Bishop Giles says Mass with the Blessed Sacrament Exposed

Bishop Giles,OFM Video Sermon for the Feast of Christ the King

Here are links to audio sermons delivered at St. Joseph's Mission in Union, Kentucky by His Excellency Bishop Bonaventure Strandt, OFM

Blessed Contardo Ferrini 10-27-12

Our Lord Jesus Christ the King  10-28-12
 

Bishop Giles, OFM Feast of Christ the King

Fr. Joseph, OFM - Feast of Christ the King 

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Her Doctrine and Morals Our Lord Jesus Christ the King 28 October 2012

The Sunday Sermon

Dear Friends,

The kingdom of Jesus Christ is in this world, but is not of this world. There is an important distinction to be made here. All other kingdoms are of this world; made here in this world, by this world, and for this world. The kingdom of God is from heaven, by heaven and for heaven. 

In this life (world) there are two kingdoms (or “cities” in St. Augustine’s words) both intermixed with each other as in the parable of the wheat and cockle sown in the same field. They must grow side by side until the last day. The kingdom of God is not in this place or that place, but rather is distributed throughout the whole earth, just as the kingdom of darkness is. If we look carefully we see both good and bad everywhere. Now is not the time to cut down or uproot the evil. The evil must be patiently put up with until the end – harvest. Then it will be God’s Angels not us who will gather the evil to be burned in hell and the good into heaven. 

The evil in this world is necessary for us. In the Church here on earth (God’s kingdom) we have great need for penance, suffering, and crosses so that we may purify ourselves and increase our love for God by following Him (imitating Him) in humbly carrying the cross. The cross, suffering, and penance are provided for us by the kingdom of darkness. Unwittingly those who hate us and wish to harm or destroy us become our greatest benefactors. While they harm their own souls by their evil, they provide us with the opportunity to grow in humility, strength, and virtues. Evil, then, is necessary to us here and now. When we truly begin to understand this we see how and why we must not hate those who do evil to us, but rather love our enemies. St. Paul likewise, reminds us that our glory is not in this world, but rather our glory is in the cross and this cross is provided for us by the enemies of the Kingdom of God, and sometimes even by other members of the Kingdom (the Church). “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Gal. vi, 14) 

Our vision of this Kingdom is through faith while we are here on earth, only in heaven will we see by sight. To see this Kingdom through faith here and now, we must look into our consciences and if there is charity (love) there, then we will see God; for St. John tells us that “God is love.” As the Kingdom of God is above and throughout this world we need not look for automobiles, ships, or airplanes, to get there. What we need are the two wings of charity: love of God, and love of neighbor. One wing is not enough, we need two. When both loves are in place we can soar to God very easily and freely. 

We all began in the kingdom of darkness and through the graces of God have been brought into the Kingdom of Light. We are therefore, unclean or blemished and are unworthy as an offering or sacrifice to God. Jesus came Himself therefore, and took our nature upon Himself, to become the clean and unblemished offering for us. The members of the Kingdom of God unite themselves to Christ becoming one with Him in the Mystical Body of Christ and in this manner cleanse and purify themselves in Christ and thus make themselves acceptable to God and His Kingdom. We become part of the clean oblation when we are united or buried in Christ’s body and Sacrifice. 

In this kingdom God demands that everyone must love Him. This is not for His own benefit. God has no need of our love. Our love does not increase Him in any way; nor does our hatred of God rob Him in anyway. We are commanded to love Him for our own good. In loving Him, we are cleansed, purified, and increase or grow in grace and life. In loving God we draw near to Him as King of kings. The title of king is not an honor to Him who is much more than that.

 God is all perfect to an eternal degree (perfection without limit). The honor we give to Him is not an increase of His power; it is, rather, a sign of mercy to us. 

In this time of eclipse it seems that the Church – God’s kingdom – has been abolished by the Modernists who have overtaken the physical houses of God here on earth even as far as the Vatican. An eclipse is not a destruction but rather a hiding. The Kingdom (Church) – Mystical Body – cannot be destroyed, but will subsist here on earth to the end of time and will continue eternally in Heaven. These Modernists who have created the darkness of this eclipse belong to the kingdom of darkness. They have declared themselves our enemies as such. May we not fight them on their terms – hatred for hatred, but rather may we return love for evil. Let us always be thankful for the crosses they cause us so that we may follow Christ and be worthy members of His Kingdom. Remembering that they cannot harm God or His Kingdom, but only themselves, let us filled with charity pray with Our King: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23, 24)

I just finished reading this book - "The Life of Saint Dominic Savio" by Saint John Bosco.  I must tell you that I could not put it down.  I cried like a baby when he died and was so impressed with this young man's life.  It is so heartwarming to read about a priest that starts a school for boys on the premise that they are going to learn to be good soldiers for Christ on earth and then become citizens of heaven.

