Archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of the Archangels: Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

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.

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. Wings, as well as swords, are sometimes used in art to reflect the role and action of angels in the world as messengers and protectors.

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

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.

Our Lady Undoer of Knots, pray for us!

Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady Undoer of Knots. This devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary began with a miracle, the healing of a marriage.

In 1612, in the town of Augsburg Germany, a man of nobility visited a Jesuit priest four times in 28 days. He was looking for guidance and prayers of the holy priest to save his marriage. The priest and man prayed to the Blessed Mother. On his final visit to the priest, the man brought his wedding ribbon, a Bavarian tradition of binding together the arms of the bride and groom, symbolizing their marriage. The priest took the ribbon, held it up before the image of Our Lady, and one by one, untied the knots in the ribbon. When he finished, the knots in the ribbon were completely undone and a miracle occurred. The marriage was healed!

In the year 1700, the grandson of the nobleman had become a priest of the Church of Saint Peter am Perlach. He dedicated a family altar to Our Lady of Good Counsel and commissioned a painting to show how Mary powerfully intervened saving his grandparent's marriage. The painting was painted in oil on poplar wood. It showed a nobleman, accompanied by the Archangel Raphael on his journey to visit the priest.

This image was inspired by a meditation of early Father of the Church, Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyon who was martyred in 202. In his book, Against Heresies, he wrote, "And thus also it was that the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the Virgin Mary set free though faith.".

Mary Undoer of Knots can undo the most difficult of problems. 

What are these knots?
They are the problems and struggles we face for which we do not see any solution. knots of abortion, of discord in your family, lack of understanding between parents and children, disrespect, violence, the knots of deep hurts between husband and wife, the absence of peace and joy at home. There are also the knots of anguish and despair of separated couples, the dissolution of the family, the knots of a drug addict son or daughter, sick or separated from home or God, knots of alcoholism, depression, unemployment, fear, solitude. These knots can suffocate the soul, beat us down, remove joy and separate us from God.

Let us remember that devotion to Mary, Our Lady Undoer of Knots, began because a miracle a occurred and a marriage was healed.

Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us and all the intentions we receive through this ministry.

Reflection: Saint Padre Pio, pray for us!

Today is the Feast Day and the 50th anniversary of the death of Saint Padre Pio Pietrelcina (1887-1968). Francesco was a devout child and felt drawn to the priesthood at an early age. He became a Capuchin novice at the age of sixteen and was ordained to the priesthood in 1910 after seven years of study. He 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. He had many spiritual gifts and was known as a great miracle worker. He experienced other mystical phenomenon. The blood from the stigmata had an odor described by many as similar to that of perfume or flowers, and he had the gift of bilocation.

Padre Pio had the ability to read the hearts of people who came to him for confession. Saint John Paul II called him the Patron of the Confessional. He heard confessions for ten to twelve hours a day. He would know just the right word of counsel or encouragement that was needed. Even before his death, people spoke to him about his possible canonization. His life was devoted to the Eucharist, the Madonna, the Rosary and prayer.

Venerating the heart of Saint Padre Pio...

Two years ago yesterday, my husband and I had an encounter with the Living God. We venerated the heart of Saint Padre Pio. A few days before this blessed moment, my pastor suggested to me that I send my guardian angel to bring my prayer intentions to Padre Pio's guardian angel. Padre Pio had a great devotion to his guardian angel and so do I. Words cannot describe the emotions I felt, being so close to the heart of this powerful saint. Our pastor had the great honor of holding the reliquary which contains Padre Pio's heart. I kissed it and touched my rosaries and prayer cards to the relic. In my heart, I brought all the desires of my heart and all the intentions of the John 10:10 Prayer Ministry and the Kiss of Mercy Apostolate. From my heart to Saint Padre Pio's heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary...

Words of Padre Pio:

Pray, hope and don't worry.

Love Our Lady and make her loved; always recite the Rosary and recite it as often as possible.

The storms that are raging around you will turn out to be for God's glory, your own merit and the good of many souls.

We have close to us an angelic spirit who never leaves us for an instant from the cradle to the grave, who guides and protects us like a friend or a brother.

By means of the angels, Jesus calls the poor and simple shepherds, in order to manifest Himself to them. He calls the learned men by means of their science. And all of them, moved by His inner grace, hasten to adore Him.

Come out of anxiety because it is one of the greatest deceivers of true virtue and sound devotion.

May the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, always smile on your spirit, obtaining for it, from her Most Holy Son, every heavenly blessing.

