Reflection: Most Gracious Virgin Mary

Saint Bernard sums up the great spiritual advantage of true devotion to our Blessed Mother. Let us pray as a trusting child of Mary:

"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."

Mary, Our Mother, understands our sufferings and those we carry when our loved ones hurt. Let us bring them to her and ask her to intercede to her Beloved Son Jesus. Her heart was pierced when she heard Simeon's words, as she held her precious baby. She did not understand, but she kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. Let us unite our sufferings and those of our loved ones and those for whom we pray with Mary.

Mary was petitioned as "Mother of God" at least by the 3rd Century, as is evidenced by the discovery of the Sub Tuum prayer:

This prayer, known in Latin as "Sub tuum Praesidium" and first found in a Greek papyrus, c. 300, is the oldest known prayer to the Virgin.

We turn to you for protection, Holy Mother of God. Listen to our prayers and help us in all our needs. Save us from every danger, glorious and blessed Virgin.

The "Memorare" is a sixteenth-century version of a fifteenth-century prayer that began "Ad sanctitatis tuae pedes, dulcissima Virgo Maria." Claude Bernard (1588-1641) popularized the idea that the "Memorare" was written by Saint Bernard.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to 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 your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.

On earth, the Blessed Virgin offered her life in obedient service of God. In heaven, she leads the song of eternal praise which rises like incense before the throne of God. O Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us.

Reflection: The Holy Family and the Angels

As we ponder the Nativity, let us gaze at the Baby Jesus, the Light of the World. He came to us as a little Baby.

Let us enter the scene. Mary and Joseph are watching over the newborn King with awe and wonder. They beckon you to come. As you draw close to the Holy Family, the love of Jesus comes pouring into your heart. Kneel before Him and adore Him. As you gaze at the Baby Jesus, He gazes at you with great love.

This is a beautiful image of the Nativity scene. In the painting, circa 1515, art historians and doctors say it depicts a child with Down syndrome as the angel nearest to Mary, possibly the child of the person who commissioned the painting. The painting is called "Adoration of the Christ Child" by Jan Joest of Kalkar in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The John 10:10 Prayer Ministry began through all the prayers offered for a beautiful baby with Down syndrome, Lily Grace. She is now a happy, healthy twelve year old who brings light and love to everyone she encounters.

At dusk recently, our family was visiting at a beautiful Nativity scene on the grounds of our parish. As we walked up the pathway, the lights suddenly came on shining on the Holy Family. Lily Grace and her little sister Norah, were amazed at how the lights came on at that very moment! As we drew near, they touched the Holy Family, the shepherds and the animals who were near them. Above the Holy Family, is a large Angel, holding a banner, "Gloria in Excelsis Deo Glory to God in the Highest." Norah asked why the angel looked so serious. I told her that the Angel has a very important job: to protect and guide the Holy Family and the Angel took his job very seriously. I explained that God gives each one of us a Guardian Angel who stays with us from the moment we are born to the moment we die. Our guardian angels protect, guide and enlighten us throughout our lives. We can talk to and thank our guardian angel.

O Holy Family, as we gaze at you, your light comes down to shine upon us and we give you our hearts. Saint Joseph and Holy Mary, Mother of God, help us to always keep our eyes fixed on the Baby. Sweet Baby Jesus, the Light of the World, let us look at the angels surrounding You, especially the little angel with Down syndrome, and bow in adoration of You asking for the love and pure heart of this special little angel.  

O Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Reflection: The Holy Innocents, martyrs

Beloved, now this is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

Jesus came to us in Goodness and Light as a vulnerable little baby born in a stable in Bethlehem. Amid the joy of Christmas, there is great sadness today as we remember the Feast Day of the Holy Innocents, the male children under the age of two who were put to death by Herod. His hatred for these little children made them the first martyrs for Jesus. 

When Herod realized that the Magi did not return to him after they followed the star to see the newborn king of the Jews, he became furious and ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under. The horror of the massacre and the devastation of the mothers and fathers led Matthew to quote Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children...”Rachel was the wife of Jacob. She is pictured as weeping at the place where the Israelites were herded together by the conquering Assyrians for their march into captivity.

Matthew 2:12-15
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the Child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son."

Ponder what it was like for Joseph when the angel appeared to him in a dream. Imagine how concerned he must have been for Mary and the Child Jesus. Joseph did not doubt or question the angel. He rose from the dream and left for Egypt immediately. Joseph trusted and obeyed God. Pray to Joseph and ask him to help you trust in God as he did.

Herod was “greatly troubled” when astrologers from the east came asking the whereabouts of “the newborn king of the Jews,” whose star they had seen. They were told that the Jewish Scriptures named Bethlehem as the place where the Messiah would be born. Herod cunningly told them to report back to him so that he could also “do him homage.” They found Jesus, offered him their gifts and, warned by an angel, avoided Herod on their way home. Jesus escaped to Egypt.

Matthew 2:16-18
When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the Magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: "A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more."

Today we remember the Holy Innocents. We pray for all the babies lost in our time to the horror of abortion. We pray for their families and for all souls wounded by abortion.
Kiss of Mercy - Prayer Apostolate for Healing from Abortion

A baby is a precious gift from God. We pray that ALL LIFE will be protected through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Unborn.

The Shrine of the Holy Innocents - A sacred place of prayer and healing for parents and others who have been touched by the loss of a child.

Reflection: Saint John, the Beloved Disciple

Saint John, known as the Evangelist and the "beloved disciple" was born in Bethsaida. Today we celebrate his feast day. John was called to follow Jesus while mending his fishing nets.