  Dominic's life was spent being the best example of Christ-like behavior without being stuffy.  He laughed and played games, he did school work and did chores just like any other 15 year old boy.  But he went out of his way to encourage his fellow classmates to receive the sacraments as often as possible.  Weekly confession was a must and Dominic was allowed to receive the Blessed Sacrament daily.  Many times after Communion he would go into an ecstasy and stay in a trance like state for hours on end.  When St. John Bosco would come to find him, he would wake him up and Dominic would be so surprised at how many hours had gone by!  

One time he was given a revelation that his mother was in serious trouble so he asked permission to quickly go home which was granted.  He took with him a Green Scapular.  When he arrived at his home, his mother was  giving birth and was actually having an extremely difficult time.  She was clearly dying and so Dominic hugged her, told her he loved her and put the Green Scapular on her.  Then he said good-bye.  She not only lived but the baby was born safely.  Thereafter, the women in the town would give that scapular to other women in childbirth and they also had safe deliveries.  

After he died, he appeared first to his father, who was having a very difficult time with his death.  He knew he was in heaven but missed him so much as can be expected.  Dominic told him he was in heaven and his father asked him to pray for his brothers and sisters and he said yes, he would.  Then he asked Dominic to pray for his mother and him and he agreed as well.

  The next apparition was to St. John Bosco almost 17 years after his death.  He saw Dominic at the head of a group of young men.  They were all dressed in white robes with a red sash.  He was led to understand that these young people were virgins and had sacrificed all worldly pleasure just to keep that virtue of purity.  Dominic gave St. John 3 pieces of paper on which were "written" the names of Oratory boys.  The first one had the names of boys that were virginal, the second were those who had fallen but were trying very hard and the third one had the ones in mortal sin.  The third paper  smelled so awful that he felt nauseous.  After Dominic disappeared, the smell remained on his clothing so he know that he wasn't imagining this vision.

We desperately need a St. Dominic today - young people have such a tough road.  St. John Bosco kept saying how difficult it was then for young men and women to keep their virtue but I'm sure he had no idea of what was coming in future ages - the movies, books, internet, billboards and just the way most people dress today.

I also found it interesting that these two people both became saints!  It makes you daydream about the people we know and who of us will become saints.  I can think of several friars that are great candidates..........

This book cost me 89 cents at St. Vincent de Paul thrift  store.  I looked it up on Amazon and it said it was $7.83 for a new one and $17.10 for a used one.  I'm not kidding.  
 

 Back in the 90's, a group of parishioners along with Fr. Joseph went to see a play about this nun and her fellow sisters that were martyred during the French Revolution.  It was a really wonderful play and here is her story:

Blessed Josephine Leroux

Blessed Josephine Leroux

Feast Day – October 24

Blessed Josephine Leroux entered the convent of the Poor Clares at Valenciennes when she was 22 years old. In 1770 she made her vows. Then the French Revolution broke out, and the religious were rudely driven from their convents.
Josephine at first returned to her family. But when Valenciennes was captured by the Austrians, Josephine could not resist the impulse to return to the enclosure. However, the convent of the Poor Clares at Valenciennes had not yet been rebuilt, and she took refuge in the convent of the Ursulines, where her own sister lived.
But the victorious revolutionary army retook the city, and Josephine was placed under arrest as having been disloyal to her country. Without being in any way perturbed, she confronted the band of soldiers who came to arrest her and she said, "It was hardly necessary to make so much ado for the purpose of taking a weak woman captive!" Then, having served her captors with refreshments, she followed them to prison.

---

---

Because she had resumed the life of a religious contrary to the laws, Josephine was condemned to death. With holy serenity and perfect resignation to God's holy will she accepted the death sentence and prepared for it by receiving the Bread of Heaven for her journey to the Divine Bridegroom. With a cheerful countenance she went out to the place of execution, singing sacred hymns along the way. She declared herself truly fortunate at being deemed worthy to give her life for the Catholic Faith.
"Could anyone fear to leave this place of exile," she said, "when he reflects on the beauty of Paradise?"
At the scaffold she gratefully kissed the hand of the executioner, and in a clear voice forgave everybody. Then she placed her head on the block. Her sister, Mary Scholastic, and four other companions died a martyr's death with her. This occurred on October 23, 1794. Pope Benedict XV enrolled her among the blessed.
from: The Franciscan Book Of Saints, ed. by Marion Habig, OFM

21ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-BISHOP BONAVENTURE, OFM

FR. JOSEPH OFM-21ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 


 HOLY MASS FROM OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY-FR. BERNARD OFM

Bishop Giles, OFM Sermon for Oct. 20 
Bishop Giles, OFM - 21st Sunday after Pentecost 

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Her Doctrine and Morals Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost 21 October 2012

