Saturday, March 17, 2007

Little Irish Humor

St. Patrick

Thanks Karr.But I had to clean it up a bit :-)

Mrs. Donovan was walking down O'Connell Street in Dublin when she met up with Father Flaherty.

The Father said, "Top o' the mornin' to ye! Aren't ye Mrs. Donovan and didn't I marry ye and yer hoosband 2 years ago?"

She replied, "Aye, that ye did, Father."

The Father asked, "And be there any wee little ones yet?"

She replied, "No, not yet, Father."

The Father said, "Well now, I'm going to Rome next week and I'll light a candle for ye and yer hoosband."

She replied, "Oh, thank ye, Father." They then parted ways.

Some years later they met again. The Father asked, "Well now, Mrs. Donovan, how are ye these days?"

She replied, "Oh , very well, Father!"

The Father asked, " And tell me, have ye any wee ones yet?"

She replied, "Oh yes, Father! Three sets of twins and 4 singles, 10 in all!"

The Father said, "That's wonderful! How is yer loving hoosband doing?"

She replied, "E's gone to Rome to blow out yer foolish candle."

Happy St. Patrick's Day

St. Pat



Shambrocks

My Irish friends tell me everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. We feel very Irish today!

Hope you are wearing green or you will get pinched.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you and especially Fr. Edwin Duffy, Fr. Arthur Dwyer and Sister Mary Lucy Sullivan. The three very good friends of our family.

God bless you all,

Esther

Friday, March 16, 2007

(Inter)National Prayer and Fasting Days

Prayer VigilPicture courtesy of THIS SITE

Mysterium Fidei had this posted on his blog but I somehow missed it. Sorry it is late in getting the message out.

Our Blessed Lord has from time to time asked his people to gather in prayer, and fasting. At one point of time, a young novice went to this hermit who was considered to be the holiest person in the area. The novice suffered greatly from impurity. He asked the hermit when his temptations of purity would end. The hermit jokingly responded, "3 days after your laid in the ground!" Then the hermit went on to say that the generation they lived in was bad, but the generation to come would be even worse. But then he said, that they lived in the age Satan was leashed, and a time would come when he would be unleashed, and wander freely. Why don't we keep private prayer vigils? Why don't we fast on Wednesdays and Fridays on bread and water. Well, we are weak. We are very weak.

It has to do with our original sin, and of course the comfort our society tries
to give to us does not help at all. We have to stand up and fight, fast, and
pray. Why can't we stay up an hour or two in vigil? Why can't we pray more or
fast more? Why! We need to overcome our weakness and do it. Our world is in
trouble, and it needs OUR prayers! OUR mortification! I invite you to join me in a fast and prayer vigil services.
We will all be in different parts of the world, but let's try to do it at the same time. If you are interested please comment, because I will be sending the results of how many to the Vatican. Here is the schedule:

March 16: a day of fasting on bread and water only. On top of that, there will spend time in 1 hour of vigil in our bedroom, locked door, in the dark with a crucifix and candles light. If you have chant, play it! We will do this from 9 to 10 Mountain time. I know for some this is a lot, but if you can, deny yourself.

March 18: another prayer vigil from 9-10 Mountain time.

March 21: Wednesday fast on bread and water.

March 23: a day of fasting on bread and water, and another prayer vigil from 9-10 mountain time.

March 25: prayer vigil from 9-10 Mountain time.

March 28 & 30 day of fast on bread and water

April 2- 6: (Holy Week) days of fast on bread and water. On this week, try to pick 3 days to do this. If you can do more that's great. We will also have prayer vigils from 9-10 Mountain time all week long. This halts with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. On Holy Saturday, we will fast from the morning till 4, when traditionally the Easter celebration begins!

If you wish, you can also email me at larkiniv@msn.com with your interests. I have chosen 9-10 Mountain time, because it seems the most so that the people in Hawaii won't be to early, yet the people in Boston won't be to late. Here is the conversion chart:

Hawaii: 7-8
Pacific: 8-9
Central: 10-11
Eastern 12-1
The rest of you, you can do the math yourself! The intention of all these will of course be in reparation for the sins committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus, most particular, sins against the dignity and sanctity of human life, such as abortion, euthanasia, cloning, etc.

What's a Catholic Mom to Do...

