Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Today is the Feast Day of the three Archangels. What is an Angel? Sacred Scripture and Church's tradition tells us that the Angel is a creature who stands before God, oriented to God with his whole being. All three names of the Archangels end with the letters "EL", which means "God." God is inscribed in their names, in their nature. They exist in Him and for Him. Angels are God's messengers. They connect God to man.

The angels have five duties. The first is to continually sing hymns and praises to their Creator. The second duty is to present the prayers of mortals to God and commend them with their petitions. The third duty consists in their being sent as messengers to declare what God wants to declare. The fourth duty is protecting men whether as individuals or groups. The last duty is to serve as soldiers and armed leaders. Let good men love their fellow citizens, the angels. Saint Robert Bellarmine

The archangel Michael, whose name in Hebrew means "Who is like God?", is revered as the leader of the angelic army who will conquer Satan and his armies of demons, and is considered the defender of the Church. Michael is often shown wearing armor, slaying the Dragon (Satan) in Revelation 12.

The archangel Gabriel, whose name in Hebrew means "Strength of God", announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zachariah, and soon after, announced to Mary that she was to become the mother of Our Lord. His address to her, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee" (the "angelic salutation") is familiar to all who pray the Rosary.

The archangel Raphael, whose name means medic or ointment of God, is mentioned by name in the Old Testament book of Tobit (Tobias), whom the angel aided by healing him of blindness and guiding him on his travels.

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Revelation 12:7-9

The angels that appear in Scripture are never described as having wings although they are so often pictured that way. In fact, in several passages, the people who are visited by angels do not realize these messengers from On High and are not ordinary men until it is revealed later.

Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Exodus 23:20

Bless the Lord, all you his angels, mighty in power. You obey His Word and heed the sound of His Voice. Psalm 102:20

Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, we ask your powerful protection on all the prayer partners of this ministry and all those for whom we pray.

Pope Francis: Let the children come to me...

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." After He placed His hands on them, He went away. Matthew 19:14-15

Whoever receives this child in My Name, receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest. Luke 9:48



Where there are dreams, where there is joy, Jesus is always present. Always. Pope Francis speaking to the schoolchildren in Harlem, New York September 25, 2015

Reflection: My family...One Body in Christ...

This reflection is about my family away from home; my Daily Mass Family. We come together in a sacred place, Saint Joseph Chapel, to begin each day with the celebration of the Mass. The Eucharist is the center of my family. We are made one with Christ and one with each other through the Eucharist. We are God's family by our participation in the Mass and receiving the Holy Eucharist. During the Mass, we come together as a family, not as individuals isolated from one another. We celebrate the Eucharist as a faith family.  It is here we find our identity and unity as members of the Body of Christ.

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ.  1 Corinthians 12:12

In my Daily Mass family, there is love. We are people from all walks of life who gather together for morning Mass. Our family consists of many members, young, older and in the middle. When one member suffers, all the members suffer.

In this is love.  1 John 4:10

Our beloved pastor leads our parish with love and kindness, vision and wisdom, strength and humility. He is the head of our parish and our Daily Mass family. We have been blessed with so many beautiful priests over the years, holy and humble servants. They are members of our family and they remain in our hearts and prayers even when they are no longer with us. We have been truly blessed by many seminarians who come and live in our parish guided by our pastor. We also have a number of seminarians from our parish. These vocations are the fruits of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration, which we have in our chapel for many continuous hours.  

If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy. 1 Corinthians 12:26

A year ago this week, we lost Ann, a beloved member of our Daily Mass family. She was crossing the street on the way to morning Mass and was hit by a pickup truck. We are all saddened at her loss. This week, her husband and family were at Mass remembering her. We pray for her soul, for her family and the young man who hit her. It is believed solar glare was the cause. We pray for our Daily Mass family. When one member suffers, all the members suffer.

