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Thursday, December 20, 2018

We should strive ever to emphasize the fact that Christmas is the Feast of the
Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. The greeting cards we send at the holy season
should be a manifestation of our Catholic Faith, an aid to our friends to enter into
the spirit of the holy season, and a reminder to them that we are praying that they
may know Christ more intimately and love Him more ardently. Your cards to
non-Christian friends may be a means of causing them to make inquiries in regard to
the real meaning of Christmas.

Christmas derives its name, "Christ's Mass," from the Mass offered in honor of the
Birth of Christ. Its early English form was written as "Christes Maesse," and in the
course of the change of the English language it eventually became Christmas. In the
earliest days of the Church this feast did not exist. Greater stress was placed on
the Feast of the Epiphany, because it commemorates the day on which our Saviour was
made known to the Gentiles, when the Wise Men came to adore Him. The Feast of the
Nativity came gradually into existence in the fourth century. Its first mention is
made by the great Christian writer, Clement of Alexandria, about the year 200, and
shows that it was celebrated on May 20. About the year 300, the Latin Church began to
observe it on December 25, because an ancient tradition assigns that day as the
probable date of the Birth of our Savior.

Love of the Babe of Bethlehem, who was born to redeem us, caused Catholics, in
centuries long gone by, to introduce into our churches a representation of the crib,
the Divine Babe, The Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and the Shepherds. St. Francis of
Assisi deserves the credit of making this practice very popular. His zeal prompted
him to place at Graccio a representation of the cave of Bethlehem. His plan permitted
the Faithful vividly to grasp the story of Bethlehem and to realize the poverty and
suffering of our Saviour in the bleak, cold stable where He was born. The plan has
spread to churches in all parts of the world.
 From the book "Could You Explain Catholic Practices?" by Rev. Charles J. Mullaly,
S.J. - 1937)

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

 Image result for image mary queen of heaven


 
You shall shine with a glorious light, O Immaculate Queen, and all the ends of the world shall worship you.
You shall rejoice in your children, because they shall all be blessed and shall be gathered together to the Lord.
Blessed are all they that love you and rejoice in your peace.
Bless the Lord, all His elect, keep days of joy and give glory to Him.
Draw us, Immaculate Virgin, we will run after you to the odour of your ointments.
 
Vespers from the feast of Mary, Queen of the Seraphic Order

Thursday, December 6, 2018

 This is a really good explanation for those who lie to their children about "Santa Claus":
 
 
 
Our modern Santa Claus, a crude, ridiculous figure, can be traced back to that gentle
lover of children--St. Nicholas. This Saint's feast is celebrated on December 6, and
parents and friends gave children presents on that day. The Dutch settlers in New
York brought this custom with them to the New World, and the giving of presents on
December 6 and on Christmas Day became somewhat confused. St. Nicholas was contracted into "Santa Claus" and, with the increasing pagan idea of the Yuletide, became therollicking, bewhiskered figure so alien to the true Christmas spirit.

Let our children look to the Christ Child for their Christmas presents. There is no
need of deception here, and of shattering childish faith. The Christ Child exists; He
loves the little ones and He wishes them to love Him. We have no use in a Catholic
home for the fraudulent Santa Claus and the pagan Christmas he now symbolizes. Let
the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ be for young and old a day of
spiritual joy and of close union with the Saviour whom we love.


(From the book "Could You Explain Catholic Practices?" by Rev. Charles J. Mullaly,
S.J. - 1937)

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

File:Anonymous Cusco School - Saint Thomas Aquinas, Protector of the University of Cusco - Google Art Project.jpg 

O God, grant that whatever good things I have, I may share generously with those who have not, and whatever good things I do not have, I may request humbly from those who do.” –St. Thomas Aquinas

Thursday, November 22, 2018

O my God, let me remember with gratitude and confess to thee thy mercies toward me.” –St. Augustine of Hippo

Wednesday, November 21, 2018


https://www.coraevans.com/images/latest-news/The%CC%81re%CC%80se_de_Lisieux_en_Jeanne_dArc_enchaine%CC%81e.jpg

