Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Boston Catholic Men’s Conference With Former NFL Player and ‘Crossing the Goal’ TV Personalities Will Air on CatholicTV
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT CHRIS PHAM 617.923.0220 CPHAM@CATHOLICTV.COM
Boston Catholic Men's Conference With Former NFL Player and ‘Crossing the Goal' TV Personalities Will Air on CatholicTV
On April 17th, CatholicTV will air The 2010 Boston Catholic Men's Conference. The conference will feature the team from the television show ‘Crossing the Goal'. The team includes Danny Abramowicz (former NFL player) , Curtis Martin (Founder of FOCUS), Peter Herbeck (Renewal Ministries) and Brian Patrick (a professional broadcaster). The theme of the conference is "Crossing the Goal…Together in Christ"
The conference will include talks by the men from Crossing the Goal and also Mass with Boston's Cardinal Séan O'Malley as chief celebrant.
The conference will stream at CatholicTV.com starting at 4PM (all times EST) and will air simultaneously on CatholicTV. The schedule will be as follows:
4:00 PM Talk #1: Conversion – Peter Herbeck
4:35 PM Talk #2: Transformation – Danny Abramowicz
5:10 PM Talk #3- Mission/Evangelization – Curtis Martin
5:45 PM Talk #4 – The Gift of Priests in the Year of the Priest – Curtis Martin
6:30 PM (CatholicTV) Rosary
7:00 PM Mass with Cardinal Seán O'Malley
4:35 PM Talk #2: Transformation – Danny Abramowicz
5:10 PM Talk #3- Mission/Evangelization – Curtis Martin
5:45 PM Talk #4 – The Gift of Priests in the Year of the Priest – Curtis Martin
6:30 PM (CatholicTV) Rosary
7:00 PM Mass with Cardinal Seán O'Malley
To register, or learn more about the Boston Catholic Men's Conference visit:
CatholicTV also recently aired the 2010 Boston Women's Conference, which featured talks by author Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle (a friend of Mother Teresa's), Leah Darrow (featured on the reality show "America's Next Top Model" before her conversion), Patti Mansfield (Charismatic Renewal pioneer) and Sister Olga Yaqob who has been called "The Mother Teresa of Baghdad". Video of the Women's Conference is accessible now at:
About the Boston Catholic Men's Conference: Established the fall of 2004, during a small Catholic Men's Group meeting at Saint Paul Parish in Cambridge MA, one of the participants asked "How can this group help Archbishop Sean rebuild the Church in Boston?" Now, in it's sixth year the conference has heeded the call from the Archbishop at his Installation Mass for all Catholics in the Archdiocese to join him in helping to move the Church of Boston forward.
About Crossing the Goal: Crossing the Goal" is a television show broadcasting on EWTN, it uses a sports show format to encourage men to get into spiritual shape. Coach Abramowicz says, "He and his team consisting of Peter Herbeck, Vice President, Renewal Ministries; Curtis Martin, Founder of Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS); and professional broadcaster, Brian Patrick—provide real solutions to the spiritual challenges men face." Segments include "The Kickoff" where the problem of the day is quickly presented; "The Game Plan," where two team members lay out the facts men need to know; "The Red Zone," where the team talks about how they've dealt with the problem in their own lives, and the "End Zone," where each team member gives the audience a take-away for the week. Learn more at http://www.crossingthegoal.
About CatholicTV:
CatholicTV broadcasts across the US on Sky Angel channel 142, and selected cable outlets in New England and in Chattanooga (TN) where CatholicTV is available on FiTV channel 153. To find out where to watch CatholicTV visit:
CatholicTV is a nationally-broadcasted television network streaming a live feed 24 hours a day at CatholicTV.com. Heeding Pope Benedict XVI's call to greater utilize the power of television and new media, the CatholicTV Network features its cable TV station, Catholic web site, mobile apps and widget. Celebrate Mass online; pray The Rosary; enjoy programs on prayer, the saints, the Scriptures and the Catholic Church on America's Catholic Television Network.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
ACN News - Easter hopes in Iraq
ACN-USA News
4/6/2010
Easter hopes in Iraq
A leading archbishop has spoken of renewed hopes for the survival of Christianity in one of Iraq’s most troubled regions after Easter celebrations passed off peacefully and with increased numbers attending the services.
