The Litany of Loreto Rosary The First Sorrowful Mystery Matthew 26: 36-46
Our Father
Mary, pray for us that we may be watchful at all times, for the coming of the Lord, even if watchfulness brings suffering.
Hail Mary one
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me, all you labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you find rest for yours souls.
Hail Mary two
Mirror of Justice
To be a mirror, Mary faces Christ in His suffering and reflects Him. Christ is Justice, the only Man Who can truly judge right and wrong. All of our actions, or decisions have consequences which follow naturally, as one season yields to another, and as lie yields to death. Mary reflects not only suffering, but the feminine nature of Creation God created before the Fall, as beautiful and virtuous. She reminds us of a world we ignore, or consciously attempt to destroy in the fury of "progress" and sin. Mary reflects Christ's hierarchy of goodness over all of creation. She reminds us of the natural processes of our lives, which leads to eternal life or death.
The Just One endured an illegal and unjust trial. Justice endured injustice and Mary did as well, enduring this suffering with her Son. We are freed from the supernatural consequences of our sins-eternal death. Mary, as the Mirror of Justice, reveals Truth to the world.
Hail Mary three
Have pity on us, Mirror of Justice, and lead us to righteousness, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
Hail Mary four
Matthew 11:16-19
But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the market place, who call to their companions, and say "We have piped to you, and you have not danced; we have sung dirges, and you have not mourned." For John came neither eating and drinking, and they say "He has a devil!" The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Behold a glutton and a wine-drinker, a friend of publicans and sinners. And wisdom is justified by her children.
Hail Mary five
Seat of Wisdom
Christ referred to Wisdom in His address to the unbelieving crowd. He meant, among other things, that those who are wise reveal themselves by their actions. A wise person responds to the advice of spiritual persons, and responds to the grace of God. Mary, Sedes Sapientia, is the place where Wisdom rests. In her, all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are manifested as perfect. Her name Seat of Wisdom indicates a position of simplicity, humility, reason and peace. He Son lacked her comfort in the Garden of Gethsemane. We gain her presence and the comfort of Wisdom through His loss in this mystery.
Hail Mary six
Seat of Wisdom, who held the Divine Child in your lap, and who held the dead Christ, pray that we may become Children of Wisdom in this foolish generation.
Hail Mary seven
Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when men reproach you, and persecute you, and, speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for my sake. Rejoice and exult, because your reward is great in heaven; for so did they persecute the prophets who were before you.
Hail Mary eight
Cause of our Joy
Did Christ recall His own words in the Garden of Gethsemane? He knew the long history of the rejection of the prophets of Israel. Yet, He told His disciples to rejoice. Anguish, at first, drives away promises of hope; all one can affirm in suffering is "The will be done." Mary's fiat let the Passion occur, Beyond the Garden of Gethsemane lies the empty tomb, unseen, yet hoped for in the promises of the prophets. Our joy, through Mary, is Christ's victory. But, He allowed Himself to take our anguish, our sorrows for that Cause. Mary's yes is Christ's yes.
Hail Mary nine
Cause of our Joy, intercede for us, that we may have grateful hearts. Pray for us, that we may be as generous in suffering as Jesus Christ was in the surrender of our wills, bodies, and spirits to the Father,
Hail Mary ten
Glory be
Fatima Prayer
(I cannot believe I wrote this in 1979-1984, but I did. This could have been written yesterday.)
To be continued....
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
The Litany of Loreto Rosary Part Six-The Joyous Mysteries-The Fifth Mystery, The Finding of The Lord Jesus in The Temple
The Fifth Joyful Mystery The Finding of the Lord Jesus in The Temple Luke 2:41-52
Our Father
Dearest Mary, show us our childishness and pettiness and lead us to accept the responsibility of adulthood in all matter spiritual and physical, through the life of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hail Mary one
Esther 2:15
For she was exceedingly fair, and her incredible beauty made her appear agreeable and amiable in the eyes of all.
Hail Mary two
Virgin most Renowned
The beloved, admired of all heaven, holy Mary lost Christ in the largest city in Judea at that time, Jerusalem. Mary's holiness and beauty must have been tried by the circumstances of her Baby's birth and by the terrible flight into Egypt. The young Mother, again, faced her responsibility for Christ's young life--and God showed her that she, even though the chosen woman, Mother of the Messiah, was not totally responsible. How difficult it is for us to learn what are our limitations and what are our responsibilities. Mary's reputation as a Mother suffered; her soul agonized over the loss of the Boy who she alone really knew, and understood more than any other human. But, did she understand the limitations of her relationship with Him? I think so, I think the Virgin most Renowned in all of creation knew from her own Immaculate Conception her role as Mother of God, as the Virgin above all praise. But, her humility was her crown.
Hail Mary three
Mary, we experience death in releasing the innocence of our own childhood and facing the responsibilities of adulthood. Pray for us that we may be willing to both accept the limitations of our humanity, and the glory of our vocations. Help us to accept the limited works given to us to do. Help us, dear Virgin, be humble.
Hail Mary four
Esther 2:17-18
And the king loved her more than all the women... and he set the royal crown on her head....
Hail Mary five
Virgin most Powerful
As the beloved Queen of God's Heart, as the Mother of the Most High God, Mary is the most powerful woman of all time. She has more power than Esther, than any other saint. And yet, Mary had to search three days for her young son, like the three days of Christ in the tomb years later. Mary's search was Christ's search. He searches. In the Temple, the world saw their true identities. Jesus verbalized His call as Teacher, Leader, Prophet. Mary laid aside her motherly power to allow Him to be Himself, God Incarnate. This event foreshadows both the Wedding Feast at Cana, when Mary's influence over her Son caused Him to begin His public life, and the Crucifixion, when Mary gave her Son to the world in pain and separation.
The most Powerful had to experience powerlessness, like her Son.
Hail Mary six
Virgin, pray with us, especially for mothers, that they may not be possessive of their children, but willingly allow God's Will to be done in their lives. You were never possessive, even though you possessed God.
Hail Mary seven
Esther 7:3
If I have found favor in Thy sight, O king, and if it please thee, give me my life for which I ask and my people for which I request.
Hail Mary eight
Virgin most Merciful
In the face of disapproval and death, Esther pleaded for her Jewish People in the presence of an enemy. Esther's mercy grew from prayer, fasting, and courage. She risked her life for her people, and, thereby, freed the Jews from the penalty of death. When Mary found the Christ Child, she revealed mercy through a new suffering--Christ answered her bluntly. Her detachment from Christ was a necessity in order for the Jews and the Gentile to be freed from sin and death. Virgin most Merciful gave us her Son in mercy. We are reminded of Christ's words: "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" Mary's love, like Esther's, was tried by fire. Human love and divine love meet, and divine love transcends the Mother's human heart.
Hail Mary nine
Mother of Mercy, Mater misericordiae! Your are also Virgin Most Faithful, which means that you are my Mother, and Mother of the remnant. Pray for us in these times of confusion and chaos. Help us to be merciful as well as accepting mercy. Help us to be faithful in living in faith. Let us show courage in being merciful and faithful, and in giving mercy through forgiveness based on good faith. Virgin Most Faithful, help us grow by Faith, while in the Dark Night. Mercy and Faithfulness combine to help us reach out to others at all times, in season and out of season.