Mice Glasseswhen your child spots liturgical abuses?

Let me explain. We have a new priest assigned to our parish. My family happened to be at the Mass he celebrated I believe for the first time at the church. My son was the altar server that day and I was scheduled as one of the EMHC's. After Mass, Joey blurts out to his dad and me, "I counted four liturgical abuses".

I was speechless for a couple of reasons. First of all, I didn't realize that he was concerned about liturgical abuses. Secondly and what concerned me, is he participating in the Mass as he should be or is he more concerned about the priest/celebrant celebrating correctly? Of course, I don't want the latter because it would draw his attention from the sacrifice offered at the Mass.

We do discuss liturigical abuse in our family. Since I am usually the one who brings the topic up, I try to do it in a way that does not criticize or judge the priest. Joey and I are currently reading Sacramentum Caritatis. He and I also discussed and read Redemptoris Sacramentum. I think the GIRM is next.

Ironically, a new pastor and associated pastor (not the one mentioned above) have been assigned to our parish. It appears there is a "wind of change"regarding the Mass which is very encouraging to this conservative Catholic. In other words, the has been a conscience effort on the part of our liturgy committee, to put the emphasis on the Eucharist and not the laity.

Lenten Improvements - Fighting Temptations Cont.

Tempation of Christ Picture courtesy of THIS SITE

The following is taken from Improve:Now is the Acceptable Time! distributed by the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers.

Note: Fr. Lester has kindly permitted me to use these excerpts daily. Please click HERE to learn more about the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers and to consider joining them as a member.

Gaining Strength

"Never think that something is wrong with you, that you mare not normal because you are tempted. God may permit you to be tempted as a result of sins committed in the past or to keep you humble and purify you through battle. 'A soul that is tempted makes firmer resolutions, prays more ardently, has recourse to heroic measures, and thus gross stronger almost without noticing it.'"

Heavenly Help

"When you are tempted, use a supernatural and then a natural means. Supernatural means above nature, above yourself. Turn to God, to the Blessed Mother, your Guardian Angel or the Saints for help. Say a short prayer such as the Hail Mary, or 'Mary, most pure, please help me.' One young man said he always carries a small crucifix in one of his pockets. If he is by himself or out on a date or any place and is tempted, he just touches, the crucifix and the thought of how much Christ had to suffer for sin helps him to fight the temptation immediately. A girl working in an office mentioned that if someone uses foul language or tells a dirty joke she traces the Sign of the Cross on the floor with her foot and asks Christ to help her. Such means are supernatural."

Earthly Aid
Now the natural means. Keep busy. Try to turn your mind to something that absorbs your attention. Think of a sports even, some place you visited, a new outfit you want. Turn on the radio or television or call someone on the phone if the hour is proper. Multiply two numbers mentally: twenty-nine times thirty-seven. Imagine what you would do if the place caught on fire. In general avoid idleness and empty daydreaming. Distrust yours elf and trust God. Fight every temptation immediately. If you dally around with a temptation with you will become its victim.

Lenten Meditation - Friday

Why Worry
The following is from Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J.'s How Shall I Fast?
Friday: Mark 12:28-34

Jesus and a devoutly religious man discuss the famous Scripture passage about
loving God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. What is your
favorite Scripture passage? Memorize as much of it as you can and repeat it back
to yourself from time to time.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Lenten Improvements - Fighting Temptations

Heart
The following is taken from Improve:Now is the Acceptable Time! distributed by the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers.

Note: Fr. Lester has kindly permitted me to use these excerpts daily. Please click HERE to learn more about the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers and to consider joining them as a member.

"What is a person supposed to do when improper thoughts and desires crowd into the mind and imagination? First, Let's make a distinction. Temptation is not sin. For instance, if you are reading and come across a 'dirty' picture, does that mean that you are impure? Not at all. But suppose you purposely keep going back to look at that picture, build up a series of thoughts and desires around it and continue to do so knowing full well that your thoughts and desires are wrong, then you have not merely been tempted. You have given in to the temptation."

God's Grace
"Saint Augustine put it this way: 'I cannot keep the birds from flying over my head but I can keep them from making a nest in my hair." So, thoughts that are vile will come, but you need not make them a part of yourself. With the grace of God you can resist them and get rid of them."