Archbishop Amil Nona said altogether up to 1,500 people attended the Chaldean rite Easter Mass in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul – an increase from previous years.
Speaking Tuesday, April 6th, in an interview with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the Archbishop of Mosul said the Easter celebrations gave “new hope,” especially after the all-important March 7th general elections.
A spate of violence against Christians in Mosul ahead of the elections prompted an exodus of more than 3,500 faithful – up to half of the city’s Christian population – who fled mostly to villages in the nearby Nineveh plains. Many have since returned.
Archbishop Nona said the faithful now had “new hope.” He continued, saying, “The people clearly feel more confident after the elections. They have faith that things will now improve.”
The Archbishop added, “The Easter celebrations went very, very well. I am really happy about the way it went and it was clear the people felt happy, too. You had people coming to the church who had not come for two or three years.”
Archbishop Nona explained that security was high with armed men outside the four churches in Mosul where the Chaldean-rite Catholic services were held.
The Holy Week Triduum services went ahead as usual except that liturgies normally held in the evening including the Easter Vigil were brought forward to daylight hours to reduce the security risk.
The archbishop went on to say that “it was too difficult” at this stage to say whether such hopeful reports would encourage a return of some of the thousands of Christians who fled Mosul in the years of anti-Christian violence and security breakdown following the fall of Saddam.
Since 2003, the Chaldean-rite Catholic community in Mosul has dwindled by two-thirds.
Archbishop Nona’s account was one of a number of reports of peaceful Easter celebrations in Iraq which come against a backdrop of violence in Baghdad where at least five people died and 140 were injured in six separate explosions.
Archbishop Louis Sako sent ACN a message describing peaceful Easter celebrations in the northern city of Kirkuk.
In his account, reported by Catholic news agency, AsiaNews, the Archbishop of Kirkuk wrote that a delegation of local government officials and Muslim religious leaders attended the Catholic religious services in the city.
In another sign of hope for the Church in Iraq, the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, also known as the Chaldean Sisters, provided Easter packages for 750 of the poorest families living in villages outside the ancient Christian city of Zakho, close to the border with Syria and Turkey.
The food packages, which included sugar, rice, chocolate and eggs, were funded by Aid to the Church in Need, which has helped to provide Easter and Christmas packages for Christians in the region since 2008.
Speaking from outside Erbil, the regional capital of Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq, senior Catholic priest Father Bashar Warda, who coordinates the food package project, said that the initiative was once again a great success.
He explained that, compared with last year, the number of items in each package was reduced to enable outreach to more families, many of who face extreme poverty after having fled their homes further south. Many are desperate to start a new life abroad.
Fr. Warda said, “The people were very happy to receive their [packages]. The situation for them is very difficult and they are very grateful for the help they receive.”
The signs of new hope for Christians in Iraq will come as a major boost for Archbishop Nona, who at 42 became the Catholic Church’s youngest Archbishop.
Ordained bishop in January, he replaced Archbishop Faraj Rahho of Mosul who was kidnapped outside his cathedral in February 2008.
He died in captivity two weeks later and his body was buried in a shallow grave not far from the center of the city.
With picture of Archbishop Amil Nona of Mosul
Editor’s Notes:
Your browser may not support display of this image.
Directly under the Holy Father, Aid to the Church in Need supports the faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need. ACN is a Catholic charity - helping to bring Christ to the world through prayer, information and action.
Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.
The charity undertakes thousands of projects every year including providing transport for clergy and lay Church workers, construction of church buildings, funding for priests and nuns and help to train seminarians. Since the initiative’s launch in 1979, 43 million Aid to the Church in Need Child’s Bibles have been distributed worldwide.
For more information contact Michael Varenne at michael@churchinneed.org or call 718-609-0939 or fax718-609-0938. Aid to the Church in Need, 725 Leonard Street, PO Box 220384, Brooklyn, NY 11222-0384. www.churchinneed.org
Priest and Magician - Father Matthew
Father was a magician (that sounds quite odd when writing about a Catholic priest :-) before being ordained. He entertains with his terrific magic tricks as he evangelizes. That is what he did at this particular mission.