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

Reflection: His Mercy endures forever

How great is God's Mercy! In the Gospel of Luke, we see a sinful woman come up behind Jesus weeping 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

Imagine you are the woman. Place yourself in the scene. As you draw near Jesus, you are trembling. The fragrance of the oil fills the room. You approach Him and touch His feet and pour out the oil. He reaches out and touches your head. You lift up your head and His eyes meet your eyes. Love pierces your heart. You are filled with His love and mercy. Jesus gazes at you with great love. He tells you your sins are forgiven and to go in peace. You are overcome with joy at this personal encounter with Jesus.

I recall a beautiful homily. The priest spoke of the alabaster jar of oil. He said the top of the jar had to be broken off for the oil to be poured out. He said, like the oil, the woman poured herself out and gave everything she had. She knows she is a sinner but she comes to Jesus seeking mercy. The priest said to ponder how she made a gift of herself to Jesus. The priest said to listen to the words during the Mass about the Blood being poured out for you.

During the Mass, at the time of the Eucharistic prayer, the priest calls down the Holy Spirit. Through the prayers of the Consecration, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus, our Lord becomes Present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.

These are the words of the prayer:  "In a similar way, taking the chalice, filled with the fruit of the vine, He gave thanks, and gave the chalice to His disciples saying, Take this all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of My Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of Me."

As the oil is poured out of the alabaster jar, the sinful woman poured herself out, the Blood is poured out.  Let us ponder these words: "The chalice of My Blood poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins."

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His Mercy endures forever. Psalm 118:1

O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You.  Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Draw close to Jesus. He is waiting for you. He will receive you with open arms and He will pour out His love and mercy upon you. 

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy for us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

Reflection: Our Lady of Sorrows

Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, an octave after the birthday of Our Lady on September 8th. As Mary stood at the foot of the Cross on which Jesus hung, she willingly suffered along with Him as He gave His life to save the world.

The Seven Dolors or Sorrows, referred to the seven swords that pierced the Immaculate Heart of Mary which was filled with love and entwined with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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:

Let us enter into the scene of the Fifth Sorrow of Mary, the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.

Imagine the sorrow Mary felt as she stood at the foot of the Cross. In her sorrow, Mary had hope. Jesus gave Mary to us. She is our Mother and our Hope. 

"Behold, your Mother." And from that hour, the disciple took her into his home. John 19:27

Place yourself at the foot of the Cross. Turn to Mary and pour out your heart to her. She is your Mother and she loves you dearly. Talk to her about your joys and your sorrows. Allow Mary to listen attentively and console you. Allow Mary to draw you close to her pure and Immaculate Heart. Ask her to help you carry your crosses the way she did and how to ponder all these things in your heart. Ask her to accompany you and help you to know Jesus and accept the Will of the Father for your life.

Mary walks with us and she teaches us couraggio; she teaches us to be brave and to have courage. 

Be strong and courageous. Joshua 1:9

Stabat Mater At the Cross her station keeping stood the mournful Mother weeping, close to Jesus to the last. Through her heart His sorrow sharing, all His bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword has passed.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us and walk with us as we carry our crosses. Draw us to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and your Immaculate Heart.

Reflection: The Most Holy Name of Mary

Saint Anne and Saint Joachim were inspired to call their daughter Mary. Today is the Feast Day of the Most Holy Name of Mary.

Mary was the first and perfect disciple of Jesus. She was a tabernacle for Jesus. She heard the Word of God, she kept and pondered it in her heart and she did what God asked her to do.

Mary heard, kept and did and she teaches us to do the same.

There were many meanings given by the early Christian writers for Mary's name: "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 (347-420) until the 16th century, the names given to Mary in the West were "Lady," "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.

We call Mary our Lady and we call Jesus our Lord. When we say her name, we affirm her power to intercede to Jesus, we implore her aid and we place ourselves under her loving protection.

I am so grateful my parents named me Mary. I have felt a closeness to her since my early childhood and felt honored to share her name. I always knew she was my Mother and that I could talk to her. Through praying the rosary and meditating on the mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary, my closeness to Mary continues to deepen and deepen.

Mary wants a close relationship with you. She loves you so much and she will always lead you to Jesus. Go to Mass and receive the Eucharist daily or as often as you can. After you receive the Eucharist, as you kneel in prayer, ask Mary to wrap her mantle around you, showering her graces upon you and keeping you under her mantle throughout the day. After you receive the Eucharist, you are a tabernacle holding Jesus. Thank Jesus for coming to you in the Eucharist and thank Him for Mary, your Mother. Pray the rosary with your family daily for peace in the world, peace in our country, peace in your family and peace in your heart.

The Prayer of Saint Bernard:
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.

When you are in distress or trouble, turn to Mary. Pray the Hail Mary. She is the Mother of God and she is your Mother. When you call her, she comes to you surrounded by her angels. Mary will always lead you to Jesus. Trust in her intercession and turn to her.

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

We remember 9/11 today and always...