12 Reasons to Pray for the Dead

Holy Souls The picture is a copy of the relief sculpture made of plexiglass done by artist Bro. Ton Raymundo which was unveiled during the First National Congress of PWHS on July 29, 2000. Picture courtesy of The Prayer Warriors of Holy Souls

H/T to
The Friends of the Holy Souls

1. Obey the Lord and His Church,

2. Love our neighbor,

3. Express our unity with the other members of God's family,

4. Help purify people in Purgatory,

5. Help those in Purgatory go to Heaven,

6. Face death and thereby become more aware of reality,

7. Express and strengthen our faith in the power of prayer,

8. Receive the benefit of the prayers of those in Purgatory (Catechism, 958),

9. Rejoice, for all those in Purgatory have given their lives to Jesus and will go to Heaven,

10. Purify ourselves so that we will go directly to Heaven and skip Purgatory, or lessen our time in Purgatory,

11. Share in the pouring out of God's mercy, and

12. Enter more deeply into the mystery of God's love and His plan of salvation.

Project - Eucharist Adoration in the USA

Eucharistic Adoration

My friend Sue shared the following today:

"Linda Schubert is a world-renowned Catholic author, and she is preparing to release a new book this summer entitled Altogether Lovely - Eucharistic Adoration around the USA. She needs Eucharistic Adorers to participate in the preparation of the content. If you would like to participate, please review the simple steps below and contact Linda to be a part of this beautiful endeavor".

March 15, 2007

Dear Friends,

Subject: An invitation to submit input for upcoming book: Altogether Lovely…Eucharistic Adoration around the USA

Deadline for input: June 15, 2007

You are invited to participate in a project for Catholic brothers and sisters in the USA, who share our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and who believe in the mystery of the Holy Eucharist – i.e. the true presence of His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the consecrated host. You are free to email this invitation to others who share your faith.

This project consists of a book which will be compiled and edited by Linda Schubert, author of the Miracle Hour, a book widely used in adoration chapels around the USA. It will be published by a well known Catholic publishing house (details to be finalized soon). It may include photographs of some of the different monstrances with the Consecrated Host, from churches in the USA. The idea is inspired by a wonderful book, Hidden in the Host, recently published by Linda Schubert’s friends in Malta with input from various European countries. They have blessed our USA version.

We are looking for submissions from prayerful Catholics in every state in the USA, young and old, including the various ethnic communities. That input would include a holy reflection written specifically for the book. If you would like to be one of the representatives of your state to submit a holy reflection/prayer, please read the following conditions:

1. We are looking for input from Catholics who believe in the true presence – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Consecrated Host.

2. You would need to spend at least five hours in adoration of the Holy Eucharist (not necessarily all at one time) before sending a reflection.

3. Writing will not exceed three sentences or 60 words.

4. The words would be a result of your 5+ hours of adoration. Following the writing, include a verse of scripture appropriate to the message.

5. All prayerful/prophetic reflections to be submitted no later than June 15, 2007. Feel free to submit as an email attachment a photographic image of the monstrance in your chapel with the consecrated host with the understanding that it may (or may not) be included in the book.

6. If the one making the submission is a lay person, please submit your writing first to your pastor/spiritual director or prayer group leader and include from them a note confirming your submission.

7. Input accepted for publication will include the name of the writer and the ministry (if applicable) with which they are associated. The publisher will have the final say about what material is included.

Please send your input via email to Linda Schubert at Linda@linda-schubert.com.

May the Lord open your ears to hear Him more clearly as you sit quietly before Him in your holy hours. May He give you the loving words of healing and hope and comfort to share with His beloved.
You are in my prayers
Linda Schubert
(408) 734 8663
www.linda-schubert.com
Email: linda@linda-schubert.com

Holy Souls Museum and the Church of the Suffering Souls

PurgatoryPicture courtesy of THIS SITE

My friend Mary of The Friends of the Poor Souls Blog has posted a very interesting article regarding a little museum located in a Church in Rome. The following are excerpts:

"In Rome, there is a church called the Church of the Suffering Souls...In this church there is a small museum called the Holy Souls Museum with relics, prayer books, clothing and table tops that were touched and scorched by the holy souls that were allowed to leave Purgatory and return to their family or fellow religious and beg them for Masses and prayers

Scorched fingerprints on prayer books, handprints burnt on wooden tables, and singed pillowcases and shirt sleeves seem to be the Purgatory equivalent of paper and pen.