My family and I were not able to attend the Mission. We were privileged instead to spend some quality time with Father thanks to my good friend. We visited Bellows Beach where we had a great time talking story with Father on the Catholic faith and just getting to know each other. I especially found his stories about meetings with Blessed Mother Teresa to be inspiring!
It was at Bellows that Father entertained us with some magic tricks. The best trick is at the end of the video.
I think any parish who invites Father to hold a mission in their church is in for a treat because Father is priest who lives his faith with joy. He is a great model as a priest for boys and young men. I am so glad my son decided to join us that day.
If you are interest in inviting Father for a Mission talk, you can email him at fathermat@gmail.com.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Seven Weeks of Easter - 50 Ways to Keep the Joy Alive
Photo by Esther G.
Easter is the most important feast of the Christian year—so important that the church sets aside a full fifty days to celebrate Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Not many of us are used to sustaining an "Easter spirit" of celebration all the way to Pentecost, though, so here are fifty easy suggestions. Don’t try to do them all! Each week, just pick a few ideas that work for you and your family. You’ll be rejoicing long after the last jelly bean is gone.Read the rest at The Word Among Us
1. Light a special candle during meals to recall the light of Christ.
2. Every day, read together from the Easter story: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21.
3. Plan fun family activities—one for every week of Easter.
4. Put up a sign or banner that proclaims, “He is risen!”
5. Was anyone received into the church during your parish Easter Vigil? Invite them over...
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Ōlelo Hawai‘i - Regina Coeli
A big mahalo to Malianika for sharing the Regina Coeli hymn in Hawaiian.
E ke Ali‘iwahine o ka lani, e ‘oli‘oli ‘oe, Aleluia.
O ka mea ho‘i au i hāpai, Aleluia.
Ua ola hou mai, e like me kana ‘ōlelo, Aleluia.
E pule aku ‘oe i ke Akua no mākou, Aleluia.
E Malia, e hau‘oli ‘oe, a e ‘oli‘oli ‘oe, Aleluia.
No ka mea ua ola hou mai ka Haku, Aleluia.
English:
O Queen of Heaven, be joyful, Alleluia.
For he whom you have fully borne for us, Alleluia.
Has arisen, as he promised, Alleluia.
Offer now our prayer to God, Alleluia.
Easter Sunday - The Resurrection of Christ
Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!
Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!
King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Source
Remember, during Easter we pray the Regina Coeli instead of the Angelus.
A very joyous and blessed Easter to each and every one of you.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
THE EASTER VIGIL PROCLAIMS THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M. Reprinted with permission.
Knowing more about the Easter Vigil helps us to understand it, appreciate it, and live the Paschal Mystery on a deeper level.
Origins
From the outset the Easter Vigil, originally and more appropriately called the Paschal Vigil, has been celebrated at night. In the beginning it was a very plain ceremony – an assembly that ended with the breaking of the bread and an agape. One or more days of fasting preceded the Easter Vigil.
Later, as the Easter vigil developed in Rome and in places where the Roman rite was followed, this tradition added a baptismal rite, the ceremony of the lucernarium, blessing of the new fire, and a candlelight procession.
As it developed the Easter Vigil became more and more meaningful and focused. From the very first the celebration took place at night like the weekly Eucharist, because most of the faithful could not assemble during the day.
The evangelists already situated the discovery of the tomb “as the first day of the week was dawning” (Mt 28:1), very early” (Mk 16:2; Jn 20:1), “at dawn” (Lk 24:1). The thrust is that Jesus is the “light of the world” that came into the world as a “revelation to the Gentiles” (Lk 2:32).
Significance of the ceremony
In baptism the believer passes from death to life (Col 2:12). Ritually and really the neophyte, the newly baptized person, is plunged with Christ into death so as to come to new life with the one who “was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father” (Rom 6:4). For this reason baptism is called “illumination” (in Biblical Greek, photismos) and the baptized, “illuminated.” Light is the dominant theme.
