Sunday, January 31, 2016
Saturday, January 30, 2016
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Friday, January 29, 2016
Monday, January 25, 2016
PRAYER TO SAINT MARY MAGDALENE
PRAYER TO SAINT MARY MAGDALENE
Saint Mary Magdalene,
woman of many sins, who by conversion
became the beloved of Jesus,
thank you for your witness
that Jesus forgives
through the miracle of love.
You, who already possess eternal happiness
in His glorious presence,
please intercede for me, so that some day
I may share in the same everlasting joy.
in His glorious presence,
please intercede for me, so that some day
I may share in the same everlasting joy.
Amen.
WHO IS MARY MAGDALENE?
St. Mary Magdalene’s feast day is July 22 and it can be said that hers was perhaps Jesus’ greatest conversion of a woman. She is named at least 12 times in the four Gospels, which is more than most of the apostles. Jesus loved her and she loved him all the way to the foot of the cross, where most of his disciples abandoned him. Let us investigate why she is such a powerful saint and has earned the nickname the “Apostle to the Apostles”.
Saturday, January 23, 2016
CORPUS CHRISTI NOVENA
(A Novena that honours the Body and Blood of Christ.)
I thank You, Jesus, my Divine Redeemer,
for coming upon the earth for our sake,
and for instituting the adorable Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
in order to remain with us until the end of the world.
for coming upon the earth for our sake,
and for instituting the adorable Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
in order to remain with us until the end of the world.
I thank You for hiding beneath the Eucharistic species Your infinite majesty and beauty,
which Your Angels delight to behold,
so that I might have courage to approach the throne of Your Mercy.
which Your Angels delight to behold,
so that I might have courage to approach the throne of Your Mercy.
I thank You, most loving Jesus,
for having made Yourself my food,
and for uniting me to Yourself with so much love
in this wonderful Sacrament that I may live in You.
for having made Yourself my food,
and for uniting me to Yourself with so much love
in this wonderful Sacrament that I may live in You.
I thank You, my Jesus,
for giving Yourself to me in this Blessed Sacrament,
and so enriching it with the treasures of Your love
that You have no greater gift to give me.
for giving Yourself to me in this Blessed Sacrament,
and so enriching it with the treasures of Your love
that You have no greater gift to give me.
I thank You not only for becoming my food
but also for offering Yourself as a continual sacrifice
to Your Eternal Father for my salvation.
but also for offering Yourself as a continual sacrifice
to Your Eternal Father for my salvation.
I thank You, Divine Priest,
for offering Yourself as a Sacrifice daily upon our altars in adoration
and homage to the Most Blessed Trinity,
and for making amends for our poor and miserable adoration.
for offering Yourself as a Sacrifice daily upon our altars in adoration
and homage to the Most Blessed Trinity,
and for making amends for our poor and miserable adoration.
I thank You for renewing in this daily Sacrifice
the actual Sacrifice of the Cross offered on Calvary,
in which You satisfy Divine justice for us poor sinners.
the actual Sacrifice of the Cross offered on Calvary,
in which You satisfy Divine justice for us poor sinners.
I thank You, dear Jesus,
for having become the priceless Victim
to merit for me the fullness of heavenly favors.
Awaken in me such confidence in You
that their fullness may descend ever more fruitfully upon my soul.
for having become the priceless Victim
to merit for me the fullness of heavenly favors.
Awaken in me such confidence in You
that their fullness may descend ever more fruitfully upon my soul.
I thank You for offering Yourself in thanksgiving to God
for all His benefits,
spiritual and temporal,
which He has bestowed upon me.
for all His benefits,
spiritual and temporal,
which He has bestowed upon me.
In union with Your offering of Yourself to Your Father
in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,
I ask for this special favor:
in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,
I ask for this special favor:
[State your intention here…]
If it be Your holy Will, grant my request.
Through You I also hope to receive
the grace of perseverance in Your love and faithful service,
a holy death,
and a happy eternity with You in Heaven. Amen.
Through You I also hope to receive
the grace of perseverance in Your love and faithful service,
a holy death,
and a happy eternity with You in Heaven. Amen.
O Lord, You have given us this Sacred Banquet,
in which Christ is received,
the memory of His Passion is renewed,
the mind is filled with grace,
and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
You have given them bread from Heaven.
Having all sweetness within.
in which Christ is received,
the memory of His Passion is renewed,
the mind is filled with grace,
and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
You have given them bread from Heaven.
Having all sweetness within.
Let us pray.