Prayer is an aspiration of the heart.  It is a simple glance directed to Heaven.  It is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy.” –St. Therese Lisieux

Saturday, November 17, 2018

"Following Christ is a strong, brave deed and calls for the unbending will of full-grown man.  Sluggards and cowards and peevish souls are not those out of whom the followers of a thorn-crowned King are made..........But lusty battles there are to fight for our own souls, first of all, and then for the souls of others;  sharp temptations to be swiftly overcome, or maybe the noiseless, galling rub of uneventful, hidden labor in His service..........It is strong, fierce work this battle of the worlds of spirit and of sense and, when Christ calls, He makes no secret of the struggle.  Frank He is to tell of all the hard campaigning of His soldiers, but quickly frank to add that His soldiers fight not single-handed and alone.  He tells of His love that brightens weary hearts and of His grace that strengthens frail souls until unconquerable might is theirs to dare all things for Him and one sweet day to die for Him."

MY CHANGELESS FRIEND

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

INDULGENCED ACTS FOR THE POOR SOULS

An indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to the faithful,
who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed.

The indulgence is plenary each day from the 1st to the 8th of November; on other days of the year it is partial.

A plenary indulgence, again applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is also
granted when the faithful piously visit a church or a public oratory on November 2.
In visiting the church or oratory, it is required, that one Our Father and the Creed
be recited.

Six General rules for obtaining a plenary indulgence:

1. State of grace at least when performing the indulgenced act
2. Complete detachment from sin, even venial sin
3. Confession (20 days before or after the indulgenced act)
4. Communion (20 days before or after the indulgenced act)
5. Prayers for the Supreme Pontiff (20 days before or after the indulgenced act)
6. Indulgenced act: a special good work with special conditions of place and time

Friday, November 2, 2018

 Image result for CHrist the king image



What can the world give you without Jesus?  To be without Jesus is a grievous hell;  to be with Jesus a sweet paradise.  Without a friend, we cannot live happily; and if Jesus be not a friend to us above all, we will indeed be sad and desolate. 

  The Following of Christ-Thomas a Kempis

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

It is good for us to have trials and troubles at times, for they often remind us that we are on probation and ought not to hope in any worldly thing. It is good for us sometimes to suffer contradiction, to be misjudged by men even though we do well and mean well. These things help us to be humble and shield us from vainglory. When to all outward appearances men give us no credit, when they do not think well of us, then we are more inclined to seek God Who sees our hearts. Therefore, a man ought to root himself so firmly in God that he will not need the consolations of men.”
Thomas à Kempis,
The Imitation of Christ

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

 https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHtmfqx56qeSjMSmUoeaeDeHCfRw5uRfN5rXuF9dyQ1-VTWGTIbJ01zdf4vrPwrcPD2QWGPE5f0xNcotHVlJV0wMfdJgjyfjX8d42I4vFbFa5oX6yEMZquEfX9Rt99eOWTgEvXLUoMUBq/s1600/Saint+John+Cantius.jpg
Fight all error, but do it with good humor, patience, kindness, and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause.