...Catholics believe spirits, stuck between heaven and hell until they have atoned for their sins, can hasten their entry to paradise if family and friends on earth pray for them. And some Purgatory residents obviously felt their loved ones needed a gentle reminder".

CLICK HERE to read the entire article about souls who have left their mark to remind us to pray for the souls in purgatory.




Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Generosity Protects Conscience, Cardinal Says

Insists That It Staves Off Worship of Money

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 12, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Generosity keeps the soul from praising the god of money, says the Vatican secretary of state.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said this at Mass on Thursday in St. Peter's Basilica, attended by a group of pilgrims from the Coldiretti, an Italian federation of agriculturists.

The cardinal reflected on the parable of the beggar Lazarus and the rich man, which warns us of the risks of falling to the "praises of god-money."

Attachment to riches "makes one's conscience obtuse," Cardinal Bertone cautioned. He said that the lure of the "god-money" can divide families and bruise feelings.

"The first to be its victim is God," he added.

A sober life

The cardinal stated that there "is a value that may save the life of the poor and, together, that of the rich: solidarity that comes from a sober life and generates a sober life."

"In the past, the poor who knocked on our doors were welcomed generously and unconditionally, breaking the bread with them," the Vatican official recalled.

He continued: "This tradition was very strong and consolidated above all in the world of farmers.

"I come from a family of farmers and remember that our mother, on Sundays, even while having 14 mouths to feed, would send us to our neighbor Maria la Veneta, mother of 10 children, to bring her a large portion of food to share."

"Solidarity in a Christian heart has always found thousands of ways in which to express itself," he added. He recalled the many examples of founders of religious orders between the 18th and 19th centuries who gave life to hospitals, schools, and charitable works.
ZE07031215

Thought for the Day - Give And Take

Give happiness and take happiness. Don't give sorrow and don't take sorrow.

Thanks Froggy

Saintly Quote

Charity is the form, mover, mother and root of all the virtues.

Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)



Thanks Sue.

Thought of the Day

Heart
Thanks Froggy!

"Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of"

Lenten Improvement - The Problem of Criticizing Others

The following is taken from Improve:Now is the Acceptable Time! distributed by the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers.

Note: Fr. Lester has kindly permitted me to use these excerpts daily. Please click HERE to learn more about the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers and to consider joining them as a member.

Self-Mastery
"It is unfortunate that criticism is so common. Some people even think they are intellectual just because they are critical. By tearing apart the government, the police force, the boss, school teachers, Church officials, organization officers, or anybody in authority, certain invdividuals feel that they are showing their brain power. Not so. It doesnt' take too many brains to be critical but only self-mastery will hold back an uncharitable remark".

Inside Story
"No one is perfect. Yet is seems so easy to criticize another's walk or talk or what she wears. Maybe her friends are our target, or her driving or the way her children act. Again, it may be some serious sin of another that we keep discussing. REcall that very disturbing rmark of our Lord. A woman had just been caught in adultery. The crowd was eager to stone her. Our Lord, knowing the heart of every person, quietly remarked: 'Let him who is without sin be the first to cast a stone at her...But hearing this, they went away, one by one, beginning with the eldest.' No stones were thrown. What a showdown!"

Rush Judgment
"An intelligent man learns by his mistakes. He knows that his judgment has been faulty in the past. So he hesitates to quickly judge a given situation. Without a doubt, many rush judgments become rash judgments. Then, too, no one is a mind reader. That is why St. Bernard said: 'If you cannot excuse the act, you can at least excuse the intention.'"

Grave Diggers
"Some people cannot carry on a long conversation without going back into the graevyard of their memories and digging up all the scandals they have buried close to the surface. God's warning is severe. 'With what judgment you judge, you shall be judged.' What a sorry mess we will be in, if God judges us the same way that we judge others. If we see only the faults, failings and shortcomings in others, God's hand will be heavy upon us."

Think It Over
"Here's a pointed question from the Imitation of Christ: 'If you cannot make yourself as you would liek to be or should be, how can you expect to have another according to your liking?' How skillful we are at finding excuses for our own faults but not for the faults of others!"