John wrote the fourth Gospel, three Epistles and the book of Revelation. His passages and writings are among the most powerful of the New Testament. He wrote of how Jesus is the light of the world and life of our souls. We learn about the interior life of Jesus and His love for the Father. Jesus desires us to know Him by spending time in prayer. When we do, our interior life grows and we come closer and closer to the Father and to Jesus and Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit.

With his brother James and Simon Peter, he was one of the witnesses of the Transfiguration. John was the disciple who reclined on the breast of Jesus at the Last Supper. He is thought to have been especially close to Jesus. He alone stood at the foot of the Cross when Our Lord died. Jesus entrusted His Mother to John, and to us, when He said, "Behold, your Mother."

Meditation:
Place yourself alongside the disciples as they are listening to Jesus. The beloved disciple John was resting his head upon the breast of Jesus. As you listen, Jesus beckons you to come to Him. From that moment, Love pours into your heart. You draw close to Jesus and He places His arm around you. In the safety of His embrace, speak to Jesus. Tell Him everything. Then, rest peacefully in His arms. You are His beloved.

1 John 1: 1-4 Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes; what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life, for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us, what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.

O Beloved Disciple Saint John, the Evangelist, help us to have a personal encounter with Jesus each day and help us to be His disciples.  We ask your intercession for all the intentions we receive through this prayer ministry.

For a Child is born to us!

For a Child is born to us, a Son is given us; upon His shoulder, dominion rests. They name Him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:5 

Heavenly Father, we contemplate and gaze upon the newborn Baby Jesus, all holy, full of innocence, the Son of God.  Sweet Baby Jesus, Prince of Peace, we rejoice on this day of Your birth. Come into our hearts with Your peace and love.

Luke 8-14 "Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Jesus came to us as a little baby so we would not be afraid to come to Him. Open your heart to receive Jesus. You are His beloved one.

That I am Your beloved

O Come Let Us Adore Him!

Reflection: Away in a manger...

And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Luke 2:12

The manger helps us to contemplate the mystery of God's love who revealed Himself in the simplicity of the Bethlehem cave. The secret of Christmas is in the crib. Jesus was born into poverty and in humility. Jesus calls upon us to embrace poverty and humility of spirit and to rely on Him for all our needs.

Like the shepherds who found the Babe in a manger, may we open our hearts to gaze at Jesus in the manger. May we find the joy and peace of Christmas and share it with all those we encounter.

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this things that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manger. Luke 2:15-16

May our own Nativity scenes be a visible reminder of that Holy Night when our Savior was born. May we keep the Holy Family in our hearts, Mary and Joseph and the little Babe of Bethlehem, who came to save us from sin. May we always remember that the wood of the manger that held Him so securely would one day give way to the wood of the Cross.



Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us and all the names we receive through this ministry.

The Christmas crèche

The cherished tradition of the Christmas crib and the Nativity scene was begun by Saint Francis of Assisi. On Christmas Eve in 1223, Saint Francis longed to see, with his own eyes, how Jesus came to Bethlehem, that he arranged to have the scene recreated in a cave at Greccio, using live people and animals. During the solemnities of the Mass being offered there, a little child was seen lying in the manger. From that celebration began the custom of the Christmas crib or crèche.

The manger helps us to contemplate the love of God who came as a little Baby and revealed Himself in the simplicity of the Bethlehem cave. Saint Francis of Assisi was so overwhelmed by the mystery of the Incarnation that he wanted to present it again in Greccio with the living manger, which led to our tradition today.

The crib helps us understand the secret of the true Christmas: humility, poverty and the merciful goodness of Christ.

Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor.  2 Corinthians 8:9

Christmas brings joy and peace to those who accept the words of the angel, as the shepherds did:

And this will be a sign for you: you will find an Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.  Luke 2:12

Place your Nativity scene under the twinkling lights your Christmas tree as a visible reminder of that starry Holy Night when Jesus Christ our Savior was born. 

May we see the Holy Family, Mary and Joseph and the little Babe of Bethlehem, who came to save us from sin. May we remember that the wood of the manger that held Him so securely would one day give way to the wood of the Cross. May we too embrace Jesus with all of our love as Saint Francis did.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us and all the names we receive through this ministry.

Reflection: "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home."

Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this Child has been conceived in her. She will bear a Son and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."  Matthew 1:20-21

Joseph was betrothed to Mary but they did not yet live together. Imagine how he must have felt when he found out that Mary was with child! He was a good and loving man. He wanted to protect Mary so decided he would divorce her quietly. 

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and told him Mary's child was conceived  by the Holy Spirit, Joseph responded with complete trust. Joseph listened to the message of the angel and he obeyed. He awoke from his dream and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and he took Mary into his home. 

Ponder Joseph's obedience and trust. Ask him to teach you how to obey and trust the way he did. When the angel appeared in his dream, calling Joseph, by name, the angel's first words were, "Do not be afraid." 

Meditation:

Are you afraid about something? Is there a situation in your life that provokes fear and worry? 

Go to Joseph. When you are faced with something that you do not understand, go to Joseph. Ask him to be with you and to help you trust the way he did. Go to Joseph. He will console you and protect you. As you await the birth of the Baby Jesus, invite Joseph to come into your home, the home of your heart.

Visit a chapel this week before Christmas, sit before the tabernacle or the creche and ponder the angel's message to Joseph. The angel called him "by name" and told him not to be afraid. As you sit in silence, The Lord calls you "by name." Ask Jesus to help you listen, be obedient and to trust Him in all things as Joseph did. Pour out your heart to Him and receive His love and peace.

Behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and they shall name Him Emmanuel which means "God is with us." Matthew 1:23

Reflection: We are Sandy Hook. We choose love.

Today is the 6th anniversary of the Newtown, Connecticut school tragedy, We remember the lives of twenty children and six educators and their families, friends and loved ones. 

After the massacre, there was a simple sign in Newtown: We are Sandy Hook. We choose love.

"Pray more. Love more." Saint Josemaria Escriva

Love and truth will meet. justice and peace will kiss.  Psalm 85:11

On the door of a local diner, a teddy bear with wings cradled a smaller bear and placed, alongside a message, declaring that the town's twenty six Angels are always here, never forgotten.

May the Angels lead you into Paradise; may the martyrs greet you at your arrival and lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem. May the choir of Angels greet you and like Lazarus, who once was a poor man, may you have eternal rest.

We pray for the Sandy Hook community, for the priests of Saint Rose of Lima Parish and for the ministers and rabbis who continue to guide and console all the brokenhearted. 

I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, "Fear not, I will help you."  Isaiah 41:13

Jesus is the Divine Healer. May Mother Mary wrap her protective mantle around the grieving families, console them and draw them into the Sacred Heart of Jesus where they will find healing, hope, comfort and rest.

The Lord is near the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18

Through the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary, we pray for continued healing and hope for the community in Newtown. We implore the intercession of Venerable Fr. Patrick Peyton CSC, the Rosary Priest, and we remember his powerful messages: "A family that prays together stays together" and "A world at prayer is a world at peace." May the love of Jesus and Mary be poured into their broken hearts.

A child shall lead them.  Isaiah 11:6 

In the midst of horror and suffering, God descends.

Mediation:
Place yourself in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ. As you rest there with Him, imagine God the Father descending upon you and the Holy Spirit coming to you with His love and grace. You are in the Presence of the Holy Trinity and Mary is with you. Gaze at the Face of Jesus and bring your sorrows and sufferings to Him. Ask Jesus for the grace of healing and peace.  

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your Holy Will, which is Love and Mercy itself.  Closing prayer of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Today bring to Me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children and immerse them in My Mercy. Sixth day of the Novena of Divine Mercy

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

Patroness of the Unborn and of the Americas  
Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A poor Indian Juan Diego was a 57 year old widower who lived in a small village near Mexico City. On Saturday morning December 9, 1531, he was on his way to attend Mass in honor of Our Lady. He was walking by a hill called Tepeyac when he heard beautiful music like the warbling of birds. A radiant cloud appeared and within it a young Native American maiden dressed like an Aztec princess. The lady spoke to him in his own language and sent him to the bishop of Mexico, a Franciscan named Juan de Zumarraga. She told him that the bishop was to build a chapel in the place where the lady appeared.

Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego:

"Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the fountain of your joy?"

“My dearest son, I am the eternal Virgin Mary, Mother of the true God, Author of Life, Creator of all and Lord of the Heavens and of the Earth...and it is my desire that a church be built here in this place for me, where, as your most merciful Mother and that of all your people, I may show my loving clemency and the compassion that I bear to the Indians, and to those who love and seek me.”

Juan Diego went to the bishop who told him to have the lady give him a sign. About this same time Juan Diego’s uncle became seriously ill. Poor Diego tried to avoid the lady but she appeared to him and assured him that his uncle would recover and she provided roses for Juan to carry to the bishop in his cape or tilma. Juan Diego told his story to the bishop, who instructed him to return and ask the Lady for a miraculous sign to prove her claim.

The Virgin told Juan Diego to gather some flowers from the top of Tepeyac Hill. It was winter and no flowers bloomed, but on the hilltop Diego found flowers of every sort, and the Virgin herself arranged them in his tilma, or peasant cloak. When Juan Diego opened his tilma in the bishop’s presence, the roses fell to the ground and the bishop sank to his knees. On Juan Diego’s tilma appeared an image of Mary miraculously imprinted exactly as she had appeared at the hill of Tepeyac. It was December 12, 1531.

The Image on the Tilma

The imprint of Mary on the tilma is striking, and the symbolism was primarily directed to Juan Diego and the Aztecs. Mary appears as a beautiful young Indian maiden with a look of love, compassion, and humility, her hands folded in prayer in reference to the Almighty God. Her rose dress, adorned with a jasmine flower, eight petal flowers, and nine heart flowers symbolic to the Aztec culture, is that of an Aztec princess. Her blue mantle symbolized the royalty of the gods, and the blue color symbolized life and unity. The stars on the mantle signified the beginning of a new civilization. La Morenita appeared on the day of the winter solstice, considered the day of the sun's birth; the Virgin's mantle accurately represents the 1531 winter solstice! Mary stands in front of and hides the sun, but the rays of the sun still appear around her, signifying she is greater than the sun god, the greatest of the native divinities, but the rays of the sun still bring light. Twelve rays of the sun surround her face and head. She stands on the moon, supported by an angel with wings like an eagle: to the Aztec, this indicated her superiority to the moon god, the god of night, and her divine, regal nature.

