God of my life, I welcome this new day, It is your gift to me, the first day of the rest of my life.
I thank you for the gift of being alive this morning.
I thank you for the sleep which has refreshed me.
I thank you for the chance to begin life all over again.
Lord, this day is full of promise and of opportunity, help me not to waste it away.
This day is full of mystery and of the unknown; help me to face it without anxiety.
During this day, may I become a more thoughtful person, a more Prayerful person, a more generous and kindly person.
Lord, bless this day for me and for us all.
Amen
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Saint of the Day: Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
Saint of Today: Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
St. Michael is considered as the leader of the forces of Heaven and one of the chief princes. He is revered as above all angels by Greek Fathers and many others as Prince of Seraphim. He has been venerated as patron of the Church from the time of the first Apostles. There are records of his appearances in many places including the Cave of Saint Michael in Italy, the grotto of Saint Michael in Mexico and Mont of Saint Michael in France. His name itself means (in Hebrew) as one who is like God. In the book of Revelation Saint Michael was leading the army of God against the Satan’s forces. He is also interpreted as humility before God. Saint Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers and police. He is also prayed by many people to get cure from sickness especially mental diseases.
St. Gabriel is considered as the messenger of God. His name Gabriel means Man of God. He was the angel who appeared before Zachariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist to Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth. When Zachariah expressed doubts about this prophesy due to his and his wife’s old age, St. Gabriel declared that He is Gabriel, standing before God. St. Gabriel also made Zachariah mute, since Zachariah has not believed the prophesy of the birth of john. Six months later St. Gabriel appeared before the Holy Mary and announced Her about the birth of Jesus by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Holy Mary immediately accepted the will of God with humility (see Luke 1:1138).St. Gabriel also appeared to Daniel for giving explanation to Daniel’s visions (Daniel 8:1526, 9:2127).In Islam also Gabriel is called by the name “Jibrail” and is believed as the one who revealed the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed.
St. Raphael is one of the seven Arch Angels who stand before God. He was sent by God to help Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. St. Raphael helped Tobiah through his difficulties and taught him how to safely enter into marriage with Sarah. His name Raphael means God heals. A biblical story says that when the Earth was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels, St. Raphael healed the earth. St. Raphael is also referred to as the angel who stirred the waters of the healing sheep pool. St. Raphael is revered as the patron of the blind, the nurses and physicians. He is also the patron of match makers and travelers.
You can download the Liturgical Calendar Android Application from Google Play Store.
St. Michael is considered as the leader of the forces of Heaven and one of the chief princes. He is revered as above all angels by Greek Fathers and many others as Prince of Seraphim. He has been venerated as patron of the Church from the time of the first Apostles. There are records of his appearances in many places including the Cave of Saint Michael in Italy, the grotto of Saint Michael in Mexico and Mont of Saint Michael in France. His name itself means (in Hebrew) as one who is like God. In the book of Revelation Saint Michael was leading the army of God against the Satan’s forces. He is also interpreted as humility before God. Saint Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers and police. He is also prayed by many people to get cure from sickness especially mental diseases.
St. Gabriel is considered as the messenger of God. His name Gabriel means Man of God. He was the angel who appeared before Zachariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist to Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth. When Zachariah expressed doubts about this prophesy due to his and his wife’s old age, St. Gabriel declared that He is Gabriel, standing before God. St. Gabriel also made Zachariah mute, since Zachariah has not believed the prophesy of the birth of john. Six months later St. Gabriel appeared before the Holy Mary and announced Her about the birth of Jesus by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Holy Mary immediately accepted the will of God with humility (see Luke 1:1138).St. Gabriel also appeared to Daniel for giving explanation to Daniel’s visions (Daniel 8:1526, 9:2127).In Islam also Gabriel is called by the name “Jibrail” and is believed as the one who revealed the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed.
St. Raphael is one of the seven Arch Angels who stand before God. He was sent by God to help Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. St. Raphael helped Tobiah through his difficulties and taught him how to safely enter into marriage with Sarah. His name Raphael means God heals. A biblical story says that when the Earth was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels, St. Raphael healed the earth. St. Raphael is also referred to as the angel who stirred the waters of the healing sheep pool. St. Raphael is revered as the patron of the blind, the nurses and physicians. He is also the patron of match makers and travelers.
You can download the Liturgical Calendar Android Application from Google Play Store.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Prayer
What is Prayer?
Prayer is the raising up of mind and heart to God.
How do we raise up our mind and heart to God?
By thinking of God; by adoring, praising and thanking him; and by begging of him all blessings for soul and body.
Do those pray well who, at their prayers, think neither of God nor of what they say?
Those who at their prayers, think neither of God nor of what they say, do not pray well; but they offend God, if their distractions are wilful.
Which is the best of all prayers?
The best of all prayers is the 'Our Father' or the Lord's Prayer.
Who made the Lord's Prayer?
Jesus Christ himself made the Lord's Prayer
Say the Lord's Prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive those who trespass against us; as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
In the Lord's Prayer who is called our Father?
God is called 'our Father'
Why is God called 'Our Father'?
God is called 'our Father' because he is the Father of all Christians, whom he has made his children by Holy Baptism.
Is God also the Father of all mankind?
Yes because he made them all, and loves and preserves them all.
Why do we say 'our Father' and not 'my father'?
Because being all brethren, we are to pray not for ourselves only, but also for all others.
When we say, 'hallowed be thy name' what do we pray for?
We pray that God may be known, loved, and served by all his creatures.
When we say 'thy kingdom come', what do we pray for?
We pray that God may come and reign in the hearts of all by his grace in this world, and bring us all hereafter to his heavenly kingdom.
When we say 'thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven', what do we pray for?
We pray that God may enable us by his grace, to do his will in all things as the Blessed do in heaven.
When we say 'give us this day our daily bread', what do we pray for?
We pray that God may give us daily all that is necessary for soul and body.
When we say 'forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us' what do we pray for?
We pray that God may forgive us our sins, as we forgive others the injuries they do to us.
When we say, 'deliver us from evil', what do we pray for?
We pray that God may free us from all evil, both of soul and body.
Should we ask Angels and Saints to pray for us?
We should ask the Angels and Saints to pray for us, because their prayers have great power with God.
How can we show that the Angels and Saints know what passes on earth?
From the words of Christ: There shall be joy before the Angels of God upon one sinner doing penance'. (Luke 15:10)
What is the chief prayer to the Blessed Virgin which the church uses?
Hail Mary.
Say the Hail Mary.
Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee; blessed are you among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Who made the first part of the Hail Mary?
The Angel Gabriel and St. Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, made the first part of the Hail Mary.
Who made the second part of the Hail Mary?
The Church of God, guided by Holy Spirit, made the second part of the Hail Mary.
Why should we frequently say the Hail Mary?
To put us in mind of the Incarnation of the Son of God; and to honour our Blessed Lady, the Mother of God.
Have we another reason for often saying the Hail Mary?
To ask our Blessed Lady to pray for us sinners at all times, but espcially at the hour of death.
Why does the Catholic Church show great devotion to the Blessed Virgin?
Because she is the Immaculate Mother of God.
How is the Blessed Virgin Mother of God?
Because Jesus Christ, her son, who was born of her as man, is not only man, but also truly God.
Is the Blessed Virgin our Mother also?
The Blessed Virgin is our Mother also because being the brethren of Jesus, we are the children of Mary.
What do you mean by the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin?
We mean that by power of God, Mary, at the completion of her life was taken body and soul into everlasting glory to reign as Queen of heaven and earth.
Is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin an article of Faith?
Yes because it has been solemnly defined by the infalliable authority of the church.
Prayer is the raising up of mind and heart to God.
How do we raise up our mind and heart to God?
By thinking of God; by adoring, praising and thanking him; and by begging of him all blessings for soul and body.
Do those pray well who, at their prayers, think neither of God nor of what they say?
Those who at their prayers, think neither of God nor of what they say, do not pray well; but they offend God, if their distractions are wilful.
Which is the best of all prayers?
The best of all prayers is the 'Our Father' or the Lord's Prayer.
Who made the Lord's Prayer?
Jesus Christ himself made the Lord's Prayer
Say the Lord's Prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive those who trespass against us; as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
In the Lord's Prayer who is called our Father?
God is called 'our Father'
Why is God called 'Our Father'?
God is called 'our Father' because he is the Father of all Christians, whom he has made his children by Holy Baptism.
Is God also the Father of all mankind?
Yes because he made them all, and loves and preserves them all.
Why do we say 'our Father' and not 'my father'?
Because being all brethren, we are to pray not for ourselves only, but also for all others.
When we say, 'hallowed be thy name' what do we pray for?
We pray that God may be known, loved, and served by all his creatures.
When we say 'thy kingdom come', what do we pray for?
We pray that God may come and reign in the hearts of all by his grace in this world, and bring us all hereafter to his heavenly kingdom.
When we say 'thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven', what do we pray for?
We pray that God may enable us by his grace, to do his will in all things as the Blessed do in heaven.
When we say 'give us this day our daily bread', what do we pray for?
We pray that God may give us daily all that is necessary for soul and body.
When we say 'forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us' what do we pray for?
We pray that God may forgive us our sins, as we forgive others the injuries they do to us.
When we say, 'deliver us from evil', what do we pray for?
We pray that God may free us from all evil, both of soul and body.
Should we ask Angels and Saints to pray for us?
We should ask the Angels and Saints to pray for us, because their prayers have great power with God.
How can we show that the Angels and Saints know what passes on earth?
From the words of Christ: There shall be joy before the Angels of God upon one sinner doing penance'. (Luke 15:10)
What is the chief prayer to the Blessed Virgin which the church uses?
Hail Mary.
Say the Hail Mary.
Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee; blessed are you among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Who made the first part of the Hail Mary?
The Angel Gabriel and St. Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, made the first part of the Hail Mary.
Who made the second part of the Hail Mary?
The Church of God, guided by Holy Spirit, made the second part of the Hail Mary.
Why should we frequently say the Hail Mary?
To put us in mind of the Incarnation of the Son of God; and to honour our Blessed Lady, the Mother of God.
Have we another reason for often saying the Hail Mary?
To ask our Blessed Lady to pray for us sinners at all times, but espcially at the hour of death.
Why does the Catholic Church show great devotion to the Blessed Virgin?
Because she is the Immaculate Mother of God.
How is the Blessed Virgin Mother of God?
Because Jesus Christ, her son, who was born of her as man, is not only man, but also truly God.
Is the Blessed Virgin our Mother also?
The Blessed Virgin is our Mother also because being the brethren of Jesus, we are the children of Mary.
What do you mean by the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin?
We mean that by power of God, Mary, at the completion of her life was taken body and soul into everlasting glory to reign as Queen of heaven and earth.
Is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin an article of Faith?
Yes because it has been solemnly defined by the infalliable authority of the church.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
The seven capital sins or vices and their contrary virtues.
Seven Capital Sins
1. Pride
2. Covetousness
3. Lust
4. Anger
5. Gluttony
6. Envy
7. Sloth
Contrary Virtues
1. Humility
2. Liberality
3. Chasity
4. Meekness
5. Temperance
6. Brotherly love
7. Diligence
Why they are called capital sins?
They are called capital sins because they are the sources from which all other sins take their rise.
More informations on Capital sins:
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0465.html
http://catholicexchange.com/seven-capital-sins
1. Pride
2. Covetousness
3. Lust
4. Anger
5. Gluttony
6. Envy
7. Sloth
Contrary Virtues
1. Humility
2. Liberality
3. Chasity
4. Meekness
5. Temperance
6. Brotherly love
7. Diligence
Why they are called capital sins?
They are called capital sins because they are the sources from which all other sins take their rise.
More informations on Capital sins:
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0465.html
http://catholicexchange.com/seven-capital-sins
Saint of Today: Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Mother Teresa was born in August 1910 to Albanian parents. At the age of 18 years she joined the Sisters of Loreto Abbey in Dublin. Her original name was Gonxha Bojaxhiu. She chose the name Teresa when she was at Darjeeling, India. She left the Loreto convent to serve the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta. In 1952 she started a home for the dying and the destitute. She established a religious community called the Missionaries of Charity. Apart from giving food and shelter, she gave dignity to the poor and suffering. She did service for more than four decades and she was an icon of the Good Samaritan. She was awarded the Nobel Price for peace in the year 1979. Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997. Mother Teresa died exactly after 100 years of the death of St. Teresa of Lisiex and also in the same month of September (St. Teresa of Lisiex died on September 30, 1897). She was respected as the Saint of the Gutters even during her life time. One Monica Besra, a tribal lady aged 36 years was cured from abdominal cancer by the intercession of Mother Teresa, in the year 1998. On the basis of this first miracle, Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul-II on October 19, 2003.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Holy Day: Queenship of Mary
This feast of Queenship of Mother Mary was established by Pope Pius-XII by his encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam dated October 11, 1954. Mother Mary was proclaimed as "Theotokos" meaning "one who gives birth to God" or "God bearer" in the Council of Ephesus in the fifth century A.D.. Jesus is always the king of humanity and naturally His mother must have a share in the Kingship of Jesus. She is the Heavenly Queen and is referred as the woman clothed with sun and having a crown with twelve bright stars, in the book of Revelation. God has given to Mother Mary a great role to play in the eternal salvation of humanity, when she became the mother of the God’s only Son, Jesus. She was conceived without any original sin that became a religious dogma in the year 1854 (Immaculate Conception). Mother Mary is the gate to the Heaven, and through Her only mankind can enter the Heaven. Holy Virgin Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, have mercy on us.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Feast Day: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 16th July
This name is the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in her role as the patron of the Carmelite Order. This feast is also known as the 'Scapular feast' because the Carmelite Order is using the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. A tradition says that the Holy Virgin Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Prior General of the Carmelite Order on July 16, 1251 and gave the brown scapular to him and that became part of the Carmelite Order. Carmelites believe the Holy Virgin Mary is a model of virtue and is also a perfect model of interior life of prayer. This feast was instituted by the Carmelite Order between the years 1376-1386, to celebrate their victory over their enemies, on obtaining the approbation of its name and constitution from Pope Honorius-III on January 30, 1226. The scapular is a modified version of Holy Mary’s own garment and it gives special protection to those who wear it. St. John of the Cross credited Holy Mary with saving him from drowning as a child, leading him to Carmel and helping him from prison. The Carmelites say that this Order was first founded by prophets Elijah and Elisha on the Mount Carmel. Mount Carmel is in Israel (District Haifa). During the apparition of Holy Mary at Fatima on October 13, 1917, when the Miracle of the Sun happened (Sun became red and rotated like a wheel) the children saw the visions of Jesus, Our Lady of Sorrows and Our Lady of Carmel. The feast was extended to the entire Latin Church by Pope Benedict-XIII on September 24, 1726.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Saint of Today: St. Augine (Augustine) Zhao Rong and Companions
St. Augine was a native of China and was born in the year 1746. He worked as a soldier in the beginning and served as one of the soldiers who escorted Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse of the Paris Foreign Mission Society to his execution in Beijing. Augine, on seeing the heroism and courage exhibited by the bishop before and at the time of his death for the cause of the Christian faith, got change of mind and wished to convert to Christianity. He became a Christian by getting baptism at the age of 30 years. He then studied for priesthood and ordained a priest after 5 years.