Ideal Parish
"Members of an organization might ponder over the words of this pastor: 'If all the engery involved in the uncharitable remarks that follow meetings of parish organizaitons were channeled into constructive criticism (with a few pryaers thrown in for good measure) it would almost make the parish a Utopia.'"

Try It
"Train your mind to look for good things. Automatically your charater will improve. Of course one would have to be blind not to notice faults. But why spread them? Discussion with the one at fault might help, but so few have enough courage and tact to do that. No one will go wrong in following this policy: If you cannot say something good about a person, do not speak of that person."

Lenten Meditation - Wednesday

Cross
The following is from Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J.'s How Shall I Fast?
Wednesday: Matthew 5:17-19

Contrary to popular opinion, Jesus loved the Law and lived by its decrees. Meditate on a difficult doctrine of the Catholic Church today. Try to understand why the Church might be asking its members to live this way.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Today's Quote

heart
Thanks to my friend Froggy

"Love blinds us to people's faults but hate blinds us to their virtues".
author unknown to me

Family Prayer - Daily Renewal of Our Pledge

Sacred Heart

Our family had our home enthroned to the Sacred Heart of Jesus five years ago. Ever since that day, we have recited the following prayers are a family, every evening.

Daily Renewal of Our Pledge to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
(This Prayer is to be prayed daily)

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, we renew our pledge of love and loyalty to You. Keep us always close to Your loving Heart, and to the most pure Heart of Your Mother. May we love one another more and more each day, forgiving each other's faults as You forgive us our sins. Teach us to see You in the members of our family and those we meet outside our home, loving them as You love them, especially the poor and the oppressed, that we may be instrumental in bringing about justice and peace.

Please help us to carry our cross daily out of love for You, and to strengthen this love by frequent Mass and Holy Communion.

Thank You, dear Jesus, King and Friend of our family, for all the blessings of this day. Protect us and all families during this night. Help us so to live that we may all get to Heaven.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for Us! St. Joseph, Protector of the Christian, Pray for us! Our Guardian Angels and Patron Saints, Pray for us!

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored by thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not my petition, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
(now make a request of petition).

SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS

Pope B16

H/T to Legion of Mary Blog

"Pope Benedict XVI has issued Sacramentum Caritatis, which is now on the Vatican Website. Everyone is strongly encouraged to read the text. Sacramentum Caritatis is about the Eucharist, and I stongly encourage everyone to give it a look".

Monday, March 12, 2007

Tips for Making a Good Confession

Confession

To Jesus Through Mary posted the following tips from Fr. Daniel Deutsch:

We should…

1) Examine our consciences regularly and thoroughly;

2) Wait our turn in line patiently;

3) Come at the time confessions are scheduled, not a few minutes before they are to end;

4) Speak distinctly but never so loudly that we might be overheard;

5) State our sins clearly and briefly without rambling;

6) Confess all mortal sins in number and kind;

7) Listen carefully to the advice the priest gives;

8) Confess our own sins and not someone else's;

9) Carefully listen to and remember the penance and be sure to understand it;

10) Use a regular formula for confession so that it is familiar and comfortable;

11) Never be afraid to say something embarrassing, just say it;

12) Never worry that the priest thinks ill of us, he is impressed by our courage;

13) Never fear that the priest will not keep our confession secret, he is bound by the Seal;

14) Never leave the confessional before the priest has finished giving absolution;

15) Memorize an Act of Contrition;

16) Answer the priest's questions briefly if he asks for a clarification;

17) Ask questions if we can't understand what he means when he tells us something;

18) Keep in mind that sometimes priests can have bad days just like we do;

19) Remember that priests must go to confession too, they know what we are going through.

20) Go to confession as often as you feel a need to go. That is why we are here.

Lenten Suggestions

Cross
The following was shared by Jimmy who is a Catholic group with me and used with his permission. Thanks Jimmy!

"I just want to share a couple of things I do during lent.

First is Prayer

Try to dedicate even 15 minutes of prayer, it usually only takes 15 minutes to pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy or the Holy Rosary. You can also pray Our Father, Hail Mary, O my Jesus, Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, and Saint Michael prayer. Any prayer will do just dedicate yourself in doing the best you can to put at least 15 minutes of your day or more to prayer. I myself give up
an hour total of prayer. When I am at work I pray for 30 minutes instead of eating lunch, and then takes my two 15 minutes brake later on to pray. I usually pray the Divine Mercy and the Holy Rosary.