Most important are the black maternity band, a jasmine flower, and a cross that are present in the image. Mary wore a black maternity band, signifying she was with child. At the center of the picture, overlying her womb, is a jasmine flower in the shape of an Indian cross, which is the sign of the Divine and the center of the cosmic order to the Aztec. This symbol indicated that the baby Mary carried within her, Jesus Christ, the Word made Flesh, is Divine and the new center of the universe. On the brooch around her neck was a black Christian cross, indicating she is both a bearer and follower of Christ, the Son of God, our Savior, who died on the Cross to save mankind. The image signified Mary bringing her Son Christ to the New World through one of their own.

Our Lady's apparition was an event of great significance for Native Americans. Nine million Indians became Catholic in a very short time. Our Lady of Guadalupe shows us God's love for the poor and for the unborn.  Our Lady said to Juan Diego, "I will give all my protection to the people. I am the merciful Mother of all mankind. Am I not your fountain of life."  Our Lady of Guadalupe protects all her children, born and unborn.

And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Luke 1:46-47

Our Lady of Guadalupe, we entrust all the names we receive through this prayer ministry to you, our most loving and merciful Mother.

Reflection: Prepare the way of the Lord...

It is the second week of Advent, a time of waiting and a time of preparing. As we await the coming of the birth of Jesus on our journey to Bethlehem, let us ask Him to prepare our hearts.

A voice of one crying in the desert: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths."  Mark 1:3

In the wilderness, John the Baptist proclaimed the saving Presence of God. After the Baptism of the Lord, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit rested upon Him in the form of a dove. The voice of the Father was heard: This is My Beloved Son, listen to Him.  

God came to a deserted place. He calls us into a deserted place, into the silence, where we can hear Him. Find a place to be quiet and sit with the Lord. Stop into a chapel or church. Place yourself in His Presence and just be. When you quiet your mind and heart, He will speak to you in the silence.

Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortable unto her.  Hosea 2:14  

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

Be still and trust in God. You are His beloved child. He never leaves you alone, unaided, or forgotten. God comes when you call Him. Be still. When the noise and storms of the world are all around you, come into the quiet Presence of the Lord and the storms will not come into your heart. Place your worries and fears in His hands and place yourself in His Presence. When you are in pain or anguish, God comes and He heals your broken heart. 

Be still. Pray and ponder God's Word, rest, take a walk, slow down and free your mind and heart so God can dwell within you. Prepare the way of the Lord...

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

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

You are all beautiful, my beloved, and there is no blemish in you. Song of Solomon 4:7

Today is the Feast Day of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this day, we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was conceived without sin. The Immaculate Conception means that the Blessed Virgin Mary was free from original sin from the very moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne. God made Mary a pure vessel to carry His Beloved Jesus in her womb.

We celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8; nine months before is December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, a fourteen year-old girl in Lourdes, France on February 11, 1858. The Blessed Mother told Bernadette to drink from the fountain within the grotto. This fountain was unknown and there was no sign of its location. Bernadette scratched the ground and a spring gushed forth from the spot from which she was asked to build a chapel. This is where the Blessed Mother proclaimed. "I am the Immaculate Conception." Ever since Our Lady appeared to Bernadette, Lourdes has been a site for countless miracles.

Today is the Patronal Feast Day of the United States of America. May Our Lady bless our country and protect and guide us as we pray for the protection and sanctity of all Life, especially for life in the womb, for the restoration of the sanctity of Marriage and for the protection of Religious Freedom in our beloved country.

Christ is the "new Adam". The Church Fathers, Saint Justin in 150AD and Saint Irenaeus 180AD, saw Mary as the "new Eve". Mary humbly obeyed God; Eve disobeyed. The Church Fathers also called Mary the "new ark of the covenant" and theotokos, God-bearer. From these titles came the doctrine of Mary's Immaculate Conception and her sinlessness unfolded. Saint Ephrem, the Syrian, in 373AD spoke of Mary as without stain or blemish, calling her "all pure, all immaculate, all stainless, all undefiled, all incorrupt, all inviolate." Saint Augustine left open the possibility of Mary's sinlessness, using language similar to the Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

From the Diary of Saint Faustina 564
On the feast day of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God, during Holy Mass, I heard the rustling of garments and saw the most holy Mother of God in a most beautiful radiance. Her white garment was girdles with a blue sash. She said to me, "You give Me great joy when you adore The Most Holy Trinity for the graces and privileges which were accorded Me."

Heavenly Father, You prepared the Virgin Mary to be the worthy Mother of your Son. You kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception. Help us, by her prayers, to live in Your Presence without sin. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

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

Reflection: How can you prepare your heart for the Baby Jesus on Christmas Day?

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. The best way to prepare for Advent is to spend it with Mary, asking her to accompany you and reflecting on how she pondered God's Word. Mary was still. 

Gaze at the image of the Madonna with Child. She is awaiting the birth of Jesus. Let us wait with Mary and ask her to teach us how to ponder as she did.

Mary invites you to be still. to listen and ponder as God speaks to you during this beautiful season of Advent, as you prepare your heart for the birth of Jesus. 

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:11

How can you prepare your heart for the coming of the Baby Jesus on Christmas Day? 

Ask Our Lady to accompany you. She is your most loving Mother and she will always lead you to her Beloved Son. Be still like Mary. Spend time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration. It is there, in the silence, that Jesus will speak to your heart. 

The message of Advent is to bring light into a world of darkness. The Advent candles symbolize Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. It is He who dispels the darkness and brings hope. The Lord is always coming to those who seek Him. Let us seek Him through the eyes and heart of Mary.