-- Saint John Cantius

Friday, September 21, 2018



Meaning of the Ceremonies at Mass : Rev. Leonard Goffine

1. The Priest Goes to the altar – Christ Goes to Mount Olivet.
2 The Priest Commences Mass -Christ Begins to pray.
3 The Priest Says Confiteor – Christ Falls down and sweats blood.
4 The Priest Goes up and kisses the altar – Christ Is betrayed by Judas with a kiss.
5 The Priest Goes to the Epistle side – Christ Is captured, bound, and taken to Annas
6 The Priest Reads the Introit – Christ Is falsely accused by Annas and blasphemed.
7 The Priest Goes to the middle of the altar and says the Kyrie eleison – Christ Is brought to Caiphas and there three times denied by Peter.
8 The Priest Says the Dominus vobiscum – Christ Looks at Peter and converts him.
9 The Priest Reads the Epistle – Christ Is brought to Pilate.
10 The Priest Says the Munda cor meum at the middle of the altar – Christ Is taken to Herod and mocked.
11 The Priest Reads the Gospel – Christ Is taken back to Pilate and again mocked.
12 The Priest Uncovers the chalice – Christ Is shamefully exposed.
13 The Priest Offers bread and wine – Christ Is cruelly scourged.
14 The PriestCovers the chalice – Christ Is crowned with thorns.
15 The Priest Washes his hands – Christ Is declared innocent by Pilate.
16 The Priest Says the Orate Fratres – Christ Is shown by Pilate to the people with the words, Ecce Homo.
17 The Priest Prays in a low voice – Christ Is mocked and spit upon.
18 The Priest Says the Preface and the Sanctus – Christ Is preferred instead of Barrabas and condemned to crucifixion.
19 The Priest Makes the Memento for the living – Christ Carries the cross to Mount Calvary.
20 The Priest Continues to pray the Canon in a low voice – Christ Meets His Mother and the other pious women.
21 The Priest Blesses the bread and wine with the sign of the cross – Christ Is nailed to the cross.
22 The Priest Elevates the Sacred Host – Christ Is raised on the cross.
23 The Priest Elevates the chalice – Christ Sheds blood from the five wounds.
24 The Priest Prays in a low voice – Christ Sees His afflicted Mother at the cross.
25 The Priest Says aloud, Nobis queque peccatoribus – Christ Prays on the cross for men.
26 The Priest Says aloud the Pater noster – Christ Says the seven last words on the cross.
27 The Priest Breaks and separates the Host – Christ Gives up His spirit and dies.
28 The Priest Lets a small portion of the sacred Host fall into the chalice – Christ His soul descends to Limbo.
29 The Priest Says the Agnus Dei – Christ Is acknowledged on the cross as the Son of God by many bystanders.
30 The Priest Administers Holy Communion – Christ Is laid in the tomb.
31 The Priest Cleanses the chalice – Christ Is anointed by pious women.
32 The Priest Prepares the chalice again – Christ Rises from the dead.
33 The Priest Says the Dominus vobiscum – Christ Appears to His Mother and the disciples.
34 The Priest Says the last prayers – Christ Teaches for forty days.
35 The Priest Says the last Dominus vobiscum – Christ Takes leave of His disciples and ascends to heaven.
36 The Priest Gives the benediction to the people – Christ Sends down the Holy Ghost
37 The Priest Says the Ita Missa est and the last Gospel – Christ Sends the apostles into all parts of the world to preach the Gospel.

Saturday, September 15, 2018

FOUR SPECIAL FAVORS

Image result for image sorrowful mother
    The graces which Our Lord promises to those who are devoted to the
sorrows of His Blessed Mother are very great. St. Alphonsus, in his
discourse on the dolors of Mary, states: It was revealed to St. Elizabeth
[of Hungary] that some years after the Blessed Virgin was assumed into
Heaven, St. John, the beloved disciple, was seized with an ardent desire to
see her again. This favor was granted him. His dear Mother appeared to him
in company with our Divine Lord. Then St. John heard Mary asking of her Son
some special graces for those who were devoted to her dolors. Our Lord
promise the four following graces:

1. Those who invoke the Heavenly Mother through her sorrows will obtain
true sorrow for their sins before death.
2. Our Saviour will protect them in their tribulations, especially at the
hour of death.
3. He will impress upon them the memory of His Passion, and will reward
them for it in Heaven.
4. He will commit such devout servants to the hands of Mary, that she may
dispose of them according to her pleasure, and obtain for them all the
graces she desires.

    Besides these great graces, Father Faber enumerates others which are
obtained through devotion to Mary's sorrows:

    This devotion has a remarkable connection with great interior holiness.

    It reveals the emptiness of worldly joys. Worldliness finds no soul
harder to attack than one entrenched in the sorrows of our Blessed Lady.
The world can graft itself upon nothing in this devotion.

    It gives us a permanent share in the sorrow for sin which Jesus and
Mary felt.