A little more than a year ago, a member of our Daily Mass family was driving to Mass and praying the rosary. Another driver ran a red light and hit her car. It was traumatic for her and her family. She had broken ribs and a small puncture in her lung. She says the Madonna and the Rosary protected her. She was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers and support she received from our Daily Mass family. When one member suffers, all the members suffer. As she recuperated, her friends brought the Eucharist to her every day. She believes she healed quickly through receiving the Eucharist and all the prayers and Masses that were offered for her. One of our prayer partners was in a very serious accident. A truck hit her from behind at a fast speed. She was praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at the time of the accident.  She believes those prayers saved her. She has a great devotion to Saint Faustina, Looking at her car, no one could believe she walked away from the accident. Recently, I had a brush with death through a sudden illness. I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, Masses, hours of adoration and prayers that were offered for me, The Sacrament of the Sick and receiving the Eucharist daily and all the prayers brought me healing and great peace. My heart is filled with gratitude for all the Lord has done for me and for my beautiful family: my family at home and my parish family. We are all united in love and through our prayers for one another. Let us keep the Eucharist at the center of our lives and our families.

Some of the words of a song by Irish singer Dana:
We are one body, one body in Christ and we do not stand alone. We are one body, one body in Christ and He came that we might have life. When you eat My Body and you drink My Blood, I will live in you and you will live in My love. We are one body, one body in Christ and He came that we might have life.        

Saint Padre Pio

Today is the Feast of Saint Padre Pio. From his childhood, it was evident that he was a special child of God. Francesco was very devout even as a child, and at an early age felt drawn to the priesthood. He became a Capuchin novice at the age of sixteen and received the habit in 1902. Francesco was ordained to the priesthood in 1910 after seven years of study and became known as Padre Pio.

On September 20, 1918, Padre Pio was kneeling in front of a large crucifix when he received the visible marks of the crucifixion, making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of Church. The doctor who examined Padre Pio could not find any natural cause for the wounds. Upon his death in 1968, the wounds were no longer visible. In fact, there was no scaring and the skin was completely renewed. He had predicted 50 years prior that upon his death the wounds would heal. The wounds of the stigmata were not the only mystical phenomenon experienced by Padre Pio.

The blood from the stigmata had an odor described by many as similar to that of perfume or flowers, and the gift of bilocation was attributed to him. Padre Pio had the ability to read the hearts of the penitents who flocked to him for confession which he heard for ten or twelve hours per day. Padre Pio used the confessional to bring both sinners and devout souls closer to God. He would know just the right word of counsel or encouragement that was needed. Even before his death, people spoke to Padre Pio about his possible canonization. Padre Pio devoted his life to the Eucharist and prayer.

Words of Padre Pio about Our Blessed Mother

"Hold on tightly to the Rosary. Be very grateful to the Madonna because it was she who gave us Jesus. Love Our Lady and make her loved; always recite the Rosary and recite it as often as possible."

"May the Mother of Jesus, and our Mother, obtain for us from her Son the grace to live a life according to the heart of God, a life that is entirely interior and hidden in Him. Give yourself up into the arms of your Heavenly Mother. She will take good care of your soul."

Saint Padre Pio, pray for us and for all the names we receive through this prayer ministry.

Reflection: Bella...

Taking a child, He placed it in their midst, and putting His arms around it, He said to them, "whoever receives one child such as this, in My Name, receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but the One who sent Me." Mark 9:36-37

A tragic story unfolded this week. Months ago, the body of a little child was found in a trash bag washed ashore on Deer Island in Boston. The child was named Baby Doe. This week, her identity was discovered. Her name is Bella, which means beautiful in Italian. She was just shy of three years old. The circumstances of her death are tragic. It is likely that she suffered much in her short life. She is surely resting now in the arms of Jesus.

A great sadness comes in knowing about the loss of this beautiful child. How is it possible? Didn't people miss her? Why didn't they come forward? The answers may never be known.

What lessons can be carried forward in our own lives from this tragic story? Let us ask the Lord to reveal to us if there are times that we have been silent when we should have spoken. As we pray about this, He will help us listen to His promptings so that we will know when He wants us to do something. He will give us courage to speak the truth, in love.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Following God's Will first means listening to Him in prayer. When we make time every day to listen in silence to the Lord, He will speak.

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:16

On this day, as we ponder beautiful little Bella, know that you are a beautiful child of God. Ask Jesus what He wants to say to you: Jesus, what do you want to say to me?
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Reflection: Hold nothing back...Trust in the Lord with all your heart...