The silent soul is capable of attaining the closest union with God. It lives almost always under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. God works in a silent soul without hindrance. In order to hear the voice of God, one has to have silence in one's soul and to keep silence; not a gloomy silence but an interior silence; that is to say, recollection in God. Diary of Saint Faustina 198, 477, 118

Prepare the way of the Lord!

In the wilderness, John the Baptist proclaimed the saving Presence of God. After the Baptism of the Lord, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit rested upon Him in the form of a dove. The voice of the Father was heard: This is My Beloved Son, listen to Him. 

God came to a deserted place. He calls you into a deserted place, into the silence, where you can hear Him. 

Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and lead her into the wilderness, and speak persuasively to her. Hosea 2:16

Open the door of your heart, be still and rest awhile...

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Andrew the Apostle. As Mary, our Blessed Mother, always leads us to Jesus, Saint Andrew brought others to Jesus. Andrew told his brother Simon, "We have found the Messiah, the Christ" and he brought him to Jesus. 

When Jesus called Andrew and his brother Simon Peter, He said to them, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

They immediately dropped their fishing nets and followed him. Let us say Yes to Jesus the way Andrew, Simon and Our Blessed Mother Mary did. Let us call on their intercession in our need.

A novena is normally a nine day prayer, the term is sometimes used for any prayer that is repeated over a series of days. This prayer is often called the "Christmas Novena" or the "Christmas Anticipation Prayer" because it is prayed 15 times every day from the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle until Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent is the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Andrew.

The novena is not actually addressed to Saint Andrew but to God Himself, asking Him to grant our request in the honor of the birth of His Son at Christmas. You can say the prayer all 15 times, all at once; or divide up the recitation as necessary, perhaps five times at each meal. Prayed as a family, the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is a very good way to help focus the attention of your children on the Advent season.

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

Saint Andrew, you gave your life to follow Jesus. Help us offer our lives to follow Him in all we do and in all we say. Saint Andrew, pray for us.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, pray for us!

Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and Saint Catherine Labouré. In 1830, on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent, Sister Catherine and her community were gathered in the chapel for afternoon prayers. Suddenly, Our Lady appeared to Catherine and entrusted her with the mission of making and distributing the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, now known as the Miraculous Medal.

At first Mary appeared standing on a globe and dressed in white having with a long white veil which fell to her feet. The Virgin held in her hands, at the height of her shoulders, a golden ball which she seemed to be offering to God as she raised her eyes to heaven. Her fingers were covered with rings whose precious jewels sparkled brilliantly and showered down innumerable rays of light on the globe beneath her feet, almost obscuring the view of her feet. Mary lowered her eyes and looked directly at Catherine. Mary said nothing, but Catherine heard this message, 

"The ball which you see represents the world, especially France, and each person in particular. These rays symbolize the graces I shed upon those who ask for them. The jewels which give no rays symbolize the graces that are not given because they are not asked for." 

Then the apparition changed. Our Lady appeared with a white dress, a blue mantle, and a white veil which draped back over her shoulders. She was still standing on the globe, and had one foot on the head of a serpent which lay at her feet. The 1830 was marked on the globe. The Virgin had her arms and hands pointed downwards, and a cascade of rays was falling down from both hands onto the globe. An oval frame formed around the Blessed Virgin, and written around within it, in letters of gold, was the beautiful prayer, 

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

Then the vision revolved to show the reverse side of the medal. Catherine saw a Cross with a bar at its feet with which was intertwined an "M" and beneath the "M" were the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, both surmounted by flames of love, one having a crown of thorns, and the other pierced with a sword. Encircling all of this were twelve stars around the oval frame. 

Sister Catherine died on December 31, 1876. In 1895, the cause for sainthood was introduced in Rome and she was beatified on May 28, 1933. When her body was exhumed, after fifty-seven years of burial, it was found to be completely incorrupt and supple. She was canonized a Saint on July 27, 1947.

Saint Catherine Labouré, pray for us!  

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, pray for us and all the intentions we receive through this ministry! 

Solemnity of Christ the King

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. It is the last day of the liturgical year. The new Church Year begins next Sunday on the first Sunday of Advent, a time of waiting in hope and expectation, a time of longing for the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Pope Pius XI began this feast day to honor the authority of Jesus Christ, the King of the world, to overcome the rise of evil and so that we will place Jesus in the center of our hearts and lives.

“King” was one of the earliest titles given to the Son of God. The title does not refer to a status of an earthly king, which many of the Jews had been expecting; someone to overthrow the Roman rule and be an earthly king of the Israel. Rather He came to be the spiritual king; His kingdom is in heaven, not confined to the earth alone. It is an eternal Kingdom of light and truth, of holiness and grace, of justice, love and peace.  The King is love.

We receive Christ the King into our hearts through the Blessed Virgin Mary. She walked with Jesus and always brings us to Him. It is through her love that we have the knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.

“In that first ‘fusion’ with Jesus in Holy Communion, it was my Heavenly Mother again who accompanied me to the altar for it was she herself who placed her Jesus into my soul.” Saint Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church

"The Virgin Mary, being obedient to His Word, received from an angel the glad tidings that she would bear God."  Saint Irenaeus, Father of the Church

"I am not only the Queen of Heaven, but also the Mother of Mercy."  Our Lady to Saint Faustina

And this will be made manifest at the proper time by the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.  1 Timothy 6:15

The good thief, hanging next to Jesus on the cross said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom." Jesus replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:42-43

Jesus Christ, King of Divine Majesty, have mercy on us. Remember us when You come into Your Kingdom. Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us.

A Mass in Thanksgiving for you...