"Pray the Rosary every day in order to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war."  Our Lady of Fatima to the shepherd children May 13, 1917

The message of Fatima is a call to conversion, prayer and penance, to make reparation for the sins against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to make the First Saturday Devotion, to live lives of holiness and to consecrate ourselves and our families to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

We pray for the repose of the souls who died on this day seventeen years ago. We remember and pray for all the victims, babies, children and families who lost loved ones. We pray for all the courageous heroes who lost their lives saving others. We entrust them to the loving care of Our Blessed Mother Mary.

O Mother Mary, you held your Beloved Son at the foot of the Cross and He gave you to us as our Mother. "Behold, your Mother." John 19:27

O Mary Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, cover our nation with your protective mantle and lead us to Your Beloved Son. We ask, through your intercession, that peace be planted in our hearts and the hearts of all people of all faiths and all nations.

Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every day for the living and the dead.

"Encourage souls to say the Chaplet which I have given you (1541).  I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those who trust in My Mercy (687).  Words of Jesus in the Diary of Saint Faustina 

"For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world." From the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Jesus, by Your Cross and Resurrection, You have set us free, You redeemed the world and You turned the Cross from an instrument of terror into the Tree of Life.

We remember how You loved us to Your death and still we celebrate for You are with us here. And we believe that we will see You when You come in Your Glory, Lord.  We remember, we celebrate, we believe. Here, a million wounded souls are yearning just to touch You and be healed; gather all Your people and hold them to Your heart...Song written by Marty Haugen

Reflection: The Birth of Mary

Today is the Nativity of Mary, Mother of God and our Mother. 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 which was a great burden. They prayed for a child and trusted in God. After many years, they received the gift of a precious baby who they named Mary. She would be the salvation of the world. They consecrated Mary to the Lord.

Saint Augustine wrote that Mary's birth is connected with the saving work of Jesus saying that she is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley.  This prayer ministry is entrusted and consecrated to Mary. The need for prayer is so great but, we know that Mary is with us. She brings our prayers to Jesus and she guides us along the way. 

Birthday celebrations bring happiness to family and friends. Next to the birth of Jesus, Mary's birth offers the greatest source of joy. As we celebrate her birth, let us draw closer to her every day. 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. 

Meditation:
Imagine you are a little child and you are with the child Mary. She is seated on the lap of Saint Anne and Saint Joachim is with them. Saint Anne beckons to you and she lifts you up in her lap with Mary. She holds you close and consoles you. Feel the comfort of her loving embrace. Speak to the child Mary. Pour out your heart to her and rest with her in the arms of Saint Anne.

Happy Birthday Blessed Mother Mary! You are full of grace.

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

Reflection: Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Saint Teresa of Calcutta founded the Missionaries of Charity, caring for the poorest of the poor, for the dying and the destitute, for orphans, abandoned children, alcoholics, the aging and street people. She was faithful to her everyday duties even though she suffered for many years a darkness in her soul. She carried her cross and persevered in prayer.

Mother and her sisters would spend one hour every day praying in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament. This hour of Eucharistic Adoration was their daily family Holy Hour through which their community blossomed.

What was the secret of this powerful little woman? She recognized she could do small things with great love. She was a woman of heroic virtue. It was her purity, the purity of heart and of purpose that enabled her to focus every ounce of her energy on her simple and unswerving purpose in life:

To do, to make, to be something beautiful for God.

Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She looked pro-choice politicians in the eye and told them that abortion was murder. She said,

"But I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself."

Let us ask for her intercession as we pray:

Kiss of Mercy Prayer 

(To be recited after kissing an image of Jesus)

Jesus, I trust in You. 

May my kiss and Your grace, convert, heal and reconcile

 to the Father one soul wounded by abortion. Amen  

Recite one Hail Mary

Nihil Obstat: +Arthur L. Kennedy. S.T.D., Ph.D.,
Auxiliary Bishop of Boston

Permission: +Sean P. O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Boston

Imprimatur on the Kiss of Mercy Prayer: Date January 25, 2017

Kiss of Mercy Apostolate for Healing from Abortion

On September 5, 1997, God called her home. This tiny woman was recognized throughout the world for her work among the poor. Speaking in a strained, weary voice at her beatification Mass, Pope John Paul II called Mother Teresa “an icon of the Good Samaritan.” and that her life was “a bold proclamation of the Gospel.”

When Mother Teresa died, she owned nothing but her rosary beads and her distinctive white-and-blue sari. She was enveloped in an immense odor of sanctity. She did so much to serve so many others and had such a great influence on the world. She abandoned her life to God in service of the world.

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Teresa of Calcutta

May we be little pencils allowing God to use us to spread love in the world. May we do small things with great love to make something beautiful for God.

"For we are God's co-workers; you are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9  Today's Reading

Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us and all those for whom we pray through this ministry.