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.
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