    It keeps our thoughts close to Jesus Christ, and to Him Crucified.

    It communicates to our souls the spirit of the Cross and gives us
strength to endure our own sufferings with resignation to the holy Will of
God.

    This devotion is wholly covered with the Precious Blood of Jesus and
leads us directly into the depths of the Heart of our Saviour.

    Anyone who during his lifetime has cherished compassion for this
afflicted Mother may consider this as a most assured sign of
predestination.


The above is taken from Chapter 2 of the booklet "Devotion to the Sorrowful
Mother" published by TAN

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

 Image of St. Theodore of Studites

How precious the gift of the cross, how splendid to contemplate! In the cross there is no mingling of good and evil, as in the tree of paradise: it is wholly beautiful to behold and good to taste. The fruit of this tree is not death but life, not darkness but light. This tree does not cast us out of paradise, but opens the way for our return.

St. Theodore the Studite


 Also Theodore of Studiurn and Theodore of Studios, abbot, monastic reformer, and ardent enemy of iconoclastic policies in the Byzantine Empire. The nephew of St. Pluto, abbot of Saccudium (a monastery in Bithynia, Asia Minor, near Mt. Olympus in modem Turkey), he studied under his uncle and entered the community about 780. In 794, he followed St. Pluto as abbot when his uncle abdicated in his favor. Theodore soon distinguished himself for his opposition to the adulterous marriage of Emperor Constantine VI (r. 780-797) and was banished until 797 when the emperor was deposed by his mother, Irene.Two years later, Theodore moved the community from Saccudium to Studites in order to escape the growing influence of the Arabs. The monastery subsequently became one of the most prominent in the whole of the Eastern Church. In 809, Theodore was exiled once more, this time by Emperor Nicephorus I (r. 802-811), marking the start of suffering which continued unceasingly virtually until his death. Recalled in 811, he was forced soon after to speak out against the iconoclastic policies of Emperor Leo V (r. 813-820). In revenge, Leo had Theodore seized, cruelly abused, and exiled. Studites was populated by Iconoclast monks, and Theodore lived in banishment until 820 when Emperor Michael II (r. 820-829) brought him back to Constantinople. Theodore remained unbending and died without ever returning to Studites. He died just outside of Constantinople. Theodore was venerated for his personal holiness, his brilliant abilities as a preacher, and his willingness to champion the rights of the Church, even at the price of deep personal sacrifice. He was also the author of five hundred letters, hymns, sermons, polemics against Iconoclasm, and two cathechisms.

Monday, September 3, 2018

 Image result for Christ with Herod image


Study to be patient in bearing the defects of others, and their infirmities, be they what they may; for thou hast many things, which others must bear withal.  If thou canst not make thyself what thou wouldst be, how canst thou expect to have another so exactly to thy mind? We would fain see others perfect and yet our own faults we amend not.

Following of Christ

Monday, August 27, 2018

 Image result for crucifixion images
 If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. – Jesus Christ


If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross. Great patience occurs in two ways: either when one patiently suffers much, or when one suffers things which one is able to avoid and yet does not avoid. Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently, because when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth. – 

St. Thomas Aquinas


Monday, August 20, 2018


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The Sacrifice of Isaac (circa 1607), Cigoli

  'So great a love on the part of Mary deserves our gratitude, and that gratitude should be shown by at least meditating upon and pitying her in her sorrow. But she complained to Saint Bridget that very few did so, and that the greater part of the world lived in forgetfulness of them: "I look around at all who are on earth, to see if by chance there are any who pity me, and meditate upon my sorrows; and I find that there are very few. Therefore, my daughter, though I am forgotten by many, at least do thou not forget me; consider my anguish, and imitate, as far as thou canst, my grief."'