During the reign of Chinese Emperor KiaKin (17961821), Christian missionaries whether foreign or native Chinese were killed indiscriminately, simply for following Christian faith. Augine Zhao Rong was caught and was asked to renounce his Christian faith. But he refused to renounce Christianity and he was executed on September 14, 1815.
Another noted native martyr in the group was a 14year old Chinese girl named Ann Wang, who bravely faced torture and death for the cause of her Christian Faith. Just before she was beheaded, she declared 'The door of heaven is opened to all' and shouted the name of Jesus three times. Yet another Chinese born martyr was an 18year old boy named Chi Zhuzi, who was then preparing to receive baptism. He was captured by the authorities on the road and was asked to worship their native gods but he refused and also bravely revealed that he was a Christian. His right arm was cut off immediately but still he did not deny his faith in Christianity. Before execution, he fearlessly pronounced 'Every piece of my flesh, every drop of my blood will tell you that I am a Christian'.
St. Augine Zhao Rong and Companions were canonized by Pope John PaulII on October 1, 2000 along with 120 Chinese Martyrs.
During the reign of Chinese Emperor KiaKin (17961821), Christian missionaries whether foreign or native Chinese were killed indiscriminately, simply for following Christian faith. Augine Zhao Rong was caught and was asked to renounce his Christian faith. But he refused to renounce Christianity and he was executed on September 14, 1815.
Another noted native martyr in the group was a 14year old Chinese girl named Ann Wang, who bravely faced torture and death for the cause of her Christian Faith. Just before she was beheaded, she declared 'The door of heaven is opened to all' and shouted the name of Jesus three times. Yet another Chinese born martyr was an 18year old boy named Chi Zhuzi, who was then preparing to receive baptism. He was captured by the authorities on the road and was asked to worship their native gods but he refused and also bravely revealed that he was a Christian. His right arm was cut off immediately but still he did not deny his faith in Christianity. Before execution, he fearlessly pronounced 'Every piece of my flesh, every drop of my blood will tell you that I am a Christian'.
St. Augine Zhao Rong and Companions were canonized by Pope John PaulII on October 1, 2000 along with 120 Chinese Martyrs.
Saint of Today: St. Veronica Giuliani
Saint of Today: St. Veronica Giuliani
She was born in the year 1660 in Italy. Her baptismal name was Ursula Giuliani. Her parents were Francesco Giuliani and Benedetta Mancini. It is said that her first words when she was about two years of age were 'Do justice, God sees you', said to a crooked merchant. From her early age she began to show great compassion towards the poor and used to set apart a portion of her meal to the poor people. She even gave her clothes when she saw poor children with torn dress.
She entered the Capuchin branch of the Poor Clares in Citta-di-Castello in Umbria, Italy, on July 17, 1677 and took the name 'Veronica'. She was very submissive towards her spiritual directors and did all menial works given to her with happiness. In the beginning she worked in the kitchen and in sacristy and also worked as the porters in the Monastery. She became the Novice Mistress when she was 34 years and later became Abbess and worked for about 11 years. The marks of the crown of thorns appeared miraculously on her forehead in 1694 and the five wounds corresponding to the wounds of Jesus due to crucifixion, also appeared on her body in the year 1697.
The bishop removed her from the ordinary community life and put her under constant observation. On discrete observation, the bishop decided that the phenomena happened to Veronica were authentic and allowed her to the normal community life. She died of a stroke caused by a brain hemorrhage at age 67 and died on July 9, 1727. Her heart was examined after her death, which showed miraculous images of a cross, crown of thorns and chalice, as told by her when she was alive. Close examination of her body also revealed a curvature of the right shoulder as if she had carried a heavy cross.
She was beatified by Pope Pius-VII on June 17, 1804 and canonized by Pope Gregory-XVI on May 26, 1839.
She was born in the year 1660 in Italy. Her baptismal name was Ursula Giuliani. Her parents were Francesco Giuliani and Benedetta Mancini. It is said that her first words when she was about two years of age were 'Do justice, God sees you', said to a crooked merchant. From her early age she began to show great compassion towards the poor and used to set apart a portion of her meal to the poor people. She even gave her clothes when she saw poor children with torn dress.
She entered the Capuchin branch of the Poor Clares in Citta-di-Castello in Umbria, Italy, on July 17, 1677 and took the name 'Veronica'. She was very submissive towards her spiritual directors and did all menial works given to her with happiness. In the beginning she worked in the kitchen and in sacristy and also worked as the porters in the Monastery. She became the Novice Mistress when she was 34 years and later became Abbess and worked for about 11 years. The marks of the crown of thorns appeared miraculously on her forehead in 1694 and the five wounds corresponding to the wounds of Jesus due to crucifixion, also appeared on her body in the year 1697.
The bishop removed her from the ordinary community life and put her under constant observation. On discrete observation, the bishop decided that the phenomena happened to Veronica were authentic and allowed her to the normal community life. She died of a stroke caused by a brain hemorrhage at age 67 and died on July 9, 1727. Her heart was examined after her death, which showed miraculous images of a cross, crown of thorns and chalice, as told by her when she was alive. Close examination of her body also revealed a curvature of the right shoulder as if she had carried a heavy cross.
She was beatified by Pope Pius-VII on June 17, 1804 and canonized by Pope Gregory-XVI on May 26, 1839.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Prayer for Children
Oh God, make me a better parent. Help me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions wisely and kindly. Keep me from criticizing them so that they can learn from their strengths and weaknesses. Keep me from making all decisions so that they can learn to solve problems. Keep me from interfering so that they can develop responsibility.
Yet, help me to have the courage to refuse giving in to what will harm them. Help me to appreciate my children as they are, not as I would have them to be. When I grow discouraged, remind me that my child is Your child also. You abide in us always- sheltering us in Your care, surrounding us with Your goodness, and enfolding us in Your love. Amen.
Yet, help me to have the courage to refuse giving in to what will harm them. Help me to appreciate my children as they are, not as I would have them to be. When I grow discouraged, remind me that my child is Your child also. You abide in us always- sheltering us in Your care, surrounding us with Your goodness, and enfolding us in Your love. Amen.
Prayer: Reconciliation between Spouses
Until now, Lord, separation was something that happenend to someone else, anyone else, except me. Yet here I am, my mind full of details of separation, and my heart full of pain. If this separation is a mistake, guide my spouse and me toward the reconcilitaion which will allow us to work toward a successful marriage. Although it seems difficult now, I know that we can work toward reconciliation if we remember the love that first brought us together. It will not be easy, but the home and life my spouse and I have built together might be able to be restored if we both are willing to try again. Guide us, Lord, with Your love and grace at this difficult time. Amen.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Prayer when expecting a child
Father, we thank you for your marvellous gift; you have allowed us to share in your divine parenthood. During this time of waiting, we ask you to protect and nurture these first mysterious stirrings of life. May our child come safely into the light of the world and to the new birth of baptism. Mother of God, we entrust our child to your loving heart. Amen.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Prayer of a Single Parent
It is late, Lord, and yet I sit here, trying to rally strength for tomorrow. I feel burdened as a single parent. The pressure of juggling work, home, school, and sitter schedules leaves little time. Somewhere in the middle I am lost, a wheel with a hundred spokes, each pulling me and demanding comfort, support, and attention. I am weighed down with guilt about the job I am doing. Refusing demands for materials things is difficult, but refusing for my time is worse. Give me the courage to persist in this difficult task of parenting. Make me realistic in what I expect of myself and others. Nurture me and love me, Lord. Let me know You are with me in all my stumblings, in all my days. Bring me and my loved ones through these hard times so that we may find happiness and peace. Amen.
Prayer for the Gift of Child
God our Father, all parenthood comes from you. Allow us to share in that power which is yours alone, and let us see in the child you send us as a living sign of your presence in our home. Bless our love and make it fruitful so that a new voice may join ours to praise you, a new heart to love you, and a new life to bear witness to you. Amen.
Prayer for Financial Difficulties
Dear Lord, I have been taught that money is not what is most important, yet money is often a problem in my life. These latest financial difficulties are particularly hard. Help me to use money wisely - to resist buying what I do not need and to stop comparing my possessions with those of others. Grant me what I need in this life, so that I may care for myself and those dear to me, with enough to share with those less fortunate. Amen
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Saint of Today: Blessed Raymond Lull 26th June
Saint of Today: Blessed Raymond Lull
Raymond was born in about the year 1232 in Palma, the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca, in a very wealthy and noble Lull family. He was well educated and became a tutor of King James-II of Aragon. He married Blanca Picany, a relative of King James-II of Majorca in 1257 and they had two children. He then became the administrative head of the Royal Household of King James-II of Majorca.
br /> One day when he was sitting on his bed, he saw Jesus Christ on the cross, suspended in the mid-air on his right side. This kind of vision came to him five times. Due to these visions he got a change of mind and decided to live a religious life. He entered the Third Order of St. Francis and resigned his position in the Royal Household. He then left his family also and lived a life of hermit in solitude at the Mount Randa for about nine years.
He learned Arabic from a Muslim slave in order to preach among the Muslims and to convert them to Christianity. He visited many countries in Europe, met kings and princes and pressed them to establish colleges to teach and prepare future missionaries. In 1285 he went to North Africa, preached Gospel in various places but was expelled from Tunis. He went to North Africa many times but returned with little success and confessed that Muslims can be converted to Christianity only by prayer and not by military force. He then as a last time went to North Africa in 1314 but he was stoned by the Muslims in the city of Bougie. But some merchants took him before he died to Majorca where Raymond died at Palma on June 29, 1315. He wrote more than 300 works in Latin and Arabic about theology, logic, philosophy and also poetry and fiction.
He was beatified by pope Pius-IX in the year 1847
Raymond was born in about the year 1232 in Palma, the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca, in a very wealthy and noble Lull family. He was well educated and became a tutor of King James-II of Aragon. He married Blanca Picany, a relative of King James-II of Majorca in 1257 and they had two children. He then became the administrative head of the Royal Household of King James-II of Majorca.
br /> One day when he was sitting on his bed, he saw Jesus Christ on the cross, suspended in the mid-air on his right side. This kind of vision came to him five times. Due to these visions he got a change of mind and decided to live a religious life. He entered the Third Order of St. Francis and resigned his position in the Royal Household. He then left his family also and lived a life of hermit in solitude at the Mount Randa for about nine years.
He learned Arabic from a Muslim slave in order to preach among the Muslims and to convert them to Christianity. He visited many countries in Europe, met kings and princes and pressed them to establish colleges to teach and prepare future missionaries. In 1285 he went to North Africa, preached Gospel in various places but was expelled from Tunis. He went to North Africa many times but returned with little success and confessed that Muslims can be converted to Christianity only by prayer and not by military force. He then as a last time went to North Africa in 1314 but he was stoned by the Muslims in the city of Bougie. But some merchants took him before he died to Majorca where Raymond died at Palma on June 29, 1315. He wrote more than 300 works in Latin and Arabic about theology, logic, philosophy and also poetry and fiction.
He was beatified by pope Pius-IX in the year 1847
Sunday, June 15, 2014
1.3a God Approaches Us Men
7) Why God have to show himself in order for us to be able to know what he is like?
Man can know by reason that God exists, but not what God is really like. Yet because God would very much like to be known, he has revealed himself.
God did not have to reveal himself to us. But he did it -out of love. Just as in human love one can know something about the beloved person only if he opens his heart to us, so too we know something about God's inmost thoughts only because the eternal and mysterious God has opened himself to us out of love. From creation on, through the patriarchs and the prophets down to the definitive--- REVELATION in his Son Jesus Christ, God has spoken again and again to mankind. In him he has poured out his heart to us and made his inmost being visible for us.
8) How does God reveal himself in the Old Testament?
God shows himself in the Old Testament as God, who created the world out of love and remains faithful to men even when they have fallen away from him into sin.
God makes it possible t experience him into history: With Noah he establishes a covenant to save all living things. He calls Abraham so as to make him "the father of a multitude of nations" (Gen 17:5b) and to bless "all the families of the earth" in him (Gen 12:3b).
The people Israel, sprung from Abraham, becomes his special possession. To Moses he introduces himself by name. His mysterious name ---YHWH, usually transcribed Yahweh, means "I AM WHO I AM" (Ex 3:14). He frees Israel from slavery in Egypt, establishes a covenant with them on Sinai, and through Moses gives them the law. Again and again, God sends prophets to his people to call them to conversion and to the renewal of the covenant.