God's mercy endures forever!  In the Gospel, we see the sinful woman come up behind Jesus at His feet weeping. She emptied herself out at His feet, seeking His mercy. 

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.  Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that He was at table in the house of the Pharisee.  Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind Him at his feet weeping and began to bathe His feet with her tears.  Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.  Luke 7:36-38

The woman kissed the feet of Jesus, dried them with her hair and then anointed His head and feet with the ointment. She gave everything she had. She held nothing back. She knows she is a sinner, but, in love, she came to Jesus seeking forgiveness.   

As you pray with this Scripture, place yourself in the scene. Maybe you are the Pharisee or one of the invited guests.  As you see the woman come to Jesus, watch what she does as she shows great love to Jesus. What happens in your heart as you are present in this encounter? Sit and ponder your own experience in prayer. Maybe you are the woman. You approach Jesus and touch His feet and He reaches down and touches your head. You lift your eyes and Love enters your heart. You are filled with His love and mercy. The fragrance from the ointment is sweet and it fills the room. Jesus gazes at you with great love and you are overcome by this personal encounter with Him. Then He says to you, Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace.        

Then Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman?  When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered.  You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment.  So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”  He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”  The others at table said to themselves,  “Who is this who even forgives sins?”  But he said to the woman,  “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”  Luke 7:44-50  

Ponder the woman and how she held nothing back. She poured herself out at the feet of Jesus seeking His love and mercy. Come to Jesus and sit in His Presence in Eucharistic Adoration or before the tabernacle. Ask Him to help you give everything to Him, to hold nothing back. Then watch as He transforms you into the child of God He created you to be.  

Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the house of the Lord and speak to the inhabitants of all the cities of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord; whatever I command you, tell them, and hold nothing back.  Jeremiah 26:2

Hold nothing back. Empty yourself out to the Lord. Give Him everything you have. Trust in the Lord.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; on your own intelligence, do not rely. in all your ways, be mindful of Him and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Reflection: Our Lady of Sorrows...

Stabat Mater
At the Cross her station keeping stood the mournful Mother weeping, close to Jesus to the last.

The title of Our Lady of Sorrows focuses on Mary's intense suffering during the passion and death of Christ. The Seven Dolors, the title by which it was celebrated in the 17th century, referred to the seven swords that pierced the Heart of Mary. Today is the Feast Day, an octave after the birthday of Our Lady on September 8th. This feast is dedicated to the spiritual martyrdom of Mary, Mother of God, and her compassion with the sufferings of her Divine Son, Jesus. In her suffering as co-redeemer, she reminds us of the tremendous evil of sin and she shows us the way of repentance. May Mary's tears lead us to Jesus and our salvation. As Mary stood at the foot of the Cross on which Jesus hung, the sword of sorrow Simeon had foretold pierced her soul.

The Seven Sorrows of Mary
1. The prophecy of Simeon
2. The flight into Egypt
3. Loss of the Child Jesus for three days
4. Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary
5. Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
6. The Body of Jesus being taken from the Cross
7. The burial of Jesus

Meditation:
Place yourself into the scene of one of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Imagine you are there with her. Talk to Mary and tell her about your own sorrows, sufferings, fears and hurts. Allow Mary to console you, to wipe your tears and to hold you close to her Immaculate Heart. Watch Mary in her own sorrow. See how she suffers in silence, how she ponders everything in her heart, how the wounds of Jesus are her wounds and how she never leaves Him. Ask Mary to help you carry your sufferings and how to ponder everything in your heart. Mary never left Jesus alone and she will never leave you alone. She is your compassionate and loving Mother.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us. Help us to be like you and offer our sufferings to Jesus. Let us stand at the foot of the Cross with you.

Reflection: The Most Holy Name of Mary...

According to Jewish custom, Our Lady's parents named her eight days after her birth.  They were inspired to call her Mary. Today is the Feast Day of the Most Holy Name of Mary. On this day dedicated to the Most Holy Name of Mary, let us repeat that wonderful Prayer of Saint Bernard to invite everyone to become a trusting child before Mary, even as the Son of God did. Saint Bernard says, and we say with him:

Look to the star of the sea, call upon Mary. In danger, in distress, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. May her name never be far from your lips, or far from your heart. If you follow her, you will not stray; if you pray to her, you will not despair; if you turn your thoughts to her, you will not err. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear; if she is your guide, you will not tire; if she is gracious to you, you will surely reach your destination.