Second is Act of Kindness

Try to be a good Samaritan. Give from the heart. If you know someone at work that needs help, go help them without asking anything in return. If you don't like someone or they don't like you, be kind to them, say hello, smile, do something good for them. Be there for a lonely or sad person, tend to the sick and the poor. We must all look at everyone and see Jesus Christ in them. For what we do unto others we do unto Him.

Third give up Rushing

We live in a world of rush, no time, running late, always in a hurry. Try to relax, wake up earlier, start your day earlier, give yourself some time. We need to slow down and take notice of all the good things in life. Wake up, say a little prayer or even just say good morning Jesus and blessed Mother. Take a little time to look
at family pictures, and thank God for all of them. Take time to look out the
window, watch the trees, the grass or the snow, or the dew or rain, take a deep breath, look at the sky, smell a rose and thank God for all of them. Lent can be a time to give thanks for all the little miracles that we take advantage of and not even notice everyday of our lives. Be still, and know that I am with you always, says Jesus.

Fourth give up Cell Phones

Now a days we live in a world that depends on many technologies, especially cell phones. We should give up using cell phones or limits its use, maybe put a schedule on what time it will shot off and goes on. We must not depend on it for there is only one that we can really depend on is Jesus Christ.

Fifth give up your Parking Spot

We can at least give up our parking spots at work or the mall for someone who really needs to park closer due to health or just to be nice. We all want to be closer, we don't like to walk to far to get to where we need to be, but how can we be closer to Jesus Christ if we are so self absorbed, it is always me,me,me,me. Besides walking is a good exercise and penance.

Sixth share your Faith

Talk to someone about Jesus Christ, and about the Catholic Church He founded. Explain to them our beliefs, say the Creed to them, share the love and salvation.
Besides it is all our christian obligation to tell the world about Jesus Christ. Hand out prayer cards, religious pictures, booklets, tapes, Cd's or videos about the Catholic Church. Worry not about converting them, just give a good christian example,
we are looking to give conversion of the heart and the rest follows. If you tell someone about Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, it is up to them to accept it and believe it. It is their obligation either they follow Jesus Christ and His Catholic Church or deny Christ.

Seventh go visit Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament

Do Holy hour at least once a week. We all take advantage of the True Presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ. If we really truly believe that the Holy Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, then we should bow down to Him, worship Him, Adore Him, give Praises to Him and spend time with Him. The Catholic Church should be full all the time, crowd should overflow and never ceasing for Jesus Christ the King, Lord, Saviour, Prince of Peace and Son of God is waiting for us in the Most Holy Tabernacle. We should fill the pews, the floors in adoration, bowing down before Him. We should live our life for Him, for he who lives in Him and for Him shall inherit eternal life. He is the Great I AM. "I AM the living bread". We should seek
the bread of Life so we may live.

Lenten Improvement - How Communion Makes One Better

BM and Eucharist

The following is taken from Improve:Now is the Acceptable Time! distributed by the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers.

Note: Fr. Lester has kindly permitted me to use these excerpts daily. Please click HERE to learn more about the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers and to consider joining them as a member.

She Was Different
"A mother went to Holy Communion on a Sunday morning at a Day of Recollection. Towards the end of the week her little boy said, 'Gee, Mom, I hope you make some more of those days. You're pretty nice for about three days after one of them.' Mother was different. She was better. Why? She had our Lord with her and had spent five hours in His presence during the Day of Recollection. Don't we become a little like the people with whom we live?"

Twenty-Six Years
"One dad said: 'I'm a better man all the way around because of Holy Communion. God has blessed me and my family and I haven't missed Holy Communion on First Friday for the past twenty-six years."

Patience
"A young mother writes: 'Honest, Father, I couldn't start the day right without Holy Mass and Communion. God certainly helps me to get thorough the day, and I might add, saves the children from being 'clobbered' many times."

Power for Purity
"On one occasion the men at Notre Dame were asked: 'What helps you more than anything else to stay pure?' The majority answered in writing: 'Daily Holy Communion."