The prophets proclaim that God will establish a new and everlasting covenant, which will bring about a radical renewal and definitive redemption. This covenant will be open to all human beings.
9) What does God show us about himself when he sends his Son to us?
God shows us in Jesus Christ the full depth of his merciful love.
Through Jesus Christ the invisible God becomes visible. He becomes a man like us. This shows us how far God's love goes: He bears our whole burden. He walks every path with us. He is there in our abandonment, our sufferings, our fear of death. He is there when we can go no farther, so as to open up for us the door leading into life.
10) With Jesus Christ, has everything been said, or does revelation continue even after him?
In Jesus Christ, God himself came to earth. He is God's last Word. By listening to him, all men of all times can know who God is and what is necessary for their salvation.
With Gospel of Jesus Christ, the --- REVELATION of God is perfect and complete. To make it comprehensible to us, the Holy Spirit leads us ever deeper into the truth. God's light breaks so forcefully into the lives of many individuals that they "see the heavens opened" (Acts 7:56). That is how great places of pilgrimage such as Guadalupe in Mexico or Lourdes in France came about. The "private revelations" of visionaries cannot improve on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No one is obliged to believe in them. But they can help us understand the Gospel better. Their authenticity is tested by the --- CHURCH.
Man can know by reason that God exists, but not what God is really like. Yet because God would very much like to be known, he has revealed himself.
God did not have to reveal himself to us. But he did it -out of love. Just as in human love one can know something about the beloved person only if he opens his heart to us, so too we know something about God's inmost thoughts only because the eternal and mysterious God has opened himself to us out of love. From creation on, through the patriarchs and the prophets down to the definitive--- REVELATION in his Son Jesus Christ, God has spoken again and again to mankind. In him he has poured out his heart to us and made his inmost being visible for us.
8) How does God reveal himself in the Old Testament?
God shows himself in the Old Testament as God, who created the world out of love and remains faithful to men even when they have fallen away from him into sin.
God makes it possible t experience him into history: With Noah he establishes a covenant to save all living things. He calls Abraham so as to make him "the father of a multitude of nations" (Gen 17:5b) and to bless "all the families of the earth" in him (Gen 12:3b).
The people Israel, sprung from Abraham, becomes his special possession. To Moses he introduces himself by name. His mysterious name ---YHWH, usually transcribed Yahweh, means "I AM WHO I AM" (Ex 3:14). He frees Israel from slavery in Egypt, establishes a covenant with them on Sinai, and through Moses gives them the law. Again and again, God sends prophets to his people to call them to conversion and to the renewal of the covenant.
The prophets proclaim that God will establish a new and everlasting covenant, which will bring about a radical renewal and definitive redemption. This covenant will be open to all human beings.
9) What does God show us about himself when he sends his Son to us?
God shows us in Jesus Christ the full depth of his merciful love.
Through Jesus Christ the invisible God becomes visible. He becomes a man like us. This shows us how far God's love goes: He bears our whole burden. He walks every path with us. He is there in our abandonment, our sufferings, our fear of death. He is there when we can go no farther, so as to open up for us the door leading into life.
10) With Jesus Christ, has everything been said, or does revelation continue even after him?
In Jesus Christ, God himself came to earth. He is God's last Word. By listening to him, all men of all times can know who God is and what is necessary for their salvation.
With Gospel of Jesus Christ, the --- REVELATION of God is perfect and complete. To make it comprehensible to us, the Holy Spirit leads us ever deeper into the truth. God's light breaks so forcefully into the lives of many individuals that they "see the heavens opened" (Acts 7:56). That is how great places of pilgrimage such as Guadalupe in Mexico or Lourdes in France came about. The "private revelations" of visionaries cannot improve on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No one is obliged to believe in them. But they can help us understand the Gospel better. Their authenticity is tested by the --- CHURCH.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
1.2 Man is Receptive to God
3) Q: Why do we seek God?
God placed in our hearts a longing to seek and find him. St.Augustine says, "you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." We call this longing for God - (Religion).
It is natural for man to seek God. All of our striving for truth and happiness is ultimately a search for the one who supports us absolutely, satisfies us absolutely, and employs us absolutely in his service. A person is not completely himself until he has found God. " Anyone who seeks truth seeks God, whether or not he realizes it" (ST.Edith Stein)
4) Q: Can we know the existence of God by our reason?
Yes. Human can know God with certainty.
The world cannot have its origin and its destination within itself. In everything that exists, there is more than we see. The order, the beauty, and the development of the world point beyond themselves toward God. Evry man is receptive to what is true, good and beautiful. He hears within himself the voice of conscience, which urges him to what is good and warns him against what is evil. Anyone who follows this path reasonably finds God.
5)Q: Why do people deny that God exists, if they can know him by reason?
To know the invisible God is a great challenge for human kind. Many are scared off by it. Another reason why some do not want to know God is because they would then have to change their life. Anyone who says that the question about God is meaningless because it cannot be answered is making things too easy for himself.
6) Q: Can we grasp God at all in concepts? Is it possible to speak about him meaningfully?
In order to express something about God, we use imperfect images and limited notions. And so everything we say about God is subject to the reservation that our language is not equal to God's greatness. Therefore we must constantly purify and improve our speech about God.
God placed in our hearts a longing to seek and find him. St.Augustine says, "you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." We call this longing for God - (Religion).
It is natural for man to seek God. All of our striving for truth and happiness is ultimately a search for the one who supports us absolutely, satisfies us absolutely, and employs us absolutely in his service. A person is not completely himself until he has found God. " Anyone who seeks truth seeks God, whether or not he realizes it" (ST.Edith Stein)
4) Q: Can we know the existence of God by our reason?
Yes. Human can know God with certainty.
The world cannot have its origin and its destination within itself. In everything that exists, there is more than we see. The order, the beauty, and the development of the world point beyond themselves toward God. Evry man is receptive to what is true, good and beautiful. He hears within himself the voice of conscience, which urges him to what is good and warns him against what is evil. Anyone who follows this path reasonably finds God.
5)Q: Why do people deny that God exists, if they can know him by reason?
To know the invisible God is a great challenge for human kind. Many are scared off by it. Another reason why some do not want to know God is because they would then have to change their life. Anyone who says that the question about God is meaningless because it cannot be answered is making things too easy for himself.
6) Q: Can we grasp God at all in concepts? Is it possible to speak about him meaningfully?
In order to express something about God, we use imperfect images and limited notions. And so everything we say about God is subject to the reservation that our language is not equal to God's greatness. Therefore we must constantly purify and improve our speech about God.
1.1 Why we are able to believe?
1) Q: For what purpose are we here on earth?
A: We are here on earth in order to know, and to love God, to do good according to his Will, and to go someday to heaven (1-3,358)
To be human being means to come from God and to go to God. Our origin goes back farther than our parents. We come from God, in whom all the happiness of heaven and earth is at home, and we are expected in his everlasting, infinite blessedness. Meanwhile we live on this earth. Sometimes we feel that our Creator is near; often we feel nothing at all. So that we might find the way home, God sent us his Son, who freed us from sin, delivers us from all evil, and leads us erringly into true life. He is "the way, and then truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6).
2) Q: Why did God create us?
A: God created us out of free and unselfish love. (1-3)
When a man loves, his heart overflows. He would like to share his joy with others. He gets this from his Creator. Although God is a mystery, we can still think about him in a human way and say: Out of the "surplus" of his love he created us. He wanted to share his endless joy with us, who are creatures of his love.
Veronica's Reflection:
As a kid as young as 8 years old, I had been looking for answer to the question no.1 ' What is our purpose of life? Why are we on here on earth? What is life? What life is all about? Is it life supposed to be growing up study, work, get married, get kids and so forth? I believe a lot of people are asking the same questions. I cant believe that this is the first answer I got when I open the Catechism book. For all my life looking for the answer, I finally found the answer! We came from God and we are here on earth to serve God. Now I am able to tell my own kids or other kids where did they come from and what is their purpose of life.
From there, I started to find what does it mean to serve God. One may not understand that serving is receiving. I found so much goodness in serving God, our God is very kind and loving. He created us out of love and share His goodness. This is really true. He loves me so much that he always watching over me my whole life, keeping me safe and keep on calling me. Thank God for his faithfulness to me to wait for me for years to know him.
A: We are here on earth in order to know, and to love God, to do good according to his Will, and to go someday to heaven (1-3,358)
To be human being means to come from God and to go to God. Our origin goes back farther than our parents. We come from God, in whom all the happiness of heaven and earth is at home, and we are expected in his everlasting, infinite blessedness. Meanwhile we live on this earth. Sometimes we feel that our Creator is near; often we feel nothing at all. So that we might find the way home, God sent us his Son, who freed us from sin, delivers us from all evil, and leads us erringly into true life. He is "the way, and then truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6).
2) Q: Why did God create us?
A: God created us out of free and unselfish love. (1-3)
When a man loves, his heart overflows. He would like to share his joy with others. He gets this from his Creator. Although God is a mystery, we can still think about him in a human way and say: Out of the "surplus" of his love he created us. He wanted to share his endless joy with us, who are creatures of his love.
Veronica's Reflection:
As a kid as young as 8 years old, I had been looking for answer to the question no.1 ' What is our purpose of life? Why are we on here on earth? What is life? What life is all about? Is it life supposed to be growing up study, work, get married, get kids and so forth? I believe a lot of people are asking the same questions. I cant believe that this is the first answer I got when I open the Catechism book. For all my life looking for the answer, I finally found the answer! We came from God and we are here on earth to serve God. Now I am able to tell my own kids or other kids where did they come from and what is their purpose of life.
From there, I started to find what does it mean to serve God. One may not understand that serving is receiving. I found so much goodness in serving God, our God is very kind and loving. He created us out of love and share His goodness. This is really true. He loves me so much that he always watching over me my whole life, keeping me safe and keep on calling me. Thank God for his faithfulness to me to wait for me for years to know him.
Are all people called to Marriage?
Not everyone is called to marriage? Even people who live alone can have fulfillment in life. To many of them Jesus shows a special way, he invites them to remain unmarried "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:12). (1618-1620).
Many people who live alone suffer from loneliness, which they perceive only as a lack and disadvantage. Yet a person who does not have to care for a spouse or a family also enjoys freedom and independence and has time to do meaningful and important things that a married person would never get to. Maybe it is God's will that he should care for people whom no one else cares. Not uncommonly God even calls such a person to be especially close to him. This is the case when one senses a desire to renounce marriage "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven".
Of course a Christian vocation can never mean despising marriage or sexuality. Voluntary celibacy can be practiced only in love and out of love, as a powerful sign that God is more important than anything else.The unmarried person renounces a sexual relationship but not love; full of longing he goes out to meet Christ the bridegroom who is coming (Mt 25:6).
Therefore, matrimony is not an obligation for everyone, especially since God calls some men and women to follow the Lord Jesus in a life of virginity or of celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. These renounce the great good of Matrimony to concentrate on the things of the Lord and seek to please him. They become a sign of the absolute supremacy of Christ's love and of the ardent expectation of his glorious return.
Many people who live alone suffer from loneliness, which they perceive only as a lack and disadvantage. Yet a person who does not have to care for a spouse or a family also enjoys freedom and independence and has time to do meaningful and important things that a married person would never get to. Maybe it is God's will that he should care for people whom no one else cares. Not uncommonly God even calls such a person to be especially close to him. This is the case when one senses a desire to renounce marriage "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven".
Of course a Christian vocation can never mean despising marriage or sexuality. Voluntary celibacy can be practiced only in love and out of love, as a powerful sign that God is more important than anything else.The unmarried person renounces a sexual relationship but not love; full of longing he goes out to meet Christ the bridegroom who is coming (Mt 25:6).
Therefore, matrimony is not an obligation for everyone, especially since God calls some men and women to follow the Lord Jesus in a life of virginity or of celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. These renounce the great good of Matrimony to concentrate on the things of the Lord and seek to please him. They become a sign of the absolute supremacy of Christ's love and of the ardent expectation of his glorious return.
Why is Marriage Indissoluble?
Jesus not only restored the original order of a sacrament, giving spouses a special grace to live out their marriage as a symbol of Christ's love for this bride the Church: "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the Church" (Ephesians 5:25).
Marriage is triply indissoluble:
1) First, because the essence of love is mutual self-giving without reservation;
2) Second, because it is an image of God's unconditional faithfulness to his creation;
3) Third, because it represents Christ's devotion to his Church, even unto death on the Cross.
At the time when 50% of marriages in many places end in divorce, every marriage that lasts is a great sign - ultimately a sign for God. On this earth, where so much is relative, people ought to believe in God, who alone is absolute. That is why everything that is not relative is so important; someone who speaks the truth absolutely or is absolutely loyal.
Absolute fidelity in marriage is not so much a human achievement as it is a testimony to the faithfulness of God, who is there even when we betray or forget him in so many ways. To be married in the Church means to rely more on God's help than on one's own resources of love.
Because of original sin, which caused a rupture in the God-given communion between man and woman, the union of marriage is very often threatened by discord and infidelity. However, God in his infinite mercy gives to man and woman the grace to bring the union of their lives into accord with the original divine plan.
Marriage is triply indissoluble:
1) First, because the essence of love is mutual self-giving without reservation;
2) Second, because it is an image of God's unconditional faithfulness to his creation;
3) Third, because it represents Christ's devotion to his Church, even unto death on the Cross.
At the time when 50% of marriages in many places end in divorce, every marriage that lasts is a great sign - ultimately a sign for God. On this earth, where so much is relative, people ought to believe in God, who alone is absolute. That is why everything that is not relative is so important; someone who speaks the truth absolutely or is absolutely loyal.