St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

This came from another website but it was such a good explanation of the Green Scapular and encouraging story that I'm going to share it with you:


MARY'S GIFT OF THE GREEN SCAPULAR

The Green Scapular or Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is, like the
Miraculous Medal, a gift of our Blessed Mother to the Daughters of Charity of St.
Vincent de Paul.
On November 27, 1839, Justine Bisqueyburu, destined by Providence to make known this devotion, entered the Novitiate of the Daughters of Charity, 140 Rue du Bac, Paris.
On January 28,1840, during her first retreat, the young sister was favored with a
celestial vision. Our Lady appeared to her clothed in a long white robe over which
hung a bright blue mantle. In her hands she held her Heart, from the top of which
issued brilliant rays. The same apparition was repeated four or five times during her
novitiate. This favor seemed to have no other end than to increase in the Sister
herself tender devotion to Mary Immaculate.

Clothed with the habit, on September 8, 1840, feast of the Nativity of the Blessed
Virgin, Sister Bisqueyburu was favored during prayer with an apparition of the Mother
of God, who held in her right hand her Heart surrounded by flames, and in her left a
sort of scapular, consisting of a single piece of green cloth suspended from a cord
of the same color. On one side was a picture of the Blessed Virgin as she had shown
herself in the apparitions; on the other, a Heart all inflamed with rays more
brilliant than the sun, and clearer than crystal. This heart pierced with a sword was
surrounded by an oval inscription, surmounted by a cross. The inscription read:
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death." At the same
time an interior voice revealed to the Sister the meaning of this vision. She
understood that this new Scapular, through the medium of the Sisters of Charity,
would contribute to the conversion of those who have no faith, and above all, procure
for them a happy death, and that it should be distributed with confidence. As the
scapular was distributed, wonderful conversions and some bodily cures were produced.

The Scapular is not the badge of a confraternity but simply a double image attached
to a single piece of cloth and suspended from a cord. The Blessed Virgin declared to
her faithful servant that no special formula of blessing was necessary. It suffices
that it be blessed by a priest and worn by the one for whom it is intended. It may be
placed in the clothing, on the bed, or simply in the room. The only prayer to be
recited is the inscription surrounding the heart on the reverse of the Scapular:
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death." This should
be repeated daily, if not by the one wearing it, by the one giving it. The Scapular
may be distributed everywhere. Although wonderful graces are attached to it, they are
proportionate to the confidence with which it is given. The Green Scapular was twice
approved by Pope Pius IX, in 1863, and again in 1870 when he said: "Write to these
good Sisters that I authorize them to make and distribute it."

MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE GREEN SCAPULAR OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
Rev. Leo Steinbach

When I first came in contact with this devotion, I read an explanation which seemed
to give the impression that it was intended only for lax Christians. I thought it
might be useless for me since I had very little contact with Christians, be they
good, bad or indifferent. My contacts were mostly with Buddhists and Shintoists whom
I was trying to christianize. However I put a few scapulars in my pocket and decided
to try one out. That very day I went to a nearby hospital where I discovered a
non-Christian woman patient who had been unconscious for 10 days previously. The
doctor explained to me that she would very probably die within three days without
regaining consciousness. He and a nurse escorted me to the room. I addressed the sick
woman but she gave no indication whatsoever that she understood a word I was saying.
Thereupon I took a green scapular from my pocket, applied it to her forehead and
repeated the invocation, "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour
of our death."

And what happened? The woman immediately regained consciousness, joined her hands and
very devoutly asked God to forgive her sins. I was amazed. The doctor and the nurse
both non-Christians were also flabbergasted. I immediately instructed and baptized
the dying patient that same day much to her joy. She remained perfectly conscious for
three days more during which time she very devoutly received Holy Viaticum. She
breathed her last while praying to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

News of this double miracle spread rapidly. People kept asking me for green scapulars
and since I only had a couple dozen which I had received from an army chaplain and
since I had no means of replenishing my supply, I started to lend my remaining
scapulars with a proviso that they be returned after three days. I did this in order
to help as many people as possible. Meanwhile a Catholic newspaper reporter helped me
procure the necessary materials and we began making them. During the past 25 years we
have made and distributed many tens of thousands to people living all over Japan. We
have also sent quite a number to the United States, Brazil, Paraguay, Korea and
Indonesia. A Catholic magazine here in Japan published an explanation of the green
scapular about a year ago and we have been receiving requests daily ever since. On
one single day we received 140 letters and we try to fulfill each request promptly.
We never charge for them nor do we ask for postage. However we have never been in
debt. Grateful people send us donations which cover the cost of materials and
postage.