Waiting for Me!
"When Christ walked this earth, people with all kinds of problems approached Him and received help. The shepherds and the kings; the blind and the lame and the lepers; the adulteress, the Pharisees, and the weeping women. All went away better, refreshed and encouraged. Christ is still available. He wants to help everybody. 'Come to Me all you who labor and are burdened and I will refresh you.' He is as close as the nearest Catholic Church waiting for you and me."

Model of Meekness
"Do you find yourself slipping into uncharitable remarks, conversations, and gossiping? The best remedy is more frequent Holy Communion. With Christ, the model of meekness and fraternal love in your heart, you will find it easier to allow for the faults of others. Are you tempted to use foul speech or to tell dirty jokes? Nothing will restrain you so much as the thought of Christ's precious Body and Blood resting on your tongue in Holy Communion. Keep your tongue sacred and clean for Him."

Aware of God
"The strongest curb against immodesty in dress is frequent Holy Communion. We come to realize that Christ dwells in our body and accordingly we shy away from any styles that would be offensive to the pure Christ and His spotless Mother".

"I'm Not Good Enough"
"Our generous Mother the Church has minimized the problem of fasting. The well-instructed and well-intentioned Catholics never fall victim to staying away from Communion thinking 'I'm not worthy.' They will realize that receiving may make them more worthy. Nor will good-living Catholics believe that they must go to Confession each time they want to go to Communion...Each day you can find a bit of heaven on earth with Christ at Mass and Holy Communion."

An Invitation
"May you, as you read this message, heed the grace and invitation to deepen your love for our Lord in Holy Communion. May you never have the regret expressed by one person at the point of death. 'Father, I wish now I had gone more often to Holy Communion'."

Lenten Meditation - Monday - 3rd Week of Lent

Dove
The following is from Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J.'s How Shall I Fast?

Monday: 2 Kings 5:1-15

Naaman had trouble believing that the Lord could heal him not through
extraordinary means but by simply giving him a good bath! Take a long hot bath today. Imagine the Lord washing away all that ails you.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Father Cantalamessa Warns of Hypocrisy

Dove

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 9, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Hypocrisy is not only the sin God denounces most forcefully, it is also the least admitted, according to the preacher of the Pontifical Household.

Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa made this observation today in the first of four Lenten homilies that he will deliver to Benedict XVI and the Roman Curia. The meditations will all be reflections on the beatitudes.

The preacher, speaking in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, commented on the beatitude "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

"What determines the purity or impurity of an action is the intention, that is, if it is done to be seen by men or to please God," the priest said.

Purity of heart, added Father Cantalamessa, does not indicate "a particular virtue, but a quality that must accompany all virtues, so that they are truly virtues and not, instead, 'splendid vices.'"

The Pontifical Household preacher concluded, therefore, that the opposite of purity "is not impurity, but rather hypocrisy."

God second

The priest said that this is the sin that God denounces most forcefully throughout the Bible, because with hypocrisy "man degrades God, puts him in second place, putting the creature, the public, in first place."

He added that hypocrisy is not only "essentially, a lack of faith," but also a "lack of charity to one's neighbor, in the sense that it tends to reduce people to admirers."

Father Cantalamessa said that "there is never talk of the social importance of the beatitude of purity of heart." But he added that he is "convinced that this beatitude could exercise today one of the most necessary functions in our society," as "it is, perhaps the most widespread and least confessed human vice."

The priest said that hypocrisy translates into leading two lives: One is a true life and the other is an imaginary one that empties the person, and reduces the individual to an image or mere appearance.

Feigning holiness

Father Cantalamessa pointed out that hypocrisy is also found among religious people for a simple reason: "Where the appreciation of the values of the spirit of piety and of virtue is strongest, so also is the temptation to display them so as not to appear deprived of them."

The preacher said that "a simple and unsurpassable means to rectify our intentions" is to repeat the three first petitions of the Our Father: "Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done."

He said that "they can be recited as a prayer, but also as statements of intention: Everything I do, I want to do so that your name is sanctified, your kingdom come and your will be done."

Father Cantalamessa continued: "It would be a precious contribution to society and to the Christian community if the beatitude of the pure of heart would help to awaken in us the nostalgia of a clean, true, sincere world without hypocrisy, either religious or secular; a world in which actions correspond to words, words to thoughts and man's thoughts to those of God."