God our Father,
for Your glory and our salvation
You appointed Jesus Christ eternal High Priest.
May the people He gained for You by His Blood
come to share in the power of His Cross and Resurrection
by celebrating His Memorial in this Eucharist,
for He lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever.
for Your glory and our salvation
You appointed Jesus Christ eternal High Priest.
May the people He gained for You by His Blood
come to share in the power of His Cross and Resurrection
by celebrating His Memorial in this Eucharist,
for He lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever.
Amen.
O Jesus, since You have left us a remembrance of Your Passion
beneath the veils of this Sacrament,
grant us, we pray,
so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood
that we may always enjoy the fruits of Your Redemption,
for You live and reign forever.
beneath the veils of this Sacrament,
grant us, we pray,
so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood
that we may always enjoy the fruits of Your Redemption,
for You live and reign forever.
Amen.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
MEDITATION ON THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES - FIFTH LUMINOUS MYSTERY
MEDITATION ON THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES
Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
Mark 9: 2-7.
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
]
Reflection:
In the Transfiguration, another moment of supernatural light bursts through and shatters the ordinary appearances of business-as-usual. Jesus allows them to see the dazzling light of glory, and to hear the Father’s voice attesting to his Son. If Jesus’ baptism prefigured his Passion and Death, the Transfiguration prefigures his Resurrection into glory. In the shining face of Jesus, the new Moses, the apostles see the glory that will be waiting for them too, once the sufferings of this life are through. Peter wanted to set up tents on the mountain, but he had it all backwards. They were not meant to dwell in that experience; it was meant to dwell in them, as a memory that would travel with them like a torch to enlighten the hard times ahead. In our lives too, sometimes we find ourselves nostalgic for our own mountain-top experiences, wishing we could return to bask in that blissful glow. But like Peter, we’ve got it all backwards. Those moments are given to us as an encouraging memory to spur us on in hard times, as a glimpse of the greater joy that lies ahead of us.
In the Transfiguration, another moment of supernatural light bursts through and shatters the ordinary appearances of business-as-usual. Jesus allows them to see the dazzling light of glory, and to hear the Father’s voice attesting to his Son. If Jesus’ baptism prefigured his Passion and Death, the Transfiguration prefigures his Resurrection into glory. In the shining face of Jesus, the new Moses, the apostles see the glory that will be waiting for them too, once the sufferings of this life are through. Peter wanted to set up tents on the mountain, but he had it all backwards. They were not meant to dwell in that experience; it was meant to dwell in them, as a memory that would travel with them like a torch to enlighten the hard times ahead. In our lives too, sometimes we find ourselves nostalgic for our own mountain-top experiences, wishing we could return to bask in that blissful glow. But like Peter, we’ve got it all backwards. Those moments are given to us as an encouraging memory to spur us on in hard times, as a glimpse of the greater joy that lies ahead of us.
In this mystery, Mary can help us remember that no matter how deep and shadowed the valleys—discouragement, depression, confusion, loneliness, anxiety— the light of heaven is real and there is much to look forward to. The best is yet to come.
MEDITATION ON THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES - FOURTH LUMINOUS MYSTERY
MEDITATION ON THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES
Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
Mark 9: 2-7.
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Reflection:
In the Transfiguration, another moment of supernatural light bursts through and shatters the ordinary appearances of business-as-usual. Jesus allows them to see the dazzling light of glory, and to hear the Father’s voice attesting to his Son. If Jesus’ baptism prefigured his Passion and Death, the Transfiguration prefigures his Resurrection into glory. In the shining face of Jesus, the new Moses, the apostles see the glory that will be waiting for them too, once the sufferings of this life are through. Peter wanted to set up tents on the mountain, but he had it all backwards. They were not meant to dwell in that experience; it was meant to dwell in them, as a memory that would travel with them like a torch to enlighten the hard times ahead. In our lives too, sometimes we find ourselves nostalgic for our own mountain-top experiences, wishing we could return to bask in that blissful glow. But like Peter, we’ve got it all backwards. Those moments are given to us as an encouraging memory to spur us on in hard times, as a glimpse of the greater joy that lies ahead of us.