In our day, thanks to electricity, we can have as much light as we want whenever we want it. This was not the case in the past, when lighting the lamps in the evening was a rite. This was generally a happy occasion, when many lamps were lit as for a banquet at the beginning of the Sabbath on a Friday evening. Christians understood that this light which drives away the darkness is a symbol of the Christ-light.
The procession led by the Paschal Candle represents the journey of God’s people no longer led by a bright cloud but by the glorious light that shines on every person coming into the world
(Jn 1:9). This rite is most solemn in the context of the great night illuminated by the resurrected Christ. This is eloquently explained in the solemn proclamation of the Lord’s resurrection that we now call the Exsultet.
Because all lights were extinguished on Holy Thursday evening, it is necessary to light a new flame in order to celebrate a liturgy at night. And so the ritual developed: the blessing of a new fire and the procession into the church led by the Paschal Candle as the celebrant intoned “Light of Christ!” and the faithful responded “Thanks be to God!”
Recession, then development
Over the centuries this celebration underwent some problems and waned in significance. As late as the thirteenth century the liturgy was still not entirely structured. Since the seventh century there had been a general decline, and this event was celebrated early in the day on Holy Saturday. When Pope St. Pius V reformed the Missal in the sixteenth century following the Council of Trent, he forbade the celebration of the Eucharist after midday. Consequently on Holy Saturday morning in churches brightened with sunlight and a barely perceptible flame on the Easter Candle, the celebrant sang, “O night truly blessed!” In addition very few people were able to attend this long liturgy on Holy Saturday morning. This added to its diminished appreciation.
The Biblical, patristic, theological, and liturgical renewal that began to swell in the 1920s indicated the unacceptability of this condition and the impoverishment of the Easter celebration. In 1951 Pope Pius XII authorized the celebration of the Easter vigil during the evening hours of Holy Saturday, and revised the rites to foster greater congregational participation. Then in 1955 he decreed that the Easter Vigil must take place at night. In our day we follow the “Missal of Pope Paul VI” promulgated in 1969 following the Second Vatican Council.
Today the Easter vigil has four parts: 1) the blessing of the fire, procession of the Easter Candle, and the chanting of the Exultet; 2) the Liturgy of the Word; 3) the baptismal liturgy, which includes at least the blessing of the water and the renewal of baptismal vows; 4) culminates in the Eucharistic liturgy.
This solemn celebration of the Lord’s resurrection is the zenith of the liturgical year, “the solemnity of solemnities.”
The challenge
While the spoken word is very important in the liturgy, we are called to be more alert to the symbolism, both in things and in actions. We are asked to approach with a receptive attitude, ready to be engaged in a way that appeals both to the mind and to the heart, to one’s whole being. We are invited to look attentively on the realities present in signs that cannot be fully captured in words. This is how we are called to participate fully in the Easter Vigil.
The Easter Vigil invites us to action -- to go forth and reflect the light of the resurrected Christ to the world around us.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Special Rosary on Good Friday
One day St Faustina asked for a soul for every stitch she made.
Jesus granted her request
ASK FOR A SOUL for every Hail Mary you say on your Rosary on Good Friday
and also on every Rosary you say from now on
There is a great deal to gain and absolutely nothing to lose!
Imagine what might happen if every Catholic in the world would pray a Rosary on the same day! We have an example in October of 1573, when Europe was saved from the invasion of the mighty Turkish fleet, by the praying of the Rosary by all Christians!
So, on Good Friday, let us all pray a Rosary for peace in the world and the return of moral values into our communities. If possible, please pray your Rosary between Noon and 3:00pm.
Thanks to St. Raphael Healing Oil Ministry
Spread the word!
New Website for Priests Coming this June
ATLANTA, Ga. (April 1, 2010)—A lay Catholic organization announces the formation of a new movement to support Catholic priests called EncouragePriests.org™ . This announcement comes on Holy Thursday, the day Christians celebrate the anniversary of Christ instituting the priesthood and the Eucharist.
Throughout the centuries, over a billion people around the world have witnessed the service and dedication of Catholic priests. Some recall the heroic and sacrificial example of military chaplains, priests who serve in nursing homes and hospitals, fathers who feed the poor, pastors who serve as peacemakers during marriage counseling, or priests who have celebrated a family wedding or funeral Mass.
