Reflection: The Feast Day of 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.

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." Matthew 2:12-15 

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 and obey God.

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.

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." Matthew 2:16-18 

Today we remember the Holy Innocents and 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: O Holy Family, pray for us!

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. 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.

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.

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 fourteen year old who brings light and love to everyone who encounters her.

I recall 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.

 

For unto us a Child is born

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!

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.

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

When the angel appeared in his dream, calling Joseph, by name, the angel's first words were, "Do not be afraid." 

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 listen, obey and trust the way he did. 

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: Long lay the world in sin and error pining 'til He appeared and the soul felt it's worth

As we prepare our hearts and await the birth of the Baby Jesus, do not be afraid or discouraged by the darkness in the world. Today there so much disregard for the sanctity of life. It can seem like the darkness is overwhelming.  

Be not afraid... 

Jesus came to dispel the darkness with His wonderful light. 

On that Holy Night, our dear Savior came and there was Light. Jesus is the Light of the world. During this beautiful season, listen closely to the words of the beautiful Christmas song, O Holy Night.

O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining; it is the night of our dear Savior's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 'til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

When we hear about the disregard for life, especially life in the womb, remember that it is sin and error that brings the darkness...in the world and in our hearts...

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

We know our worth when we have a personal encounter with Jesus. When you are in sin and error, come to Jesus in Confession. When you have an encounter with Him in the beautiful Sacrament of Reconciliation, your soul will feel it's worth.

'til He appeared and the soul felt it's worth.

If you have not been to confession in a while, invite Our Lady to come with you. She will help you as your beautiful Mother. Be not afraid. The priest will help you if you do not remember what to do. Run to Jesus and pour out your heart to Him. Bring Him your sin, miseries, weariness, pain and sufferings. You will receive forgiveness, mercy, healing, grace and peace. He will pour His Light and Love upon you...

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Open your heart and let Jesus shine His Light and healing Love upon you. He is waiting for you. Morning has broken... Healing and hope.. Come...

Fall on your knees and hear the angel voices.  O night Divine, O night when Christ was born.  O night Divine, O night, O night Divine.

Reflection: What will you give the Baby Jesus for Christmas?

On this third Sunday of Advent, we pause and rejoice because we know that the Lord is near. We are coming close to the day of the birth of our Savior. Ask Mary how to teach you how to love Jesus the way she does. Ask her to give you the JOY of knowing Jesus in your heart.

Rejoice in the Lord always; I shall say it again, rejoice. Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5 

Today let us ponder the word JOY, a gift that comes in knowing the Presence of God.

What will you give the Baby Jesus for Christmas? Will you give Him your heart?

Jesus is our JOY.

Jesus 
Open 
Yes

Today let us take time to gaze at the Baby Jesus. Sit with Him and ponder His precious Face. He came as a baby, pure, vulnerable and little. He came to touch our hearts.
Open your heart now and invite the Baby Jesus in. His arms are outstretched to you.
Say Yes to the Baby Jesus, reach out and touch His little hands and hold Him close to your heart. He has something special to give you for Christmas. As you gaze at Him, let Him love you.

Diary of Saint Faustina 40 Most Holy Virgin Mary has taught me how to love God interiorly and also how to carry out His Holy Will in all things. O Mary, you are joy, because through you, God descended to earth and into my heart.

Joy to the World, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King. Let every heart, prepare Him room. And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven and nature sing.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

Patroness of the Unborn and of the Americas 

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

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.

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

Saint Juan Diego, pray for us!

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Juan Diego. He deeply loved the Holy Eucharist. By special permission of the Bishop, he received Holy Communion three times a week, a highly unusual occurrence during those times. Saint Pope John Paul II praised Saint Juan Diego for his simple faith nourished by catechesis and pictured him as a model of humility for all of us.

Our Lady of Guadalupe spoke these words to Juan Diego and she speaks these words to us.

Am I not here, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the fountain of your joy? Are you not in the fold of my mantle, in the cradle of my arms?