The Sunday Sermon

Dear Friends,

When the master in today’s gospel brought forth the servant that owed ten-thousand talents, he is not angry with him, he simply commands that he be sold and his wife and his children and all that he possesses so that payment could be made. The master was ready to forgive the debt but first he wished to have the servant understand how great his debt was and secondly to ask for mercy or leniency. This heavy sentence was passed out of mercy. As another example of a heavy sentence meted out for mercy, we see St. Paul commands that a man should be delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved. (I Cor. V, 5) Likewise God treats us this way. God threatens us with eternal hell-fire after He first brings to our mind the enormity of our sins (debt). He does this out of mercy; He is ready to forgive us; but first He wants us to understand the enormity of our sins so that may appreciate the bounteousness of His mercy; and secondly God wants us to humbly ask for His mercy. So this first condemnation is not for our ruin but rather for our salvation, and God imposes this sentence not in anger but rather in mercy, for He intends to forgive us if we humbly will pray and beg pardon and promise amendment. 

There was a second time that the servant was brought before the master and this time the master is angry and seeks only justice without mercy. The servant after having been given the greatest mercy in having his enormous debt wiped clean by the immeasurable mercy of his master, would not show even a hint of mercy to his fellow servant who was only slightly indebted to him. This uncharitableness of a servant to his fellow servant after having been the recipient of such boundless charity, brought forth the anger of his master. So will be the final judgment of God. For those who do not amend but continue in their sins, on the last day when the whole world is brought together to give an accounting there will be no longer any mercy – only justice. God will show forth His anger at this time and the sentence will be an eternal one. 

There is another point that we should consider. The master easily forgave the offense against himself but would not forgive the offense against a fellow servant. God is eager to forgive us our offenses against Him, but demands satisfaction of our offenses against our neighbors. 

“If therefore, thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath anything against thee: go first and be reconciled to thy brother; and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift.” (Mt. v. 23, 24) St. John Chrysostom says: “... ‘I say to you that whosoever shall put away his wife, excepting for the cause of fornication, maketh her to commit adultery; and that he that shall marry her that is put away committeth adultery.’ (Mt. v 32) And through St. Paul He also decreed that: ‘If any brother hath a wife that believeth not and she consent to dwell with him; let him not put her away.’ (I Cor vii, 12) If she is an adulteress, he says, let him put her away; if she believeth not, let him not put her away. If she has sinned against thee, cut her off. He says: if she has sinned against Me, retain her. So here likewise, although the sinner had committed such grievous sins against Himself, He forgave him. But when he committed sins against his fellow servant, though these were lesser and fewer, He does not forgive him; but delivers him up to punishment.” 

We have been the recipient of many great graces from God especially in our Baptism; in the sacrament of Penance we have the eternal punishment of mortal sins washed away; in the Holy Eucharist we receive God Himself into our bodies, etc. It is necessary that we understand that God is more ready to forgive us our offenses against Himself, rather than forgive us our offenses against one another. May we take notice and correct any offenses that we may have committed against one another and likewise readily forgive one another as we desire to be forgiven by God. Then we can pray sincerely: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

St. Luke

And after these things the Lord appointed also other seventy-two: and he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. [2] And he said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send laborers into his harvest. [3] Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. [4] Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way. [5] Into whatsoever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house.
[6] And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. [7] And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. [8] And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. [9] And heal the sick that are therein, and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. [10] But into whatsoever city you enter, and they receive you not, going forth into the streets thereof, say:
[11] Even the very dust of your city that cleaveth to us, we wipe off against you. Yet know this, that the kingdom of God is at hand. [12] I say to you, it shall be more tolerable at that day for Sodom, than for that city. [13] Woe to thee, Corozain, woe to thee, Bethsaida. For if in Tyre and Sidon had been wrought the mighty works that have been wrought in you, they would have done penance long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. [14] But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgement, than for you. [15] And thou, Capharnaum, which art exalted unto heaven, thou shalt be thrust down to hell.
[16] He that heareth you, heareth me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me. [17] And the seventy-two returned with joy, saying: Lord, the devils also are subject to us in thy name. [18] And he said to them: I saw Satan like lightning falling from heaven. [19] Behold, I have given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall hurt you. [20] But yet rejoice not in this, that spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice in this, that your names are written in heaven.
LUKE 10:1-20

 All the true children of God, the predestinate, have God for their Father and Mary for their Mother. He who has not Mary for his Mother has not God for his Father. This is the reason why the reprobate, such as heretics, schismatics and others, who hate our Blessed Lady or regard her with contempt and indifference, have not God for their Father, however much they boast of it, simply because they have not Mary for their Mother.

 (True Devotion to Mary #30-St. Louis De Montfort:)

St. Maximos the Confessor, friend of St. Thalassios the Libyan

'


The tongue of a back-biting soul is three-pronged: it injures the speaker, the listener and sometimes the person being maligned.'