There were many meanings given by the early Christian writers and perpetuated by the Greek Fathers to Mary's name. "Bitter Sea," "Myrrh of the Sea," "The Light Giver," "The Enlightened One," "Lady," "Seal of the Lord," and "Mother of the Lord." From the time of Saint Jerome until the 16th century, the names given to Mary in the West were "Lady," "Bitter Sea," "The Light Giver," and especially "Star of the Sea." Stella Maris was by far the favored interpretation. The Hebrew name of Mary, Miryãm, (in Latin Domina) means lady or sovereign.  Mary is in virtue of her Son's sovereign authority as Lord of the World. We call Mary our Lady as we call Jesus our Lord, and when we pronounce her name we affirm her power, implore her aid and place ourselves under her protection.

I have always felt so grateful to share the name of Mary. I am sure that my devotion to her from a very early age came from having her name, as well as from my parent's devotion to her. I have called upon Mary throughout my whole life and she is always at my side. I know her and she knows me. She helps me with my struggles, weaknesses and fears and she always leads me to her Beloved Son. I know that the Rosary and my Consecration to Jesus through Mary have given me strength and direction in my spiritual life.

Has it been a while since you went to confession? Ask Mary to accompany you. She will go to confession with you, she will wrap her mantle around you and she will help you speak to the priest who is "In Persona Christi" Jesus Himself. Ask Mary to help you to bring your miseries to confession. Jesus is there waiting for you. He will speak words of love and mercy to you.

If you want to know Mary better, pray the rosary and consecrate your life to Jesus through Mary. She will protect, guide and lead you and she will always remain near to you and those who are dear to you.

Saint Ephrem said, "that the name of Mary is the key of the gates of heaven," in the hands of those who devoutly invoke it.

O sweet Mother Mary, we call upon your Most Holy Name and entrust our prayers to you, our Most Loving Mother.

The Nativity of Mary

Today the Church celebrates the birth of Mary. September 8th is nine months after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. It is through Mary, conceived without sin, that Jesus came into the world.  Saint Ann and Saint Joachim were infertile and prayed for a child.  They received the promise of a child who would be the salvation of the world.  They consecrated Mary to the Lord.

Saint Augustine connects Mary's birth with Jesus' saving work. He tells the earth to rejoice and shine forth in the light of her birth.  "She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed."

This prayer ministry is entrusted and consecrated to Mary.  As we pray for so many needs, we know that Mary is with us and she brings our prayers to Jesus.  Every human birth is a sign of new hope in the world, the love of two human beings joining with God in his creative work. Loving parents are hope in a world filled with troubles. A new child has the potential to be a channel of God's love and peace to the world. Mary shows us the way. Jesus is God's love and Mary is the foreshadowing of that love. Jesus brought salvation, Mary is the dawning of salvation.

Birthday celebrations bring happiness to family and friends. Next to the birth of Jesus, Mary's birth offers the greatest possible happiness to the world. Today, as we celebrate her birth, may we always turn to her with our needs.  Let us pray for an increase of peace in our hearts, in our families and in the world. 

The Memorare Prayer
Remember, O most gracious Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided.  Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Mary is our Mother and our intercessor; she is gentle and powerful.  I speak to Mary often during the day.  I especially feel close to her when I pray the rosary and meditate on the mysteries of her life and the life of Jesus.  Mary has helped me during times of suffering and trial.  I have seen her intercede in my life in so many ways. She will help you too. Turn to Mary and let her embrace you. Imagine you are a little child seated on her lap.  She holds you close and consoles you.  Feel the comfort of her loving embrace.  Speak to Mary.  Pour out your heart to her.  She will listen and she will take your needs and place them in a basket at the feet of Jesus. 

Happy Birthday Blessed Mother Mary! You were created by God in grace. By your yes, your fiat to God and your cooperation with the Holy Spirit, God became one in you, and you gave Jesus to us. Dear Mary, Mother of Jesus, thank you for trusting God and showing us how to respond to and cooperate with Him in our lives. Happy Birthday, Mary, our Mother!

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.