It is edifying to read the letters of gratitude. Many people report spiritual
blessings and there have been miraculous cures too of almost every type of human
ailment including blindness, deafness, cancer, tuberculosis, high blood pressure,
rheumatism, arthritis etc. Luke-warm Catholics and non-Catholics seem to receive more
favors than good practicing Catholics.

An 80-year-old non-Christian lady said she would like to visit the church in her
vicinity but she was unable to walk because of arthritis. Every winter both her
ankles and wrists were swollen and very painful. She was given a green scapular which
she applied daily but since she could not remember the prayer she merely asked the
Mother of Christ for help. Within a few days she was completely cured. After a brief
instruction and Baptism, she attended mass daily and always received Holy Communion.
She kept up this habit for two years until she was called to her reward. During this
interval she converted her aged friend who lived just across the street from her home
and she had the happiness of being her godmother. Her good husband, a staunch
Shintoist, also treasured his green scapular but no one could induce him to become a
Christian. However, just three days before he died, he had a change of heart. He died
very happily after receiving the sacraments.

The owner of a fleet of 60 taxis in Kyoto asked his pastor to bless his vehicles on
New Year's Day, whereupon he presented each of his drivers a new green scapular. He
encouraged them, although they are non-Christians, to recite the prayer at least once
a day. During the year there were just a few bent fenders but there were no accidents
that caused a personal injury. The Blessed Mother is never invoked in vain. Her
prayers are powerful. Japanese "kamikaze" drivers moving at a high speed in all kinds
of weather, day and night, are very grateful to their Protectress.

Friday, August 3, 2018

 Cover art



We just finished "Introduction to the Devout Life" by St. Francis de Sales in our  religion class with  Bishop Giles.  No matter if the book is on Kindle or a hard copy, I usually highlight the pertinent parts that mean something to me.  So in keeping with my previous post about Brother Anthony's sermon, here are some of my highlighted notes in regard to hasty judgments, slander and other counsels as to conversation:

"Of a truth, hasty judgments are most displeasing to God, and men's judgments are hasty, because we are not judges on of another, and by judging we usurp Our Lord's own office."

"But alas! for the most part we precisely reverse these precepts, judging our neighbor, which is forbidden on all sides, while rarely judging ourselves, as we are told to do." 

"...those who drink deep of pride, envy, ambition, hatred, will see harm and shame in every one they look upon."

"If your affections are warm and tender, your judgment will not be harsh; if they are loving, your judgment will be the same.......And so ought we always to judge our neighbor as charitable as may be; and if his actions are many-sided, we should accept the best."

"And so when we cannot find any excuse for sin, let us at least claim what compassion we may for it, and impute it to the least damaging motives we can find, as ignorance or infirmity.....Rash judgment always presupposes something that is not clear, in spite of which we condemn another."

"If an action is in itself indifferent, it is a rash suspicion to imagine that it means evil, unless there is strong circumstantial evidence to prove such to be the case."

ON SLANDER:   "....of all worldly possessions the most precious is a good name"

"My daughter, I entreat you never speak evil of any, either directly or indirectly; beware of ever unjustly imputing sins or faults to your neighbor, of needlessly disclosing his real faults, of exaggerating such as are overt, of attributing wrong motives to good actions, of denying the good that you know to exist in another, of maliciously concealing it. or depreciating it in conversation."

"Witty slander is the most mischievous of all....."

"If God's Mercy is so great, that one single moment is sufficient for it to justify and save a man, what assurance have we that he who yesterday was a sinner is the same today?......we must never, in our wish to shun slander, foster or flatter vice in others; but we must call evil evil, and sin sin, and so doing we shall serve God's Glory......"