In the Transfiguration, another moment of supernatural light bursts through and shatters the ordinary appearances of business-as-usual. Jesus allows them to see the dazzling light of glory, and to hear the Father’s voice attesting to his Son. If Jesus’ baptism prefigured his Passion and Death, the Transfiguration prefigures his Resurrection into glory. In the shining face of Jesus, the new Moses, the apostles see the glory that will be waiting for them too, once the sufferings of this life are through. Peter wanted to set up tents on the mountain, but he had it all backwards. They were not meant to dwell in that experience; it was meant to dwell in them, as a memory that would travel with them like a torch to enlighten the hard times ahead. In our lives too, sometimes we find ourselves nostalgic for our own mountain-top experiences, wishing we could return to bask in that blissful glow. But like Peter, we’ve got it all backwards. Those moments are given to us as an encouraging memory to spur us on in hard times, as a glimpse of the greater joy that lies ahead of us.
In this mystery, Mary can help us remember that no matter how deep and shadowed the valleys—discouragement, depression, confusion, loneliness, anxiety— the light of heaven is real and there is much to look forward to. The best is yet to come.
MEDITATION ON THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES - THIRD LUMINOUS MYSTERY
MEDITATION ON THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES
Third Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom and the Call to Conversion
Matthew 5:3,6.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall have their fill.”
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall have their fill.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church: #1427, 1989, 670
Reflection:
One of the ways that God reaches man is through words. The spoken word—and even the written word that seems to leap off of the page when we read it—has the power to pierce and move hearts. And when that word is full of truth, it has a mysterious resonance in the heart, a kind of magnetic attraction for the soul that is truly hungry for what is right, true, and good. When Christ came to proclaim the Kingdom of God, he made a series of appeals to the heart—invitations to a life of greater poverty, simplicity, honesty, and wholehearted service. Some perceived the beauty of that call and rose up to follow it. Others did not. Why? Perhaps some become entrenched in their own supposed righteousness, so burdened by the need to maintain appearances that they cannot rise up in response to the call. The accessories of success keep them weighted down. Others are so hungry for God, in some cases, so humiliated by life, that they feel entirely free to let go of everything, even their pride. Others are simply pure of heart, focused on what is good and not on self at all. There are so many reasons why some do and some do not follow Jesus, and he alone knows the story of each soul. Where do we stand? What does he see in our hearts?
One of the ways that God reaches man is through words. The spoken word—and even the written word that seems to leap off of the page when we read it—has the power to pierce and move hearts. And when that word is full of truth, it has a mysterious resonance in the heart, a kind of magnetic attraction for the soul that is truly hungry for what is right, true, and good. When Christ came to proclaim the Kingdom of God, he made a series of appeals to the heart—invitations to a life of greater poverty, simplicity, honesty, and wholehearted service. Some perceived the beauty of that call and rose up to follow it. Others did not. Why? Perhaps some become entrenched in their own supposed righteousness, so burdened by the need to maintain appearances that they cannot rise up in response to the call. The accessories of success keep them weighted down. Others are so hungry for God, in some cases, so humiliated by life, that they feel entirely free to let go of everything, even their pride. Others are simply pure of heart, focused on what is good and not on self at all. There are so many reasons why some do and some do not follow Jesus, and he alone knows the story of each soul. Where do we stand? What does he see in our hearts?
In this mystery, we can ask Mary to show us the way to get closer to that eternal Kingdom where obedience sets us free.
MEDITATION ON THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES - SECOND LUMINOUS MYSTERY
MEDITATION ON THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES
Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana
John 2: 1-5.
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you."
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you."
Reflection:
The wedding in Cana is the first moment when Jesus performs a public miracle – an act of power that makes people start asking the crucial question: “Who is this man?” Mary is there with him, with her discreet and serene presence. When the wine runs short, she approaches Jesus with an implicit request that she knows will have tremendous consequences: “They have no wine.” Mary knows that if he works this miracle now, their hidden life together will never be the same, that he will leave Nazareth and begin his public ministry. It is a sacrificial request inspired by the Holy Spirit, and Jesus acts on it because he perceives the Father’s will behind her words. In fact, his hour has come. He works the miracle, and the great mystery of his identity begins to attract attention. In our lives too, there are moments when other people with their needs and requests are actually the voice of God speaking to us, asking us to take a step that perhaps we know will have big consequences. Perhaps the timing is inconvenient, or we would rather not get involved. But that inconvenient request could be God’s way of imploring us to step into an important mission in his plan.