In thanksgiving, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered monthly for the John 10:10 prayer partners and prayer intentions. 

On this Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks for you and all your prayers. The Lord receives all our prayers and little offerings and places them where they are needed. Prayer is a spiritual work of mercy.

There is so much to be thankful for: God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our Blessed Mother Mary, the Gift of Life, God's Loving Providence, Family, Special Friends, the Beauty of God's Creation, our Crosses (which draw us close to Jesus and Mary), the Sacraments and our Beloved Priests.

Catechism of the Catholic Church #1330  The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for all His benefits, for all He has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification. Eucharist means, first of all, "thanksgiving."

The Lord is good to all, compassionate toward all Your works. All Your works give You thanks, Lord and Your faithful bless You. Psalm 145:9-10

Our Blessed Virgin Mary is Mother of the Eucharist. She offered her life and gave her Fiat through obedience and humble service. This is true worship of God, surrendering to His Will. In heaven, she leads a song of eternal praise, like incense raising up to God.

Listen, my faithful children: open up your petals, like roses planted near running waters; send up the sweet odor of incense, break forth in blossoms like the lily. Send up the sweet odor of your hymn of praise; bless the Lord for all He has done!  Sirach 39:13-14

O give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

Let us give thanks to the Lord and ponder all He has done for us, especially in giving Himself to us in the Eucharist and giving His Mother Mary as our Mother.

The Fifth Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In accordance with Jewish custom Mary's parents, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, named her eight days after her birth, and were inspired to call her Mary.

When Mary was three years old, her parents brought her to the temple and presented her to the Lord. After suffering with infertility for years, they made a promise to dedicate and consecrate Mary her to the Lord.

Let us pray the words of Saint Bernard who invites us to become a trusting child before Mary, even as the Son of God did:

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.

The meanings ascribed to Mary's name by the early Christian writers and perpetuated by the Greek Fathers. "Bitter Sea," "Myrrh of the Sea," "The Light Giver," "The Enlightened One," "Lady," "Seal of the Lord," and "Mother of the Lord" are the principal interpretations. From the time of Saint Jerome until the 16th century, preferred interpretations of Mary's name 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; this 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.

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.

The Magnificat
The Canticle of Mary
And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and Holy is his Name." Luke 1:46-49

O Mary, on this Memorial of your Presentation in the Temple, we call upon you and entrust our prayers to you, our most loving Mother.

Reflection: Behold, I stand at the door and knock.

Prayer to Saint John the Evangelist for an Ardent Love for Jesus and Mary  
O glorious Saint John, you were so loved by Jesus that you merited to rest your head on His breast and to be left in His place as a son to Mary. Obtain for me an ardent love for Jesus and Mary. Let me be united with them now on earth and forever after in heaven. Amen.

John was the disciple who leaned on Jesus at the Last Supper and the disciple who stood at the foot of the Cross with Mary. From the Cross, Jesus gave His Mother to John and to us.

"Behold, your Mother." John 19:27

Jesus came to John in a deeply personal way. Jesus desires to come to you in that way too!

Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart!  Will you let Him in?

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him and he with Me."  Revelation 3:20

How can you open the door of your heart to let Jesus in?

Be still. A quiet heart is open and receptive to the Holy Spirit's promptings. Make time each day to sit in silence in the Presence of Jesus. It is in the silence that Jesus will come and enter your heart. He will speak to you in a whisper. Jesus delights in you and He wants to enter your heart and pour out His love upon you. He will heal the wounds of your heart and give you His everlasting peace.

In Sinu Jesu: When Heart Speaks to Heart -- The Journal of a Priest at Prayer by a Benedictine monk  "It is enough for Me that you should seek Me out and remain quiet in My Presence and content to be with Me. I have no need for your thoughts, no need of your words. It is enough for Me that you should offer Me an adoring heart full of love and grateful for My abiding Presence in the Most Holy Sacrament...For you, there is nothing more beneficial. You need to spend time close to My Eucharistic Heart. In My Presence, I communicate to your soul all that I want you to have, and all that I want you to know. You may not be aware of this as it is happening, but later you will experience the fruit and the efficacy of this time spent in My Presence...This is what I want of you: time 'wasted' spent in My Presence. Time given to Me for My sake."

Reflection: "What do you want Me to do for you?"

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by. He inquired what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me." Luke 18:35-38

Then the crowd rebuked the blind man and tried to silence him, but he persisted in calling out to Jesus. When Jesus heard him cry out, He stopped and asked that the man be brought to Him.

And when he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He replied, "Lord, please let me see." Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you." He immediately received his sight and followed Him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God." Luke 18:40-43

Meditation:

Imagine you are in the crowd and you witness this scene. A blind man hears that Jesus is coming and he calls out to Him, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me."  

You see and hear the crowd trying to get him to stop speaking. Has anyone tried to silence you when you are speaking?  Talk to Jesus and tell Him what that was like for you.

As the blind man persisted, Jesus stops and says, "What do you want Me to do for you?" 

Imagine the blind man's surprise! Jesus recognized him!

As you ponder this scene, Jesus turns and speaks to YOU the same words, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  

Call out and speak to Jesus now, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me." 

Jesus is waiting for you. Tell Him what you want Him to do for you.

When you have a personal encounter with Jesus, you are changed forever. Sometimes, people will try to silence you or stop you from turning to Jesus. Do not listen to their rebukes. Cry out to Jesus. Turn to Him and tell Him what you want Him to do for you.