Hail Mary ten
Glory be
Fatima Prayer
To be continued....
Our Father
Dearest Mary, show us our childishness and pettiness and lead us to accept the responsibility of adulthood in all matter spiritual and physical, through the life of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hail Mary one
Esther 2:15
For she was exceedingly fair, and her incredible beauty made her appear agreeable and amiable in the eyes of all.
Hail Mary two
Virgin most Renowned
The beloved, admired of all heaven, holy Mary lost Christ in the largest city in Judea at that time, Jerusalem. Mary's holiness and beauty must have been tried by the circumstances of her Baby's birth and by the terrible flight into Egypt. The young Mother, again, faced her responsibility for Christ's young life--and God showed her that she, even though the chosen woman, Mother of the Messiah, was not totally responsible. How difficult it is for us to learn what are our limitations and what are our responsibilities. Mary's reputation as a Mother suffered; her soul agonized over the loss of the Boy who she alone really knew, and understood more than any other human. But, did she understand the limitations of her relationship with Him? I think so, I think the Virgin most Renowned in all of creation knew from her own Immaculate Conception her role as Mother of God, as the Virgin above all praise. But, her humility was her crown.
Hail Mary three
Mary, we experience death in releasing the innocence of our own childhood and facing the responsibilities of adulthood. Pray for us that we may be willing to both accept the limitations of our humanity, and the glory of our vocations. Help us to accept the limited works given to us to do. Help us, dear Virgin, be humble.
Hail Mary four
Esther 2:17-18
And the king loved her more than all the women... and he set the royal crown on her head....
Hail Mary five
Virgin most Powerful
As the beloved Queen of God's Heart, as the Mother of the Most High God, Mary is the most powerful woman of all time. She has more power than Esther, than any other saint. And yet, Mary had to search three days for her young son, like the three days of Christ in the tomb years later. Mary's search was Christ's search. He searches. In the Temple, the world saw their true identities. Jesus verbalized His call as Teacher, Leader, Prophet. Mary laid aside her motherly power to allow Him to be Himself, God Incarnate. This event foreshadows both the Wedding Feast at Cana, when Mary's influence over her Son caused Him to begin His public life, and the Crucifixion, when Mary gave her Son to the world in pain and separation.
The most Powerful had to experience powerlessness, like her Son.
Hail Mary six
Virgin, pray with us, especially for mothers, that they may not be possessive of their children, but willingly allow God's Will to be done in their lives. You were never possessive, even though you possessed God.
Hail Mary seven
Esther 7:3
If I have found favor in Thy sight, O king, and if it please thee, give me my life for which I ask and my people for which I request.
Hail Mary eight
Virgin most Merciful
In the face of disapproval and death, Esther pleaded for her Jewish People in the presence of an enemy. Esther's mercy grew from prayer, fasting, and courage. She risked her life for her people, and, thereby, freed the Jews from the penalty of death. When Mary found the Christ Child, she revealed mercy through a new suffering--Christ answered her bluntly. Her detachment from Christ was a necessity in order for the Jews and the Gentile to be freed from sin and death. Virgin most Merciful gave us her Son in mercy. We are reminded of Christ's words: "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" Mary's love, like Esther's, was tried by fire. Human love and divine love meet, and divine love transcends the Mother's human heart.
Hail Mary nine
Mother of Mercy, Mater misericordiae! Your are also Virgin Most Faithful, which means that you are my Mother, and Mother of the remnant. Pray for us in these times of confusion and chaos. Help us to be merciful as well as accepting mercy. Help us to be faithful in living in faith. Let us show courage in being merciful and faithful, and in giving mercy through forgiveness based on good faith. Virgin Most Faithful, help us grow by Faith, while in the Dark Night. Mercy and Faithfulness combine to help us reach out to others at all times, in season and out of season.
Hail Mary ten
Glory be
Fatima Prayer
To be continued....
The Litany of Loreto Rosary Part Five-The Joyous Mysteries-The Fourth Mystery, The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple
The Fourth Joyful Mystery The Presentation of Our Lord Luke 2:21-40
Our Father
Lady Mary, pray that we become humble enough, like you, to submit to rules which we think are inferior to our state of grace or position in life, an attitude which reveals pride. Help us to respect the weak, who are easily scandalized and to comfort the strong in the daily life of the Church. Help us to accept sorrow in grace and peace.
Hail Mary one
Psalm 8:4-6
For I behold the heavens, the works of Thy fingers; the moon and the stars which Thou has founded. What is man that Thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man that Thou visitest him?
Hail Mary two
Mother of Our Creator
A creature enfleshes the Creator, and a Daughter of Zion, a member of the People of God of the Old Testament, fulfills the Old Law. A Sister and Bride of the New Testament meets the representatives of the Old, Simeon and Anna. Only in Mary are all the prophecies fulfilled, all the possible roles of a creature met in grace, all relationships between God and Man find perfection. In this mystery, the Mother of Our Creator meets the creatures who have been waiting for the Creator, the Messiah. Mary, as co-creator with God of the Son of God made Flesh, reconciles the spirit and the flesh, the New Covenant with the Old.
Hail Mary three
Creation's Crown, pray for us, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hail Mary four
Psalm 43:26
Arise, O Lord, help us and redeem us for Thy name's sake.
Hail Mary five
Mother of Our Redeemer
Another name of Mary, Our Lady of Ransom, reveals to us the glory of the Name of the Ransomer from death and the law. Christ came to ransom us, to pay back the debt mankind owed for Adam and Eve's sin. Christ delivered us from the bondage held by all His predecessors and the old people in the Temple recognized their Redeemer. Jesus was revealed to the Jews through the prophecies of Anna and Simeon. The Old Covenant gives way to the New. The Temple is now Mary, who holds Christ in her arms.
The Lord has finally come to His People. He has arisen to save them. Mary's assent to following the law and the prophets is their freedom and our freedom.
Hail Mary six
Redeem us, Christ, from our own darkness and the darkness of others, through the intercession of the Co-Redemptorix, Mary, Mother of Our Redeemer.
Hail Mary seven
Psalm 83:1-3, 11
How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the Living God. For better is one day in Thy courts above thousands. I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners.
Hail Mary eight
Mother most Prudent
Mary acted reasonably. She did not flaunt her exalted status as the Mother of the Living God in the Temple. Instead, she, on this appointed day, responded to a religious procedure. She chose to be one of the ordinary mothers of her people on her purification day, even though she was most pure. She was not afraid, nor intimidated by the regulations of her religion, but was prudent, wise, cautious and reverent in her actions to the priests and to Simeon and Anna.
Hail Mary nine
Mother most Venerable, who alone among women is worthy of our reverence, pray for us, that we may be use the virtue of prudence in this rash and irreverent society. You were given the prophecy of sorrows from Simeon. May we face all the sorrows of the increasing hatred of law and religion in our times.
Hail Mary ten
Glory be
Fatima prayer
To be continued...