Prayer to Saint Juan Diego
You who were chosen by Our Lady of Guadalupe as an instrument to show your people and the world that the way of Christianity is one of love, compassion, understanding, values, sacrifices, repentance of our sins, appreciation and respect for God’s creation, and most of all one of humility and obedience; You whom we know is now in the Kingdom of the Lord and close to our Mother; Be our angel and protect us, stay with us as we struggle in this modern life often not knowing where to set our priorities; Help us to pray to our God to obtain the gifts of the Holy Spirit and use them for the good of humanity and the good of our Church, through the Heart of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Heart of Jesus. Amen

Saint Juan Diego, pray for us, for all the little ones and families for whom we pray.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

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

Today we celebrate 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.

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 and that Truth will prevail in the 2020 election.

Christ is the "new Adam". The Church Fathers, Saint Justin in 150 AD and Saint Irenaeus 180 AD, 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: Prepare the way of the Lord...

In the wilderness, John the Baptist preached repentance and proclaimed the Kingdom of heaven and the saving Presence of God. 

Have you ever felt like you are wandering in the desert or the wilderness?

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. 

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

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, let us ask Him to come and prepare our hearts. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He will make straight your path. 

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 trust in God. You are His beloved child. He never leaves you alone, unaided, or forgotten. When you feel like you are wandering in the desert or the wilderness, God is with you. He 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 enter 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 and know that I am God.  Psalm 46:10

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 

Our Lady of Fatima + First Saturday Devotion

Our Lady of Fatima appeared between May 13th and October 13th, 1917 to three shepherd children, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco. Mary, the Mother of God, told them that God had sent her with a message for every man, woman and child. 

At the time, there was war, violence and uncertainty in many parts of the world, much as it is today. Mary told the children to pray the Rosary daily. The Blessed Mother appealed to all to pray hard so that the war would end. 

"I am the Lady of the Rosary." With these words, the Mother of God identified herself to the shepherd children of Fatima. Repeatedly during her apparitions to the children, she told them to pray the Rosary daily and to pray the Rosary well, meditating on the mysteries. The Queen of Heaven held out the Rosary to mankind as a means of obtaining the salvation of souls, the conversion of sinners, true world peace, and the conversion of Russia. 

In the last apparition at Fatima Our Lady appeared as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, holding the Scapular in her outstretched hand. The Scapular is the sign of our consecration to Mary's Immaculate Heart. Wearing the scapular daily reminds us of the promise we have made to Mary.

Let us pray to Our Lady of Fatima and ask her intercession to unite our families in love and to heal our relationships. Let us entrust our nation and the whole world to Our Blessed Mother's care and guidance. Her message at Fatima is that of world peace and reconciliation to God. May all men and women heed the call of love and peace of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Our Lady wants us to consecrate ourselves to her Immaculate Heart, a consecration in which we make a complete surrender of self to our Mother, promising her that we will: Say her Rosary every day. Offer the little daily sacrifices that come our way for the conversion of sinners. Make the five Communions of Reparation on the first Saturdays of five consecutive months.  

The First Saturday Devotion is offered with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the five offenses to her Immaculate Heart. 

1. Against the Immaculate Conception (denial or ridicule)

2. Against her perpetual virginity

3. Against her divine maternity (refusing to accept her as the Mother of God and of all mankind)

4. Those who implant in children's hearts, indifference, contempt and hate against our Immaculate Mother

5. Insults directed against her sacred images, displays of indifference or ridicule and infliction of damage to them

The essential elements of the First Saturday Devotion are:

1. Go to confession (can be within 8 days before or after the First Saturday)

2. Receive Holy Communion (if there is no Mass, offer a Spiritual Communion)

3. Pray five decades of the Rosary

4. Keep Our Lady company for 15 minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary

Our Lady promised that she will assist all who will practice this devotion the graces they need for salvation at the hour of death. Our Lady's promise is not a guarantee into heaven. Our cooperation with grace is always required.  It should be a life-long devotion as a sign of our devotion to her Immaculate Heart and a desire to make reparation for the blasphemies against her.

