community
 
Renewed life and interdependence are entwined…. We cannot live a resurrected life alone.

Resurrection in Community
 
Renewed life and interdependence are entwined…. We cannot live a resurrected life alone.

July 23, 2009

St. Bridget

(1303?-1373)

 

From age seven on, Bridget had visions of Christ crucified. Her visions formed the basis for her activityâ€"always with the emphasis on charity rather than spiritual favors.
She lived her married life in the court of the Swedish king Magnus II. Mother of eight children (the second eldest was St. Catherine of Sweden), she lived the strict life of a penitent after her husband’s death.

Bridget constantly strove to exert her good influence over Magnus; while never fully reforming, he did give her land and buildings to found a monastery for men and women. This group eventually expanded into an Order known as the Bridgetines (still in existence).

In 1350, a year of jubilee, Bridget braved a plague-stricken Europe to make a pilgrimage to Rome. Although she never returned to Sweden, her years in Rome were far from happy, being hounded by debts and by opposition to her work against Church abuses.

A final pilgrimage to the Holy Land, marred by shipwreck and the death of her son, Charles, eventually led to her death in 1373. In 1999, she, Saints Catherine of Siena and Edith Stein were named co-patronesses of Europe.



Comment:
Bridget’s visions, rather than isolating her from the affairs of the world, involved her in many contemporary issues, whether they be royal policy or the years that the legitimate Bishop of Rome lived in Avignon, France. She saw no contradiction between mystical experience and secular activity, and her life is a testimony to the possibility of a holy life in the market place.

Hope Calls Us
 
Hope prods us to step out again, to imagine, to speak, to risk, to put ourselves on the line, to dare to work toward the kingdomâ€"together.

This is wonderful, I hope that some members take initiative just like this. We feel like one big family.

To the smartest guy in Tubag Bohol Forum, many happy returns of the day, Happy birthday Ondoy Lorenzo...greetings from Manay.

Contemplation
 
The pure of heart are those who never cease adoring and looking with pure heart and soul upon the Lord living and true.

July 22, 2009

St. Mary Magdalene


 

Except for the mother of Jesus, few women are more honored in the Bible than Mary Magdalene. Yet she could well be the patron of the slandered, since there has been a persistent legend in the Church that she is the unnamed sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus in Luke 7:36-50.
Most Scripture scholars today point out that there is no scriptural basis for confusing the two women. Mary Magdalene, that is, “of Magdala,” was the one from whom Christ cast out “seven demons” (Luke 8:2)â€"an indication, at the worst, of extreme demonic possession or, possibly, severe illness.

Father W.J. Harrington, O.P., writing in the New Catholic Commentary, says that “seven demons” “does not mean that Mary had lived an immoral lifeâ€"a conclusion reached only by means of a mistaken identification with the anonymous woman of Luke 7:36.” Father Edward Mally, S.J., writing in the Jerome Biblical Commentary, agrees that she “is not...the same as the sinner of Luke 7:37, despite the later Western romantic tradition about her.”

Mary Magdalene was one of the many “who were assisting them [Jesus and the Twelve] out of their means.” She was one of those who stood by the cross of Jesus with his mother. And, of all the “official” witnesses that might have been chosen for the first awareness of the Resurrection, she was the one to whom that privilege was given. She is known as the "Apostle to the Apostles."



Comment:
Mary Magdalene has been a victim of mistaken identity for almost 20 centuries. Yet she would no doubt insist that it makes no difference. We are all sinners in need of the saving power of God, whether our sins have been lurid or not. More importantly, we are all, with her, “unofficial” witnesses of the Resurrection.

She is a pretty girl, a cosmopolite, for my eyes not a typical Pinay beauty. She plucked her eyebrows and she is wearing make-up.