Jesus is calling YOU to an intimate encounter. Can you hear His call? Are you afraid? Do the things of the world make you blind to Him or are you open to see and hear Him call you?

Go to Eucharistic Adoration. Jesus is waiting for you there. He will open your eyes and He will enter your heart. Come away and be still...

Jesus performs many miracles in order to increase faith. Jesus wants each one of us to have a personal encounter with Him. Everything changes when we have an encounter with Jesus. He wants to touch your heart in an intimate way, to meet you personally. When He comes to you, He will increase your faith and He will heal you in ways you could never imagine. Thank and praise Him for what He has done for you.

Listen, as Jesus speaks to YOU: "What do you want Me to do for you?"

Reflection: Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle...

Do not fear, I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Do not be afraid of the trials and tribulations that come your way. The Lord is with you and He will never abandon you.

Be steadfast in faith and persevere in prayer. Witness to the Truth in love. Cling to Jesus and Mary at all times, especially in times of distress, persecution or turmoil. Remain in God's everlasting Love through the Mass and frequent reception of the Sacraments. Do not be afraid.

In those days, I Daniel, heard the Word of the Lord: "At that time, there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. At that time, your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like stars forever." Daniel 12:1-3

Call upon Saint Michael, the Archangel, to come to your assistance.

Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in the battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray that do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Divine Power of God, cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if somethings strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when His glory is revealed, you may also rejoice exultantly. 1 Peter 4:12-13

Do not be afraid. Pick up your cross and follow Jesus.

Rejoice because your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20

Reflection: The wildfires in California

We are witnessing a tragedy of epic proportion in California. Wildfires beyond anything that has ever been seen. Many people have perished and so many people are are missing. So much suffering...

Come to Me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Amid the great suffering, heroes rise up in the firefighters, emergency workers and first responders who run into danger to help others. There are so many stories of people helping people. In the wake of catastrophic destruction, the goodness of people abounds.

Prayer brings down a flood of grace.
You can make a difference for all the people who are suffering, people who have lost everything, and to bring strength and comfort to all those who have been tirelessly working. In the midst of catastrophe, people come forward in heroic ways.

What are some of the qualities of a hero?
Courage, Faith, Hope, Love, Fortitude, Compassion, Wisdom, Perseverance, Honor, Service, Patience in Suffering

We can look to the saints as living lives of heroic virtue. God gives us their lives as examples to follow. Heroic virtue is the performance of extraordinary virtuous actions with readiness and over a period of time. The moral virtues are exercised with ease, while faith, hope and charity are practiced to an eminent degree. The presence of such virtues is required by the Church as the first step toward canonization.

Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and sisters, especially for strangers; they have testified to your love before the Church. Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey. 3 John 5-6

How can you help those who are suffering?
Pray, pray, pray. Prayer is a spiritual work of mercy. Call upon the saints to intercede. They are our friends in heaven.

"You Yourself command me to exercise the three degrees of mercy. The first: the act of mercy, of whatever kind. The second: the word of mercy - if I cannot carry out a work of mercy, I will assist by my words. The third: prayer - if I cannot show mercy by deeds or words, I can always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out even there where I cannot reach out physically. O my Jesus, transform me into Yourself, for You can do all things."  Diary of Saint Faustina 163

Heavenly Father, we ask You to bless all the families for whom we pray. We thank You for the gifts of Your Son Jesus, for the Holy Spirit and for Our Blessed Mother Mary.

Reflection: I am the Light of the World

As child, I remember we had this image of the Christ Child, the Light of the World, in my home.

In reflecting on the Gospel of John, we see Jesus passing by and He saw a man who was blind since birth.

"While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world. He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, 'Go wash in the Pool of Siloam' which means Sent. So he went and washed and came back able to see." John 9:5-7

Jesus saw the blind man and He took action and healed him.

There is so much darkness in our world today. Jesus came to scatter the darkness with His marvelous light. Do not be afraid of the darkness or difficulties that come your way. When we are faced with a challenge, God always sends someone to help us. God will never leave us alone.

"I am the Light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows Me will have the light of life. John 8:12

As Jesus walked the Way of the Cross, God sent people to help Him. God sent Mary, His Mother, to console Him. God sent Simon of Cyrene to help Him carry the Cross and He sent Veronica to wipe His face with a cloth. They came out of the crowd to comfort and strengthen Jesus. God took action.

In the midst of a challenge, God comes forward by sending someone to take the necessary action. God the Father ACTS. He comes to us every time we face a challenge.

In the words of Saint Paul, we hear

"Brothers and sisters, you were once in darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth." Ephesians 5:8-9

If you are in darkness, ask God to send someone to help you. When you are suffering, reach out to Jesus through the sacraments.

Today ponder how you can be light to others. Ask God to send you, out of the crowd, to be a light to help someone in need. Ask Jesus to open your eyes, as He did for the blind man, that you may see who is in need. Ask Jesus to help you act when He places a person in need before you.

"Shine like lights in the world, as you hold onto the Word of Life." Philippians 2:15-16

In honor of our veterans...

Today we remember all military, men and women, who have served our country, past and present. Almighty Father, through the powerful intercession of Mary, the Immaculate Conception, we give You thanks for all the veterans who have served and all who have given their lives for our country. O Mary, Queen of Peace, bless and protect them and their families.

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13

Heavenly Father, we pray for military men and women who have sacrificed their time and strength and even their lives for us and our freedom.  O Lord, we honor them for all they have done and we ask You to bless and protect them and their families.