Absolute fidelity in marriage is not so much a human achievement as it is a testimony to the faithfulness of God, who is there even when we betray or forget him in so many ways. To be married in the Church means to rely more on God's help than on one's own resources of love.
Because of original sin, which caused a rupture in the God-given communion between man and woman, the union of marriage is very often threatened by discord and infidelity. However, God in his infinite mercy gives to man and woman the grace to bring the union of their lives into accord with the original divine plan.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
BFP on Mother's Day! How I get conceived this month?
Thanks be to God and Praise God Alleluia!
Finally, I have BFP after trying to conceive for 2 years plus. No words can express my feelings. I have tried so many things to improve my fertility, from charting to supplements and even acupuncture but every month just ended with disappoinment. I know and I understand how does it feels like when everyone asking when are you planning for a family or how painful it is to see our others getting pregnant in just months after wedding. 2 years plus might not be long but the disappinment for over 30 cycles are really exhausted.
I have been sharing my good news to some of my friends and family and I realised that there are really a lot of couples facing the same problems. To get pregnant is not really easy, imagine the precious egg just live up to 24 hours on each cycle.
I wish to share what I did differently this cycle. The only thing that I did differently is consume the milk powder from the Milk Grotto. Two of my lovely church member brought back this Holy milk powder from Bethlehem for both my husband and I to consume. This is actually the rock powder from a place called Milk grotto in Bethlehem. It is said to have helped thousands of couples to conceived. It is called milk powder because, the whole cave turned into white after a drop of milk of our Holy Mother Mary when she is nursing baby Jesus at that time. This place now has become one of the famous pilgrimage spot in Holy Land. There is also petitions box for prayer request. Thanks to my church member who remembered me and put both my husband and my name there for prayer. I believed the prayer has helped me to conceived. Thank you mama Mary for your intercession, my prayers answered immediately!
Both my husband and I consume the milk powder right after they reached home and it is about a week since they went to the Milk Grotto. Another week, I got a BFP when I tested on Mothers day! I thought it would be another disaapointing month because I feel the menstrual cramps for few days like I used before. I even cried on few days before I tested because I thought I didnt conceived on that month. We are supposed to follow the charting of the BOM NFP method which I observed that our best time to conceived is the day of Easter. Well we missed it but managed to did it after Easter. I really thought that this month is the impossible month as my husband was preparing for his baptism on Easter Vigil. Well, maybe things come when it is least expected as what people said.
I would also like to share some of the tips to boost the fertility or increase the chance of getting pregnant.
1) Understand your body
Highly recommend BOM (Billings Ovulation Method). The rythm method that we used to calculated based on average cycle are not so accurate. I suggest every couple must attend this one day course. In Catholic course, every couple will need to attend this course as one of the lesson in the mariage course. I missed this and I also tried for this method, the third month I conceived. This method can be used for irregular cycles and accuracy for the estimation of ovulation is >90%. This method gives you a simple science explanation on how our reproductive system works and both you and your husband are able to understand more. You can find the nearest catholic church and ask the office about this, they have BOM teachers and it's free. Or you can locate the nearest hospital, some country does provide this course.
2) Take supplements and vitamins for both husband and wife
For Her: Folic Acid, Royal Jelly, calcium
For Him: Folic Acid, Zinc, calcium
Royal Jelly is highly recommended because it helps to improve the quantity and quality of teh cervical mucus. Cervical mucus can help the sperms to swim and needed for the sperm to stay longer.
3) Go for a holiday and relax
I have not tried this coz I ahve been too busy but I believed this helped our hormones and body system system to function well
4) Pray and meditate
We must have faith and trust in God. You have done your best, God has a plan for you. Maybe it is not the best time for you to have a child or second child, third child. God knows what is best for us. However, we must not stop asking, instead we must thank Him and praise Him for everything we have.
I hope my blog gives a little help to those who trying to conceive. I wish your prayers will be answered soon. I pray for all of you everyday. Those who wish can giive me both your hudband and your name, so that I can pray specifically for you and lift up your name in my prayers.
God bless you.
Finally, I have BFP after trying to conceive for 2 years plus. No words can express my feelings. I have tried so many things to improve my fertility, from charting to supplements and even acupuncture but every month just ended with disappoinment. I know and I understand how does it feels like when everyone asking when are you planning for a family or how painful it is to see our others getting pregnant in just months after wedding. 2 years plus might not be long but the disappinment for over 30 cycles are really exhausted.
I have been sharing my good news to some of my friends and family and I realised that there are really a lot of couples facing the same problems. To get pregnant is not really easy, imagine the precious egg just live up to 24 hours on each cycle.
I wish to share what I did differently this cycle. The only thing that I did differently is consume the milk powder from the Milk Grotto. Two of my lovely church member brought back this Holy milk powder from Bethlehem for both my husband and I to consume. This is actually the rock powder from a place called Milk grotto in Bethlehem. It is said to have helped thousands of couples to conceived. It is called milk powder because, the whole cave turned into white after a drop of milk of our Holy Mother Mary when she is nursing baby Jesus at that time. This place now has become one of the famous pilgrimage spot in Holy Land. There is also petitions box for prayer request. Thanks to my church member who remembered me and put both my husband and my name there for prayer. I believed the prayer has helped me to conceived. Thank you mama Mary for your intercession, my prayers answered immediately!
Both my husband and I consume the milk powder right after they reached home and it is about a week since they went to the Milk Grotto. Another week, I got a BFP when I tested on Mothers day! I thought it would be another disaapointing month because I feel the menstrual cramps for few days like I used before. I even cried on few days before I tested because I thought I didnt conceived on that month. We are supposed to follow the charting of the BOM NFP method which I observed that our best time to conceived is the day of Easter. Well we missed it but managed to did it after Easter. I really thought that this month is the impossible month as my husband was preparing for his baptism on Easter Vigil. Well, maybe things come when it is least expected as what people said.
I would also like to share some of the tips to boost the fertility or increase the chance of getting pregnant.
1) Understand your body
Highly recommend BOM (Billings Ovulation Method). The rythm method that we used to calculated based on average cycle are not so accurate. I suggest every couple must attend this one day course. In Catholic course, every couple will need to attend this course as one of the lesson in the mariage course. I missed this and I also tried for this method, the third month I conceived. This method can be used for irregular cycles and accuracy for the estimation of ovulation is >90%. This method gives you a simple science explanation on how our reproductive system works and both you and your husband are able to understand more. You can find the nearest catholic church and ask the office about this, they have BOM teachers and it's free. Or you can locate the nearest hospital, some country does provide this course.
2) Take supplements and vitamins for both husband and wife
For Her: Folic Acid, Royal Jelly, calcium
For Him: Folic Acid, Zinc, calcium
Royal Jelly is highly recommended because it helps to improve the quantity and quality of teh cervical mucus. Cervical mucus can help the sperms to swim and needed for the sperm to stay longer.
3) Go for a holiday and relax
I have not tried this coz I ahve been too busy but I believed this helped our hormones and body system system to function well
4) Pray and meditate
We must have faith and trust in God. You have done your best, God has a plan for you. Maybe it is not the best time for you to have a child or second child, third child. God knows what is best for us. However, we must not stop asking, instead we must thank Him and praise Him for everything we have.
I hope my blog gives a little help to those who trying to conceive. I wish your prayers will be answered soon. I pray for all of you everyday. Those who wish can giive me both your hudband and your name, so that I can pray specifically for you and lift up your name in my prayers.
God bless you.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Way of the Cross - First Station: Jesus is condemned to death
Leader: We adore Thee, O Christ, and bless Thee.
All: Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Jesus, you stand all alone before Pilate. Nobody speaks up for you. Nobody helps defend you. You devoted your entire life to helping others, listening to the smallest ones, caring for those who were ignored by others. They don't seem to remember that as they prepare to put you to death.
As a child, sometimes I feel alone. Sometimes I feel that others don't stand up for me and defend me when I am afraid. Sometimes I don't feel like I am treated fairly, especially if I am scolded or corrected.
As an adult, sometimes I feel abandoned and afraid as well. Sometimes I too, feel like I am treated unfairly or blamed for things unfairly. I have a hard time when people criticize me at home or at work.
Help me be grateful for what you did for me. Help me to accept criticism and unfairness as you did, and not complain. Help me pray for those who have hurt me.
My Jesus, often have I signed the death warrant by my sins; save me by Thy death from that eternal death which I have so often deserved.
Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory Be to the Father....
Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.
Source from: www.catholic.org
All: Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Jesus, you stand all alone before Pilate. Nobody speaks up for you. Nobody helps defend you. You devoted your entire life to helping others, listening to the smallest ones, caring for those who were ignored by others. They don't seem to remember that as they prepare to put you to death.
As a child, sometimes I feel alone. Sometimes I feel that others don't stand up for me and defend me when I am afraid. Sometimes I don't feel like I am treated fairly, especially if I am scolded or corrected.
As an adult, sometimes I feel abandoned and afraid as well. Sometimes I too, feel like I am treated unfairly or blamed for things unfairly. I have a hard time when people criticize me at home or at work.
Help me be grateful for what you did for me. Help me to accept criticism and unfairness as you did, and not complain. Help me pray for those who have hurt me.
My Jesus, often have I signed the death warrant by my sins; save me by Thy death from that eternal death which I have so often deserved.
Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory Be to the Father....
Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.
Source from: www.catholic.org
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Ash Wednesday (Fast and pray)
This is the first day of the forty days of prayer and fasting commonly called Lent. This feast is celebrated on the Wednesday in the 7th week before Easter.
This feast falls on different days depending on the date of Easter.
Jesus also was led by the Spirit into the wilderness and He was tempted by the Devil for forty days there and in those days he ate nothing (Luke 4:1).
Moses also fasted for forty days to repent for the making of the Golden Calf by the Israelites.
Jesus did this fasting before starting His ministry.
On Ash Wednesday Catholics between age 18 and 59 are required to observe fasting by consuming one full meal or two small meals that should not equal to one full meal.
Persons whose health condition does not permit fasting are exempted from fasting. Abstinence from meat and other non-vegetarian items should also be avoided on this day.
In some countries Christian celebrate the previous day of Ash Wednesday as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, when they eat pancakes consisting of fatty food items.
On Ash Wednesday Catholic Christians attend church services in the morning. The priest ash is imposed in the sign of a cross on the forehead of every faithful.
When applying the ash on the forehead of every faithful, the priest used to say that ‘Remember that you are made of dust and you shall return to dust’ or ‘Turn away from Sin and believe in the Gospel’.
The ash for the ceremony was obtained by burning the palm leaves used and blessed during the previous year’s palm Sunday and kept in the houses of the Catholic people.
Dusting with ashes is a way of expressing repentance and sorrow for one’s sins and faults.
We can study in the Holy Bible the practice of using ashes for repentance and mourning in many places especially in:
Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1, Job 2:8, Daniel 9:3 and Matthew 11:21.
Ash Wednesday is celebrated on various dates in February and March. The dates of celebration of Ash Wednesday for the next 10 years will be:
13th Feb 2013
5th March 2014
18th Feb 2015
10th Feb 2016
1st March 2017
14th Feb 2018
6th March 2019
26th Feb 2020
17th Feb 2021
2nd March 2022.
The earliest Ash Wednesday occurred on 4th Feb, 1818 and it will occur on 4th Feb again only in the year 2285.
The latest Ash Wednesday occurred on 10th March 1943 and will again occur in the year 2038.
Very rarely Ash Wednesday occurs on 29th Feb, in the leap year. It will occur again the year 2096.
Ash Wednesday is celebrated by catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist and Anglican churches.
This feast falls on different days depending on the date of Easter.
Jesus also was led by the Spirit into the wilderness and He was tempted by the Devil for forty days there and in those days he ate nothing (Luke 4:1).
Moses also fasted for forty days to repent for the making of the Golden Calf by the Israelites.
Jesus did this fasting before starting His ministry.
On Ash Wednesday Catholics between age 18 and 59 are required to observe fasting by consuming one full meal or two small meals that should not equal to one full meal.
Persons whose health condition does not permit fasting are exempted from fasting. Abstinence from meat and other non-vegetarian items should also be avoided on this day.
In some countries Christian celebrate the previous day of Ash Wednesday as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, when they eat pancakes consisting of fatty food items.
On Ash Wednesday Catholic Christians attend church services in the morning. The priest ash is imposed in the sign of a cross on the forehead of every faithful.
When applying the ash on the forehead of every faithful, the priest used to say that ‘Remember that you are made of dust and you shall return to dust’ or ‘Turn away from Sin and believe in the Gospel’.
The ash for the ceremony was obtained by burning the palm leaves used and blessed during the previous year’s palm Sunday and kept in the houses of the Catholic people.
Dusting with ashes is a way of expressing repentance and sorrow for one’s sins and faults.
We can study in the Holy Bible the practice of using ashes for repentance and mourning in many places especially in:
Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1, Job 2:8, Daniel 9:3 and Matthew 11:21.
Ash Wednesday is celebrated on various dates in February and March. The dates of celebration of Ash Wednesday for the next 10 years will be:
13th Feb 2013
5th March 2014
18th Feb 2015
10th Feb 2016
1st March 2017
14th Feb 2018
6th March 2019
26th Feb 2020
17th Feb 2021
2nd March 2022.
The earliest Ash Wednesday occurred on 4th Feb, 1818 and it will occur on 4th Feb again only in the year 2285.
The latest Ash Wednesday occurred on 10th March 1943 and will again occur in the year 2038.
Very rarely Ash Wednesday occurs on 29th Feb, in the leap year. It will occur again the year 2096.
Ash Wednesday is celebrated by catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist and Anglican churches.
Who created the World?
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the one and invisible principle of creation even though the work of creating the world is particularly attributed to God the Father. The world was created for the glory of God who wished to show forth and communicate his goodness, truth and beauty.