[Full text of Father Cantalamessa's homily will appear Sunday]
ZE07030901

Take Time to...

Molly HH
Thanks Froggy!

Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul. Take time to think, it is the source of power. Take time to read, it is the fountain of wisdom. Take time to love and be loved, it is a God-given privilege. Take time to work, it is the price of success.

Instructions for Life

Heart

The following shared with me by my friend Cc, is often sent through emails but it is worth reading again.

~ Give people more than they expect, and do it cheerfully. ~

~ Memorize your favorite poem. ~

~ Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have, or sleep all you want. ~

~ When you say "I love you" - mean it. ~

~ When you say "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye. ~

~ Be engaged at least six months before you get married. ~

~ Believe in love at first sight. ~

~ Never laugh at anyone's dreams. ~

~ Love deeply and passionately. ~

~ You might get hurt, but it's the only way to live life completely. ~

~ In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling. ~

~ Don't judge people by their relatives. ~

~ Talk slowly but think quickly. ~

~ When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?" ~

~ Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk. ~

~ Call your mom. ~

~ Say "Bless you" when you hear someone sneeze. ~

~ When you lose, don't lose the lesson. ~

~ Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions. ~

~ Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship. ~

~ When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. ~

~ Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice. ~

~ Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills
will be as important as any others. ~

~ Spend some time alone. ~

~ Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values. ~

~ Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. ~

~ Read more books and watch less TV. ~

~ Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time. ~

~ Trust in God but lock your car. ~

~ Do all you can to create a tranquil, harmonious home. ~

~ In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don't bring up the past. ~

~ Read between the lines. ~

~ Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality. ~

~ Be gentle with the Earth. ~

~ Pray. . . There's immeasurable power in it. ~

~ Never interrupt when you are being flattered. ~

~ Mind your own business. ~

~ Don't trust a man/woman who doesn't close his/her eyes when you kiss. ~

~ Once a year, go someplace you've never been before. ~

~ If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth's greatest satisfaction. ~

~ Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck. ~

~ Learn the rules, then break some. ~

~ Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other. ~

~ Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it. ~

~ Remember that your character is your destiny. ~

~ Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon. ~

Saintly Quote

St. TheresePicture courtesy of Queenship Prayer Room

Thanks
Becca for sharing.

"Yes, all is well when we seek only the will of Jesus."

~ St. Therese of Lisieux

A Prayer for Abortion Victims

OLOG

By now you may have heard that abortion is now legal in Portugal...the land of Our Lady of Fatima and the Little Shepherd children. Very tragic.

Thank you Sue for sharing the following:

Holy Mother of God and of the Church, our Lady of Guadalupe, you were chosen
by the Father for the Son through the Holy Spirit. You are the Woman clothed with the sun who labors to give birth to Christ while Satan, the Red Dragon, waits to voraciously devour your child.

So too did Herod seek to destroy your Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
and massacred many innocent children in the process. So today does abortion, killing many innocent unborn children and exploiting many mothers in its attack upon human life and upon the Church, the Body of Christ.

Mother of the Innocents, we praise God in you for His gifts to you of your
Immaculate Conception, your freedom from actual sin; your fullness of grace,
your Motherhood of God and the Church, your Perpetual Virginity and your
Assumption in body and soul into heaven.

O Help of Christians, we beg you to protect all mothers of the unborn and
the children within their wombs. We plead with you for your help to end the
holocaust of abortion. Melt hearts so that life may be revered!

Holy Mother, we pray to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart for all mothers and all unborn children that they may have life here on earth and by the most Precious Blood shed by your Son that they may have eternal life with Him in heaven. We also pray to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart for all abortionists and all abortion supporters that they may be converted and accept your Son, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Savior. Defend all of your children in the battle against Satan and all of the evil spirits in this present darkness.

We desire that the innocent unborn children who die without Baptism should
be baptized and saved. We ask that you obtain this grace for them and
repentance, reconciliation and pardon from God for their parents and their
killers.

Let there be revealed, once more, in the history of the world the infinite
power of merciful love. May it put an end to evil. May it transform
consciences. May your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart reveal for all the
light of hope. May Christ the King reign over us, our families, cities,
states, nations and the whole of humanity.

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, hear our pleas and accept this
cry from our hearts!

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Protectress of the Unborn, Pray for us!