St. Thalassios the Libyan

AUDIO SERMON FOR OCTOBER 13 GIVEN BY BISHOP GILES, OFM
20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-GIVEN BY BISHOP GILES, OFM 

20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-GIVEN BY FR. JOSEPH, OFM

Bishop Bonaventure, OFM - 20th Sunday after Pentecost 

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Her Doctrine and Morals Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost 14 October 2012

The Sunday Sermon

Dear Friends,

Let us consider Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel: “Unless you see signs and wonders, you do not believe.” These words were spoken to a ruler who came to Jesus for the cure of his son. At first glance there seems to be some mistake. Obviously the ruler believes in Jesus – why else would he have come to Him? 

The ruler merited this remark because he believed that Jesus had to come to his son in order to heal him. He had not yet believed that Jesus is God and that God is everywhere and all powerful. We see in the Centurion who came seeking the cure of his servant that Jesus was ready to go with Him, but the Centurion would not allow it because he believed and was humble – declaring himself unworthy to receive Jesus into his home. “Only say the word and my servant will be healed.” This Centurion merited the words of Christ that He had not found such great faith in all of Israel. 

We too often deserve the rebuke of Jesus to the ruler, because we look for the physical presence of His Churches, rather than develop the mature faith that is required in our days to understand and believe that The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ. It is only necessary for God to say the word and we may receive His grace even if we are far from a physical building or even far from a true priest. Many who have had the misfortune to fall into sin allow themselves to be tormented because it may be months or even a year before they might see a true priest again to be absolved from their sins. Many poor souls seek permission to go to heretic or schismatic priests for absolution which cannot be permitted unless they are in articulo mortis (at the point of death). Seeking Sacraments outside the Church seems reasonable to them because they have been digesting a constant stream of liberal indifferentism. Doctrine has become indifferent to many in society today; truth and error must be given equal place in our “democratic” society and thoughts. The stage is ready for the One World Religion. That new religion is seen very clearly as liberal indifferentism. Everyone is okay and every belief is okay. 

What then are these unfortunate souls to do once they have fallen? The Catechism lessons are still as valid today as they were in times past. It is clearly taught that when we have the misfortune to fall into sin we should make an Act of Contrition with a sincere purpose of amendment, resolving to confess when the opportunity presents itself. We should strive to make this Act of Contrition as perfect as possible – i.e. we should be sorry for our sin because it offends God whom we love. An imperfect Act of Contrition is when we are sorry because we are afraid of the punishment that our sins bring upon us. Imperfect contrition is sufficient for the validity of the sacrament of Penance, but the perfect one is always better, and the perfect one may obtain God’s pardon for us even outside the sacrament. 

Also, we should notice that while the world would honor the son of the Ruler rather than the servant of the Centurion, Jesus chooses to do just the opposite. God honors that which the world despises and God despises that which the world honors. We should remember to see in our fellow men the image of God and honor them in this light, not judging men of rank and distinction to be better than the poor man just because the world has honored him. If we consider the rich man Dives and the poor man Lazarus we see that God places His love in those who suffer in this life rather than in those who do not suffer. The poor and humble are honored and elevated, while the rich and mighty are humbled and brought low. 

Saint Francis chose to be poor and humble and even despised by the world so that he might follow more closely in the holy poverty and humility of Christ. He unites his invitation to us with Christ’s to honor the poor and humble, and the childlike rather than the haughty rich and powerful of this world. May we never despise God’s favorite ones and always seek to become such as these are – if not poor in material things at least may we become poor in spirit and never become attached to the things of this earth. In this spiritual poverty we will find the strength to bear patiently our crosses and develop a more mature faith that will win the praise, not of men, but rather of God.

It seems unbelievable that a man should perish in whose favor Christ said to His Mother: "Behold thy son" ----- provided that he has not turned a deaf ear to the words which Christ addressed to him: "Behold thy Mother."

St. Robert Bellarmine

Dear Friends,

It has been a while since I last wrote you. For those who are not aware of the recent programming changes, we are now on the air for three hours each Friday from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Central Time, on KRFE AM580, Lubbock, Texas. It is streamed live from our website www.catholichour.org.

 

The program format has changed for most weeks. The exception is when one of the bishops wishes to discuss their topics for three hours! The changed format begins with the weekly announcements, followed by a segment which includes one or two current issues either in the Church or in society. The main topic of the program follows for at least two hours. The last thirty minutes are about reading and explaining the Epistle and Gospel for the Sunday which is about to occur.

 

I would like your comments on this new format, as well as on the content of the program.

 

The number of listeners continues to grow, and you are able to give The Catholic Faith Radio Program a real boast by telling your family and friends about this unique broadcast. If you're unable to listen live, the website contains a recorded copy. There seem to be many loyal persons who choose to listen to the archived copy, going so far as India and New Zealand!