Our Father
Lady Mary, pray that we become humble enough, like you, to submit to rules which we think are inferior to our state of grace or position in life, an attitude which reveals pride. Help us to respect the weak, who are easily scandalized and to comfort the strong in the daily life of the Church. Help us to accept sorrow in grace and peace.
Hail Mary one
Psalm 8:4-6
For I behold the heavens, the works of Thy fingers; the moon and the stars which Thou has founded. What is man that Thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man that Thou visitest him?
Hail Mary two
Mother of Our Creator
A creature enfleshes the Creator, and a Daughter of Zion, a member of the People of God of the Old Testament, fulfills the Old Law. A Sister and Bride of the New Testament meets the representatives of the Old, Simeon and Anna. Only in Mary are all the prophecies fulfilled, all the possible roles of a creature met in grace, all relationships between God and Man find perfection. In this mystery, the Mother of Our Creator meets the creatures who have been waiting for the Creator, the Messiah. Mary, as co-creator with God of the Son of God made Flesh, reconciles the spirit and the flesh, the New Covenant with the Old.
Hail Mary three
Creation's Crown, pray for us, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hail Mary four
Psalm 43:26
Arise, O Lord, help us and redeem us for Thy name's sake.
Hail Mary five
Mother of Our Redeemer
Another name of Mary, Our Lady of Ransom, reveals to us the glory of the Name of the Ransomer from death and the law. Christ came to ransom us, to pay back the debt mankind owed for Adam and Eve's sin. Christ delivered us from the bondage held by all His predecessors and the old people in the Temple recognized their Redeemer. Jesus was revealed to the Jews through the prophecies of Anna and Simeon. The Old Covenant gives way to the New. The Temple is now Mary, who holds Christ in her arms.
The Lord has finally come to His People. He has arisen to save them. Mary's assent to following the law and the prophets is their freedom and our freedom.
Hail Mary six
Redeem us, Christ, from our own darkness and the darkness of others, through the intercession of the Co-Redemptorix, Mary, Mother of Our Redeemer.
Hail Mary seven
Psalm 83:1-3, 11
How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the Living God. For better is one day in Thy courts above thousands. I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners.
Hail Mary eight
Mother most Prudent
Mary acted reasonably. She did not flaunt her exalted status as the Mother of the Living God in the Temple. Instead, she, on this appointed day, responded to a religious procedure. She chose to be one of the ordinary mothers of her people on her purification day, even though she was most pure. She was not afraid, nor intimidated by the regulations of her religion, but was prudent, wise, cautious and reverent in her actions to the priests and to Simeon and Anna.
Hail Mary nine
Mother most Venerable, who alone among women is worthy of our reverence, pray for us, that we may be use the virtue of prudence in this rash and irreverent society. You were given the prophecy of sorrows from Simeon. May we face all the sorrows of the increasing hatred of law and religion in our times.
Hail Mary ten
Glory be
Fatima prayer
To be continued...
The Litany of Loreto Rosary Part Four-The Joyous Mysteries-The Third Mystery, The Birth of Our Lord
I am sorry this is taking so long to put on, as I know some of you will want to use it. But there are two obstacles to speed, this asthma flare and the net going on and off. So bear with me, please.
The Litany of Loreto Rosary The Third Joyful Mystery The Birth of Our Lord Luke 2:1-7
Our Father
Blessed among women, pray for us that we may be open to Christ's birth in our souls.
Hail Mary one
Luke 1:46-48
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden; for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Hail Mary two
Mother undefiled
The word "undefiled" is derived from the Old French word, "defouler", meaning "to trample" or "to crush". The virtue of purity becomes an active trait, not a passive position for freedom, from dishonor, or from stain.
The old definition recalls the promise of Genesis 3:15, "I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed: she shall crush thy head, and thou shall lie in wait for her heel."
Mary dishonors satan; she withstands defilement from all sin, and like the other great woman of the Old Testament, Judith, who points to Mary, Our Mother smites evil with her purity. Mary remains untouched, untrammeled, not crushed, a real Queen bringing a King into the world, Who is victorious forever. Mary shares in the victory of Her Son in prevenient grace.
Hail Mary three
Mother Mary, pray for us that we may not allow any evil, bitterness, sorrow, or anxiety to defile our spirits. May we hold Baby Jesus in our arms, gazing at His Purity and yours, understanding that we may share, in our own ways, according to God's Plan in this purity.
Hail Mary four
Luke 1:49
...Because He Who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His Name...
Hail Mary five
Mother most amiable
"Amicus" the Latin word for friend, forms the base of this title of Mary. She is friendly, and "good-natured", manifesting a generous spirit to all. In her moment of glory, the Birth of Christ, Mary gives the glory back to God. When the shepherds and the Wisemen find the Child, one can imagine Mary's warm words of hospitality, her kindness comforting them. Mary's openness reaches all hearts who want to know her. Can we refuse to approach her pleasing, amiable nature?
Hail Mary six
Dear Mother and Friend, let us think of you when we are cross and petty, when we do not want our time interrupted, or are thoughts jarred. Teach us the humility of an amiable spirit, through your intercession and the example of the Babe in the manger. Amen.
Hail Mary seven
Luke 2:7
And, she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Hail Mary eight
Mother most admirable
Under the poorest of circumstances, Mary "showed her quality". She was not disheartened by the conditions under which her Baby was born, but with fortitude cared for her Child in a cave. Do we sustain a Queen's dignity, or even a pioneer spirit in bad circumstances, resisting the desire to complain? Mother most to be admired. pray for us.
Hail Mary nine
Mother of Good Counsel, you who kept counsel with yourself in difficult times, give us prudence and peace. Revive in us the gifts we received, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, most evident in you. Send a spark into our souls, inspiring our gift of wisdom, that we may be silent or speak at appropriate times. Thank you, dear Mother of Good Counsel, for responding to grace, that we may have a model in these days of anti-heroes.
Hail Mary ten
Glory be
Fatima prayer
to be continued....
The Litany of Loreto Rosary The Third Joyful Mystery The Birth of Our Lord Luke 2:1-7
Our Father
Blessed among women, pray for us that we may be open to Christ's birth in our souls.
Hail Mary one
Luke 1:46-48
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden; for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Hail Mary two
Mother undefiled
The word "undefiled" is derived from the Old French word, "defouler", meaning "to trample" or "to crush". The virtue of purity becomes an active trait, not a passive position for freedom, from dishonor, or from stain.
The old definition recalls the promise of Genesis 3:15, "I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed: she shall crush thy head, and thou shall lie in wait for her heel."
Mary dishonors satan; she withstands defilement from all sin, and like the other great woman of the Old Testament, Judith, who points to Mary, Our Mother smites evil with her purity. Mary remains untouched, untrammeled, not crushed, a real Queen bringing a King into the world, Who is victorious forever. Mary shares in the victory of Her Son in prevenient grace.
Hail Mary three
Mother Mary, pray for us that we may not allow any evil, bitterness, sorrow, or anxiety to defile our spirits. May we hold Baby Jesus in our arms, gazing at His Purity and yours, understanding that we may share, in our own ways, according to God's Plan in this purity.
Hail Mary four
Luke 1:49
...Because He Who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His Name...