God alone, who is beyond time and space created the world out of nothing and called all things into being. Everything that exists depends on God and continues in being only because God wills it.
Catholic faith is open to findings and hypotheses of sciences. That is why a Christian can accept the theory of evolution as a helpful explanatory model, provided that one does not fall into the heresy of evolutionism, which views man as the random product of biological processes. The world is not product of chance. For us, God is the primary cause of the world.
Therefore, God created the world freely with wisdom and love. The world is not the result of any necessity, or of blind fate, or of chance. God created a world which is ordered and good... and he preserves his creation and sustains it.
God alone, who is beyond time and space created the world out of nothing and called all things into being. Everything that exists depends on God and continues in being only because God wills it.
Catholic faith is open to findings and hypotheses of sciences. That is why a Christian can accept the theory of evolution as a helpful explanatory model, provided that one does not fall into the heresy of evolutionism, which views man as the random product of biological processes. The world is not product of chance. For us, God is the primary cause of the world.
Therefore, God created the world freely with wisdom and love. The world is not the result of any necessity, or of blind fate, or of chance. God created a world which is ordered and good... and he preserves his creation and sustains it.
Who Instituted the Sacrament of Penance?
Jesus himself instituted the sacrament of Penance when he showed himself to his apostles on Easter day and commanded them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn20:22a-23.
Nowhere did Jesus express more beautifully what happens in the sacrament of Penance than in the parable of the Prodigal Son: We go astray, we are lost and can no longer cope. Yet our Father waits for us with great, indeed, infinite longing; he forgives us when we come back; he takes us in again, forgives our sins.
Jesus himself forgave the sins of many individuals; it was more important to him than working miracles.
Jesus forgave sins in power of the Holy Spirit, and he handed the power on to his Apostles. We fall into the arms of our heavenly Father when we go to a Priest and confess. God alone can forgive sins. Jesus could say “Your sins are forgiven” (Mk 2:5) only because Jesus has given them that authority.
Many people say, “I can go directly to God; why do I need a priest?” God, though, wants it otherwise. We rationalize our sins away and like to sweep things under the rug. That is why God wants us to tell our sins and to acknowledge them in a personal encounter. Therefore, the following words from the Gospel are true of priests: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn 20:23).
Nowhere did Jesus express more beautifully what happens in the sacrament of Penance than in the parable of the Prodigal Son: We go astray, we are lost and can no longer cope. Yet our Father waits for us with great, indeed, infinite longing; he forgives us when we come back; he takes us in again, forgives our sins.
Jesus himself forgave the sins of many individuals; it was more important to him than working miracles.
Jesus forgave sins in power of the Holy Spirit, and he handed the power on to his Apostles. We fall into the arms of our heavenly Father when we go to a Priest and confess. God alone can forgive sins. Jesus could say “Your sins are forgiven” (Mk 2:5) only because Jesus has given them that authority.
Many people say, “I can go directly to God; why do I need a priest?” God, though, wants it otherwise. We rationalize our sins away and like to sweep things under the rug. That is why God wants us to tell our sins and to acknowledge them in a personal encounter. Therefore, the following words from the Gospel are true of priests: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn 20:23).
What Elements are essential to a Holy Mass?
Every Holy Mass (celebration of the Eucharist) unfolds in two main parts,
The Liturgy of the Word and
The Liturgy of the Eucharist.
In the Liturgy of the Word, we hear readings from the Old and New testament and also the Gospel.
Besides that there is an opportunity for preaching and general intercessory prayers. In the subsequent Liturgy of the Eucharist, bread and wine are offered, consecrated, and distributed to the faithful at Communion.
Every time the Church celebrates the Eucharist, she stands before the source from which she herself constantly springs anew. By “eating” the Body of Christ, the church becomes the Body of Christ, which is just another name for the Church. In the sacrifice of Christ, who gives himself to us, body and soul, there is room for our whole life. We can unite everything –our work and our sufferings, our joys –with Christ’s sacrifice. If we offer ourselves in this way, we are transformed: We become pleasing to God and like good, nourishing bread for all.
The Liturgy of the Word and
The Liturgy of the Eucharist.
In the Liturgy of the Word, we hear readings from the Old and New testament and also the Gospel.
Besides that there is an opportunity for preaching and general intercessory prayers. In the subsequent Liturgy of the Eucharist, bread and wine are offered, consecrated, and distributed to the faithful at Communion.
Every time the Church celebrates the Eucharist, she stands before the source from which she herself constantly springs anew. By “eating” the Body of Christ, the church becomes the Body of Christ, which is just another name for the Church. In the sacrifice of Christ, who gives himself to us, body and soul, there is room for our whole life. We can unite everything –our work and our sufferings, our joys –with Christ’s sacrifice. If we offer ourselves in this way, we are transformed: We become pleasing to God and like good, nourishing bread for all.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
When did Christ institute the Eucharist?
Christ Instituted the Holy Eucharist on the evening before his death, "on the night when he was betrayed" (1 Corinthians 11:23), when he gathered the Apostles around him in the Upper Room in Jerusalem and celebrated the Last Supper with them.
"For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also the chalice, after supper, saying, 'This chalice is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me' (1 Corinthians 1123:25).
This, the oldest account of the events in the Upper Room at the last Supper, is by the Apostle Paul, who was not an eyewitness himself, but rather wrote down what was being preserved as a holy mystery by the young Christian community and was being celebrated in the liturgy.
The celebration of the Eucharist is the heart of the Christian communion. In it the Church becomes Church. We are not Church because we get along well, or because we happen to end up in the same parish community, but rather because in the Eucharist we receive the Body of Christ and are increasingly being transformed into the Body of Christ.
"For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also the chalice, after supper, saying, 'This chalice is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me' (1 Corinthians 1123:25).
This, the oldest account of the events in the Upper Room at the last Supper, is by the Apostle Paul, who was not an eyewitness himself, but rather wrote down what was being preserved as a holy mystery by the young Christian community and was being celebrated in the liturgy.
The celebration of the Eucharist is the heart of the Christian communion. In it the Church becomes Church. We are not Church because we get along well, or because we happen to end up in the same parish community, but rather because in the Eucharist we receive the Body of Christ and are increasingly being transformed into the Body of Christ.
What is the Holy Eucharist?
1. "THANK YOU JESUS" for the Gift of Yourself.
Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament in which Jesus Christ gives his body and blood - HIMSELF - for us, so that we too might give ourselves to him in love and be united with him in Holy Communion. In this way we are joined with the one body of Christ, the Church.
2. Jesus sacrifice on the cross is made present.
After baptism and confirmation, the Eucharist is the third sacrament of Initiation of the Catholic Church. The Eucharist is the mysterious center of all these sacraments, because the historic sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is made present during the words of consecration in a hidden, un-bloody manner. Thus the celebration of the Eucharist is "The source and summit of the Christian Life" (Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium,11).
3. Eucharist unites us with the Love of Jesus for us.
Everything aims at this; besides this there is nothing greater that one could attain.
When we eat the broken bread, we unite ourselves with the love of Jesus, who gave his body for us on the wood of the Cross;
When we drink from the chalice, we unite ourselves with him who even poured out his blood out of love for us.
We did not invent this ritual. Jesus himself celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples under the signs of bread and wine and commanded them from then on, even after his death, to celebrate the Eucharist. "Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:24)
Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament in which Jesus Christ gives his body and blood - HIMSELF - for us, so that we too might give ourselves to him in love and be united with him in Holy Communion. In this way we are joined with the one body of Christ, the Church.
2. Jesus sacrifice on the cross is made present.
After baptism and confirmation, the Eucharist is the third sacrament of Initiation of the Catholic Church. The Eucharist is the mysterious center of all these sacraments, because the historic sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is made present during the words of consecration in a hidden, un-bloody manner. Thus the celebration of the Eucharist is "The source and summit of the Christian Life" (Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium,11).
3. Eucharist unites us with the Love of Jesus for us.
Everything aims at this; besides this there is nothing greater that one could attain.
When we eat the broken bread, we unite ourselves with the love of Jesus, who gave his body for us on the wood of the Cross;
When we drink from the chalice, we unite ourselves with him who even poured out his blood out of love for us.
We did not invent this ritual. Jesus himself celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples under the signs of bread and wine and commanded them from then on, even after his death, to celebrate the Eucharist. "Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:24)
St. Josephine Bakhita, 8th February
She was born in a reasonably rich family at Olgossa village in Darfur region of Sudan in the year 1869. But in about 1877, she was kidnapped by Arab slave traders and was forced to walk barefoot for about 600 miles. Then she was sold and resold several times.
She even forgot the name given to her by her family but took the name given by slave traders, Bakhita. The name Bakhita in Arabic means Lucky. She was also forcefully converted to Islam. She suffered a lot as a slave from her cruel masters till the year 1883, when she was brought by an Italian vice-consul by name Calolisto Legnani.
They returned to Italy from the present Khartoum in Sudan, which was still under siege. On November 29, 1889, an Italian court decided that Bakhita was not a slave. Then she was baptized on January 9, 1890 with the name Giuseppina Margherita. She then took her vows in the Canossian Convent on December 8, 1896. In the monastery she was employed as a cook, sacristan and porter (door keeper).
People of Schio believe that during World War-II, Schio escaped without a casualty due to the presence of the saintly Bakhita, even though there was bombing. She died on February 8th, 1947.
She is venerated as a modern African Saint. She was declared blessed on May 17, 1992 and canonized on October 1,2000 by Pope John Paul-II.
St. Colette, 7th February
Background:
St. Colette was born at Corbie in Picardy, France on January 13th, 1381. Her father was Robert Boellet and mother Marguerite Moyon. The birth name of St.Colette was Nicole Boellet. Colette's mother Marguerite prayed to St.Nicholas for a child and St.Colette was born when her mother was 60 years old. Her conception was a miracle of St.Nicholas.
St.Colette received the habit of the Third Order of Francis in 1402. She founded the Colettine Poor Clares, a reformed branch of the Order of Saint Clare. She also founded 18 monasteries. She prescribed extreme poverty, observance of perpetual fasting and abstinence to the members.
Miracles:
She used to go to all places by bare foot. When, once she stayed in the house of her friend, the house ownder;s wife was having major difficulties in child birth for a third child. Colette went to a nearby church and prayed. The house owner's wife later gave birth to a girl child and that child later entered the monastery of Colette and became the biographer of Colette (Pierinne).
One day a man brought child, died at birth to the parish priest for baptism. But the priest refused and advised the man to go to the nuns. The man then came to mother Colette and she gave her veil to the father of the dead child in it and take to the priset's house with the dead child, the child was conscious and was crying. The priest then baptized the child. Colette died on March 6,1447.
She was beatified by pope Clement-XII on January 23,1740 and canonized by pope Pius-VII on May24, 1807.
She is the patron of women seeking to conceive, expectant mothers and sick children.
St. Colette was born at Corbie in Picardy, France on January 13th, 1381. Her father was Robert Boellet and mother Marguerite Moyon. The birth name of St.Colette was Nicole Boellet. Colette's mother Marguerite prayed to St.Nicholas for a child and St.Colette was born when her mother was 60 years old. Her conception was a miracle of St.Nicholas.
St.Colette received the habit of the Third Order of Francis in 1402. She founded the Colettine Poor Clares, a reformed branch of the Order of Saint Clare. She also founded 18 monasteries. She prescribed extreme poverty, observance of perpetual fasting and abstinence to the members.
Miracles:
She used to go to all places by bare foot. When, once she stayed in the house of her friend, the house ownder;s wife was having major difficulties in child birth for a third child. Colette went to a nearby church and prayed. The house owner's wife later gave birth to a girl child and that child later entered the monastery of Colette and became the biographer of Colette (Pierinne).
One day a man brought child, died at birth to the parish priest for baptism. But the priest refused and advised the man to go to the nuns. The man then came to mother Colette and she gave her veil to the father of the dead child in it and take to the priset's house with the dead child, the child was conscious and was crying. The priest then baptized the child. Colette died on March 6,1447.
She was beatified by pope Clement-XII on January 23,1740 and canonized by pope Pius-VII on May24, 1807.
She is the patron of women seeking to conceive, expectant mothers and sick children.
Monday, January 27, 2014
St. Angela Merici, 27th January
She was born on March 21, 1474 and joined the Third order of St. Francis. She started her religious carrier by giving regular religious instructions to small girls. A miracle has happened in her own life. When she was on religious tour of the Holy Land with others, she became suddenly blind, when they were near Crete. When others intended to return home due to this unfortunate incident, Angels compelled them to proceed further with her. She visited all holy places as scheduled with others with the same enthusiasm of a person with eye sight. When returning she got her eye sight again when praying before a crucifix, at the same place where she originally lost her eye sight.
She started the foundation of the "Company of St.Ursula" (venerated as a leader of women) with twelve virgins, on November 25, 1535, to impart Christian education to future wives and mothers, to lead a good life. Even though the members of the group have to follow the rules of virginity, poverty and obedience, they can live in their homes and take no formal vows. St.Angela was elected its Superior on March 18, 1537.
She died on January 27, 1540.
She was beatified by pope Clement-XIII on April 30, 1768
and canonized by Pope Pius-VII on May 24, 1807.
She started the foundation of the "Company of St.Ursula" (venerated as a leader of women) with twelve virgins, on November 25, 1535, to impart Christian education to future wives and mothers, to lead a good life. Even though the members of the group have to follow the rules of virginity, poverty and obedience, they can live in their homes and take no formal vows. St.Angela was elected its Superior on March 18, 1537.
She died on January 27, 1540.
She was beatified by pope Clement-XIII on April 30, 1768
and canonized by Pope Pius-VII on May 24, 1807.
What does Sacred Scipture say about the Sacrament of Confirmation?
In the Old testament, the People of God expected the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Messiah. Jesus lived his life in a special Spirit of love and of perfect unity with his Father in heaven.