Our Lady of Fatima, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, we entrust all the names we receive to your loving care.

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. 

Reflection: Advent, the time of waiting, begins...

Prepare the way of the Lord!

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. The best way to prepare for Advent is to spend it with Mary, reflecting on how she pondered God's Word. Mary was still. Gaze at the image of the Madonna with Child awaiting the birth of Jesus and ponder like Mary...watch...listen...pray...

Mary invites you to be still. to listen and ponder as God speaks to you during this beautiful season of Advent, as you wait and 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

No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but You doing such deeds for those who wait for Him. Isaiah 64:3 

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 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 to Jesus and Mary, be still and rest awhile...

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and Saint Catherine Labouré

Today is the Feast Day of 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 for all the intentions we receive through this prayer ministry! 

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

Reflection: The Lost Sheep

Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, "Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town, Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation, 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" Matthew 10:5-7

Jesus told the disciples to go to the lost sheep. Jesus then said to the disciples: cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.

In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus spoke of a hundred sheep and one of them strayed. The Good Shepherd left the ninety-nine sheep and went out in search of the one who was lost.

And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep."
Luke 15:4-6

Jesus placed the lost sheep on His shoulders. Safe from harm, He took him home rejoicing.

I Myself will pasture My sheep; I Myself will give them rest. The lost I will search out, the strays I will bring back, the injured, I will bind up and the sick, I will heal. Ezekiel 34:15-16

Do you know any lost sheep, someone who has strayed off or walked away from the Lord and their faith? How can you find them and bring them home?

Pray, pray, pray for them.
Ask Our Lady to intercede for them.
Trust in God's love for them.
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Listen to why they walked away.
Invite them to Eucharistic adoration.
Gently share your faith with them.
Share a personal witness/testimony.
Invite them to go to Mass with you.
Give them a good Catholic book or CD.
Never give up praying for them to return.

For the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost.  Luke 19:10

The Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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.

“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.

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In accordance with Jewish custom, Mary's parents, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, brought her to the Temple and presented her to the Lord. They were inspired by the Holy Spirit to call their daughter Mary.

The meanings of 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.

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 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

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.

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: Jesus wept

Jesus is our hope, our refuge and our shield. He wants to give us His peace. When we turn away from Him, we lose our peace.

"As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, He saw the city and He wept over it, saying 'If this day, you only knew what makes for peace, but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you, when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.'" Luke 19:41-44

Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My Mercy. Diary of Saint Faustina 300

When we turn away by sinning, Jesus weeps...When we turn back to Him, all heaven rejoices...

In the midst of the trials and tribulations of this world, Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart. Open the door and invite Him in.

Come to the Throne of Mercy where Jesus is waiting for you.  He longs for you. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus, forgives, heals and pours out sanctifying grace upon you. Turn to Him and you will know His peace.

Our Lady of Fatima appeared to the shepherd children and told them to pray the rosary daily for peace. Let us pray for peace in the world, in our families and in our hearts. Let us entrust our lives and our families to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

This is the time of great Mercy. Come...

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.

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. O Mary, Queen of Peace and Patroness of America, you are our most powerful intercessor..

Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces

Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces. Mary is the Mother of all favors we receive from God. The Lord listens to every prayer offered to Him through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God, 

True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort

"Only Mary found grace before God (Luke 1:30) without the help of any other creature. And after her, all those who found grace before God found it only through her. Mary was full of grace when the Archangel Gabriel saluted her (Luke 1:28) and was filled with grace when the Holy Ghost so mysteriously overshadowed her (Luke 1:35).

From  day to day, from moment to moment, she increased so much this twofold plenitude that she attained and immense and inconceivable degree of grace, so that the Almighty made of her the sole custodian of His treasures and the sole dispenser of all His graces, so that she might enoble, exalt and enrich all she chooses. She can lead them along the narrow path to Heaven and guide them through the narrow gate to life. She can give a royal throne, scepter and crown to whomever she wishes. Jesus is always and everywhere the Fruit and Son of Mary, and Mary is everywhere the true tree that bears the Fruit of life, the true Mother who bears that Son."