 

For those who like to look ahead, the date of the next program, its main topic and guest are all listed on the the home page of our website, www.catholichour.org.

 

I would also like to mention the Sunday Mass which we have been streaming for some months. Many of you who receive my emails have been able to take advantage of this apostolate. I am happy to announce that we now have Catholics from coast to coast (literally) who "attend" Mass each Sunday morning. I was told about two months ago that we also have a small group of Catholics in Chile who watch each Sunday!

 

I realize that times are tough. Many are out of work while others are struggling. Your donations, though,  are always welcome and needed. Thank you for your generosity!

 

 

May God bless you for your loyalty and support,

Fr. Joseph, OFM

 

Feast of the Most Holy Rosary - Bishop Bonaventure, OFM

First Friday - Bishop Giles, OFM 
First Saturday October - Bishop Giles, OFM 
Feast of the Most Holy Rosary-Bishop Giles, OFM 

Fr. Joseph OFM - Feast of the Most Holy Rosary 

Holy Mass from Our Lady of the Rosary -Fr. Bernard, OFM 

 "Will you ever again dare to hear Mass sitting, whispering, looking idly about you, nay, sometimes even sleeping; contenting yourself with reciting thoughtlessly a few vocal prayers, heedless of the tremendous duty? O stupid world, that does not estimate mysteries so sublime! How is it possible that any one can remain in the presence of the altar with a distracted mind and dissipated heart, at a moment when the angels hover there trembling and astonished, absorbed in contemplating the effects of such a stupendous work?" How few there are who have not reason to accuse themselves, more or less, of this third sin against the love of Jesus in the holy sacrifice? How few have always assisted with that profound recollection and attention which the divine mysteries demand? Let us ask pardon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the past, and resolve for the future never to wound this all loving Heart by any sort of irreverence in the house of God. 

St. Leonard of Port Maurice

The Crown of Thorns in the lives of the Saints

I just finished listening to Brother Dominic's religion class in Kentucky on tape.  He was talking about this woman - Marie Rose Ferron - and this book "She Wears a Crown of Thorns.  I looked it up on line thinking that I could purchase the book.  The first site that came up was Amazon for the amazing price of $199.99!!!!!  Yes - $200 for a paperback book!  The cheapest I found it was $29.99 in horrible condition.  So I kept searching and found this overview which will have to do for now.  She was the 10th of 15 children.  Her mother "assigned" a Mystery of the Rosary to each child so she got the Crucifixion.  It appears she lived up to her mystery.  She is a very inspiring young lady!

The Crown of Thorns in the lives of the Saints

The Crown of Thorns

Like the Stigmata, the Crown of Thorns is a extraordinary mystical gift of God given to select victim souls, that they might participate more fully in union with Jesus for the conversion of sinners. A good portion of the Stigmatics have also bore the Crown of Thorns, such as St Julian of Norwich, St Catherine of Siena, Domenica Lazzeri [who's crown of thorns puncture wounds were once counted and there were exactly 40 puncture wounds], Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich and Therese Neumann to name just a few.

One very recent American mystic who lived in Woonsocket, Rhode Island named Marie Rose Ferron (1902-1936) was given the Crown of Thorns along with the Stigmata beginning in 1927. [Marie Rose Ferron is pictured with the Crown of Thorns marks visible in the photo above] Her case was studied extensively by numerous persons, including physicians, clergy and others from various backgrounds. One of her spiritual directors, Father Onesime Boyer wrote a popular book about Marie Rose entitled “She Wears a Crown of Thorns”, Benzinger Brothers, 1946. Concerning Rose and the Crown of Thorns we read:

“On January 10, 1928, I [Father Boyer] received a letter stating:
‘Rose has four little holes in her forehead, two in front and one in each temple; she feels as if her head were breaking open. Father Paradis and Mr. G. L. Desaulniers were with us. For them, it was, without doubt, something supernatural. While she was speaking, she fainted away three times; her mother took advantage of it to show us her wounds: they were all bleeding.'

“Once I asked Rose how the thorn stigmata were made- I wanted to know whether she found them already made after ecstasy or if she could feel them developing. When I asked her that question she already had seven of them. 'During their development,' she said, 'I feel them active. The impression is that of a hair being tightly pressed against the skin and boring a hole, as a gimlet would do.' [A gimlet is a small hand tool used for drilling or boring small holes -ed.]

“The stigmata which Rose had in the back of her head, prevented it from resting on the pillow; so she was often seen with her arm under her neck; sometimes, it was replaced by small cushions. Frequently, she would use neither; her head then was bent forward, as though she had a kink in her neck. She was seen to remain for hours in that position. While it was depressing to see her that way, she never for a moment showed the least sign of discomfort. Even when the exterior signs of the other stigmata had disappeared, if she rested on her pillow, she felt the invisible thorns penetrating deeper.