This Spirit of Jesus was the "Holy Spirit" for whom the people of Israel longed;
- this was the same Spirit whom Jesus promised to his disciples,
- the same Spirit who descended upon the disciples fifty days after Easter, on the feast of Pentecost. - and it is again this same Holy Spirit of Jesus who descends upon everyone who receives the Sacrament of Confirmation.
In the Acts of Apostles, which were written a few decades after the death of Jesus, we see Peter and John traveling about to confirm new Christians by imposing hands on those who previously "had only been baptized in the name of Lord Jesus", so that their hearts might be filled with the Holy Spirit.
"From that time on the apostles, in the fulfillment of Christ's will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism. For this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed among the first elements of Christian instruction. The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the church" (Pope Paul VI).
This Spirit of Jesus was the "Holy Spirit" for whom the people of Israel longed;
- this was the same Spirit whom Jesus promised to his disciples,
- the same Spirit who descended upon the disciples fifty days after Easter, on the feast of Pentecost. - and it is again this same Holy Spirit of Jesus who descends upon everyone who receives the Sacrament of Confirmation.
In the Acts of Apostles, which were written a few decades after the death of Jesus, we see Peter and John traveling about to confirm new Christians by imposing hands on those who previously "had only been baptized in the name of Lord Jesus", so that their hearts might be filled with the Holy Spirit.
"From that time on the apostles, in the fulfillment of Christ's will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism. For this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed among the first elements of Christian instruction. The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the church" (Pope Paul VI).
St. Francis de Sales, 24th January
This saint was born in the noble Sales family of the Duchy of Savoy, on August 21,1567 in France and studied law in Padua. His father was Francoise de Sales, Lord of Boisy and mother Francoise de Sionnz. He was ordained as a priest in the Diocese of Geneva on December 8, 1602, where Calvinist sect of Christians were having very strong presence. Francis took very sincere efforts for converting Calvinist Christians to Catholicism.
He became the Bishop of Geneva at the age of 35 years. He often say that perfection in devotion can be preserved even in the family life, as in desert life. He started to write sermons and copied them by his hand and slipped them through doors of the houses that did not open for him. This is considered as the first use of religious tracts to communicate with people. He collaborated with St.Jane Francis De Chantal in founding the Congregation of Visitation, an Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary to observe and practice the virtues of humility, piety and mutual charity, in the visit of Holy Mary to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.
He was made an official associate of the Capuchin Order, when he was Bishop. He died on December 28, 1622. He was beatified on January 8, 1661, by Pope Alexander-VII and canonized by the same Pope after four years on April 8, 1665. He is remembered as a patron of journalists because of the tracts he wrote.
He became the Bishop of Geneva at the age of 35 years. He often say that perfection in devotion can be preserved even in the family life, as in desert life. He started to write sermons and copied them by his hand and slipped them through doors of the houses that did not open for him. This is considered as the first use of religious tracts to communicate with people. He collaborated with St.Jane Francis De Chantal in founding the Congregation of Visitation, an Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary to observe and practice the virtues of humility, piety and mutual charity, in the visit of Holy Mary to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.
He was made an official associate of the Capuchin Order, when he was Bishop. He died on December 28, 1622. He was beatified on January 8, 1661, by Pope Alexander-VII and canonized by the same Pope after four years on April 8, 1665. He is remembered as a patron of journalists because of the tracts he wrote.
Blessed Mother Marianne Cope, 23rd January
She was born on January 23, 1838 to father Peter Koob and mother Barbara Witzenbatcher, in a place that is now in Germany but the family later migrated to New York. Her baptismal name was Maria Anna Barbara Koob. When her father became invalid suddenly, she went to factory work to support the family, since she was the elder child in the family.
She became member of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Syracuse, New York. She was helping lepers for many years on the island of Hawaii, even though she was having direct touch with lepers for a long time, she was not afflicted by that disease. She died on August 9, 1918. In the year 1993, one Katherine Dehlia Mohoney was cured from multiple organ failure after praying to Blessed Mother Marianne Cope.
She was beatified on May 14,2005 by Pope Benedict-XVI and announced officially on February 18,2012 that Marianne will be canonized on October 21,2012. She is a patron of lepers.
She became member of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Syracuse, New York. She was helping lepers for many years on the island of Hawaii, even though she was having direct touch with lepers for a long time, she was not afflicted by that disease. She died on August 9, 1918. In the year 1993, one Katherine Dehlia Mohoney was cured from multiple organ failure after praying to Blessed Mother Marianne Cope.
She was beatified on May 14,2005 by Pope Benedict-XVI and announced officially on February 18,2012 that Marianne will be canonized on October 21,2012. She is a patron of lepers.
St. Vincent, 22nd January
He was ordained as a deacon in Spain by his friend Valerius of Saragossa. The Roman Emperors published their edits against Christian clergy in the year 303 and against the Christian lay people in the year 304. During this time Vincent and his Bishop were arrested and tortured to hand over sacred scriptures and also to give up the faith. But they refused and Vincent was tortured on a gridiron. But the tortures could not change the faith of Vincent. The emperor was so irritated that he ordered to beat the guards who were in charge of Vincent.
Vincent was then detained in a filthy poisonous cell and there he changed the mind of the jailor of the prison and converted him to Christianity. Then the guards gave some rest to the torture of Vincent. During this time some friends visited Vincent and placed him on a comfortable bed. The life of Vincent that refused to leave from him due to torture, left him when he was comfortably placed on a bed and he died peacefully.
The Governor Dacian asked the guards to throw the body to be devoured by vultures but a bird raven guarded the body of St. Vincent. Then his body was thrown into the sea but it came to the shore and was buried by a pious widow. A shrine was constructed over his grave, which is said to have been guarded by ravens (birds).
Vincent was then detained in a filthy poisonous cell and there he changed the mind of the jailor of the prison and converted him to Christianity. Then the guards gave some rest to the torture of Vincent. During this time some friends visited Vincent and placed him on a comfortable bed. The life of Vincent that refused to leave from him due to torture, left him when he was comfortably placed on a bed and he died peacefully.
The Governor Dacian asked the guards to throw the body to be devoured by vultures but a bird raven guarded the body of St. Vincent. Then his body was thrown into the sea but it came to the shore and was buried by a pious widow. A shrine was constructed over his grave, which is said to have been guarded by ravens (birds).
St. Agnes, 21st January
St. Agnes was a very beautiful young Christian girl of 13 years old and was born in the year A.D.291.
Due to her beauty, many young persons wanted to marry her but she refused to marry anyone. One person named Procop son of the Perfect of the area, wanted to marry her but she refused to marry that person also. The son of Perfect informed the authorities that Agnes was in fact a Christian. She was then arrested and detained in a house of prostitution.
She was sentenced to death by the Perfect Sempronius and she was dragged naked along a street. But due to her prayer, her hair grew suddenly and covered her entire body miraculously. When the authorities tied Agnes to a stake to burn her, the wood did not burn and the flames went away from her. Legend also says that one person who looked Agnes with lust, lost his eye sight but his eye sight was restored miraculously by the prayer of Agnes.
Another true story about her life is that another son of the Perfect died suddenly when he attempted to rape her. But he was also revived miraculously after the prayer of Agnes. Then a soldier beheaded her by his sword and she died on January 21, 304.
It is also said that a basilica was constructed in honor of St. Agnes by the daughter of Emperor Constantine.
She is considered as the patron saint of chastity, gardener, girls, engaged couples, rape victims and virgins.
Due to her beauty, many young persons wanted to marry her but she refused to marry anyone. One person named Procop son of the Perfect of the area, wanted to marry her but she refused to marry that person also. The son of Perfect informed the authorities that Agnes was in fact a Christian. She was then arrested and detained in a house of prostitution.
She was sentenced to death by the Perfect Sempronius and she was dragged naked along a street. But due to her prayer, her hair grew suddenly and covered her entire body miraculously. When the authorities tied Agnes to a stake to burn her, the wood did not burn and the flames went away from her. Legend also says that one person who looked Agnes with lust, lost his eye sight but his eye sight was restored miraculously by the prayer of Agnes.
Another true story about her life is that another son of the Perfect died suddenly when he attempted to rape her. But he was also revived miraculously after the prayer of Agnes. Then a soldier beheaded her by his sword and she died on January 21, 304.
It is also said that a basilica was constructed in honor of St. Agnes by the daughter of Emperor Constantine.
She is considered as the patron saint of chastity, gardener, girls, engaged couples, rape victims and virgins.
Monday, January 20, 2014
What happens in Confirmation?
In Confirmation the soul of a baptized Christian is imprinted with a permanent seal that can be received only once and marks this individual forever as a Christian. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the strength from above in which this individual puts the grace of his Baptism into practice through his life and acts as a "witness" for Christ.
To be confirmed means to make a "covenant" with God.
The confirmand says:
"Yes, I believe in you, my God; give me your Holy Spirit, so that I might belong entirely to you and never be separated from you and may witness to you throughout my whole life, body and soul, in my words and deeds, on good days and bad."
And God says:
"Yes, I believe in you, too, my child- and I will give you my Spirit, my very self. I will belong entirely to you. I will never separate myself from you, in this life or eternally in the next. I will be in your body and your soul, in your words and deeds. Even if you forget me, I will still be there - on good days and bad".
Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek the spiritual help of a sponsor. To emphasize the unity of the two sacraments, it is appropriate that this be one of the baptismal godparents.
To be confirmed means to make a "covenant" with God.
The confirmand says:
"Yes, I believe in you, my God; give me your Holy Spirit, so that I might belong entirely to you and never be separated from you and may witness to you throughout my whole life, body and soul, in my words and deeds, on good days and bad."
And God says:
"Yes, I believe in you, too, my child- and I will give you my Spirit, my very self. I will belong entirely to you. I will never separate myself from you, in this life or eternally in the next. I will be in your body and your soul, in your words and deeds. Even if you forget me, I will still be there - on good days and bad".
Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek the spiritual help of a sponsor. To emphasize the unity of the two sacraments, it is appropriate that this be one of the baptismal godparents.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Apostles' Creed Part 12 - I Believe in Life Everlasting
The everlasting life is the perfect and eternal communion of love with God in paradise. Concerning life after death, we believe the following:
Death: it is the separation of the soul from the body.
Judgment: the particular judgment takes place immediately after our death.
According to the verdict, the souls will enter Paradise or Hell; whose who still have some sins to be expiated go to Purgatory. The final judgment will take place at the end of the world.
Purgatory: it is the place where we are purified from our sins before entering into Paradise, as stated in 2 Maccabees 12:45.
Hell: it is the state of self-separation from the communion with God. The pains of hell, which we call "fires of hell," consist in the eternal separation from God.
Paradise: it is the state of perfect communion of love with God.
Death: it is the separation of the soul from the body.
Judgment: the particular judgment takes place immediately after our death.
According to the verdict, the souls will enter Paradise or Hell; whose who still have some sins to be expiated go to Purgatory. The final judgment will take place at the end of the world.
Purgatory: it is the place where we are purified from our sins before entering into Paradise, as stated in 2 Maccabees 12:45.
Hell: it is the state of self-separation from the communion with God. The pains of hell, which we call "fires of hell," consist in the eternal separation from God.
Paradise: it is the state of perfect communion of love with God.
Apostles' Creed Part11 - I Believe in the Resurrection of the Body
At the end of the world, our mortal body will resurrected, transformed into a glorious body, and united again with its soul. When we die, our body is buried, while our soul passes immediately through the particular judgment.
Then, it goes straight to Hell, Purgatory, or Paradise. At the end of the world, our mortal body will rise and rejoin our soul. Then body and soul will pass through the final judgment, and proceed to Paradise, or Hell, for all eternity.
The resurrection is the act by which God gives eternal life to our mortal bodies, making them glorious bodies, and uniting them again with our soul. Jesus Christ was the first who rose from the dead.
As Scripture says: "Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruit of all who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20).
Then, it goes straight to Hell, Purgatory, or Paradise. At the end of the world, our mortal body will rise and rejoin our soul. Then body and soul will pass through the final judgment, and proceed to Paradise, or Hell, for all eternity.
The resurrection is the act by which God gives eternal life to our mortal bodies, making them glorious bodies, and uniting them again with our soul. Jesus Christ was the first who rose from the dead.
As Scripture says: "Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruit of all who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20).
Apostles' Creed Part 10 - I Believe in the Forgiveness of Sins
All of us are sinners, and we deserve eternal death. However God, in his great mercy, sent his only Son to save us from our sins. As the Gospel says: "His name is Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
Jesus Christ entrusted to the Apostles and their successors the authority to forgive sins, when he said: "As the Father sent me, so I am sending you. Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained" (John 20:21-23).
The Church forgives sins through the sacraments of Baptism and Penance:
Baptism removes the original sin;
Penance removes all actual sins.
Since the Lord forgives all our sins, we must also forgive whole-heartedly our brothers and sisters. As we pray in the Our Father: "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us" (Matthew 6:12).
Jesus Christ entrusted to the Apostles and their successors the authority to forgive sins, when he said: "As the Father sent me, so I am sending you. Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained" (John 20:21-23).
The Church forgives sins through the sacraments of Baptism and Penance:
Baptism removes the original sin;
Penance removes all actual sins.
Since the Lord forgives all our sins, we must also forgive whole-heartedly our brothers and sisters. As we pray in the Our Father: "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us" (Matthew 6:12).
Apostles' Creed part 9 - I believe in the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints
The Church is the assembly of those who believe in Jesus, who are baptized, and who are in communion with the Pope. The Church has four characteristics, namely:
One:
There is only one true Church, as Jesus said to Peter: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church" (Matthew 16:18).
Holy:
The Church is holy because she is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Catholic:
The Church is Catholic because she is universal, meaning is present in all nations.
Apostolic:
The Church is apostolic because she is founded on the Apostles.