Hail Mary five
Mother most amiable
"Amicus" the Latin word for friend, forms the base of this title of Mary. She is friendly, and "good-natured", manifesting a generous spirit to all. In her moment of glory, the Birth of Christ, Mary gives the glory back to God. When the shepherds and the Wisemen find the Child, one can imagine Mary's warm words of hospitality, her kindness comforting them. Mary's openness reaches all hearts who want to know her. Can we refuse to approach her pleasing, amiable nature?
Hail Mary six
Dear Mother and Friend, let us think of you when we are cross and petty, when we do not want our time interrupted, or are thoughts jarred. Teach us the humility of an amiable spirit, through your intercession and the example of the Babe in the manger. Amen.
Hail Mary seven
Luke 2:7
And, she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Hail Mary eight
Mother most admirable
Under the poorest of circumstances, Mary "showed her quality". She was not disheartened by the conditions under which her Baby was born, but with fortitude cared for her Child in a cave. Do we sustain a Queen's dignity, or even a pioneer spirit in bad circumstances, resisting the desire to complain? Mother most to be admired. pray for us.
Hail Mary nine
Mother of Good Counsel, you who kept counsel with yourself in difficult times, give us prudence and peace. Revive in us the gifts we received, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, most evident in you. Send a spark into our souls, inspiring our gift of wisdom, that we may be silent or speak at appropriate times. Thank you, dear Mother of Good Counsel, for responding to grace, that we may have a model in these days of anti-heroes.
Hail Mary ten
Glory be
Fatima prayer
to be continued....
The Litany of Loreto Rosary Part Three- The Joyous Mysteries-The Second Mystery, The Visitation
The Litany of Loreto Rosary The Joyous Mysteries
The Second Mystery The Visitation Luke 1:39-56
Our Father
"And how have I deserved that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?" Come, Dear Mother, and be with us as we pray.
Hail Mary one
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus regarding you all.
Hail Mary two
Mother of Divine Grace
The word grace connotes graciousness, gentleness, and courtesy as well as denoting God's "life". Mary is the Lady of Courtesy, showing respect to her cousin, Elizabeth. But, Mary's grace is not merely human gentleness, but the very kindness of God. Mary's title, Mother of Divine Grace, indicates that she carries Divinity to us, just as she carried Christ in her womb to Elizabeth. More than that, Mary imparts the grace of God into the fetus, John the Baptist, who is immediately freed from Original Sin. Thus, the Precursor is the first of all men born of woman and man to be freed as we are in baptism of sin and satan. Mary's visit is, indeed, joyful.
Hail Mary three
Mary, Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us that in our busy, anxious lives, we may be always courteous and grace-full to all we meet.
Hail Mary four
1:Thessalonians 5:5
For you are all children of the light and children of the day. We are not of night, nor of darkness.
Hail Mary five
Mother most pure
To be pure means to be clear, like a pane of glass. Mary is a window through which the Light of Christ comes into the world, into us. Mary's clarity reveals not only one virtue of purity, but a prism of virtues made of love. She is pure of heart, mind and soul. Even her body is pure. Mother most pure.
Hail Mary six
Blessed Mother most pure, pray that we may become purified, like glass, revealing Christ's light in this murky, confused world.
Hail Mary seven
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you abstain from immorality; that every one of you learn how to possess his vessel in holiness and honor...
Hail Mary eight
Mother most chaste
Chastity is not merely the absence of sexual sins, but purity in thought and action. Chastity implies simplicity and discipline. Again, Mary reminds us of a noble, self-possessed Lady--clear, strong, modest. Her chastity is not the mere avoidance of sin, but an active position of interior integrity and peace.
Hail Mary nine
Mother most chaste, Mother inviolate, intercede for us, that we may be strong, witnessing a counter-culture Kingdom of God to the world
Hail Mary ten
Glory be
Fatima prayer
To be continued...
(Notice the language of this text which is at least 31 years old.)
The Second Mystery The Visitation Luke 1:39-56
Our Father
"And how have I deserved that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?" Come, Dear Mother, and be with us as we pray.
Hail Mary one
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus regarding you all.
Hail Mary two
Mother of Divine Grace
The word grace connotes graciousness, gentleness, and courtesy as well as denoting God's "life". Mary is the Lady of Courtesy, showing respect to her cousin, Elizabeth. But, Mary's grace is not merely human gentleness, but the very kindness of God. Mary's title, Mother of Divine Grace, indicates that she carries Divinity to us, just as she carried Christ in her womb to Elizabeth. More than that, Mary imparts the grace of God into the fetus, John the Baptist, who is immediately freed from Original Sin. Thus, the Precursor is the first of all men born of woman and man to be freed as we are in baptism of sin and satan. Mary's visit is, indeed, joyful.
Hail Mary three
Mary, Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us that in our busy, anxious lives, we may be always courteous and grace-full to all we meet.
Hail Mary four
1:Thessalonians 5:5
For you are all children of the light and children of the day. We are not of night, nor of darkness.
Hail Mary five
Mother most pure
To be pure means to be clear, like a pane of glass. Mary is a window through which the Light of Christ comes into the world, into us. Mary's clarity reveals not only one virtue of purity, but a prism of virtues made of love. She is pure of heart, mind and soul. Even her body is pure. Mother most pure.
Hail Mary six
Blessed Mother most pure, pray that we may become purified, like glass, revealing Christ's light in this murky, confused world.
Hail Mary seven
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you abstain from immorality; that every one of you learn how to possess his vessel in holiness and honor...
Hail Mary eight
Mother most chaste
Chastity is not merely the absence of sexual sins, but purity in thought and action. Chastity implies simplicity and discipline. Again, Mary reminds us of a noble, self-possessed Lady--clear, strong, modest. Her chastity is not the mere avoidance of sin, but an active position of interior integrity and peace.
Hail Mary nine
Mother most chaste, Mother inviolate, intercede for us, that we may be strong, witnessing a counter-culture Kingdom of God to the world
Hail Mary ten
Glory be
Fatima prayer
To be continued...
(Notice the language of this text which is at least 31 years old.)
Litany of Loreto Rosary Part Two-The Joyful Mysteries-The First Mystery, The Annunciation
As it is Wednesday, I should start with the Glorious Mysteries, but as the booklet I wrote is based on the litany as explained yesterday, I thought I would present it all in order.
The Joyful Mysteries
The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation: Luke 1:26-38
Our Father
Hail, Full of Grace. Give us the grace to pray this rosary with attention and peace.
Hail Mary one
Genesis 1:27
And God created man to His own image: to the image of God He created him: male and female He created them.
Hail Mary two
Holy Mary
In this first name of the Litany, a Hebrew young woman is called "holy". The name Mary in Hebrew, Mara, means "capable of enduring much sorrow", "bitter", like salt--the salt of the earth. Mary images the holiness of God the Father. She, also, mirrors the Son of God, Savior, the "Man of Sorrows". St Bernard of Clairvaux wrote that men and women have the image of God the Father, but have lost the likeness. This salutation of the angel Gabriel, who is the angel of death at the Passover in Jewish tradition, brings life to the world and restores the divine likeness to the human race. Christ becomes Incarnated, sorrow and joy meet.