The thorn stigmata never completely disappeared. When Rose uncovered her head, we could always see them, although they were not so active as before. But when her sufferings were at their height, the stigmata turned red and a kind of serum oozed from them.
On June 23, 1929, one of my correspondents wrote:
“A Missionary came to see Rose. While he was there, Dr. McLaughlin walked in. The Missionary wanted to see Rose's forehead, he thought it would help him during his missions. The Doctor said to her: ‘Rose, I do not want to hurt your feelings, but if you do not mind, I will show him your forehead.'

With her permission, he explained to the Missionary how he knew the ridges and punctures were the stigmata of the crown. ‘Never mind, Rose,' said the Doctor, ‘I will do my best for you, I will fight for you!'
"Towards the end of November, 1929, the writer [Father Boyer] was in Rose's room, waiting till she came out of ecstasy. There was a lady with us, who had been helping Mrs. Ferron to dress her. I was then told by the mother that Rose had a crown. 'It is like two heavy cords,' she said, 'that encircle her head.' The outlines of the crown were quite visible on Rose's bandage which she always wore tightly fitted to her forehead. I was offered to see them; but I refused, more to show her that I attached no great importance to such signs.

"On January 3, 1930, Father Leonard called on her. In his notebook, he tells us that the crown consisted of two branches well outlined, produced by heavy swelling of the flesh; they were an inch apart and intersected, over each stigma.

"When the stigma of the crown disappeared, one branch of it still remained, and although it was reduced in size, it was still very visible. After her death, a photograph was taken of Rose [see photo above]. An examination of the picture will give a good idea of what the crown looked like. The other branch, which was an inch away from the one which is visible, ran parallel to it, both crossing each other right above each stigma and then winding their way around the head. The fact that the branches of the crown appeared over a year after the thorn stigmata, and yet, were aligned with the latter in perfect symmetry is most remarkable. Out of that combination emerged a beautiful crown. The frontispiece is a reconstruction of the crown to show how it appeared in 1929.”

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Her Doctrine and Morals Most Holy Rosary 7 October 2012

The Sunday Sermon

Dear Friends,

If we were to reduce all of the Catholic teachings and practices to one main or central point we will arrive at the first and greatest commandment: to love God with our entire being. All of this creation around us has been given to us to draw us closer to God. It is the greatest inversion or perversion of right order when we use these creatures to rebel or turn away from God. This, tragically, is exactly where mankind finds himself since the fall of our father Adam. The love of God for us could not allow us to remain hopelessly lost in the darkness of sin; and chose to become one in the flesh with us, not only to redeem us (pay the price of our sins) but, also to show us the right and proper use and understanding of all of creation.

In the Divine Wisdom, God selected and preserved Mary from ever suffering under the darkness of sin. She alone remained free and capable of seeing God’s creations as guideposts pointing consistently back toward Himself. Mary’s heart (full of love) focused always upon God; she was never distracted or led away by the created world around her. Rather than being an obstacle or distraction everything was a reminder and a reference to God. In this state we see she is and always was “full of grace.” The contemplation of Mary’s life therefore is a book open to all who will take it up as to the manner of living and loving free from sin. It is the road map for us all to return to the right order that we lost in sin. If we earnestly take Mary’s life as our guide we will soon begin to see God’s hand in everything; all of creation will sing to us of the: beauty, majesty, power, glory, wonder, etc. of God. In this state we open our hearts to receive Christ into our souls as Mary received Him into her body and soul. We become like Saint Paul who said: “I live, now not I; but Christ liveth in me.” (Gal 2, 20)

Mary’s life is the one and only perfect life of all Adam’s children and as such holds many treasures for all who will devoutly contemplate and imitate it. Mary appeared to St. Dominic and asked him to promote devotion to the Rosary. With this Rosary the Dominicans have accomplished great and wonderful things for the Church and the greater honor and glory of God, not to mention an increase in love and devotion to the Mother of God. It was through the Rosary that the Catholics won the decisive battle of Lepanto in 1571. This victory prompted Pope Saint Pius V to institute today’s feast and to decree that the Blessed Virgin may be invoked as: “Help of Christians.”

The Rosary lays out before us the principal parts and mysteries of Mary’s life. When we pray this devotion and contemplate each mystery we are drawn to see God’s love for us and the way and reasons for us to return that love. Her life is the light and guidepost showing us the Way to God and how we may accomplish this journey in our own lives.