In pondering the graces Our Lady bestows on us, consider the Miraculous Medal. Our Lady appeared to Catherine Labouré and entrusted her with the mission of making and distributing the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, now known as the Miraculous Medal.

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."

Ask Our Lady for all the graces she wants to give you. Wear the miraculous medal and share the medals with others. Open your heart to receive all these graces. Draw close to Mary and she will always bring you to Jesus.

Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces, pray for us and for all the intentions we pray for!

Reflection: The Good Shepherd and the Lost Sheep

In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus spoke of a hundred sheep and one of them strayed. The Good Shepherd left the ninety-nine sheep and went out in search of the one who was lost.

So Jesus addressed this parable to them, "What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'"  Luke 15:3-6

Jesus is continually looking for you, always searching for you. He desires to find you, heal your wounds and love you.

I Myself will pasture My sheep; I Myself will give them rest. The lost I will search out, the strays I will bring back, the injured, I will bind up and the sick, I will heal. Ezekiel 34:15-16

Has it been a while since you have been to Confession?

When you walk away or stray away from Jesus and from the Sacrament of Reconciliation, you are that lost sheep. When you turn to Him and receive His forgiveness at the Throne of Mercy, all the angels rejoice because you have repented, you have been found.

And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy.  Luke 15:5

Jesus placed the lost sheep on His shoulders. Safe from harm, He took him home rejoicing.

Do not be afraid to go to Confession even if it has been a long time. Ask Our Lady to accompany you. Jesus is waiting for you to come. He wants to forgive you, heal you and pour out His Love and Mercy upon you. Then He will embrace you tenderly and carry you home.

For the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost.  Luke 19:10

Reflection: Shine like lights in the world, as you hold onto the word of life

In his homily this morning, my pastor spoke about the Papacy in 15th century. There were uncertainties about who the Pope was, with Popes in Rome, Avignon and Pisa.

Today we see the uncertainties of the election. We think of the next President whoever he may be. However there are certainties we can hold onto, certainties that will never change and will never waver:

1. God loves us and He created us as His children, His sons and daughters. This Divine affiliation never wavers. That we can be certain of.

2.  God sent His Son into the world so that we could have could have life to reestablish that connection between heaven and earth that was lost by our first parents, Adam and Eve. Christ died for our sins. That we are certain.

3. God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell among us to give us that life  This is certain.

And as we go forward today, as we celebrate the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, in his final homily, he said that the gift of faith is precious. It is like a little spark in the furnace. When the furnace first comes on and that little spark is there, you don't expose it to the wind, you shelter it, you close it up in the stove so it has time to generate the heat, the same is with us. 

That spark of faith is given to us. Don't expose it to the distractions. Don't expose it to darkness. Don't expose it to the winds of fears or anxieties. Through the grace of God, hold it up in your heart and as it grows and generates the heat, let it give you strength to go forward this and every day. 

The uncertainties will abound around us but we have far more certainties that motivate us. Today we hold onto those certainties. We thank God for His Presence in our life. We continue to pray for our nation and we ask God to keep us always one in faith and to keep our minds and our hearts focused on the Cross.

"...shine like lights in the world as you hold onto the word of life." Philippians 2:15-16

Do not be distracted by darkness.

Do not be afraid or anxious.

Hold onto the grace of God for strength.

Go forward in prayer every day.

Remain one in faith with God.

Keep your mind and heart on the Cross.

"With all vigilance. guard your heart for in it are the sources of life." Proverbs 4:23

"Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Prayer to the Guardian Angel of the USA

 For Peace in the United States of America and God's Blessings upon this Election

O glorious Guardian Angel of the United States, to whom God has entrusted the care of our beloved country, we honor you and thank you for the care and protection you have given to this great nation from the first moment of its inception.