Hail Mary three
Holy Mary, a woman in the image and likeness of God in perfection, pray for us that we may be made into the likeness of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hail Mary four
Genesis 2:23
And Adam said: this is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man.
Hail Mary five
Mother of God
In this name, Theotokos, resides a great mystery. God Himself becomes flesh of a woman's flesh. The creation of Adam and Eve is renewed in Mary's womb. The Creator become His creature, man. Mary holds God in her body. How can we appreciate this great mystery of grace?
Hail Mary six
Dear Mother, pray that we may be encompassed by Christ, becoming one with Him. Help us, as you are one with Him in glory. You are the New Eve, allowing the Yes of your heart, mind, and will to change history, our history, my history.
Hail Mary seven
Genesis 3:30
And Adam called the name of his wife Eve: because she was the mother of all the living.
Hail Mary eight
Holy Virgin of Virgins
Mary's "fiat" did not destroy her virginity. Mary became all she was created to be-Virgin and Mother-with her entire being given to God. She, alone, is the complete woman.
Hail Mary nine
Blessed, blessed Virgin, Mother of the long-awaited Messiah, Mother of the Christ, you are the bearer of our freedom. Pray that we may respond to this freedom by following completely, as you did, in our way, the Will of God in our lives.
Hail Mary ten
Glory Be
Fatima Prayer
To be continued....
The Joyful Mysteries
The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation: Luke 1:26-38
Our Father
Hail, Full of Grace. Give us the grace to pray this rosary with attention and peace.
Hail Mary one
Genesis 1:27
And God created man to His own image: to the image of God He created him: male and female He created them.
Hail Mary two
Holy Mary
In this first name of the Litany, a Hebrew young woman is called "holy". The name Mary in Hebrew, Mara, means "capable of enduring much sorrow", "bitter", like salt--the salt of the earth. Mary images the holiness of God the Father. She, also, mirrors the Son of God, Savior, the "Man of Sorrows". St Bernard of Clairvaux wrote that men and women have the image of God the Father, but have lost the likeness. This salutation of the angel Gabriel, who is the angel of death at the Passover in Jewish tradition, brings life to the world and restores the divine likeness to the human race. Christ becomes Incarnated, sorrow and joy meet.
Hail Mary three
Holy Mary, a woman in the image and likeness of God in perfection, pray for us that we may be made into the likeness of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hail Mary four
Genesis 2:23
And Adam said: this is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man.
Hail Mary five
Mother of God
In this name, Theotokos, resides a great mystery. God Himself becomes flesh of a woman's flesh. The creation of Adam and Eve is renewed in Mary's womb. The Creator become His creature, man. Mary holds God in her body. How can we appreciate this great mystery of grace?
Hail Mary six
Dear Mother, pray that we may be encompassed by Christ, becoming one with Him. Help us, as you are one with Him in glory. You are the New Eve, allowing the Yes of your heart, mind, and will to change history, our history, my history.
Hail Mary seven
Genesis 3:30
And Adam called the name of his wife Eve: because she was the mother of all the living.
Hail Mary eight
Holy Virgin of Virgins
Mary's "fiat" did not destroy her virginity. Mary became all she was created to be-Virgin and Mother-with her entire being given to God. She, alone, is the complete woman.
Hail Mary nine
Blessed, blessed Virgin, Mother of the long-awaited Messiah, Mother of the Christ, you are the bearer of our freedom. Pray that we may respond to this freedom by following completely, as you did, in our way, the Will of God in our lives.
Hail Mary ten
Glory Be
Fatima Prayer
To be continued....
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
If I were building Catholic communities
I would move to one of these pro-life states right away and start there. From http://townhall.com/tipsheet/christinerousselle/2014/01/14/louisiana-named-most-prolife-state-washington-the-least-n1778896?utm_source=thdailypm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl_pm
The Litany of Loreto Rosary Introduction
Amazingly, the manuscript was found. I shall transcribe it here. I dedicate this text to Paul, Paul, John, Richard, TX, Sally, and ET, who was not even thought of when I wrote this, but a flame of light to find in the Plan of God.
The Litany of Loreto Rosary: Scriptural Meditations on the Rosary based on the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, written by Supertradmum
Each decade is divided into three meditations, which are a prayer, a scripture reading and the specific name of the Blessed Virgin Mary.These meditations are interpreted in light of the mystery of that decade. The names of the Blessed Virgin Mary are presented in the order of the Litany of Loreto. For example, the First Joyful Mystery is divided as follows: prayer, scripture, "Holy Mary" name, prayer, scripture, "Mother of God", prayer, scripture, "Virgin of Virgins" and so on. Thus, every decade contains four prayers, three scripture passages and three names honoring the Virgin. One is encouraged to think of the names of Mary at leisure, allowing insight to come through the meditations from the Holy Spirit.
The Litany of the Blessed Virgin is one of the oldest and most loved prayers to the Blessed Mother. Said in the context of the Mysteries of the Rosary, this litany honors the Mother of God and informs the one who is praying of his relationship with the Son of God and the Mother of God.
This is all my own work using some of the saints as mentioned. My main sources are St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Ronald Knox's "Esther as a Type for Our Lady", C. C. Martindale's "The Litany of Our Lady" and "The Mary Book", Simone Weil, a medieval poem and the Bible. As the text is 31 pages long, I am dividing it up into the three traditional mysteries in sections.
If anyone would like to help me get this published, I would be greatly appreciative. I do not have a date on this manuscript found today, but it was written between 1979-1984.
The Rosary Meditations open with the Litany of Loreto.
The Litany of Loreto Rosary: Scriptural Meditations on the Rosary based on the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, written by Supertradmum
Each decade is divided into three meditations, which are a prayer, a scripture reading and the specific name of the Blessed Virgin Mary.These meditations are interpreted in light of the mystery of that decade. The names of the Blessed Virgin Mary are presented in the order of the Litany of Loreto. For example, the First Joyful Mystery is divided as follows: prayer, scripture, "Holy Mary" name, prayer, scripture, "Mother of God", prayer, scripture, "Virgin of Virgins" and so on. Thus, every decade contains four prayers, three scripture passages and three names honoring the Virgin. One is encouraged to think of the names of Mary at leisure, allowing insight to come through the meditations from the Holy Spirit.
The Litany of the Blessed Virgin is one of the oldest and most loved prayers to the Blessed Mother. Said in the context of the Mysteries of the Rosary, this litany honors the Mother of God and informs the one who is praying of his relationship with the Son of God and the Mother of God.
This is all my own work using some of the saints as mentioned. My main sources are St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Ronald Knox's "Esther as a Type for Our Lady", C. C. Martindale's "The Litany of Our Lady" and "The Mary Book", Simone Weil, a medieval poem and the Bible. As the text is 31 pages long, I am dividing it up into the three traditional mysteries in sections.
If anyone would like to help me get this published, I would be greatly appreciative. I do not have a date on this manuscript found today, but it was written between 1979-1984.