What is most frightening is that many repeat these beautiful prayers without ever truly putting them also into their hearts. It is not God’s intention or Mary’s that we should repeat these prayers thoughtlessly. This is not praying but rather insulting to her and God. We also find in the world today a much worse evil than this cold indifference in devotion to Mary; that is, people pretend to devotion and use this as a tool to deceive and lead others away from the Church and therefore away from God and His holy Mother. Deceptive men have and are claiming to promote: the Rosary, Fatima, the wearing of the Carmelite scapular, etc while at the same time promoting disobedience and rebellion alongside heresies and schisms. Catholics have always had to be on their guards against such charlatans but it is even more necessary today because over time the devils have become even more clever than ever in appearing as angels of light. Not everyone who “prays” the Rosary is a Catholic. None of those outside the Church are pleasing to God or Mary no matter how “devout” they appear. The prayers of heretics are not pleasing to God or Mary. They are insults, mockeries etc. We may even go so far as to say that they are idolatries as they have created a false god and a false mother of that god that they now worship and adore. These prayers and sacramentals that honor Mary are turned into superstition and “good luck charms” by these deceived or misguided souls. There is no salvation outside the Church (true Church) no matter how great the “devotion” to Mary. Wearing a scapular in honor of Mary is not a guarantee of entrance into heaven. It is necessary that we also understand and put into practice all that this sacramental religious garb represents. A Roman collar does not make the man wearing it a priest, nor does a scapular or rosary make the person wearing or carrying it a Catholic.

The first Commandment forbids us to pray with heretics. Let us not be trapped into thinking that it will be okay just because they “pray” to Mary. May we rather unite only with true Catholics in this devotion so that we may attain all the graces and merits that these devotions offer us.

CHAPTER V
HOW THE HOLY BROTHER BERNARD OF ASSISI WAS SENT BY ST FRANCIS TO BOLOGNA AND HOW HE FOUNDED A CONVENT THERE
St Francis and his companions, being called by God to carry the cross of Christ in their hearts, to practise it in their lives, and to preach it by their words, were truly crucified men both in their actions and in their works. They sought after shame and contempt, out of love for Christ, rather than the honours of the world, the respect and praise of men. They rejoiced to be despised, and were grieved when honoured. Thus they went about the world as pilgrims and strangers, carrying nothing with them but Christ crucified; and because they were of the true Vine, which is Christ, they produced great and good fruits in many souls which they gained to God. It happened that, in the beginning of the Order, St Francis sent Brother Bernard to Bologna, there to accomplish many good works, according to the grace which God had given him. So Brother Bernard, making the holy sign of the cross, in the name of holy obedience, set out for Bologna; but when he arrived in that city, the little children in the streets, seeing him dressed so strangely and so poorly, laughed and scoffed at him, taking him for a madman. All these trials Brother Bernard accepted for the love of Christ, with great patience and with great joy, and seeking to be despised yet more, he went to the market-place, where, having seated himself, a great number of children and men gathered round him, and taking hold of his hood pushed him here and there, some throwing stones at him and others dust. To all this Brother Bernard submitted in silence, his countenance bearing an expression of holy joy, and for several days he returned to the same spot to receive the same insults. Now, patience being a work of perfection and a proof of virtue, a learned doctor of the law, seeing such virtue and constancy in Brother Bernard, who had endured for so many days such contempt and such injuries without losing his temper, said within himself: "Without doubt this man must be a great saint"; and going up to him, he asked him who he was, and whence he came. Brother Bernard put his hand into his bosom, and taking out the Rule of St Francis, gave it to him to read. The doctor, having read the Rule, was struck with wonder and admiration at the sublime perfection therein prescribed, and turning to his friends, he said: "Truly this is the most perfect state of Religion I have ever heard of, and this man and his companions are the holiest men I have met with in all the world; guilty indeed are those who insult him; we ought, on the contrary, to honour him as a true friend of God." And addressing Brother Bernard, he said to him: "If it is thy wish to found a convent in this town, in which thou mayest serve God according to thy heart's desires, I will help thee most willingly, for the salvation of my soul." Brother Bernard answered: "I believe that our Saviour Jesus Christ has inspired thee with this good intention, and most willingly do I accept thy offer, to the honour of Christ." Then the doctor, with much joy and great charity, conducted Brother Bernard to his house, and soon after gave to him a place as he had promised, which he arranged and furnished at his own expense, and from that moment he became a father to Brother Bernard, and the special defender of the Friars Minor. Brother Bernard, through his holy conduct, began to be much honoured by the people, so much so that those who could see and touch him accounted themselves as most blessed; but he, like a true disciple of Christ and a son of the humble Francis, fearing lest the honours of the world should disturb his peace and endanger the salvation of his soul, set out one day and returned to St Francis, whom he thus addressed: "Father, the convent is founded at Bologna, send other brothers there to keep it up and reside there, as I can no longer be of any use; indeed, I fear that the too great honours I receive might make me lose more than I could gain." Now St Francis, having heard, one after another, all the things which the Lord had wrought through Brother Bernard, rendered thanks to God, who thus began to spread abroad the poor disciples of the Cross; then sent he others of the brethren to Bologna, and to Lombardy, and these founded many convents in divers countries.