Yet today, the secular media is laser-focused on only a handful of wayward priests who have betrayed Jesus and the teachings of His Church, and are violating a sacred oath and trust. But millions of faithful priests and bishops serve as heroic shepherds of their flocks, leading rewarding and spirit-filled lives of service to others.
According to Tom Peterson, founder of EncouragePriests.org™ , “Countless priests deserve our true gratitude and love, as so many lead sacrificial and humble lives. These noble men of God need our encouragement and could be uplifted by a simple prayer and a gentle word of appreciation from us.”
EncouragePriests.org™ was established in Lent 2010 by the non-profit Catholic media apostolate, Catholics Come Home, Inc.® (www.CatholicsComeHome.org). Peterson, president and founder of CatholicsComeHome.org adds, “It’s timely to launch this movement during the ‘Year for Priests’ as declared by Pope Benedict XVI (June 2009-June 2010), and to continue supporting the priesthood for many years to come! Our mission is to encourage priests, and promote priestly vocations through our love and prayers.”
On Father’s Day (June 20, 2010), EncouragePriests.org™ will launch an interactive website currently in development (www.EncouragePriests.org) that will assist Catholics in offering “spiritual bouquets” (gifts of prayer), e-cards, printable greeting cards, video messages and blogs with kind words of gratitude to show appreciation for countless priests around the world.
Similar to the highly creative CatholicsComeHome television ads that have aired coast to coast helping over 100,000 inactive Catholics back to the faith, EncouragePriests.org™ plans to air TV commercials that support the humanitarian efforts of priests and encourage more priestly vocations.
New Site - Just B16
From Mercatornet: We hope that it can serve as a clearinghouse for solid information about the controversy.
To keep up with the news on Pope Benedict XVI and the recent scandal.
Just B16
Prayer for the Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney
I received an email from Michele asking if I would be interested in adding Father McGivney to my list of Canonization Causes on the sidebar. Of course! I am very interested. I don't know why I haven't added him earlier. There are also a few others who will be added in the near future.
Prayer for the Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney
God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request) through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory be to the Father.
Please report all favors received to:
The Father McGivney Guild
One Columbus Plaza
New Haven, CT 06510-3326
Here is a link:
Father McGivney
News from the Divine Mercy Center of Hawaii
From Rose Balayan of the Divine Mercy Center of Hawaii:
SEVEN YEARS of Trusting in God's Mercy and Divine Providence
As we enter a new decade in the third millennium, we thank God for giving us the grace to persevere in trusting in His Mercy and Divine Providence for seven years now. We give praise to God for allowing us to enter our seventh year of spreading the message and devotion to the Divine Mercy in the Hawaiian Islands. When the Lord spoke to my heart in 2003 and gave me unmistakable signs to start the Divine Mercy ministry in the islands, I never imagined that I would be experiencing many blessings as well as tribulations that would put my faith into test and practice.
For those who still do not know what happened to me and for updates on my condition, please read on my personal testimony "A Test and Lesson in Trust". Here, you will read how I served God in small ways during my illness and at the same time, how I understood the value of suffering. And despite all the difficulties that we encounter in our lives, the Lord tells us to trust in His Mercy and to continue helping Him to save souls.
We have a busy time ahead of us and I am excited to be sharing these plans and other news with all of you. For residents of Oahu, I invite you to make time to attend the upcoming Divine Mercy Crusade from April 7-12. Many people have asked me time and time again, "when is the next Divine Mercy event?" I wasn't intending on organizing an event because of my medical conditions, but the Lord had once again manifested His desire to celebrate and glorify His Feast of Mercy. So things just fell into place and started happening.
For our brothers and sisters outside Hawaii who have signed up in our mailing list, I ask you to pray for us here as we celebrate the Feast of Mercy during the crusade. But more importantly, I ask for everyone's continued support and prayers that I may be able to carry out the Lord's work faithfully. God bless you always.