The Rosary Meditations open with the Litany of Loreto.
| Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. God the Father of Heaven, God the Son, Redeemer of the world, God the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, One God, Holy Mary, Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of virgins, . Mother of Christ, . Mother of divine grace, Mother most pure, Mother most chaste, Mother inviolate, Mother undefiled, Mother most amiable, Mother most admirable, Mother of good counsel, Mother of our Creator, Mother of our Savior, Mother of the Church, Virgin most prudent, Virgin most venerable, Virgin most renowned, Virgin most powerful, Virgin most merciful, Virgin most faithful, Mirror of justice, Seat of wisdom, Cause of our joy, Spiritual vessel, Vessel of honor, Singular vessel of devotion, Mystical rose, Tower of David, . Tower of ivory, House of gold, Ark of the covenant, Gate of Heaven, Morning star, Health of the sick, Refuge of sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, Help of Christians, pray for us. Queen of angels, Queen of patriarchs, Queen of prophets, Queen of apostles, Queen of martyrs, Queen of confessors, Queen of virgins, Queen of all saints, Queen conceived without Original Sin, Queen assumed into Heaven, Queen of the holy Rosary, Queen of families, Queen of peace, Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Pray fo us, O holy Mother of God, | Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, graciously hear us. Have mercy on us. Have mercy on us. Have mercy on us. Have mercy on us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us. pray for us pray for us pray for us pray for us Spare us, O Lord. Graciously spare us, O Lord. Have mercy on us. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. |
Let us pray- Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we Thy servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy everlasting happiness. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen Or Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that as we have known the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son by the message of an angel, so, by His Passion and Cross, we may be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen To be continued. | |
A Rosary of Loreto
Years ago, many, many, I wrote a meditative rosary based on the Litany of Loreto. I had lost it, as it was before PCs and had written in long-hand. My mom told me today that she has it in the attic, which is chock-a-clock like Aladdin's cave. I am thrilled to possibly get it back. If I do, I shall tidy it up and post it.
STM
What to watch today
You all better watch Michael Voris today, January 14th. I cannot copy it yet. A zinger!
Many times on this blog and again
| PROFESSION OF FAITH and THE OATH OF FIDELITY ON ASSUMING AN OFFICE TO BE EXERCISED IN THE NAME OF THE CHURCH |
| Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith |
As conforming to Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter Motu ProprioAd Tuendam Fidem, this Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelitysupercedes the Profession and Oath of 1989. I. PROFESSION OF FAITH I, N., with firm faith believe and profess everything that is contained in the Symbol of faith: namely: I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, one in Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. With firm faith, I also believe everything contained in the Word of God, whether written or handed down in Tradition, which the Church, either by a solemn judgement or by the ordinary and universal Magisterium, sets forth to be believed as divinely revealed. I also firmly accept and hold each and everything definitively proposed by the Church regarding teaching on faith and morals. Moreover, I adhere with religious submission of will and intellect to the teachings which either the Roman pontiff or the College of Bishops enunciate when they exercise their authentic Magisterium, even if they do not intend to proclaim these teachings by a definitive act. II. OATH OF FIDELITY ON ASSUMING AN OFFICE TO BE EXERCISED IN THE NAME OF THE CHURCH (Formula to be used by the Christian faithful mentioned in Canon 833, nn. 5-8) I, N., in assuming the office of __________, promise that in my words and in my actions I shall always preserve communion with the Catholic Church.
With great care and fidelity I shall carry out the duties incumbent on me toward the Church, both universal and particular, in which, according to the provisions of the law, I have been called to exercise my service.
In fulfilling the charge entrusted to me in the name of the Church, I shall hold fast to the deposit of faith in its entirety; I shall faithfully hand it on and explain it, and I shall avoid any teachings contrary to it.
I shall follow and foster the common discipline of the entire Church and I shall maintain the observance of all ecclesiastical laws, especially those contained in the Code of Canon Law.
With Christian obedience I shall follow what the Bishops, as authentic doctors and teachers of the faith, declare, or what they, as those who govern the Church, establish.
I shall also faithfully assist the diocesan Bishops, so that the apostolic activity, exercised in the name and by mandate of the Church, may be carried out in communion with the Church.
So help me God, and God's Holy Gospels on which I place my hand.
(Variations in the fourth and fifth paragraphs of the formulary, for use by those members of the Christian faithful indicated in can. 833, n. 8).
I shall foster the common discipline of the entire Church and I shall insist on the observance of all ecclesiastical laws, especially those contained in the Code of Canon Law.
With Christian obedience I shall follow what the Bishops, as authentic doctors and teachers of the faith, declare, or what they, as those who govern the Church, establish. I shall also — with due regard for the character and purpose of my institute — faithfully assist the diocesan Bishops, so that the apostolic activity, exercised in the name and by mandate of the Church, may be carried out in communion with the Church.
NOTE: Canon 833, Nos. 5-8 obliges the following to make the profession of faith: vicars general, episcopal vicars and judicial vicars; "at the beginning of their term of office, pastors, the rector of a seminary and the professors of theology and philosophy in seminaries; those to be promoted to the diaconate"; "the rectors of an ecclesiastical or Catholic university at the beginning of the rector's term of office"; and, "at the beginning of their term of office, teachers in any universities whatsoever who teach disciplines which deal with faith or morals"; and "superiors in clerical religious institutes and societies of apostolic life in accord with the norm of the constitutions." |
| Taken from: L'Osservatore Romano Weekly Edition in English 15 July 1998, page 3 |
L'Osservatore Romano is the newspaper of the Holy See. The Weekly Edition in English is published for the US by:
The Cathedral Foundation
L'Osservatore Romano English Edition P.O. Box 777 Baltimore, MD 21201 Subscriptions: (410) 547-5380 |
Famous Cat-holics and Dog-matics 2
Well, just a few more.....including three famous movie animals...
Nyan Cat would have to be Chris Matthews
Michael Voris would be Richard Parker/Pi
And Dogmatix is just Dog-matics......
Little Bub would be Raymond Arroyo
Lassie is Nicole Kidman.
Nyan Cat would have to be Chris Matthews
Michael Voris would be Richard Parker/Pi
And Dogmatix is just Dog-matics......
Famous Cat-holics and Other Dog-matics
 |
| Thanks to Wiki |
I have a mental image today of what animals would be which Catholics. I could not resist a bit of fun in days of illness.
Grumpy Cat would have to lead the list of Catholic personas. I think Catherine Pepinster fits the bill.
I am Maru would have to be Samantha Peszek.
Scout the Dog is Tony Blair.
Hello Kitty is Rebecca Ann Quinn Dussault.
Henri would be Chris Christie.
Boo the Dog is The P. E.
To be continued.....
Monday, 13 January 2014
On Catholic Community, Again
Years ago, many years ago, in Sherborne, one of my co-workers in the parish said to me that I was a "community builder." I took this as a compliment. However, community could not be built at that time in that parish for several reasons. Some of us tried to do our little bit. We had the priest over on Saturdays for tea, and sometimes the nuns there. We also were friends with the Anglicans, building community by sharing in charity works in the town.
I have talked for decades to young people about setting up real communities. Some wanted to do so, but not enough people in their areas were interested. I especially remember one young man and his wife who were very keen on community, but could not get anyone interested in their Catholic family, their town, or their parish.
If there is a community there in his small town, I praise God. But, my idea of Catholic communities dotting the landscape of Great Britain and America has not come to pass. This is, to be blunt, a tragedy which will be clearly seen in days to come.
