Reflection: The Prayer of a Child

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a "Gospel of life." Jesus invites all persons and societies to a new life lived abundantly in respect for human dignity. God entrusted His Son to Mary for the redemption of the world.

"It is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are founded and from which they develop." Pope John Paul II, The Gospel of Life

Jesus asks us to receive a child as we receive Him. He said, "Whoever receives this child in My Name, receives Me and whoever receives Me receives the one who sent Me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is greatest." Luke 9:48

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a child over, placed it in their midst and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:1-4

Jesus asks us to be like little children, humble, trusting and innocent. Place yourself in His hands and ask Him to trust Him like a child.

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I consecrated you; a prophet to the nations I appointed you. Jeremiah 1:5

Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, pray for us!

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.

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.

What are the knots in your life?
Take some time in prayer and ask Mary Undoer of Knots to undo the knots in your life. She is your Mother and your Advocate. She intercedes on your behalf to the Lord. Bring your problems and struggles to her and trust that she will undo them.

The devotion to Mary, Our Lady Undoer of Knots, began because a miracle a occurred and a marriage was healed:

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.".

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 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...

Several years ago, my husband and I had an encounter with the Living God. We had the great blessing of venerating 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. 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...
Pray to your Guardian Angel who was given to you by God from the beginning of your life and will remain with you until the end of your life.
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: Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!

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 name their daughter Mary. Today is the Feast Day of the Most Holy Name of Mary.

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

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

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.

I am so grateful my parents named me Mary. I have felt a closeness to her since my early childhood and always felt honored to share her name. I know she is my Mother and that I can 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. Ask her to hold your hand and to help you trust in her intercession.

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...

On this day, we pray for the repose of the souls who died nineteen 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 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 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.

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

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 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today is the Nativity of Mary, the 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, who was conceived without sin, that Jesus came into the world. 

Saint Ann and Saint Joachim were older and had been unable to have a child. They persevered in prayer, hoping and trusting 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. She brings our prayers to Jesus and she guides us along the way. 

The need for prayer is so great but we know that Mary is with us. She 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. She has interceded in my life in so many ways. She will help you too.

Birthday celebrations are joyous and 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 today, 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. 

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 to draw near and she lifts you up in her lap with Mary. She holds you and Mary close and you are comforted in her loving embrace. Speak to the child Mary and pour out your heart to her as you rest with her in the arms of her mother Saint Anne.

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.

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

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

Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!

Saint Mother 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. Today is her Feast Day. 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 for souls wounded by abortion:

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 Mother Teresa 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

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

Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!

The Power of the Rosary

We remember and pray for the soul of a dear friend and prayer partner whose birthday was yesterday. She had a great love for the Madonna and the Most Holy Rosary. She shared that love with her family, friends and as a leader of the Public Rosary Rally of Our Lady of Fatima. May she rest in eternal peace in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

"Go to the Madonna. Love her! Always say the Rosary. Say it well. Say it as often as you can! Be souls of prayer. Never tire of praying. It is what is essential. Prayer shakes the Heart of God. It obtains necessary graces." Saint Padre Pio

" The rosary is the book of the blind, where souls see and there exact the greatest drama of love the world has ever known; it is the book of the simple, which initiates them into mysteries and knowledge more satisfying than the education of other men; it is the book of the aged, whose eyes close upon the shadow of this world, and open on the substance of the next. The power of the rosary is beyond description." Venerable Fulton Sheen

"The holy Rosary is a powerful weapon. Use it with confidence and you'll be amazed at the results. Saint Josemaria Escriva

"O Blessed Rosary of Mary, sweet chain that unites us to God, bond of love which unites us to the angels, tower of salvation against the assaults of Hell, safe port in our universal shipwreck, we will never abandon you.  You will be out comfort in the hour of death: yours our final kiss as life ebbs away.  And the last word from out lips will be your sweet name, O Queen of the Rosary of Pompei, O Dearest Mother, O Refuge of Sinners, O Sovereign Consoler of the Afflicted, may you be everywhere blessed, today and always, on heaven and on earth." Apostolic Letter on the Rosary, Saint Pope John Paul II 

The most holy Virgin in these last times in which we live has given a new efficacy to the recitation of the Rosary to such an extent that there is no problem, no matter how difficult it is, whether temporal or, above all, spiritual, in the personal life of each one of us, of our families, of the families of the world, or of the religious communities, or even of the life of peoples and nations, that cannot be solved by the Rosary. There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the holy Rosary. With the holy Rosary, we will save ourselves; we will sanctify ourselves; we will console our Lord, and obtain the salvation of many souls. Blessed Lucia of Fatima

"The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin…If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors."  Pope Pius XI

"Among all the devotions approved by the Church, none has been so favored by so many miracles as the Rosary devotion." Pope Pius IX

"The Rosary is the most excellent form of prayer and the most efficacious means of attaining eternal life. It is the remedy for all our evils, the root of all our blessings. There is no more excellent way of praying." Pope Leo XIII

"The rosary is a magnificant gift of God to humanity because through this prayer, we attain extraordinary graces. With the rosary in your hand, you will not be discouraged and you will have clarity of mind and extraordinary freedom in your heart." Mother Elvira Petrozzi, Foundress of the Cenacolo Community in Medjugorje, with fifty-six houses in fifteen countries, welcoming the lost and desperate. 

Our Lady of the Rosary, we entrust to you all the names we receive through this prayer ministry. Keep them under your protective mantle and always in your loving care.