To to download and print the March 2010 newsletter, click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Divine Mercy Crusade April 2010
The annual Divine Mercy Crusade will take place in six churches in Oahu from April 7-12 in celebration of the Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday. We have invited Fr. Tom Sullivan of the Fathers of Mercy based in Auburn, Kentucky to help us reflect on God's invitation to approach Him in the Fount of His Mercy. Fr. Tom, a native of Havertown, Pennsylvania, is a 2004 graduate of Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut and was ordained to the priesthood in May 2004. Prior to his joining the Fathers of Mercy, he owned and operated his own roofing company and worked extensively with the Missionaries of Charity throughout the world and with the Padre Pio Center in Barto, Pennsylvania. During the crusade, Fr. Tom will encourage and challenge the parish community to make a stronger, deeper commit-ment to Christ, His Church and the Sacraments. Click for more info.
Blessing of the Sick with St. Padre Pio Holy Oil
Fr. Tom will bless all those attending the crusade with the holy oil of St. Padre Pio. He will also have a special talk on the life of St. Padre Pio in celebration of the Year of the Priests. The crusade is a free event but love-offerings are most welcomed and appreciated.
Divine Mercy Healing Conference in October 2010
We are pleased to announce the Fourth Divine Mercy Conference. Due to limited funds, resources and time, we are organizing our conferences every other year. It takes a tremendous amount of sacrifice, both financially and physically, to organize conferences or events of great magnitude. The fourth Divine Mercy Conference will be held on October 7 - 9, 2010 (registration required) with a free for all session for youth, children and families on October 10. The theme for the conference will be "The Healing Power of God's Mercy". Subject to change, topics will include "Victory Over Depression", "The Healing Power of the Eucharist", "Our Lady, Health of the Sick", "Deliver Us From Evil", "5 Signs of the Second Coming of Christ", "To St. Faustina: Prepare the World for the Coming of My Son", "Healing of Family Trees", and more. There will be healing services and on Sunday October 10, there will be special healing prayers for generations and families. The Sunday closing Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Larry Silva. More details will be provided later. Be sure you are in our mailing list to receive updates. Keep on checking our website for updates. Don't miss this event! Please mark your calendars now and spread the word.
Other News and Info
Filming of the Divine Mercy Chaplet for EWTN
Jesus said to Saint Faustina Kowalska of Poland: "Say unceasingly this chaplet that I have taught you. Whoever will recite it will receive great Mercy at the hour of death. Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this Chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My Infinite Mercy. I desire that the whole world know My Infinite Mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those who trust in My Mercy...." (Diary 687) Our Lord Jesus referred to the Chaplet of Divine Mercy that He dictated word for word to St. Faustina for the whole world to pray.
As a priest of the Diocese of Los Teques, Caracas, Venezuela, Fr. Luis Eduardo Rodriguez worked tirelessly in creating a short film that would recommend the chaplet as a last hope of salvation to mankind. Fr. Rodriquez embarked on this film project with the only global Catholic TV Network - Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). The film would show different people around the world leading in the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet across 5 continents. On February 22 - 26, 2010 Fr. Rodriguez visited Hawaii to capture a representation of the people of Oceania, the last of the 5 continents covering the entire world. He travelled extensively across continents and Hawaii was his last stop before finalizing the film in time for Divine Mercy Sunday. The film would have its debut showing on Easter Sunday. EWTN has over 180 million viewers across 150 countries. (Read more...)
Blessed Sacrament Church in Honolulu Celebrates 10 Years of Divine Mercy Devotion
Ten years ago during the Feast of the Divine Mercy in April 2000, St. Faustina was canonized as the first saint of the third millennium, and Pope John Paul II declared that the Church will observe the second Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. At that time, a few faithful parishioners of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Honolulu began the formation of a Divine Mercy cenacle prayer and study group that would be instrumental in establishing a weekly Divine Mercy Devotional Mass every Wednesday evening. Ten years after that initial formation, the weekly devotion and study continues under the leadership of Leimomi Kondo. Devotees who come from various parishes, gather at 5:30 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Prior to the celebration of Holy Mass at 6:30 pm, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is made available to all those who are in need. Oftentimes during the Mass, the homily is supported by the merciful words of Jesus to St. Faustina as written in her diary "Divine Mercy in My Soul". After the Mass, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is prayed and recently, Ivana, a 9-year old student of the Cathedral Academy leads the congregation in the recitation of the prayer. The evening devotion is concluded with the veneration of the first-class relic of St. Faustina. A few cenacle members meet after the devotion to further study on the Church's teachings on Divine Mercy. On special occasions, a fellowship and potluck get-together is arranged to foster community growth, support and interaction. We thank those who have persevered these past 10 years and we pray that many will continue to trust in the Mercy of the Lord Jesus. CONGRATULATIONS!