Catholics, to quote an often-stated truism, are not good at building communities. I have thought about this since 1972. 42 years is a long time to be considering the need for Catholic communities. From 1972-1979, I was part of a large community, which, sadly, no longer exists. At its peak, this community had 2000 members. Much of my formation for prayer and for learning to read the signs of the times came from that community experience. In those years, we were discussing the times we now see. We anticipated persecution. We talked and prayed about the decay of America. Many of us have been active in the Church since those days. A study over twenty years was done on our community and the vast majority of youth stayed in the Church as middle-aged people and were active, orthodox Catholics. Interesting.
Why most Catholics are not good at community building has been a mystery to me. I think there are several reasons and some readers will not like these points, but these must be considered. It is not too late, in my opinion, to create real communities.
1) Idolatry of the family-too many Catholics spend too much time with nonbelievers. If that energy was put towards building community with Catholics, the nonbelievers would see "how they love one another" and want to become a Catholic. Idolatry of the family also means too much of an inward looking emphasis for those with children, and the lack of effort to reach out to singles and the elderly.
2) Idolatry of independence. This is a curse of both the Americans and the British. Too many people want to spend the entire day doing what they want to do when they want to do it, not realizing that most of the time, they are indulging themselves. I speak mostly of those who could be building community, such as single people and retirees. Community means inter-dependence, and many people simply do not want this.
3) Attachment to things and to sin. Community demands sharing worldly goods and a sharing of self. If one is attached to things and to self-love, one will not want to engage with others. Too many people are "house proud" in the States and only want to entertain at parties rather than opening their houses for the sake of community building. Some British people do not want "intrusions" by people and only want to talk to people on Sunday at Church. This is very sad. And, one reason why people talk in Church in England is that they rarely see each other during the week.
4) Thinking it is too hard. It is hard, but not that hard. Some communities begin with Bible studies or shared pro-life work. Some start with home schooling moms and dads who get together with the children and parents of other home schooling moms and dads. Some start with parish projects and Adult Faith Formation classes.
5) Just plain selfishness. Community building demands time and effort. It demands sharing. Some people do not want to share. Some people do not want to share time and do not want others to know what they are doing. Period. In a good community, a balance can be made for the introverts and for the extroverts, but this takes selflessness.
6) Not seeing the absolute necessity of community. Many Catholics will fall away in the hard times because these times will be hard. The stronger members need to reach out to the weaker ones. This is a concept really lacking in Catholic circles.
7) Many Catholics, still after all this time and these posts and the warnings of others, do not believe there will be persecution of the Church. These people are lying to themselves. Communities would strengthen the Church in times of trial.
8) Catholic communities are an excellent way to raise children, but some people do not understand the need for faith formation in children. Children need to be formed with other children who are also being formed. And, Catholics communities are good for parents, to get input, and even time to be a couple without the children as shared babysitting can be set-up.
9) Some people lack creativity regarding how to set up shared activities and projects in order to build community. Catholic communities can be Adoration or Mass centered and should be. Then, in persecution, these communities can aid priests in doing their work.
10) A problem may be irregular or mixed marriages, especially in England. Communities support marriage. In this day and age of gross hatred for God's idea of marriage, community can give support and even guidance. But, couples must be willing to be involved in order to see their marriages grow in holiness and Catholicism.
11) Too many people are Sunday Catholics and do not see the need to be living their faith daily. See point #3.
12) Many Catholics do not love Jesus or His Church. The essential root of community is conversion, continual conversion to Christ and love for His Church. Love and obedience to the Magisterium are essential for Catholic communities.
To be continued
I have talked for decades to young people about setting up real communities. Some wanted to do so, but not enough people in their areas were interested. I especially remember one young man and his wife who were very keen on community, but could not get anyone interested in their Catholic family, their town, or their parish.
If there is a community there in his small town, I praise God. But, my idea of Catholic communities dotting the landscape of Great Britain and America has not come to pass. This is, to be blunt, a tragedy which will be clearly seen in days to come.
Catholics, to quote an often-stated truism, are not good at building communities. I have thought about this since 1972. 42 years is a long time to be considering the need for Catholic communities. From 1972-1979, I was part of a large community, which, sadly, no longer exists. At its peak, this community had 2000 members. Much of my formation for prayer and for learning to read the signs of the times came from that community experience. In those years, we were discussing the times we now see. We anticipated persecution. We talked and prayed about the decay of America. Many of us have been active in the Church since those days. A study over twenty years was done on our community and the vast majority of youth stayed in the Church as middle-aged people and were active, orthodox Catholics. Interesting.
Why most Catholics are not good at community building has been a mystery to me. I think there are several reasons and some readers will not like these points, but these must be considered. It is not too late, in my opinion, to create real communities.
1) Idolatry of the family-too many Catholics spend too much time with nonbelievers. If that energy was put towards building community with Catholics, the nonbelievers would see "how they love one another" and want to become a Catholic. Idolatry of the family also means too much of an inward looking emphasis for those with children, and the lack of effort to reach out to singles and the elderly.
2) Idolatry of independence. This is a curse of both the Americans and the British. Too many people want to spend the entire day doing what they want to do when they want to do it, not realizing that most of the time, they are indulging themselves. I speak mostly of those who could be building community, such as single people and retirees. Community means inter-dependence, and many people simply do not want this.
3) Attachment to things and to sin. Community demands sharing worldly goods and a sharing of self. If one is attached to things and to self-love, one will not want to engage with others. Too many people are "house proud" in the States and only want to entertain at parties rather than opening their houses for the sake of community building. Some British people do not want "intrusions" by people and only want to talk to people on Sunday at Church. This is very sad. And, one reason why people talk in Church in England is that they rarely see each other during the week.
4) Thinking it is too hard. It is hard, but not that hard. Some communities begin with Bible studies or shared pro-life work. Some start with home schooling moms and dads who get together with the children and parents of other home schooling moms and dads. Some start with parish projects and Adult Faith Formation classes.
5) Just plain selfishness. Community building demands time and effort. It demands sharing. Some people do not want to share. Some people do not want to share time and do not want others to know what they are doing. Period. In a good community, a balance can be made for the introverts and for the extroverts, but this takes selflessness.
6) Not seeing the absolute necessity of community. Many Catholics will fall away in the hard times because these times will be hard. The stronger members need to reach out to the weaker ones. This is a concept really lacking in Catholic circles.
7) Many Catholics, still after all this time and these posts and the warnings of others, do not believe there will be persecution of the Church. These people are lying to themselves. Communities would strengthen the Church in times of trial.
8) Catholic communities are an excellent way to raise children, but some people do not understand the need for faith formation in children. Children need to be formed with other children who are also being formed. And, Catholics communities are good for parents, to get input, and even time to be a couple without the children as shared babysitting can be set-up.
9) Some people lack creativity regarding how to set up shared activities and projects in order to build community. Catholic communities can be Adoration or Mass centered and should be. Then, in persecution, these communities can aid priests in doing their work.
10) A problem may be irregular or mixed marriages, especially in England. Communities support marriage. In this day and age of gross hatred for God's idea of marriage, community can give support and even guidance. But, couples must be willing to be involved in order to see their marriages grow in holiness and Catholicism.