Prayer for safety of soldiers
Almighty and Eternal God, those who take refuge in You will be glad and forever will shout for joy. Protect soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of Your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of Your love enable them to return home safely that they may ever praise You for Your loving care. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

What can you do for our military?
Pray for the physical protection of our military and for their families. Have Masses offered for them and their families, including for the souls of those who died. Pray a daily rosary for wisdom and strength for them and their families. Offer up your sacrifices and sufferings for those who protect our freedoms. Thank them for their service.

Blessed Mother Mary, protect our veterans and their families, especially their children. Bring comfort and peace to those who have lost loved ones defending our country. We are honored to have you as the Patroness of America because you are the most powerful intercessor..

Mary, the Immaculate Conception, pray for us!

Mary, the Immaculate Conception, protect our country. We are honored to have you as the Patroness of America and our most powerful intercessor. We place our country and election into your hands.

America, our country is truly blessed. God, through the powerful intercession of Mary, the Immaculate Conception, has shed His grace on America. May He continue to do so from sea to shining sea! May we elect leaders today who will uphold the sanctity of life, religious freedom and marriage..

By a decree from the First Council of Baltimore, Mary in her Immaculate Conception, was elected as our principal Patron. A patron is one who has been assigned, or in this case, chosen by election, as a special intercessor before God.

Saint Louis de Montfort, in his renowned manuscript True Devotion to Mary, boldly suggested that Christ is weak in front of His Mother. It’s as if He can’t say “No” to her! The Catechism of the Catholic Church (969) states that the Blessed Virgin is invoked under the title Mediatrix of all grace. While no creature measures up to the one and only Redeemer, we profess that Mary cooperates in a unique way in her Son’s redemptive mission. She knows what is best for her children and so intercedes for us before the very source of all grace, Jesus Christ.

CCC 969  "This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the Cross, until the eternal fulfillment of all the elect.  Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation...Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix."

Prayer to Mary Immaculate Patroness of our Country

Reflection: All Souls Day

Today we celebrate All Souls Day. The Holy Souls in purgatory are those who die in God's grace but are still imperfectly purified. In purgatory, they undergo purification so they may attain the holiness they need to enter heaven, to see the Face of God. 

Our Blessed Mother Mary consoles the souls in purgatory who long to see God. The grace for souls to be cleansed in purgatory comes from God. Purgatory is the place where small sins and attachments are cut. As Pope Francis speaks of the Church as a hospital for the wounded, purgatory is a place where the infection of sin and attachments is removed.

What can you do to help the souls in purgatory?  
Praying for the Holy Souls in purgatory is a spiritual work of mercy. They need our help. Our prayers can release them into Heaven. May all the Holy Souls through the Mercy of God rest in peace. They may be our mothers and fathers, our relatives and friends. When they are finally released, they become our friends in heaven and they never cease to pray for those who helped them. Their prayers shield and protect us from evil. Pray for the souls in purgatory daily. 

What can you do to prepare your soul for eternal life?  
One of the most important ways we can prepare ourselves for eternal life is to go often to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In confession, Jesus purifies, forgives, heals and pours out His grace so that we will have the strength to sin no more. Isn't it better to be purified on earth than have to spend time being purified in purgatory! Think of the confessional as the hospital and the priest as the Divine Physician, our Savior Jesus. Run to confession. Go often and you will receive Divine Mercy which will help you remain in the state of grace. 

Jesus dictated the Message of Divine Mercy to Saint Faustina. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the Divine Mercy Novena, meditate on the Passion of Jesus and pray the Prayer of Saint Gertrude for souls to be released from purgatory.

Diary of Saint Faustina 1738 The Lord said to me, Enter into Purgatory often, because they need you there. O my Jesus, I understand the meaning of these words which You are speaking to me, but first let me enter the treasury of Your Mercy. 

From the Chaplet of Divine Mercy:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and the sins of the whole world.


Our Lord dictated the following prayer to Saint Gertrude the Great to release 1,000 Souls from Purgatory each time it is said.

Prayer of Saint Gertrude the Great
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

O Mary, Mother of God, we offer you our prayers, works, sorrows and sufferings to release the Holy Souls in Purgatory though the intercession of Saint Gertrude and Saint Faustina.  May you carry these prayers to Jesus, your Beloved Son.

Reflection: All Saints Day

Today we honor all the saints. A saint is a model and example for us to follow. A saint reflects the holiness of God by living the virtues in a heroic way and showing boundless love and total faith in God.

The Communion of Saints continually intercede for us to the Father. In order to honor the memory of all the unnamed saints, we recall their example on a special Feast Day Mass, All Saints Day, to celebrate the lives and witness of those who have died and gone before us into the Presence of the Lord.

The saints are our friends. If you are named after a saint, that saint is your patron, who you can call upon in your need, just as a special friend. If you do not have the name of a saint, choose a saint whose life inspires you and ask that saint to be your patron. Read the lives of the saints. Many had great sufferings but they endured them with faith, hope and love. They kept their eyes fixed on Jesus. They teach us how to do the same. Saints help us carry our crosses. They walk with us on our life's journey and they are ready to intercede for us when we ask.

You may feel close to a number of saints, "a great a cloud of witnesses." Call upon your friends in heaven. Ask them to help you pray and grow in virtue. Desire to become a saint by staying close to Jesus and the Sacraments, especially through the Mass, the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and through devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary. She always leads us to Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, all the Angels and the Communion of Saints, we call upon you as a great cloud of witnesses to help us each day and to pray for us and all those we pray for.