The Church is also called Roman because St.Peter died and was buried in Rome, and because Rome is the residence of the Pope.
The Communion of saints is the community of all Christians who are in the grace of God, either on Earth, Purgatory, or Paradise.
One:
There is only one true Church, as Jesus said to Peter: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church" (Matthew 16:18).
Holy:
The Church is holy because she is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Catholic:
The Church is Catholic because she is universal, meaning is present in all nations.
Apostolic:
The Church is apostolic because she is founded on the Apostles.
The Church is also called Roman because St.Peter died and was buried in Rome, and because Rome is the residence of the Pope.
The Communion of saints is the community of all Christians who are in the grace of God, either on Earth, Purgatory, or Paradise.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Apostles' Creed Part 8 - I believe in the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Blessed Trinity. It was revealed by Jesus himself, who said: "Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
The Holy Spirit:
* spoke through the Prophets
* inspired the holy writers of the Bible
* conceived Jesus in the womb of the Virgin Mary
* descended upon him at the Baptism in the Jordan like a dove.
Finally, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Virgin Mary and the apostles on Pentecost Day like tongues of fire: "These separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:4).
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are seven:
1) Wisdom
2) Understanding
3) Council
4) Strength
5) Knowledge
6) piety
7) Fear of the Lord
The Holy Spirit:
* spoke through the Prophets
* inspired the holy writers of the Bible
* conceived Jesus in the womb of the Virgin Mary
* descended upon him at the Baptism in the Jordan like a dove.
Finally, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Virgin Mary and the apostles on Pentecost Day like tongues of fire: "These separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:4).
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are seven:
1) Wisdom
2) Understanding
3) Council
4) Strength
5) Knowledge
6) piety
7) Fear of the Lord
Apostles' Creed Part 7 - He will come to Judge the Living and the Dead.
At the end of the world, Jesus Christ will come to judge the living and the dead. The living are those who will be still alive at the coming of Jesus; the dead are those who died before the judgment day. The bodies will rise from the tombs, and will rejoin their souls.
Jesus will judge all men according to their deeds. The Judgment will revolve around the six eschatoligical questions, namely:
1) Did you feed the hungry?
2) Did you give water to the thirsty?
3) Did you welcome the strangers?
40 Did you clothe the naked?
5) Did you care for the sick?
6) Did you visit the prisoners?
Then the just will go to their eternal reward in Paradise, and the evil ones to eternal damnation in Hell (Matthew 25:31-46). The Judgment will not concern our faith, nationality, or state in life, but about the love we had for our neighbours.
Jesus will judge all men according to their deeds. The Judgment will revolve around the six eschatoligical questions, namely:
1) Did you feed the hungry?
2) Did you give water to the thirsty?
3) Did you welcome the strangers?
40 Did you clothe the naked?
5) Did you care for the sick?
6) Did you visit the prisoners?
Then the just will go to their eternal reward in Paradise, and the evil ones to eternal damnation in Hell (Matthew 25:31-46). The Judgment will not concern our faith, nationality, or state in life, but about the love we had for our neighbours.
Apostles' Creed Part 6 - He ascended into Heaven and is setaed at the right hand of the Father Almighty.
Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives, 40 days after his resurrection. Before leaving, he gave the apostles their missionary mandate: "Go, make disciple of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two angels were standing near them. The angels said: "Men from Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there" (Acts 1:11).
We believe that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, which means, he has the power to carry out all his commands and to intercede for our salvation. As St.Paul said: "Jesus Christ stands at God's right hand and pleads for us" (Romans 8:34).
They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two angels were standing near them. The angels said: "Men from Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there" (Acts 1:11).
We believe that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, which means, he has the power to carry out all his commands and to intercede for our salvation. As St.Paul said: "Jesus Christ stands at God's right hand and pleads for us" (Romans 8:34).
Apostles' Creed Part 5 - He descended into Hell; on the third day he rose again form the dead.
As the body of Jesus was reposed into the tomb, his soul descended into the Sheol, or Ades, which is the place where the souls of the just stayed before the resurrection of Christ (1Peter 3:18-19). Paradise was closed by Adam's original sin, and opened again by Christ's redemption.
At dawn of Sunday, Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb, where they met the angel of the Lord, who said : "Jesus is not here, he has risen" (Matthew 28:6).
Upon hearing the news, Peter and John ran to the tomb; after seeing the linen cloths on the ground, they believed.
Eight days later Jesus appeared again to the disciples,
and said to Thomas: "Doubt no longer but believe!"
Thomas replied: "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him: You believe because you can see me, Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:27-29).
At dawn of Sunday, Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb, where they met the angel of the Lord, who said : "Jesus is not here, he has risen" (Matthew 28:6).
Upon hearing the news, Peter and John ran to the tomb; after seeing the linen cloths on the ground, they believed.
Eight days later Jesus appeared again to the disciples,
and said to Thomas: "Doubt no longer but believe!"
Thomas replied: "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him: You believe because you can see me, Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:27-29).
Apostles' Creed Part 4 - He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
The passion of Christ begun in the Garden of Gethsemane, after the Last Supper. As Jesus was praying with his apostles, Judas appeared with many soldiers, and betrayed him with a kiss. Jesus was brought to Pontius Pilate to have him condemned to death.
Pilate realized that Jesus did nothing wrong, but he was afraid of the people; so he ordered Jesus first to be scourged and crucified.
Upon reaching the Golgotha, the soldiers crucified Jesus together with two robbers. At three in the afternoon, Jesus cries out: "My God, my god, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Then he yielded up his spirit.
When evening came, Joseph of Arimathea, the Virgin Mary and other pious women, took the body of Jesus, wrapped it in a clean shroud, and put it in the tomb. They rolled a large stone across the entrance of the womb and went away.
Pilate realized that Jesus did nothing wrong, but he was afraid of the people; so he ordered Jesus first to be scourged and crucified.
Upon reaching the Golgotha, the soldiers crucified Jesus together with two robbers. At three in the afternoon, Jesus cries out: "My God, my god, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Then he yielded up his spirit.
When evening came, Joseph of Arimathea, the Virgin Mary and other pious women, took the body of Jesus, wrapped it in a clean shroud, and put it in the tomb. They rolled a large stone across the entrance of the womb and went away.
St.Paul the Hermit, 15th January
He was an Egyptian hermit and the first Christian hermit. He was born around the year 233A.D and was orphaned at the age of 15 years. He fled to the Theban desert during the persecution of Christians by Emperors Decius and Valerianus around the year 250 A.D.
He lived only on the fruits of a palm tree for food and clothing woven form that palm tree and drinking water from a spring nearby. After about 21 years a bird (Raven) brought him half a loaf of bread daily for food. St.Anthony the Great has attested to the holiness of this saint. When St.Anthony the Great met once St.Paul in his cave, the usual raven bird that used to bring half a loaf of bread daily, brought a whole loaf of bread on that day, miraculously for use by both of the saints.
St.Paul the Hermit lived up to 122 years and died in that cave at about 345 A.D. Tradition says that St.Anthony the Great buried St.Paul the Hermit and two lions helped St.Anthony in digging the grave.
St. Paul the Hermit is generally portrayed with a palm tree and two lions.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Apostles' Creed Part 3 - He was Conceived by the tPower of the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary
Jesus Christ was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, as declared by the archangel Gabriel: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God" (Luke 1:35). St.Joseph was not the real father of Jesus, but only his foster father. We believe in four marian dogmas, namely:
1) Mary Mother of God:
Mary is the mother of Jesus, Jesus is God: therefore, Mary is the Mother of God.
2)Perpetual Virginity:
Mary remained virgin for her whole life, because she was completely consecrated to God, and also because it was not proper that the Mother of God should have other children.
3) Immaculate Conception:
Mary was conceived without original sin, and was never stained by any sin, in view of her divine motherhood.
4) Assumption:
At the end of her life, Mary was assumed body and soul to Paradise, because God did not want the body who conceived Jesus to experience decay.
1) Mary Mother of God:
Mary is the mother of Jesus, Jesus is God: therefore, Mary is the Mother of God.
2)Perpetual Virginity:
Mary remained virgin for her whole life, because she was completely consecrated to God, and also because it was not proper that the Mother of God should have other children.
3) Immaculate Conception:
Mary was conceived without original sin, and was never stained by any sin, in view of her divine motherhood.
4) Assumption:
At the end of her life, Mary was assumed body and soul to Paradise, because God did not want the body who conceived Jesus to experience decay.
Apostles' Creed Part 2 - I believe in Jeus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord
Jesus Christ is the second person of the Blessed Trinity. He is true God and true man. In him there are two natures, DIVINE and HUMAN, but only one is eternal and was never created. His human nature is mortal and was conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. As scripture says: "the Word was made flesh, he lived among us" (John 1:14).
The name Jesus means "God Saves" (Matthew 1:21), because his mission is to save us from sins and to bring us to Paradise. In order to be saved, we must believe in the name of Jesus. As Scripture says: "Of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved" (Acts 4:12).
The title Christ in Greek, or Messiah in Hebrew, means anointed. Jesus is the Christ because he is true prophet, king, and priest. God the Father revealed Jesus as the Messiah at the Baptism in the Jordan, when he said: "You are my Son, the Beloved, my favour rest on you" (Mark 1:11)
The name Jesus means "God Saves" (Matthew 1:21), because his mission is to save us from sins and to bring us to Paradise. In order to be saved, we must believe in the name of Jesus. As Scripture says: "Of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved" (Acts 4:12).
The title Christ in Greek, or Messiah in Hebrew, means anointed. Jesus is the Christ because he is true prophet, king, and priest. God the Father revealed Jesus as the Messiah at the Baptism in the Jordan, when he said: "You are my Son, the Beloved, my favour rest on you" (Mark 1:11)
Apostles' Creed Part 1 - I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth
1st Day : God created Light and separates darkness.
2nd Day : God dividing the waters of the firmament from the water of the earth
3rd Day : God creates all kinds of plants and trees
4th Day : God creates the Sun, Moon and Stars
5th Day : God creates Fishes and birds
6th Day : God creates land animals and makes Man in his own image
Faith id the theological virtue by which we believe in existence of God and his revelation. In order to be saved, we need FAITH and GOOD WORKS as St.James said "Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17).
The basic truth of our Christian faith is the Dogma of the Blessed Trinity, which declares: "God is one Divine Nature in three Divine Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit". It was revealed by Jesus himself, who said "Go, therefore and make disciples of all nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
We believe that God created the universe out of nothing and out of love. The Bible, begins with this solemn declaration: In the beginning, God created heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).
God created also the angles, with the purpose of serving him and guarding his creation. But some of them rebelled and were cast into hell. Man is the finest creature of God, because he was created "in the image and likeness" (Genesis 1:26).
2nd Day : God dividing the waters of the firmament from the water of the earth
3rd Day : God creates all kinds of plants and trees
4th Day : God creates the Sun, Moon and Stars
5th Day : God creates Fishes and birds
6th Day : God creates land animals and makes Man in his own image
Faith id the theological virtue by which we believe in existence of God and his revelation. In order to be saved, we need FAITH and GOOD WORKS as St.James said "Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17).
The basic truth of our Christian faith is the Dogma of the Blessed Trinity, which declares: "God is one Divine Nature in three Divine Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit". It was revealed by Jesus himself, who said "Go, therefore and make disciples of all nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
We believe that God created the universe out of nothing and out of love. The Bible, begins with this solemn declaration: In the beginning, God created heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).
God created also the angles, with the purpose of serving him and guarding his creation. But some of them rebelled and were cast into hell. Man is the finest creature of God, because he was created "in the image and likeness" (Genesis 1:26).
The Apostles' Creed
Apostles' Creed (profession of Faith)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again.
He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Baptism of Jesus (Feast)
JESUS BAPTISM - OUR BAPTISM
The baptism of Jesus is the public presentation by the Father that Jesus is the one who is going to teach us what
LIFE & LIVING
LOVE & LOVING
SERVICE & SERVING
DEATH & DYING is all about.
The Personal Presentation by Jesus Himself that
He is the one who is going to give
MEANING & PURPOSE
DIRECTION & DESTINY
GRACE & GLORY to our lives.
The baptism of Jesus was the beginning of His public ministry. He got baptized by St.john the baptist at the Jordan river. The place of baptism as found out by UNESCO- sponsored excavations is the bank of Jordan at Al-Maghtar. St.john was preaching among the people in Jerusalem and Judea to prepare for the coming Messiah and was giving baptism to people for repentance (Matthew3:11). When Jesus toward St.john to get baptism, St.John to,d Jesus 'I need to be baptized by you and you are coming to me?. For this Jesus replied to St.John 'it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness' (Matthew 3:14-15).
Jesus was sinless and hence He need not get baptism like others. During the baptism the entire Holy Trinity worked together and the Trinitarian nature of the God was proved there. When Jesus, the son of God was baptized the Holy Spirit descended from heaven like a dove and God the Father spoke from the Heaven saying 'This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. All the three, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit were present there when Jesus was baptized . St,John also attested to the fact of the descending of the Holy Spirit on Jesus during Hid baptism. St.John also told once to others when Jesus approached St.john and his group 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes a way the sins of the world' Jesus said 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God' (John3:5). Baptism is a basic requirement to enter into Kingdom of God.
The baptism of Jesus is the public presentation by the Father that Jesus is the one who is going to teach us what
LIFE & LIVING
LOVE & LOVING
SERVICE & SERVING
DEATH & DYING is all about.
The Personal Presentation by Jesus Himself that
He is the one who is going to give
MEANING & PURPOSE
DIRECTION & DESTINY
GRACE & GLORY to our lives.