11) Too many people are Sunday Catholics and do not see the need to be living their faith daily. See point #3.
12) Many Catholics do not love Jesus or His Church. The essential root of community is conversion, continual conversion to Christ and love for His Church. Love and obedience to the Magisterium are essential for Catholic communities.
To be continued
Spiritual Warfare from the Trenches
God allows Satan freedom these days to test the faithful. Why, I am not sure, except that many who now live will see difficult times, need to learn to be strong, and need to be perfected.
If we give God our lives, our hearts, our wills, He will take us seriously that we want to spend eternity with Him.
If you are not suffering in some way, be worried, as that means Satan no longer has to fight for your soul.
In the past ten days, I have been increasing plagued with severe asthma. The "puffer" is no longer working. I have not slept at all for two nights and two days, going into the third. I was tired to begin with. I am wheezing constantly and need to get new medication. I shall find out today whether I can afford new medication or not.
I also have increasing eye problems and the still injured foot,which because of weather has not been seen by a doctor. The polar vortex early last week interfered with many appointments in this city.
My computer is also not working off and on-I think Windows is slowly breaking up.
And, the Net is also off and on here, even though the fierce weather has passed.
I no longer am surprised at any of this, nor do I complain. God is in charge and He allows everything to happen.
I thank God for all trials and when I do so, He gives me peace, even though I am very, very tired.
Why God allows this tremendous burden which leaves me weak and confused, and other technical issues here may very well be to purify my mind, my heart, my soul. Indeed, it may also have to do with the fact that when we pray for some people, we are attacked by the evil one, who is angry that efficacious prayers are freeing people of sin, bondage, illnesses.
The "Father of Lies" may come in the guise of a person who says "God does not want suffering. He wants us all to be happy and prosperous". "Live long and prosper" may be an appropriate slogan for Vulcans, but it is not for Christians.
If one thinks one is not going to suffer, one need only read the lives of the saints. There are plenty of examples of stark spiritual warfare.
Pray for me and for all who suffer. Many people write to me for prayers and I try to pray for all the requests.
We are all in this together....just make sure you know who is behind chaos and confusion. It is the evil one.
A true story follows. I chose this to show that wherever we are, whatever we do, whoever we are, the dark evil demons will try and pull us down.
Satan went beyond all the limits of deception when he went to Father Pio pretending to be a penitent. This is the Father Pio’s testimony: “One day, while I was hearing confessions, a man came to the confessional where I was. He was tall, handsome, dressed with some refinement and he was kind and polite. He started to confess his sins, which were of every kind: against God, against man and against the morals. All the sins were obnoxious! I was disoriented, in fact for all the sins that he told me, but I responded to him with God’s Word, the example of the Church, and the morals of the Saints. But the enigmatic penitent answered me word for word, justifying his sins, always with extreme ability and politeness. He excused all the sinful actions, making them sound quite normal and natural, even comprehensible on the human level.. He continued this way with the sins that were gruesome against God, Our Lady, the Saints, always using disrespectful round-about argumentation. He kept this up even with with the foulest of sins that could be conjured in the mind of a most sinful man. The answers that he gave me with such skilled subtlety and malice surprised me. I wondered: who is he? What world does he come from? And I tried to look at him in order to read something on his face. At the same time I concentrated on every word he spoke, trying to discover any clue to his identity.. But suddenly; through a vivid, radiant and internal light I clearly recognized who he was. With a sound and imperial tone I told him: “Say long live Jesus, long live Mary!” As soon as I pronounced these sweet and powerful names, Satan instantly disappeared in a trickle of fire, leaving behind him an unbearable stench.” (Don Pierino is a priest and one of the father Pio’s spiritual sons who were present at the same time.)
from http://christtotheworld.blogspot.com/2010/05/saint-padre-pio-vs-devil.html
If we give God our lives, our hearts, our wills, He will take us seriously that we want to spend eternity with Him.
If you are not suffering in some way, be worried, as that means Satan no longer has to fight for your soul.
In the past ten days, I have been increasing plagued with severe asthma. The "puffer" is no longer working. I have not slept at all for two nights and two days, going into the third. I was tired to begin with. I am wheezing constantly and need to get new medication. I shall find out today whether I can afford new medication or not.
I also have increasing eye problems and the still injured foot,which because of weather has not been seen by a doctor. The polar vortex early last week interfered with many appointments in this city.
My computer is also not working off and on-I think Windows is slowly breaking up.
And, the Net is also off and on here, even though the fierce weather has passed.
I no longer am surprised at any of this, nor do I complain. God is in charge and He allows everything to happen.
I thank God for all trials and when I do so, He gives me peace, even though I am very, very tired.
Why God allows this tremendous burden which leaves me weak and confused, and other technical issues here may very well be to purify my mind, my heart, my soul. Indeed, it may also have to do with the fact that when we pray for some people, we are attacked by the evil one, who is angry that efficacious prayers are freeing people of sin, bondage, illnesses.
The "Father of Lies" may come in the guise of a person who says "God does not want suffering. He wants us all to be happy and prosperous". "Live long and prosper" may be an appropriate slogan for Vulcans, but it is not for Christians.
If one thinks one is not going to suffer, one need only read the lives of the saints. There are plenty of examples of stark spiritual warfare.
Pray for me and for all who suffer. Many people write to me for prayers and I try to pray for all the requests.
We are all in this together....just make sure you know who is behind chaos and confusion. It is the evil one.
A true story follows. I chose this to show that wherever we are, whatever we do, whoever we are, the dark evil demons will try and pull us down.
Satan went beyond all the limits of deception when he went to Father Pio pretending to be a penitent. This is the Father Pio’s testimony: “One day, while I was hearing confessions, a man came to the confessional where I was. He was tall, handsome, dressed with some refinement and he was kind and polite. He started to confess his sins, which were of every kind: against God, against man and against the morals. All the sins were obnoxious! I was disoriented, in fact for all the sins that he told me, but I responded to him with God’s Word, the example of the Church, and the morals of the Saints. But the enigmatic penitent answered me word for word, justifying his sins, always with extreme ability and politeness. He excused all the sinful actions, making them sound quite normal and natural, even comprehensible on the human level.. He continued this way with the sins that were gruesome against God, Our Lady, the Saints, always using disrespectful round-about argumentation. He kept this up even with with the foulest of sins that could be conjured in the mind of a most sinful man. The answers that he gave me with such skilled subtlety and malice surprised me. I wondered: who is he? What world does he come from? And I tried to look at him in order to read something on his face. At the same time I concentrated on every word he spoke, trying to discover any clue to his identity.. But suddenly; through a vivid, radiant and internal light I clearly recognized who he was. With a sound and imperial tone I told him: “Say long live Jesus, long live Mary!” As soon as I pronounced these sweet and powerful names, Satan instantly disappeared in a trickle of fire, leaving behind him an unbearable stench.” (Don Pierino is a priest and one of the father Pio’s spiritual sons who were present at the same time.)
from http://christtotheworld.blogspot.com/2010/05/saint-padre-pio-vs-devil.html
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