Formation of Divine Mercy Cenacle in St. Joseph, Waipahu
The parish community of St. Joseph in Waipahu, Oahu is pleased to announce the formation of a Divine Mercy cenacle and ministry under the leadership of Rose Balayan and husband Tony. The new ministry is now a permanent part of the parish and hopes to foster devotion to the Divine Mercy and to bring awareness of the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Fr. Ron Guzman, MS the ministry's spiritual director will provide the spiritual guidance during the formation. The ultimate goal of pastor Fr. Greg Honorio, MS is to involve this new Divine Ministry in establishing an adoration chapel in the parish. All are invited to be a part of this important ministry and invitation is extended most especially to parishioners of the Leeward Vicariate. If interested, contact Rose at 808-389-5764 or email at rose@divinemercyhawaii.org. Be sure to attend the St. Joseph Divine Mercy Sunday Vigil celebration on April 10, Saturday from 2 pm to get more information about the new ministry. If you would like information on how to start a cenacle in your parish, home or community, contact us or visit our website.
Spreading Devotion to the Divine Mercy
The ministry's reach has now gone international and the movement has taken a life of its own. We welcome those who have signed up to be in our mailing list especially those who are from various states of the U.S. as well as other countries as far as Africa, Europe, Asia and others. We are happy to share the news here in Hawaii to our brothers and sisters around the world. Thank you for your support and prayers.
In order to continue the mission of the Divine Mercy Center of Hawaii, we ask for your generous support for prayers as well as monetary contributions and whatever form of assistance. We thank the loyal supporters of the ministry for without them, we would not be able to faithfully carry out the mission of the apostolate. We continue to thank the sponsorship of Mr and Mrs Robert and Lisa Santos for providing the cost of web hosting for the ministry's website. Unimaginable blessings and graces have come to those who visited the website as we unite in prayers worldwide and seek help from one another.
We continue to seek help especially in helping those who are needy both locally and internationally. The Divine Mercy Center of Hawaii is a legitimate non-profit Catholic organization recognized and blessed by the Diocese of Honolulu. The center has a board of director comprising of various parishioners in the island of Oahu. It is affiliated with the Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy, a lay ministry of the Congregation of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception based in Stockbridge, Massachussetts. The Marians are the official promoters of the Divine Mercy devotion and message and the custodians of the U.S. National Shrine of the Divine Mercy.
The Lord Jesus said, "Do what ever is within your power to spread devotion to My mercy. I will make up for what you lack. " Won't you help us to help Jesus? God bless you all.
Plans for Next Year
Divine Mercy Crusade 2011
April 2011 - Divine Mercy Crusade with Fr. Bill Casey, CPM. Fr. Casey, former superior of the Fathers of Mercy is a well-known EWTN personality and a sought-after speaker in conferences, missions and retreats throughout the country.
Divine Mercy Congress in Poland 2011
October 2011 - The Second World Congress on Divine Mercy will be held in Poland. The first world apostolic congress was held in Rome in 2008. Next year, leaders and devotees of Divine Mercy will converge in the site of the apparition to further proclaim God's Mercy to the whole world. Divine Mercy Center will lead a delegation as well as organize a pilgrimage. More info to follow. Save the dates now and start saving money. Join us!
Prayer Request for Rhode Island
EWTN: Powerful Docudrama on St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy Devotions; Divine Mercy Novena Begins Good Friday
By Michelle Laque Johnson
The special graces promised by Our Lord to those who receive Communion devoutly on Divine Mercy Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter) are extraordinary: complete forgiveness of sins and the punishment due them. It’s as if the soul were newly baptized. Who wouldn’t want such graces?