The baptism of Jesus was the beginning of His public ministry. He got baptized by St.john the baptist at the Jordan river. The place of baptism as found out by UNESCO- sponsored excavations is the bank of Jordan at Al-Maghtar. St.john was preaching among the people in Jerusalem and Judea to prepare for the coming Messiah and was giving baptism to people for repentance (Matthew3:11). When Jesus toward St.john to get baptism, St.John to,d Jesus 'I need to be baptized by you and you are coming to me?. For this Jesus replied to St.John 'it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness' (Matthew 3:14-15).
Jesus was sinless and hence He need not get baptism like others. During the baptism the entire Holy Trinity worked together and the Trinitarian nature of the God was proved there. When Jesus, the son of God was baptized the Holy Spirit descended from heaven like a dove and God the Father spoke from the Heaven saying 'This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. All the three, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit were present there when Jesus was baptized . St,John also attested to the fact of the descending of the Holy Spirit on Jesus during Hid baptism. St.John also told once to others when Jesus approached St.john and his group 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes a way the sins of the world' Jesus said 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God' (John3:5). Baptism is a basic requirement to enter into Kingdom of God.
Who can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Any Catholic Christian who has received the Sacrament of Baptism and it is in the "state of grace" can be admitted to Confirmation. To be "in the state of grace" means not have committed any serious sin (mortal sin). By a serious sin a person separates himself from God and can be reconciled with God only by making a good confession.
A (young) Christian who is preparing for Confirmation finds himself/herself in one of the most important phrases of his/her life.
He/she will do everything possible to grasp the faith with his/her heart and his/her understanding;
he/she will pray alone with the others for the Holy Spirit;
he/she will reconcile himself/herself, with the people around him/her, and with God.
Confession is part of this, since it brings one closer to God even if one has not committed a mortal sin.
Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his actions, his gifts, and his biddings -in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life.
To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as parish community.
The later bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.
Source from Sunday Bulletin, 12th January 2014
A (young) Christian who is preparing for Confirmation finds himself/herself in one of the most important phrases of his/her life.
He/she will do everything possible to grasp the faith with his/her heart and his/her understanding;
he/she will pray alone with the others for the Holy Spirit;
he/she will reconcile himself/herself, with the people around him/her, and with God.
Confession is part of this, since it brings one closer to God even if one has not committed a mortal sin.
Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his actions, his gifts, and his biddings -in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life.
To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as parish community.
The later bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.
Source from Sunday Bulletin, 12th January 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
January 2014: Called by God
Reflection on the theme for January 2014 -Called by God
Focus: To joyfully live out our Baptismal vocation as people Conscious of God's call (FRIENDSHIP)
Jesus says "I call you friends because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father (john 15:15).
God's call to us through Jesus is first of all a Call to "Friendship with Jesus" to abide in Jesus so as to befriend Jesus.
BEFRIEND JESUS - BE FAITHFUL TO JESUS - BE FRUITFUL THROUGH JESUS
Each of us has been called by God only because of His gratuitous love. This call is entirely God's initiative just as how He chose to send Jesus to live among us. It is not because of our merits but solely to shower His love into broken lives: There are many reasons why God shouldn't have called us but no worries we are in good company. God called misfits like us.
Moses Shuttered. David's amour didn't fit
John & Mark were rejected by Paul
Timothy had ulcers
Hosea's wife was a prostitute
Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning
Jacob was a liar. David has an affair
Solomon was too rich. Jesus was too poor
Abraham was too old. David was too young
Peter was afraid of death. Lazarus was dead. John was self-righteous
Naomi was a widow. Paul was a murderer. So was Moses.
Jonah ran from God.
Miriam was a gossip. Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal. Elijah was burned-out.
John the baptist was a loudmouth. Martha was worry-wart
Mary was lazy. Samson had long hair. Noah got drunk.
Moses had a short fuse and so did Peter and Paul.
Despite our imperfections, God calls us to Friendship with Him.
Focus: To joyfully live out our Baptismal vocation as people Conscious of God's call (FRIENDSHIP)
Jesus says "I call you friends because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father (john 15:15).
God's call to us through Jesus is first of all a Call to "Friendship with Jesus" to abide in Jesus so as to befriend Jesus.
BEFRIEND JESUS - BE FAITHFUL TO JESUS - BE FRUITFUL THROUGH JESUS
Each of us has been called by God only because of His gratuitous love. This call is entirely God's initiative just as how He chose to send Jesus to live among us. It is not because of our merits but solely to shower His love into broken lives: There are many reasons why God shouldn't have called us but no worries we are in good company. God called misfits like us.
Moses Shuttered. David's amour didn't fit
John & Mark were rejected by Paul
Timothy had ulcers
Hosea's wife was a prostitute
Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning
Jacob was a liar. David has an affair
Solomon was too rich. Jesus was too poor
Abraham was too old. David was too young
Peter was afraid of death. Lazarus was dead. John was self-righteous
Naomi was a widow. Paul was a murderer. So was Moses.
Jonah ran from God.
Miriam was a gossip. Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal. Elijah was burned-out.
John the baptist was a loudmouth. Martha was worry-wart
Mary was lazy. Samson had long hair. Noah got drunk.
Moses had a short fuse and so did Peter and Paul.
Despite our imperfections, God calls us to Friendship with Him.
What is Confirmation in Catholic Church?
Confirmation is the Sacrament that completes Baptism; in it the gift of the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon us. Anyone who freely decides to live a life as God's child and asks for God's Spirit under the signs of the imposition of hands and anointing with Chrism receives the strength to witness to God's love and might in word and deed. He/She is now full fledged, responsible member of the Catholic church.
When a coach sends a football player onto the playing field, he puts his hand on his shoulder and gives him final instruction. We can understand Confirmation in a similar way. A hand is placed upon us. We step out onto the field of life. Through the Holy Spirit we know what we have to do and we have been given the power to do it. He has motivated us. His mission resounds in our ears. We sense his help. We will not betray his trust or disappoint him; we will win the game for him. We just have to want to do it and listen to him.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is normally administered by the Bishop. For weighty reasons when necessary, the bishop can also delegate a priest to do it. In danger of death, any priest can administer Confirmation.
Source from Sunday Bulletin, 5th Jan 2014
When a coach sends a football player onto the playing field, he puts his hand on his shoulder and gives him final instruction. We can understand Confirmation in a similar way. A hand is placed upon us. We step out onto the field of life. Through the Holy Spirit we know what we have to do and we have been given the power to do it. He has motivated us. His mission resounds in our ears. We sense his help. We will not betray his trust or disappoint him; we will win the game for him. We just have to want to do it and listen to him.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is normally administered by the Bishop. For weighty reasons when necessary, the bishop can also delegate a priest to do it. In danger of death, any priest can administer Confirmation.
Source from Sunday Bulletin, 5th Jan 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Experience in Renewal Spirit Seminar (RSS)
Last few weeks I attended my first RSS organized by my church charismatic team. This seminar is recommended by my BEC member( church member) and heard from many that this is a must join seminar. It can transform the life of many and gain many blessings from this seminar. Wow so good? I thought. A seminar or a charismatic healings? I was quite curious. I thought of inviting my parents as well as I always pray to God that they may go back to church. Never thought that my church member invited my mother which would never think she said Yes so quickly. Never thought that my church members can have chance to visit my parents at my hometown. After hearing the Yes and no problem. I quickly register myself, my husband and my parents in one of the sunday at the church.
Just few days before the seminar, My mum called and said that my dad does not want to attend. I was very disappointed and angry. But I know I cant force him. So, I let myself cool down for 2 days before giving him a call. I was thinking how to persuade him to come, his main concerned is too many days as he doest like to be away from home for long. I was thinking he cannot miss this golden opportunity that can change his life. Never thought that my dad agreed to come when I phone him.
Thank God!
The seminar is 2 1/2 days. The first day was 2 hours at night. This is just an introductory. The songs has touched my heart so much, the worships songs always make me cry. After the opening prayer, Fr.Gregory gave an interesting and funny talk. He talked about the procreation, children is a gift from God. Without God, it is human reproduction rather than human procreation. To have a child, it must be allowed from God and only with God, it is truly a blessing. I am childless in my 2 years marriage, the inpatient of my wanting a child has given me a lot of stress, the tress from the family and friends. After the talked, I surrender everything to God and pray to God for the gift of child patiently. After the talk, we were divided into groups according to age group. We introduced ourselves and was asked what is our reason & be expectations in attending this seminar. To my surprise, all the group members are very open, they shared their personal matters.
The second day, Fr.Gregory continues the other topics, my parents enjoy his talk and preaching. I was so happy about that and thank God that we can attend the seminar together, that we do something in common in God's house and experience God. The second half day was continued by Bro Vincent. I have learned a very valuable lesson from his talk on the woman at the well in the bible. The woman who was a great sinner whom has five husbands met Jesus at the well and out to the town to tell the people that she saw Jesus. Her faith was so great that she can go to the town and tell everyone that Jesus knew that she has 5 husband and he is the true God. She didn't care about the how people viewed her, she rather spread the Gospel. I have a great sin that I never confess in the sacraments of penance. I thought I can confess it myself to Jesus and prayed that I never did it again but I failed. So I thought of the woman at the well, how shameful sin that she has committed, she has the courage to tell people and spread the Gospel. So what is it about my little sin? I felt that if I have faith, I should not shy confessing and go for confession. I was thinking that sacrament of penance is a healing and reconciliation and if I have faith I should trust in this beautiful and sacred sacrament. So after the end of teh second day, they have priest there for confession and I took the courage and prayed to God that I have a good confession and finally I went. I felt so great after the confession and truly feel that I am completely cleansed and like be baptized again.I felt the joy in my heart.
Before the confession session, they also have inner healing sessions. It was so beautiful. We prayed to God, the committee member will read out the inner healing by praying and we will meditate on the prayers that they saying. The prayers are basically, pray for forgiveness for family members, fiends and any other person that we could not forgive. They pray one by one for our own parents, siblings spouse, children and in-laws. This is really great healing. Even though, I have nobody that I need to forgive but I felt happy as I have already forgiven everyone long long time ago. I can see and hear that some people from who siting in front of me and behind me are crying.
The third day and also the last day. Brother Vincent continues some of the topics. Before the lunch, they have INFILLING sessions. At that time, I didnt know what it is all about. My heart started to pump very fast and it felt like something big is coming and something is going to happen.
Very ture, during this session, people rested in the spirit (fainted), some cried very loud, some dance and sing non-stop. Yes the Holy Spirit has filled them up. I was crying like a crying baby, I cant stand it much and all my sadness and fear has flow out through my tears and crying voice. Some has receive the gift of speaking in tongue. Amazing.
I definitely recommend everyone to attend the charismatic seminar.
Just few days before the seminar, My mum called and said that my dad does not want to attend. I was very disappointed and angry. But I know I cant force him. So, I let myself cool down for 2 days before giving him a call. I was thinking how to persuade him to come, his main concerned is too many days as he doest like to be away from home for long. I was thinking he cannot miss this golden opportunity that can change his life. Never thought that my dad agreed to come when I phone him.
Thank God!
The seminar is 2 1/2 days. The first day was 2 hours at night. This is just an introductory. The songs has touched my heart so much, the worships songs always make me cry. After the opening prayer, Fr.Gregory gave an interesting and funny talk. He talked about the procreation, children is a gift from God. Without God, it is human reproduction rather than human procreation. To have a child, it must be allowed from God and only with God, it is truly a blessing. I am childless in my 2 years marriage, the inpatient of my wanting a child has given me a lot of stress, the tress from the family and friends. After the talked, I surrender everything to God and pray to God for the gift of child patiently. After the talk, we were divided into groups according to age group. We introduced ourselves and was asked what is our reason & be expectations in attending this seminar. To my surprise, all the group members are very open, they shared their personal matters.
The second day, Fr.Gregory continues the other topics, my parents enjoy his talk and preaching. I was so happy about that and thank God that we can attend the seminar together, that we do something in common in God's house and experience God. The second half day was continued by Bro Vincent. I have learned a very valuable lesson from his talk on the woman at the well in the bible. The woman who was a great sinner whom has five husbands met Jesus at the well and out to the town to tell the people that she saw Jesus. Her faith was so great that she can go to the town and tell everyone that Jesus knew that she has 5 husband and he is the true God. She didn't care about the how people viewed her, she rather spread the Gospel. I have a great sin that I never confess in the sacraments of penance. I thought I can confess it myself to Jesus and prayed that I never did it again but I failed. So I thought of the woman at the well, how shameful sin that she has committed, she has the courage to tell people and spread the Gospel. So what is it about my little sin? I felt that if I have faith, I should not shy confessing and go for confession. I was thinking that sacrament of penance is a healing and reconciliation and if I have faith I should trust in this beautiful and sacred sacrament. So after the end of teh second day, they have priest there for confession and I took the courage and prayed to God that I have a good confession and finally I went. I felt so great after the confession and truly feel that I am completely cleansed and like be baptized again.I felt the joy in my heart.
Before the confession session, they also have inner healing sessions. It was so beautiful. We prayed to God, the committee member will read out the inner healing by praying and we will meditate on the prayers that they saying. The prayers are basically, pray for forgiveness for family members, fiends and any other person that we could not forgive. They pray one by one for our own parents, siblings spouse, children and in-laws. This is really great healing. Even though, I have nobody that I need to forgive but I felt happy as I have already forgiven everyone long long time ago. I can see and hear that some people from who siting in front of me and behind me are crying.
The third day and also the last day. Brother Vincent continues some of the topics. Before the lunch, they have INFILLING sessions. At that time, I didnt know what it is all about. My heart started to pump very fast and it felt like something big is coming and something is going to happen.
Very ture, during this session, people rested in the spirit (fainted), some cried very loud, some dance and sing non-stop. Yes the Holy Spirit has filled them up. I was crying like a crying baby, I cant stand it much and all my sadness and fear has flow out through my tears and crying voice. Some has receive the gift of speaking in tongue. Amazing.
I definitely recommend everyone to attend the charismatic seminar.
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