This beach "Mass" was sponsored by St. Sixtus Novus Ordo parish in Halternam See, Germany. The young man in orange who appears to be presiding at this mess is the BISHOP!!

" Know also this, that, in the last days, shall come dangerous times. 2 Men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, haughty, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, wicked, 3 Without affection, without peace, slanderers, incontinent, unmerciful, without kindness, 4 Traitors, stubborn, puffed up, and lovers of pleasures more than of God: 5 Having an appearance indeed of godliness, but denying the power thereof. Now these avoid."

2Timothy 3:1-5

St. Timothy, who is the best-known disciple of St. Paul was bishop of Ephesus in Asia Minor. He was stoned to death by pagans in 97 A.D. January 24 is his feast day.

If we hated sin as we ought to hate it, purely, keenly, manfully, we should do more penance, we should inflict more self-punishment, we should sorrow for our sins more abidingly. Then, again, the crowning disloyalty to God is heresy. It is the sin of sins, the very loathsomest of things which God looks down upon in this malignant world. Yet how little do we understand of its excessive hatefulness! It is the polluting of God’s truth, which is the worst of all impurities.

Yet how light we make of it! We look at it, and are calm. We touch it and do not shudder. We mix with it, and have no fear. We see it touch holy things, and we have no sense of sacrilege. We breathe its odor, and show no signs of detestation or disgust. Some of us affect its friendship; and some even extenuate its guilt. We do not love God enough to be angry for His glory. We do not love men enough to be charitably truthful for their souls.

Having lost the touch, the taste, the sight, and all the senses of heavenly-mindedness, we can dwell amidst this odious plague, in imperturbable tranquility, reconciled to its foulness, not without some boastful professions of liberal admiration, perhaps even with a solicitous show of tolerant sympathies.

Why are we so far below the old saints, and even the modern apostles of these latter times, in the abundance of our conversations? Because we have not the antique sternness? We want the old Church-spirit, the old ecclesiastical genius. Our charity is untruthful, because it is not severe; and it is unpersuasive, because it is untruthful.

We lack devotion to truth as truth, as God’s truth. Our zeal for souls is puny, because we have no zeal for God’s honor. We act as if God were complimented by conversions, instead of trembling souls rescued by a stretch of mercy.

We tell men half the truth, the half that best suits our own pusillanimity and their conceit; and then we wonder that so few are converted, and that of those few so many apostatize.

We are so weak as to be surprised that our half-truth has not succeeded so well as God’s whole truth. Where there is no hatred of heresy, there is no holiness.

A man, who might be an apostle, becomes a fester in the Church for the want of this righteous indignation.

Fr. Frederick Faber, The Precious Blood, published in 1860

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

Grant me the treasure of sublime poverty: permit the distinctive sign of our order to be that it does not possess anything of its own beneath the sun, for the glory of your name, and that it have no other patrimony than begging.

Blessed Veronica of Binasco relates a similar experience: "Once," she writes, "when, prompted by curiosity, I happened during the time of Mass to look at one of the Sisters who was kneeling near the altar, the Angel of God who is constantly beside me rebuked me with such severity that I almost fainted with terror. How threateningly he looked at me as he said, 'Why dost thou not keep watch over thy heart? Why dost thou gaze thus curiously at thy sister? Thou hast committed no slight offense against God.' Thus spoke the Angel, and by Christ's command he enjoined on me a heavy penance for my fault, which for three days I bewailed with tears. Now, when I hear Mass, I never venture so much as to turn my head, for fear of incurring the displeasure of the Divine Majesty." What a lesson for those who give free rein to their eyes in church and even talk during the time of Holy Mass!

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Prayer When Unable to Assist at Daily Mass

Go, my Angel Guardian dear,
To church for me------the Mass to hear.
Go, kneel devoutly at my place
And treasure for me every grace.
At the Offertory time
Please offer me to God Divine.
All I have and all I am,
Present it with the Precious Lamb.
Adore for me the great Oblation.
Pray for all I hold most dear
Be they far or be they near.
Remember, too, my own dear dead
For whom Christ's Precious Blood was shed.
At Communion bring spiritually to me
Christ's flesh and blood my food to be,
To give me strength and holy grace;
A pledge to see Him face to face,
And when the Holy Mass is done
Then with His blessing, come back home.

St. Therese - feast day Oct 3

Video Sermon for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost-Given by Bishop Bonaventure, OFM
Sermon for feast of St. Michael-given by Bishop Giles, OFM 
Sermon for 18th Sunday after Pentecost- given by Bishop Giles, OFM 
Sermon for 18th Sunday after Pentecost- given by Fr. Joseph, OFM