O powerful Angel Guardian, whose watchful glance, encompasses this vast land from shore to shore, we know that our sins have grieved our Lord and God and marred the beauty of our heritage.  Lead us to a deep conversion, so that we may return to the embrace of His merciful love!

O Holy Angel, obtain for us through the intercession of the Queen of Heaven before the throne of God the graces we need to overcome the forces of evil so rampant in our beloved land.  Help us, our God-given protector and friend, to respond wholeheartedly to the urgent pleas of the Mother of God at Fatima.  Assist us to offer prayers and sacrifices necessary to bring peace and goodness to our nation.

We want to make you known and loved throughout our land, so that docile to your inspirations we may know, love and serve our Lord more faithfully and so become once more "one nation under God"! Amen.  Opus Sanctorum Angelorum

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?  

One of the spiritual works of mercy is praying for the Holy Souls in purgatory. 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. 

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.

What can you do to prepare your soul for eternal life?  
We can prepare ourselves for eternal life by going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation often. During 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. 

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, and help us prepare for eternal life.

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 with heroic virtue, 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.

"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." Hebrews 12:1-2 

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.

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.

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.

Litany of the Saints + Matt Mahar

Reflection: Because grace and mercy are with His holy ones and His care is with His elect

Those who trust in Him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with Him in love; Because grace and mercy are with His holy ones, and His care is with His elect. Wisdom 3:9

You are God's elect, His holy ones. Trust in Him and seek Him. He offers you grace and mercy.

Meditation:
The Lord is near you. Draw near Him and rest your head upon His Sacred Heart. Cry out to Him in prayer. Seek His Face. Turn to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Run to Confession. Call upon Mary, Mother of Mercy, to help you. Jesus is there, waiting for you. Come to the fountain of mercy and grace. He will forgive, heal and strengthen you. Come with your pain, sufferings and all your misery. Lay it all down before the Lord. Come and rest upon His Sacred Heart where the Blood and Water gushes forth from the Fount of Mercy.

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

Grace and Mercy are beautiful gifts from God!

Grace: We receive grace through the fruitful reception of the sacraments. Sanctifying grace is received in Baptism, Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. Sanctifying grace is always increased when a sacrament is received when we are in the state of grace. Actual grace is given by all the sacraments. The sacramental character is indelibly imprinted on the soul in Baptism, Confirmation and the Priesthood. Each of the seven sacraments imparts a distinctive sacramental grace according to the purpose in the supernatural life in the soul.

Mercy: The disposition to be kind and forgiving is mercy which is different from compassion or sympathy. Mercy is the willingness to help anyone in need, especially in need of pardon or reconciliation. "Those who approach the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against Him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion." From the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422

If My people, upon whom My Name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek My Face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Seek His Face. Turn to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Run to Confession. Call upon Mary, Mother of Mercy, to help you. Jesus is there, waiting for you. 

The Blessed Virgin Mary is our Mother of Mercy. She offered her life to God, giving her Fiat, her yes, to Him through her obedience and humble surrender to His Will. Our Lady will help you seek and find God. Ask her to be with you and guide you. She will teach you how to give your Fiat and she will always lead you to Jesus and to the Throne of Mercy for healing, reconciliation, mercy and grace.

O Mary, Mother of Mercy, help us to seek Jesus and turn to Him where we will find mercy, grace and healing. 

Saint Anthony Mary Claret, pray for us!

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Saint Anthony Mary Claret, during your life on earth, you often comforted the afflicted and showed such tender love for the sick and sinful. Intercede and look with pity on me (mention your prayer request) and grant our prayer if it be the Will of God. 

Make our troubles Your own. Speak a word from us to the Immaculate Heart of Mary to obtain by her powerful intercession the grace we yearn for, and a blessing to strengthen us during our lives, assist us at the hour of death, and lead us to a happy eternity. 

Saint Anthony Mary Claret, pray for us!

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...