"We gain nothing by sharpness or petulance"....An excessive reserve and stiffness, which stands aloof from familiar friendly conversation, is untrusting and implies a certain sort of contemptuous pride; while an incessant chatter and babble , leaving no opportunity for others to put in their word, is frivolous and troublesome.....

Sunday, July 15, 2018

 Image result for gossip as a sin image
Brother Anthony gave the most powerful sermon today on detraction and calumny.  He took one phrase out of the gospel (Luke 16:1-9) ..."There was a certain rich man who had a steward, who was reported to him as squandering his possessions....."   He took that phrase and launched into an explicit  description of detraction and calumny.  He even brought it down to the level of the children by calling it "tattling"  .   My oldest granddaughter was totally enthralled and after Mass said that she was going to try her best not to "tattle" on her sister anymore!  He reminded us that if it's none of our business, then we have NO RIGHT to say anything to anyone.  He explained the three "players" so to speak who are involved in the gossip:  one one who is telling it, the one who is listening and the one being talked about.
  He also mentioned stirring up trouble by going to someone and telling them what another said about them.  He explained when it was a mortal sin and when it was venial and by the time he was done, most all of us were squirming in our pews!  This young man is going to make an awesome priest!

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Image result for lancing Jesus side with sword image


   John the Evangelist uses a carefully chosen word. He does not say that the soldier
“struck” Christ’s side or “wounded” it or anything else of the kind, but
that he “opened” it. This wording gives us a picture of the door of life opening
to let the sacraments of the Church flow out, those sacraments without which no one
can enter into life which is true life. The out poured Blood was poured out for the
remission of sins.
 
 The water is an ingredient of the cup of salvation : it serves both for washing and for drinking.
 
 All this was foreshadowed when Noe was commanded to make a door in the side of the ark. This door was to admit the living creatures who were not to perish in the flood: they prefigured the Church. To foreshadow the same mystery, the first woman was made from the side of the man as he slept, and she was called Life and Mother of the Living. Thus a great good was prefigured before the great evil of sin. Here the second Adam, bowing His head, slept on the cross, that a wife might be formed for Him out of the water and Blood that flowed from His side as He slept. 
 
O death, by which the dead return to life! What is more cleansing than this Blood? What is more health-giving than this wound?

 A homily of St. Augustine, Bishop

Monday, July 2, 2018

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Christ Consoled by the Angels (18th century), Juan Patricio Morlete Ruiz
 
By nothing else except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ has death been brought low: The sin of our first parent destroyed, hell plundered, resurrection bestowed, the power given us to despise the things of this world, even death itself, the road back to the former blessedness made smooth, the gates of paradise opened, our nature seated at the right hand of God and we made children and heirs of God. By the cross all these things have been set aright…It is a seal that the destroyer may not strike us, a raising up of those who lie fallen, a support for those who stand, a staff for the infirm, a crook for the shepherded, a guide for the wandering,a perfecting of the advanced, salvation for soul and body, a deflector of all evils, a cause of all goods, a destruction of sin, a plant of resurrection, and a tree of eternal life. 

St. John Damascene

Thursday, June 28, 2018

No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ. His prayer brought benefit to the multitude that raged against him. How much more does it bring to those who turn to him in repentance. – St. Leo the Great

Tuesday, June 19, 2018



Mount Calvary is the mount of lovers. All love that does not take its origin from the Savior’s passion is foolish and perilous. Unhappy is love without the Savior’s death. Love and death are so mingled in the Savior’s passion that we cannot have one in our hearts without the other. Upon Calvary, we cannot have life without love, or love without the Redeemer’s death.

St. Francis de Sales

Friday, June 8, 2018

 Image result for crucifixion images



As they were looking on, so we too gaze on his wounds as he hangs. We see his blood as he dies. We see the price offered by the redeemer, touch the scars of his resurrection. He bows his head, as if to kiss you. His heart is made bare open, as it were, in love to you. His arms are extended that he may embrace you. His whole body is displayed for your redemption. Ponder how great these things are. Let all this be rightly weighed in your mind: as he was once fixed to the cross in every part of his body for you, so he may now be fixed in every part of your soul. – 


St. Augustine