The wedding in Cana is the first moment when Jesus performs a public miracle – an act of power that makes people start asking the crucial question: “Who is this man?” Mary is there with him, with her discreet and serene presence. When the wine runs short, she approaches Jesus with an implicit request that she knows will have tremendous consequences: “They have no wine.” Mary knows that if he works this miracle now, their hidden life together will never be the same, that he will leave Nazareth and begin his public ministry. It is a sacrificial request inspired by the Holy Spirit, and Jesus acts on it because he perceives the Father’s will behind her words. In fact, his hour has come. He works the miracle, and the great mystery of his identity begins to attract attention. In our lives too, there are moments when other people with their needs and requests are actually the voice of God speaking to us, asking us to take a step that perhaps we know will have big consequences. Perhaps the timing is inconvenient, or we would rather not get involved. But that inconvenient request could be God’s way of imploring us to step into an important mission in his plan.
In this mystery, Mary can gain us the grace to “do whatever He tells you."
MEDITATION ON THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES - FIRST LUMINOUS MYSTERY
MEDITATION ON THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES WHEN YOU SAY THE ROSARY TODAY
First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus
Matthew 3:13-17.
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Reflection:
Like their mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, Jesus and John were associated in the plan of God. John had a specific role to play as the forerunner announcing the arrival of the Messiah and proclaiming a baptism of repentance. By the hand of John, Jesus is baptized in waters that symbolize his upcoming death, and as he rises again, the Spirit descends and the Father’s voice is heard echoing across the Jordan. This mystery of Jesus’ baptism offers a glimpse of that other baptism he will undergo on the cross—a total submersion into sin and death, two abominations that never should have been, but that man’s free will brought into the world. By this baptism, Jesus is saying that he is ready to take it all on, that he is not afraid of our sin, and that he will do this for us because he loves us. In this mystery,
Like their mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, Jesus and John were associated in the plan of God. John had a specific role to play as the forerunner announcing the arrival of the Messiah and proclaiming a baptism of repentance. By the hand of John, Jesus is baptized in waters that symbolize his upcoming death, and as he rises again, the Spirit descends and the Father’s voice is heard echoing across the Jordan. This mystery of Jesus’ baptism offers a glimpse of that other baptism he will undergo on the cross—a total submersion into sin and death, two abominations that never should have been, but that man’s free will brought into the world. By this baptism, Jesus is saying that he is ready to take it all on, that he is not afraid of our sin, and that he will do this for us because he loves us. In this mystery,
Mary can help us to face our own challenges, especially the ones we fear most. Perhaps it is a long postponed confession, or an overdue reconciliation with a family member, or an act of honesty about something we would rather leave in the shadows. She can teach us to plunge into those cold waters with the confidence that we will rise again, made stronger and purer by the Father’s grace.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Monday, January 18, 2016
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Saturday, January 16, 2016
GOD is sending a sign
Photo of the Day: A woman in Michigan took this photo of the sunrise forming what appears to be a cross.
Friday, January 15, 2016
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Saint Conus
Cono was a Benedictine monk. He was born in Diano (Italy) in the late 12th century, and became a monk in S.Maria di Cadossa Benedictine Monastery (now St. Cono sanctuary) near Montesano sulla Marcellana. He died very young in the early years of the 13th century with a reputation for holiness. When Cadossa monastery was closed his relics were returned to Diano in 1261, where he is venerated as its patron saint. There is a great sanctuary for him in Uruguay too.
The Saint was canonized on April 27, 1871 by Pope Pius IX. The feast is celebrated on June 3. Celebrations in his honor are celebrated in Florida (Uruguay),Teggiano, Buenos Aires, Brooklyn, San Mauro Pascoli, and San Cono di Cessaniti.
Saint Cono was an obscure saint from the hill town of Teggiano, near Salerno. Legend says that Cono was born with a cone shaped head, a symbol of the Trinity. He wanted to become a monk which was against his mother’s wishes that he marry a nice Italian girl and have some kids. Finally, she relented when she found Cono praying in a burning bread oven, unharmed by the heat and flames.
Emigrants from Teggiano went to Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The small Italian community that still lives in the middle of Hipsterville, USA celebrates Saint Cono as a last remaining thread to Teggiano. Richardson Street between Lorimer and Union has the official second name “San Cono Strada” because his unofficial shrine remains there, in a private residence.
There are a lot of people in Williamsburg named Cono, and there used to be quite a few businesses with Cono in the name as well.
You can have your own feast as well, and prepare this typical dish from Teggiano in honor of Saint Cono. (And if you want to sound like you’re from Teggiano, call them gavateel.)
Saint Cono is the saint to pray to for winning the Lottery.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Friday, January 8, 2016
God sends a Message of LOVE
Yesterday, my past student, Maira Castillo Santana looked up in the sky and saw this and took this picture. This is a message from God and a wonderful one too!! When God sends a Message of LOVE we are blessed.
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