Perhaps that’s why the Divine Mercy devotion has spread so rapidly since Sister Faustina was canonized on April 30, 2000. But many questions remain: Why did Our Lord grant such graces? Why did He pick a Polish nun who had the most menial jobs in her convent to tell the world about these devotions? Does Our Lord expect the faithful to do anything in return for such graces?
Find out all this and more in “The Life and Times of Sister Faustina,” which airs at 10 p.m. ET, Wed., April 7, 5 a.m. ET, Sat., April 10, and 5 a.m. ET, Sun., April 11.
To prepare for this amazing feast, viewers may want to say the Novena to the Divine Mercy, which begins on Good Friday, read the “Diary of St. Faustina,”, a spiritual masterpiece; or dip into the devotion gradually through “Mercy Minutes,”, which offers small gems from the “Diary” for daily reading.
If nothing else, consider learning to say the Divine Mercy Chaplet, because of the amazing promises associated with its recitation. According to the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, the Order which promulgates this devotion, Our Lord told then-Sister Faustina:
“Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death (687). When they say this Chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as the Merciful Savior (1541). Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this Chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy (687). I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy (687). Through the Chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will. (1731)
Of course, in addition to prayer, Our Lord also asks souls to perform deeds of mercy, Divine Mercy Devotion.
Learn all about St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy devotions in the coming weeks -- only on EWTN Global Catholic Network.
God bless Family!
Easter Triduum - Holy Thursday
Regnum Christi Daily MeditationCome to Serve and not to Be Served
Father Alex Yeung, LC
John 13:1-15
Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples´ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Master, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well." Jesus said to him, "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all." For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, "Not all of you are clean." So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ´teacher´ and ´master,´ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another´s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I wish to accompany you closely on the road to Calvary. If I were to contemplate you more often as you hang scourged and bloody upon the cross, I’m certain I would be able to rest in your love and base my actions on that one truth. I know that you have loved me with an eternal love: you have proven it there on the wood of the cross. So I long to respond with gratitude, peace and the firm determination to spread your love to everyone.
Petition: Lord, grant me the grace of final perseverance in the faith.
1. The Proof of His Unwaivering Love “Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father.” Jesus did not suffer crisis of identity. Throughout his entire public ministry he showed an awareness of who he was (the Fathers Anointed One) and what he had come to do (his mission). He knew the trials that were soon to crush his mortal body. They would be a means to prove his worth: his love. “He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.” Love endures anything. Love can draw forth good even from the worst of situations. Love redeems. The very betrayal of his friendship will let him demonstrate the authenticity of his own friendship: “There is no greater love than to lay one’s life down for one’s friends.”
2. Acceptance of Christ’s Love Jesus has not asked ‘permission’ to be humble and of service. Peter’s question, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” does not come as a request, rather as a resistant acknowledgement of what Jesus is about to do. Do humility and love need our ‘permission’? The question is: who is humble enough to receive someone else’s love? Am I humble enough to receive Jesus’ love for me? Jesus’ humility and charity are purifying in their effect. In fact, precisely the attitude, “You will never wash my feet,” needs to be washed away. Only the poor in spirit, the pure of heart, the childlike enter the Kingdom of heaven: “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Let Christ bathe me, then, by his graceful example. Anything less, I will lose my part with him. Yet if he has bathed me by his word, then I must only keep my feet clean.
3. The Precious Lesson If I am a disciple, I must be careful to learn the lesson. Jesus asks, “Do you realize what I have done for you?” If anything, the master could demand that his servant wash his feet, not the other way around. Jesus is Lord and master, he is the Good Teacher. I am his disciple. Nonetheless, he has demonstrated his authority not by exacting obedience through exertion of force, rather by revealing the power of virtue: humility and charity – and their capacity to teach and persuade. “If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another´s feet.” He has given me a model to follow, so that I go and do likewise. Whose feet am I meant to wash?
Conversation with Christ: Lord, continue to bathe me with your word so that I may be found clean. Grant me the humility and charity to imitate your virtues. I wish to learn to wash the feet of others, so give me the grace to let down my defenses and simply reach out to do good, without worrying how others may react to me.
Resolution: Today I will humble myself to serve someone in need, especially anyone toward whom I have negative sentiments.
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